Shelbourne defeated KR Reykjavík in the first qualifying round on away goals.

In the second qualifying round, Shelbourne lost the first leg 3–2 away to Hajduk Split, but two late goals in the home leg at Tolka Park meant they became the first Irish team to make it to the third qualifying round.

After a 0–0 draw with Deportivo de La Coruña in front of 25,000 fans at Lansdowne Road, the Irish team lost 3–0 in Spain.

Shelbourne entered the first round proper after their Champions League third qualifying round exit, but missed out on a place in the UEFA Cup group stages.

After a 2–2 draw at Lansdowne Road, Shelbourne lost 0–2 in the return leg against French side Lille.