Shelbourne earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Celtic in their pre-season friendly at Tolka Park, with both goals coming in stoppage time. The Reds, currently 3rd in the League of Ireland Premier with 59 points from 15 wins, 14 draws, and 7 losses, showed their resilience against the Scottish champions. Martin O'Neill and Liam Scales praised Shelbourne's performance, calling it a tough test for Celtic.
What happened in the match?
The game looked set for a goalless draw until Shelbourne were awarded a late penalty, which they converted. Celtic then equalized in stoppage time through Shin Yamada's penalty, securing a 1-1 result. The match was played in hot conditions, with temperatures around 27 degrees, providing a good fitness test for both sides.
Why it matters for Shelbourne
Martin O'Neill highlighted the value of the match, stating, "Shelbourne played really well, and it was a tough old game for us." The Reds are in the middle of their season, and O'Neill believes Celtic can learn from facing a strong, robust side. Shelbourne's recent form has been mixed, with just one win in their last five matches (DLLLL), but they remain in contention for the title, trailing leaders Shamrock Rovers by 7 points.
What comes next for Shelbourne?
After this pre-season test, Shelbourne will focus on their league campaign, where they have scored 48 goals and conceded 37 so far. Their last competitive match was a 0-0 draw against Celje in December 2025. With the season entering its final stages, Shelbourne will look to build on this performance and push for a top-three finish.
