We talk to Tallaght Stadium dj Paul O'Connell!

With Rovers travelling west this Saturday to face Sligo we continue our build up to the game by catching up with Rovers fan Paul O' Connell to discuss memories, life at Rovers, expectations and a prediction for the game itself...... 


Enjoy!!


 Your earliest Rovers Memory?

The Shay Brennan testimonial game on August 14th 1986. It was my first game at Milltown, and it seems to have been for quite a few Hoops. The abiding memories of that evening were of laying eyes on the perfect baize like snooker table of a pitch for the first time, after going up the steps into The Shed. I remember a small crowd up on the roof of The Shed making a racket, and when Rovers scored their second goal, the stadium lit up with  "you can shove your english football up your arse" whilst The Hoops humbled Manchester United 2-0 who had a geansai load of stars in tow.
  
First Rovers Hero?

Peter Eccles. Not a chap to be ducking and diving out of a tackle, and whilst he would be prone to making an error
or two, when he was in form he was classy. He was a hero to me because he was gutsy, got stuck in and gave all he could give on the pitch. It was great to see him back to captain the '93-94 Title winning side.

Pat Byrne. The controlling, dictating
and dominant lynchpin of the 4 in a Row side. He could pick the right pass, simple or extravagant, all the while giving and taking a right kicking in the middle of the park. He emphasised the "Never Say Die" attitude at Rovers, which is still evident and held close to Our hearts today. They don't make many like him now, and for me the game today is a lesser place without similar players in his mould.

This answer could be incendiary!
Gavin Peers. A steely character. Tough tackler, good in the air, and can well organise. He generally has no hesitation mixing it with you if it's put up to him. Many a centre forward floundered after such an encounter.

Somebody asked me to play some new age jazz fusion recently. The only fusion I'm concerned with right now is that of the back four and the keeper. As for jazz, as long as we play saxy football, pun intended, i'm happy. I've an open mind on music and welcome requests and ideas no matter how diverse. We are different at Rovers, and we do things in our own inimitable style just the way we like to. Where else would you hear some Maiden right after Chesney Hawkes??

There are many, and there have been so many great memories. Some not just only for the results! When it comes down to THE one moment though, for me it just has to be that sweaty balmy nail biting knee wobbling night last August in Belgrade. The atmosphere was something i won't forget. Absolutely charged. This Club changed forever that night. The small band of Hoops had a great few days in a very underrated city.

Still Champions. To be in the position to push for regular qualification for the group stages of either Euro competition, breaking more records. Continuing to evolve further and possibly expand the Members Club if feasible, all the time considering and implementing fresh new ideas probably keeping us light years ahead of the rest, thus ultimately keeping a fresh supply of supporters coming through the gates.

With such pressures as having to remember plugging the Tallaght Town Total Tiddlywinks Tournament and clambering to mention Harry The Hand Grenade in the next big local UFC splatfest, the time constraints for practice are considerable. The task of running around after referee's for
Teamsheets is therefore shubshtituted to my sidekick, the other Paul.

Whether we like it or not, there is a state of a little transition upon us with a new gaffer in. He brings with him a new style and a slightly "different" approach to things. It's doubly difficult to complete this phase quickly, as we are a demanding lot, we are under a lot of pressure as champions defending the title. After an erratic start to the season form wise, with all the personnel and system based changes, generating some momentum would be good and would no doubt have a hugely positive effect on the team. 99% of genuine Hoops want continued success after back to back titles. I sincerely hope the gaffer succeeds and things work out.

It's whoever has more fire in their bellies for this one. I want Us to stand up physically to sligo and get stuck in. Not letting ourselves down in this regard is huge. They'll be backed up by a vociferous home support so it's very important that the travelling Hooperati mirror the team giving it everything, and make Ourselves heard until its well over. Neck on the block.....I fancy
Us for 2-1.



 A massive thanks to Paul for taking time out to speak to Rovers Ramblings. Also, Rovers Ramblings would like to thank Gav Doyle for taking the time out to conduct such an interview.

Thanks for Reading,

Rovers Ramblings.