TEAM PROFILE

Tony O'Dowd

Robbie Horgan

Kevin Mc Cormack

Gino Brazil

Thomas Dunne

Shane Jackson

Richie Purdy

Matt Britton

Terry Palmer

Declan Fitzgerald

Jason Colwell

Marc Kenny

Billy Woods

Shane Robinson

Derek Treacy

Stuart Holt

Paul Crowley

Tony Cousins

Jason Sherlock

Eoghan O'Meara

Graham Lawlor

Sean Francis

Anthony Stewart

Tony O'Dowd, Goalkeeper, age : 28.

Tony is the first choice keeper at The Hoops having signed from Derry City in September 1998. He won Premier Division honours during the three and a half years he spent at The Brandywell. Shamrock Rovers Player of the Year for 1998/1999.

Robbie Horgan, Goalkeeper, age : 31.
Now in his second spell at Rovers having originally made his debut against Home Farm in April 1987. Robbie is a rather loyal type of player and doesn't move around too much having only played for Shelbourne and Drogheda as well as Rovers.

Kevin Mc Cormack, Goalkeeper, age : 19.
Reserve team goalkeeper who joined The Hoops at the start of 1998/99 from St. Patrick's Athletic Youths. A native of Clondalkin, West Dublin, Kevin also played for Castle Celtic and Knockmitten. Has yet to make his competitive debut.

Gino Brazil, Defender, age : 31.

If there's one word that can describe this player then its consistency. Gino had made just short of three hundred competitive appearances for the Rovers first team up to the end of last season and looks set to add many more in this, his eleventh year at the club.

Thomas Dunne, Defender, age : 26.
Has previously played for Shelbourne and Derry City. Tommy was on the same Derry team as Tony O'Dowd which won the Premier Division in 1996/97. His father, Theo, is manager of University College Dublin.

Shane Jackson, Defender, age : .
The absence of Gino Brazil gave Shane his big break and although he has had to move back to the bench in recent weeks the experience will stand to him no end. Shane is in his second season with Rovers

Richie Purdy, Defender, age : 26.
Despite his name being linked to other clubs Richie has recently signed a new two year contract for Rovers. Yet another of the Derry City Premier Division winning team. Although essentially a full back Richie has played much of his time at Rovers in midfield.

Matt Britton, Defender, age : 24
Matthew was Rovers Player of the Year in 1997/98 - his first season to wear the famous green and white. His form dipped somewhat last season but he too has committed himself to the Rovers cause for the next two years and is looking forward to the season ahead.

Terry Palmer, Defender, age : 26

Formerly with Home Farm and Stella Maris, Terry joined UCD in 1990. Signed for Rovers in 1998. Powerful player who has represented the League. Has scored one League goal for The Hoops to date. Has formed a good partnership with Shane Jackson at the heart of the defence this season.

Declan Fitzgerald, Defender, age : 25
Joined the Hoops midway through the season from U.C.D. Declan is a left full who is just as comfortable playing wide. Made his debut v Cork City on Jan 2nd.

Jason Colwell, Midfielder, age : 25.

Jason made his debut for Rovers against Home Farm Everton in the League Cup in August 1997 having signed from UCD. In two seasons he has chalked up eighty six first team appearances. A lifelong Hoops fan, it was a proud moment for him when he put on the famous jersey.

Marc Kenny, Midfielder, age : 25.

An exceptionally talented footballer who spent three and a half years at Anfield. Probably the most talented player in the FAI National League but he has never reached his full potential. An expert at free kicks, corners etc.

Billy Woods, Midfielder, age : 25.
A left sided player who has played at left full or in midfield, Billy joined Rovers at the beginning of last season just in time for the Inter Toto Cup games against Altay Spor of Turkey. A native of Cork City, Billy has played for his local club as well as Tranmere Rovers and Portadown.

Shane Robinson , Midfielder, age : 18.
Exciting youngster who played his first game for The Hoops against Newbridge Town on July 10th and scored the opening goal in a 2-1 win. Shane previously played for Waterford Bohs - a local well known schoolboy club. His form to date has been impressive.

Derek Treacy, Midfielder, age : 28.

The longest serving player currently at Shamrock Rovers having joined from Belvedere eleven years ago. Derek made his debut against St. James Gate in August 1989. A very versatile player, Derek has played in almost every position bar goalkeeper. Handed the Club Captaincy by Damien Richardson this season.

Stuart Holt, Midfielder, age : 19.
A very promising young midfield player who was playing Under 18 Schoolboy football with Home Farm last season. Stuart has impressed in the Reserve league and is definitely one for the near future.

Paul Crowley , Midfielder, age : 19.
Began his career with Rovers in 1997/98 when he played as centre half in the Reserves having signed from schoolboy club Rangers. Paul has played a handful of games for the first team and providing he can overcome recent injuries he should be able to make a name for himself. Scored his first senior goal for The Hoops in the 4-1 drubbing of Sligo Rovers this season. Signed professional with the club in September.

Tony Cousins, Striker, age : 29.

Began his League of Ireland career with Dundalk F.C. and was later the subject of a £70,000 transfer to Liverpool. After two and a half years at Anfield Tony came home to play for Bohs and was to join Rovers at the beginning of 1996/97. Injury curtailed the second half of his season last year but he is back to his good form once more.

Jason Sherlock, Striker, age : 23.

An all round sportsman, Jason kept himself busy during the Summer months by training and playing with the Dublin Gaelic football team. Formerly a team-mate of Jason Colwell's at UCD, the pair linked up once again when "Jayo" joined The Hoops last Summer from the College team. Was Rovers top scorer in the League last year. Currently has his contract suspended as he spends some time concentrating on his GAA career. Should resume with The Hoops next season.

Eoghan O'Meara, Striker, age : 18.
The first player from the ranks of the present day Shamrock Rovers Schoolboys to come through to the first team. Eoghan made seven appearances as substitute for Rovers last season and looks to be an exciting prospect.

Graham Lawlor, Striker, age : 21.
Scored twice against Derry City at the Morton Stadium and is a welcome addition to the Hoops forward line. Graham, from Ballybrack, South Dublin, was previously with Bohs but had a falling out with Roddy Collins. Still Bohs loss is Rovers gain.

Sean Francis, Striker, age : 27.
Originally came to Ireland in 1991 on loan from Birmingham City to Cobh Ramblers. Sean was signed for Rovers by Ray Tracey in 1994/95 and has been in and out of the team since. It looked as though he was on his way this season but he impressed Damien Richardson sufficiently to earn himself a new contract.

Anthony Stewart, Striker, age : 18.
Joined Rovers at the beginning of the season and made his debut v Derry at the Brandywell in Sept. Was previously with Cherry Orchard.

Profiles composed by Robert Goggins.

Taken from the Shamrock Rovers Official Website www.shamrockrovers.ie