And with the 2024 version of that contest about to enter a key phase, Gary O’Neill believes they won’t be dazzled by the light at the end of that particular tunnel.
As things stand in the three-horse race, Shelbourne are three points clear of second-placed Derry City despite a worrying slump in form, and hold a game in hand and a four-point lead over reigning champions Rovers. But with 10 points from a possible 12 in their last four games, Rovers have the winning habit that the other contenders lack.
“I think we’re in a position that they don’t want us in now,” says Hoops midfielder O’Neill, morale in their camp boosted by a hard-earned 1-0 win at home to Bohemians on Monday thanks to Graham Burke’s goal six minutes from time.
“If we dropped points again, it would have given them a little bit more breathing room but there are two really good teams in front of us, I felt it on Friday. Derry are a very, very good team and Shels have that enormous steel – their mentality is really good. It’s the bright lights now. It’s the time to do it, and we’ll see if they can.
“Obviously, part of the season is frustrating in terms of results going against us, a lot of injuries, [not] having a settled XI over the course of the season..”
The recent form of St Patrick’s Athletic is title-winning material – three straight wins – though dropped points early in the season leave them well off the pace this term.
They will arrive at Tallaght Stadium on Friday intent on damaging the hopes of their local rivals, as O’Neill predicts that an attack-minded Saints will bring more menace than a toothless Bohs side, who clearly went hoping for a draw.
“I’d imagine Pat’s will come with a little bit more arrogance in terms of going toe to toe with us,” says O’Neill.
“They’re flying at the minute, they’ve got some really good players in the final third and I don’t think it’s in their DNA to give up the game essentially. So it’s going to be a different challenge for us. We’re looking forward to it.”
Burke claimed the winner against Bohs but the fact that the strike was only his second league goal since April shows how he has struggled to meet his own high standards.
“He’s probably had a stop-start year with injuries and stuff. Whenever he gets in that position, I really like his chances of scoring. His left foot is a joke, it’s incredible and he gets into position a lot.
“If you spoke to Burkey, he probably feels he should have more because he has had a lot of chances but if we can get him clicking in this period that’s coming up, it’s a serious weapon to have,” O’Neill adds.
