Show Notes
Episode 52 - Fightback at the Brandywell earns the Hoops a draw Ryan Brennan is solo today with Adam at Electric Picnic, as Shamrock Rovers return from Derry with a point that will feel like more and less than it deserves in equal measure. Rovers found themselves 3-1 down at half-time at the Brandywell — Ellis Chapman scoring twice and Michael Duffy adding a third to leave the league leaders in serious trouble before the break. The second half told a different story. Graham Burke's header and a Dylan Watts equaliser hauled Rovers level at 3-3, with Will Fitzgerald and Michael McColgan both going close to a winner in the final minutes. A point that keeps the five-point gap at the top intact — but it was the first half that did the talking. We look back on the game in full, asking the honest questions about how Rovers ended up 3-1 down before half-time, whether the performance carried the weight of a difficult few weeks, and what it says about where this squad is right now. We then step back and ask a bigger question: is this a title-winning defence? Rovers conceded three times at the Brandywell today, and it is not the first time this season that the backline has been cut open. Pico Lopes missed a significant chunk of the campaign at the World Cup with Cape Verde, came back, and then picked up a straight red card against Drogheda in August — a three-game ban that ruled him out for Dundalk, the St Patrick's Athletic FAI Cup tie, and Shelbourne. He is back now. But with three goals conceded in Derry today, the question of whether this defence can actually win a league is one that needs to be asked directly. Finally, attention turns to the visit of Shelbourne to Tallaght Stadium. After the summer they have had, Rovers need a response — and they need it at home. What should Stephen Bradley do differently, who is available, and what kind of performance does this moment call for? In this episode: Derry City 3-3 Shamrock Rovers review Is this a title-winning defence? Shamrock Rovers v Shelbourne preview
🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Brennan. Thanks, as always, for listening and supporting The Milltown Way. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok for daily Shamrock Rovers content, and don't forget to subscribe, rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. All views are those of the hosts and do not represent Shamrock Rovers FC.
More from The Milltown Way
Episode 60 - Galway setback as the title race tightens Shamrock Rovers suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat away to Galway United on Friday night, leaving the Hoops with plenty to think about as the title race reaches its decisive stages. On Episode 60 of The Milltown Way, Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey look back on the defeat at Eamonn Deacy Park, assess where Rovers fell short and discuss what the result means with just two league games remaining. We also consider the concerns raised by supporters and what Rovers need to show in response. The conversation then turns to the wider title race, with Monday night's meeting between Derry City and St Patrick's Athletic potentially having a significant impact on the final standings. We discuss the possible implications for Rovers, how the other contenders could influence the run-in and why the Hoops must focus on taking care of their own results. Finally, we look ahead to Friday night's trip to face Sligo Rovers. Sligo may have already been relegated, but their 1-1 draw with Dundalk shows they won't necessarily be an easy opponent. We discuss the challenge Rovers could face, the importance of approaching the game with the right mentality and what a response to the Galway defeat needs to look like. With the title still to be decided and every point carrying enormous importance, there's plenty to discuss. 🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey. Thanks for listening and supporting The Milltown Way. Follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok for daily Shamrock Rovers content, and don't forget to subscribe, rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. #ShamrockRovers #SRFC #LOI #LeagueOfIreland #TheMilltownWay
On this episode, Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey look back on a massive night at Tallaght Stadium as Shamrock Rovers beat Bohemians 2-1 in a crucial Dublin derby. John McGovern opened the scoring before Bohs equalised in the second half, but Dylan Watts delivered the decisive goal to secure all three points for Rovers. The victory puts the Hoops six points clear at the top of the Premier Division with five games remaining, giving them a significant advantage in the title race. We break down the key moments, the performances that made the difference and what the result means as the season approaches its conclusion. We then turn our attention to the full-time scenes at Tallaght Stadium. Celebrations in front of the supporters were followed by confrontations involving players and staff from both sides. We discuss what happened, the emotions surrounding such a significant derby and where the line should be drawn when the final whistle blows. Finally, we look ahead to Friday night's trip to face Galway United. With the title race heating up and every point becoming increasingly important, we discuss the challenge Rovers will face away from home and what they need to do to maintain their advantage at the top. Hosted by Ryan Brennan & Adam Casey
On this episode, Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey look back on Shamrock Rovers' 3-1 win over Drogheda United at Tallaght Stadium. John McGovern scored twice, with Graham Burke also on the scoresheet, as Rovers picked up another important three points in the Premier Division. We discuss the key moments from the game, the standout performances, and what the result means as the title race approaches its conclusion. We then turn our attention to the Republic of Ireland Under-21s, who produced a memorable 3-1 victory over England at Turner's Cross to secure a place in the play-offs for the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Ireland came from behind to beat the reigning European champions, with Tommy Lonergan scoring twice and Conor McManus also finding the net. Michael Noonan came off the bench in the 82nd minute, playing the final eight minutes, while Adam Brennan was not in the matchday squad. We look back on a huge result for Jim Crawford's side, the turnaround in their qualifying campaign and what the victory could mean for the young players involved. We also look ahead to Friday's play-off draw, with Ireland among eight nations competing for the four remaining places at next summer's finals. The two-legged play-offs are scheduled for November. Finally, we look ahead to Rovers' next challenge as they prepare to face Bohemians. With the title race entering a decisive stage, we discuss the threat Bohs pose, the importance of the fixture, and what Rovers need to do to maintain the top.
Episode 57 - The Rovers return with An Leanaimid On this episode, Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey are joined by Daniel from An Leanaimid, the Irish-language League of Ireland podcast. We start by getting to know Daniel and finding out more about An Leanaimid. We discuss how the podcast came about, why Daniel decided to cover the League of Ireland through Irish, what it is like creating football content at such a young age and how the project has developed. We also discuss the wider League of Ireland podcast and media landscape, the appeal of covering Irish football in the Irish language and what independent creators can bring to the game. We then turn our attention to the latest news around Shamrock Rovers, including Michael Noonan's confirmed move to Nottingham Forest. We discuss what the move means for the young forward, his development at Rovers and what it says about the opportunities available to young League of Ireland players. We also look at the latest international involvement for Rovers players, including Adam Brennan, Michael Noonan and Roberto Lopes, and discuss the wider question of League of Ireland representation at international level. Finally, we look ahead to Rovers' return to Tallaght Stadium to face Drogheda United in the Premier Division. We look at Drogheda's recent form, their record against Rovers this season, the players who could pose a threat and what Rovers need to do to get the three points. 🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Brennan
Episode 56 - Looking beyond the international break