• Tough test at Cedar Stars for first team
• Joey Zorbo named Reserves assistant coach
• Over 30s bid to continue unbeaten streak
• Women hoping for three from three
• Legends/1960 double header at St Michaels

Just in time for the tough away trip to the Bronx to face Cedar Stars Academy this weekend, first team boss Kevin Grogan has received a huge boost this weekend with the return of defensive stalwart Charlie O’Loughlin.

The towering center back has impressed since joining the Rocks from Hoboken and will likely rejoin captain Zachary Gosse at the heart of the defense with last year’s player of the year recovering this week from the gashed shin he sustained during last week’s win at home to NYAC.

Charlie O’Loughlin returns for the Rocks (Picture: Dennis Schneider)

It was announced earlier this month that the former Westchester Everton Eagles would now fall under the banner of NJ-based Cedar Stars Academy subject to the terms of an initial year-long deal. The Eagles were Division 1 finalists last season and have added good talent to their already strong ranks.

“Charlie is back which is a big plus for the squad,” said Grogan.

“We will make a decision last minute on (midfielder) Giuseppe Barone (ankle) and unfortunately Eric ( Hamstring and groin ) will most likely be unfit to play.

“This will be our toughest test but we are capable of playing anyone this season. I’ve said it before, we will get better each week. Jamie Clarke came into his own during the second half last week and caused trouble. My shirt is already ironed for Sunday. I cant wait!”

Meanwhile, John Riordan has appointed first team player Joey Zorbo as his assistant coach for the reserves team ahead of Sunday’s trip to the Bronx. And in further good news for the squad, captain Paul McDaid (pictured below) returns after a weekend away as will veteran defender Nikle Guzijan and last season’s top scorer Darren Coleman. There will also be a debut for highly rated goalkeeper Jesse Corke.

“i’m delighted Joey has accepted the role,” said Riordan. “He has been a brilliant addition to the club and he offers great energy and insight. I’m looking forward to working with him and with the mood in the camp very positive, he can be a natural fit.

“Unfortunately, Timmy Fetherston is still out with an injury and Brendan Lane has picked up a knock but we have a strong squad Sunday and we’re looking forward to it.”

It was also confirmed during the week that the CSL Arbiter overturned a referee’s decision to forfeit a league game between the Rocks reserves and their Zum Schneider counterparts on the opening day of the season. The Zum coaches did not provide roster sheets in time for the kick off and it was temporarily designated as a forfeit. However, this was reversed and the game was rescheduled to next Wednesday evening (Randalls Island 70, 9pm).

Sunday will begin with the dominant Rocks Over 30s heading to Williamsburg for an 8am game at Megas Alexandros as coach Paddy Mc Carry aims to extend the incredible unbeaten run which reached 30 games last weekend.

“We’re looking to stay unbeaten and keep a clean sheet,” said Mc Carry.

“We have set a goal to be top of the East division by the time the winter break rolls around. To achieve that goal, we must take care of business against Megas. Celtic are also unbeaten and we play them next week but we must get Sunday out of the way first.

“We have a full 18-man squad to chose from. There a few of the boys away but we have a lot of strength in depth this year. We also are very proud of our 30 game unbeaten streak and we want to keep adding to it!”

The Legends and Rocks 1960 will enjoy a St Michaels double header on Sunday with Deportivo Sociedade visiting for a Mtero 1 game at 1pm following the Over 37s Irish Derby between Emmett Harvey’s men and Manhattan Celtic Masters.

Deportivo have renamed from the team formerly known as Metro City Fury and, as with the Rocks, have yet to win this season, recording a scoreless drw against Croatia in their opener.

“This is D-Day for the 1960s,” admitted coach Andy Connolly. “We have to barrage the opposition with all we have on Sunday and hope to secure a beach head in this league. Should we do so, we’ll be marching under the Arc de Triomphe by Christmas.”

In the opener, the Legends will also be looking for their first points of the season as will their derby rivals, Manhattan Celtic.

“After what has been a tough start to the season, we are hoping to bounce back at home this weekend,” said coach Emmett Harvey.

“Although we are missing a few key players through injuries and suspensions, we move forward and will do our best to pick up some points this weekend.”

Elsewhere, Rocks Women coach Paddy Geraghty is aiming to make it three wins from three when his charges line out on Randalls Island 82 at 10am against Manhattan Kickers/Scala.

Rocks Women have won their opening games. (Picture John Riordan)

“We have the chance to stay top of the league so it’s a big incentive for us,” said coach Paddy Geraghty. “Two of our biggest rivals play each other this week so we have to take advantage of points dropped elsewhere.”

Later at East River Park, the B team will also face Manhattan Kickers/Scala who merged over the summer with Phoenix (3pm kick-off).

Coach Keith Perez is seeking to build on last weekend’s maiden victory and has called on his players to build momentum.

“With some new players and a strong commitment from team veterans, we will be showcasing a well balanced line up at all positions,” Perez said. “It would be a huge boost if we could get some support as we aim to pick up victory number two!”

• Frost hat trick inspires dominant Rocks Women
• Esposito on target again as Women B grab first win
• First team make it two from two
• Over 30s now 30 games without a loss

It was a historic day for the Shamrocks Women’s teams at St Michaels on Sunday where the Division A side recorded a stunning 8-0 win which came hot on the heels of the B team’s first ever victory.

B team coach Keith Perez praised his charges for whom Cassie Esposito was on the mark again, scoring twice, while Paige Osborne made sure of the three points in a 3-2 result against Astoria.

Paige Osborne scored for Shamrocks Women B in their maiden victory of their first ever season, a 3-2 result at home to Astoria in St Michaels on Saturday. Picture courtesy Nigel Frost

“I’m very proud of the ladies for coming together and playing hard to bring us our first victory of the season,” said coach Keith Perez.

“We look forward to building on this positive result.”

There was even more joy in second game of the day at St Michaels when the Smoking Aces were no match for the relentless pressure of the Rocks.

A Georgia Frost hat trick was supplemented by two goals each from Jarielle Uter and Chloe Wheeler while Sinéad Hennessy grabbed one of her own.

Georgia Frost was the hat trick hero for the Rocks. Picture courtesy Nigel Frost

“A solid performance from the ladies today,” was the understated reaction of coach Paddy Geraghty.

“We created plenty of chances and scored some great goals. Chloe Wheeler was a constant menace and Georgia Frost finished well with late runs into the box.

“Sinéad Hennessy was a great target for us and our defensive unit was composed. Jarielle Uter scored two goals off the bench and is pushing to start next week.

“I’m satisfied with where we are at this stage of the season but we have to improve if we want to challenge the top teams.”

Pictured above are the other three Shamrocks goalscorers, from left to right, Jarielle Uter, Chloe Wheeler and Sinéad Hennessy. Pictures courtesy Nigel Frost.

Meanwhile, the night before at the same venue brought a pair of 2-0 wins over NYAC for the first team and the reserves.

Kwesi Mills-Odoi (pictured above left) scored once again, his second half goal finishing off a move that involved Jamie Clarke’s great surging run and Alejandro Fritz’s deft assist.

A late penalty from Ibrahim Diaby (pictured above right) made sure of the points, getting the talented midfielder’s account up and running.

Heading into next week’s tricky visit to Cedar Stars Academy, Kevin Grogan expressed a note of caution over the mounting injury list.

“180 minutes. No goals conceded. Three goals scored. These are decent stats,” he observed.

“But it’s one game at a time. Injury management is key now as we suffered a lot of injuries (Saturday). Lots of ice baths this week!”

The reserves also scored twice in the second half to record their first competitive victory of the season after last week’s forfeit win over Zum.

A rare goal from veteran defender Chris Burns settled the Rocks nerves from a set piece while Sean O’Neill finished brilliantly with a low drive past the NYAC keeper after a counter attack sent him clear.

Chris Burns settled Rocks reserves nerves with a second half strike that gave his side a 1-0 lead over their NYAC counterparts. The game finished 2-0 at St Michaels. Picture: Dennis Schneider/NY Shamrocks

“We’re still getting used to each other and we were missing a couple of key players,” said coach John Riordan. “So I couldn’t be happier with the win. It will be an even stiffer test next Sunday so we’ll just have to try and carry the momentum on.”

Elsewhere, the Shamrocks Over 30s have now gone 30 games without losing in all competitions after they won Sunday morning’s league game 3-0 at home to Brooklyn Gunners.

Johnny McGeeney opened the scoring while Sean Riley marked his first game of the season with a double.

“I’m very happy with what was a good performance,” said coach Paddy Mc Carry.

“We played excellently. It’s another three points on the board along with a clean sheet and to go 30 games unbeaten is quite an achievement for any team.

“It was great to see Eugene Reynolds back and Pa Ryan looks like an excellent keeper. We got the three points and we were missing four starters so it’s a very pleasing result. All and all, it was a great day at the office.”

The Legends lost 5-2 away to Manhattan Kickers, Robbie O’Connor and Karol Hughes leading a second half fight back with a goal each but it was too little, too late.

The Shamrocks Legends team that succumbed 5-2 to Manhattan Kickers at East River Park on Sunday morning. Back row from left to right, Eoin Sweeney, Tyrone Kent, Richie Brennan, Justin Stanford, Randall Friedman, John Riordan. Front row, left to right, Robbie O’Connor, Matteo Stiglich, Eoghan McPartland, Karol Hughes, Ducky Kelly, Eddie Gilmartin.

“It was another tough day as we only had 11 against a very good Manhattan kickers team,” said assistant coach Eoin Sweeney.

“We were trailing 3-0 at half-time the second half was a more even affair. A superb pass by Tyrone Kent set up Robbie O’Connor for a great header. Robbie then set up Karol Hughes for a clinical strike. A definite improvement in squad commitment is needed if we are to be successful this season. We move on to next week’s game taking the positives from today.”

And in the final game of the day, Rocks 1960 lost 3-0 away to Williamsburg in their Metro 1 clash.

• Saturday night St Michaels showdown for Rocks and NYAC
• Geraghty’s charges bidding to smoke the Aces in Women’s Division A
• Legends and 1960 aiming to bounce back
• Over 30s can extend unbeaten run to 30 games

Saturday night soccer returns for the Shamrocks as Kevin Grogan’s men get set to host NYAC at St Michael’s this weekend (kick-off 8pm).

Buoyed by last weekend’s solid 1-0 victory over Division 1 new boys Zum Schneider, the Rocks are expecting an equally tough test from the perennial play-off challengers from Travers Island.

NYAC won their opener at home to Polonia Gwardia last Sunday and will be a dangerous prospect for the Rocks.

Shamrocks First Team 2016/17. Photo Dennis Schneider

“It’s a big game on Saturday,” said Grogan. “We have a few players down with the flu but we anticipate most of them to be better for Saturday.

“As always, it’s one game at a time. We respect everyone but we don’t fear anyone. We’re all very excited for Saturday night games – we hope to see a lot of our supporters out there!”

Meanwhile, the reserves will need to be alert to the dangers of their NYAC counterparts who topped the division last season, prior to losing to the Greek Americans in the play-offs.

A new central defensive pairing is required with Nikle Guzijan (out of town) and Sergio Sanchez (injured) both missing but the return of Brendan Lane, Larry Slaughter, Leo Nizzi, and Alex Wasilewski will be a huge boost for the Rocks.

Shamrocks Reserves 2016/17. Photo Dennis Schneider

“Our players were disappointed to be denied a competitive game last Sunday,” admitted reserves coach John Riordan referring to the 3-0 forfeit awarded against Zum for missing paperwork.

“But it was a good chance to play together and we learned a few things from the friendly. I’m expecting a very tough game against them – NYAC’s reserves will always be strong and the only consolation is that we’re getting them early in the season. It will be a good test of where the squad is at.”

Sunday will begin with an Over 30s East Division encounter at Randalls Island 75 where Paddy Mc Carry’s men will take on Brooklyn Gunners at 8am.

“It’s very important that we win our section games and Brooklyn Gunners got off to a good start wining their first game 2-1 against Partizan,” pointed out Mc Carry.

“We will be boosted by the return of Sean Riley and we’re welcoming back Eugene Reynolds to the club. He is an excellent center half. We have also added Pa Ryan as goalkeeper – another great addition.

“We are missing three for Sunday but this gives other boys a chance to step up to the plate. It’s a home game so we expect to win it and hopefully keep another clean sheet in the process.”

Elsewhere, the Legends will take on Over 37 Division newcomers Manhattan Kickers at East River Park on Sunday at 9am.

The Rocks are bidding to bounce back after last weekend’s opening round loss at home to Eintracht.

“It’s another tough game in store for us,” said assistant coach Eoin Sweeney. “We will all do our best to get a result to please the gaffer Emmett Harvey who is currently on vacation in Hilton Head.”

Meanwhile, the Rocks’ CSL action rounds off on Sunday with a tough away test at Metro 2 champions Williamsburg for Shamrocks 1960 (Flushing Meadow 9 – 4pm).

Andy Connolly’s men have been boosted by the addition of a strong pair of players, Rory O’Leary and Joe Flynn, but Williamsburg began their league campaign with an impressive 4-2 home win against Lansdowne Bhoys Metro.

“It’s important we get a response this weekend after a disappointing reversal against Ridgewood,” admitted assistant coach Neil Mannion. “Although they were technically a strong side, we know we didn’t play to our potential that day and we will need to improve to get a result against our old foes in Williamsburg.

Meanwhile, there will be a very special double header at St Michaels with the women’s teams playing together at the same location for the first time.

The Division B game between Shamrocks B and Astoria will serve as an entertaining curtain raiser to the Division A showdown between the Rocks and Smoking Aces (St Michaels – 11am/1pm)

“We are looking forward to this weekend as both teams are home for the first time at St Michael’s.,” said coach Paddy Geraghty.

“We have a few new signings for the B team that impressed at practice on Tuesday so we’ll be going for our first win. Hopefully the home field support can be the difference!”

The Shamrocks B team that made their debut last weekend.

• Kwesi quick off the mark
• Rocks women conjure up the Magic
• Champion 30s outgun Celtic

Victories for the first team, the Rocks Women and the Over 30s were the standout highlights of a busy opening day of the season for the Shamrocks.

Making his club debut on Sunday night, Kwesi Mills-Odoi finished off a brilliant team move to secure all three points for Kevin Grogan’s men on Sunday night in a 1-0 win at Zum Schneider.

Kwesi Mills-Odoi (left) celebrates his first goal for the Shamrocks with team mate Jamie Clarke during the 1-0 win at Zum Schneider on Sunday night. Photo: Dennis Schneider

The Rocks were impressive against the newly promoted Division 2 champions who showed why they will be sure to challenge for a play-off spot in the spring.

The midfield pairing of Rafa Carpes and Giuseppe Barone linked play brilliantly between the forwards and the rock solid central defense pairing of captain Zachary Gosse and powerful former Port Vale defender Charlie O’Loughlin.

Charlie O’Loughlin, who was a rock at the heart of the defense, pictured here putting pressure on in the Zum area. Photo: Dennis Schneider

Meanwhile up front, Jamie Clarke and Alejandro Fritz were a constant threat on the wings while roving playmaker Ibrahim Diaby caused constant headaches for the Zum back four.

Indeed Diaby, O’Loughlin and Barone were all involved in the great move that culminated in Barone’s back heel to Fritz allowing the winger to cross low to Mills-Odoi who finished calmly from close range.

The striker almost made it 2-0 when his superb shot crashed off the Zum cross bar and although the home side rallied in the closing stages, the Rocks held out for a perfect start to the new season.

“I’m very satisfied with the result,” admitted Grogan. “We will get better each week but we showed a discipline and a maturity that very much satisfied.”

The reserves were handed a forfeit in the curtain raiser and will host NYAC in a stern test next Saturday evening at St Michaels.

A moment of silence was observed in honor of those lives lost on Sept 11, 2001 at all CSL and NYMWSL games. Photo: Dennis Schneider

Earlier, the Rocks Women got their league campaign off to the ideal start with a 2-0 victory at Magic Reserves in East River Park.

A first half goal from Sinéad Hennessy settled the nerves of Paddy Geraghty’s newly promoted Division A team and Jade Andrade’s superb effort in added time rounded out the win.

The Shamrocks Women’s team that defeated Magic Reserves 2-0 at East River Park on Sunday. Back row, left to right, Mchaela Newell, Sinead Hennessy, Erin Cullen, Kailey Walsh, Jackie Pounder. Middle row, left to right, Aoife West, Teresa Ferraro, Chloe Wheeler, Jessica Kambic, Jo Belluardo, Anna Spangler. Front row, left to right, Georgia Frost, Jade Andrade, Jarielle Uter, Christina Beck, Jackie Gawne. Photo: John Riordan 

Over in Brooklyn, the newly formed Women’s B team had their first taste of action with a game away to Beyond FC, succumbing 3-1 in spite of a Cassie Esposito goal.

“We had a great start to the season with two solid performances from the A and B teams,” said Paddy Geraghty.

“We had 11 players make their debut for the club with Jade Andrade and Cassie Esposito scoring their first goals. We’ll work at practice this week to improve and look forward to our home games next week.”

The Over 30s won the Irish Derby at Manhattan Celtic 2-0 thanks to a brace from Tayfun Gokmen late on Sunday night at Pier 40.

“I’m very glad to get the first game out of the way,” said coach Paddy Mc Carry.

“We were rusty which was to be expected with quite a few new players added to the squad.

“We stuck in there and played for one another especially when we had to play the last 40 mins with 10 men. Tayfun had two great finishes and he could have had three only for a brilliant save by the keeper.

“I’m very happy with the clean sheet and the battle the boys showed. I thought Nei de Oliveira had a fantastic game for us at right back.

“It’s a clean sheet and three points. The unbeaten run continues and a perfect start to the new season against a good Manhattan Celtic side.”

Elsewhere, the day began with a pair of tough defeats for the Legends and Rocks 1960 at St Michaels.

Missing several key players, the Legends battled well and were unlucky to fall 2-0 down before half-time. Some superb interplay between forwards Tyrone Kent and Stevie Doyle gave the Legends a lifeline with 20 minutes left. Unfortunately Eintracht scored a great long range goal to make it 3-1 and seal all three points.

“Overall, everybody gave 100%,” said assistant coach Eoin Sweeney.

“Tough loss but we will push on to the next game with optimism as this team showed great fight and spirit against a very good Eintracht team.”

Ridgewood Romac were just good enough to overturn Rocks 1960, scoring a goal in either half to secure a 2-0 win.

Impressive debuts from Johnny Hall and Rory O’Leary served as nice consolations during what was a tough start in Metro 1 for Andy Connolly’s men.

The Shamrocks 1960 Squad: Back row, left to right, Club President Sean Mc Mullan, Braden Ruddy, Brian Wolohan, Emeka Ike, Jonny Hall, Robbie O’Neill, Ciaran Moloney, Rory O’Leary, Neil Mannion. Front row, left to right,  Hughie McGowan, Ryan McKinley, Mick McAnea, Andrew Short, Cathal Monaghan, Dave Harvey, Dylan Wallace, Andy Connolly.

• Record seven Rocks teams begin their seasons
• Zachary Gosse named Shamrocks captain
• Firsts set to unveil new signings at Zum Schneider
• Historic day in Division A for Rocks Women
• Metro 1 debut for Rocks 1960
• Over 30s champs begin title defense at Celtic

Zachary Gosse has been named captain of the Shamrocks first team in just his second season at the club.

Rocks coach Kevin Grogan made the announcement at Thursday’s final pre-season training session before Sunday’s hotly anticipated opener away to Zum Schneider in Randalls Island (Icahn Stadium, 8pm).

Gosse, player of the year for the 2015/16 season, was a rock at the heart of the back line throughout a difficult campaign but having survived the drop to Division 2, Grogan is now looking to push on with a more open style of football.

Zachary Gosse will lead the way for the Shamrocks this season. Picture: Dennis Schneider

“It’s been a very busy recruitment period for us,” the Rocks coach admitted. “We feel very satisfied with the balance between last season’s players and this year’s new ones.

“Last year was survival but now we are prepared to play a more expansive type of football in line with my true philosophy. Every game at this level will be very hard and as always it’s one game at a time. We will have good and bad days this season. That’s football. We will give 100 % and respect the amazing traditions of the Shamrocks.”

Gosse said he was “honored” to be handed the captain’s arm band.

“Moving to the Shamrocks last year has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” he said.

“The club has a true family atmosphere, but they take a very serious approach when it comes to football and winning matches. ”

Gosse added that this weekend’s clash with Zum Schneider was a good opportunity to make up for June’s loss in the League Cup final.

“I believe they will have a very strong team, but we’ve added a number of high quality players over the summer who can have an immediate impact on our starting eleven.

“At this point we have a very deep squad which will help keep us competitive in both training and matches throughout the season.”

The newly installed reserves team captain Paul McDaid will lead out his team mates in the curtain raiser on Sunday as new coach John Riordan faces into his first game at the helm.

New reserves captain and long time member of the Shamrocks, Paul McDaid

The Rocks reserves were semi-finalists in last season’s league, unlucky to lose out on penalties against eventual champions Lansdowne. With Stevie Doyle stepping up to assist with first team duties after three successful seasons in the reserves job, the opportunity arose for Riordan to take the reins.

“Stevie did brilliantly last season and he has been pivotal in the club’s overall success,” said Riordan. “We have retained a core of quality players with a lot of experience and there are a couple of very good additions to the squad. But Zum are an unknown quantity so we won’t be looking past them. I’m sure they’ll benefit this season as their first team strengthens.”

OVER 30s CHAMPS BEGIN WITH IRISH DERBY

Coinciding with the action in Randalls Island will be a highly anticipated Irish Derby over in Manhattan’s Pier 40 where Manhattan Celtic Bhoys will host the league and State Cup champion Shamrocks at 7.30pm.

“The Over 30s goal this year is to retain our league title and defend our State Cup,” said coach Paddy Mc Carry.

‘Bingo’ O’Driscoll (pictured above right with Sean Mc Mullan and Pat Burke) will return once again to captain the Over 30s this season. Picture: Eoin Sweeney

“We have lost two players that started the State Cup final and we have reduced our squad from 30 to 26. But we have a lot of quality in that 26. We have cover for every position this year and we have added five new players to the squad who are excellent. Two will go straight into the starting 11 and the other three will push the starters all the way.

“There is real competition for places this year and that was the goal of the tryouts. We are double winners and everyone will want to beat us so we must be on our toes from game one. We are very much looking forward to the Irish Derby on Sunday now!”

METRO 1 DEBUT FOR 1960

Meanwhile, newly promoted Shamrocks 1960 begin their Metro 1 campaign at home to Ridgewood Romac in St Michael’s at 1pm on Sunday,

Ridgewood finished fourth last season but 1960 coach Andy Connolly is under no illusions about the step-up in standard his talented and experienced team faces.

“Our ambition from the outset was to get this team up into Metro 1 and test ourselves against these teams,” pointed out assistant coach Neil Mannion.

“It just shows the resolve and dedication of our players that we are here at the first time of asking. We have trained very hard and the players are buzzing.

“We have heard good things about Ridgewood but we are out to prove what we can do and we are looking forward to the task ahead. We have added some very good new players and we have kept almost all of the players that got us here.

“And we are delighted to welcome Robbie Walsh on to the coaching team. It was he who moved the club through the Metro divisions almost a decade ago and it is truly fitting that he is back to offer his experience on the sideline.”

BRENNAN BACK TO LEAD LEGENDS

The curtain raiser at St Michael’s will see Emmett Harvey’s Legends host Eintracht at 11am.

Last year’s player of the year, Richie Brennan, will also retain the captaincy of the team as they bid to build on last year’s inaugural season.

Legends player of the year and captain Richie Brennan pictured at June’s banquet with Club President Sean Mc Mullan and committee member John Riordan.

“The Legends are excited to start our second season,” said Harvey.

“We finished last year’s league campaign unbeaten in our last four games and hope to continue that good run of form against what will be tough opposition this Sunday.

“The team has added a few quality players and we are all looking forward to the season ahead. With a good management team of Eoin Sweeney and Donal ‘Ducky’ Kelly, there is plenty of experience to guide the players along.”

ROCKS WOMEN READY FOR MAGIC TASK

It’s a new dawn for the Shamrocks women who won the league and cup double last season, catapulting Paddy Geraghty’s charges to the top division in Metropolitan Women’s Soccer League.

That success has also heralded a brand new reserves team, Shamrocks B, which will compete in Division B guided by their new coach, Keith Perez. Welcome to the Rocks Keith!

New Shamrocks Women’s Team Captain Teresa Ferarro

Boasting several impressive new signings and retaining almost all of last year’s title winning squad, the Rocks will take on the might of NY Magic on Sunday in East River Park (East 6th St) at 3pm. The B team will face fellow newcomers Beyond FC at 1.30pm in Brooklyn’s New Utrecht Park.

“We are looking forward to Sunday,” said Geraghty.

“It’s taken a lot of work from all the players to grow to where we are now and I think everyone has a lot of pride in how far we have come.

“But the past is the past so we will be ready for both games and the season ahead. We’ve trained hard this summer and we’re ready to go.”

Geraghty confirmed that midfielder Teresa Ferraro will take over the captaincy for the new season.

“We have been very lucky to have Erin Cullen and Sinéad Hennessy as our team captains in our first two years. Erin kept us afloat in a very tough first season and Sinéad led by example last season when things really took off.

“Teresa Ferraro has a great will to win, helps others by being positive when communicating, gives 100% in training and games, and I expect her to take this club to the next level. We have a lot of new signings that we think can help both teams be successful and almost every play from last is returning bar two players who relocated. Roll on Sunday!”

The Shamrocks Over 30s – league and State Cup champions – will begin the defense of their title with a hotly anticipated Irish Derby against Manhattan Celtic Bhoys on Sunday September 11 (Pier 40 East Courtyard – 7.30pm).

The restructured Over 30 Division now has 16 teams with two conferences (east and west) of eight teams each.

The Rocks will compete in the East with Brooklyn Gunners, Partizani, Hoboken, Manhattan Kickers Premier, Megas Alexandros and both of the Manhattan Celtic teams, Bhoys and Legends.

Each team will play every other team in its conference twice, home and away and will play two cross-over matches in the Spring, decided on standings at the winter break.

Additionally, the top two teams in each conference will reach the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Shamrocks Legends will host SC Eintracht on the opening day of their league campaign, the first Shamrocks game at St Michael’s of the new season (kick off 11am).

The Over 37 Division now has 12 teams with two conferences of six teams each. The Legends have been drawn in the East.

Each team will play every other team in its conference twice, home and away and will play every team in the other conference once.

League champions Cosmoz will visit St Michaels in November for what will be the only regular season game against the runaway winners of last season’s title.

The top two teams in each conference will reach the playoffs.