Macdara Ferris News Today

Spanish footballing royalty claimed the Champions League title once again as Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley.

The final in Dublin will live long in the memory for those who were there including this reporter.

The Neverkusen nickname will have to revert to Vizekusen after this Europa League Final defeat to Atalanta.

It was back in the inaugural season of Tallaght Stadium that Galway United last avoided defeat to Shamrock Rovers’ first team – that was until last Friday night.

Counting through the missing players for Shamrock Rovers last Friday night you needed all ten digits with Dan Cleary suspended and nine other outfield players out injured. However Hoops Head Coach Stephen Bradley wasn’t using that as an excuse for his team’s failure to beat Galway United.

The four-in-a-row was won last year with a dozen players playing a part in each of the title winning campaigns. Being able to work with a stable squad over the years enables the manager to tailor the amount of information he gives each of his players according to Bradley.

The game was finally balanced last Friday night in the Brandywell until a five minute Shamrock Rovers spell saw Dylan Watts combine with Aaron Greene twice to take the game away from the Candystripes.

For Hoops Head Coach Collie O’Neill, the defeat to Shelbourne in the cup last year forced him into a review of his team’s formation.

Yes, it was another defeat – this time 2-0 against England – but Ireland Head Coach Eileen Gleeson was happy with how her team took the game to the Lionesses in the second half.

Heavy rain fell on Lansdowne Road on Monday as the heavy hitters arrived in Dublin. England have come to town and on the eve of their game with Ireland, their Head Coach Sarina Wiegman and Arsenal star Leah Williamson spoke to the assembled media.