Reds set to celebrate the 25th anniversary of 1992 title triumph

SHELBOURNE FC will celebrate the 25th anniversary of their 1991/92 League win at the home game against Cabinteely FC this Friday, May 26 in Tolka Park.

The ’92 League win, the seventh in the club’s history, was their first since 1962. It served as a catalyst for the most successful period in Shels’ illustrious history – in which they have claimed 13 League crowns and won the FAI Cup 10 times.

The Reds were crowned champions for the first time in 30 years on April 5, 1992, when they prevailed over Dundalk at Oriel Park by three goals to one.

That side was renowned for the attractive football they played all season and, fittingly, Brian Flood sealed the championship with a wonderful 40-yard strike past Lilywhites’ ’keeper Eddie Van Boxtel.

Following on from that League win, the Tolka Park outfit barely missed out on the double the following season. 

Pat Byrne’s side missed out on a second League title in a row after a three-way play-off between themselves, Bohemians and Cork City when the Leesiders won the League for the first time in their history.

In the Cup final, the Reds again defeated Dundalk – this time at Lansdowne Road to lift the blue riband trophy in Irish football for, ironically, the first time in 30 years.

In typical cup final fashion, that game wasn’t as action-packed as the previous season’s League game. A disciplined Shelbourne side, without their midfield talisman, Gary Howlett, picked up a 1-0 win thanks to the head of Greg Costello.

Over the following decade-and-a-half, Shelbourne dominated Irish football. They won the League five more times, the cup three more times and went on an unprecedented run in Europe; going toe-to-toe with some of the giants of the continental game including Rangers, Deportivo de la Coruna, Lille and Steaua Bucharest.

On May 26, Shelbourne FC will take a trip down memory lane and relive one of the most revered teams in the club’s history, which included Irish football legends such as Mark Rutherford, Mick Neville and Greg Costello. 

The players will be recognised at the game, and a Q&A session will follow in the club bar following the final whistle.

Admission is €15 for adults, €10 for students with valid ID and €5 for children under 14 and OAPs. Kick-off at Tolka Park this Friday is at 7.45pm and tickets can be purchased at the gate.

REPORT: Aidan Geraghty