It was a historic weekend for the NY Shamrocks Soccer Club with the third annual Robbie Walsh Memorial Exhibition Game bringing together the Manchester United Legends and the Shamrocks Legends at Gaelic Park on Saturday afternoon.

(You can view all the photos of the day taken by photographer Kim Kirnan at our Facebook page here and here. The banquet photos can be enjoyed here)

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Almost 1,000 watched an enjoyable game of soccer which was won by the united Legends including former Ireland international Frank Stapleton who also captained the visiting team. Three goals from Belfast’s Keith Gillespie guided United to a 9-1 win with John Riordan scoring the sole Shamrocks goal.

Founding members of the Shamrocks, Paul Cullagh, Tony Halpin and Paddy Rooney were introduced to the crowd and there were many more old friends of the club coming together to enjoy a day that will support the beginning of a Shamrocks Juniors Soccer program.

The game was followed by the club’s end of season awards banquet at which the United players were guests of honor, presenting the trophies to the winning players. The biggest cheer of the night went to the Robbie Walsh Club Person of the Year, the “Mayor of Sunnyside” Robbie O’Neill.

“The weekend was all we could have asked for,” said Paddy Geraghty who led the event committee.

“Our committee were incredible with their time and efforts while the Shamrocks players were tremendous ambassadors for our club. The Manchester United squad were brilliant. They were so accommodating with their time and really bought into what we were trying to do. Both squads bonded so quickly on Friday night that Saturday’s game felt like it was between old friends. It was a once in a lifetime experience that none of us will ever forget.”

Tommy Smyth was also on hand to provide pitch side analysis and banter and the club is extremely grateful to him for providing his time! We are also appreciative to our videographer for the day, Stephen O’Regan of The Beautiful Game NYC who shot this amazing video of the day, capturing unforgettable moments that will live long in the memory!