O’Neill aims to sign off in style

IT’S coronation day for Shamrock Rovers as they prepare to receive the Airtricity League 2011 championship trophy at Tallaght Stadium tonight.

Odds are they will have another win to celebrate too, since their final opponents of the campaign are embattled Galway United, who will have one eye on next week’s relegation/promotion play-off after chalking up a paltry six points and conceding a record-breaking 111 goals in the course of a season that has been as miserable for them as it has been memorable for the Hoops.

And the back-to-back champions don’t sound like they’ll be in the mood to show any pity.

“It will be a great night for everyone at the club,” said Rovers manager Michael O’ Neill. “While we won the league on Tuesday out in UCD, tonight will see us actually presented with the trophy. It is great for the fans that the presentation will happen in Tallaght, where everyone can be there to witness it. But there is also still a game to be played.

“We will want to end the season on a high, and of course win the league by as many points as possible. Galway have nothing to lose on the night and that will make them dangerous.”

In fact, the Tribesmen have worries enough of their own going into the game even though manager John Brennan does welcome back Laurence Gaughan and Jin Gu Kim from injury.

The champions will be without Craig Sives, who was red-carded at the UCD Bowl, but otherwise all personnel will be on hand to join in the celebrations.

Special admission prices will also be available, with tickets for one adult and two children costing €20, while one adult and three children will gain entrance for just €25. Regular tickets for the game are priced at €15 for adults, €10 for students and senior citizens and €7 for children.

With all positions from top to bottom settled — Derry could join Sligo on the same number of points in second place but the latter have a superior goal difference of plus 12 — tonight’s other Premier Division fixtures see Bohs travelling to Derry, Sligo at home to UCD, Drogheda hosting St Pats, Bray Wanderers welcoming Dundalk. All games kick-off at 7.45pm.