Graham Cummins: Can this Shamrock Rovers team really be considered great after weeks like that?

European elimination followed by defeat against Bohemians in the FAI Cup has put the reputation of this Shamrock Rovers side at risk

Shamrock Rovers’ Dylan Watts dejected after the defeat against Bohemians in the FAI Cup. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

It's been a difficult week for Shamrock Rovers. The Hoops would have been quietly confident of reaching the Europa Conference group stages when the draw was made for the playoff round but they fell short against Flora Tallinn. That was followed by a defeat against Bohemians in the FAI Cup which has put the reputation of this Rovers’ side at risk.

We have all praised and applauded this team for their achievements over the past three seasons. Stephen Bradley’s side have won an FAI Cup, were undefeated winning their first league title in nine years last season, and they appear to be strolling to another league trophy this campaign. However, because of their unsuccessful European campaigns and their failure to win a domestic double, they will never be seen as one of the great teams to have played in the League of Ireland.