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New York Times
17-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Shelbourne, Linfield and a tale of two Irish champions in the Champions League
For those unfamiliar with the history and complexities of Irish football we have occasionally placed (N) for the Irish League/Northern Ireland, and (S) for the southern League of Ireland/Republic of Ireland, at points in the text. The Irish Football Association (IFA) (N) governs the former, while the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) (S) governs the latter. There were 1,300 Dubliners belting out 'champions of Ireland' as their team waved an Irish tricolour in a stadium in south Belfast last night. They were the followers and players of Shelbourne, last season's winners of the League of Ireland and they were relishing a 1-1 away draw at Windsor Park, home of Irish League champions Linfield. Advertisement The 1-1 result meant 1-2 on aggregate to Shelbourne. They are into the next qualifying round of the Champions League. Yes, they play Champions League football in July. It seems a long, long way to Budapest and the final next May, of course, but the road there starts now in places such as Minsk and Malta and, over the past week, in Ireland, south and north. Given Irish history, ancient and modern, given there are still two Irish national soccer teams and two Leagues, the idea of one Irish champion knocking out another Irish champion in a Champions League qualifier provoked knowing looks when the draw was made. Then all involved tried to talk it down. It was the first meeting of two Irish champions in the Champions League, albeit in a qualifying round, since Shelbourne played Linfield's great Belfast rivals Glentoran in 2005 and there was some anxiety, with the second leg in Belfast in a month when historically the politically divided city is on edge, that matters could spill over. And it has been tense — a contentious bonfire half a mile from Windsor Park being the centre of attention last week. Referee Andy Madley was brought in from England's Premier League for the second leg, but aside from some performative chanting from both sets of away fans, behaviour in both legs was restrained, well-policed. There will be, though, some questioning the wisdom of Shelbourne's players' decision to wave a giant Irish tricolour after the final whistle. It was taken from the travelling support and had 'Shels' written across it, and it was returned to the fans after a couple of minutes, but in a place obsessed by flags and emblems everyone knew it was more than a football flag. It was not exactly Graeme Souness planting a Galatasaray flag on Fenerbahce turf, but it is just as well the vast majority of the 6,000 or so home supporters had vacated the premises by then. The loud, repeated chorus of 'champions of Ireland' came after that and, taken together, it demonstrated that this was not your average Champions League qualifier. Understandable efforts to describe the tie as 'European', rather than project it an extension of cross-border Irish rivalry, worked. To a point. Advertisement You do not get the Champions League anthem at this stage but Shelbourne's victorious manager, Joey O'Brien — the former Bolton and West Ham defender who played in Europe for both clubs — praised his players last night for their controlled possession 'because, in European football, possession is massive'. O'Brien, who succeeded Damien Duff as Shelbourne manager only a fortnight ago, did not want to turn this into an Irish derby or a referendum on Irish football. Nor did his Linfield counterpart David Healy. O'Brien said 'the build-up around this, it's been massive, you don't get that in league football'. Healy agreed. This is the professional's perspective. It includes finance and strategy, not just tactics and the emotions of winning and losing. The two clubs received €900,000 (£778,000; $1.04m) for being here. Shelbourne now have an additional €750,000 and a second qualifier, against Qarabag of Azerbaijan. The first leg is next week. They can see a route forward, if not to Budapest or even the Europa League but eventually into the lucrative Conference League group stage. Linfield, meanwhile, drop into the Conference League qualifiers and face Zalgiris of Lithuania. In UEFA's coefficient rankings, the Irish League (N) is 47th out of 55. The League of Ireland (S) is 31st. So the two champions and the two Leagues go their separate ways. It is how it is. When Rory McIlroy tees off in Portrush at 3.10pm at the British Open, he will have the entirety of Ireland supporting him, a unifying presence. Similar wishful claims are made for rugby union, cricket, boxing and other sports. But Irish football is divided and has been for over a century. It reflects on-the-street daily reality in a city like Belfast, a different sporting truth. That Shelbourne-Linfield was a modern soccer fixture could be seen outside Shelbourne's Tolka Park an hour before the first leg eight days ago: there were half-and-half scarves on sale. Admittedly they were not flying off the shelves; then again, the capacity at the 101-year-old ground had been cut to 3,600 with only 300 allowed from Linfield. Advertisement But it was sold out and there was tangible anticipation. Last October the two previous Irish champions, Shamrock Rovers (S) and Larne (N), met in a cross-border European tie, but it was a one-off in a group-stage game in the Conference League. Larne could not host the game at home due to UEFA criteria, moved it to Windsor Park and lost 4-1. There was much northern teeth-gnashing about Rovers' superiority reflecting that of the League of Ireland's as a whole. A headline in the Belfast Telegraph before this first leg read: 'Why the Irish League's battered reputation is on the line'. Linfield are not Larne. Linfield have won 57 Irish League titles and have an active and latent fanbase of such scale the club is a contender to be called the biggest on the island. Allied to this fixture being in the Champions League, it is a reason why it was considered larger than last year's match. There was also Linfield's history in the European Cup — in 1979, when they met reigning League of Ireland champions Dundalk, the rioting at the first leg in Dundalk was so bad UEFA banned Linfield from hosting the second leg and moved it to the Netherlands. Plus, when the draw was made, Linfield and Shelbourne were managed by the most prominent individual in each league — Healy in the Irish League and Duff in the League of Ireland. Duff's effect on Shelbourne and the League overall in the past three-and-a-half years has been colourful and stimulating. Ultimately it led Shelbourne, without the biggest budget, to a first title in 18 years. From there came a first Champions League game in that time. Five days after the draw, however, Duff abruptly walked out. There has been no public statement as to why. His assistant, O'Brien, stepped up. He is not Duff. Whereas Duff's verbal fireworks might have illuminated the build-up, sparked big conversations about the state of Irish football domestically, O'Brien kept it quiet, match-focused. The 39-year-old is not apolitical — O'Brien wears pro-Palestinian merchandise on the touchline — but he understands the nuance of Irish soccer language. Advertisement 'I know there is a derby feel to it,' he said. 'We're playing a team from the north and they're the champions. But, ultimately, it's just a chance to progress.' Linfield's coach, George McCartney, was with O'Brien at West Ham. They owned a greyhound together. He mentioned that. Healy concurred. 'It's a European tie, first and foremost,' he said. 'We don't see it as an all-island game… Other people will talk about it of course, because it's looking at you straight in the face — it's north v south. But it's not something we've talked about in the dressing room. it's not something I've spoken about to the players to try to gee them up. 'They shouldn't need to be geed up. It's the first round of the Champions League.' Chris Shields, the Blue Dubliner, was suspended for the first leg but he was at Tolka and described the atmosphere as 'European, a brilliant visual spectacle'. Shields said he 'never got into the ideology of a north v south game. We were drawn together in Europe and that is the way I and the team have approached it. It is much bigger than a north v south fixture'. But once it was done, Shelbourne's flag-waving revealed the cross-border factor was and is significant. It is no surprise. These are rivalries, friendly and otherwise, over a century old, though some stressing antagonism forget, for example, that Shelbourne were once an Irish League club. Formed in 1895, nine years after Linfield, Shels followed another Dublin club, Bohemians, into the Belfast-based League in 1904. Shels' very first Irish League game was against Linfield. Their first away game was in Belfast, against Distillery. The Athletic News called the Dublin club 'the League's new baby'. In 1906 Shelbourne won the Irish Cup (N) and again in 1911 and 1920. Ireland had no border then, it was one country governed by Britain. It had one Ireland soccer team, which played in the British Home Nations tournament. In 1914 Ireland won it. The team contained Linfield's Sam Young and Shelbourne's Val Harris. Advertisement But the broad, deep and violent political divisions leading to Partition also led to the creation of the League of Ireland (S). Shelbourne remained in the Irish League (N) throughout this turbulence until 1921, but when they drew the Irish Cup semi-final in Belfast in 1920 — as holders — Shelbourne expected the replay to be in Dublin. The IFA (N) said otherwise. Shelbourne were furious and withdrew from the Irish League. It was a turning point. Along with seven other clubs (S) they formed the League of Ireland. Sincere attempts at a quick reconciliation failed and what became known as 'The Split' endured. Shels did re-apply to join the Irish League in 1934, but were denied. Throughout the decades since there were inter-League games and various cross-border competitions. One was a cup called 'North-South' and in 1962 Shelbourne played Linfield at Windsor Park. But the Dubliners would not return there until 2006. Since 2003 the League of Ireland (S) season has run from February to November, in part to help their clubs in Europe. The Irish League (N) remains August to May, which over the past week has meant a deficit in match fitness for Linfield, a club whose model includes the selling of talent from their productive academy — 16-year-old Kalum Thompson left for Nottingham Forest this week. Ceadach O'Neill and Braiden Graham joined Arsenal and Everton respectively last summer. In a different economic environment, those boys would stay. But they go and it looked ominous in the first half of the first leg when Shels ran up a 9-0 corner count and the older Blues who stay were red in the face. Mipo Odubeko, who once scored 35 goals in the Manchester United youth team, made it 1-0 in the second half. At 22, Odubeko is back in Dublin after an unfulfilling spell at West Ham, but he is playing in the Champions League, something noted by English team-mate Harry Wood. Wood, too, was at Old Trafford as a boy, then moved to Hull City and said Champions League football 'is a big buy-in — you're not playing European football in England unless you're in the Premier League'. After the final whistle in that first leg, a Shels fan heading towards the Linfield section waving a flag was halted by an angry Shelbourne director. A week on, at 0-0 in the second leg, Linfield thought they had a chance. But Matthew Fitzpatrick missed an open goal and Ali Coote, a former Scotland youth international who was playing for Detroit City last year, made it 2-0 on aggregate. Advertisement Budapest was disappearing for Linfield, but then Madley awarded a penalty in first-half added time and Shields converted. Dramatically, Shelbourne scored one of their own in the same added period only for Madley to be asked to consult VAR. The goal was overruled. It remained 1-1 and 1-2 on aggregate. In an eventful match, Madley then showed a red card to Linfield's Ben Hall just past the hour. The contest subsided. Shelbourne's controlled passing saw them through. Odubeko and Evan Caffrey were impressive. Healy was disappointed. This was his 500th match in charge of Linfield. Shelbourne march on. The Champions of Ireland, they say, still in the Champions League. (Illustration: Kelsea Petersen / The Athletic; Seb Daly / Getty, Charles McQuillan / Getty, Ben McShane / Getty, David Fitzgerald / Getty)
BreakingNews.ie
09-07-2025
- Sport
- BreakingNews.ie
Shelbourne v Linfield: All you need to know ahead of the Champions League qualifier
It is an All-Ireland Champions League qualifier in Tolka Park, as Shelbourne take on Linfield in the first round of qualifying. The League of Ireland champions are back in the big time, and a win in this tie would give them a huge boost to reach the group stages of European football. Advertisement In a difficult season so far, Shelbourne are 14 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers, and were rocked by the resignation of manager Damien Duff. However, in what will be a special moment for the club, the boost of European football has the potential to turn their season around. For Linfield, they qualified by winning the Irish Premiership by over 20 points, ahead of Larne in second place, who Shamrock Rovers defeated in the Conference League last season. In what should be a great night for Irish football, here is all you need to know ahead of Wednesday night's first leg. When is Shelbourne v Linfield? Shelbourne v Linfield kicks off at 7:45pm. How can I watch the game? Liver coverage will be shwon by RTÉ Two. Form guide In Joey O'Brien's first game in permanent charge of the club, Shelbourne were comfortable 3-1 winners over Cork City, in what was their first win in five games. This will be Linfield's first game of the season, having not played in three months since their season ended. There is huge financial implications for this tie, with the winner earning €4 million for progression to the second qualifying round
The Irish Sun
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
FAI request postponement of Oireachtas Committee hearing into alleged abuse in Irish women's football
THE FAI has asked for their Oireachtas Committee hearing to be postponed for four weeks to give them adequate preparation time. Abbotstown chiefs were invited to a meeting of the Joint Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport to discuss safeguarding policies and procedures. It follows last year's RTE/Sunday Independent The Gardai are currently investigating the allegations, though all those named in the Committee member Padraig O'Sullivan TD, speaking under Dail privilege, raised concerns about the FAI's handling of it and requested the FAI be invited in. But the Association has responded asking for more time to prepare materials given the ongoing Garda investigation. Read More On Irish Football A statement read: 'The Association has requested that the date be deferred by a period of four weeks to enable adequate preparation time, given the complexity introduced by the Committee seeking material that relates directly to an ongoing Garda investigation. 'The Committee originally sought availability from the Association to discuss 'Safeguarding Policies and Procedures within the FAI'. 'Of the two dates offered the FAI were only available for Wednesday the 9th July due to annual leave for key personnel on the alternative date (Wednesday the 16th July). 'When the formal invite was received on Friday 27th June (8 working days prior to the session) the Committee requested a broad range of documents, many that relate specifically to an ongoing Garda investigation. Most read in Football 'Given the complexities involved in collating and considering our ability to comply with this request and to enable adequate preparation time we have sought a deferral of four weeks. 'Any disclosure must also be assessed carefully for legal and GDPR compliance given the sensitive and confidential nature of safeguarding information requested. Arsenal unveil Martin Zubimendi after he completes £51million transfer from Real Sociedad 'Over the intervening period we will continue to liaise with the Committee to ensure the scope of the session is clearly defined to ensure that no parties could inadvertently compromise an ongoing investigation. 'We fully respect the important work of the Joint Committee and acknowledge the critical oversight role it plays in relation to legislation, policy, governance, expenditure and administration of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. 'The FAI is fully committed to engaging constructively with the Committee on this matter and we look forward to them defining a revised date where this session can proceed.' 1 FAI people & culture director Aoife Rafferty and chief executive David Courell speaking when the allegations first emerged
The Irish Sun
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
RTE pundit reveals hilarious schedule mix-up that means he'll miss Oasis' upcoming Croke Park concert
RICHIE Sadlier looked ahead in anger as he shared that he's double-booked a family holiday with Oasis' Dublin dates. According to 5 Sadlier is sadly going to have to miss out on seeing them at Croke Park Credit: @richiesadlier 5 Although some feel he ought to prioritise the Gallagher family over his own family getaway Credit: @richiesadlier 5 He's currently on RTE screens a lot to cover the Women's Euros in Switzerland Credit: @RTE Sport 5 Noel Gallagher was left teary-eyed towards the end of Friday night's show Credit: PA They're set to fill out Croke Park on August 16 and 17. But sadly for Sadlier, he won't be able to go. He explained to "By the time I realised we couldn't change the date or get a refund. Thought I was dealing with it quite well, turns out I am not." The Gallagher brothers Read More On Irish Football Newspaper headlines about the hugely-anticipated reunion flashed up on huge screens amid deafening cheers from the Perhaps the most memorable moment came later on when they paid a touching Liam, giving some oomph to his trademark swagger, told fans 'Manchester vibes in the area' before the band launched into Hello, the opening track on their multi-million selling second album (What's the Story) Morning Glory?. The song's lyrics include the line 'It's good to be back' — and fans agreed. Most read in Football The band then smashed into 1995 B-side and fan favourite Acquiesce. The poignancy of the lyrics — including 'because we need each other, we believe in one another' — was lost on no one in the crowd. Kyle Walker completes Burnley transfer as they unveil him in 'best announcement video ever' Many believed they would never see the day Noel, 58, was back on stage with The two-and-a-quarter hour set was packed with big moments, including the tribute to Jota — whose funeral took place today. The Irish Sun understands lifelong At the end of the track, a photograph of Jota wearing his Liverpool kit appeared — with the crowd breaking into huge applause as fans noticed the Portugese ace on the screen. 5 This sight will grace Croke Park on August 16 and 17 Credit: Getty Earlier, Liam, boiling in a thick coat on stage, shouted: 'Yes, beautiful people, simmer down', as the band settled in for their set — which was ear-splittingly loud in the Principality Stadium. Noel and Liam chose songs mainly from their first two albums, 1994's Definitely Maybe and 1995's (What's The Story) Morning Glory?. Liam kept his words short and sweet, joking: 'You're still on the glue down here, then', in reference to fans going wild as they played their 1995 No 1 hit Some Might Say, then Bring It On Down. Before Cigarettes & Alcohol, Liam urged the crowd: 'I want you to do us a favour. I don't ask much. 'I want you to turn around, every single one of you. Put your arms around each other like you like each other and when the tune starts you jump up and down. It's f***ing easy.' Joking again later with the crowd, before playing Slide Away, Liam asked: 'You're all having a good time yeah? Was it worth the £40,000 you paid for a ticket?'
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Celtic urged to snap up rising star everyone's talking about and who dreams of Parkhead transfer
Celtic have been urged to move quickly to snap up Irish teen sensation Cathal O'Sullivan. The Hoops have been linked with a swoop for the 18-year-old Cork City attacker - who is also on the radar of Nottingham Forest. Advertisement Brendan Rodgers might get a closer look at the rising star when the teams meet in next month's pre-season clash at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. READ MORE: I agreed my Celtic transfer exit hours before a Champions League clash — the gaffer's speech stunned my teammates READ MORE: Charlie Nicholas tells Celtic how many signings they need amid 'lazy' Rangers posing title threat Highly-rated O'Sullivan has already revealed he dreams of pulling on the famous green and white hoops, saying in March: "Yeah, it's definitely an ambition because obviously the link with Ireland and Celtic. "It's a huge club, massive club so yeah, I would love to go over and play for a club like Celtic. I love watching their games and how impressive their Champions League run was this year, and my dad is the same. Advertisement "My dad supports Celtic if they're on the TV. There's a connection between Ireland and Celtic or Cork and Celtic, there's a huge amount of fans over here." The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international already has 49 senior games under his belt, including seven goals and nine assists. Irish Football Expert Darryl Geraghty has tracked O'Sullivan's progress from a young age, all the way through his Cork City academy years. Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers -Credit:SNS Group And he's given the Scottish champions an insight into what the talented youngster could bring to the table - even mentioning the prospect in the same breath as Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal. Advertisement "Cathal O'Sullivan is the name on everyone's lips at the moment", he told Betway. 'He recently turned 18 and just celebrated it with his first inclusion in an Ireland Under-21 squad. He was called up by Jim Crawford to play Croatia and Qatar - and it was honestly no surprise. 'Those matches were another opportunity to bubble up hype before he moves abroad. He's a left-footer but normally operates off the right side of an attacking three, cutting in to shoot. 'He came through Leeside United before joining Cork City's academy. He played at pretty much every age group there before being massive in their promotion back to the top division. He got seven goals, three assists and he's just a constant threat Advertisement "He got into the PFAI Team of the Year as well off the back of some stunning performances and a few absolute stunners as well. "I think - thanks to his low centre of gravity and pace from a standing start - he's made the step up to the Irish Premier Division look easy. 'He's already got three assists this season. He's got that Lamine Yamal or Mo Salah-style ability to drift inside or outside, burst away from his marker. Then he just seems to let fly whenever he gets the chance. "What really stands out with him though - and it might not be the first thing you think of with a player like this - is his ferocious tenacity. Advertisement 'He works back, does the ugly side of the game heading towards his own goal, and that's something managers notice. 'Now, of course, like any young attacker, the final ball and his ruthlessness in front of goal will only get better with age."
