Their new home might finally be starting to take shape in Tallaght but, make no mistake about it, these are nervous days for the already downtrodden supporters of Shamrock Rovers.
For more than a decade the club's supporters have had to put up with a succession of humiliations. True, there was a league title in 1994 but the lack of a cup during the 1990s, the lack a home since the demise of Milltown and now, much worse, rivals Bohemians are within striking distance of a double.
Leaders Shelbourne have not helped matters by winning just two of their last seven league games. Newry Town and St Patrick's Athletic also must take their share of the flak for allowing Roddy Collins to acquire for Bohemians what they desperately lacked, width, in the form of Mark Rutherford and Paul Byrne.
The fact that Bohemians are back in the hunt for the league is down to Shelbourne's astonishing inability to win games. Even a month ago most people in the Bohemians camp had more or less given up on the league.
Recently, though, the form of the leaders has been so wretched as to make a close finish unavoidable. In fact, the good fortune Shelbourne enjoyed out in Belfield three weeks ago was vital in allowing the team to retain control of its destiny.
They could, on the other hand, have allowed the initiative to slip away on Saturday in Derry but, to their credit, managed to produce what was their first real show of character for a couple of months when they fought their way back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3.
On Friday night in Dalymount, though, Bohemians were again inspired by Shelbourne's former winger Rutherford and their performance again underlined that they are currently the league's best side.
More alarming for Shelbourne manager Dermot Keely is that their rivals' run-in is far easier than their own. Bohemians are due to visit a Longford side that would actually be better off if Bohemians were to win the title as they would then be guaranteed a place in the UEFA Cup regardless of the outcome of the FAI Cup final. They will then face a relegated Kilkenny team.
Leaders Shelbourne, meanwhile, can look forward to playing a Rovers side with nothing but pride to play for tomorrow night. However, they must then face Cork City, who have not lost a league game since February 10th.
Keely, one presumes, will not care about the outcome of these games as long as his side sits at the top of the table come Sunday night. The championship could, however, be his by tomorrow evening if results go Shelbourne's way.
For just about everybody else, though, (and we're exempting our distressed friends, the Rovers fans) the hope will be that Shelbourne are at least required to reassert themselves if they are to successfully defend their title.
To retain it having won only twice in the last quarter of their season would be an embarrassment. If they fail to win either of their remaining games the hope is Bohemians will do enough to steal in front of them.
Six points from the visits of Rovers and City, though, would not only guarantee them their title but remind the rest of us just why it is they're supposed to deserve it.
emalone@irish-times.ie
