"I like leagues that are decided in the last league match. Therefore, I'd prefer it not to be in the Clasico, but well, it seems things are pointing that way, and if that's the case, then whoever wins is welcome."
On the final day of last season, Shamrock Rovers were minutes away from an unprecedented fifth successive league title, but Harry Wood had other ideas. Shelbourne's 2024 triumph hurt the Hoops deeply, but this year Stephen Bradley's men have used that heartbreak as fuel to reclaim their title from the Reds and take it back to Tallaght Stadium - even if it's taken them a little longer than expected to complete the coronation.