Sunday will see the commencement of the new season with Paddy Geraghty’s men’s first team and Rob O’Neill’s Reserves lining out against Kelmendi FC at Roosevelt Island’s Octagon (kick off 10am and 12pm).

“It’s great to be back playing,” said newly installed club president and first team gaffer Geraghty.

“Our committee has been working hard to facilitate a safe return and currently we can accommodate up to 90 players on our men’s teams. We are also close to getting our women’s teams back on the field so hopefully we can finalize details on that next week.  

“Securing Roosevelt Island as our home field allows us to ensure all safety protocols will be met as well as providing a local venue for supporters to watch games. Special thanks must go to Sean O’Neill who worked diligently behind the scenes to help ensure we would be able to compete in the CSL this Fall. We hope to see some familiar faces on Sunday.”

The Shamrocks defense, shorn of talismanic defender Stu Colbert, will have to be at their best against the free-scoring Albanians. Geraghty can, however, rely on the experience of Larry Slaughter, John McAleenan and the returning Charlie O’Loughlin to marshal the back line.

On the other side of the field Geraghty will have an exciting attack with goal threats throughout the midfield and forwards in players such as Darren Coleman, Joey Aronovsky, Chris Uy and Kurt Cameron.

“We are looking forward to Sunday’s game,” he added.

“We have a strong squad that has been together for a while and the pre-season has gone well. We welcome back Charlie O’Loughlin, a direct replacement for Stuart Colbert, who we wish well after his recent surgery.  Our new players including Reed Williams, Kyle Perno, Jared Gilbey, and Aidan Haas have shown well in training and will improve the depth of our squad.  We can’t wait to get started.”

Rob O’Neill’s reserves take the field against Kelmendi FC NY Reserve who are newcomers to the division and will be something of an unknown quantity. O’Neill will have a hugely experienced squad at his disposal and they are certainly capable of mounting a title challenge.

Lastly, the club would like to wish all the very best to Mikaela Howell who has signed for Sky Blue FC who play in the National Women’s Soccer League.