With just six home games to go before the end of the 2009 Premier Division season things are really hotting up at Tallaght Stadium for Shamrock Rovers.

Under the guidance of former Northern Ireland international Michael O’Neill, the Hoops are reestablishing themselves as the ultimate name in Irish football in their new home.

Tallaght Stadium has had ‘full house’ signs on a regular basis, while the recent opening of the new East Stand on August 22nd drew more than 4,000 fans - the biggest League of Ireland attendance of the season.

Rovers lie in second place in the Premier Division table, look likely to secure European football for the first time since 2003 – with the prospect of bringing the cream of the continent to Tallaght.

“This first season at Tallaght Stadium has already exceeded all our expectations,” says Hoops’ Chairman, Jonathan Roche. “It’s been fantastic.

“Since the first game against Sligo Rovers back in March, there has been a real buzz about every home game, and on the pitch we’ve seen some great football.

“As we enter into the business end of the season we’re challenging for the Premier Division, well placed for Europe, and in the quarter finals of the FAI Ford Cup.”

Roche is also keen to emphasise the other positives that have surfaced during the Hoops’ debut campaign in Dublin 24 – not all of them football-related.

With Tallaght Stadium in a prominent position opposite the Square, and housing an excellent club store, Shamrock Rovers now offer the finest facilities in Irish football.

“As well as giving people from Tallaght , South Dublin and beyond a club worthy of their support, the new young fans now see Rovers’ players as their heroes.

“Youngsters are playing football amongst themselves wearing Rovers’ shirts and going to the barbers looking for a ‘Twiggy’ haircut to copy our top scorer, Gary Twigg.

“When we launched our new purple away kit at the stadium store, the queues were amazing. The players present to sign jerseys were stunned by the reception.

“Fans enjoy the electric and colourful atmosphere that is unique to Shamrock Rovers, while the increased capacity makes Rovers an even greater family night out.”

With the recently added facillty of the East Stand, Rovers are now in the enviable position of offering unique and specific spectator facilities to suit all tastes.

When there was just the main West Stand, all Hoops’ fans had to be accommodated in one area - but now the club can offer a variety of fan experiences.

“We decided to establish the East Stand as the place for the singing section, making the main West Stand an excellent vantage point for families and corporate groups,” says Roche.

“In the West Stand you get the best of both worlds. Spectators can enjoy the atmosphere in a relaxed setting while sampling the excellent facilities on offer at Tallaght Stadium.”

The arrival of Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium has also had a positive effect in economic and feelgood terms for South Dublin, as Roche explains:

“We conservatively estimate that our first season in Tallaght will generate around a €2.5 million spend in the local economy by spectators attending our games.

“Despite the economic downturn in Ireland, Shamrock Rovers is boosting the local economy while providing much-needed entertainment and enjoyment for people.”

Roche is also eager to point that Shamrock Rovers are in a unique position in terms of offering special friendly games featuring some of the world’s greatest talents.

During the Hoops’ recent Festival of Football, international stars such as Ireland’s Damien Duff and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo graced the prestine Tallaght turf.

“An added bonus came in the shape of our recent friendly against Real Madrid, when a worldwide audience of hundreds of millions was focused on Tallaght,” he recalls.

“Not only did it provide a positive global platform for Dublin in general and Tallaght in particular, our performance that night showed the potential of Shamrock Rovers.

“Despite being up against the most expensive squad of players ever assembled, we matched them throughout and only lost to a late goal. It was a superb performance.”

Shamrock Rovers’ next Premier Division home game is against Saint Patrick’s Athletic on Friday, September 4, kick-off 7.45pm. (The game is also live on TG 4.)

With the Hoops just four points behind Premier Division leaders Bohemians, the stage is set for an exciting night under the impressive Tallaght Stadium fllodlights.

“Friday’s game against Saint Pat’s is another special occasion for Rovers at Tallaght Stadium, as it’s the first Dublin derby since the East Stand opened,” says Roche.

“Saint Pat’s recently enjoyed an impressive European campaign, while Rovers are on an unbeaten since the beginning of May. Both sides have some smashing players.

“It promises to be a fantastic night, with a big, noisy and colourful crowd that will provide the ideal backdrop to what should be a cracking game of football.”

Tickets for Friday’s game are available from the Shamrock Rovers Megastore at Tallaght Stadium. Opening hours 1-6pm. Visit www.shamrockrovers.ie for more details.