Return to Skopje | OneFootball

by The Shelbourne F.C. Historical Committee

When the great Roman poet Virgil used to nip down to the taberna beside the Colosseum for a few Chiantis in the evening, he was well known for telling the lads in his best Latin, “Experto credite.” That’s another way of saying: pay strict attention to the boys who have been through the battle when you’re looking for sound advice.

So it’s to be hoped the Shels coaches are beating a path to former Shelbourne star Richie Baker as they try to mastermind the task of overthrowing our latest North Macedonian rivals, KF Shkëndija, this week.

Richie has been a splendid co-commentator on LOI TV in Tolka Park over the last season alongside Declan Drake, but he was also the scorer of the 83rd-minute winner the last time the Reds played in Skopje a quarter of a century ago. The opponents that year were Sloga Jugomagnat, and Richie’s strike gave Shels the first away win by a League of Ireland team in European competition since 1982. Richie later commented that it was a fantastic night for the League of Ireland, let alone the club — and how right he was.

Our Macedonian rivals have been through the wars in recent years, disappearing and reappearing as contenders for league honours. Over the last decade, they’ve done so well that Milan, Spurs, and Steaua Bucharest have all been visitors to the capital on their European travels.

Skopje itself is a lively place to visit and has something for everyone. For the religious, there is the Mother Teresa Memorial House — the famous missionary was born in Skopje. In 2014, the Government of North Macedonia spent some €500 million installing hundreds of statues and several striking features along the river to give the city its distinctive charm.

Food is especially flavoursome, and the guidebooks note that the cost of beer in Skopje is “the cheapest on the continent.” That’s a challenge that warrants investigation. The most popular beer is Skopsko, a pale lager with a smooth taste. Estimates suggest that four beers and a meal in a bar can be had for less than €15.

Last time we were there, the team was cheered on by a large contingent of the Irish Army based in Kosovo. They will be absent this time — but let’s hope the result is the same.

The match will be played in the Toše Proeski Arena, named after the Macedonian pop idol Toše Proeski. Hopefully, it will be Shelbourne who will be Number 1.