logo
Shelbourne survive spirited Linfield to reach Champions League second round qualifiers

Shelbourne survive spirited Linfield to reach Champions League second round qualifiers

Irish Times16-07-2025
Champions League qualifier, second leg: Linfield 1 (Shields 45+3) Shelbourne 1 (Coote 25)
Shelbourne
earned their place in the
Champions League
second round as Linfield pushed them to the last kick of an enthralling, non-televised spectacle at Windsor Park.
Joey O'Brien's men performed like the champions of Ireland, with plenty of help from two Scotsmen Kerr McInroy and Ali Coote.
It was Coote's goal that settled matters, although a Chris Shields penalty ensured the possibility of extra-time and penalties lingered until the final whistle.
The first-half lasted 55 minutes. Three goals were scored. Only two stood the test of VAR.
READ MORE
Shelbourne's Paddy Barrett was still arguing with English referee Andrew Madley as everyone disappeared for a well-earned rest.
Understandably so. The tie appeared to be over when McInroy wheeled away after leathering Shels' second goal on the night to give them a 3-1 lead on aggregate.
The delirious celebrations of 1,300 Dubliners lasted as long as it took for Madley and his video assistants – Darren England and Nick Hopton – to spot Barrett holding Euan East's shirt.
Shelbourne's Mipo Odubeko in action against Linfield's Josh Archer. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
The misdemeanour allowed McInroy to sprint into space and shoot.
It is worth noting that Shields had a hand on Barrett as he took hold of East.
The wonder is whether the Linfield left-back would have tracked McInroy's run away from goal, towards the penalty spot, where he profited from a short corner between Harry Wood and Tyreke Wilson.
Regardless, O'Brien's training-ground special was rubbed off the scoreboard as the opening stanza ended with Shelbourne leading 2-1 on aggregate.
O'Brien's men dominated proceedings for long stretches, with McInroy and Wood operating way above the standard, but that only tells half the story of a marathon opening period when Linfield should have scored at least one more goal.
The game started like a train and never wilted. Ben Hall came forward to almost level the tie in the opening seconds, only to head over the crossbar.
Conor Kearns would not last long in the Shelbourne goal, forced off and replaced by Lorcan Healy on the half-hour mark having possibly picked up the injury when scuffing a clearance straight to Matthew Fitzpatrick. The Linfield centre forward chipped the stranded goalkeeper but the ball went a yard wide of the post.
Shels captain Mark Coyle also pulled up, to be relieved by Sean Gannon, who arguably strengthened the visitors' back five. Gannon rolled back the years when cleverly dispossessing Callumn Morrison before the winger could test the newly arrived Healy.
Coote seemed to send Shelbourne into the next round, against Qarabag of Azerbaijan, when he put them 2-0 ahead on aggregate in the 25th minute.
Shelbourne's Alastair Coote scores the opening goal of the game. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Wood drew an initial save from Chris Johns before Coote shimmied to shoot first time, only to take a delicate touch and finish into the bottom corner.
Tolka Park's Riverside-on-tour sounded like they had entered nirvana. The feeling lasted 20 minutes as, come the start of an epic period of injury-time, Wilson's hand denied Hall from making clean contact with another header.
Penalty. Yellow card for Wilson. VAR agreed, and Shields finished to the bottom corner as Healy dived the wrong way.
The next 10 or so minutes had both teams in a state of pandemonium. Linfield would pour forward. Shels would tear back at them with McInroy denied his goal as the contested toed and froed.
Healy replicated Kearns' gaffe at the start of the second-half but Morrison replicated Fitzpatrick's tame effort as the scrambling replacement goalkeeper got a leg to the shot.
Mipo Odubeko had been quiet until the 63rd minute when he pick-pocketed Matthew Orr, which prompted Hall to lunge and upend the Republic of Ireland under-21 international before he could race clear.
Madley had no choice but to produce the red card.
Odubeko had a chance to avoid any late drama but Johns batted his angled effort for a corner as six minutes of injury-time was announced.
Shels kept hold of the ball to move on.
LINFIELD:
Johns; McGee (McCullough 76), Orr, Hall, East; Shileds, Mulgrew (Offord 76), Archer, Millar (Allen 83); Fitzpatrick, Morrison (McKee 68).
SHELBOURNE:
Kearns (Healy 32); Caffrey, Coyle (Gannon 22), Barrett, Ledwidge, Wilson (Norris 83); Wood, McInroy, Lunney, Coote (Boyd 83); Odubeko.
Referee:
Andrew Madley (England).
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Pat Spillane reveals drastic decision Kerry made after semi-final win that shows All-Ireland dedication
Pat Spillane reveals drastic decision Kerry made after semi-final win that shows All-Ireland dedication

The Irish Sun

time21 minutes ago

  • The Irish Sun

Pat Spillane reveals drastic decision Kerry made after semi-final win that shows All-Ireland dedication

PAT Spillane has told of how the Kerry panel opted not to celebrate their semi-final win over Tyrone as their focus is entirely on lifting Sam Maguire. They 2 Spillane won EIGHT All-Ireland medals in his playing days 2 Seán O'Shea stepped up against Armagh in the quarter-finals to ease the scoring burden on David Clifford Clearly, no reasonably-minded person would begrudge them toasting making it back to the showpiece game with a few drinks. Yet despite that, the panel en masse turned down the opportunity to go on a night out that evening as their eyes remain fixated on the biggest prize. Appearing on He stated: "They were told that they could have a drink. None of them did. Read More On GAA "They said 'no, two weeks to go, we will have a drink after the All-Ireland final'. That's what it's all about now." The eight-time All-Ireland winner He's been doing the rounds that is, and while on He argued: "Donegal's running game is a hard game to sustain for 70 minutes. Most read in GAA Football "Zonal defence is a weakness. There's space to be exploited there by a kicking team. "The first half against Monaghan showed that as Monaghan switched the play from one side to the other. They'd an overload and took them on one-on-one and were very impressive. Sharlene Mawdsley takes part in hilarious road race as part of Tipperary's All-Ireland celebration "So zonal marking, running in transition and Michael Murphy - no different from David Clifford - if he's contained (Kerry can win). "The new rules suit Kerry, Croke Park suits them as a heads up kicking team." He also added that his "hesitant vote for Kerry" was partly down to the weather forecast being good for Sunday with dry conditions further helping their prospects. However, based off latest Met Eireann predictions, we're in for a rainy The two counties did of course contest the 2014 decider with McGuinness saying this week that One instant improvement this time around will be that The Kerry county board have confirmed that Jack O'Connor's charges will line out in their alternative dark blue kit whilst Donegal Following on from the

University charts remarkable link to Donegal's All Ireland team
University charts remarkable link to Donegal's All Ireland team

Irish Independent

time22 minutes ago

  • Irish Independent

University charts remarkable link to Donegal's All Ireland team

No fewer than 19 players and 11 members of the management and support team involved in this weekend's All-Ireland final squad have a direct link to ATU. 'This is a truly extraordinary story of connection, support and long-standing partnership,' said Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU. 'A massive number of past and current ATU students will line out for Donegal this Sunday at the All-Ireland final.' ATU and Donegal GAA have worked in close partnership for many years, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that also extends to Sligo GAA. The collaboration focuses on athlete development, education, and welfare — and Sunday's sporting occasion is proof of its impact. 'The majority of the players and backroom team have come through our Letterkenny campus, and a number have strong links to our Sligo campus as well,' Dr Flynn added Among the many influential figures connected to ATU, few stand taller than Michael Murphy — the former All Star and iconic captain who famously led Donegal to their last All-Ireland title in 2012. Murphy retired from inter-county football in 2022, drawing a close to a glittering career that left an indelible mark on the game. However, in a dramatic return to the panel in November 2024, Murphy re-joined the Donegal setup, bringing with him invaluable leadership, experience. Now serving as Head of Sport at ATU Donegal, Murphy bridges the gap between education and sport in a unique way. His dual role reflects the university's ambition to provide a home for emerging athletes, combining academic achievement with elite sporting development. His return to the Donegal setup this season has been seen as a symbolic and strategic moment in Donegal's resurgence. Other standout names among the panel include Ryan McHugh, Jamie Brennan, Peadar Mogan, Caolan Ward, Eoghan Bán Gallagher, and Michael Langan — all of whom studied at ATU. Rising stars such as Luke McGlynn, Odhran Doherty, and Cian McMenamin are current students balancing lectures with championship pressure. In the backroom and coaching setup, ATU's influence is just as evident. Figures like Luke Barrett, Colm McFadden, Neil McGee, Tommy Devine, and Antoin McFadden — all of whom are past or present students or staff — are helping steer Donegal's preparation and performance from the sidelines. As Donegal eyes a third Sam Maguire, the county jersey will be worn with pride by a team deeply intertwined with ATU. ATU's sporting pride isn't just focused on football this weekend — there's also huge excitement building in Galway, where the senior camogie team are set to take on Tipperary in the All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final this Saturday, July 26th. Current ATU students Shannon Corcoran and Ava Lynskey, and former students Sarah Healy and Ann Marie Starr are representing the Tribeswomen this weekend. ATU is also represented on the coaching side, with Adrian Pilkington and Ewan Cunningham both serving as strength and conditioning coaches. Dr Flynn added, 'When you see the scale of this, it shows how our commitment to sport and education is helping shape elite performance and leadership in Gaelic games across the region. We wish the Donegal team the very best of luck this Sunday and also the Galway camogie team on Saturday.' FULL LIST OF PLAYERS: Donegal GAA Team - Past & Current ATU Donegal Students (15 in total) Michael Murphy – Head of Sport Oisin Caulfield – current student Luke McGlynn – current student Odhran Doherty – current student Cian McMenamin – current student Eoghan McGettigan – former student Charlie McGuinness – former student Conor O' Donnell – former student Michael Langan – former student Caolan Ward – former student Peadar Mogan – former student Jason McGee – former student Ciaran Thompson – former student Jack Gallagher – former student Keelan McGroddy – former student ATU Sligo (some overlap with the list above as some students below started in Sligo, and finished in Letterkenny) Ryan McHugh, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Michael Langan (above), Ciaran Thompson (above), Eoghan McHugh, Jamie Brennan, Management Team Neil McGee Support Team Members who studied (study) at ATU Donegal (11) Cormac McColgan – current student Conal McDermott – current student Tommy Devine – current staff Antoin McFadden – current staff Ruairi Crealey – current staff Luke Barrett – current GAA coach Colm McFadden – former student Neil McGee – former student Donall Barrett – former student Niall Diver – former student

'It still haunts you' - Donegal star Ryan McHugh on 2014 All-Ireland defeat to Kerry
'It still haunts you' - Donegal star Ryan McHugh on 2014 All-Ireland defeat to Kerry

The 42

timean hour ago

  • The 42

'It still haunts you' - Donegal star Ryan McHugh on 2014 All-Ireland defeat to Kerry

RYAN MCHUGH HAS never watched the 2014 All-Ireland football final back. 11 years on, the scars remain. Sunday offers a shot at redemption against Kerry, who won on a scoreline of 2-9 to 0-12 to deny Donegal a second title in three years. It also brings another crack at a first Celtic Cross for McHugh, who joined the panel the year after 2012 success. 'I watch every game back. With 2014, I never took it upon myself to sit down and watch it back,' two-time All-Star McHugh says. 'I don't think I played well that day. Just could never bring myself to get it. Maybe it was the inexperience of the whole thing. 'It was a tough one, there's no point in lying. It still haunts you. You go into the game on such a high and after such a huge performance against Dublin. We did everything so right against Dublin and then not to click against Kerry. Obviously Kerry had a good performance, but it was such a disappointment for us. Advertisement 'You move on, but you don't get over defeats like that. Even if we won this one, it wouldn't get over 2014. We were in a position to win the All-Ireland final and we didn't do it.' The 31-year-old defender is in a reflective mood as he recalls the highs and lows, ups and downs, trials and tribulations of over a decade in inter-county football. 'I thought those days would be around all the time,' McHugh continues. 'With the team winning in 2012 and getting to finals and semi-finals, you thought that you'd get a chance to get back to another one. That didn't happen, but to get back here 11 years later is great. McHugh (right) and Eamonn McGee dejected after the 2014 final. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO 'It'll mean nothing if we can't get over the line. Kerry are a top, top team with top, top players and arguably, in my opinion anyway, the best player to play the game. It will be massive, but we're relishing it. This is where you want to be as a player, getting ready for an All-Ireland final. I've been fortunate enough to be in one before in 2014 and now we have another opportunity.' The Kilcar man has been a mainstay for Donegal since his arrival in 2013, bar a necessary break in 2023. He announced himself with 2-2 to dethrone Dublin on his All-Ireland semi-final debut, two years after captaining the minor team in 2012. That period was a whirlwind. 'It's crazy, but at the time you're so engrossed, it takes over your life. You're training five, six days a week and you don't know any different. 'I have been extremely fortunate to be born in an era of Donegal football where we have been competitive. I came into a team of my heroes and role models. I remember one of the first meetings I was in, Jim [McGuinness] has touched on it that he tries to bring the best minor up, and fortunately he felt that was me. 'I was extremely lucky to come into a dressing room with all the players I looked up to. Karl Lacey was my hero growing up. To get to follow him around, work off him and see how he lived his life, improved me . . . 'It's been football, football, football — but I wouldn't have it any other way.' Michael Murphy with Jim McGuinness. Ben Brady / INPHO Ben Brady / INPHO / INPHO Like Lacey on McHugh, another player who has similar effect is Michael Murphy. The 2012 All-Ireland winning captain and five-time All-Star made a sensational retirement U-turn to rejoin the Donegal panel this season. He has been instrumental on their road back to a first final since '14. 'It hasn't surprised me. There isn't a lot more that you can say about Michael. He is a phenomenal footballer, but it's the way he lives his life outside of football. He lives like a professional person and the way he conducts himself, he's a real role model and an unbelievable ambassador for our county. 'For him to come back in the shape he was in didn't surprise me. I knew he would keep himself in good shape and we saw him in the club championship. There are no words. People from all over Ireland are starting to get it now. He's a phenomenal person and a phenomenal leader and a phenomenal footballer.' Related Reads 'One of my early years, I had the match played in my head a thousand times beforehand' David Clifford 'could be the best player that has ever played the game' - McGuinness 'It's challenging but it's adding to the entertainment' - Goalkeeper view on new rules Murphy was on punditry duty when Donegal bowed out in the semi-final last year. McHugh was in the half-back line as Galway came strong at the finish. He circled the Croke Park field on his own afterwards, a familiar feeling setting in. 'We really thought that we had a huge chance of winning the All-Ireland last year. We thought that we were a good enough team and a good enough squad. With Jim back, we knew we had a top-class manager on the line. It was sheer and utter disappointment.' While still haunting, 2024 and 2014 are in the rear-view mirror. It's all about 2025 for Ryan McHugh and Donegal. *****

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store