Shamrock Rovers could play their last three Premier Division games of the season in November at their new ground in Tallaght when it was announced that prominent businessman Ben Dunne has invested a staggering 2 million Euro in the club.
Dunne, who owns Westpoint Health and Fitness centre in Blanchardstown now has the opportunity to build a state of the art leisure and sports centre including a 50 metre swimming pool behind one the new stadium's goalmouths.
Incorporated in this building will be a 2,000 seater stand. An all-weather jogging track will also be built around the pitch. The Rovers players will have full use of the new centre for training purposes. It is expected that up to a 1,000 people per day will use the new facility.
No major problems are envisaged regarding financial needs, planning permission or approval from Dublin County Council.
"This will be a state of the art stadium eventually catering for 5,500 fans. Temporary seating may be erected on one side of the ground. The whole deal was sorted out in three weeks. This is a breath-taking day for Shamrock Rovers," said Hoops chairman Tony Maguire at Friday's press conference in Tallaght's Plaza Hotel.
"Ben Dunne has taken us over the finishing line in our bid to complete the construction of the stadium. Work could be underway in early June and we are delighted there is so much goodwill in the area," said Maguire.
Now Rovers will continue to pursue other fund-raising activities as they seek a first home of their own since departing their beloved Milltown in 1986. Since then they have operated at Tolka Park, Dalymount Park, the RDS, Morton Stadium and Richmond Park. But the Tallaght dream now looks like coming closer to reality.
