Derby debutant Darragh Power cautioned about 'biggest game in Irish football'
Darragh Power of Bohemians. Pic: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
Derby debutant and new Bohemians signing Darragh Power has been cautioned by his fellow Waterfordman Alan Reynolds about what to expect against champions Shamrock Rovers this Friday.
Reynolds developed Bohemians into the bogey team of their Dublin rivals last season, overseeing victory in the first three meetings.
Rovers would win the title but the sequence of triumphs in the manager’s first season convinced them of their readiness to challenge in 2026.
Luring Power back from England has cured their right-back deficit too. The 25-year-old was first exposed to the League of Ireland as a teen by Reynolds when they were together at Waterford.
They’ve reunited and welcome Rovers to a sold-out Dalymount, sitting at the summit with seven points from their opening three games.
“We’ve been well warned this week that it’s the biggest game in Irish football,” outlined the 25-year-old about the new experience.
“I would have watched them over these derbies over the years but playing in it will be special.
“We’re happy with our start because we knew that was within us. Three clean sheets so far and long may it last.
“Rovers are the team to beat so we’ll be up for it. They’ve strengthened since I played against them two years ago but we’ll be ready.”
Power has no regrets about his 12 months at Cheltenham Town, making 33 appearances in all competitions during his 12 months in Gloucestershire.
It was after the change of manager in September, when Steve Coterill returned to the League Two club, that the defender realised he’d be on the move.
“I wasn’t homesick, only wanted to play more regularly,” he surmises.
“I loved every minute of my time at Cheltenham. A different manager came in with different ideas. He made it fairly clear after a few weeks that he would bring in his new players. I never got the chance to prove I could play for him.
“There’s only 92 teams in England so only 92 starting right-backs. For such a huge population, that’s going to be cut-throat.
“Standard-wise, there wasn’t much difference from the League of Ireland, barring an odd player who you know will go far in the game.”
Instead of staying in England, surveying his home-based options made sense. A Bohs team soaring under a familiar face appealed.
“I had other clubs interested but coming back to work with someone I know was brilliant,” Power explained.
“He’s probably the best man-manager I’ve worked with. He gave me my first professional contract and debut at Waterford. Knowing someone rates and trusts you gives confidence.”
Reynolds himself feels Rovers will stray from the traditional style to cope with his side’s threats.
“We have a way of playing against them - it’s fairly intense without the ball,” explained Reynolds, himself a former Rovers player.
“If you look at our last few meetings, we’ve had more possession, which teams against Rovers don’t normally do.
“I think they’ll be thinking of the game last year when we won 2-0. So I actually expect them to be direct.”Â
Elsewhere, St Patrick’s Athletic will be out for their first win when they host Dundalk. Both teams met Shamrock Rovers in their most recent outings, Dundalk the only to nick a point.
Galway United square off against Sligo Rovers while Shelbourne travel to face the team Bohs are level on points with, Drogheda United.
“Shelbourne have recruited really well in the off season but we’ve shown different sides to our performances in our two wins and draw,” outlined Drogs boss Kevin Doherty.
“There are still things we want to improve on, but it’s early days yet.” Derry City, on their fourth straight home game, need to resume winning ways against a visiting Waterford.
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