The Milltown Way

Episode 63 - End of season review, The Milltown Honours, and 2027The final episode of 2026. Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey look back on a full season of Hoops, the highs, the lows, and everything in between.We start with Europe. Floriana and Ararat both were beaten in the Champions League qualifiers. Then Egnatia in the Europa League third qualifying round — a tie that showed what this squad is capable of on the continental stage, before it was taken away. KuPS ended the European run at the Conference League play-off stage. We give an honest verdict on what it all meant.Then the domestic season. How the title was actually won, not just the 4-0 on title night, but the matches that made the difference across 36 games. The final table. The numbers that hold up and the ones that need honest examination.We also present the inaugural The Milltown Honours. Player of the Year, Biggest Improver, Expecting More Of, Young Player of the Year, Moment of the Season, and Goal of the Season. We debate the candidates, we disagree where it’s warranted, and we hand out the awards.And we address what’s bittersweet. Victor Ozhianvuna — 17 years old, 18 appearances, a talent unlike anything in this division - leaves for Arsenal in January. Michael Noonan heads to Nottingham Forest. The season that produced a title also produced two of the most significant exits this club will see in years.Looking ahead to 2027, we tackle the debate that matters: Europa League or Conference League qualification, which should Rovers actually be targeting, and what does each mean for the club?We close out with a reflection on 2026 and a word on what’s coming from The Milltown Way in 2027.

Episode 62 - Trophy night in DundalkThe 2026 League of Ireland season is over, and Shamrock Rovers are champions. On Friday night in Oriel Park, Rovers fell 3-1 to Dundalk in the final game of the season — but the result was secondary. Approximately 750 Rovers supporters made the trip north, the trophy was lifted, and the celebrations that started the previous Friday in Tallaght continued well into the night. We go through the occasion in full, the game itself, the atmosphere in Dundalk, the trophy presentation, and what this title means in the context of everything that went before it this season, including that 2-0 defeat to Galway just a week before the title was clinched.We then turn to something that’s generated serious debate among the Rovers fanbase over the past week. The club has announced a new season ticket format for 2027, assigned seating and tiered pricing across the West and North Stands, with Platinum, Gold and Silver tiers introducing a pricing structure not previously seen at Tallaght for league football. The reaction has been significant. What are the real concerns being raised by supporters? Is this a sensible step for a growing club, or a misstep in how it was introduced and communicated? And what does it say about the relationship between Rovers, as a fan-owned club, and the supporters who have backed it through everything?Finally, we close with Gary O’Neill. The Rovers midfielder who was diagnosed with cancer during the season returned to the pitch on title night in Tallaght.In this episode:Dundalk 3-1 Rovers — the final day and the trophy liftThe 2027 season ticket changes and the debate among supportersGary O’Neill — a story that goes beyond footballHosted by Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey. Follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok @themilltownway.

Champions again. Shamrock Rovers are the 2026 League of Ireland Premier Division champions, securing a sixth title in seven seasons and the 23rd league title in the club’s history.Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey are back for Episode 61 of The Milltown Way to look back on the night the title was confirmed, as Rovers swept Sligo Rovers aside 4-0 at Tallaght Stadium. Adam Brennan struck twice before half-time, before Aaron Greene and Dylan Watts added further goals in the second half. With Shelbourne beating Bohemians 1-0, both results fell into place and the title was heading home.We look at the performance, the atmosphere and the significance of another league title for the Hoops, including a memorable night for 19-year-old Adam Brennan as he scored twice on the night his first senior league medal was secured.But this title didn't come without its doubts.We revisit the difficult spell that threatened to derail Rovers' season: the European exits, the FAI Cup defeat to St Patrick's Athletic, the run of seven games without a win, and the 2-0 loss to Galway just one week before the title was secured. It was during that period that we openly questioned whether Stephen Bradley was the right man to lead the club.One week later, Rovers were champions.We reflect on that question, the pressure Bradley faced, and how the team responded when it mattered most.Finally, we look ahead to the final-day trip to Dundalk on Friday, 30 October. With the title already secured, the focus turns towards the trophy presentation at Oriel Park, the possibility of changes to the starting XI and the chance for supporters to celebrate another championship.Champions again. Six titles in seven seasons. Twenty-three league titles in total.This is The Milltown Way, the independent Shamrock Rovers podcast covering all things Hoops.Like, follow and subscribe to The Milltown Way for more Shamrock Rovers coverage.

Episode 60 - Galway setback as the title race tightensShamrock Rovers suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat away to Galway United on Friday night, leaving the Hoops with plenty to think about as the title race reaches its decisive stages.On Episode 60 of The Milltown Way, Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey look back on the defeat at Eamonn Deacy Park, assess where Rovers fell short and discuss what the result means with just two league games remaining. We also consider the concerns raised by supporters and what Rovers need to show in response.The conversation then turns to the wider title race, with Monday night's meeting between Derry City and St Patrick's Athletic potentially having a significant impact on the final standings. We discuss the possible implications for Rovers, how the other contenders could influence the run-in and why the Hoops must focus on taking care of their own results.Finally, we look ahead to Friday night's trip to face Sligo Rovers. Sligo may have already been relegated, but their 1-1 draw with Dundalk shows they won't necessarily be an easy opponent. We discuss the challenge Rovers could face, the importance of approaching the game with the right mentality and what a response to the Galway defeat needs to look like.With the title still to be decided and every point carrying enormous importance, there's plenty to discuss.🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey.Thanks for listening and supporting The Milltown Way. Follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok for daily Shamrock Rovers content, and don't forget to subscribe, rate and review wherever you get your podcasts.#ShamrockRovers #SRFC #LOI #LeagueOfIreland #TheMilltownWay

On this episode, Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey look back on a massive night at Tallaght Stadium as Shamrock Rovers beat Bohemians 2-1 in a crucial Dublin derby.John McGovern opened the scoring before Bohs equalised in the second half, but Dylan Watts delivered the decisive goal to secure all three points for Rovers. The victory puts the Hoops six points clear at the top of the Premier Division with five games remaining, giving them a significant advantage in the title race.We break down the key moments, the performances that made the difference and what the result means as the season approaches its conclusion.We then turn our attention to the full-time scenes at Tallaght Stadium. Celebrations in front of the supporters were followed by confrontations involving players and staff from both sides. We discuss what happened, the emotions surrounding such a significant derby and where the line should be drawn when the final whistle blows.Finally, we look ahead to Friday night's trip to face Galway United. With the title race heating up and every point becoming increasingly important, we discuss the challenge Rovers will face away from home and what they need to do to maintain their advantage at the top. Hosted by Ryan Brennan & Adam Casey

On this episode, Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey look back on Shamrock Rovers' 3-1 win over Drogheda United at Tallaght Stadium.John McGovern scored twice, with Graham Burke also on the scoresheet, as Rovers picked up another important three points in the Premier Division. We discuss the key moments from the game, the standout performances, and what the result means as the title race approaches its conclusion.We then turn our attention to the Republic of Ireland Under-21s, who produced a memorable 3-1 victory over England at Turner's Cross to secure a place in the play-offs for the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.Ireland came from behind to beat the reigning European champions, with Tommy Lonergan scoring twice and Conor McManus also finding the net. Michael Noonan came off the bench in the 82nd minute, playing the final eight minutes, while Adam Brennan was not in the matchday squad.We look back on a huge result for Jim Crawford's side, the turnaround in their qualifying campaign and what the victory could mean for the young players involved. We also look ahead to Friday's play-off draw, with Ireland among eight nations competing for the four remaining places at next summer's finals. The two-legged play-offs are scheduled for November.Finally, we look ahead to Rovers' next challenge as they prepare to face Bohemians. With the title race entering a decisive stage, we discuss the threat Bohs pose, the importance of the fixture, and what Rovers need to do to maintain the top. 

Episode 57 - The Rovers return with An LeanaimidOn this episode, Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey are joined by Daniel from An Leanaimid, the Irish-language League of Ireland podcast.We start by getting to know Daniel and finding out more about An Leanaimid. We discuss how the podcast came about, why Daniel decided to cover the League of Ireland through Irish, what it is like creating football content at such a young age and how the project has developed.We also discuss the wider League of Ireland podcast and media landscape, the appeal of covering Irish football in the Irish language and what independent creators can bring to the game.We then turn our attention to the latest news around Shamrock Rovers, including Michael Noonan's confirmed move to Nottingham Forest. We discuss what the move means for the young forward, his development at Rovers and what it says about the opportunities available to young League of Ireland players.We also look at the latest international involvement for Rovers players, including Adam Brennan, Michael Noonan and Roberto Lopes, and discuss the wider question of League of Ireland representation at international level.Finally, we look ahead to Rovers' return to Tallaght Stadium to face Drogheda United in the Premier Division.We look at Drogheda's recent form, their record against Rovers this season, the players who could pose a threat and what Rovers need to do to get the three points.🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Brennan

Episode 56 - Looking beyond the international breakIn this episode, Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey look at several stories from around Shamrock Rovers during the international break.We start with the Rovers players away on international duty, including Adam Brennan and Michael Noonan with the Ireland U21s and Roberto Lopes with Cape Verde. We discuss their involvement, the pathway from Shamrock Rovers and the wider question of Rovers and League of Ireland representation at international level.We then turn our attention to the club's academy and the development of young players.Michael Noonan's reported move to Nottingham Forest is discussed alongside the financial implications of training compensation and the significant difference between that and the fee Rovers had previously agreed with Hoffenheim.We also discuss Jayden Marshall's move to Como 1907 and what his transfer says about the opportunities available to young Irish players in Europe, particularly in the context of the restrictions on moving to English clubs before the age of 18.That leads into a broader discussion about Rovers' academy pathway, player development and whether the club is doing enough to maximise both the sporting and commercial value of the players it produces.We then discuss Stephen Bradley and the recent reports linking him with the vacant Hibernian job. Hibs ultimately appointed a different manager, but the interest gives us a chance to look at Bradley's reputation outside Tallaght and what it says about how he is viewed in the wider game. Finally, we remember former Rovers defender Jacko McDonagh, who passed away at 64. Jacko was a key figure of the Milltown era and part of the Shamrock Rovers side that won the first two titles of the famous four-in-a-row.The final few minutes of the episode are dedicated to Jacko, with messages from George Kelly and Pat Byrne sharing their memories of him. Hosted by Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey

Episode 55 - Rovers return to winning waysOn this episode, Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey look back on Rovers' 3-2 win over Waterford at Tallaght Stadium.Rovers had to come from behind twice to claim all three points, with John McGovern scoring twice after coming off the bench to complete the turnaround. We look back at the key moments from the game and what the result means as Rovers head into the international break.We then discuss Michael Noonan, with the young forward appearing set for a move to Nottingham Forest in January. We look at the reported move, what it could mean for Noonan's development and the situation from Rovers' perspective.Finally, we turn our attention to the Republic of Ireland's senior squad and the absence of Shamrock Rovers and League of Ireland players.Should there be Rovers or League of Ireland representation in the senior squad?Adam Brennan and Michael Noonan have both been included in the Ireland U21 squad for their European Championship qualifiers, giving us the chance to discuss the next generation coming through and the pathway from the League of Ireland to international football.🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey

Episode 54 - Pats put Rovers to the sword as the title race tightensShamrock Rovers suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat away to St Patrick's Athletic on Friday night, with the result having major implications at the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division.On Episode 54 of The Milltown Way, Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey look back on a frustrating night at Richmond Park and assess a performance that leaves Rovers with plenty to think about.We discuss the key moments from the game, where Rovers fell short and what the defeat means for the title race with just seven league games remaining.The conversation then turns to the growing questions around Stephen Bradley. After a difficult period for Rovers, is the pressure on the manager now justified? What responsibility does Bradley carry for the team's recent performances, and what can he realistically change? We look at the tactical, squad and performance issues facing Rovers and consider whether the problems are temporary or part of something more fundamental.With the season entering a crucial stage, we also discuss what needs to happen for Rovers to get back to their best and keep their title challenge alive.Finally, we look ahead to the next opportunity to respond as Shamrock Rovers return to Tallaght Stadium to face Waterford.It's another important week for Rovers, and there's plenty to discuss.🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Brennan and Adam Casey.#ShamrockRovers #SRFC #LOI #LeagueOfIreland