AN ESTIMATED 700 fans packed into Dublin Airport last night as the players and staff of Shamrock Rovers were given a heroes’ welcome on their return home from Belgrade.
Goals from Pat Sullivan and Stephen O’Donnell gave the Hoops a 3-2 aggregate win over FK Partizan on Thursday night, booking Rovers’ place in the group stages of the Europa League — the first time that an Irish club has made it into the tournament proper.
“What a homecoming that was,” midfielder Chris Turner tweeted last night. “#GreatFans.”
Stephen Rice added: “What a reception from the fans at Dublin airport. Lookin forward to a cuppa tea and me bed.”
Rovers begin their Europa League campaign when they welcome Rubin Kazan of Russia to Dublin on 15 September. They then face Tottenham Hotspur and PAOK of Greece, with the top two sides progressing to the next round after Christmas.
In pictures: Rovers mobbed on arrival in Dublin
In pictures: Rovers mobbed on arrival in Dublin
In pictures: Rovers mobbed on arrival in Dublin
In pictures: Rovers mobbed on arrival in Dublin
In pictures: Rovers mobbed on arrival in Dublin
In pictures: Rovers mobbed on arrival in Dublin
Source: ©INPHO/James Crombie " title="">
Source: ©INPHO/James Crombie" title="">
Source: ©INPHO/James Crombie" title="">
Source: ©INPHO/James Crombie " title="">
Source: ©INPHO/James Crombie " title="">
Source: ©INPHO/James Crombie" title="">