Game 58 of a marathon year will be the final one for Shamrock Rovers but probably their best chance of a European group phase win.
A schedule that began in February against Molde – effectively an extension to last year – saw 16-year-old Michael Noonan mark his club debut with a goal in Norway.
Penalties denied them progression into the last 16 of the Conference League whereas their inability to replicate reaching the playoffs in 2025 can be attributed to defeat in the league phase to Celje and Breidablik.
There was no shame in losing to either Sparta Praha and Shakhtar Donetsk, given their calibre in European competitions, but the regret comes from being unable to use the deserved draw in AEK Athens to launch a dash towards a seven-point haul.
That prospect melted in the freezing Icelandic conditions last week, rendering this final outing against Maltese champions Hamrun Spartans an exercise in pride.
The visitors have two more points than Rovers, courtesy of their 3-1 win over Gibraltarian side Lincoln Red Imps. Losing 2-0 to Shakhtar last week wasn’t a surprise but going down 3-1 against Marsaxlokk back on home soil on Sunday was.
There’s also that appetising carrot for Rovers of expanding their €5.4m of prize-money by another €400,000 with their first win of this phase.
Players will share in the financial boon of another European run – last year’s grossed €7.4m – but having reclaimed their domestic title, franked by a first double since 1987, Stephen Bradley is entitled to be content with his year’s work.
Josh Honohan played a big part this term but injury denies him a playing farewell to the Tallaght faithful.
English League One outfit Lincoln City tempted Rovers with a summer bid for the Cork-born defender but a strong relationship between the clubs meant it was inevitable a deal – worth an initial €500,000 to the champions – was hatched to facilitate a January 1 move. Former Ireland defender Enda Stevens has been re-signed as a direct replacement at left wing-back.
There will be other changes within the squad as planning for 2026 is well underway. Bradley is a known admirer of another Leesider, Cathal O’Sullivan, and the teen star is out of contract with his hometown club. Complicating matters is the fact the attacker is recovering from an ACL rupture and isn’t expected to return until at least March. UK clubs remain interested in the playmaker too.
Bradley has confirmed his intention to reintegrate Jack Byrne back into his squad following his loan stint in Dubai while FAI Cup final hero Rory Gaffney will continue to provide competition for tyro Noonan by agreeing a contract extension at 36.
Meanwhile, Shelbourne also bring a close to their season, the year they progressed to the league phase for the first time in their history.
They are in Slovenia to take on the Celje side who defeated Rovers. Their manager is former Liverpool defender Albert Riera and it will be interesting to see if he gets on better with Joey O’Brien than Bradley on the touchline. Both games kick off at 8pm and are televised live on Premier Sports.
