Shelbourne will host Celtic in a mid-season friendly at Tolka Park next month, it was confirmed today.
The Glasgow giants and the Reds will be preparing for European football in the Champions League and Conference League qualifiers.
The Scottish champions are in the middle of appointing their manager for the new season with Martin O’Neill expected to stay on.
Former Ireland striker Robbie Keane has also been strongly linked with the role with no final decision confirmed.
The fixture on Tuesday, 7 July could be first in charge for a potential new boss as it is early in their pre-season.
Shelbourne CEO Tomás Quinn feels it is a coup to bring the Hoops to Dublin: “We are thrilled to welcome Celtic FC to Tolka Park for what promises to be a fantastic occasion for both clubs and our supporters.
“Celtic are one of the most renowned clubs in world football, with a tremendous following in Ireland, and hosting them at Tolka Park is a significant moment for Shelbourne FC.
“Fixtures of this calibre provide valuable preparation for our squad ahead of our upcoming European campaign, while also creating a special experience for our fans and the wider football community.
“We look forward to welcoming Celtic, their players, staff and supporters to Dublin in July.”
Celtic played in Cork last year
Celtic played Cork City in a pre‑season friendly at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork on the same week last year and also brought an experimental side to take on Sligo Rovers earlier in late 2024. They played Wolves in Aviva Stadium in 2023.
It will be the fourth year in succession the Scottish side have played in Ireland.
Following the game, Celtic will go to Portugal for a training camp and meet Sporting Lisbon on 14 July at the Estádio Algarve. They will also play AC Milan at Celtic Park on 25 July. The Scottish Premiership begins a week later.
Shels had the week of the game free in order to facilitate a Conference League first round tie, but they received a bye to the second round, allowing them the chance to play the friendly. It will give them ideal preparation for the European clash.
Kick-off for the game is scheduled for 6pm in north Dublin.
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