Shamrock Rovers defeated Bohemians last night at Tallaght Stadium. Alan Reynolds's first Dublin Derby as Bohs finished in a 3-1 defeat. The match though will be remembered for the occasion: a sell-out crowd of 10,000 people in Tallaght, which was the biggest attendance for a League match since 1990.
In order to capture the contrasting emotions from the two groups of supporters, we emailed questions to fans of both clubs.
Here's what they made of it.
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Exit Interview - Shamrock Rovers - Graham Merrigan
What was your expectation before the game in terms of how the match would go and your club’s performance?
The Rovers - Bohs Dublin Derby is the biggest match in world football, current form never matters in these matches. In the lead-up to them, I can't concentrate enough to have an expectation of how we're going to play, I'm too nervous. Although I never expected Rovers to lose.
What was your biggest fear heading into the game?
I was more worried about injuries and hopeful that we'd escape the 90 mins injury-free.
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rank this in terms of ‘Dublin Derby-ness’ (if you follow)? How tense was it?
1/10 for the first half, although Bohs never threatened, we struggled to get into the game until maybe the 30th minute, and from there we controlled the match. The second half was 10/10 an excellent performance, there is no beating Rovers when we play like that. The fact we're missing 5 or 6 is a huge bonus.
What did you make of the atmosphere?
The noise was deafening when Johnny Kenny scored our first goal, he's playing with great confidence at the moment and I'm delighted for him. The singing didn't stop for much of the second half, singing classics like 'Auld Triangle', 'We Can Boogie', 'Crazy World' and 'Alan Reynolds Is A Hoop'. A brilliant second half atmosphere.
What was the turning point of the match?
The second half when we eventually showed how well we can play.
Who was your club’s best performer and why?
I think Josh Honohan has settled into the club brilliantly and continues to play excellently every week, Lee Grace, Gary O'Neill, Darragh Burns, Graham Burke to name a few were in great form.
29 March 2024; Josh Honohan of Shamrock Rovers in action against Aboubacar Keita of Bohemians during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Who was the best player on the opposition team and why?
I don't think any stood out.
Any general thoughts on the occasion and getting 10k+ to an LOI match?
A brilliant occasion, brilliant for the league, as the saying goes, build it and they will come. Now the government needs to get behind the league and invest, it's a complete no-brainer. I'm delighted for everyone at Shamrock Rovers, we've come a long way baby.
Are you still hopeful for the 5-in-a-row?
It's only March, as we know from last season, leagues aren't won in March. If and when we have a full healthy squad to choose from, we'll do very well. KOH
Graham Merrigan is an unrepentant Shamrock Rovers fan and podcaster, you can listen to What's the Story? Podcast at wtspod.com
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Exit Interview - Bohs - Gerry Farrell
What were your expectations going into the match?
I had broadly positive expectations. Especially after the result against Derry and Rovers indifferent start to the season. I was hoping we'd continue with the positive approach from the Derry game and be compact and well organised. And that we could come away with a result.
What was your biggest fear before kickoff?
My biggest fear was that we'd be bullied out of the game and be intimidated from the outset. I feel we can be a bit soft.
On a scale of 1-10, how would rank this in terms of ‘Dublin Derby-ness’ (if you follow)? How tense was it?
On a scale of 1-10 I would say this was a 7. Probably slightly higher because of the new manager factor and the size of the crowd but being this early in the season probably less on the line.
What did you make of the atmosphere?
Probably not as intense as other games but from where I was the Bohs fans were in good voice. Especially through the first half. Most shouting themselves hoarse. Nice extra dimension with the new stand to our right which seemed to be more families, Da's and kids etc.
What was the turning point of the match?
The opening goal in the second half. Thought the teams were quite even until then but conceding seemed to be a huge blow to Bohs and I couldn't really see us getting back into the game.
Who was Bohs' best performer?
Tough one. I thought several of the players were good in the first half. I wouldn't blame Chorazka for any of the goals. I thought that James Clarke looked like the player most likely to create something for us and he worked hard and showed for the ball throughout. Sadly we offered little in the 2nd half.
Who was the best player on the opposition?
They had a few good performers, Honohan, Watts were all good. I'd say maybe Graham Burke. He was a constant threat in the second half. Pressed surprisingly well and has that little bit of extra quality.
Did this remind you of any other Bohs-Rovers games?
Reminder of previous games - not really. It felt unlike the previous "new manager" games and the scale and atmosphere I think has been different in recent years. A unique game I suppose.
What did you make of Alan Reynolds debut?
On Alan Reynolds - he had the team set up well and highly motivated in the first half. I felt we started very well. Our response to going behind was poor but I don't necessarily think that be laid at the manager's door. He's still getting to know his team and players. A curious substitution bringing on McDaid as a striker but I suppose he did score! I'd hope he'll look at more flexibility and variety in style and formation buy its very early days.
Any thought on the occasion of seeing 10,000 people at an LOI match?
It's great to see Tallaght finished and I hope that the sell-out crowd tonight shows that similar facilities are needed at clubs around the country. And especially in Dublin 7!
Gerry Farrell is one of the club historians for Bohemian FC. See his website for more.
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