25Sept20-Shelbourne-01_A5 25/09/2020 12:34 Page 9
Oh My Word! Ronan O’Flaherty @ronanoflaherty
A palpable sense of anxiety polluted the Dublin air on the evening of February 28. Waiting for the bus to Drumcondra, it had already become clear that there wouldn't be many more Friday nights like this in 2020. Coronavirus was taking hold in a very aggressive way and an announcement on nationwide restrictions seemed imminent. Toasting my friend in the chosen pre-match hostelry, the reality of the situation was top of the agenda. We agreed that the drinks before us should be savoured, as should the live football experience that would follow. Tolka Park under floodlights evokes memories of a different time, when Pat's versus Shels was not just the premier Dublin derby, but the biggest clash in the country. However, that was then. Times change. Back in February, Shelbourne were newly-promoted and Pat's were – are – in a state of transition. Admittedly, that transitional period feels as though it has spanned approximately three seasons. At the height of the Pat's-Shels rivalry, in the late 20th and early 21st century, Tolka Park had capacity for approximately 8,000 football-loving souls. That has since been slashed to little more than 3,000. All four stands remain in place, but appearances can be deceiving. Entering the ground that night required the assistance of Google Maps. It wasn't the straightforward stroll down Richmond Road of yesteryear. Away fans were sent on a wild-goose chase that felt unnecessary. Once inside, in order to reach the Riverside Stand one had to walk past the Ballybough End. Formerly a fullyfunctioning stand with capacity for around 900, it is now a condemned mound.
The Riverside Stand once had a capacity for 4,000. It now holds approximately one-quarter of that figure. This was where the noisy and spirited Pat's supporters congregated. All irony was lost on those Shelbourne fans who sang "we won the league in the s***hole, we won the league in Inchicore." Not so long ago, Tolka Park was the jewel in the crown of League of Ireland stadia. That honour now applies to Tallaght Stadium, which is owned and operated by South Dublin County Council. The new Dalymount Park – which will be shared by Bohemians and Shelbourne – will equally be reliant on central funding. Following the disappointing lack of political support for the Richmond Arena project, which would have breathed fresh life into a neglected part of the city, the solution for St Patrick's Athletic is now clear. With our three Dublin rivals all due to benefit from what are, in essence, free stadiums, we should be seeking equal treatment. Fair is fair. Of course, public finances have been obliterated in recent months and it will presumably be a long time before a League of Ireland project benefits from significant central funding. Even the redevelopment of Dalymount Park appears to be in danger of being put on the long finger. Before the great stadium debate can rage again, spectators will need to be readmitted back into grounds. Without fans, what need is there for impressive facilities? Or facilities of any standard, for that matter?
The seats have been removed from the first 11 rows of the Ballybough End, exposing the moss-filled steps. A set of goalposts sprawled across rows seven to ten that night, seemingly slung there with little care. The nets were still attached but they had become loose and frayed in parts. The seats that remain beyond those steps all appear to be broken. Only stewards and gardaí were permitted to stand here during the game.
Perhaps Tolka Park, as those in attendance may recall from that night seven months ago, was a symbol of what lay ahead. Over the years, its capacity has steadily decreased. And now, we have reached a point where capacity doesn't even matter. Who knows when it will matter again? Hopefully soon, but probably not soon.
At the opposite end of the ground is a stand that many people, including this writer, still view as new. Certainly not old. It, too, was off-limits for spectators on the
Ronan O'Flaherty
2020 Season • Vol. 32 • No. 6 • St Patrick’s Athletic v Shelbourne
11/02/2020 12:14
second-last night of February, although it does house the dressing rooms.
With so much gloom, a few smiles would be nice. The right result today would be a start.
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