TU Dublin and Shamrock Rovers FC Celebrate Community and Heritage with Joint Symposium
The rich history and community impact of Shamrock Rovers Football Club took centre stage at a symposium held in the 1899 Suite at Tallaght Stadium. Hosted by TU Dublin's School of Media in collaboration with Shamrock Rovers FC and supported by South Dublin County Council, the event celebrated shared milestones and showcased the groundbreaking "Shamrock Rovers in the Community" project.
Speakers included club officials, past and present players, historians, and faculty and students from TU Dublin's School of Media. The audience, comprising club officials, players, and supporters, enjoyed a multifaceted program that highlighted the intertwined history of the football club and the Tallaght community.
Students Shauna Kent and Erin Fagan with Dr Glenn Doyle
Key highlights included:
- Dr Glenn Doyle unveiled a compelling photo exhibition, capturing match-day volunteers in striking portraits that celebrate their vital role in the club’s legacy.
- Anna Maria Mullaly presented highlights from her work-in-progress findings in fan research, which documents some of the poignant reasons why Rovers have captured the hearts of its many supporters.
- Undergraduate students from the BA (Hons) in Media Production & Digital Arts presented Rovers-themed video projects, offering fresh perspectives on the club’s influence and, in particular, highlighting the importance of the Shamrock Rovers Women’s Football Team.
- Club historians Macdara Ferris and Robert Goggins traced key moments in the development of Shamrock Rovers in a fast-paced presentation that covered 125 years of history.
- Additional panels also took a look back at personal memories from former players and a look to the future with plans for the Rovers Community Foundation Initiative and Community Outreach projects outlined by Eoghan O’Meara (SRFC Community Officer) and Ciaran Kane (Director, Shamrock Rovers Foundation).
Orlaith White and Ella Kelly
The project, initiated in 2023 by TU Dublin researchers Dr Glenn Doyle, Anna Maria Mullally, and Alan Fitzpatrick, in collaboration with Mark Lynch (Director, SRFC) and John Martin (CEO, SRFC), aims to document the personal stories and experiences of Shamrock Rovers fans and volunteers. The event also marked the 125th anniversary of Shamrock Rovers, 15 years in Tallaght, and the 30th anniversary of TU Dublin’s Media Production & Digital Arts programme.
The success of the symposium has inspired calls for it to become an annual tradition. Mark Lynch noted, "This event not only honours our shared history but also paves the way for preserving the voices and stories that define our club. It's a win for everyone involved."
As Shamrock Rovers and TU Dublin continue to explore this innovative partnership, the legacy of Ireland’s most storied football club remains firmly rooted in the vibrant Tallaght community.
