Rovers face Gibraltar side after Cliftonville flop as Shamrock Rovers prepare to meet St Joseph’s in the second round of the UEFA Conference League, following Cliftonville’s narrow exit in their European campaign. Cliftonville, who were tied 2-2 from the away leg, faced disappointment at home in Solitude, losing 3-2 after extra time and bowing out 5-4 on aggregate despite high hopes for another all-Irish clash in Europe.
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Cliftonville’s Painful Exit
Cliftonville’s hopes were dashed when Odhran Casey was sent off in the 61st minute, leaving them with ten men for a significant portion of the match. St Joseph’s capitalised on this advantage, with Hugo Jesslen scoring the decisive goal deep into extra time to seal the victory for the Gibraltarian side. This result means Cliftonville miss out on progressing, with St Joseph’s now advancing to face Shamrock Rovers.
Shamrock Rovers Set for European Challenge
Shamrock Rovers will now shift their focus to their upcoming European fixtures, with the first leg against St Joseph’s scheduled away on 24 July, followed by the return leg at Tallaght Stadium on 31 July. Rovers will be aware that St Joseph’s previously faced Shelbourne last year, where they were edged out 3-2 on aggregate, showing that while beatable, the Gibraltarian side can still pose challenges on European nights.
Other Irish Interest in Europe
Meanwhile, St Patrick’s Athletic are also preparing for their European journey, facing Estonian club Nomme Kalju in the second round. St Pat’s secured their place after pulling off an upset against Partizani of Albania, showcasing their resilience and determination on the European stage, which will give them confidence heading into their next challenge.
A Busy European Summer Ahead
With Shamrock Rovers now carrying the mantle following Cliftonville’s exit, and St Patrick’s Athletic looking to continue their strong European run, Irish clubs will have plenty to focus on as they aim to make deeper runs in the UEFA Conference League. The fixtures ahead will test their squads but also provide a chance to showcase Irish football quality on the European stage in the coming weeks.
