Congratulations to Shamrocks Over 30s coach Paddy Mc Carry whose wife Allison gave birth to their baby daughter Grace on Thursday morning! Up The Rocks!

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WEEKEND PREVIEW

All eyes this weekend will be on the CSL Metro 2 top-of-the-table clash between Shamrocks 1960 and NY Irish SC.

The newly formed Queens Irish Derby, which takes place at Randall’s Island on Sunday afternoon at 4pm, will see the division’s two form teams go toe-to-toe in what is sure to be an exciting clash.

Robbie O’Neill’s men have won all five of their league games as well as last weekend’s State Cup first round game but the gaffer won’t be taking this contest lightly.

“Looking forward to this game against long time friends and former teammates,” said O’Neill.

“Both teams are going well – it’ll be our biggest test so far. It should be enjoyable and should be a great game.”

The 1960’s top scorer Dan Meola will have to balance playing duties with his coaching obligations as the reserves face a rescheduled game at Pancyprians in Belson Stadium later that evening (kick-off 7.30pm).

“The lads are looking forward to league action after a very nice State Cup win last Sunday,” said Meola.

“The games are coming thick and fast which bodes well for a squad looking to be more consistent in front of goal. As I’ve already said, there are no easy games in this league. Anyone can beat anyone on any given day. The players need to have the same mindset to achieve their goals and I believe they do.”

Both the first team and the Legends have bye weeks so it’ll just be a five-game Sunday which will begin early at East River Park where Shamrocks White will take on Fuel FC in a 9am kick-off.

Still without a league win, Keith Perez has urged his team to build on last Sunday’s huge State Cup success over Harps.

“We will be looking to get back in the league race with a win this weekend and I believe we can continue from the positive result in the Cup,” said Perez.

At 10am, the Shamrocks White squad will be facing rivals CPR White in a very important game that could go a long way to deciding the destiny of Division A (Randall’s Island 82).

“We have the biggest game of our season on Sunday,” said Paddy Geraghty.

“CPR are a quality side but we are looking forward to the challenge. A win puts us clear at the top so the players know what’s at stake.”

Elsewhere, Megas Alexandros will be the opponents for Shamrocks Over 30s (Van Buren HS, 10am).

“We were happy with the cup win but it’s really important to get back to league action and get our winning form going again,” said Sean Mc Mullan.

“Megas have improved a lot and we will need to be on our toes.

“More importantly, the entire squad sends its best wishes to my assistant coach Paddy, his wife Allison and their new daughter Grace. “We look forward to seeing them at a game soon along with Conor!”