Irish football sees record crowds and transfers as Shamrock Rovers aim for European history

Shamrock Rovers are close to making history by potentially becoming the first Irish team to reach the last 16 of a European competition since 1980. They hold a 1-0 lead against Molde in the Europa Conference League playoff. The League of Ireland is experiencing a surge in attendance and transfer fees. A record crowd of over 33,000 attended a recent match, and Tottenham signed 16-year-old Mason Melia for €1.8 million, a record for the league. Brexit has changed the landscape for young Irish players, allowing them to sign professional deals at 16. This has led to increased interest from European clubs and higher transfer fees, benefiting both players and the domestic league.