Shamrock Rovers fans’ green and white flags near Tallaght Stadium get great feedback
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A GROUP of over 20 Shamrock Rovers’ supporters put up green and white flags on trees and road signs leading up to the entrance of Tallaght Stadium last month ahead of the Hoops’ UEFA Europa League qualifier against Norwegian side SK Brann on July 18.
The flags will stay up for as long as Shamrock Rovers are playing Europa League matches, with the team’s supporters and players reacting positively to the addition of flags in the team’s colours on the road leading to the stadium.
Flags at Tallaght Stadium
Sinn Féin councillor Dermot Richardson, who is a supporter and member of Shamrock Rovers, called for flags in the team’s colours to be erected on the lampposts around the stadium on match days in a council motion he tabled in October 2017.
The motion was passed, however South Dublin County Council issued a lukewarm response to the motion, where they stated: “Tallaght Stadium is a South Dublin County Council-owned stadium and to provide flags in the colours of Shamrock Rovers would not be in keeping with the promotion of the stadium as a destination for all events throughout the county.”
Cllr Richardson said that while the motion was passed and supported by his fellow councillors “nothing really happened” afterwards, which led to the group of supporters deciding to put up the flags themselves last month.
Speaking to The Echo about the reaction to the work of the supporters who put up the flags, Cllr Richardson said: “They got great feedback from the club’s players and staff – it gave them a boost.
“I think it adds to the atmosphere. Local GAA clubs have their flags up, so why not have local football teams join in too?
“I think it’s great, and it’s a great reflection on the club. It’s positive stuff, and it’s good for morale.”
Shamrock Rovers official Mark Lynch told The Echo: “As a club, all of the support and colour added to the occasion, and it was great for everyone involved – the team, the club, the supporters and anyone passing through the area.
“The flags brought a sense of event and occasion, and that’s what Shamrock Rovers bring to Tallaght Stadium.”
A spokesperson for South Dublin County Council said: “Tallaght Stadium is a South Dublin County Council-owned stadium that is promoted as a destination for all events throughout the county.
“As such, flags are confined to within the stadium.”
TAGS Tallaght
