The NY Shamrocks Soccer Club is mourning the passing of founding member and past president John McCrosson this week.

John (pictured below right) passed away on Tuesday after a long illness. He was a proud veteran of the US Navy, a past treasurer of the County Tipperary Association of New York and a retired member of Local 3 IBEW.

John is survived by his devoted brothers Matthew and Thomas. He also leaves behind seven nieces and nephews as well as twelve grandnieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Ave., Bronx, NY on Sunday, April 7th, from 4-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 8th at 9:45 a.m. at St. Margaret of Cortona Church, 6000 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, New York. Interment Calverton National Cemetery.

Meanwhile, we are pleased to announce that Leo O’Connor and Osman Aydemir will line out for Shamrocks’s Legends against the Manchester United Legends XI for the Robbie Walsh Memorial Exhibition Game at Gaelic Park on Saturday June 22.

Ozzie was a teammate and good friend of Robbie Walsh in the 2000’s and currently resides in Philadelphia. He was a hard working midfielder who loved a tackle and scored more than his share of goals. He was very upset when Brazil beat Turkey in the 2002 World Cup semi final and wants to ask Kleberson a few questions about that so he can finally get closure.

Leo was also a good friend and teammate of Robbie and has been involved with the Shamrocks for almost 20 years. He started out as a forward, then played midfield, now he’s a center back. He’s aware of what comes next and is already shopping for gloves. Leo is looking forward to playing against ex-Ireland international Frank Stapleton, and says he’ll mark him out of the game. We shall see.

WEEKEND PREVIEW

CSL JOHN KILBY CUP QUARTER-FINAL (LEAGUE CUP)
FC Ulqini v Shamrocks (Greenbelt Recreational Center, Staten Island, 1pm)
D’ARPINO CUP SEMI-FINAL (RESERVES STATE CUP)
Shamrocks Reserves v Pancyprians Reserves (Frank Principe Park, 1pm)
OVER 30s LEAGUE CUP QUARTER-FINALS
Manhattan Kickers Premier v Shamrocks Over 30s (Randalls Island 74, 10am)
Shamrocks Legends v Manhattan Celtic Bhoys (Randalls Island 91, 4pm)
WOMEN’S STATE CUP SEMI-FINAL
NY Magic Reserves v Shamrocks Green (East 6th St 11am)

On the field this weekend, it’s all cup action with a mix of State Cup and League Cup games keeping the Rocks busy.

Shamrocks Green have a Women’s State Cup semi-final against defending champions NY Magic Reserves at East 6th St (kick-off 11am).

“It’ll be a very tough game but we got a good look at them in our draw last weekend,” said Geraghty.

“We learned a few things so hopefully we can improve. We have played two hard games since the start of the spring season and that’ll work to our advantage. They are still probably favorites but if we play well then we have a good chance.”

The defending CSL League Cup champions will look to move on to the semi-finals when Kevin Grogan’s first team travel to Staten Island for a 1pm kick-off against FC Ulqini.

“This is such an important and difficult game for us,” said Grogan.

“But if we maintain our attitude, discipline and concentration levels from last week, we have a good chance to win because we have very good players. We need to start the game with the correct approach.”

A June final is on the line for the reserves who face a State Cup semi-final against Pancyprians, a team they beat 4-0 in the league last Saturday.

“As I’ve mentioned so many times before there are no easy games in this league,” said coach Dan Meola.

“This is even more true in knockout games such as this where anything can happen. The lads have been playing at an incredibly high level all season. Having just played Pancyprians, this must be an occasion where all 18 come ready to give everything.”

Elsewhere, there are two games in the Over 30s League Cup. The Shamrocks Over 30s take on Manhattan Kickers Premier at Randalls Island 74 at 10am looking to bounce back from their loss against Pancyprians.

“We’re looking forward to this,” said Mc Mullan. “This will be our first time trying to win a League Cup at this level.”

And the Legends have a tough task when they take on Manhattan Celtic Bhoys in the final game of the day, a 4pm kick-off at Randalls Island 91.

“We have a few injuries and a few players missing,” said player coach John Riordan.

“We will look to enjoy the game and try to see what we can get out of it. They are a level or two above us but that’s the nature of this competition. It gives us a break from the league before a very important phase of games.”