Posted on 2020-12-312020-12-31

Shelbourne Football Club is delighted to announce former Republic of Ireland Manager Noel King as our new Women’s National League team Manager.

In an appointment further showing Shelbourne’s serious commitment to developing our women’s set up to be the best in the country, Noel brings a wealth of experience having managed the women’s international team for nine years and was caretaker manager of the men’s senior team too.

In 2010 under his guidance, the women’s under-17 team finished runners up at the 2010 UEFA Championship and qualified for the 2010 World Cup.

King was also manager of the Under 21 Republic of Ireland team from 2010 to 2018. 

His appointment follows further progress made at the club including the amalgamation of our boys and girls academy structures as part of our full integration of men’s and women’s operations. 

We fully believe in providing the best possible facilities and coaching for players on our male and female teams and Noel’s appointment is further evidence of this.

With four international senior team players in the Republic of Ireland squad last time out against Germany, this appointment also helps further create an environment for our elite players to develop to the highest level of the game. 

Speaking to The 1895 Podcast, Noel King said he was delighted to be in Tolka Park for 2021.

“You’ve some good young players there, and an existing core of players whom I know from the U17 Championships and reaching the World Cup Quarter Final. 

“It’s a good solid strong team but obviously the aim is to pull back Peamount and that’s going to be a difficult task. I’m really looking forward to it.

“There’s a lot of structures in place but sometimes the hardest step is to turn runners up into first place and that’s the challenge, to make that step.

“The club is steeped in the tradition of football so when you start thinking of men’s football, you think of Shelbourne and that’s the way it should be.

“Now when you think of women’s football in Ireland you can think of Shelbourne too,” he said. 

Dave O’Connor, Shelbourne FC CEO said: “I am incredibly excited to be able to welcome Noel to our club today.

“Noel is one of the most well respected and highly regarded football minds in Ireland and we are absolutely over the moon to be able to announce him as the manager of our Women’s National League team. 

“Noel’s vast knowledge and experience of the game, at the very highest level, will provide us with a platform to continue to push our Women’s National League team to the top of the game.

“This announcement is a statement of intent from the club in relation to how seriously we actually support our female teams at the club. 

“Often, the support for women’s and girls’ football can amount to little more than PR exercises but Shels have taken initiatives that show that the club is serious, including a complete reorganisation of the club to fully integrate the female operations.

“We are really looking forward to working with Noel in continuing to move forward in this direction.

Posted on 2020-12-182020-12-18

Eoin Deane

Wes hoolahan began his professional career in 2001 with Shelbourne against Longford town in the Premier Division of Irish football.

Hoolahan, better known as Weso, was Shels’ standout player in his four years at Tolka Park with most notably being involved in one the great Irish footballing stories as Shels pushed for UEFA Champions League football and were only denied that after they pushed Depertivo La Coruna who had reached the semi final of the competition the season before to the wire.

Hoolahan made a move not to progress his career but to help the club out, he revealed that the Reds boss came to him and said the club was in need of money and needed to sell him.

He understood and took a move to Livingstone in Scotland before he was loaned out to Blackpool for the season, He stayed with Livingstone for two years before moving to Norwich City which he spent 10 years at the club helping them reach the Premier League.

Wes had some great EPL moments with the Canneries, like beating Manchester United twice, scoring against Liverpool, and beating Manchester City at the Etihad. Not bad a for an Inner City Dubliner.

Hoolahan began to make his name in the international side of the game too with his first goal coming against Poland in the Aviva Stadium.

He was a player the Irish team needed so much he provided creativity and flair for the side – something we haven’t seen since his international retirement.

Like his memorable moments with Norwich, Wes has a good few stories to tell about the Irish side from beating World Champions Germany in the Aviva 1-0 to scoring Ireland’s first goal at Euro 2016 before ultimately setting up one of the most historic goals in Irish history as he swung in a magnificent ball for Robbie Brady to put past the on rushing Italian keeper.

Wes helped Norwich to many a high in his time with the club but left the canneries in 2018 for West Bromwich Albion. Unlike Norwich, Wes found it hard to grab a spot in the starting 11.

He mainly came off the bench and started in meaningless cup games for the Baggies.

His stay with West Brom wasn’t long lived and soon he moved down under to join the Newcastle Jets in Australia.

He made a mark on the club with a string of very good performances chipping in with goals and assists before suffering an ankle injury which ended his time down under which seen him return to England and join Cambridge United after strong rumors of him returning home to Shels but the fairytale return has yet to happen.

Hoolahan – now a main stay in the League Two side has been putting in amazing performances and looks to be helping Cambridge in their push for promotion or promotion playoffs.

Posted on 2020-12-162020-12-16

Shelbourne FC would like to thank Women’s National League Head Coach Dave Bell who has decided to step down following  two successful seasons at the club.

The Club would like to thank Dave for bringing League Cup success to Tolka Park in 2019 as well as two excellent league campaigns. 

Dave had the following to say on his departure:

“Having spent the last two seasons with Shelbourne as the Women’s Head Coach/ Manager, my decision to step down from the position which was made together with the club was one of the most difficult ones I’ve had to make. I am of course disappointed finishing runners up two years in a row however I’ve been so happy with the way the girls performed and in the main the style of football we played which we received many compliments. But I feel that now is the right time for the club to go in a new direction.

“Coaching such lovely talented girls and working alongside some exceptional backroom staff will always be close to my heart. I hope the club will accept my most heartfelt thanks for allowing me the opportunity to have been Shelbourne FC Women’s Head Coach.”

The Club is now seeking applications for the vacant position from individuals holding at least a UEFA A licence. CVs and cover letters should be sent to david.oconnor@shelbournefc.ie by noon on Wednesday, December 23.

Posted on 2020-12-112020-12-11

Shelbourne FC is delighted to announce the signing of former Preston North End, Cork City and Waterford player Kevin O’Connor. 

The Wexford man who can play at full-back or in midfield joins the Reds having played at U17 and U21 level for the Republic of Ireland. 

O’Connor won the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division and FAI Cup double with Cork City in 2017 as well as the Cup in 2016 before securing a move to Preston North End in the English Championship.

At just 25, O’Connor is known for a superb left foot and boasts an already impressive career ahead of his move to Tolka Park for 2021 and speaking to shelbournefc.ie, he said he was very happy to be on board. 

“I heard that Ian was interested and saw that a strong squad is being assembled at the club. 

“Personally, speaking to him, everything was about winning and it’s going to be a tough year but that’s what we’ll aim to do,” he added. 

“It’s never easy. I was in the First Division when I was younger when I was with Waterford but I’m looking forward to pushing for it now and hopefully we can have fans back. 

“I’ve enjoyed unbelievable success but this is another chance and am looking forward to getting to the challenge,” he added. 

Shels manager Ian Morris said he was thrilled to have Kevin on board for 2021.

“Kevin is a fantastic addition to our squad. He has a wand of a left peg, and his use of the ball is excellent,” he said. 

“He is a great professional and I’ve no doubt he will be great around the place,” he added.

Posted on 2020-12-092020-12-09

Shelbourne FC is delighted to announce our 2021 Home Kit in association with Umbro Ireland for our men’s and women’s teams.

We push for gender parity in football once more with the same kit for our men’s and women’s teams, but with a new sponsor this year for our front of jersey.

As with the two Reds teams that represent Shelbourne FC in the SSE Airtricity League and FAI Women’s National League, the 2021 Home Kit features two reds in a unique bespoke design in collaboration with Umbro Ireland.

We’re delighted to welcome Hamptons Homes to be another name in the history of quality sponsors to grace the famous Red jersey.

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Hamptons Homes said they are “delighted to partner up once again with such an iconic football club and after our hugely successful sponsorship last year, we’re thrilled to step up as front of jersey sponsors. We look forward to a long partnership doing many great things together as a team in the future.”

“We believe together this partnership will bring a stronger interest and wider awareness around the country to both the football club as well as Hamptons Homes and our previously established brands Hamptons Floor Store & Brooklyn Flooring.”

“We have huge belief in the team and the staff and have forged what we believe to be an invaluable relationship with the board members that can continue for many years.”

Hamptons Floor Store is proud to introduce Hamptons Homes; the home renovation arm to our brand! Hamptons Homes is a Dublin based company providing comprehensive design and building solutions for both domestic and commercial clients.

We provide all aspects of home improvement and general building services: bathroom design and installation, kitchen design and fitting, internal or external painting and decorating, plumbing, carpentry, electrical, tiling, partitioning, ceilings, refurbishments, loft conversions, extensions. All our work is fully insured and guaranteed and is carried out by dedicated and highly skilled tradesmen.

With finance options up to €30, 000 also available, get in touch today to turn your House into a Home with Hamptons!

Shelbourne CEO David O’Connor said: “I am absolutely delighted to have Hamptons Homes come on board as our Official Club Sponsor for the 2021 season. Hamptons Homes are company who we are proud to be associated with and a company whom we have seen go from strength to strength as they continue to expand.

“I wanted to say a special thanks to Joe Prendergast and Kane Kearns, the Directors of Hamptons Homes ,who have been nothing other than pleasure to work with.

“Hamptons joined the club as a sponsor last year and their support was crucial for the club during what was an turbulent year financially.

“Kane and Joe are two incredibly passionate, driven and successful entrepreneurs and business men, as is evident with the success of Hamptons Homes.

“And having worked closely with them last season, I can also safely say that their passion and drive have also become incredibly evident to me as they have become proud partners and genuinely passionate supporters of Shels through their affiliation with Hamptons Homes.

“We are very excited to work side by side with Hamtons for the 2021 season and beyond.”

“For more information on Hamptons Homes check out https://www.hamptonshomes.ie/ or find them on Instagram or Facebook “

Posted on 2020-12-082020-12-08

Dear coaches and volunteers,

This week will see the Shelbourne FC Academy close for the Christmas break. It is our intention that our League Of Ireland teams return on Monday the January 4 followed by a full Academy resumption on Monday the January 11 as per our updated Astro Schedule for 2021.

As we come to the end of what can only be described as a horrendous year of physical and mental challenges created by Covid-19, a number of heroes needed to emerge and while all the frontline workers are deserving of this categorisation, I believe you the grassroots coaches are also deserving of such praise and recognition.

When we come into the world of football coaching, it becomes very clear at a very early stage that our coaching skills are just a small ingredient required when dealing with the mind and abilities of young children. We strive to create an environment our players can learn and improve in, but most importantly an environment that is fun and safe. Every single one of our coaches and our volunteers have shown these qualities and beyond at a time when they were most needed during this unprecedented pandemic.

Thousands of children have been afforded some kind of normality through this pandemic, thousands of children have been kept safe, thousands of children have kept fit and thousands of children have smiled because of people like you, that is heroic.

On behalf of myself and the Academy Committee we cannot thank you enough for your incredible work and dedication over the last few months. We wish you all and your families a vey happy and safe Christmas Holiday

Kind Regards

Stephen Henderson  

Posted on 2020-12-042020-12-04

Shelbourne has made it six signings this week with defender Ally Gilchrist’s signature for 2021 at Tolka Park. 

Gilchrist joins after two years at the Brandywell with Derry City and previous spells at St Johnstone and Shamrock Rovers. 

The Scot, who was born in Edinburgh, is a central defender who was a major part of Derry City’s squad in the past two seasons. 

The 25-year-old said he is joining the Reds as he saw “a club with massive ambition” when talking to manager Ian Morris.

“I definitely felt wanted by the manager when he was explaining the plan to me. Having Alan Reynolds in can also only be good too,” Gilchrist said.

“You have to be looking at the club when joining and the big thing for me is that Shels have a good plan set out,” he added. 

Ian Morris described his new defener as “a proper defender.”

He’s aggressive, can organise and moves the ball well. He is a real leader on and off the pitch,” he added.

Posted on 2020-12-042020-12-04

Shelbourne FC is delighted to confirm the signing of striker Michael O’Connor after his spell with Ross County.

Much sought after, O’Connor comes to Tolka Park after leaving his mark at previous clubs such as Linfield, Waterford and Dundalk. 

The 22-year-old joined Scottish Premiership side Ross County earlier this year but has favoured a return home to Ireland with Shels boss Ian Morris securing his signature for 2021. 

O’Connor spent his early career with St. Kevin’s Boys, and at English club Bristol City, before joining hometown club Dundalk in September 2014. He turned professional with Dundalk for the 2015 season, making his senior debut later that season.

He spent time at Shamrock Rovers, Linfield and Waterford before moving to Scotland in September for a short stay with the SFPL side.

O’Connor is a Republic of Ireland youth international, at under-19 and under-21 levels. He made his Republic of Ireland under-21 debut in March 2019. 

“It’s great to get the deal done, it’s been a hectic few days but delighted it’s over the line now,” O’Connor said. 

“I’ve had good conversations with Alan Reynolds and obviously with Ian too. We’ve a big season ahead to get this club back to where it belongs,” he added.

Morris described O’Connor as “an absolute handful” as a player to defend against. 

“He’s a young powerful lad who will score goals. He is a lively character that needs to get in and play regularly. We’re delighted to have him in,” he added.

Posted on 2020-12-032020-12-03

Shelbourne FC is thrilled to announce the signings of JJ Lunney and Glen McAuley after their spells with Bohemian FC.

Jonathan, better known as JJ, is a midfielder who has had spells with St Patrick’s Athletic, Waterford FC and Preston North End and arrives at Tolka Park after an impressive Premier Division season last year.

McAuley, meanwhile, is a forward with a brilliant reputation after spells at Liverpool, St Patrick’s Athletic and Bohs.

The Dubliner returned home in July 2019 after spending five years with Liverpool, where he was capped up to Ireland under-19 level.

Lunney played underage football with Malahide United before moving to Preston North End in 2014.

After impressive spells at Pat’s and Bohs, manager Ian Morris is delighted to have both him and Glen in the squad for 2021.

JJ, said he was “delighted” to be on board and said “conversations with Ian have gone really well.”

“I enjoy playing in a possession based team and from speaking to Ian and Rennie this is something we’re looking to do.

“By no means will it be easy next year but the aim is to get the club back to where it belongs,” he added. 

Lunney, from Swords, said he is “looking to enjoying his football again” at Tolka Park. 

McAuley said he was enticed to the club following conversations with Ian Morris and Alan Reynolds. 

“I’m delighted to be on board. Talking to the Ian and Rennie, I could see how they wanted to push the club forward and get it back to where it needs to be,” he said. 

“I like to play up front and get a few goals. I was over at Liverpool for six years and after coming back to Ireland I’m looking forward to getting my love back for the game and show everyone what I can do,” he added.

Manager Ian Morris said: “JJ is a fantastic footballer. Comfortable in possession and will create chances. He has good experience and still only 22.

“Glen has bundles of ability with an eye for goal. Really exciting young player who needs games. We will give him a platform that will allow his ability to flourish,” he added. 

Posted on 2020-12-022020-12-02

Shelbourne FC is delighted to announce the double signing of defenders John Ross Wilson from Bray Wanderers and Michael Barker from Bohemian FC. 

Michael, a Swords native, who played previously with our youth set up, crosses the canal to join up with the Reds ahead of 2021. 

The defender, who can play anywhere across the backline, said he “can’t wait to get going” ahead of an “exciting move.”

“Ian rang me a couple of weeks ago, obviously looking to get me on board with the intention of having a good season and getting promoted, bringing Shels back to where we belong.

“I couldn’t turn it down really. I live not too far from Tolka Park myself to get in and play and to enjoy my football again,” he added.

JR, rejoins Shels having previously played at Tolka Park in 2019, but had his season cut short through injury.

The Ringsend native has since gone on to play every minute of the 2020 season for Bray Wanderers and links back up with Ian Morris.

The defender said he’s “delighted to be back at this massive club”  and it is “now time to kick on.” 

“I was delighted to get the call. I love playing for this club and always wanted to come back,” he added.

Shels boss Morris, said he is “delighted” to get the pair’s signature ahead of the 2021 season.

“JR has gone to play games and has had a fantastic season with Bray. I have tried to sign Michael before, and I am delighted to get him in this time.

“They’re two really good players, coupled with fantastic attitudes and a desire to win,” he added.