UK
Yesterday, Friday, 25th September, we had the chance to attend Shelbourne Football Club’s fundraiser at the Mansion House. It was one of those nights where you’re reminded that football is about more than just what happens on the pitch, it’s about community, connection, and the people who give their time and support to keep a club moving forward.
Setting the Tone
The evening began with Shelbourne’s CEO, Tomás “Mossy” Quinn, setting the tone. He spoke about the importance of these events and how they provide the backing needed for every part of the club. From the senior men’s and women’s teams to the underage setup. He made a special point about the women’s team, who are now ten years on from their Raheny United days, and how much they’ve achieved since becoming part of Shels. He also spoke about the men’s team and how the recent European run, reaching the UEFA Conference League group stages, shows what’s possible when everyone pulls together.
Joey O’Brien said a few words too, reflecting on the ambitions for the men’s side and what the future could hold. Listening to him, you could feel the pride in what’s already been accomplished, but also the hunger for more.
Laughter That Brought the House Down
From there, the mood lightened thanks to Mario Rosenstock, who hosted the night. He had the whole room laughing, particularly during the panel he ran with Joey, Kenny Cunningham, and Shay Given.
Kenny’s long answers were a gift for Mario’s comedy, and his impression of Shay was spot on. But beneath all the jokes, there was a real sense that Shelbourne, alongside Shamrock Rovers, is helping raise the level of Irish football compared to past generations.
Prizes and Music
The raffle brought a nice break from the chat and Mario was hilarious in his delivery of some unusually name participants and winners.
The prizes on offer were corporate tickets to Old Trafford and Anfield up for grabs. A six-day corporate package for the Republic of Ireland became the butt of the jokes given the team’s recent form, but that just added to the good spirits in the room. The night finished with music and it was the perfect way to close things out.
Recognising Support
Chadwick’s, the club’s main sponsor, was rightly recognised for their continued support, and it was clear that partnerships like theirs play such a vital role in what Shelbourne is building. We’re big fan of their social media content, especially the hilarious sketches with Joe McGucken.
Why It Matters to Me
On a personal level, it was a reminder of why my own connection to Shels means so much. My family has supported the club for generations, and through Sumoblue I’ve been fortunate to contribute as a sponsor in recent years. It’s always about being part of something bigger, and helping the club continue to grow.
Walking away from the Mansion House that night, I felt proud of how far Shelbourne has come and hopeful about where things are headed. Nights like these show the strength of the Shels community, and I’m glad to be a part of it.
