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James Mc Clean first left Derry City to join Sunderland in 2011 Former Republic of Ireland winger James Mc Clean assisted the only goal of the game on his return to Derry City colours as the Candystripes beat Shamrock Rovers 1-0 to lift the President's Cup at Tallaght Stadium on Saturday evening. The 36-year-old, who re-signed for his hometown club from Wrexham last month, was jeered by home supporters throughout his return to the League of Ireland, sarcastically applauding Rovers' fans after providing the cross for Darragh Markey's goal in the 33rd minute. After the game, Mc Clean posted "stay classy" on social media and alleged he had been subjected to sectarian chanting during the game. The 103-times capped international, who spent time posing for pictures with Rovers fans following the final whistle, later posted to explain that his refusal to speak to written media after the game was due to an issue with a journalist dating back to 2017 and predict that Arsenal-bound opposition midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna will go on to be a "top player if he continues to work hard" after his move to the Premier League leaders in January 2027. In what Derry manager Tiernan Lynch had branded a "glorified friendly" between last season's double winners and his league runners-up, Mc Clean was one of six new signings on show for the Brandywell outfit, starting in central midfield alongside former Northern Ireland midfielder Carl Winchester. Mc Lean's brother Patrick was another of Lynch's off-season arrivals to feature as Derry warmed up for the start of their league campaign at home to Sligo Rovers on 6 February. Mc Clean spent time after the game posing for pictures with opposition supporters Premier League: Fulham goal ruled out as Man Utd lead, Brentford in front at Villa La Liga: Mbappe scores injury-time penalty as Real Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano Salt falls in first over as England chase 190 to beat Sri Lanka in second T20 What happens to our brains when we're under anesthesia? Voyager’s epic journey into deep space Former Olympian Steve Cram CBE reveals the secrets to running The most improbable hotel makeover of the Hebrides Is Donley ready to fill NI's 'problem position'? What is Northern Ireland's record against Italy? 'Now feels like the right time to start family' 'We're not Johnny' - Prendergast forging own path Happy tennis, serious name - the making of Carlos Alcaraz Why 2026 could be GB's most successful Winter Olympics The most powerful woman in football - meet game's first female super agent 'Torres-like' Ekitike haunts long-term admirers Newcastle A Slam four years in the making - Rybakina's return to top I never stopped believing - Calvert-Lewin Your Winter Olympics need-to-know guide in six charts Nine siblings and a dog called Zoomer - Wirtz in his own words Djokovic steals show as Australian Open finally ignites Barcelona 'shakedown' offers first hints of F1 2026 Cages, crushes and stabbings - is European away safety getting worse? The NFL's 'Queen's Gambit' who helped create $1. 5bn worth of talent Record-breaking World Cup, so why no title sponsor for domestic league? Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.