From the Over 36s game at St Michael’s on Sunday Nov 2, 2015 – Courtesy of Eoin Sweeney

• 7-0 win is seventh in row for Rocks Women
• Hat tricks for Ferraro & Hennessy in rout
• Riley on song in Over 30s victory
• Impressive Rocks 1960 back to winning ways
• Reserves hammer Rovers, firsts take valuable three points

Free-scoring Shamrocks Women paid tribute to their absent marathon-running coach Paddy Geraghty by firing seven goals without reply past Manhattan Kickers at East River Park on Sunday morning.

It was a stunning way to round out the Fall segment of their league campaign before a return to cup games over the next two weekends. The Shamrocks will be divisional leaders going into the Spring and are also still going strong in two cup competitions.

The Shamrocks Women’s team pictured prior to their 7-0 win over Manhattan Kickers.

This 7-0 win was their seventh success in a row in all competitions and it was inspired by a pair of hat tricks from midfield dynamo Teresa Ferraro (pictured below left) and the top scorer at the club, Sinead Hennessy (pictured below right) who now has 11 goals to her name. Jackie Pounder also got on the score sheet for the league leaders.

“We had a great performance against a good team,” said co-player/manager Tricia Reed. “We scored some excellent goals and we created a lot of chances too. It was a big bonus to keep a clean sheet as well. Perfect Sunday!”

Meanwhile, the Shamrocks Reserves were winning 5-0 against NYC Rovers at Brooklyn’s Bush Terminal Park when the under strength home side were further depleted by injuries, forcing the abandonment of the game at half-time.

Stevie Doyle’s men go joint top of the division now, level on points with Lansdowne who have a game in hand.

Shamrocks got off to a blistering start with a fine low drive from Isaac Hidalgo after five minutes. Darren Coleman made it two after ten minutes, continuing his impressive run of scoring this season. Mohamed Fofana added to the scoring with a penalty after fifteen minutes. Leo Nizzi made it four nil after twenty minutes and Paul McDaid finishes out the scoring with a tap in from five yards to add to his impressive brace last week.

“Very happy to have gotten a win today as we knew it was going to be a difficult game,” said coach Stevie Doyle. “We are looking forward to what is gonna be another tough game next week.”

Braden Ruddy scored and had two assists for Rocks 1960.

In the first team game, Shamrocks will await the league arbiter’s decision for confirmation of the result after the game did not go ahead due to a situation not in our club’s control.

In Metro 2, Rocks 1960 won 3-1 against NY Finest at St Michael’s – goals coming from Ciaran Moloney, Hughie McGowan and Braden Ruddy who also had two assists. Kevin Farrell’s impressive performance was diminished slightly by an own goal just before full-time.

“This was easily our finest performance of the season,” said coach Andy Connolly. “The lads clicked and we played some incredible football. The only blemish was the failure to keep a clean sheet but that was unlucky and it arrived at the very end. Very happy overall”

Meanwhile, Paddy Mc Carry’s Over 30s champions and league leaders beat Guyana Veterans 4-1 in Randall’s Island in a tough tussle that ended with a valuable win for the Rocks.

Sean Riley’s hat trick included a second half penalty which all but saw off the potent Guyana threat while Tayfun Gokmen’s cracking long range goal just before half-time handed momentum back to the Rocks at a crucial point.

“It was a massive effort by all involved,” said Paddy Mc Carry. “We’re extremely happy with the three points. Guyana will beat a lot of teams in this league.”

Shamrocks Legends were unlucky in a 1-0 loss to SC Gjoa in the Over 36s division. On the bright side, their new set of jerseys sponsored by Joe Connolly and Solas Electrical were unveiled and worn for the first time. Thank you Joe for your support!

From left to right, Eoin Sweeney (Shamrocks Legends assistant coach), Joe Connolly (Solas Electrical and Legends goalkeeper), Emmett Harvey (Shamrocks Legends coach), Sean Mc Mullan (Club President) and his son Henry.

It’s marathon Sunday in New York and it will be a busy one for the Shamrocks too with games in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan where the day will begin early for the women’s team.

Struggling Manhattan Kickers will host the Rocks at 9am in East River Park but player/c0-manager Tricia Reed will be taking nothing for granted as the league leading women in green bid to extend their winning streak to seven games.

“We had a good training session on Tuesday to tighten things up on defense,” said Reed, “so hopefully we can keep a clean sheet on Sunday. A good win means we will go into the winter break as league leaders so the incentive is there.”

Meanwhile, in the first division of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League, fourth-placed Shamrocks face another crucial match-up when they travel to Brooklyn to take on NYC Rovers (Bush Terminal Piers Park – 2pm).

Held at home last week by a dogged CPR outfit, Kevin Grogan’s first team are a point ahead of their following two November opponents in the league, NY Athletic Club and Manhattan Celtic, who face each other on Sunday at Travers Island.

Rovers, meanwhile, are having a tough campaign so far, bottom of the table without a victory and having lost to Celtic and Polonia in their previous two games.

“We have had a good week’s training,” Grogan told NYShamrockSC.com. “We have worked on a few things. The players look focused and hungry for the weekend.”

The reserves game – kicking off at 12pm – also has a lot riding on it with both teams tied in third on 12 points. Rovers are in flying form, coming into this one with four victories on the bounce.

With a few new faces added to his squad, reserves boss Stevie Doyle is hoping last week’s battling 3-1 win against CPR will kickstart a good run.

“This is our toughest test of the season but I am looking forward to what should be a cracking game,” said Doyle. “Both teams have only lost one game so far so I’m predicting it will be a close encounter.

“I’m very proud of the team’s performance last week under difficult circumstances but we showed great character and toughness to take all three points. Darren Coleman has been the stand out player this season with his scoring abilities and hit the net again as he has from the get go.

“Paul McDaid hit a brace and he has been in very good form lately. We also welcome back Brendan Lane to the fray who brings quality to the side and Nikle Guzijan returns too although he is not 100%. Our new signings Rory O’Leary, Gary Madden and Gary Dunne have all fit in so well already which is always a big plus.”

A depleted Over 30s team will face Guyana Veterans in Randalls Island 90 at 1pm with Paddy Mc Carry’s league leaders bidding to maintain a three-point gap over CPR Old Boys at the top.

Guyana have won three in a row and beat Nieuw Amsterdam 3-2 last week to move them to third, keeping them within four points of the Rocks.

“Sunday’s game is very important – first v third,” said coach Paddy Mc Carry. “We are missing five players for this game so the squad will be used to the fullest on Sunday. But we will still have a very strong 11 out there and I expect to go there and take the three points.

“But no doubt this is a massive game. You must beat the teams up near the top in this league. If you want to be champions, it’s all about consistency.”

Meanwhile, Shamrocks 1960 will be hoping to bounce back from their 2-0 loss to New York United when they face NY Finest at St Michael’s on Sunday at 1pm.

NY Finest have won just won game from their four so far this year but 1960 gaffer Andy Connolly is focused on getting his own side back to winning ways.

“We’ve witnessed defeat now and found it be an entirely unedifying experience,” said Connolly. “The whole squad is galvanized in its determination to return to the glorious path of victory this Sunday. We will offer a display of football to match our off-pitch hyperbole”

The Legends will play three-win SC Gjoa in the curtain raiser at St Michaels at 11am. This will be a special occasion due to the launch of their new set of jerseys sponsored by Joe Connolly and Solas Electric.

“We are looking forward to this one,” said coach Emmett Harvey. “Unfortunately we are still carrying some key injuries and we’ll be missing the likes of Ducky Kelly, Justin Stanford, Ger Shivnan and Tyrone Kent. But we’ll approach the game positively and hopefully we can get a result.”

• Four October victories for Shamrocks Women and Over 30s
• First team held at home by CPR
• McDaid’s wonder goal pushes reserves to win

It has been a flawless October for both the Shamrocks Women and the Over 30s, league leaders in their respective divisions and winning every game this past month.

The women’s team are now on a six-game winning streak going into November after Sunday’s 4-1 win over title rivals NYC United at New Utrecht.

The club’s joint top scorer, Sinead Hennessy, was on the mark once again, brining her total to eight for the season. Jackie Pounder added a pair of goals while Jarielle Uter scored her first of the season to clinch the three points for the in-form Rocks.

“We had a passing game that was unstoppable yesterday,” said delighted co-player/manager Tricia Reed.

“October has been a beautiful month for us, and the hard work from the ladies and coaches has brought the success it deserves.”

Hennessy now shares the title of club’s leading scorer with Tayfun Gokmen whose two goals on Sunday – one in each half – helped the Shamrocks Over 30s grind out a 3-2 win over a good Greek Americans outfit.

Gokmen’s goals were all about pace and precision, scoring from the edge of the box both times, while Shawn Baron scrambled home the second just before half-time in what was a deserved win that extends the lead at the top to three points ahead of next Sunday’s crucial clash against Guyana Veterans.

“They made it very difficult for us,” said coach Paddy Mc Carry. “So I’m relieved to get the win and finish October with a 100% record. That keeps us clear at the top but there are plenty hard games to come.”

Meanwhile, in Division 1 of the Cosmopolitan Soccer league, Santiago Rigby scored once again
as the Shamrocks dropped two points in a 1-1 draw with CPR Whites at St Michaels on Sunday.

CPR were down to ten men after half an hour, their center back handed a straight red for a professional foul.

But the Rocks could not capitalize and went a goal behind with 20 minutes to go, a 20- yard free kick outfoxing keeper Franck Tsasse.

The Rocks rallied, however, and drew level with 15 minutes to go after a great move involving several Rocks players and a Chris Burns assist which freed up Rigby to fire home low.

“Our concentration levels could have been better today,” said coach Kevin Grogan. “That led to too many mistakes on the ball which made it an extremely frustrating game.

“We got a point though and it will count when all is said and done. We need to regroup now and work hard this week in training. The biggest game of the season for us is next Sunday.”

In the curtain raiser, Stevie Doyle’s reserves got back to winning ways with an excellent 3-1 victory.

Darren Coleman opened the scoring early with a superb low volley that arrowed home just inside the right hand post.

A moment of magic from Paul McDaid made it 2-1 midway through the second half after CPR had leveled just after half-time.

Paul McDaid’s overhead bicycle kick was the highlight of the day for the club. Picture: Dennis Schneider

McDaid’s overhead volley from the right went over the hapless keeper and into the far corner, a goal of the season contender.

McDaid made sure of the points with a late tap-in, delighting coach Doyle who himself played like a young fella in the center of the park.

“I’m delighted with the result,” said the Dubliner. “We had three new players starting today and they all acquitted themselves extremely well. They were a decent side but we were well on top by the end.”

Meanwhile, Shamrocks 1960 were beaten 2-0 by New York Utd in a Metro 2 clash in Brooklyn.

“Conditions were tough and they frustrated our efforts,” said coach Andy Connolly. “It’s a setback but we’ll work hard this week and try to get things back on track.”

Elsewhere, the Legends were beaten 2-0 by Manhattan Celtic at Randalls Island in the Over 36 Division.

“Another strong performance but we came up short,” said Emmett Harvey. “Credit to Manhattan Celtic, they took their chances. I would single out Conal Molloy for man of the match.”

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.”