End of the line for Tolka Park

For all the inevitability of Shelbourne’s decision to depart Tolka Park, yesterday’s news marked the countdown towards the closure of one of Ireland’s most famed stadiums.

By the time Shels close the gates in 2020 to cohabit, just 3km away, with Bohemians at the revamped Dalymount Park, Tolka will have hosted football matches for 94 years.

While Dalymount was saved as a football venue, there are no plans for Tolka to be retained for sport by Dublin City Council, now deeply involved in both properties.