[caption id="attachment_67055" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="The Shamrock Rovers team that lined out against Ruben Kazan recently."]
Shamrock Rovers have made history this year by becoming the first League of Ireland club to qualify for the group stages of the Europa League. The Hoops, who were the first League of Ireland club to play in Europe when they were paired with Manchester United in 1957, were quickly brought back down to earth when they were beaten 3-0 in Tallaght by Russian club Ruben Kazan in their first game in the group two weeks ago. And it probably won't get any easier tomorrow night when Rovers travel to White Hart Lane to play Tottenham. Spurs, with a team of reserves, drew their first game 0-0 away to PAOK Salonika two weeks ago and even if they field a weakened team again tomorrow night Tottenham should probably be too strong for The Hoops on what will be their first ever visit to Tottenham Court Road.
Rovers' Jamaican-born goalkeeper Ryan Thompson came to Ireland when he missed out on a place in the MLS draft. Now he gets a chance to play against one of his idols, U.S. goalkeeper Brad Friedel tomorrow night. The extra games in the Europa League are putting added pressure on Rovers as they bid to retain their League of Ireland premier division title. Manager Michael O'Neill says that their priority is to retain their League title and get back into Europe next season. Rovers are already guaranteed around €1 million for qualifying for the group stages and they can earn another €70,000 for every point gained, but it's a tough call to pick up points at this level. Already the Hoops have gone out of the FAI Cup, losing once again to last season's winners Sligo Rovers.
Meanwhile Seán Connors has quit as manager of relegation candidates Galway United. John "Jumbo" Brennan will take over at Terryland Park until the end of the season. Another former Galway manager Ian Foster reckons that his time could be up in Dundalk. Foster says he has not had any approaches from club officials about staying with the County Louth club in 2012.
DUBS SKIPPER
GETS RUGBY JOB
It was a hug surprise to hear of the captain of the newly All-Ireland football champions being offered a job in rugby a few days after lifting the Sam Maguire Cup. But that's what happened last week to Dublin captain Bryan Cullen, who has been offered a job as a strength and conditioning coach with Leinster Rugby. Dublin County Board Chairman Andy Kettle says his board was not in a position to offer Cullen a similar role. Kettle said: ''Bryan is in the jobs market, he has a sports PhD and needs experience. He applied for a job that was advertised and we understand that he was offered that job. That's his chosen field and there are not that many jobs in that sector. As an amateur organization we are not in a position to offer Brian that opportunity.'' Many GAA players become coaches in their local area, but Cullen's role, where he will work with the Leinster youth players, is much more specialized. He will continue to play Gaelic football for Skerries Harps and of course will continue to be available for Dublin.
GILROY UNDECIDED
But who will be in charge of the Dublin footballers next year? There must be a temptation for current manager Pat Gilroy to quit while ahead, as happened with Dr. Pat O'Neill when the Dubs last won the All-Ireland in 1995. Gilroy, whose three year term is up, said: ''It would be hard to walk away, but I have four young children and they are getting big very quick. I also have to discuss the situation with my employers and the County Board and I should be able to give a definite decision in a few weeks.''
GALWAY TO CHOOSE
ANOTHER MANAGER
Former Galway football manager Liam Sammon will have a say in who replaces Tomas O Flatharta as manager. Sammon was replaced by Joe Kernan in 2010; he lasted only 12 months and Tomás O Flatharta was also ousted after 12 months this year. The identity of Galway's fourth manager in five years will be known by the end of the month, with interviews for the post due to be held this week. Football board chairman John Joe Holleran, secretary Seamus O'Grady and club delegates Gearóid Denver and Gerry Hussey will join Sammon on the selection committee. Secretary O'Grady said: ''Interviews will be held this week and we aim to have a new manager in place by the end of the month.'' Current under 21 manager Alan Mulholland is the hot favorite for the job.
OLYMPIC TORCH
WILL CROSS BORDER
All going well, the Olympic Torch will be brought from Belfast to Dublin on June 6 next. Pat Hickey, chairman of the Olympic Council of Ireland, said: ''We are planning a symbolic crossing of the border possibly involving Barcelona silver and gold medalists Wayne McCullagh and Michael Carruth. The border crossing will be early in the morning with schools from Newry and Dundalk and various local clubs all carrying Olympic flags and no other colors of any kind.'' The Dublin section of the torch relay will begin at the Olympic Council of Ireland headquarters in Howth, before moving to the Garden of Remembrance and Merrion Square.
CROKER BOXES IN DEMAND
Despite the economic downturn the GAA has had no difficulty finding new companies willing to lease 12 of the 87 Croke Park corporate boxes that recently became available to rent. However, exporting companies have now replaced bankers and state agencies as the new elite occupants. Croke Park stadium manager Peter McKenna said: ''There is no doubt that government agencies and financial institutions are unable to go in that direction any more, but there has been quite a few successful export companies who have seen this as a great opportunity. They see it as a good value and a great way to entertain overseas visitors.'' McKenna also revealed that Pairc an Chrochaigh Teo, who managed the stadium's operations, will contribute €3.5 million to the GAA's coffers this year. That's only half the amount contributed last year and a sharp fall from the €13 million contributed in 2009 when soccer and rugby games were played at Croke Park.
NO NEWS FROM KINGDOM
So far no word there is no word of any definite retirements from the Kerry football panel following their All-Ireland final defeat to Dublin. The informed speculation is that Tommy Griffin, Tom O'Sullivan, Aidan O'Mahony, Eoin Brosnan and possibly Tomás or Marc O Sé will quit. Kerry County Board Chairman Jerome Conway has ruled out a return to the Kerry colors by Tadhg Kennelly from Australian Rules. Conway said: ''I would imagine the body would be wrecked from that game. We can't ever say never, but I don't think it's a runner.''
