• Division 1 reprieve for NY Shamrocks after protest proves successful
• First hurdle cleared as attention now turns to potential appeals process
• Club President Sean Mc Mullan welcomes a ‘fair play’ decision

It has been confirmed by the Cosmopolitan Soccer League that an official protest filed by the NY Shamrock Soccer Club in relation to a recent Division 1 game at Polonia NY has been upheld by the CSL Arbiter, opening out the possibility of top flight survival.

The Arbiter accepted the Shamrocks’ claim that on Sunday May 15, a suspended player lined out for Polonia NY in their 1-0 victory over the Shamrocks in what was a critical relegation six-pointer.

The evidence submitted to the arbiter based on the Polonia coaching staff’s decision to play the individual in spite of his suspension was deemed worthy enough to award a 3-0 forfeit to the Shamrocks, thus potentially reversing the disappointment of relegation.

Polonia NY have the right to appeal. The player in question will receive a two-game suspension.

NY Shamrock Soccer Club President Sean Mc Mullan welcomed the development.

“This is a decision in favor of fair play,” he said. “Kevin Grogan, Stevie Doyle and their players worked hard all year and they deserve to remain in the top division of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League. We will adhere to the next steps and we hope to have this outcome finalized as soon as possible.”

Shamrocks Technical Director and first team coach Kevin Grogan paid tribute to his players

“We were joint third at Christmas having played everyone once,” pointed out Grogan.

“In the New Year, the way the schedule was formatted forced us to play all the big money clubs again while many of the teams below us played the lower teams. We competed in every game though and we built a squad of young players with an average age of 24. We built for the future and that is what I felt was the right approach to the job.

Shamrocks coach Kevin Grogan

“The players were amazing all year and more then deserve to stay up. They 100% earned it and so did the club. Based on any other year with the normal format, we would have been safe at Christmas.

“I want to thank the board for all their support and also go on record that it has been a real honor for me to be involved in the club. It started as a job but now it is way more then that for me.

“I made some tough decisions and maybe offended a lot of people along the way due to those decisions but I learned from the greatest manager of all time that a coach cannot attach emotion to any of these decisions. They were made in the best interests of the club and its long term success.

“John Riordan has been the ultimate pro during the whole season and Sean Mc Mullan has shown an energy and enthusiasm that any club in the world would want. I feel today should be about the players’ effort, the amazing job Stevie Doyle has done and also the legacy of what is arguably one of the greatest amateur clubs in the world. It’s not great because of what has happened this season but because of what has happened since 1960.”

• Geraghty praises togetherness of double heroes
• Over 30s roll past Greeks to set up June 5 decider
• First team ends league campaign on a high note
• Assistant gaffer Sweeney’s job safe as Legends earn draw

Two superb first half goals assured the Shamrocks Women’s team a League Cup triumph on Sunday night at Pier 40, their 2-0 defeat of NYC Sirens sealing a truly memorable league and cup double in just their second season since forming in 2014.

The league and cup double winning NY Shamrocks Women’s team. Picture by Braden Ruddy

The husband and wife coaching team of Paddy and Tricia Geraghty led their charges to the perfect ending to what was an incredible year – their 13 league wins in a row ensuring promotion to the top level of women’s soccer in New York City.

But this final success of the season was truly special, a fine display of attacking soccer which led to goals for top goalscorer Sinead Hennessy and spring recruit Chloe Wheeler.

Hennessy’s opener was a fantastic finish, her chip over the Sirens goalkeeper allowing her tap home her 25th goal of the season after Jackie Pounder’s brilliant headed assist.

Wheeler made it 2-0 with an excellent header that arrived at the end of a bullet corner by Brittany Meade.

President Sean Mc Mullan congratulating the Shamrocks Women. picture: Braden Ruddy

The players celebrating, including from left Sinead Hennessy (18), Jarielle Uter, Jackie Gawne and brittany Meade (26). Picture: Braden Ruddy

“We finished our season exactly the way we deserved,” said Paddy Geraghty.

“The ladies should be very proud of what they have done. I’ve rarely seen a team with such togetherness, determination, and work ethic. We’ve scored 96 goals this season and conceded 12.

“The support we got at the game was incredible. It was a home game for Sirens but it felt like a home game for us”.

Meanwhile, the Over 30s are through to the State Cup final on June 5 against Long Island side Baisley after a brilliant 4-0 victory over the Greek Americans at Randalls Island this morning.

Shamrocks Over 30s goalscorers Tayfun Gokmen (left) and Alex Berne.

Held scoreless at the break by a talented Greek outfit, Paddy Mc Carry decided to make some adjustments in the line-up and it paid big dividends.

The Rocks began to let loose, starting with Andy Horan’s goal, the substitute firing home from the left to the far post.

Alex Berne had the Rocks two to the good after a nice move through the middle and then Sean Reilly scored the third, pushing him ahead of Tayfun Gokmen in the goalscoring charts, Gokmen assisting the sliding Reilly with a perfectly squared ball.

Gokmen then made it four with the score of the game, a bullet from the right, swung in off his left foot.

“Today was a battle against a very good Greek side,” said Mc Carry. “But in the second half we made a couple of changes and the boys upped their game.

“We were excellent and every member of the 18-man squad played their part today.

“As manager, I am so proud of these boys. They deserve it – they have been great all year. We will go again on June 5 now and try to finish the job. Today, for me personally, is the biggest achievement I have ever been involved in as a player or manager. This group of players are special and a credit to our club.”

Elsewhere, the first team ended their league campaign on a high note with an impressive win over CPR Whites at St Michaels – moving them level with Polonia on 18 points who have the edge on head-to-head.

CPR went ahead just after the half hour mark but Santiago Rigby equalized with a penalty shortly after.

Santiago Rigby scored twice for the Shamrocks first team in their 5-1 win over CPR. Picture: Dennis Schneider

And then goalkeeper Franck Tsasse saved from a penalty just before half-time, a critical moment in the game which kept things level for the Rocks.

The third penalty of the game had the Shamrocks in front early in the second half, Alejandro Fritz making no mistake from the spot.

Chris Burns celebrated his return from honeymoon with the third goal and then the next two assists, setting up Rigby for his second and then Fritz for a beautifully taken back heeled flick to the back of the net.

“It was an Important win for the first team on many levels,” said Kevin Grogan. “We wanted to work hard and have fun and i feel we did both of those things. Some nice goals and combinations.”

Meanwhile, there was a 2-2 draw in the reserves game. CPR were 1-0 up but Paul McDaid scored twice in the second half to put the Rocks up.

CPR leveled it but the Rocks held on to go clear in third place and set up a play-offs semi-final against Lansdowne on June 5.

“We’re looking forward to taking on Lansdowne now,” said coach Stevie Doyle. “It’s been a tough season but we achieved our goal of a play-off place. It should be a great occasion.

“I was delighted to see Paul and Sean get on the scoresheet. It bodes well now for two weeks time.”

The Legends finished their inaugural season with a 1-1 draw for the Legends – Karol Hughes salvaging a point with his 80th minute penalty.

“It’s a brilliant way to end the season,” said coach Emmett Harvey.

“We’ve strengthened over the winter period and we really started to click in the last four games. It was good way to end the season, unbeaten in those four. Credit to the lads – it was a great team spirit.

The Legends celebrating the end of their first season at the Courtyard!

“I have to thank Ducky Kelly and our director of football, Eoin Sweeney, who is not getting sacked, contrary to rumors.

“Overall, our debut season in this division has really come together and we look forward to next year. We’re going to build on this and all the lads can’t wait to get going again After a well earned break!”

It was a day of mixed emotions for the New York Shamrocks. Two trophies were clinched but relegation from the top flight of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League for the first team made for a sour note on an otherwise perfect day for the club.

In just their first season, Shamrocks 1960 secured the Metro 2 East title thanks to a 4-2 win over New York United at St Michaels. And after Manhattan Kickers surprised CPR Grays with a 7-4 win, Paddy Mc Carry’s Over 30s were crowned league champions for the second year in a row.

Meanwhile, the women’s team won their 13th game in a row – a 5-0 victory against Manhattan Kickers – and Stevie Doyle guided his reserves to the play-offs thanks to a 4-1 win at Polonia.

But of course relegation from Division 1 of the CSL will be a setback that the club must now plan around. An early goal from a set piece against the run of play settled the issue at McCarren Park on Sunday and consigned the Rocks to an immediate return to Division 2.

“What’s really important now as a club is that we maintain our standards this week and finish the league out properly like the club deserve,” said coach Kevin Grogan.

“We also need to work towards our League Cup semi-final. It’s a time for us to stick together and embrace what is happening. We will be stronger for it and we will 100 % bounce back.

“This new squad has a very good average age of 24 and we will have grown from our experiences. Ultimately it should be a five-year plan. It’s only the start. It’s all about character now and patience and a bit of trust.”

The day had started well when the reserves blew away Polonia with a well deserved 4-1 win. Darren Coleman scored twice and there was also a goal each from Marc Vilson and Mo Fofana.

“I’m happy with the win,” said Stevie Doyle. “Our goal was to reach the play-offs so I have to be pleased with how we’ve done this year. We played some nice football today and we got what we deserved.”

It was glory for the 1960 team in their first ever season. A pair of goals from Dave Harvey inspired their 4-2 victory over New York United, meaning Andy Connolly’s men finish the regular season top of the table.

Harvey had the Rocks 1-0 up before Michael Kumaresan stretched the lead. The visitors pulled a goal back before Harvey scored again to make it 3-1. Anthony Carrabotta secured victory before a late New York United consolation.

The victorious Shamrocks 1960 team – pictured back row, left to right, Robbie O’Neill and assistant coach Jane, Ruairi Lavery, Michael Kumaresan, Cathal Monaghan, Dan Meola, Dylan Wallace, Ciaran Moloney, Neil Mannion, Brian Wolohan, Hugh McGowan. Front row left to right, Andrew Short, Andy Connolly, Mick McAnea, Dave Harvey, Kevin Farrell, Craig Glynn, Braden Ruddy, Anthony Carrabotta. Picture by Sarah Thorenton.

Dave Harvey celebrating one of his two goals. Picture by Sarah Thorenton

“It was an exciting game for everybody involved,” Connolly said amidst boisterous celebrations back at the Courtyard.

“All of the players contributed this year and I’m very proud of what they have achieved. We’ll prepare now for the final in June. It should be a great day for the club.”

Meanwhile, Paddy Mc Carry reacted with joy to news that his team had retained the Over 30s division.

“I am extremely happy and proud of this group of players for winning the league this year,” he said Monday morning.

“We are unbeaten and we are in very good form. It takes a lot of effort to show up week in, week out and this squad has done that so they totally deserve this. We set up to retain our title and we have done that. We will try and stay unbeaten in the league but now our focus turns to the semi-final of the State Cup.”

Elsewhere, the Legends were in free scoring mood again – knocking eight past Banatul in a win that bodes extremely well for next season.

The formidable strike partnership of. Karol Hughes and Ger Shivnan contributed half of the goals – both players notching two each – while Donal Ducky Kelly, Johnny Keogh and Eddie Gilmartin also got themselves on the scoresheet. An own goal rounded out the tally for the Rocks.

“It reflects our vast improvement since the start of season,” said assistant coach Eoin Sweeney.

“Full squad commitment, camaraderie and team chemistry has taken the team to a new level recently . The future looks good and we push ahead into next season with optimism . Our goal is to finish this season on a high next week against Eintracht.”

A Jarielle Uter hat trick inspired the women’s team to their 13th win in a row, a 5-0 victory over Manhattan Kickers at St Michaels.

Christina Beck in action for the women’s team on Sunday. Picture by Sarah Thorenton

Chloe Wheeler in possession on Sunday. Picture by Sarah Thorenton

Aoife West scored her first goal of the season and there was also a Tricia Reed strike, her second of the year.

“It was a solid performance and another clean sheet,” said coach Paddy Geraghty. “It’s good preparation for next week’s big game, the League Cup final against Sirens. It was also really great to see Sarah Thorenton, Megan Hare and Teresa Brink back out on the field for us.”

All eyes will be on McCarren Park in Williamsburg on Sunday where the Shamrocks are set to face a familiar foe with Division 1 survival the prize on offer.

Just over 12 months ago at the same venue, Polonia inflicted a heartbreaking 3-2 loss on the Rocks that would go on to hand the Division 2 title to the impressive Greenpoint outfit.

Now the two teams meet again, level on points and both desperate to scramble away from the third relegation spot.

In what is sure to be a barnstorming clash, the mission for the Rocks is simple: avoid losing and Division 1 status will be secured.

And given the tightness of the play-off race ahead of them, a win can actually keep alive hopes of finishing fourth, which would set up a possible semi-final against the top seeded team.

Rocks coach Kevin Grogan

However coach Kevin Grogan is refusing to look that far ahead, underlining the primary ambition when he took on the job last summer: staying in the top flight of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League.

“We have given ourselves a great chance of achieving our season goal,” he said Thursday evening as the players gathered for their final practice before the big game.

“Now we need to deliver on Sunday. If we play with intensity and discipline and we concentrate, we can win this game.”

Chris Burns is unavailable for selection due to his honeymoon, Darren Freeman is suspended and Nick Zorbo continues to suffer concussion symptoms. Otherwise, Grogan’s squad is fully intact and will be boosted by the return of Micky McGreevy from suspension.

A surprising 5-2 win for Polonia last week against the weakened Greeks kept their season very much alive. The Shamrocks enjoyed a weekend off after four league losses against the best four sides in the division.

Captain Stuart Colbert has called for Shamrocks supporters to make their voices heard against Polonia

Meanwhile, Rocks captain Stuart Colbert called on all supporters to come out and make their voices heard in Williamsburg.

“We’ve worked very hard and we deserve to stay up,” said Colbert. “Having a good crowd of supporters there will really give us that extra edge.”

Stevie Doyle’s reserves are also chasing an important win which they need in order to stay in the hunt for a play-off spot. The Shamrocks’ second string have failed to win their last three games but can stay in fourth with a win and might even move up to sole control of third if Rovers fail to beat leaders NYAC.

“Without a doubt it’s our biggest game off the season,” said Doyle. “A win is important because it would set us up nicely for the playoffs. We need everyone on board. Our last performance was excellent and we had a never-say-die attitude which is what we will need Sunday.”

There will be a huge game at St Michael’s where Metro 2 East leaders Shamrocks 1960 have a must-win game in what is their final regular season match-up of the year.

Second-placed Gotham City have a game in hand and are just four points behind the Rocks while enjoying some impressive form. But a win against New York United will not only stave off the Gotham challenge, it will automatically secure promotion and Metro 2 championship final berth on June 5.

“We know if we play to our potential like we did against Eintract, we’ll get the result we need to lock up the division,” said player-assistant coach Neil Mannion. “But New York United will have their tales up after turning us over the last time so we won’t be getting carried away just yet.”

An early game at Randalls Island will see Banatul host the in-form Shamrocks Legends – the penultimate game of the Legends’ inaugural season.

“After coming off a really good win against Doxa last Sunday, this is a fixture we will be looking forward to,” said player-coach Emmett Harvey.

“With players back from injury, we have a full squad to choose from against Banatul. We have scored 13 goals in our last 3 games and if we play the way we are capable of we should pick up the three points.”

Elsewhere, the newly crowned New York Metropolitan Women’s League Division B champions will play their final league game of a historic season at St Michael’s on Sunday at 1pm.

The champions can win their 13th league game in a row.

The Shamrocks women will welcome Manhattan Kickers to Queens in what will be a valuable opportunity to rotate the squad ahead of next Sunday’s League Cup final against Sirens.

Since their one and only league loss of this victorious campaign, a remarkable run of 12 straight wins has set the league alight and lucky 13 will set Paddy Geraghty’s charges up nicely for their last game of the season.

“It’ll be a chance for some players to claim a spot in the squad for next week’s cup final,” said Geraghty.

“We also welcome back Teresa Brink and Sarah Thorenton after long term injuries. They have worked very hard to get back to this point and everyone is delighted to see them return. Megan Hare also rejoins the squad after finishing her semester at school and it’s great to have another of our originals involved again.”

There will be no action for the Over 30s this weekend but Paddy Mc Carry and Sean Mc Mullan will be keeping a close eye on the sole remaining team with designs on toppling the title holders.

If Manhattan Kickers Premier beat second placed Central Park Rangers Grays at Randalls Island on Sunday morning, then the Rocks will be crowned champions. A draw will make it virtually impossible for CPR to end the season on top.

CSL OVER 36s DIVISION
Shamrocks Legends 7 Doxa Legends 1

Shamrocks Legends recorded their biggest victory of the season, hitting Doxa for seven goals at St Michaels on Sunday.

After the Legends went in front via an own goal, the floodgates opened.

Ger Shivnan, returning from injury, made it 2-0 before Donal ‘Ducky’ Kelly fired a rocket to the top corner.

Karol Hughes then moved the Rocks four goals to the good before Richie Brennan’s third in four games put the game beyond Doxa’s reach.

Hughes and Shivnan were on target either side of a Doxa consolation goal.

“It shows what we’re capable of as a team,” said player/assistant manager Ducky Kelly. “We’ve had some tough games and sometimes we haven’t got what we deserved. So we were able to enjoy this one.”

With the rest of our players enjoying a weekend off, here are the results that affected our other teams:

In the First Division, a very surprising 5-2 win for Polonia at the Greek Americans has set up what should be a thrilling showdown at McCarren Park in Williamsburg on Sunday (kick-off 2pm). The Rocks must either tie or beat the Polish side in order to avoid relegation. And a win will also keep their play-off hopes alive after losses suffered by Manhattan Celtic and NYAC.

The Greek reserves closed to within two points of fourth-placed Shamrocks with the top four advancing to the play-offs. Stevie Doyle’s men are just a point behind Rovers with a game in hand so they will be confident of securing a June 5 semi-final.

In Metro 2, Gotham City beat New York United 2-1 to keep their divisional title and promotion hopes alive, narrowing the gap to Shamrocks 1960 to four points. But Andy Connolly’s men can finish off the job this coming Sunday at St Michael’s and New York United will be the opponents for that game also.

Meanwhile, in the Over 30s Division, the Shamrocks came extremely close to winning the league without playing after CPR Old Boys were held 2-2 by the Greek Americans, taking away their remote chance of winning out. Later Sunday, Central Park Rangers Gray left it late against Nieuw Amsterdam, scoring with ten minutes to to win 1-0.

If they fail to beat Manhattan Kickers Premier on Sunday morning, the Rocks will be crowned champions with two games still remaining (Thursday May 19 v Barstonworth and Wednesday May 25 at Hoboken).

• Club President Mc Mullan congratulates Geraghty’s league champions
• Nine-goal rout of United earns 12th win in a row, promotion to top level
• First team battle well as Eagles quality shines through
• Over 30s and 1960 move a step closer to silverware

Some of the Shamrocks Women’s team pictured outside the Courtyard Ale House on Sunday after they won the Women’s Metropolitan Soccer League Division B championship with a 9-0 win over NYC United B. Back row left to right, Teresa Ferraro, Olivia Nadon, Jackie Pounder, Christina Beck, Paige Osborne, Amber Waery, Donna Lydon, Sharee Goodson. Front row, left to right, Coleen Cavanagh, Alexis Lilly, Sinead Hennessy, Erin Cullen, Kailey Walsh, Becky Torres. Picture John Riordan

The Shamrocks Women are champions!

For the first time since Pete McLean’s dream team of the 1980s, a women’s team representing the New York Shamrock Soccer Club brought a trophy back to Queens, sparking joyous celebrations at the Courtyard.

A 9-0 victory over NYC United B in New Utrecht on Sunday was their 12th league win in a row, securing the title and promotion to the top division of women’s soccer in New York.

Paddy Geraghty and Tricia Reed led their charges to yet another dominant performance in what is just the second season of this team and they can now look forward to their League Cup final on Sunday May 22 at Pier 40 (kick-off 9pm).

Last weekend’s goalscorer Becky Torres was on target again and there was an even spread of goals from her team mates: Amber Waery, Sharee Goodson, Coleen Kavanagh (two), Christina Beck, Jackie Pounder, Jarielle Uter and Teresa Ferraro.

“I’m very proud of our team,” said Geraghty. “To win 12 league games in a row is a real achievement. We have a chance to win the double on May 22nd so we’ll focus on that now.”

Club President Sean Mc Mullan congratulated the coaches and players on behalf of the NY Shamrock Soccer Club.

“They have come a long way since the idea was first put forward by Teresa Brink,” said Mc Mullan. “The work put in by Paddy and Tricia has been incredible and I want to pay tribute as well to Erin Cullen and captain Sinead Hennessy. All the players who have pulled on the jersey over the last two seasons have contributed to this success and we are very proud as a club.”

Meanwhile at St Michaels, the first team performed well against a talented Everton Westchester Eagles outfit in a back-and-forth battle that ended in a 5-3 reverse.

Tom Manz had the Rocks ahead early after a brilliant assist from Alejandro Fritz but the Eagles replied in kind soon after. Chuong Tran edged the home side in front again only for the visitors to take a 3-2 lead into the half, a Laurie Child own goal and a penalty handing the Eagles the advantage.

Tom Manz opened the scoring for the Shamrocks. Picture: Dennis Schneider

Introduced as a sub in the second half, Joe Connolly made an immediate impact, seizing on a loose ball to tap home and level the game but the 3-3 scoreline was shortlived, Zach Gosse’s unfortunate own goal lobbing over Franck Tsasse. With time running out, the Rocks pressed but we’re caught on the counter by a good finish from an Eagles opponent.

Polonia’s 1-1 draw with Manhattan Celtic now means they are three points behind the Shamrocks meaning their May 15 showdown becomes all the more critical.

“Another day in the history of the Shamrocks,” remarked Kevin Grogan after the game. “As Alex Ferguson famously said, it’s squeaky bum time now.

“But today should be about the great success of the women’s team. They have lifted the whole club with what they have achieved.”

Joe Connolly scored his first goal of the season on Sunday in the 5-3 defeat to Everton FC Westchester. Picture: Dennis Schneider

The reserves battled back from 3-0 down to tie 4-4 in a dramatic curtain raiser. Dan Meola, Sean Doran (penalty), Brendan Lane and Marc Vilson secured an important point for the Rocks ahead of a bye week.

Earlier in the day, a 9-0 win for the Over 30s against Manhattan Kickers at Randall’s Island moved Paddy Mc Carry’s men a step closer to retaining the league.

Sean Riley returned to action with a hat trick and there was a goal each for John Crowley, Tayfun Gokmen, Alex Berne, Peter Hatzer and Domnick McCartan as well as a Kickers own goal.

“Very happy with the performance,” said Mc Carry. “We were patient in the first half and eventually we took our chances. We go to Hoboken next weekend full of confidence. We’e aiming to wrap it up there and then focus on the State Cup.”

Shamrocks 1960 have are now well within reach of promotion to Metro 1 after their 4-1 win against SC Eintracht, also at Randall’s Island.

Michael Kumarsen scored twice while man of the match Cathal Monaghan and Ruairi Lavery also netted.

“It was very important to set things right after last week’s defeat,” said coach Andy Connolly. “We have a weekend off now and in two weeks we’ll be aiming to lift the divisional trophy.”

• One win from glory for Paddy Geraghty’s charges
• Lansdowne come from behind to deny Rocks
• Late Legends drama in 4-4 thriller
• 1960 falter against title rivals

Becky Torres was the goal hero for the Shamrocks Women at St Michaels on Sunday in a vital 1-0 victory over title rivals Sirens.

And the win-at-all-costs spirit was personified by Brittany Meade who took an overnight bus from Pittsburgh to make the game, the much needed victory putting the Rocks five points clear at the top of the table with two games to go.

Meade’s assist for Torres’ first half goal set up a perfect finish by the midfielder but Sirens rallied and pushed the Rocks all the way.

“We had a solid performance,” said coach Paddy Geraghty.

“We did what we needed to do. I’m very happy we kept another clean sheet. A win next Sunday seals it for us but we’ll take it just as seriously as we did today.”

On Saturday night, the Irish Derby ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Shamrocks.

On what was a very proud night for both clubs – the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising was handled with great dignity by all those in attendance, including the players – the Rocks took an early lead through Alejandro Fritz that put the hosts on the back foot.

However, the Bhoys leveled just before half-time and took the lead early in the second half to secure all three points.

“We worked very hard against the champions,” said Kevin Grogan. “We are playing all the top teams and thats a great learning curve for our players and this will stand to them.

“We move on quickly now to play the Eagles who are another big team. As always we are building for the future. We have come a long way. Thank you to the great support Up there on Saturday.”

The reserves were beaten 5-0 in the opener.

Meanwhile, Rocks 1960 were overturned by their divisional rivals, Gotham City at Randall’s Island, losing 4-1 to their second placed opponents.

Dave Harvey’s second half goal canceled out a 1-0 half-time deficit but Gotham City immediately went 2-1 ahead and pushed on from there, narrowing the points gap to seven points.

“We experienced a real blow and now our character is really going to be tested,” said Andy Connolly.

“But I’ve played football with many teams in places like Navan, Dublin, Galway, Edinburgh, Okayama (in Japan), and New York, and I’ve yet to come across a squad of players that have a better mindset and who have more guts than Shamrocks 1960.

“These lads are outstanding and they’re going to come out roaring like lions next week. There’s nothing I’m more certain of.”

In the final game of the weekend, Paddy Geraghty wrapped up a perfect Sunday for him personally with a dramatic last-minute goal that helped the Legends share the spoils with Hoboken in an exciting 4-4 draw at St Michaels.

Eoghan McParland opened the scoring for the Legends after Hoboken grabbed an early lead. John Riordan slotted home to make it 2-1 after good build-up play from Ducky Kelly and Karol Hughes.

Hughes himself then made it 3-2 in the second half with a great lob from just inside the box. But Hoboken came back and took a 4-3 lead that would be ultimately negated by Geraghty’s late header, set up by Emmet Murphy.

“A battling performance by the guys today in tough conditions,” said player assistant coach Kelly.

“We fought until the end and were well deserving of the point. The whole squad played their part. We’ll be happy to carry that spirit into the remaining games.”

• Grogan ‘focused’ on challenge ahead
• Rocks Women bidding to silence Sirens
• 1960 aiming to clinch promotion and championship berth
• Doyle calls on reserves to bounce back from tough loss

April will end on a high note for the Rocks this weekend with an Irish derby and not one but two potential divisional deciders.

The Shamrocks will visit CSL Division 1 champions Lansdowne on Saturday evening for a vital league game with so much at stake for both sides (Tibbetts Brook Park, 8pm).

The game will be preceded by a brief ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising and by the end of the 90 minutes, the second annual Irish Consulate Cup will be awarded to the winners.

Purely a ceremonial trophy, the league points will be the primary concern as the Shamrocks bid to stay in touch with the tight bunch of teams hovering around mid-table. Polonia’s loss last week means they can stay ahead of the Greenpoint outfit no matter what happens this weekend. But with the final post in sight, coach Kevin Grogan is targeting every possible point.

Meanwhile, Lansdowne will be aiming to stay level with Pancyprians who have played a game more than the Yonkers outfit.

“There are many other clubs that want us to fail in our mission to achieve our goal of staying up,” noted Grogan.

“But as always we are very focused on our job and we are a very tight knit group. We are giving ourselves the best chance of achieving our goal and although the new format of the league is very unfair and has punished us for our great start to the season we are still very much on track to achieve our mission.

“Every game now is a cup final and we need to use all our experience on and off the pitch to get over the line. Anything can happen on any given day in football. Concentration and discipline are king now.”

The reserves are under equal pressure to get a result – their dramatic loss last week to Pancyprians allowed the Lansdowne reserves pull level with the Rocks and Lansdowne also have the edge in the head-to-head battle following December’s win at Tibbetts.

“This weekend promises to be a very special one on so many levels,” said Stevie Doyle.

“The commemoration of the 100-year anniversary of the Easter Rising and a trip to Tibbetts to take on our Irish compatriots Lansdowne. With both teams level on points, it promises to be tight and tense game. I’m looking for a big response from my team after the defeat last week and I have a full squad to choose from. A win will push us into second place and it will give us confidence going into the last few games.”

Meanwhile, St Michaels will be the place to be on Sunday with the Shamrocks Women facing a season-defining clash with their title rivals, Sirens.

The Rocks have scored 33 goals without reply in the four league games since the winter break but Sirens have been equally flawless and in fact both teams share a similar goal difference, both 49 goals to the good.

“We have our biggest game of the year on Sunday,” said coach Paddy Geraghty. “A win would put us five points clear with two games left so it’s a big incentive for us. We play Sirens who have only lost once all season. They have qualified for the State Cup final as well as the League Cup final so we know it’s going to be a massive task for us. We look forward to the challenge.”

Elsewhere in Metro 2, Shamrocks 1960 can wrap up their division and a June 12 league final if they beat second placed Gotham City at Randall’s Island 74 on Sunday (kick-off 12pm).

Gotham City’s league campaign could effectively end with a loss as a Rocks win would also lock up promotion to Metro 1.

“This is without doubt our biggest game of the season so far,” said assistant-coach and center back Neil Mannion. “It’s in our own hands but we need to be ready to repel the challenge of a team who are in survival mode. The horse is at the water, it’s time for him to drink it!”

The second game at St Michael’s on Sunday is the 3pm kick-off between the Shamrocks Legends and Hoboken’s Over 36 side. A couple of injuries have interfered with Emmett Harvey’s preparations but with the Over 30s enjoying a weekend off, he has some opportunities to shore up the gaps.

“It was a tough loss last weekend and it didn’t help that it included injuries to some key players,”

“We play a Hoboken side who have strengthened over the winter break. So we are expecting a tough match, but we have put together a team which is more than capable of getting the right result.”