Episode 39 - Rovers sink Galway as Pico continues writing World Cup history

In Episode 39 of The Milltown Way, we look back on Shamrock Rovers' 3-1 win over Galway United at Tallaght Stadium, a result that papered over a slow, sluggish opening 35 minutes before two goals in first-half stoppage time changed the game completely.

We break down how Rovers controlled large spells without incision early on, despite finishing with 67% possession and a 15-7 shot advantage, before Adam Brennan's driving runs down the left turned the game on its head. Greene's header, McGovern's tap-in, and a brilliant solo finish from Michael Noonan made it 3-0 before a late Galway consolation gave the scoreline a slightly closer look than the performance deserved. Is this now a genuine pattern of slow starts worth worrying about, or just a side that knows how to find another gear when it needs to?

That Noonan goal feeds straight into our next talking point: Stephen Bradley's striking comments on the teenager's future, where the Rovers boss said he "doesn't see Michael not being here until the end of the season at least." With Noonan turning 18 at the end of July and an ongoing FIFA review tied to an agency agreement connected to his contract, was Bradley sounding reassured, or simply managing a live situation in public?

We also preview Tuesday's friendly with Hibernian, a low-stakes outing but a useful chance to assess fringe players and fitness levels ahead of a huge run of fixtures.

The biggest story of the week, though, belongs to Roberto Lopes. Following on from where we left things back in Episode 30, Lopes has made history as the first ever active League of Ireland player to compete at a FIFA World Cup, helping Cape Verde - the third-smallest nation by population ever to qualify - to a stunning 0-0 draw with Spain and a dramatic 2-2 comeback against Uruguay, with Lopes himself making a crucial block on Federico Valverde in Miami. Does a League of Ireland captain holding his own on football's biggest stage change how the league should be talked about?

Finally, attention turns to next Friday's trip to Sligo Rovers. Rovers remain six points clear at the top, but with St Patrick's Athletic holding two games in hand, we discuss whether this represents a genuine banana skin given some recently dropped points, and give our predictions for how it plays out.

The Milltown Way is the independent Shamrock Rovers podcast covering all things Hoops.

Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and YouTube.

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One of the most important stories in modern Shamrock Rovers history.

In this exclusive interview, The Milltown Way sits down with Robert Goggins to revisit the extraordinary story behind Tallaght Stadium, the legal battle that delayed the club’s move, and the supporters who helped keep Shamrock Rovers alive during one of the darkest periods in the club’s history.

From the early plans for a new home in Tallaght, to the involvement of Dublin GAA and Thomas Davis, to the High Court legal challenge that threatened to derail the project entirely, Robert gives a first-hand account of what really happened.

Topics discussed include:

☘️ How the Tallaght Stadium project first began

⚽ The proposed shared stadium discussions in the early 2000s

🏛️ Why Thomas Davis launched legal action

📄 The role of Gaelic Athletic Association figures in the dispute

💰 The 400 Club stepping in during examinership

📰 Shamrock Rovers’ financial crisis in 2005

⚔️ The infamous “last man standing” quote

🏟️ How Rovers eventually got home to Tallaght Stadium

This is a story of supporter activism, resilience, politics, football, and the fight for the future of one of Ireland’s biggest football clubs.

If you’re a Rovers supporter, a League of Ireland fan, or simply interested in Irish sporting history, this is a story worth hearing.

🎙️ The Milltown Way is an independent Shamrock Rovers podcast bringing you match reaction, club history, interviews, and everything happening around Tallaght.

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Subscribe for more exclusive interviews, matchday content, and weekly podcast episodes.

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Episode 38 - Rovers frustrated by Derry City draw

Shamrock Rovers were forced to settle for a point after a 1-1 draw with Derry City at Tallaght Stadium, and we break down a frustrating night where Stephen Bradley's side never quite hit top gear. We discuss Liam Boyce's opener, Aaron Greene's late equaliser, the key moments that shaped the game and what the result means in the League of Ireland Premier Division title race.

We also turn our attention to Roberto Lopes and Cape Verde after another impressive result at the FIFA World Cup. Following their draw with Spain, Cape Verde earned a 2-2 draw with Uruguay, leaving qualification hopes alive heading into a final group game against Saudi Arabia on Friday night.

Finally, we look ahead to Galway United's visit to Tallaght Stadium. How important is an immediate response? Who should start? And what can Rovers expect from a Galway side that has proven difficult to break down this season?

On this week's episode:

Shamrock Rovers 1-1 Derry City reaction

Aaron Greene rescues a point

The latest title race implications

Roberto Lopes and Cape Verde's World Cup campaign

Saudi Arabia preview

Galway United preview

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.#SRFC #LOI #ShamrockRovers

Episode 37 - Shamrock Rovers bounce back in Waterford

Shamrock Rovers bounce back with a 2-0 away win over Waterford, with goals from Dylan Watts and Michael Noonan securing all three points at the RSC.

We break down the performance, including the response after the Shelbourne defeat, key moments in the game, and a much-needed return to winning ways.

We also look at Roberto Lopes’ standout moment as Cape Verde held Spain to a 0-0 draw at the FIFA World Cup, with Uruguay up next this Sunday night.

European focus continues as Rovers learn their qualification pathway:

• Floriana (Malta) in the Champions League 1st qualifying round
• Ararat-Armenia or Riga in the Champions League 2nd qualifying round
• FK Kauno Žalgiris v Drita loser in the Conference League route

Finally, we preview Monday night’s clash with Derry City in Tallaght Stadium.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and YouTube.

#SRFC #LOI #ShamrockRovers

Episode 36 of The Milltown Way, we look back on Shamrock Rovers' 2-1 defeat away to Shelbourne at Tolka Park.

Despite creating several opportunities throughout the game, the Hoops were ultimately made to pay for mistakes at key moments, with Shelbourne taking advantage to claim all three points.

We discuss:

• The defeat to Shelbourne

• Whether Rovers did enough to get something from the game

• Adam Brennan's mixed display

• Danny Grant's impact from the bench

• The importance of being more clinical in both boxes

We also turn our attention to Europe, discussing Shamrock Rovers' Champions League pathway and what supporters can expect from this year's qualifying campaign.

Elsewhere, we talk about Pico Lopes and Cape Verde ahead of their World Cup clash with Spain and finish by previewing next Friday's trip to Waterford.

As always, thank you for listening to The Milltown Way.

Hosted by Ryan Brennan.

#ShamrockRovers #SRFC #LeagueOfIreland #LOI #ChampionsLeague

Episode 35 - Brennan's Ireland debut, Noonan to Ajax, & Shelbourne away

On this week's episode, we begin with the Republic of Ireland's international friendly against Canada and the involvement of Shamrock Rovers players Adam Brennan, Ed McGinty and Matt Healy. Brennan became the latest Hoops player to earn a senior international cap, coming off the bench late in the game, while McGinty and Healy remained unused.

We discuss the positives of seeing Rovers players recognised at the senior international level, while also questioning whether more opportunities should have been given during the international window.

We then move on to some major transfer news involving two of the League of Ireland's brightest young talents. Michael Noonan has been heavily linked with a move to Dutch giants Ajax, while Alex Noonan has reportedly attracted interest from Ipswich Town. We discuss what these potential moves could mean for the players involved, the League of Ireland and the growing reputation of Irish football development pathways.

Attention then turns to the FAI Cup, with Shamrock Rovers drawn at home to Cork City in the 2nd round. The tie is a repeat of the 2025 FAI Cup final, and we discuss the draw, Cork City's current situation and what Rovers supporters can expect when the sides meet in July.

Finally, we look ahead to Shelbourne away. With Rovers returning to league action after the international break, we preview one of the biggest fixtures on the domestic calendar.

We discuss the challenge of Tolka Park, the importance of maintaining momentum at the top of the table and the key areas that could decide the outcome of the Dublin derby.

All of that and more on Episode 35 of The Milltown Way.

The independent Shamrock Rovers podcast covering all things Hoops.

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Episode 34 - Burke stunner continues Dublin derby t streak

Shamrock Rovers head into the international break six points clear at the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St Patrick's Athletic in Tallaght Stadium.

We discuss Burke's wonder goal, Jake Mulraney's positive display, the defensive performances of Lee Grace and Roberto Lopes, Ed McGinty's contribution to another clean sheet and how Stephen Bradley's side managed to withstand late pressure from Pats to secure all three points.

With back-to-back derby wins over Bohs and St Pats, we also assess what this latest result means in the context of the title race as Rovers extend their advantage at the summit.

Elsewhere, we discuss the Republic of Ireland squad after Ed McGinty and Adam Brennan were both included for the friendly against Qatar but remained unused substitutes. We also look ahead to the upcoming trip to Canada, where McGinty and Brennan remain in the squad, and Matt Healy has since earned a call-up.

Is the international break arriving at a good time for Shamrock Rovers? Should League of Ireland players be getting more opportunities in friendly internationals? And just how significant could this latest derby victory prove in the weeks ahead?

All that and more on Episode 34 of The Milltown Way, the independent Shamrock Rovers podcast covering all things Hoops.

Follow The Milltown Way on social media for more Shamrock Rovers content, match reaction, opinion, interviews and podcast clips.

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Episode 33 - Enda Stevens wins dramatic Dublin derby for Shamrock Rovers

After a poor first half, which saw Bohs lead through Tierney, Rovers struggled to create clear-cut chances and looked vulnerable defensively at times. The episode discusses the tactical battle in the opening 45 minutes, Bohs’ pressing approach, Aaron Greene’s isolation up front, and the growing frustration around Rovers’ attacking play.

The podcast also breaks down what changed after half-time as Dylan Watts helped increase the tempo, Rovers began committing more bodies forward, and the momentum slowly shifted towards the visitors. The impact of the substitutes, the equaliser from McGovern, the derby chaos late on, and the scenes following Stevens’ dramatic winner are all discussed in detail.

There is also discussion around whether this result can become a turning point for Rovers following back-to-back defeats, while acknowledging that some concerns still remain despite the late victory.

Finally, attention turns to another huge Dublin derby as St Patrick’s Athletic travel to Tallaght Stadium on Friday night. The episode previews the game, discusses potential team selection decisions, and looks at whether Rovers can now build momentum after the dramatic win in Dalymount.

The Milltown Way is the independent Shamrock Rovers podcast covering all things Hoops.

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