Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne and St Pats were all in European action this week, so here's a look at how they all faired out and what is next for the Irish clubs going forward in Europe.
Shamrock Rovers exited Europe's top competition at the hands of Slavia Prague on Tuesday night after a 4-2 defeat in the Czechia capital. It means Rovers lost 6-2 on aggregate as the Czech champions showed their clinical streak throughout to progress.
Now the Hoops move on to the Europa League against Slovan Bratislava hoping the lessons learned in Prague can see them secure group-stage football, even if they are to lose, they go onto a Conference League play-off tie.
🗣️ ''I think we should be really proud of the group and what they've produced over two legs''
Stephen Bradley reflects on tonight's 2nd Leg defeat in Prague 👇#RoversInEurope pic.twitter.com/zUkFBeCQ0S— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) July 30, 2024
Shelbourne's European journey ended Thursday evening after they played out a 0-0 draw with Swiss side Zurich in the conference league. The damage was done last week as a 3-0 loss in Swizerland left Damien Duff's side a mountain to climb in Tolka Park this week.
Restoring pride was the priority for Shels and how strongly they competed along with registering a clean sheet was mission complete for the reds in that sense.
With the league's second placed Derry City coming to town on Monday, it was always going to be key to regain energy and Duff's team selection suggested that. A bench that included Mark Coyle, Sam Bone, JJ Lunney and Harry Wood was an indication of that.
It wasn't to be but Shels' fans are hopeful that their next European adventure will begin in the Champions League qualifiers if they can hold on to their three point lead at the top of the league.
𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝘂𝗳𝗳: “The shift and the performance the lads put in was outrageously good”
Full interview ➡️ https://t.co/Hb5Mv6FDSy#DublinsFinest | #Since1895 pic.twitter.com/TAwAHIBHgB— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) August 2, 2024
SEE ALSO: "Has It Come To This?" - Every Irishman Has a Stag Do Story Like Roy Keane's Dublin One
St Patricks Athletic advance
St Patrick's Athletic are through to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League after a 2-2 draw secured them a 5-3 aggregate victory over FC Vaduz in Lichtenstein.
Stephen Kenny's side will now face Sabah FK from Azerbaijan over two legs, with a place in the play-off round on offer. However, due to UEFA regulations they need to move out of their Inchicore home and play Sabah in Tallaght Stadium next week.
Despite poor league form that has seen them drop to 7th place and 19 points behind leaders Shelbourne, the saints progress and are just two rounds away from securing group stage football.
Kenny was full of praise for the resilience of Pat's throughout and they now take their earnings in UEFA prize money to €900,000.
𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3XttpWMUQx
— St Patrick's Athletic FC (@stpatsfc) August 2, 2024
