A return to league action this Sunday for all teams with Central Park Rangers visiting St Michael’s for the big game of the weekend (kick-off 1pm).

Kevin Grogan has strengthened his squad with the signing of Kevin McPhilips whose father Tommy played for the Rocks for many seasons.

Thank you to Eltin Colma for providing the following two team photos – Tommy McPhilips is standing at the back row of this first one taken in 1989, second from right next to Mr Colman himself!

And here is Tommy holding the football, front center. Photo taken in 1986.

The Shamrocks are joint fourth after four games – level with Manhattan Celtic and United FC – while CPR are mired at the foot of Division 1.

Not that Grogan will be taking any chances as he welcomes back four key players who missed last Sunday’s cup win against the Irish Rovers.

Top scorer Christian Uy, full back Laurie Child (pictured), midfielder Sean Doran and Cameroonian shot stopper Frankie Tsasse are all available for selection while Lee Toland will just miss out, flying back in to New York from a trip home to Derry on Sunday.

“I’m delighted to have signed Kevin,” said Grogan. “Tommy is part of the Shamrocks lore and many supporters will remember him. Kevin has one of the best left foots in the country and has good experience at this level.

“We are looking forward to the challenge on Sunday. Every week, we are learning more and more and we are going through multiple emotions which is important in terms of growing as a team.”

CPR have yet to win this season, losing 3-1 to champions Lansdowne two weeks ago and exiting the State Cup last weekend at the hands of LISFL side East Hampton.

Their reserves have faired a little better, winning two of their four league games and also coming into this weekend on the back of a 2-0 State cup win over Pancyprians.

Rocks reserves coach Stevie Doyle is keen to atone for last week’s heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Irish Rovers.

“This is sure to be a tough game,” he said. “We are looking to bounce back after a tough loss in the State Cup last week. We have couple of injuries but I’m looking forward to what should be a close game.”

Meanwhile, in Metro 2, league leading Shamrocks 1960 face winless New York United in Red Hook Field at 11am.

“We will be taking this team as seriously as we do every team,” said coach Andy Connolly. “We really want to get some momentum going but it’s always a tough trip down to Brooklyn so we’ll be leaving nothing to chance.”

The Rocks Over 30s and Legends will be playing side-by-side at Randalls Island on Sunday morning at 8am in a unique clash of games.

Paddy Mc Carry’s league champion Over 30s have only lost once in their last 23 league games and enjoy a two-point lead in first place. They will take on the winless Greek Americans on Randalls 75 with a view to keeping that incredible streak going strong.

“We are very familiar with the Greeks,” said Mc Carry. “We beat them four years ago in the final but they always make life very difficult for us. It will be a fast-paced, hard-hitting game but we will be looking to remain top of the league with another three points. I have a strong squad to pick from and I want to keep our very good run going.”

Meanwhile, next door on Field 74, the Legends have their first ever Irish derby with a game against Manhattan Celtic Masters.

“It should be an enjoyable one,” said coach Emmett Harvey. “We performed very well last Sunday and we definitely deserved a win so I’m hoping we bring that attitude into what will be a big game for us.”

In the Women’s Metro League, NYC United will be attempting to bring a halt to the astonishing winning streak of the Rocks who are joint top of Division B (New Utrecht – 1.30pm).

“This is the biggest game we have left before the Winter break,” said coach Paddy Geraghty.

“Another win will start to separate us from a couple of other teams at the top. Hopefully we get another performance like our last two games and we have a great chance.”

• Four teams move on to next round of State Cup
• Penalty shoot out wins for firsts and Over 30s
• Women win again – five-in-a-row for the Rocks

The Shamrocks advanced to the next round of the Manning Cup after a fortunate and hard fought penalty shoot win over the Irish Rovers at St Michaels on Sunday afternoon.

Santiago Rigby scored twice in regular time to earn the home team a battling 2-2 draw against a very tough Rovers outfit for whom Isaiah Marshall and Rafael Carpes netted.

The Rocks were reduced to ten men at half-time after Joey Zorbo went down injured while Joe Connolly limped to the end on a sprained ankle.

It was a dramatic shoot out which the Rocks won 4-3 after one round of sudden death thanks to successful strikes from Stuart Colbert, Chuong Tran, Zach Gosse and Anthony Tagliaferri who scored the clincher. New goalkeeper Gavin Joyce saved the third Rovers penalty after Rigby sent his over the bar.

“As Alex Ferguson said after the Champions League final in 1999, ‘Football, bloody hell’,” reflected delighted coach Kevin Grogan after the game.

“I said to the players before the penalties that whatever happens, it was irrelevant as they played with such heart, passion and pride.

“These are the traits of the Shamrocks. We had 10 men for nearly the full game and at the end we had nine.

“I’m just so happy these players played for the club and the history of the club the way they did. That’s the foundation.”

Grogan praised man of the match debutant Darren Freeman from Monaghan who impressed in midfield for the Rocks.

“What a debut,” said Grogan. “He stepped up to the plate big time. You can now argue he can be a Shamrocks great if he applies himself.”

In the D’Arpino Cup, meanwhile, the reserves were knocked out in heartbreaking fashion when Rovers player Michael Henry scored with the last kick of the game to win 3-2.

Paul McDaid and Darren Coleman brought the Rocks level twice but the visitors won it at the death as Stevie Doyle’s men tried to push for a winner against the ten men of the visitors.

“Very disappointing ,” said Doyle. “We were on top and controlling it so it was a shame to concede on the break and lose in that manner. We’ll focus on the league now but this certainly hurts.”

It was a great start to the day for the Rocks at what was a battle of league champions in Adelphi University.

A penalty shootout victory against Polet in the Over 30s Marth Cup after a 1-1 draw in normal time sent Paddy Mc Carry’s men through to the second.

Polet started strong and took the lead after half an hour courtesy of a good move down the right.

But the Shamrocks settled and Sean Riley scored in the second half after a great clearance by Dominick McCartan.

Billy Hole’s penalty was the decisive strike in a 4-3 outcome Polet hit the post with their first effort while the other Rocks scorers were Paddy Geraghty, Sean Riley and Bingo O’Driscoll.

(Thanks to Keith Buckley for the following videos)

“Today was all about heart and not giving up,” said coach Paddy Mc Carry. “Once we got the goal, I knew this bunch of players would win it against a great team. They are a credit to our club.”

In the Strumpf Cup, Dave Harvey was the game winner in a 1-0 win over Homenetmen at Randalls Island.

“They were a tough to play against,” said coach Andy Connolly. “We could have scored a few more and deserved to but we’ll take the win and move on.”

In the late game, Nieuw Amsterdam beat the Shamrocks Legends 1-0 at Pier 40.

In the Women’s State Cup, the Shamrocks were 6-1 winners over Appletown at New Utrecht, bringing their winning streak to five games in a row.

Christina Beck scored twice including the opener while Jackie Pounder made it 2-0 before half-time. Anastasia Hagan, top scorer Sinead Hennessy (now on seven for the season) and Colleen Cavanagh (her first for the club) all netted in the second half.

“Great team performance where everyone contributed,” said coach Paddy Geraghty. “We have outscored teams 13-1 in the second half of games this season so the hard training sessions speak for themselves.”

Are you Over 36 and looking to get back into soccer?

The NY Shamrocks Legends team is looking for experienced players who are available to play on Sundays.

The Legends have begun their season well in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League and are looking to add to their squad.

Anyone interested, please contact the club – NYShamrockSC@gmail.com

The NY Shamrocks Women’s team went top of the Metro Women’s League Division B after a superb come-from-behind 2-1 victory over previous leaders NYC Sirens at Pier 40 late on Sunday night.

Sinead Hennessy found the net once again – her sixth goal of the season – to bring the Rocks level at 1-1 early in the second half. And they deservedly took the lead when Jackie Pounder scored a rocket to the top corner, clinching the three points in fitting fashion.

“The effort in training really showed,” said delighted coach Paddy Geraghty. “We dominated the second half. Our new signings played a massive part, and we deserve to be top of the league from all of the hard work which started on the first day of preseason.”

Meanwhile, in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League Division 1, a talented FC Everton Westchester side handed the Shamrocks their first defeat of the season, winning 3-0 at St Michaels on Sunday.

It was the first time in four games that Kevin Grogan’s men had conceded and in spite of a good first half performance, they found themselves 1-0 down at the break.

Westchester showed their class in the second hafl adding two well worked goals before an unfortunate collision caused the game to be held up for 15 minutes. Rocks defender Laurie Child was hospitalized after a collision but was released Sunday night after a scan came back all clear. Our thoughts are with him and we look forward to his return to action when ready.

“Regardless of the result, I was actually happy with our players,” said Grogan. “They showed a lot of maturity against a team that will be competing to win the league.

“Our work ethic was very good and as always that’s a minimum requirement. We have lots to learn but we are showing a lot of good traits.”

It was a tough start to the day for the reserves too – missing a few key men, they were soundly beaten 5-1 by Westchester in the curtain raiser.

Colum Mc Comish’s late penalty was the sole consolation for Stevie Doyle’s side.

The Over 30s continued their good run with a 3-0 win in an Irish derby against Manhattan Celtic Bhoys meaning the Rocks will go into their State Cup game away to Polet as league leaders.

The Rocks were ahead after ten minutes when Sean Riley brilliantly set up Shawn Baron at the far post, Baron rifling low and hard to the far left hand corner.

Played in tough conditions, the Rocks eventually doubled their lead just after the hour mark when captain Alex Berne finished brilliantly from a Riley pass.

Top scorer Tayfun Gokmen had the chance to extend his overall tally but missed a 70th minute penalty. Danny Parkin then opened his account for the season soon after, scoring yet another wonder goal free kick to seal the three points.

“It was a great result today,” said coach Paddy Mc Carry. “It was a real battle in the first half. Our back line were brilliant as was our keeper Sean Mc Mullan. It was a great squad effort and all round we’re very happy.”

The Legends were unlucky early on Sunday morning, dominating the game but going down 1-0 to CPR Legends at Randalls Island.

“We really put in a great performance,” said coach Emmett Harvey. “I’m very proud of the team. We had so much possession but just couldn’t finish.”

The unbeaten Shamrocks will face their strongest opponents yet when Division 1 hopefuls Everton FC Westchester Eagles visit St Michaels on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 1pm).

Both teams dropped points for the first time last weekend ensuring a tie in second place along with champions Lansdowne Bhoys who are also on two wins and a draw.

Westchester have only conceded once – last week’s 1-1 draw away to NYC Rovers – while September brought wins over NY Athletic Club and Central Park Rangers Whites.

Chris Burns will return this weekend for the first team. Picture: Dennis Schneider

“It’s the toughest game of the season against a team that are in the top three in the league and are title contenders,” said coach Kevin Grogan. “One of their players Bljedi Bardic has been training with NYCFC’s first team so that’s the level we will have to deal with.

“They wont like playing us though, nobody will. We are an honest team finding our feet in this extremely hard league.”

Key players Laurie Child (illness) and Chris Burns (away) both make welcome returns to action while Uruguayan playmaker Santiago Rigby is also back after injury.

Grogan also reacted to the big news that long time rivals from the Long Island League, the Irish Rovers, would be the visitors for next week’s State Cup Round One.

“It’s a pay-per-view cup tie!” said Grogan. “There is a lot of history between the clubs. Ultimately our focus is on the league but it will be a nice chance for us to rotate our squad and try to compete against a good Irish Rovers team.”

Reserves coach Stevie Doyle will be leaving nothing to chance against winless Westchester, meanwhile, and will be boosted by the return of captain Shane Moore (kick-off 11am).

The reserves have won three from three, joint top of the division with NY Athletic Club and Lansdowne Bhoys.

With Shamrocks 1960 on a bye weekend due to the withdrawal of Grenadier Zenith, there are only five games this weekend.

Rob Gaynor has been solid at the back for the reserves who have kept two clean sheets in a row. Picture: Dennis Schneider

“It’s a really tough fixture even though we have gotten off to a good start,” said Doyle. “We have very a tight defense marshaled by Rob Gaynor and the goalscoring from Darren Coleman has been key but we have to remain focused on the game in hand. We also have couple of injuries leading up to the game but we will be pleased to have Shane back in the fold.”

League leading Shamrocks Over 30s are away to Manhattan Celtic Bhoys (Randall’s Island 45 – 4pm) who haven’t won since their opening day victory against basement dwellers Barnstonworth Rovers Old Boys.

But Paddy Mc Carry will be taking nothing for granted Sunday, aiming for nothing short of three points before teams head into State Cup action. (The Over 30s will travel to LISFL champions NY Polet – location and time to be decided)

“I’m expecting another tough game against Celtic,” said Mc Carry. “It’s an Irish derby and they will have some very good players and will want to win it. I have a strong panel for Sunday so we are in good shape. It’s all about the three points. I want to be top of the league going into our State Cup game.”

Having won their first game of the season last weekend in fine style, the Legends will hope to make it two from two in October when they take on Central Park Rangers at Randall’s Island 10 on Sunday morning (kick-off 10am).

“We’re looking forward to this won,” said assistant coach Donal ‘Ducky’ Kelly. “We beat CPR in our first pre-season friendly but they are vastly improved. They are top of the table with four wins so we have to be aiming to compete and we won’t be looking past them.”

Meanwhile in the Women’s Metro League, the Shamrocks face a daunting task against league leaders NYC Sirens who are point ahead of the Rocks in Division B.

It’s a late kick off for the team with three wins in a row, the game starting at 9pm in Pier 40. But co-player/manager Erin Cullen is looking forward to bringing their best squad yet into action after two more additions this week.

“We are excited to see how all of our strongest players work together on the pitch for the first time,” said Cullen.

“We are without our starting goalie Jessica Kambic this week, so we’ll be working to dominate possession for the entirety of the game.”

Two Irish derbies beckon in the State Cup after the draws were made over the weekend.

The Irish Rovers will form the opposition for both our firsts and reserves in the Manning and D’Arpino Cups respectively.

Both games will take place on Sunday Oct 18 at St Michael’s (1pm and 11am respectively).

Meanwhile, the Over 30s face a daunting Marth Cup trip to the Long Island champions NY Polet (time and location to be confirmed).

Shamrocks 1960 have been drawn away to Metro 2 West side Homenetmen of NY in the Strumpf Cup while the Legends will play at Nieuw Amsterdam in the Marth Cup. Times and locations of both these games is also yet to be confirmed.

• Legends clinch first win
• Firsts held scoreless at Polonia
• Reserves, Over 30s move top
• Women win again

It was a historic day for the Shamrocks Legends who recorded their first win of the season at St Michaels on Sunday morning.

Two goals from Ger Shivnan and a great strike by Eddie Gilmartin earned a 3-2 result over in-form Eintracht.

Eddie Gilmartin (left) and Ger Shivnan were on target for the Shamrocks Legends on Sunday. Picture: John Riordan

Those goals had the home side 3-1 ahead by the half and they battled to hold on throughout the second half.

It fell to newly signed goalkeeper Ruairi O’Neill to produce the late heroics when he saved a penalty with ten minutes to go to preserve the three points.

“Tremendous result by our lads,” said assistant manager Eoin Sweeney.

“We knew this win was coming because we’ve deserved more from our previous games. It’s great for the confidence and we’ll try to kick on from here now.”

Meanwhile, the Shamrocks first team was unluckily denied a third win in a row, held scoreless at Polonia on Sunday afternoon at Randall’s Island in what was a key Division 1 clash for Kevin Grogan’s men.

It was a hard fought point and even though Polonia were reduced to nine men in the dying minutes, the weakened Rocks couldn’t find a way snatch victory.

“Extremely frustrating game,” said coach Kevin Grogan. “We didn’t play football in the way we should be playing.

“We missed a few players through illness so we were forced to change our system.

“Ultimately though we got a point and at times we could have lost the game. A point is a point. Back to work this Tuesday in training.”

The reserves won by the slimmest of margins in the curtain raiser thanks to a first half Paul McDaid goal which arrived 20 mins into the game after he was set up by a Brendan Lane Darren Coleman one-two.

Paul McDaid, last season’s top scorer for the reserves, grabbed his first of this season in the 1-0 win over Polonia. Picture: Dennis Schneidler

Stevie Doyle’s under strength line-up held on throughout a hard fought second half and deservedly clinched all three points.

“We did not play at all,” said Doyle. “The players know we have to improve and we’ll try and bring a better performance to next weekend’s game against Westechester.”

The Over 30s enjoyed a 6-2 win over Nieuw Amsterdam on Sunday evening to move top of the league.

Paddy Geraghty scored his first goal since returning to the Rocks, opening the scoring after 20 minutes.

Top scorer Tayfun Gokmen scored a hat trick in the space of ten minutes before the break, bringing his season’s tally to six.

Second half goals from Tomas Maher and Andy Horan rounded off Paddy Mc Carry’s return to the sideline in emphatic fashion.

“Great to be back and a fantastic win,” said Mc Carry. “We played some good football and we’ll just have to keep pressing on now.”

Shamrocks 1960 were held to a 2-2 draw at home by AO Brooklyn. Ciaran Moloney scored twice in the first half but Brooklyn battled back in after the break to take a point away from the game.

“We did well in the first half but we fell asleep after half-time and that’s a pity,” said Andy Connolly. “We’re still top of the league so we’ll just pick it up again at training this week and go from there.”

Earlier on Sunday at Randalls Island, there was a 2-1 win for the women’s team over Astoria, their third win in a row.

First half goals from Sinead Hennessy and Anastasia Hagan decided the game early but Astoria rallied late to narrow the margin after a terrible injury was suffered by club legend Teresa Brink.

The Shamrocks women’s team that overcame Astoria on Sunday. Picture: John Riordan

“A great result considering we had some injuries and played on a very small field which didn’t suit us,” said coach Paddy Geraghty.

“We wish Teresa a speedy recovery and hope to have her back at practice soon because it’s her favorite thing in the world.”

Everyone at the Shamrocks echo those sentiments. Get well soon Teresa!