Joey O’Brien Says European Double is a Tribute to Horgan
Shelbourne manager Joey O’Brien says European double is a tribute to Horgan after his side’s historic 2-0 win over Linfield in the UEFA Conference League. The news of Ollie Horgan’s passing broke just hours before kick-off, adding a deep sense of emotion to the night. Shelbourne’s win was quickly followed by Shamrock Rovers advancing past Portugal’s Santa Clara on aggregate, meaning two Irish clubs will now compete in the group stage of European football for the same season—a rare and proud moment for the League of Ireland.
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Remembering a Legend
Speaking after the win, O’Brien admitted Horgan was heavily on his mind. He called it a special night for Irish football, with both clubs qualifying on the same evening that the former Finn Harps boss passed away. O’Brien described Horgan as a “great man” and revealed he had exchanged texts with him only weeks earlier. For O’Brien, the timing of the double qualification felt like a powerful and fitting tribute to a true legend of the game.
Clinical Shelbourne Performance
On the pitch, Shelbourne left no doubts. Harry Wood and Ali Coote found the net in the first half, securing a 5-1 aggregate victory and a place in the draw in Monaco. O’Brien praised his players for delivering such a dominant first-half display, saying they killed the tie early by attacking with intent. He noted that in earlier matches against Linfield, Shelbourne had not shown their true quality. This time, however, they created chances, displayed composure in the final third, and proved the talent within the squad.
Carrying On Despite Challenges
The win also marks another chapter in Shelbourne’s remarkable season. Following Damien Duff’s surprise departure in June, O’Brien has stepped in smoothly, keeping the team competitive and focused. He acknowledged that Duff’s influence is still visible in the team’s style and hinted that they will likely raise a glass together to celebrate this milestone.
Linfield Left Behind
For Linfield manager David Healy, the evening brought disappointment. His side were completely outplayed, and he openly admitted the gulf between the Irish League and the League of Ireland. He congratulated both Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers but pointed out that the gap in quality is larger than he had imagined. While Linfield had moments in earlier games, he admitted this was their poorest showing, ending any hope of matching their Irish counterparts.
