Shelbourne FC

Tolka Park, home of Shelbourne FC based in Drumcondra, Dublin, Republic of Ireland and play in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Nicknamed the “Shels” as it’s in the name “Shelbourne”.

For the 4th time, I’m going to Dublin!! And counting… The 2nd time for football after Bohemians and the home of Bangor Celtic for the Leinster Senior Cup Final, this time it’s to visit Shelbourne FC who face Shamrock Rovers in a Dublin Derby that could see Shamrock Rovers cement their place at the top if results go their way and they do their job.

It’s Match Days Joe’s first time in Dublin! And it’s an early start as we make our way to Holyhead for the ferry. It’s through Glossop to the M67 and onto the M56 towards the A55 all the way in to Holyhead! Now for the ferry. The Stena Line awaits!

£56 for the ferry there and back! Fabulous! Another early Guinness to set the tone for the day! It’s just after midday and we are here in Dublin and it’s off to the Samuel hotel for where we will be staying this time!

An early check in means only one thing! To the pubs! “We’re on our way! We’re on our way! To the Temple Bar we’re on our way!” But first a quick stop at the Palace Bar on the same street for Match Days Joe to try his first Guinness and… OH HE LOVES IT! Will he love Temple Bar? You bet your life he does!

Now the tourist bit is done for now, it’s off to Tolka Park! We are in the Drumcondra area now and there’s 2 bars with our name on… For a Guinness anyway! 2 more Guinness’ down at Kennedy’s and Fagan’s and in we go to Tolka Park! €17 for this match! Tasty!

Great to meet local fans here tonight! Especially Daragh! The atmosphere is building nicely in here as the fans take to their seats especially in the Shelbourne end! Out come the teams to a wall of noise and off go the green pyros in the Shamrock end! We’re back in Ireland! Let’s do this!

Kick Off! “Who the f**k are Shamrock Rovers as the Reds go marching on on on!” As the first half draws on, Shamrock are growing stronger into this game and are passing the ball around really well! It’s looking like only a matter of time…

20th minute in and Shamrock have a corner, it’s played short, it’s played in and it’s dangerous… It’s over the keeper… And it’s smashed home! Markus Poom was in the right place at the right time!! It’s been coming! 0-1!

Shamrock continue to to pile on the pressure here, Shelbourne beware here… 40th minute and Shamrock have the ball in defence… Oh dear that’s a poor touch and the Shane Farrell might get there… OH! He does and he’s brought down… Was that inside the box? The foul is given and the Shelbourne fans think they have a Penalty… It’s a free kick just on the edge of the box, I think that’s just about right from the Referee!

Harry Wood will shoot… “HANDBALL!” It’s off the wall and out! It’s not handball but a corner, short corner and it’s played in from the edge of the box… And out for a goal kick. Shelbourne coming on stronger as the first half draws to a close but at half time they are 1-0 down to Shamrock Rovers.

Second half, 48 minutes now and Shamrock come forward, Rory Gaffney gets into the box and he gets a shot away… Saved!

61 minutes gone and Shelbourne play a long ball forward and Shane Farrell will reach this one, he goes for goal… It’s wide!

68th minute and Shelbourne come again, Harry Wood has it on the edge of the box and he shoots… Saved by the keeper!

84 minutes on the clock and Shelbourne play forward from the halfway line and Wilson drives down the right, he cuts onto his left and goes for it… It’s wide! Close!

We’re into stoppage time and Shelbourne are pushing for the equaliser now and the crowd are getting behind their team! “OH THE SFC!” Shelbourne win a corner, in it comes… Gavin Molloy rises the highest… OHHHHHHHH WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT!!!!! HE HAS DONE IT!!! THIS IS CRAZY IN THE SHELBOURNE END!!! PYROS FIRECRACKERS THE LOT! WOW!! 1-1!

Shelbourne have got that point they deserved but my word what scenes we have just witnessed!!

FT: Shelbourne 1-1 Shamrock Rovers

Ratings

• Atmosphere: 10/10 – AMAZING! The Shelbourne fans got behind their team really well! I love pyros and they were used by both teams!
• The Ground: 10/10 – Tolka Park is sensational! Old School and just has so much character! If this was in the UK, every hopper would be recommending it!
• Expense: 10/10 – €17 for the best limbs that I have ever been in!! Can’t fault that!
• Overall Experience: 10/10 – Loved it! Never had scenes like that! Thanks to everyone for making us feel so welcome as well!

40/40 – IT HAS HAPPENED AT LAST!!