Month: October 2021

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Abbie Larkin and Jessie Stapleton kept Shelbourne’s title hopes alive as their goals saw off Galway Women’s FC 2-0 at Tolka Park.

It was a much needed three points in the title race as fellow title rivals Wexford Youths Women and Peamount United also picked up wins in their respective fixtures.

Galway Women had started the game in lively fashion with Chloe Singleton testing Amanda Budden early on. 

Singleton remained a threat for the home-side throughout the first half, but it was Shels Abbie Larkin who scored the opening goal of the game.

Good work from Leah Doyle on the left wing gave her a chance to cross the ball into the box. The ball was put into a dangerous area and Larkin managed to get in front of her marker to put her side 1-0 up with just six minutes played.

Galway maintained their intensity despite going a goal down. Emma Starr hit a volley over the bar in the 26th minute while Abbie Callanan forced Budden into an excellent stop in the 33rd.

Shelbourne pushed on to further increase their lead but after getting into good positions in the oppositions half it was their final ball that let them down.

The remainder of the half was open with neither side able to get behind the last line of defence, but the Tribeswomen would have felt they deserved a goal in the first 45 minutes.

It would have been the opposite feeling at the start of the second half as Shelbourne should have doubled their lead. In the opening seconds of the final 45 Leah Hayes Cohen denied Larkin her second of the game with a brilliant stop.

The 16-year-old was set through on goal by Ciara Grant with her curled effort being pushed beyond the post for a corner.

Everything good for Shels kept coming through Larkin and in the 56th minute she did well to round Hayes Cohen but was unable to get her shot off after an excellent recovery from the away side’s defence.

It was now time for Galway to press the Reds as they capitalized on a loose pass with half an hour to play. Singleton who was causing issues early on was unable to score past Budden as she made a good stop once again.

Chasing an equaliser, the Tribeswomen were the first to make a change with Saoirse Healy making way for Aoibheann Costello.

Jessie Stapleton would then score an all-important second goal for Shels in the 75th minute. Stapleton found herself in space within the Galway Women’s box and it was Larkin once again at the centre of the move. Larkin set the defender through with a perfectly weighted through ball and she made no mistake in her finish as her effort hit the back of the net. 

 It was a must win game for Noel King’s side to keep them in the title race and this goal allowed the Drumcondra side’s nerves to settle for the remaining fifteen minutes.

More bad news struck for Galway as Nicole McNamara was seemingly forced off with a concussion in the 80th minute. Sinead Donovan would take her place on the pitch.

Mia Dodd and Taylor White were then given a couple of minutes each as Noel King brought off Doyle and Larkin in the 90th minute. 

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Shels boss Ian Morris has praised the Club’s fans and volunteers ahead of his final match in charge of The Reds saying the Club “would not function without them” and hopes Friday will be a night of celebration and joy. 

Shelbourne lift the SSE Airtricity League First Division title on Friday night as UCD visit Tolka Park in the final league game of the season. 

“It’s going to be a good night and we want to go out to give the fans something extra to cheer about besides the Cup,” Morris said. 

“This week will not take the sting out of the night and the celebrations and atmosphere. We want to excite and score goals with training being really good this week,” he added

“I can’t get enough credit to the staff and players. By winning the league I’ve seen the commitment in training every day and the hard work. 

“They’ve gotten the reward for it this year and the staff have made my job so easy as I’ve relied on them alot.

Morris said he is “going to try my best to keep the focus on the game” but knows the celebrations after will take care of itself. 

Before the game Morris was insistent on giving sincere gratitude to those around the Club after his three years in charge. 

“I want to thank everyone around the club as much I can, from the Board and the Directors.  And the volunteers and fans. The Club would not function without those people who give up so much time, it’s unbelievable. They really are a credit to the Club.” he said. 

“If this is the way to go out then there’s no really better way to go,” he said. 

Morris was full of praise after seeing how crowds have jumped from 2019 to 2021 with so much buzz around the Club. 

“They’ve been exceptional. Those two home games at the start of 2020 show what an unbelievable atmosphere it is and then coming into the end of this year, I can’t praise them enough so lets hope we’ve got one more big one. 

“It’s been a hugely beneficial experience for myself and I’ve made relationships to last a lifetime and that’s what it’s all about,” he added. 

In team news, JJ Lunney is back in contention and Morris said JJ would have been in high contention for Player of the Year if it was not for the injury he picked up against Galway. 

“He’s been critical this year for us, and it’s been great seeing him back. He moves the ball so well, he’s been fantastic,” he added. 

Morris said it’s got another final selection headache ahead of himself tomorrow, and that those who miss out will only be through circumstance and not through lack  of quality and hard work. 

Morris thanked the Club once more, and wished the Reds “all the best in the future.” 

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We’re looking forward to welcoming supporters to see Shelbourne FC lift the SSE Airtricity League First Division title at Tolka Park on Friday night against University College Dublin. 

We wish to inform supporters of arrangements for the match night while we celebrate both our promotion to Premier Division and give a send off to Manager Ian Morris who will take charge of Shels for the final time after three memorable years overseeing The Reds. 

Though The Tolka Bar will be strictly not open to the public, we are encouraging supporters to enjoy the night after the game inside the ground using the Main Stand and Riverside Stand with Shels Tuck Shop providing refreshments including some alcoholic beverages. 

We ask supporters to be mindful of the environment as the ground will have to be prepared for the live televised WNL game the following day and adhere to social distancing measures in line with government advice. 

We also urge supporters to be mindful of neighbours in the adjacent residences when exiting the ground. 

There will be a limited number of tickets available from the Tolka Park ticket hatch prior to the game from 6:45pm.

However, to avoid disappointment, we encourage fans to purchase tickets online at shelbournefc.ie/tickets-2.

Season Ticket Holders can use their 2021 cards as usual and please note these are non-transferable and must be presented upon entry.

We once more thank fans for their incredible support throughout the year, and hope you enjoy the night. 

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Shelbourne Football Club would like to update supporters on ongoing works in Tolka Park in relation to the New Stand at the Drumcondra end of the ground and the terrace at the Ballybough End of the ground. 

Following further advice and guidelines from Dublin City Council (DCC), the New Stand has been confirmed to be no longer able to hold spectators from this point forward. 

The Club has since undertaken discussions with DCC and engineering companies on the reintroduction of spectators to the Ballybough End of the ground. 

DCC have confirmed that we will be able to use the Ballybough End from the 2022 season and we have now moved forward with the reintroduction of seating to the terrace.

We have now begun to remove seats from the New Stand with the intention of utilising these seats in the Ballybough End of the ground in conjunction with engineering specialists and much appreciated work from Club volunteers. 

This will allow us to increase the capacity of Tolka Park for SSE Airtricity League matches and provide further options for hosting spectators in the ground. 

We look forward to further updates when the works have progressed to the next stage.

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October 26, 2021 – Shelbourne Football Club is delighted to announce Diffney, one of Dublin’s leading names in Menswear, as the Club’s new Official Menswear partner. 

As part of the new sponsorship, Diffney will collaborate with Shelbourne FC on an ongoing basis on exclusive media content as well as promotional activity going into the 2022 season.

Alongside a digital partnership with the Club, Diffney will launch half-time crossbar challenges during SSE Airtricity League matches and first goalscorer competitions throughout the season.  

Diffney’s pitch side signage will feature prominently in Tolka Park as Shels return to the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division for next season.

Diffney is one of Dublin’s leading names in menswear who opened their doors on Mary Street in 1949 with the aim to deliver the highest standard of customer service and bring some of the world’s best brands to the Dublin gentleman.

Now with five stores in five great locations, Diffney offers a wide selection of top menswear brands. Paired with our unrivaled service and the knowledge of our experienced team, Diffney will have you looking your best for any occasion.

Together with the merchandise, the interior and the service, Diffney offers the ultimate retail experience. 

Shelbourne FC’s Head of Commercial Keith McDarby said: “We are really excited to have Diffney come on board as our official menswear partner. From the moment I met with Conor and Mark and shared our vision, it was clear to us that our brands aligned really well and this was the start of something exciting.” 

“Diffney shares a lot of the core values of Shelbourne Football Club. I think this is going to be a great partnership moving forward and it’s another big statement from the club showing the direction we are moving.”

Diffney’s spokesperson said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for us. Our model has always been built around our customers… More than just selling menswear, we try to create lasting relationships with our customers & establish a sense of community around the Diffney brand.

“We feel Shelbourne are a club that mirrors those values. For years, they have built deep rooted community ties, amongst  fans, volunteers, local businesses and partners, so to be a part of that in 2022 is really great. It’s motivating to see the direction in which Keith and everyone else involved want to take the club and the opportunity to work side by side with great people at this exciting time for Shels is something we can be proud of.”

About Shelbourne Football Club

Founded in 1895, Shelbourne Football Club is a leading professional football club based in North Dublin. Shels, as commonly referred to, has won 13 League of Ireland titles along with 10 national cups, one Women’s National League and one FAI Women’s Cup. The Tolka Park side compete in both the SSE Airtricity League and FAI Women’s National League and has a thriving Academy based at the Athletic Union League in North Dublin with over 400 boys and girls.

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Shelbourne Football Club confirms Men’s First Team Manager Ian Morris has stepped down from his position effective from the end of the season.

Shelbourne FC Chairman Andrew Doyle said:

“It is with great regret that we announce that Shelbourne FC Men’s First Team Manager, Ian Morris, has decided to step down with effect from the end of this season. Ian Morris is and will always be a Shelbourne Legend. His record as manager speaks for itself. From a standing start three years ago, with no prior management experience, Ian has won two titles in three seasons and has had an extraordinary win record of 67% in all competitive matches.

“Ian’s professionalism, people skills, commitment, work ethic and integrity are of the highest calibre. Ian will always be welcome back at Tolka Park. I know I speak for everyone at the club when I wish Ian the very best in the future and continued success in the game (except of course against us!)

“Our final game of the season at Tolka Park this Friday is the ideal opportunity for us all to express our appreciation to Ian and celebrate his achievements, and that is what we will do.

“Thank you, Ian.”

Shelbourne FC Men’s First Team Manager Ian Morris said:

“It is with a heavy heart but the time has come for the club and myself to part ways. At the end of the season I’ll be stepping down as First Team Manager.”

“I would like to thank Andrew Doyle, Joe Casey, Dave O’Connor and the board of directors for the opportunity to manage this fantastic club. The hard work and effort of the volunteers at the club is absolutely mind blowing, and the club would not function without you.”

“To all my staff and players that have helped me over my tenure, I would like to sincerely thank you all for your hard work and support. A special mention to Mr. Shelbourne himself, Johnny Watson, you are an absolute diamond. Never change!”

“The transformation in attendance from 2018 to now is absolutely amazing. The FANS are the lifeblood of any club, and the Shels fans have been our 12th man. The connection with the players and staff is brilliant, and I hope you keep getting behind them to drive them on. Thank you for your support. I’m extremely proud to have managed this great football club.I wish Shelbourne FC and everyone connected with the club continued success in the future.”

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Shels boss Ian Morris said his side are now looking to break the 60-point mark after securing the title amongst other targets to hit before the season’s out.

Shelbourne have two games left to play after winning the SSE Airtricity League First Division title two weeks ago.

The Reds make their final away trip of the season on Friday with the trip to Cobh Ramblers.

Morris said he was “disappointed” not to win last week after drawing 1-1 with Athlone Town but is looking to get back to winning ways.

“There’s a lot of targets that we have set that we’re looking to reach. Look at Ryan (Brennan) and his goal scoring tally but it’s a group that helps these individual awards so we’re looking to finish the season well.

“Cobh are a dangerous side and it’s a small pitch up there. They’ll hurt you if you’re not at it and they’ll be looking to finish their last home game of the season with a win.

“The lads all want to play and we’re doing well with bodies,” he added.

JJ Lunney returned to training this week and Morris was full of praise with how Lunney has kept in fine shape ahead of his return so ensures no one will be rushed back.

Morris also said he was looking to recreate some of the finer away day moments in the final trip to Cork.

“The away fans have travelled so well this year and you see the reaction it has give to the fans and the players.

“There was the celebration out in Strabrook that was just brilliant. That’s what we’re looking to recreate here

Shelbourne have no new injuries or suspensions for Friday’s trip.

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Shels boss Ian Morris said he wants nine points from the remaining three games and that is the sole objection now the dust has settled from last week’s title win. 

Shelbourne claimed the SSE Airtricity League First Division title on Friday night with a famous 1-0 over Treaty United. 

“We’ll be playing as if nothing is done yet and I’m sure the players will be looking to impress. There’s three big games left to play,” Morris said. 

“We want to impress our fans. The atmosphere was electric on Friday and we’re hoping it’s going to be same again.

“We want to score goals, keep clean sheets and training this week has been no different to any other week,” he added. 

Morris said “opportunities may arise” for players coming back into the team, though his main concern is analysing Athlone and picking an 11 targeted for Friday. 

“They’ve got real pace and really can give people a game. They know they need to win the game so it will be a good game,” he added. 

The Shels Manager said his team afforded a “small celebration” on Saturday but said his players know there’s an exciting run-in to come. 

“There’s no change in attitude,” he told shelbournefc.ie.  

Denzil Fernandes has resumed training though will undergo a fitness test Thursday to asses his progress. 

Gerardo Bruna and JJ Lunney have both resumed non-contact training but Morris said “no one will be rushed back.” 

Left-back Kameron Ledwidge will miss Friday’s game due to international duty with Republic of Ireland U21s.

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Shelbourne FC is looking forward to welcoming fans again this weekend to Tolka Park as we face Athlone Town FC as SSE Airtricity League First Division Champions for 2021.

General sale tickets are now available on www.shelbournefc.ie and early purchase is advised after last week’s sell out.

We would like to remind Season Ticket holders of the condition of use of their cards for the remaining two home First Division games.

  • Season tickets are non transferable
  • Season tickets must be produced at the turnstile for scanning on match nights in order to obtain admission
  • If you have lost your season ticket please contact the Club and we will make alternative arrangements
  • A photocopy or photograph of the season ticket or an email requesting an alternative user will not be allowed

We thank you once more for your incredible support and hope you enjoy the remainder of the season.

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October 05: Shelbourne FC is delighted to announce that global e-retailer SHEIN has become the club’s first ever Official Leisurewear & Womenswear Partner of our Women’s National League (WNL) team. 

The partnership marks another significant milestone for our WNL team as we seek to grow the Club on the pitch and commercially. 

As part of the sponsorship, Shelbourne FC WNL matchday tops and t-shirts will be branded with the SHEIN logo, which will be displayed prominently on the front.

Shelbourne FC players will also feature in social media collaborations with the global brand allowing for further exposure for both the Club and SHEIN.

The announcement comes as Shelbourne FC play the first ever FAI Women’s National League match to be broadcast live on Irish national television on TG4 at 5pm on October 2nd. 

It is the Club’s belief that there is significant room for growth of the women’s game and partnerships with large global brands like SHEIN can help the game get to where it needs to be.

Shelbourne FC faces an exciting Women’s National League run-in as well as an FAI Women’s Cup campaign with semi-final on the horizon and we very much welcome the opportunity to share this journey with SHEIN and other key club partners.

Shelbourne FC CEO, David O’Connor said: “We are thrilled to welcome such a well-known brand as Official Womenswear partner to Shelbourne FC. It is fantastic recognition of the potential for growth at our Club for our WNL team and of the work done at our WNL set over the past number of years to allow us to grow commercially. We have an exciting end of season in store for our WNL team and we look forward to sharing this excitement with our new partners at SHEIN. With more and more coverage of the game here, there are exciting opportunities like this for our commercial partners where we look to be able to grow together.”

About Shelbourne Football Club

Founded in 1895, Shelbourne Football Club is a leading professional football club based in North Dublin. Shels, as commonly referred to, has won 13 League of Ireland titles along with 10 national cups, one Women’s National League and one FAI Women’s Cup. The Tolka Park side compete in both the SSE Airtricity League and FAI Women’s National League and has a thriving Academy based at the Athletic Union League in North Dublin with over 400 boys and girls.

About SHEIN:

Founded in 2008, SHEIN is a fast-fashion e-retailer with a global network that spans 220 countries and regions. Here at SHEIN, we place a premium not on our apparel, but on choice. That’s why we drop 1000 new fashion items daily, spoiling our customers with a dizzying selection of on-trend womenswear that they can mix and match to their heart’s delight. With our tagline” Wear Your Wonderful”,  we believe that the clothes we wear reflect our personalities and we want to empower today’s women to explore and express their individuality. With the abundance of choice we provide, our customers can intricately craft that perfect look which reflects their individuality. Simply put, we help you do you. To learn more about SHEIN, follow us here and below social channels: