Stephen Bradley: 'I want to go for five - but it's up to board'

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley said the 2023 title victory had been the most difficult all amid "people taking shots" both inside and outside the club.

And after emulating the celebrated four-in-a-row winning Hoops side of the mid-1980s, Bradley said he wanted to stick around for a tilt at five on the trot.

Bradley's side sealed their fourth title in succession with a 2-0 win away to St Patrick's Athletic in Richmond Park.

Like so much of the season, the match was a struggle for the Hoops, who were on the back foot for long stretches before Aaron Greene headed home the lead goal with six minutes of normal time remaining. In injury-time, his fellow substitute Graham Burke rounded the keeper to make sure of the title.

"Just immense joy, these players have been incredible for a long period of time," Bradley told RTÉ Sport's Damien O'Meara after the game.

"It's hard to win one title but to win two, three, four. And constantly being the team there to be shot at.

"It's hard. It takes a lot of work. It takes showing up every day. These players and staff have been absolutely incredible. So, just immense pride and joy in what we've done."

Rovers' title defence appeared to be in major jeopardy early on, after they failed to win once in their opening six games - a rather surreal start to the campaign.

There was also major disappointment on the European front, with the Hoops failing badly against Icelandic outfit Breidablik in the Champions League.

Through it all, the champions managed to maintain their form in the league, grinding out results.

Asked to instance the most important quality shown by his team, Bradley replied: "Togetherness. We've been good in patches, poor in patches. We've had injuries, suspensions. We've had people