Scotty Shevlin received a rapturous standing ovation at the Shamrocks End-of-Season Awards last weekend on an enjoyable evening at the Astoria World Manor.

The former club president was the Guest of Honor for the club’s annual event and he recalled his two decades at the helm in a speech that was received very well by the 160 players and supporters in attendance.

Johner Guildea introduced the popular Scottish man who served in Vietnam and still plays an active part in his community.

“I’ll always be very grateful for my time spent on the Shamrocks committee,” said Shevlin. “People like Mick Haley, Johner Guildea, Paul Wilson, Kevin McPartland and so many more. They are friends and we share many great memories.”

Scotty also paid his respects to the great Robbie Walsh who was a player and a coach for much of his time in charge.

Saturday began with a very successful soccer match honoring the beloved Rock who passed away in November; the first annual Robbie Walsh Exhibition Game which paired two teams of Shamrocks Legends selected by Eoin Sweeney and Emmett Harvey.

Two goals from Dave Harvey won the game for the Whites, the enjoyable encounter ending 2-1 but played in very good spirits.

The evening ended much as the day began with Sweeney brought to the stage to accept the Robbie Walsh Award for club person of the year, a nomination which caught the Kerryman off guard.

“Robbie was a great human being and he meant a lot to the Shamrocks,” said Sweeney in an emotional acceptance speech. “I love you Robbie and I love this club.”

Meanwhile, in one of the other stand out moments of the night Suzanne Mills, receiving her honorary lifetime membership, called on her fellow 1960s Shamrocks to join her on the stage for a rendition of their fight song.

Suzanne told those gathered that she had been dared to try and join the club as a fully fledged member 50 years ago almost to the day but was turned down by what was then a men’s only club.

“I’m very happy to see the women’s team do so well,” she said adding, “it just goes to show… if you live long enough, you get what you want!”

Players of the year were also honored with Giuseppe Barone (first team), Darren Coleman (reserves), Johnny McGeeney (Over 30s), Mick McAnea (1960), Eoghan McParland (legends), Teresa Ferarro (Women A) and Sam Horvath (Women B) all taking the top honors.

Wheeler (top scorer) and Jackie Gawne (top defender) were also both recognized for league honors on behalf of the New York Metropolitan Women’s Soccer League.

Top goalcorers were Kwesi Mills-Odoi (first team, 8 goals), Sean O’Neill (reserves, 15 goals), Johnny McGeeney (Over 30s, 29 goals), Dave Harvey (1960, 12 goals), Karol Hughes (legends, 14 goals), Chloe Wheeler (Women A, 18 goals) and Cassie Esposito (Women B, 10 goals).

Host for the evening, Sinéad Hennessy did not get away lightly, being presented with a bouquet of flowers by banquet chairperson Aoife West and fellow committee member Tricia Geraghty, the popular club secretary and women’s team player bidding farewell ahead of a move to Seattle.

“It was a very enjoyable evening,” said West. “A lot of work went into this and I want to thank all those who helped and all those who sponsored our journal and the event as a whole. In particular, the Courtyard Ale House, GTI, Solas Electrical, Seven Nation Food and Spear Physiotherapy.”