--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shamrock Rovers 400 Club Press Release
Fan-friendly Fridays at Shamrock Rovers
Today the Shamrock Rovers 400 Club announced new fan-friendly initiatives for Shamrock Rovers’ home games, in order to make the match day a more enjoyable experience and encourage lapsed fans back to the Hoops.
Friday’s match against Cork City will be Rovers’ first home fixture since the Examinership process - funded by the 400 Club - came into effect. This is an ideal opportunity for fans to get 100% behind the Hoops and ensure the club's survival.
While urging every Rovers fan - both active and passive - to make a special effort to come out in a show of solidarity and strength on Friday, the 400 Club is also eager to make supporting Rovers as much fun as possible.
In addition to the 90 minutes of Eircom League action, the 400 Club is introducing the following initiatives to enhance the live football experience:
Family Section
From now on, Friday night will be Family Night at Shamrock Rovers. Dalymount Park will have a dedicated Family Section in the Jodi Stand specifically for family groups. Goodie bags will be distributed, face painters will be present, and parents are guaranteed a great night’s entertainment in a more family-oriented environment.
The official match programme will now also include a dedicated page for younger supporters and a Junior Hoops Club is currently being set up to cater for the under-12s segment of Rovers‘ support.
Singing/Ultras’ Section
The Shed was traditionally where Rovers’ vocal support gathered in Dalymount, and the 400 Club wants to rekindle that spirit by inviting the SRFC Ultras and all singing fans to make the Shed their own once more.
The Ultras have introduced a more European element to Irish fan culture and inspired a `tifo’ movement across the Eircom League. Friday promises their most ambitious and colourful display yet.
Schoolboy section
Special buses will be running from Tallaght to bring the 250-strong playing squad of Shamrock Rovers Schoolboys to first-team games in Dalymount.
There will be a dedicated SRFC Schoolboys section in the Jodi Stand, and every effort will be made to ensure that the club’s younger players feel a greater affinity for the first team, and Shamrock Rovers in general.
Away Fans’ section
Away fans will be housed in Section A of the Jodi stand and every effort will be made to make away fans even more welcome at Shamrock Rovers.
For certain Dublin derbies - when a large away crowd would be expected - away fans will be allocated the Connaught Street stand.
Pre-Match Entertainment
Over the years, certain songs have become associated with Shamrock Rovers. Beginning Friday, a selection of Hooped Hits will be played over the PA system to get everyone in the mood for creating a cracking atmosphere.
There will also be a Touchline MC, whose job it is to enthuse the crowd, get some banter going with away fans, and generally encourage a good-humoured atmosphere inside Dalymount Park.
Half-time Heroes
Everyone knows Shamrock Rovers has an incredible history. Beginning this Friday, a celebrated former player will be invited to each home game as a Half-time Hero. It is our privilege to announce that Mick Leech will be our guest this Friday.
Mick was a hugely popular and very successful player at Rovers during the 1960s and ‘70s. Still a regular spectator at games, he is eager to support the Hoops during the club’s current plight. No doubt many Hoops of all ages will look forward to welcoming Mick onto the pitch at half-time on Friday.
Fill a car - bring your friends
The 400 Club acknowledges that Roddy Collins has assembled a side that will do the famous Hoops proud - last week’s fantastic win in Derry shows that the potential is there for some very exciting times ahead on the pitch.
With added fan-friendly initiatives making home games even more attractive, supporting Shamrock Rovers now offers a great night’s entertainment - and we want to spread the word.
As well as urging current and lapsed fans along on Friday, we would appeal to fans coming to the game to encourage friends and potential Hoops to sample Ireland’s ultimate live football experience.
``Everyone knows Rovers’ fans create a great atmosphere,’’ says 400 Club Chair Jonathan Roche. ``We are now adding to that with this set of match day initiatives.
``With a dedicated Family Section in the Jodi stand we hope to encourage more family groups to come to games and have a great time supporting the Hoops.
``The Half-time Heroes concept is a brand new one, with the emphasis on entertaining fans at half-time while reminding them of Shamrock Rovers’ great history.
``We are endeavouring to turn the Shamrock Rovers match day into the greatest live sports experience in Ireland – this is just the beginning.
``We would also call on lapsed Hoops to come along on Friday night. We believe there will be plenty on offer to entice them back into the fold.’’
Other 400 Club Activities
Public Meeting
The 400 Club is holding a Public Meeting for ALL Shamrock Rovers supporters at the Edmund Burke Theatre, Trinity College Dublin on Wednesday May 4th. Beginning at 7.30pm, the meeting will explain the Examinership process and the 400 Club’s role, as well as offering guidelines and proposals for the future development of Shamrock Rovers Football Club.
Open Day at the AUL
There will be an Open Day for Shamrock Rovers' fans at the AUL Complex in Clonshaugh (where Rovers train) on Saturday May 7th. All fans are invited along to meet Roddy Collins and the players, see Rovers train, get autographs and pose for photos with the players. The event commences at 11am, and the AUL Complex is situated just off the N32 at the M50 junction near Dublin Airport.
Legends Dinner
A Shamrock Rovers Legends gala dinner will be held in Jury’s Hotel, Ballsbridge, on Saturday October 29th (Bank Holiday weekend). It will run from 7.30pm until 2.30am.
This promises to be a major event and a fantastic night out celebrating Rovers’ glorious history and many great players. Ticket prices and other details will be announced in due course.
400 Club Membership Drive
Although membership of the 400 Club is buoyant, more new members are always welcome - and particularly at this time, as the 400 Club is financing Shamrock Rovers during the Examinership period.
Membership forms are available from the official SRFC website at www.shamrockrovers.ie/400club, by post from 31 Greentrees Road Perrystown Dublin 12 and from 400 Club trustees on match days.
Fundraising
The 400 Club Trustees has formed a committee to oversee all fundraising activity. Many of these events will not be Shamrock Rovers oriented, making them more attractive to those outside the club’s general fan base.
ENDS
