Posted on 2023-05-312023-05-31

Shelbourne Football Club is delighted to be taking part in the inaugural cross border competition for women’s football on this island the Avenir Sports All-Island Cup which is taking place across a five week window this June & July.

In order to aid the Ireland Women’s National Team’s preparations for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division season was structured to allow for a period where no League games would take place. This new competition will now be played during that scheduled break to ensure that women’s domestic football continues to be played as excitement for the World Cup builds.

The competition will consist of 16 teams including all 11 League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division sides and five sides from North of the border from the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership

We have been drawn in Group A alongside fellow southern side’s Athlone Town AFC and Galway FC together with Northern Irish side Linfield FC.

The fixtures for the competition are now released with the details of the Reds games as follows:

Matchday 1

Saturday June 17th:

Athlone Town vs Shelbourne FC (7pm kick off) Athlone Town Stadium, Lissywollen.

Matchday 2

Saturday June 24th:

Shelbourne FC vs Linfield FC (2pm kick off) Tolka Park.

Matchday 3

Saturday July 1st:

Galway FC vs Shelbourne FC (2pm kick off) Éamon Deacy Park.

Following the group phase each group winner will advance to the semi final stages which will be held on the W/E Sunday July 9th, with the tournament’s final taking place the following weekend W/E Sunday July 16th.

Posted on 2023-05-252023-05-25

All eyes will be on Dalymount Park tomorrow night as the Reds go head to head with Bohemian FC in the League of Ireland (7:45pm KO, live on RTÉ2).

The eagerly anticipated clash is already sold out, with tickets for the away end at Dalymount selling out shortly after going on sale earlier this week.

In team news, Kian Leavy and Paddy Barrett remain sidelined. Sean Boyd and Gavin Molloy returned to light training this week. Neither are expected to be involved in Dalymount.

Reds boss Damien Duff delivered a squad update before training in the AUL on Thursday. He told ShelbourneFC.ie: “We’re hopefully going to get some of the long term lads back on the bench before the break, for tomorrow it’s pretty much as we were for the Pats game.

“We’re not rushing guys, it’s great to see Conor Kane did well last Sunday, he played an hour and that’s off the back of 45 minutes the week before. It’s another step on the ladder.

“Coming back from horrific injury, he needs confidence and match fitness now. The U19s have an in-house game so he’ll train with us over the weekend. We’re not rushing him back. We’ve a few weeks to go still. Conor knows that, he’s patient, he needs to be. Seeing him every day is a massive boost though, the lads are delighted to have him back after what he’s had to come through.”

The Reds will be looking to get back to winning ways after losing narrowly to St Pats a week ago at Tolka Park. A Sam Curtis header sealed all three points for the Saints.

“Last Friday is parked, forgotten about. Lads have quickly changed their focus to this, you have to, it’s a massive Dublin derby”, Duff said, reflecting on last week’s loss.

Bohs begin the night in third place in the League of Ireland table, 5 points ahead of the Reds who are in sixth.

The Gypsies have just one win in their last five games, coming against Cork City. A draw with Dundalk last week came after defeats to Derry City and Shamrock Rovers. 

Assessing the danger posed by the hosts Duff said: “They have amazing quality, they made some big signings in the window, we’ve watched all their recent stuff.

“The game in Dundalk there’s a marked difference between the first and second half. Maybe you could argue they didn’t play with an edge and intensity in the first half, but here when they turned it on, they were a much better team. Flip side of that is the attitude to come back and get yourself into the game from 2-0 down, two set pieces. They’re a dangerous side.”

After an off colour display at Tolka a week ago, Duff outlined the response he wants to see from his players when they make the short trip across town:

“First and foremost, we need to play with a real edge, a proper hunger and desire, a want to find a way to win the game, any win will do.  Dublin derby home or away, they’re not going to be pretty.

“We hope the quality comes because we have some beautiful players, but above all else I want to see us win the battles, the message to the players, anything in front of you, you win it, come out on top in your your duels, do the ugly stuff, there’s no right or wrong way to get a win, I want us to do what is needed to beat whats in front of you.”

The Reds are unbeaten in the last three competitive encounters with their north Dublin rivals and Duff hopes the players can draw confidence from how much the team has grown from their first visit to Dalymount last season:

“Outside of the 4-1 game at Tolka, which was an outlier, the two games away there last year were tight affairs. Games we should have won really. We conceded late on in the drawn game there, and then a narrow 1-0 defeat. 

“We grew a lot as we progressed last season, by the time you get to the 1-1 drawn game at home, we play most of the game with 10 men, we lose two important players to injuries, and we still should win that match. It was an incredible game and performance and one we were very unfortunate not to win, against all odds.

“They’ve been tight, close run games, I expect nothing different tomorrow night.”

Shels go into tomorrow night’s game with the joint best defensive record in the top flight, having conceded just 11 goals in 16 games, level with Derry for the fewest goals conceded thus far. Duff though is keen to address defensive frailties at set-piece time and says players have been working hard to take accountability on that front:

“Our defensive record this season is not black and white, you’d think joint lowest, we’d be happy, but we know we should be doing better, but even with that said, you have in give the guys credit, in open play they’re absolutely outstanding, contradicts itself with set plays, yes we changed our set up, but it still comes down to individual responsibilities at a corner or free kick. 

“Ultimately we know it all comes back on my head and the staff, but the guys on the pitch know what’s expected and what they need to do, if you’re marking someone, that person can’t score a goal. That’s it, it’s as simple as that.

“If you’re a player, you should take set plays as very personal. If you are given a job, that job is to mark your man, make sure they don’t score, you do it, and you do it every single time, every game, from minute one to minute ninety.

“Not doing it, that’s cost us 7 goals this season and it is not acceptable. I’m not sure there’s another team in the league that would have more work  done on video, set up, defending set pieces, we cover it, what we want to see now is that happening on the pitch.”

Tomorrow’s game is sold out, the Bar @ Tolka Park will be open from 6:30pm and showing the game live for any Shels fans who won’t be able to make it to Dalymount.

Posted on 2023-05-182023-05-18

Tolka Park takes centre stage tomorrow night as the Reds play host to St Patrick’s Athletic in the League of Ireland Premier Division. (7:45pm KO)

After an 8 game streak without defeat Damien Duff’s side are looking to extend that run to 9 matches, which would equal the record set by Pat Fenlon’s 2006 title winning team.

They go into this one off the back of an impressive 3-0 win over Sligo Rovers a week ago.

Damien Duff delivered a squad update after training in the AUL on Thursday.

He told ShelbourneFC.ie: “Sean Boyd and Gavin Molloy are back fit, we’ll decide whether or not we put them in squad tomorrow. Paddy Barrett we are looking at day to day, he pulled up in training last week, but it’s nothing serious and we expect it to be short term. 

“Conor Kane played 45 minutes for the U19s last week in the AUL, he came though it injury free, just need confidence now to get back up to a competitive level, I’ve been through that myself with an horrific injury as a player, you need to get the body and the head right.

“We won’t be rushing Conor. He’ll be awhile yet. He’ll 60 get minutes this weekend and we’ll continue to watch his progress, but amazing to see him back playing again after all he’s been through”

Jack Moylan got a hat trick in the 3-0 win at the Showgrounds a week ago. The Bayside native has been in flying form and took his personal tally to 6 goals for the season. Duff feels the signs on and off the pitch are positive:

“You can go into stats and what have you, the eyes don’t lie, usually what we see on matchday is backed up by stats. 

“What I saw last weekend I was very happy with, but I still think we can and will improve. It was a really good performance, you could say clean and clinical and we want to see more of it.

“One stand out for us over last season, we grew and I felt we contstantly improved over the course of the campaign, and we’re still seeing that this season.

The Saints come into this game a point behind the Reds and with a game more played. Duff has no problem with Pats going into the game as favourites: 

“They’re the team that were hoping to be up challenging for the title. People are probably shocked by our position and maybe surprised where they are too in the table. When you look at the budget and everything else most people would think they’d be ahead of us. We’re not playing with pressure, I think it’s all on them. Come 10pm tomorrow we still plan to be ahead of them in the table.”

When the sides met early in the season St Pats snatched the win late on with Eoin Doyle scoring the only goal of the game. Reflecting on that meeting Duff said:

“Very close game, we’ll take a lot out of it, looking back we were the better team in the second half, if anyone looked like scoring it was us, that’s League of Ireland football games, they can often not be pretty, can take on a real battle and war feel, then it’s about who can get that one piece of quality to turn the game.

“Eoin Doyle comes on 65 minutes and scores off a set piece. They have that quality throughout their squad. That’s League of Ireland football, could be similar tomorrow but it needs to be us that brings that quality. It’s a big game, Shels – Pats in League of Ireland terms, two great rivals. Some people might try and talk it down, but the rivalry is there for everyone to see, I think it can only enhance the game.”

A huge crowd is expected at Tolka for the game with the Saints, Duff is urging Shels supporters to get to the ground as early as they can: “Shels supporters have been the 12th man home and away since the day I’ve walked in the door, the players, the staff, everyone gets a massive life walking out on a matchday and looking into the stands, and seeing the colour, noise and energy that comes from the guys and girls in the Riverside in particular.

“The fanbase is growing, and it’s brilliant to see people falling in love with being in Tolka on a Friday night. I heard a murmur that there’s a display planned, when they have done them in the past they are incredible sights, so I’d ask every Red to get to the ground early, get over to the Riverside, and make yourself heard and seen.”

Posted on 2023-05-182023-05-18

Shelbourne FC will participate in the historic first staging of the Avenir Sports Women’s All-Island Cup.

Noel King’s reigning SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division champions were paired with Athlone Town, Galway United, Linfield in Group A.

The SportsDirect Women’s Premiership winners Cliftonville will come up against Bohemians, Derry City and Sligo Rovers.

In the other groups, Glentoran take on Peamount United, Shamrock Rovers and Wexford Youths, then Cork City face off with Crusaders, DLR Waves and Treaty United.

In order to aid the Ireland Women’s National Team’s preparations for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division season was structured to allow for a period where no League games would take place. This new competition will now be played during that scheduled break to ensure that women’s domestic football continues to be played as excitement for the World Cup builds. 

The competition, which is supported by both the Football Association of Ireland and the Irish Football Association, will involve 16 teams in total – 11 from the League of Ireland, 5 from the Northern Ireland Football League – split into four groups of four teams.

The group games will take place on June 18, June 25 and July 2. The top teams in each group will progress to the semi-finals, which will be played on July 9, before the last two compete for the silverware in the Final on July 16. 

Avenir Sports All-Island Cup
Group A | Athlone Town, Galway United, Linfield, Shelbourne
Group B | Glentoran, Peamount United, Shamrock Rovers, Wexford Youths
Group C | Bohemians, Cliftonville, Derry City, Sligo Rovers
Group D | Cork City, Crusaders, DLR Waves, Treaty United

Fixtures
Group Stage – Round 1 | June 18
Group Stage – Round 2 | June 25
Group Stage – Round 3 | July 2
Semi-Finals | July 9
Final | July 16

Posted on 2023-05-152023-06-14

Shelbourne FC is thrilled to announce the launch of the Shelbourne FC Pride Cup, an annual tournament celebrating diversity in our community and in Irish football. This year’s event, called “5 a-side for Pride,” promises to be a fun and inclusive tournament that will take place at Tolka Park on Sunday, June 25, 2023, from 12pm to 4pm.

The Pride Cup 2023 will bring together 16 teams, consisting of Shelbourne legends, senior men and women, as well as talented Ireland internationals, clubs and groups from the local community and more. It will serve as a platform to showcase the incredible talent within the LGBT+ community while promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants. All are welcome to participate in the tournament.

Shelbourne FC will also be marching in the Dublin Pride Parade this year, with all facets of the club, mens, women, academy and football for all inclusion teams flying the Red and Rainbow flag on Saturday June 24th, 2023. Shelbourne FC will also launch a limited edition Rainbow Reds t-shirt the week of the Dublin Pride Parade with proceeds going to support the LGBT Ireland national support helpline.

John McGouran, community officer at Shelbourne FC says the programme planned for this year’s Pride Festival will be the biggest ever undertaken by the club: “We are incredibly proud to launch the Shelbourne FC Pride Cup, and our expanded Pride celebrations, and we’re proud to champion and celebrate the diversity within our community and highlight the inclusive nature of Irish football. This tournament is an opportunity for us to come together, unite, and show our support for the LGBT+ community. We invite everyone to join us for a day of fun, friendly competition, and solidarity.”

The Shelbourne FC Pride Cup is open to all, we are encouraging clubs, groups of friends, and work colleagues to register and take part in the tournament.

To register, teams are required to pay a fee of €50, which will contribute directly to supporting the important work of LGBT+ organizations. By participating in the event, teams will not only have the chance to showcase their football skills but also make a meaningful contribution to a worthy cause.

The tournament promises to be a memorable occasion, filled with high-quality football, camaraderie, and a celebration of diversity. The Pride Cup 2023 will not only showcase the talent within the LGBT+ community but also serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion in sports.

To register a team for the Pride Cup please click here.

For more information about the Shelbourne FC Pride Cup or to march with the club in the Dublin Pride Parade, please contact John.McGouran@shelbournefc.ie

Posted on 2023-05-122023-05-12

Shels make the trip to the Showgrounds Saturday (7:45pm) to take on Sligo Rovers in the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division.

Damien Duff’s side are looking to extend their good run of late which has seen them go seven games without defeat.

They go into this one off the back of a narrow 1-0 win over UCD a week ago at Tolka Park in the league.

Damien Duff delivered a positive squad update as his long term injured players slowly start to return to action. He told ShelbourneFC.ie: “Sean Boyd is back running and kicking balls, he’s not too far away which is great to see. Gav Molloy not too far away either, he’s back doing some training. 

“Conor Kane is going to be playing for our U19s on Sunday in the AUL against Treaty United, if anyone is around, go down and cheer on the Reds, starts at 2pm. It’s great to see Conor coming back and getting match minutes we hope. Mark Coyle is back fit and available to start a Premier Division game, which is a big boost.”

Shane Griffin got the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win against UCD at Tolka last Friday, while the unbeaten run was further extended with a 2-0 victory over Wexford FC in the Leinster Senior Cup, a victory that set up a semi-final date with Bohemian FC. Despite the solid run of late Duff knows his squad can improve:

“I guess finding a way to win against UCD is a big positive, we can play better for sure but we have to pick up points, that’s the main aim, so finding a way to do that as well as working to get our performance to where I know we should be is pleasing. 

“The most pleasing aspect of the win over Wexford on Monday was the young players. They gave everyone at the club a boost. Believe it or not even the older players get excited about that. I said it after the game there was just a sense of energy and excitement in the air to see the young lads step up and really perform, especially in difficult weather. 

“We would like to see improvements, we have another level to reach, we have spoken openly about it with the players and publicly in the press and in post match interviews, people know our ambitions, we want to win first and foremost but I think we can be more dominant in games, everything we work on is with the ball, we want to impose ourselves on other teams and dominate and start really looking after the ball, we’re still wanting more from the guys, but to their credit they have been amazing, putting their bodies on the line game after game, working for each other every week and doing everything they can to try to find way to win.”

Sligo come into this game 7th in the table, having lost their last game to Dundalk. The Bit O’Red have struggled to find consistency at times this season but Duff knows they are a formidable side full of quality:

“Look Sligo Rovers are a dangerous team, a lot of quality, recruited really well, you have to admire that. It can be difficult to source quality from outside Ireland, you never really know what you’ll get, listen they’ve had mixed results but outside of that they can click and put in a top performance at any moment. 

“Look at the players they have.  They are a very very dangerous team, no doubt a bit wounded from the home result last week and we know we’ll have to be at our very best to beat them.”

Duff’s side edged the most recent meeting of the two teams, an OG and a Matty Smith goal gave the Reds a 2-1 victory at Tolka, the Reds boss knows they’ll need to start the game a lot better than they did when the sides last played each other:

“We watched it back, I showed a lot of it this morning. For the first 6 or 7 minutes we were outstanding, went into our shell a bit then and doubted ourselves when we didn’t score, Sligo got a good patch and to be honest we caused ourselves a lot of problems, without a doubt they had great chances.

“We hit the reset button at half time, we rode our luck for sure, but we got the win, we deserved it, we know though we won’t be that lucky again, I warned the players this morning, we can’t rely on luck tomorrow. A proper performance will be needed to get a win there, they are a dangerous team, quality players, we know the challenge ahead.”

Duff signed off his pre-match press conference by extending well wishes to the Shelbourne FC U16 side that will contest the All Ireland Final this Saturday: “It’s an exciting weekend for the club”, Duff said.

“I have eyes on our game in Sligo but I wanted to wish the U16s lads well in the All Ireland final. I think some people may not realise quite how big that achievement is. To play in an All Ireland final is massive, it really is. I never got to that final myself during my schoolboys days, it’s not easily done. Let me tell you, you’re playing against some of the best teams in the country. It’s a great achievement.

“I have a huge amount of respect for the DDSL, sometimes people can disregard it, the focus is on the UK and academies there, but I have boys who came through the DDSL, they’re in our squad now and they haven’t made it to All Ireland finals. There’s no one pathway to the top, the DDSL is a great platform for players, and it doesn’t always have go through the League of Ireland. 

“I’m wishing Darren, his coaches and the lads all the very best, I’m sure they’ll bring the trophy home, I’m proud of them, the club is proud of them, and I wish them well.” 

Tickets

Tickets for the Reds upcoming clash are available here: srfcdirect.com/away-tickets/

TV

Watch all the action on LOITV, coverage begins from 7:35pm with kick off at 7:45pm.

Posted on 2023-05-102023-05-10

Shelbourne FC’s Under 16 boy’s team are gearing up for a historic moment in the club’s history as they prepare to contest the All-Ireland final this weekend, the club’s first at that age grade.

The team’s remarkable journey to the final of the SFAI Cup has culminated in a highly anticipated clash against Lourdes Celtic. The match is scheduled for a 4 o’clock kick-off at Jackson Park, the home ground of Wayside Celtic this coming Saturday May 13th.

The Shelbourne FC Under 16 team has faced formidable challenges throughout their campaign, squaring off against top-tier opponents such as St Kevin’s Boys and Corinthians from Cork. In the semi-finals, they secured a hard-fought victory against a strong Mervue United team hailing from Galway. These impressive performances have left them on the cusp of glory, with the opportunity to create their own piece of Shelbourne history should they emerge from Saturday’s decider victorious.

Manager Darren Hennessy, along with his coaching staff comprising Keith Hansard and Jude McKenna, is brimming with pride for the team’s accomplishments. Speaking about the upcoming final, Hennessy said the club have never before reached an All-Ireland final at that schoolboy age level before, and that has further fuelled the players’ motivation to make history for the club.

Hennessy told ShelbourneFC.ie “This is a special moment for these boys and this club, if the road to the decider is anything to go by, the final promises to be a cracker.

“Lourdes Celtic are a talented squad with exceptional players and our lads are aware of the challenge that lies ahead and understands the importance of executing our game plan, sticking to what we do best and not letting the occasion get to us.”

Hennessy took the opportunity to extend his gratitude to the parents and players for their unwavering support and commitment throughout the season.

He also expressed appreciation for the continued assistance provided by Shelbourne FC, highlighting the club’s invaluable contributions.

Additionally, Hennessy thanked the coaches at Shelbourne, both at the schoolboy and League of Ireland academy levels, for their guidance and encouragement.

Hennessy is calling upon loyal Shels supporters near and far to get down to the game on Saturday to cheer on the future stars of Shelbourne FC. He hopes the youngsters can draw confidence from the backing of the passionate Shels supporters and is asking anyone able to get down to the game to do so.

Good luck, lads!

Posted on 2023-05-092023-05-09

Shelbourne FC and Blåkläder workwear have today confirmed the extension of their partnership for the third year running,

The enhanced sponsorship agreement that will see the workwear brand continue as the primary back of jersey sponsor for Shelbourne FC Mens senior team but also taking placement on the shorts of our Senior Women’s Team.

As part of the extended agreement, Blåkläder will share banner sponsor space of the Main Stand at Tolka Park and benefit from extensive digital media placement across Shelbourne FC’s digital content, as well as pitch-side advertising.

Shelbourne FC’s Commercial Director, Keith McDarby said: “Blåkläder has been a great supporter of the club over the last number of years and that it was great to see them recognise the purposeful partnerships that the club offers. A huge thank you to Gerry and the team at Blåkläder for their continued support.

Blåkläder Country Manager, Gerry Nathan, commented on the partnership: “We are delighted to continue to support Shelbourne FC this year and extend into the forever growing Women’s section of the club. Shelbourne are striving every year to improve what is a great club and we are delighted to be a part of that journey.”

To celebrate our continued partnership with Blåkläder, we are giving away €1,000 worth of workwear.

To enter, all you have to do is answer this question: In what year was Blaklader founded?

Email your name and answer to store.dublin@blaklader.com to be in with a chance of winning.

Posted on 2023-05-042023-05-04

The Reds return to Tolka Park on Friday for the visit of UCD in the League of Ireland Premier Division. (7:45pm KO)

Damien Duff’s side picked up four points from a possible six over the course of the May Bank Holiday weekend double header.

Matty Smith and Jack Moylan got the goals in Tolka Park last Friday as Cork City went down 2-1 to the Reds.

Evan Caffrey was the hero in Drogheda on Monday as his late free kick snatched a share of the spoils as the Reds picked up a point on the road with a 1-1 draw.

Injuries continue to cause issues for the Reds, but they will be buoyed by the return of Matty Smith from suspension, the in-form Dundee native missed Monday’s meeting with Drogs.

Duff will also welcome back Mark Coyle who is once again available for selection, the Reds boss told ShelbourneFC.ie: “Mark Coyle is back training, he will be in the squad. We’ll have to be careful with Mark’s load; we don’t want him to breakdown again.

“It’s a hamstring issue he’s been dealing with, bit left field because it’s not a strength issue, he’s as strong as they come. We’re trying to get to the bottom of it so we’ve no recurrence, but Mark is back a week and looks strong.

“Gav Molloy is back jogging, he’s another few weeks away yet but Gav is a quick healer. We’re hopeful he’ll be back before the summer break. 

“Shane Farrell is still suspended, Sean Boyd as people might have seen is back running, we’re hoping he may be back out on the pitch before the break, which would be brilliant after a serious operation.

“Conor Kane is also making good progress, it is a boost for the whole squad to see him getting closer, they think so much of him, he’s back doing light work a few weeks, I’ve had these injuries in my career and you don’t rush them so he’s still a while yet. Could argue do you give him 20 mins against Wexford on Monday, but the minute you put him in this soon you’re taking a big risk.

“We’re going to ease Conor back in, it’ll be U19s football first, get the sharpness back, manage the minutes, and then he will be in first team consideration. Kian Leavy is waiting on further scans, we’re going to continue to monitor him.” 

The 1-1 draw with Drogheda United on Monday extended the Reds unbeaten run to six games on the spin, the longest streak since going 9 league games without defeat in the title winning 2006 campaign, Duff said:

“I think that shows some progress, every record we match or approach seems to be 2006, you could argue the lads are on a good run of results, unbeaten, yeah, but like I said on Monday, I still want us to hit the levels I know we can go up to and put in a more complete performance with the ball, hopefully that starts tomorrow”

“I want us to settle down, we’re still waiting on the rest of the league to do the same, but I want to see us just focus on playing our own game. We got the result on Monday without playing well. 

“Look in hindsight, missing 5 or 6 potential starters, could argue it’s a very very good point, in the circumstances.” 

Matty Smith’s good form was rewarded with a place in the Team of the Week, while Jack Moylan has been shortlisted for the Player of the Month award. The Reds have scored in each of their last 5 games, and Duff feels they’ve made solid progress on the attacking front:

“There’s a lot of chat that we don’t score a lot of goals and maybe we’re defensive or organised. In a normal training week, most of what we work on is being expansive with the ball and attacking patterns of play.

“Defensive setup and the work on that is on Thursday mainly and a couple of patterns of how we defend, we look at our clips, and how we set up.

“80-90% of our training week we’re working on breaking down teams and building on our attacking play.

“I think that’s starting to come to fruition with the lads looking dangerous in front of goal, on Monday we’ve gone 1-0 down, haven’t played well and still had the better chances to win the game.

“It comes down to lads at the top end playing with freedom and confidence that top end boys should play with, particularly lads with the talent that some of our boys have.

“I’ve said it before guys like Matty Smith and Jack Moylan, they are some of the most feared attacking players in the country.” 

The Reds face a UCD side who took a point of Bohs in a very credible draw last Friday night, before suffering a narrow loss to Dundalk. Duff knows his side will be eager to make up for their performance after a disappointing draw in Belfield a few weeks back:

“Last time we played UCD, it wasn’t good enough. We can’t have a repeat of that performance, we all take full responsibility, players, staff, coaches, everyone, we were really poor there.

“I take responsibility for half time and how I spoke to the players, because you could argue they were even worse in the second half than the first.

“But we need to put that behind us now tomorrow. Our pre match meeting was focused on that game, we looked at all the poor play from the Bowl, not a great watch, it’s so bad its bewildering.

“I’m hoping that might prod them in some way, watching that game you could forget we’ve top players, wonderfully gifted guys, when they play so poorly, I take responsibility, but they should too and I know that putting that right tomorrow is their only focus.

“If they’ve got pride as a team and squad, they should be looking to put that performance right tomorrow night, because the last time we played UCD, the performance hurt and upset a lot of people.”  

“There’s no easy games, it doesn’t matter if the team is above you or below you in the table, UCD are a good team, Drogheda, as well, good team, you’ve seen everyone who’s gone there and struggled, no doubt we have.

“Our Tolka mentality is must win, it’s always the same. Even Dundalk a few weeks ago, that was our mindset, ‘we must win this’ and I think that’s to plant seed of where we want to go in the league this year.

“Tomorrow is the exact same for me. It’s a must win game, because especially home games decide where you’re going to end up. We’ve spoken about it, people know our ambition, we have been clear about our aims, and if we’re to get there we can’t leave points behind.”

It’s been a tumultuous week off the pitch with managerial changes at Richmond Park and Turners Cross, Tim Clancy departed St Patrick’s Athletic, while Duff’s former Republic of Ireland teammate Colin Healy left Cork City. The Reds boss shared his thoughts on the developments at their rivals:

“It’s never nice to see managers leave their jobs. I feel for Tim and Colin. I have known Colin for a very long time. I was surprised with that news, he’s a class act and a class guy. 

“I find that really strange. I don’t think they’ll get a better manager there. It’s a big loss for Cork. Whatever has gone on behind the scenes I don’t know. 

“The job Colin has done there as a player, amazing, what he’s brought to Cork since coming in as manager, stabilising the club, returning them to the Premier Division, he’s done such a good job, he’ll be a big miss. Colin is a class act since I met him on and off the pitch, a great guy and I’m sad to see him go.”

Shelbourne FC are asking all fans in the ground to join us in a minute’s applause at the 48th minute of the second half tomorrow’s game with UCD at Tolka Park as a show of solidarity with the families who lost loved ones in the Stardust tragedy.

The Stardust Fire Inquests are taking place in Dublin this week as families who have long sought justice and truth submit their testimony.

The loss of the 48 young victims had a profound impact on the local community who are still grappling with the tragedy to this day, and the loss has touched many Shelbourne fans, including the Frazer family, who lost their beloved Thelma.

Duff says the thoughts of all at Shelbourne FC are with the families and hopes they might finally get the answers they have waited for:

“In the 48th minute, our minds will be on the families of the 48 Stardust victims. Our club is rooted in the community, and this had such a terrible impact on the lives of so many. 

“The families should know we’ll support them, we stand with them, they’ve waited decades for answers. It’s never been investigated properly. My mam and dad used to go out there to Artane, to the Stardust, I’d say it’s the same for many of the staff and their families. 

“For those 48 people to go there and never come home to their loved ones is a terrible tragedy. One that’s close to home to many Shelbourne people, who I’m sure will be here tonight. We stand with them, they have our support for their families and loved ones. I hope that at this inquest the truth finally does come out, it’s long overdue.”  

Tickets

Tickets for the Reds upcoming clash are available here

TV

Watch all the action on LOITV, coverage begins from 7:35pm with kick off at 7:45pm.