Shamrock Rovers’ Chairman Jonathan Roche has appealed for supporters to be patient at the club’s sold out opening game at Tallaght Stadium.

“This is going to be a new experience for everyone,” he says. “Not just for the fans, but for everyone involved behind the scenes at the stadium. I’d ask people to show patience.

“We would also request that spectators turn up as early as possible, in order to avoid congestion at the stadium and surrounding area, and pay attention to stewards, Gardai and PA system announcements.

“The gates open at 6.30pm, there’ll be entertainment from the start, and we just want everyone who’s fortunate enough to have a ticket to really enjoy this speacial night for Shamrock Rovers.”

Rovers fans have already snapped-up all tickets for the match. Among the supporters fortunate to get their hands on the treasured tickets are a number of Rovers' fans based abroad.

Many Hoops based in Britain, Spain, Portugal, Germany and Italy have been taking trains, boats and planes to see their heroes make their debut at Tallaght Stadium.

At least two returning Rovers’ fans are coming over from the United States – Rowan McFeely, who now lives in Boston, and Ger Coppinger, who’s on a scholarship in St Louis.

Rowan’s arriving in Dublin on the morning of the Hoops’ first home game, which was originally scheduled for the following day. As he says: “It’s lucky I hadn't booked to come in on the Saturday!”

Despite being based Stateside for some time, the Hoops are still close to his heart. “I’ve been over here almost five years now and although a lot has been missed, this was one I couldn't let pass by.

“Rovers have been a huge part of my life but, as always, it will be a bigger part of other peoples lives - this is a night that belongs to all of us who stuck by Rovers.

“It's a night for those who have passed on, that won't get to see the bridge from Milltown completed. A sad and long journey. One that nearly wasn't completed – well, we're there now and I for one had to be there, too.”