Solid as a Rock in important victory over NYAC

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  • First team overcomes NYAC for second win in a row
  • Grogan praises defensive display
  • Riley’s four goals inspires Over 30s
  • Another Hennessy hat trick as women fire 10 past Phoenix
  • Legends and 1960 both secure big victories

Kevin Grogan paid tribute to the one of the “best defensive performances” he has seen in years after the Shamrocks’ important 1-0 triumph over New York Athletic Club at St Michaels on Sunday.

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Kevin Grogan speaks to his players after their courageous 1-0 win at St Michaels on Sunday.

In what was a truly backs-to-the-wall performance, debutant Ateba Morgan scored early to set up a nailbiting finale.

The club’s new striker hit a stunner from distance with just ten minutes elapsed to mark his first game in green in fine style.

There were chances to extend the lead but a talented NYAC side began to take control going into the second half. However they could only muster up one second half shot of the crossbar as the Rocks back line held firm brilliantly, marshaled superbly by Zach Gosee (pictured below right), Stuart Colbert (below left) and Laurie Child.

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“It was an amazing win for us and a vital three points,” said Kevin Grogan.

“It was one of the best defensive performances I’ve seen in years. Our discipline and concentration from a defensive point of view was quality.

“On the ball we were way off but we can work on that. We have quality footballers we just need a bit more synergy on the ball. A great goal by our new signing Ateba and a real quality performance from Anthony Tagliaferri when he came on.”

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Anthony Tagliaferri praised for his display when introduced to the fray. Picture: Dennis Schneider

The Rocks now face into a two-week break but must hope injuries clear up for center back Tom Manz – who exited in the first half with a pulled quad – and Morgan – who sustained a twisted ankle in the second half.

Earlier Sunday, there was a 6-1 win for the Over 30s against Gottschee to keep the champions and league leaders ahead of Central Park Rangers Old Boys in the title race ahead of their upcoming showdown in two weeks.

Four first half goals for Sean Riley blew the opponents away to add to Gottschee’s season woes. Riley had the Rocks up after just five minutes and he turned the screw with strikes in the 20th, 30th and 40th minutes.

Danny Parkin scored the sixth after a Gottschee own goal and then the hosts finally got on the scoresheet at the death with a penalty.

“It was a good team performance to keep us top going into the next round of the State Cup,” said pleased coach Paddy Mc Carry.

“I’m delighted to see Sean Riley starting to hit top form again for us. We have two of the top strikers in this league.”

Riley is now up to 10 for the season, one ahead of his strike partner Tayfun Gokmen who captained the team for the day.

Meanwhile, it was another dominant win for the Women’s team who enjoyed a 10-0 win over Phoenix in the Division B Cup at Randalls Island.

Goals from Sinead Hennessy (three), Jackie Pounder (two), Teresa Ferraro, Paige Osborne, Christina Beck (two) and Colleen Cavanagh made it eight wins in a row for the Shamrocks who now have a tough State Cup game against NYC Magic next Sunday at St Michaels (11am).

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Pictured are two of the goal scorers, Jackie Pounder (left) and Paige Osborne.

“A great performance this week,” said coach Paddy Geraghty. “We look very dangerous going forward and we have kept two clean sheets in a row. We have a big test next week in the State Cup but we’re ready.”

Elsewhere, the Legends are back to winning ways after a 4-1 victory away to Doxa thanks to goals from Emmett Harvey, Brendan Donohue and the Angelucci brothers, Mario and Bruno.

“It was a wonderful win,” said coach Emmett Harvey. “I can’t single out any player as they all gave 100%. Every week we are playing really well and the team spirit is brilliant. We are looking forward to the next game in two weeks.”

The reserves were beaten 5-1 by their New York Athletic Club counterparts – Darren Coleman scoring a late consolation to bring his total for the season to nine.

In the late game Sunday night, Shamrocks 1960 were 6-0 winners over Metro City.

Goals from Hughie McGowan (two), Michael Kumaresan (two), Dan Meola and Braden Ruddy helped push 1960 to within a point of leaders Gotham City, their next opponents in the league.

“There is Blackpool Rock and there is Brighton Rock,” coach Andy Connolly mused cryptically. “If you bit into any part of that footballing treat on Sunday night, you’d never fail to see the indelible mark that shouted ‘Shamrocks rock’ rock.”

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Pictured above, Rocks 1960 goalscorers from left to right, Dan Meola, Hughie McGowan and Michael Kumaresan. Pictures by Braden Ruddy.

NYAC visit Rocks in crucial six-pointer

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The New York Athletic Club will be the visitors to St Michael’s on Sunday afternoon as the Shamrocks look to keep pace with the top teams in Division 1 of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League.

It will be the first of a pair of crucial league games for Kevin Grogan’s men who will have the weekend off next week due to a bye in the State Cup.

This showdown with NYAC will precede the big Irish derby with Manhattan Celtic on Saturday November 21.

NYAC drew 1-1 with Manhattan Celtic last week allowing the Rocks to move three points ahead of Sunday’s visitors pending the arbiter’s decision on NYC Rovers’ inability to field last weekend.

“We have had a good week training,” said Grogan. “We are looking forward to a massive challenge on Sunday against NYAC. It looks like we have a full 18 man squad available for Sunday which gives me a headache for selection but to succeed at this level you always need strength and depth. The subs are just as important as the starters.”

The reserves, meanwhile, are joint top of their division with Lansdowne but Stevie Doyle won’t be underestimating his players’ opponents who are just two points behind with four wins and a draw to their names.

“Last week was encouraging but we’ll have to be on our toes for this one,” said Doyle. “They’ve had some good results and we won’t have it easy at all. We’ve prepared well and we’re looking forward to it.”

The league leading Over 30s have an away game at winless BW Gottschee in Randall’s Island 7 at 10am on Sunday. The aim for Paddy Mc Carry will be to keep ahead of Central Park Rangers Old Boys who are just three points behind with a game in hand.

“We go into the game with a very strong 15 man squad and we will be looking for the three points to remain top of the table going into the state cup,” said Mc Carry. “CPR are keeping the pressure on us but if we take care of business we will remain top.”

Shamrocks 1960 coach Andy Connolly will be hoping to make it two league wins in a row when they play Metro City Fury at Randalls Island 70 on Sunday night at 9pm. The Rocks are three points behind first-placed Gotham City, their next opponents on Sunday November 22.

“Victory is intoxicating and our lads like to get drunk,” said Connolly. “So we’re hoping to taste some more of that sweet elixir of success against a formidable opposition this Sunday.”

The Legends face a tricky trip to bottom side Doxa in a 2pm kick off at Van Buren High School.

“We are going into this game full of confidence,” said coach Emmett Harvey. “Every week we are playing well but not getting the right result. The team needs a bit of consistency and if we get that we are moving in the right direction.”

The Rocks Women have completed their scheduled league games for the Fall as table toppers and will be two points clear of NYC Sirens when league games resume in the Spring. So they can now enjoy a Division B Cup game against Phoenix which takes place in Randalls Island 90 at 12pm ahead of next weekend’s State Cup game at St Michaels (11am).

“We have a tough game this week against Phoenix,” said coach Paddy Geraghty. “They will be up for it but I expect another strong performance from us. It’s a great opportunity to play in a cup semi-final if we win so we are motivated for this one.”

Magnificent seven for Rocks Women

  • 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

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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.

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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.

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“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.”

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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!

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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.

Rocks roll onwards to Rovers in Brooklyn

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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.”

Perfect October for Rocks Women & Over 30s

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

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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

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.”

Kevin McPhilps joins the Rocks, bridging gap to teams of the past

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

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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.NY Shamrocks0928

“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.”

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State Cup Round-Up – Firsts & Over 30s win on pens, Rocks women extend win streak to five

  • 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

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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.

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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.”

Irish derby showdown – Rocks and Rovers up for the Cup

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  • Shamrocks President: all welcome for “biggest club day in years”
  • Grogan’s squad relishing State Cup Irish Derby
  • Battle of league champions in Over 30s cup
  • Women’s team bid to extend winning streak

Poster State Cup game

MANNING CUP
NY Irish Rovers v Shamrocks (St Michaels – 1pm)
D’ARPINO CUP (Reserves)
Shamrocks v NY Irish Rovers (St Michaels – 11am)
STRUMPF CUP (Metro 1 & 2)
Homenetmen of NY v Shamrocks 1960 (Randalls 74 – 6pm)
MARTH CUP (Over 30s)
NY Polet v Shamrocks (Adelphi Motamed Field in Garden City – 9am)
Nieuw Amsterdam v Shamrocks Legends (Pier 40 – 7.30pm)
WOMEN’S STATE CUP
Appletown v Shamrocks (New Utrecht – 3.30pm)

Shamrocks President Sean Mc Mullan has described Sunday’s State Cup Irish Derby as potentially the biggest day for the club in years.

“We want to see as many new and old Rocks at St Michael’s on Sunday as possible,” said Mc Mullan.

“This will be a great occasion for our club and we will extend the Irish Rovers a big welcome. But we are hoping for two wins and we really hope that we get as much support as we can.”

Shamrocks coach Kevin Grogan praised the great tradition of the Rovers ahead of this highly anticipated State Cup clash.

Kevin Grogan (left) and his assistant Stevie Doyle will be hoping for two big wins over the Irish Rovers on Sunday. Picture: Dennis Schneider

Kevin Grogan (left) and his assistant Stevie Doyle will be hoping for two big wins over the Irish Rovers on Sunday. Picture: Dennis Schneider

The Irish derby between the Rocks and the Rovers hasn’t happened at the top level for several seasons and Grogan added that there was no better way to pair the two clubs than the Eastern New York State Cup.

For Grogan’s squad, it represents a good opportunity to bounce back from last weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Westchester but also a welcome break from the league campaign.

“It’s great for my players to be involved in a cup tie like this,” Grogan told NYShamrockSC.com. “These are two great organizations with a big rivalry stemming back several years.

“I’m well aware of the great work Mark Hopper and Paul McGlynn did at the Irish Rovers many years ago and now the relentless work Willie Dempsey does.”

Laurie Child will be rested after last week’s head injury while work commitments mean Franck Tsasse will be replaced in goal by new signing Gavin Joyce.

Franck Tsasse will miss Sunday's game due to work commitments. Picture Dennis Schneider

Franck Tsasse will miss Sunday’s game due to work commitments. Picture Dennis Schneider

Monaghan native Darren Freeman has also signed on for the Rocks this week, a player that will strengthen the Rocks attack.

“We will be treating this game in a very meticulous way. I’ve detailed their squad and we will have a very clear game plan. We have a few injuries but of course that allows other players to slot in and prove their worth.

“I’m very respectful of history and this game is full of history. The Shamrocks players will be made well aware of the importance of this game from a historical point of view.”

While the first team clash is technically an away game for the Rocks, the double bill was an accommodation brought about by the fact that the reserves drew Rovers at home in the D’Arpino Cup.

Reserves coach Stevie Doyle is hopeful of having a few key players return to his line-up after last week’s bruising 5-1 loss to Westchester.

“This is a good way to put that result behind us,” said Doyle. “We’ll have Darren Coleman back but unfortunately we still have a few injuries. We’ll be missing Timmy Fetherston, Jonny Hayes and Colum Mc Comish who broke his foot last Sunday.

Darren Coleman returns to the reserves forward line on Sunday.

Darren Coleman returns to the reserves forward line on Sunday.

“We want to win this one and set up the day nicely for our first team. That will be the focus and we’ll just go out and enjoy the occasion.”

Meanwhile, in the Strumpf Cup for Metro 1 and 2 teams, Homenetmen of NY will host Shamrocks 1960 at Randall’s Island 74 on Sunday evening at 6pm.

After a bye week in the league, Andy Connolly’s team remain tied for the league lead with Gotham City in Metro 2 East. Homenetmen are mired towards the bottom of Metro 2 West with just one win from four games.

“We won’t be underestimating them at all,” Connolly pointed out. “I would have preferred to have had a league game last week to keep us developing but it wasn’t to be. We’ll just have to make sure we are prepared properly to get back into the swing of things.”

The Shamrocks will have two teams in the Marth Cup for Over 30s teams for the first time ever.

And the tie of the round is surely the clash of champions in Garden City where Paddy Mc Carry’s men will visit Long Island league winners NY Polet (Adelphi University – Motamed Field – 9am).

The unbeaten Over 30s are injury free but Mc Carry will be leaving nothing to chance.

“This is a massive game for us,” he insisted. “City champs against the Long Island champs. We are in good form and will have a strong panel to pick from we are going out there to win it.

“It won’t be easy but we have players capable of beating anyone. I’m expecting an intense battle for the whole game.”

Later Sunday, the Shamrocks Legends will embark on their first ever State Cup campaign, facing Over 30s outfit Nieuw Amsterdam in Pier 40 at 7.30pm.

“We are looking forward to this game especially after putting in a really good performance last week,” said coach Emmett Harvey.

“This will be the Legends first State Cup game and hopefully we can go on a good cup run.”

Elsewhere, in the women’s State Cup, the Shamrocks will visit Appletown (New Utrecht – 3.30pm), hoping to extend their winning streak to five games, a run of victories that actually began in September with a 3-0 win over Sunday’s opponents.

“We are looking to continue our good form against Appletown on Sunday,” said coach Paddy Geraghty. “They have conceded the least amount of goals in our division so we’ll have to work hard to get the win.”

Legends team recruiting

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

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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