Pic: George Kelly
This Sunday, Shamrock Rovers attempt to replicate their 1987 achievement of winning the domestic double, a feat not accomplished by the club since then. On the back of claiming their 22nd league title last Saturday, the Aviva Stadium awaits this week. The Hoops come up against Cork City, a side relegated to the First Division for 2026 and with nothing to lose.
Since his arrival, Stephen Bradley has reinstated the winning culture in the club, having won five titles in six years. Bradley also won the FAI Cup in 2019, as well as earning qualification to European football on three occasions. This side, well-versed in history-making, will head into Sunday with the weight of generations on its shoulders.
Predecessors want to see them succeed, replicate history and make history of their own. They have done this in different medians, the double yet to be added to their collection. Numerous players within this squad would have lifted the cup six years ago; many others are yet to reach that promised land.
Double of 87’
Shamrock Rovers last completed the infamous feat 38 years ago. The double was completed just two weeks after the club played their final fixture at Milltown, as Mick Byrne netted the last goal there. Byrne enjoyed his time at the club mainly from 1984 to 1988. He also returned in 1990 and 1996, the latter being more in a coaching position.
Milltown was a special place for the club and still reserves a place in the hearts of staff and supporters. To date, it continues to be sung about in the South Stand at Tallaght Stadium, something Byrne and his former teammates continually enjoy hearing. In his interview with The Milltown Way, Byrne said, “It’s important we don’t forget Milltown”.
The former striker touched on how the emotions developed as his side became more equipped to deal with the cup final. Rovers won three doubles in a row, from 1984/85 to 1986/87, and Byrne often goads his former teammates, saying how it would have been “four in a row” had they signed him a season earlier.
Byrne was part of Jim McLaughlin’s aces, and he had felt he reached the pinnacle of his career when signing for the Hoops. He was quickly humbled by Pat Byrne, a player with whom he grew close and remains close to to date. Pat, who made 126 appearances for the club, had grabbed him by the neck and told him to get his bags if he was to continue the way he was.
Mick Byrne remains passionate about the club. He said that the team of 87 is fully behind Rovers in their pursuit of the double. He admitted that they were disappointed last year not to see Bradley’s side make history by winning five league titles in a row.
Years in exile
The year that followed on from Shamrock Rovers’ departure from Milltown was described as “not being nice to see”. Mick spoke on the 1987/88 campaign, where Rovers played their home fixtures at Tolka Park. He touched on how it was sad to see supporters who were seen weekly inside Milltown, standing outside of Tolka Park.
Rovers had won four in a row in the lead-up to departing Milltown, and they finished fourth the season after leaving. Despite Mick speaking on how the players tried to leave that out of the dressing room, it was sure to have an impact. The Hoops were also knocked out of the FAI Cup in the fourth round, losing 2-0 at ‘home’ to UCD.
The players had always imagined the issue would be resolved regarding Milltown. Mick referred to the half-time protests that took place in the FAI Cup fixture against Sligo Rovers.
Sunday represents more than just an opportunity to win two trophies in one season; it’s about showing the club’s willingness to survive. Despite Rovers’ ongoing success, the double has not been claimed since the days of Milltown. A win on Sunday would showcase Rovers’ ability to overcome the worst of moments and retain the winning culture.
Rebuilding in Tallaght
Despite supporters’ preference to still be heading to Milltown to watch Shamrock Rovers, they can appreciate the facilities at Tallaght Stadium. George Kelly, a photographer for the club, has pictured the club at both grounds. He told The Milltown Way how he feels the facilities in Dublin 24 are “exceptional”.
George describes himself as “one of the lucky ones” who has experienced both Milltown and Tallaght. He believes this side is “well capable” of doing the double on Sunday, admitting it would be great to do while based in Tallaght.
Since 2009, it has been the home of Shamrock Rovers, a move that satisfied a large section of the fanbase. On the brink of extinction, trustees of the 400 Club agreed to bankroll the club during the process. They paid off a portion of the Rovers’ debt before being renamed as the SRFC Members Club in an annual meeting in 2006.
Modern machine
Stephen Bradley often mentions the winning mentality that is installed in the club. He recently said in an interview that if players lack that, then Shamrock Rovers is not the club for them. This winning mentality has not just been around in recent years; Mick Byrne spoke of this from his days under McLaughlin.
Mick said: “I think it’s part of the DNA of Shamrock Rovers”, adding that if players lack an interest, they “won’t be there long enough”. Bradley has been a driver of that winning mentality since his arrival as manager in 2016. Now, the club is well-versed in winning titles and playing on the biggest stages.
Despite the game evolving endlessly, the current squad acknowledge the success their predecessors had. The 1987 squad was invited to speak to the players earlier in the week, as reported by The Irish Independent. Players within the dressing room are serial winners and endlessly seek to improve on the pitch.
Another key element to the success of the club is its youth development. Mick was quick to praise the likes of Cory O’Sullivan in his interview. He spoke of how the 19-year-old has yet to look out of place when stepping into the backline of Shamrock Rovers. Key to the younger players’ development is to learn from their peers, and Cory has that in high supply.
Rovers have an endless hunger for claiming silverware, as showcased in the past six years. This was seen in the 1980s when the club won four league titles in a row. They also won three cups in a row, combining to three doubles in succession.
Meaning of the double
The potential of the double means a lot to Shamrock Rovers, a club that remembers its past fondly. From previous players to current photographers and supporters, the club is aligned across the board. They all want to see history made in the modern era, this time winning two trophies in one season. Dundalk are the last side to win the domestic double, in 2018. They beat Cork City to achieve the feat.
Mick Byrne touched on how this current squad have the backing and support of the last Rovers team to win the domestic double. This will provide additional incentive for the players who take to the hallowed turf on Sunday. History awaits this already coveted squad, and the 2025 FAI Cup Final could be the next chapter.
Mick told The Milltown Way that the cup final is all about putting the effort in. He said: “You’ve got to put all the hard work in, and if you do, you’re getting something back from it.” Advice that stems from a player who has done it on three occasions and who scored the last goal in Milltown.
Achieving this feat will mean a lot to the club from top to bottom, from past to future. Winning the double in 2025 will represent the ongoing life at the Hoops. Despite being on the brink of extinction, Shamrock Rovers Football Club will never die.
Final word
Headed into Sunday, members of that double-winning squad in 1987 will be in attendance. The players who are in the Aviva Stadium have the full backing of that squad. They also have the backing of every supporter, past and present. From Milltown to Tallaght, Shamrock Rovers do not have a lack of support and motivation as they are Aviva-bound.
However, Rovers come up against a strong opposition in Cork City. They have had a difficult route to get to Sunday, arguably tougher than Stephen Bradley’s side. Cork City, whose relegation was confirmed on 13 October, had to overcome St. Patrick’s Athletic in the Semi-Final. This side will be relishing the opportunity to upset the favourites on the biggest stage of Irish football. With that comes European football for next season.
Stephen Bradley and his side are well-versed in big occasions and claiming silverware. It will be treated as just another game. This will allow for the occasion not to get the better of the players on the pitch. The Hoops can make history on Sunday, and pay homage to all those who stood up for the club in its darkest hour.