Episode 12 – €400k Secured, Honohan Farewell & Signing Off 2025

Shamrock Rovers signed off their European campaign, and the 2025 season, with a 3–1 victory over Hamrun Spartans at Tallaght Stadium, banking a vital €400,000 in UEFA prize money in the process.

In the final episode of 2025, we review a night that brought both satisfaction and reflection. Goals from Graham Burke, Danny Grant and John McGovern ensured Rovers finished the Conference League league phase on a positive note, even if qualification was already out of reach. We break down the key moments, performances, and what the win says about the squad’s depth and mentality after a demanding year.

We also discuss the confirmation of Josh Honohan’s move to Lincoln City when the January transfer window opens. Honohan’s journey, development at Rovers, and the significance of the transfer for both player and club are all reflected on, as the Hoops say goodbye to one of their standout performers of 2025.

With this being the final episode of the year, we zoom out to assess Shamrock Rovers’ 2025 season as a whole — domestic success, European highs and lows, and what Stephen Bradley’s side can take forward into 2026. We touch on squad evolution, transfer priorities, and the expectations that come with sustained success.

Thank you to everyone who listened, shared, and supported the podcast throughout the year. We’ll be back in January as Rovers prepare for another title defence and a new season ahead.

In this episode, we take a full look at Shamrock Rovers’ European campaign, dissecting their disappointing result against Breidablik and what it reveals about the team’s performance on the continental stage.

We break down the tactical issues, defensive struggles, and squad questions that emerged, while also highlighting the players who stood out and those who struggled. Beyond the result, we reflect on the campaign as a whole, including the home versus away form, moments of promise, consistency challenges, and what it reveals about the squad’s depth and European readiness.

Looking ahead, we preview the final European game against Hamrun Spartans, exploring the financial and psychological stakes, and discuss what lessons Rovers can take into the off-season and into 2026. This episode is a mix of honest assessment, tactical analysis, and forward-looking insight for fans and followers of the club’s European journey.

In Episode 10 of The Milltown Way podcast, we look ahead to Shamrock Rovers’ return to European action as they head to Breiðablik on Thursday evening. We break down the key tactical themes, the threats posed by the Icelandic champions, and the areas where Rovers must improve following the defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk.

We also assess a significant development in the squad: Conor Malley’s loan move has now been made permanent. We discuss what this means for Rovers heading into 2026, how Malley has adapted since arriving in the summer, and the role he can play as the team reshapes its midfield options.

Meanwhile, Conan Noonan has completed a transfer to Waterford FC following his impressive loan spell at the RSC. We analyse his departure, the reasons behind the move, the €50k fee reported by The Irish Independent, and what it says about both Rovers’ longer-term planning and Waterford’s ambition.

With a crucial European night ahead and key squad changes taking shape, this week’s episode dives into the state of the dressing room, the structural adjustments still required, and the significance of December’s fixtures for building momentum.

As always, thanks for listening and supporting The Milltown Way. Full coverage continues across all our platforms in the build-up to Thursday’s match

Episode 9 — Shakhtar, Stevens, Gaffney & the Byrne dilemma

Shamrock Rovers returned to European action on Thursday night, falling 2–1 to Shakhtar Donetsk in a game that raised as many talking points as it answered. In Episode 9 of The Milltown Way Podcast, we break down all the key moments, performances, and decisions from a frustrating but encouraging night in Tallaght.

We dive into:

• The Shakhtar performance — what Rovers did well, where the game slipped away, standout players, tactical shifts, and how the late rally changed the tone of the night.

• Jack Byrne’s situation — loan spell in Dubai, interest from elsewhere, and what his short- and long-term future realistically looks like.

• Rory Gaffney’s future — his form, importance to the squad, the growing expectation he’ll sign a new deal, and what keeping him would mean heading into 2026.

• Enda Stevens returning to Tallaght — confirmation of his move for 2026, what he brings on and off the pitch, and how he reshapes next season’s squad.

• Listener questions — your thoughts, opinions, and concerns after a dramatic European week.

With the season winding down and major decisions looming behind the scenes, this episode covers everything supporters are talking about right now: the European run, transfer noise, squad futures, and the shape of Stephen Bradley’s 2026 team.

Whether you’re still analysing the Shakhtar game or already thinking ahead to next year, this episode has a bit of everything.

Hosted by: Ryan Brennan & Adam Casey

Produced by: The Milltown Way

Episode 8 – Shakhtar Donetsk preview: A European night with real history behind it

The Milltown Way returns for a massive episode as Shamrock Rovers prepare to host Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday. With European football returning to Tallaght for the final time this year, we take you through everything you need to know ahead of one of the most intriguing fixtures of the group stage.

In this extended preview, we break down Shakhtar’s season so far, their form in Europe, the evolution of their squad, and the tactical fingerprints they’ve carried from the Champions League into the Conference League. We look at the players who can genuinely hurt you, from the technical midfielders to the pace in wide areas, and the structure that has kept them competitive despite the constant upheaval they face.

We also analyse how Rovers match up:

• What the approach might look like under Bradley

• Where the opportunities to impose ourselves could be

• How the crowd, the tempo, and the rhythm of a Tallaght European night might impact the game

• The little details that matter in matches like this

Alongside the deep dive, we round up the major Rovers stories from the past week, injuries, academy highlights, and notable performances from players representing Ireland at senior and underage levels.

We also answer your listener questions and talk through the buzz building online and around the club as the game draws closer.

This episode is all about atmosphere, insight, and giving supporters a sense of the scale of the occasion. European nights are special. European nights in Tallaght are something else entirely.

Thanks for listening to The Milltown Way, for supporting independent Rovers media, and for sending in your questions every week. As always, keep them coming.

Episode 7 of The Milltown Way lands in the calm between celebrations and European football — but there’s still no shortage of Rovers stories to dive into.

This week, we look beyond Tallaght and onto the international stage, where two former and current Hoops made their mark in massive games for Ireland.

We start with Johnny Kenny, who featured prominently in Ireland’s dramatic 3–2 win over Hungary, a huge result that came with big minutes and a big impact from the ex-Rovers striker.

Then attention turns to Qatar, where Michael Noonan continues to impress at the U17 World Cup, scoring in the 1–1 draw with Canada before Ireland held their nerve in the penalty shootout. We explore what his rise means for club and country, and how Rovers’ development pathway continues to push players onto major stages.

We also catch up on the latest from around the club, the conversations among supporters, and everything happening during this short break before the next UEFA Conference League game.

It’s a lighter week for fixtures, but not for talking points.

Another packed episode. Another slice of Rovers chat  

Shamrock Rovers are double winners once again, for the first time since 1987.

In this special episode of The Milltown Way, we break down a landmark weekend for the club and what it means for Rovers fans across generations.

The Hoops defeated Cork City 2–0 at the Aviva Stadium to seal their 22nd FAI Cup and complete a historic league-and-cup double, ending a 38-year wait since the famous Milltown era of Mick Byrne, Pat Byrne, Peter Eccles, and Noel Larkin.

Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey dive into the final itself, from the turning point of Harry Nevin’s red card to Rory Gaffney’s two decisive goals, and how Stephen Bradley’s side managed to deliver once again under pressure.

This episode is about more than a trophy, it’s about identity, history, and the heartbeat of Shamrock Rovers. From the pain of losing Milltown to the pride of winning in Tallaght, the double returns captures what it truly means to be a Hoop.

Listen now for full post-match reaction, exclusive insight, and a look at what comes next for Ireland’s most successful football club.

 Listen to “Shamrock Rovers win the double” — now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

Follow @TheMilltownWay on social media for more features, match coverage, and behind-the-scenes stories from the heart of Shamrock Rovers.

🎙️ Episode 5 – On the brink of history: Rovers chase the double

In the latest episode, we look back on a defining week for Shamrock Rovers, one that could etch this squad into club folklore.

Fresh from securing a valuable 1-1 draw away to AEK Athens in the UEFA Conference League, the Hoops now turn their full attention to the FAI Cup Final, where Cork City await at the Aviva Stadium. It’s the chance to complete a historic double, something no Rovers side has achieved since 1987.

We break down Thursday’s performance in Athens, the tactical shape, the standout individual displays, and the mental resilience shown by a squad juggling domestic and European ambitions. From defensive organisation to the composure in possession, the performance in Greece offered a glimpse of the professionalism and focus this group carries into Sunday’s final.

The conversation then shifts toward the decider at Lansdowne Road. What would it mean for this team, this manager, and this fanbase to emulate the heroes of ’87? We assess the emotional and sporting significance of potentially lifting both trophies in the same season, and how Stephen Bradley’s leadership has guided the club toward that goal.

Included in this episode is a special contribution from Mick Byrne, one of the stars of the 1980s Shamrock Rovers side that won four successive league titles and completed the last league-and-cup double in 1987. Mick reflects on those days at Milltown, scoring the final goal before Rovers were forced to leave their historic home, and what it means to see the club now thriving in Tallaght with another double within reach.

We also touch on what this journey says about Rovers’ identity, from the heartbreak of losing Milltown, through the long years without a ground, to the rebirth and dominance in Tallaght. The parallels between the two eras, the grit, the ambition, the standard of excellence, underline how history continues to shape the club’s present.

From European nights under the lights to cup final anticipation, Episode 5 captures the emotion, pride, and perspective of a club standing at the edge of history.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

Episode 4 – Athens awaits: Rovers look to make a statement in Europe

In Episode 4 of The Milltown Way Podcast, we turn the focus to Europe as Shamrock Rovers prepare for their UEFA Conference League trip to Greece to face AEK Athens.

After a defining domestic week, securing the league title with a 1–0 win over Galway United and concluding the campaign with a rotated side against Sligo Rovers, attention now shifts to the European stage. The Hoops enter this fixture knowing they face one of the toughest challenges of their group phase, but also one of the biggest opportunities to showcase progress.

We also reflect on Rovers’ European journey so far, the lessons learned from facing sides like Sparta Prague and NK Celje, how this League Phase has tested the squad’s depth, and where performances have shown real growth.

We discuss the broader story on how Rovers’ European consistency represents a continuation of the club’s long-term success from the days of exile after Milltown to being Ireland’s flagbearers abroad.

With plenty of discussion around player form, tactical tweaks, and the emotional weight of representing Irish football on the continent, this episode offers context and clarity heading into a massive week for the Hoops.

🎙️ The Milltown Way Podcast — covering Shamrock Rovers every week with analysis, insight and conversation rooted in the culture of the club.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.

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In Episode 3 of The Milltown Way, we close out the 2025 League of Ireland Premier Division season, reflecting on a campaign that saw Shamrock Rovers reclaim their crown and lift a fifth title in six years. 🏆

Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey break down the final two matches of the season:

Shamrock Rovers 1–0 Galway United — the night the title was officially sealed. We discuss the performance, the atmosphere in Tallaght, and the moment Rovers confirmed themselves as champions of Ireland once again.

Shamrock Rovers 1–2 Sligo Rovers — the rotated 11, the talking points, and what that result means heading into two massive games in Europe and the Cup.

We look back on the key figures behind this latest league triumph — from the leadership of Stephen Bradley to the contributions of emerging players like Cian Barrett and Max Kovalevskis, and ask what’s next for this squad after another dominant domestic campaign.

There’s also a discussion about:

• The mentality shift after last year’s heartbreak

• Standout performers throughout the season

• The importance of squad depth and player development

• What this fifth title in six years says about the club’s consistency and culture

This episode is all about reflection, the highs, the challenges, and the story of how Shamrock Rovers once again found their way back to the top.

🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey
🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Amazon Music.

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Episode 2 — Marathon days and missed chances

In the second episode of The Milltown Way Podcast, Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey unpack a hectic week for Shamrock Rovers, both on and off the pitch. From European disappointment to domestic drama, this episode dives into it all.

They start by looking back at the 2-0 defeat to NK Celje in the UEFA Conference League. Two early goals from Franko Kovačević left Rovers with a mountain to climb, and despite a stronger second-half showing, Stephen Bradley’s side couldn’t find a way back. Discussed are the key tactical takeaways, what went wrong against the Slovenian outfit, and how the result leaves Rovers’ League Phase hopes hanging in the balance — with four games still to play.

Then, attention turns to the 2-1 loss away to Derry City, a game that was anything but ordinary. On a day when Stephen Bradley and Glenn Cronin completed the Dublin Marathon before flying by helicopter to Derry for kick-off, Rovers fell short once again as a late Rory Gaffney strike wasn’t enough to prevent defeat. Ryan and Adam break down the key moments, including Lee Grace’s red card, Brandon Fleming’s superb strike, and the post-match talking points from another missed title-clinching opportunity.

They also discuss the fan situation at the Brandywell, where a coach of Shamrock Rovers supporters was denied entry by the PSNI — sparking widespread anger but also a rare moment of solidarity between both sets of fans as banners were raised together condemning British injustice.

Beyond the results, reflected is Stephen Bradley’s ongoing commitment to the club, from his charity run for Oscar’s Kids to his focus amid criticism from NK Celje’s Albert Riera. With the title all but sealed, Ryan and Adam talk about what Bradley’s leadership continues to mean to the club and its supporters.

Looking ahead, the hosts preview a crucial week at Tallaght Stadium, where Shamrock Rovers host Galway United on Wednesday night and Sligo Rovers on Saturday. With the title now only one point away.

It’s been a marathon week in every sense, full of frustration, emotion, and anticipation — but as ever, it all leads back to the same question: can Rovers finish the job in front of their own fans on Wednesday night?

 All that and more — in Episode 2 of The Milltown Way Podcast.

 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

Follow @TheMilltownWay on X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates, interviews, and articles. Check out the website for the latest news, previews, reports, and more.

🎙️ The Milltown Way Podcast — Episode 1: Pressure in Inchicore & European Nights Ahead

Welcome to the very first episode of The Milltown Way Podcast, your new home for all things Shamrock Rovers. Hosted by supporters and contributors to The Milltown Way.

In this debut episode, The Milltown Way takes a closer look at a dramatic Dublin derby weekend that saw Shamrock Rovers fall 1–0 to St. Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park — delaying their title celebrations for at least another week. We break down the key moments, standout performances, and where things went wrong on a night when Rovers could have sealed their 22nd league title.

From Simon Power’s stunning winner to Rovers’ missed chances, we discuss what this result means for Stephen Bradley’s side, how the dressing room might react, and whether fatigue or focus could be playing a part after such a long campaign.

We also look ahead to Thursday’s massive UEFA Europa Conference League fixture against NK Celje in Tallaght Stadium. The Slovenian outfit comes as league leaders, and we discuss what Rovers can expect from them and why this European game means so much.

Finally, we preview next weekend’s crucial trip north to Derry City — a match that could finally confirm the title and bring the league trophy back to Tallaght for a fifth time under Stephen Bradley.

🗣️ Hosted by: Ryan Brennan & Adam Casey
🎧 Produced by: The Milltown Way

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