Shels and Saints secure safe passage in Europe
Shelbourne edged past Linfield 2–1 on aggregate to reach the next round of Champions League qualifying. They drew 1–1 away at Windsor Park on 16 July, following a 1–0 home win in Dublin on 9 July
Ali Coote rocketed Shelbourne ahead in the 25th minute with a sharp, composed finish that proved pivotal
Linfield’s equaliser came late in the first half via a Chris Shields penalty, restoring parity on the night though leaving Shelbourne level on aggregate
A late VAR disallowed goal for Shelbourne, and a red card to Linfield’s Ben Hall, set the scene for Shelbourne’s resilient performance under pressure
Team Reaction & Player Highlights
Manager Joey O’Brien believed the team showed maturity and composure, particularly noting how they “kept their heads” under intense Belfast rivalry pressure. Veteran centre-back Seán Gannon, with extensive European experience, spoke of motivation and maintaining calm rather than succumbing to pressure.
Striker Seán Boyd also reflected on the emotional rollercoaster following Damien Duff’s departure, framing the European win as confirmation of their growth—both on the pitch and financially, with the bonus earnings being “life‑changing."
What’s Next
Shelbourne’s next challenge is a tough tie against Azerbaijani giants Qarabağ, with the first leg set for Wednesday, 23 July at Tolka Park, live on Premier Sports (7:15 PM coverage for a 7:45 PM kick-off)
St Patrick’s Athletic – Europa Conference League First Qualifying Round (v Hegelmann)
Two-Legged Dominance
St Pat’s eliminated Lithuanian side FC Hegelmann 3·0 on aggregate. They opened with a narrow 1–0 home win on 10 July, followed by a dominant 2–0 away victory in Kaunas on 17 July.
Aidan Keena secured the first-leg win with a clinical late penalty after being fouled, ending the team’s 478-minute goal drought.
In the second leg, teenage prodigy Mason Melia (17) broke the game open with a poacher’s goal in the 6th minute. He then delivered a sublime assist for Kian Leavy, who nailed the second with composure.
Emerging & Veteran Standouts
Melia’s performance was nothing short of sensational. Already tied to a future €2 million transfer to Tottenham (effective January 2026), he silenced doubters after a physical first-leg.
Midfielder Chris Forrester also cemented his importance, making a record-breaking 25th European appearance for the club and solidifying his status as a consistent European performer.
Jake Mulraney, reflecting on the team’s tactical growth, noted how Stephen Kenny has found a method to dismantle “very defensive teams,” pointing to their growing European acumen .
Next Chapter
St Pat’s now advance to face Estonian side Nõmme Kalju in the next qualifying round. If they win, they’ll be one step closer to the group-stage playoffs. So far, their European journey has brought in around €700,000 in prize money, with potential for more as they progress
