Shelbourne WNL captain Pearl Slattery admitted it was an “awful pity” that Shelbourne supporters had to think about the possibilities of life without Tolka Park in it.
Slattery was speaking to FinalWhistle off the back of her sides 1-0 win against 2020 champions Peamount United that saw Shelbourne extend their lead at the top of the Women’s National League table to four points. Jessie Stapleton provided the only goal of the game which was her fourth of the season so far.
Slattery’s comments come after the decision from the Dublin City Council not to rezone Tolka Park and keep it as a football ground. The stadium which was opened in the early 50’s was due to be demolished and used to build housing instead.
“It means so much to people, it brings those magic moments through football, the highs and lows of this club.”
“It was brilliant timing winning the league last year because of the save Tolka campaign, it’s a special club, a special place, and I love playing here.”
Speaking about the support from the fans, Slattery has said they have been “incredible” and that she has “never experienced anything like it in her career.” There are growing crowd numbers on a consistent basis in both the men’s and women’s divisions and she wants the support to continue.
“Please keep coming down, keep getting people into seats and not just Tolka, but support the league.”
Regarding the big win against their nearest rivals at the weekend, the captain spoke of how they were “delighted to come away with a win and clean sheet.”
“They [Peamount] have quality all over the pitch and they put us under a lot of pressure in the first half, but we defended well and where sensible.”
The league leaders now move onto another Dublin derby this week when they travel to Dalymount to face Bohemians on Saturday evening. A venue they would have had to share with the North Dublin outfit if the Tolka proposals had gone through.
“Every game in the league is a challenge. Bohs got a point away to Peamount last week, so it just shows the strides they are taking under their management and with the players they have brought in.”
