Following the latest draws in European club competition, we now know the path that is laid out for one or more of Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, Bohemians or Derry City to advance over the coming weeks.
Shamrock Rovers
Rovers face Ararat-Armenia in the Champions League second qualifying round, with the first leg taking place tonight.
Victory would send them into the Champions League third qualifying round against Celje of Slovenia or Egnatia of Albania.
That win over Ararat would also guarantee Rovers league-phase football: defeat in Champions League Q3 would send them to the Europa League play-off, where defeat would still deliver a Conference League place.
Defeat to Ararat would place Rovers in the Europa League third qualifying round against the loser of Celje v Egnatia. Winning that tie would also guarantee at least Conference League football; losing it would leave one final Conference League play-off.
Shelbourne
Shelbourne must first overcome Nõmme Kalju of Estonia. Their reward would be a Conference League third qualifying-round tie against the winner of Ajax v Vojvodina Novi Sad.
Ajax would clearly represent the glamour outcome, but also an exceptionally difficult assignment. Shelbourne would then still need to win a Conference League play-off to reach the league phase.
Bohemians
Bohs face Ballkani of Kosovo in the second qualifying round. Progress would bring a tie against either Beşiktaş of Turkey, or FC Midtjylland of Denmark, both with strong European pedigrees.
Both would represent a significant rise in difficulty, with the winner of that third-round tie progressing to the Conference League play-off.
Derry City
Following their Europa League elimination by CSKA Sofia, Derry face Rijeka of Croatia in the Conference League.
Should they cause an upset, the third-round draw is comparatively encouraging: Derry would meet the winner of Stjarnan of Iceland v Ilves Tampere of Finland.
On paper, that provides the most navigable Conference League route of the three clubs—although overcoming Rijeka remains a substantial immediate challenge.
The Conference League third-round ties will be played on August 6 and 13, followed by the play-offs on August 20 and 27. The Champions League third round takes place on August 4/5 and 11.
All four teams are in action this week with details of broadcast arrangements updated daily on our Sport for Business TV and Streaming Guide.
Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne FC are full members of Sport for Business.
If you would like to be part of the Sport for Business community and see your organisation in our content, on our stages, and in the conversation happening every day around the commercial world of Irish Sport, email us today and let’s see what is possible.
Image Credit: GAA and Shauna Clinton, Sportsfile. France Players Celebrate after victory over San Francisco at Walsh Park, Waterford
ABOUT SPORT FOR BUSINESS
Sport for Business is Ireland’s leading platform focused on the commercial, strategic and societal impact of sport. It connects decision-makers across governing bodies, clubs, brands, agencies, and public institutions through high-quality content, events, and insights.
Sport for Business explores how sport drives economic value, participation, inclusion and national identity, and how your story can be part of ours.
Through analysis, storytelling and convening the sector, it helps leaders understand trends, share best practices, and make better-informed decisions. It positions sport not just as entertainment but as a vital contributor to Ireland’s social and economic fabric.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Or sign up for our Daily Sport for Business Snapshot email bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
