Burke’s Late Penalty Secures Shamrock Rovers Draw Against Waterford

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 3, 2026 5:19 PM ET

Burke’s Late Penalty Secures Shamrock Rovers Draw Against Waterford

Graham Burke converted a late spot-kick to force a 1-1 draw for Shamrock Rovers at the RSC. The equaliser came about ten minutes from time. The match ended amid debate over a missed handball earlier in the build-up to Waterford’s goal.

Match summary

Waterford opened the scoring in the 70th minute through Pádraig Amond. The goal followed a cross from Jorgan Voilas that replays suggested involved a handball in the build-up. Referee Alan Patchell allowed the strike to stand.

Shamrock Rovers were awarded a penalty after a handball by Jessie Dempsey from a Jake Mulraney cross. Burke, who had come on for Aaron Greene at the hour mark, stepped up. He beat debutant goalkeeper Arlo Doherty from 12 yards to level the score.

Key moments

Early in the game, Matt Healy fired from 25 yards but Doherty produced a fine save. Amond had an immediate reply, yet his backheel effort was also kept out. Danny Grant wasted a chance by firing over soon after.

Jack Byrne tested Doherty with several long-range attempts. A 28th-minute corner saw Enda Stevens head on target, only for Evan McLaughlin to clear the ball onto his own crossbar. Byrne thought he had given Rovers the lead in first-half injury time. A foul in the box for a push by Tunmise Sobowale was spotted, and the goal was ruled out.

After Waterford’s opener, Doherty produced another remarkable save to tip Byrne’s effort over the bar at 73 minutes. The penalty that earned Burke’s late equaliser followed shortly after.

Controversy

The game was shaped by two separate handball incidents. Waterford’s goal stemmed from a cross that appeared to involve Jorgan Voilas using his arm. The referee did not intervene.

Later, a clear handball by Jessie Dempsey led to the spot-kick. That decision proved decisive. The match sparked debate over officiating decisions at the RSC.

Lineups

Waterford FC
Doherty; Zborowski, Mahon, Long (Cann 64), Dempsey; Faria (Voilas 64), McMenamy, McLaughlin (Heeney 64), Coyle (Carty 76); Amond, C. Noonan (Mansfield 90).

Shamrock Rovers
McGinty; Sobowale, Lopes, Stevens (O’Sullivan 76), Malley (Razi 76); Healy, Byrne, Asamoah (Mulraney 60); Greene (Burke 60), Grant, McGovern (M. Noonan 60).

Referee: Alan Patchell (Dublin).

Context and aftermath

Burke’s late penalty halted Waterford’s search for a first win this season. The result left the hosts frustrated and Rovers relieved.

Officials and fans debated the match-defining handball moments after the final whistle. The draw keeps Shamrock Rovers level while waterford continue to chase their first victory.