Oh My Word!

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.