Posted on 2022-07-302022-07-30

Shelbourne FC would like to wish Gavin White all the best, as he departs the club to take up a new role with the FAI.

A life long Reds fan, White made an enormously positive contribution to the club during his time as Head of Media and Communications.

The Dubliner led the modernisation of Shelbourne FC’s media and marketing functions and assembled a talented team of volunteers that helped to transform the club’s digital platforms.

White was a founding member of the club’s Patreon platform, the funds generated from the endeavour proved enormously helpful during the pandemic. White was also one of the creators of The 1895 Podcast, the official Shelbourne FC podcast. White was named Media Officer of the Year in 2021 at the SSE Airtricity / SWI Personality of the Year Awards. 

He also oversaw a number of charity and community projects, including the Shelbourne FC ‘Mind Your Head’ t-shirt campaign, and worked alongside John McGouran on the ‘Football Memories’ initiative as part of the ‘Reds Together’ community programme with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

The board has appointed Darren Cleary as Head of Media and Communications to succeed Gavin. He’ll work alongside the talented team of volunteers that make up the club’s media team including Eoin Smith, Steven Doody, Simon Crowe, Ciarán Doyne, Reggie O’Malley, Adam Fahey, and Muiris O’Cearbhaill.

All at Shelbourne FC would like to wish Gavin all the best in his future endeavours and thank him for his time at the club. 

Posted on 2022-07-292022-07-29

Shelbourne Football Club is today delighted to announce the signing of one of the most decorated players in world football, Heather O’Reilly.

The USA International has won 231 caps for her country, and is the 10th most capped player of all time. O’Reilly has won three Olympic gold medals and won the FIFA Women’s World Cup with her country. 

O’Reilly has put pen to paper on a deal that will keep her at Shelbourne FC until the end of the 2022 season. The 37-year-old will link up with Noel King’s reigning Women’s National League Champions, and is available for selection. 

O’Reilly long held ambition to play in the Champions League is bringing an end to her retirement, she had previously called time on her career three years ago, shortly after winning the double with North Carolina Courage. 

It was an encounter with former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger that spurred on O’Reilly to put on her boots for one last time, she told Shelbournefc.ie: “I played in Soccer Aid a few months ago. Arsene Wenger was my manager. We got talking after one of the sessions, and he said, ‘Heather, you are very good, you should still play’. 

I said, ‘Oh thanks Arsene, maybe. I never did play Champions League football, and it always bothered me’. He says, ‘You should do it. You should play’. I puffed out my chest, put some more thought into it, and said I was going to start having some conversations.

“Arsene Wenger was the catalyst to get me out of retirement, get the boots back on and give it a go with Shelbourne FC.”

Beginning her career in 2002 at just 17-years-old, O’Reilly holds the record for most consecutive games played on the US National Team at 74 appearances, starting 67 of those 74 matches.

Over the course of her glittering 15 year career with the U.S. WNT, O’Reilly scored 47 goals and registered 55 assists. In 2004, she scored the winning goal in the Olympic semi-final against Germany, sending the United States into the final, in which they defeated Brazil for the gold medal. O’Reilly was the youngest player on the team.

The veteran midfielder led the North Carolina Courage to victory during the first edition of the Women’s International Champions Cup in 2018. Adding to that accomplishment, North Carolina also won the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship in the 2018 season.

O’Reilly has also played with Arsenal FC, where she was a key member of the team in the 2017/18 season. During her time with the Gunners, the midfielder helped the club reach the 2018 SSE Women’s FA Cup Final, in addition to winning the 2018 Continental Cup trophy.

Before joining the Gunners, O’Reilly played in the NWSL in the USA, with the Boston Breakers in 2013-14 and then FC Kansas City in 2015-16. 

During that time, O’Reilly scored 17 goals and recorded 16 assists. She helped FC Kansas City win the NWSL Championship in 2015, giving her the distinction of joining the pantheon of greats who have won a World Cup and Club Championship in the same year.

Prior to the creation of the NWSL, O’Reilly played with Sky Blue FC of Women’s Professional Soccer from 2009-11. In the 2009 Women’s Professional Soccer final, O’Reilly scored the only goal, helping her team clinch the title.

O’Reilly also had a decorated career at the University of North Carolina, where she won two national championships and had her jersey retired as a recognition of her amazing career.

Heather O’Reilly, Shelbourne FC midfielder said: “I felt I had more to give, and the project at Shelbourne FC caught my eye from across the Atlantic. Ireland is where my family came from before moving to the US, so there’s a special connection. I’m delighted to sign for this great club and help Shels on the journey to become one of the best teams the island of Ireland has ever seen. I’m relishing the chance to put on the boots again and hoping my experience and skills play a part in the pursuit of silverware.” 

Noel King, Shelbourne FC manager said: “Heather is a proven winner, we’re thrilled to bring one of the greatest players to ever play the game to Tolka Park. It’s an amazing moment for the club and for the Women’s National League as a whole to have a player of Heather’s stature. I think in particular, our younger players will flourish sharing the stage with a player who has seen, done and won it all.” 

Posted on 2022-07-282022-07-28

Shelbourne Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Matty Smith from Derry City.

The 25-year-old Scottish attacker arrives from the Brandywell on loan until the end of the season.

The Reds saw off stiff competition for the signature of the highly sought after Scot who is now playing in his third season in the League of Ireland.

Smith joined Waterford from his hometown club Dundee United in 2020, playing every single game of a reduced COVID-19 impacted season. 

From the Blues, he left to join St Patrick’s Athletic, making 32 appearances and scoring 11 times, making him the club’s top goal-scorer as they finished second in the SSE Airtricity League and won the FAI Cup.

Smith’s success with the Saints earned him a move to Derry City, where he put pen to paper on a two-year deal. The Dundee native has been a key player for the Candystripes this season, making 19 appearances so far, including 14 starts and netting 3 goals.

Damien Duff, Shelbourne FC Head Coach said: “Matty is a brilliant signing for the club and will give everyone a real lift for the business end of the season. He caught my eye from minute one when I started watching the league last year.

He has a brilliant work ethic and a great speed to his game. Align that with his quality on the ball and it is plain to see that Matty is a top player. We all can’t wait to start working with him”

Posted on 2022-07-282022-07-28

Team news | Shelbourne v Bray Wanderers, Carlisle Grounds, July 29 2022

Shelbourne Head Coach Damien Duff has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to the seaside to face Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds in the FAI Cup on Friday.

The Reds look to make it three wins on the spin in all competitions as their attention turns to the premier cup competition in the country. 

They face a Bray side who have struggled to find form of late, the Seagulls are currently residing in 7th place in the SSE Airtricity League First Division, and have lost three of their last four league outings. 

Duff though is wary of underestimating the Seagulls, he told ShelbourneFC.ie: “It’s a really difficult game. They’re a good side, you could say they’re doing better than their league position suggests. They might be struggling in the league but the FAI Cup is a completely different proposition, it changes everything really. 

“This might be the biggest game of their season, but it’s the same for us, it’s absolutely massive. We have ambitions and aims and we’re well aware of the opportunity the cup presents to us. This is a huge game for the players, and look, it is for me too on a personal level, it’s a special one. It’s my first cup game as a senior manager, it’s a great occasion but I’ll park that, we want to go out and win the tie, and that’s the only focus.”

Mark Coyle is a doubt as he continues to rehab an injury. Sean McSweeney and Dan Hawkins both remain unavailable for selection. Adam Thomas departed the club on Thursday. Duff wished the New Zealand international well: “Adam is a good pro, he came in and worked hard for us. He needs minutes now and to play regularly, and we couldn’t guarantee that here, he’s gone to Galway and we wish him well.”

Shels go into this one buoyed by a recent run of form that has seen them open up a gap from the bottom two in the league. Duff hopes the players can push on now: “The priority this season was to stay in the division, nothing has changed. We won’t lose sight of that, but we’re trying to push on now and climb that table. Cup football is special, it gets the juices flowing, the players are relishing it, they know that it’s a massive opportunity for them.

While Shels have a number of injury concerns to contend with, the Reds boss was quick to dismiss the notion that the cup could offer the chance for squad rotation: “As long as I’m the manager of Shelbourne Football Club there’ll be no rotating for the sake of it, I don’t believe in it. If you play a minute of football for this club it’s because you deserve to be on the pitch. We’ll have as strong a team as we have out on the pitch”

Posted on 2022-07-212022-07-21

Shels boss Damien Duff says tomorrow’s trip to UCD is “an absolutely massive game” for his Shelbourne side. 

The Reds travel to the UCD Bowl looking to follow up from an impressive 3-1 win over Finn Harps last time out in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division. 

Goals from Gavin Molloy and Jack Moylan saw Shels gain the three points but Duff has said tomorrow’s game “is as just important given where UCD are in the table.” 

“The lads need to be on it from one minute. I was at the Bohs game UCD had and they should have beaten them – it was a strange game,” Duff told shelbournefc.ie.  

“UCD has the freedom of young guys who can go out and express themselves and they smell blood now that they can stay up and what a story that would be so we’re absolutely not underestimating them,” he added. 

Last week’s game at home to Shamrock Rovers was called off due to the Tallaght side’s European commitments but Shels played a competitive in-house friendly featuring all players. 

Goals from Jack Moylan and Sean Boyd saw both teams draw 1-1 but Duff said the game served a great purpose in ensuring all players received their relevant minutes. 

“We trained hard last week and the game on Friday was great so we’re prepared despite the two week break,” Duff added. 

Shelbourne faced a bug in the camp this week, however, affecting a couple of players but Duff said the players are prepared to “put their bodies on the line” to play in a game of large significance. 

“We’ll need the fans tomorrow for sure to help us get through with some of the team patched up but the guys are extremely committed and want to give everything for the Club,” he added. 

Mark Coyle and Sean McSweeney picked up knocks during the week too so are doubtful to appear in tomorrow’s match in Dublin’s southside. 

Shelbourne, meanwhile, will have no suspensions in the game against Andy Myler’s men who welcome back said Manager and Assistant Manager William O’Connor to the sideline after a suspension.

A large Shelbourne fanbase is expected for the crucial game, and it is advised that fans purchase their tickets early and online via the UCD club website to ensure their entry. 

Shelbourne will also be able to select new signing Joshua Griugi who signed this week from Norwich City FC in the English Championship. 

“Josh is available and should be involved. He has been really impressive with his enthusiasm but most importantly his quality on the ball. He’s a technical footballer and technical footballers are what I always look out for,” he added. 

Posted on 2022-07-192022-07-19

Shelbourne Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of right sided winger Josh Giurgi after his time with Norwich City FC. 

A young pacey right-sided player, the 20-year-old Dubliner Giurgi progressed through to Norwich City Under-23s from the Under-18s.

Having played previously at Leixlip United, Josh was a regular in the Norwich City Premier League 2 side under Alan Neilson. 

A Republic of Ireland U17 and U18 international, Josh join’s Damien Duff’s Shelbourne side on a contract until the end of the season. 

Josh also played for the Republic of Ireland U17 squad in the EURO U17 Championship in 2019 held on home soil. 

Shelbourne FC, Head Coach, Damien Duff, said: “Josh came in and trained brilliantly last week and thoroughly deserves this deal. He has great quality on the ball, is very athletic and penetrates brilliantly. He is eager to rebuild his career after leaving Norwich and I am sure we can help him.” 

Josh Giurgi said: “I’m delighted to sign for this great club and help us  in the journey that we are on. The players, all of the staff and Gaffer have all been very welcoming from the start and I can’t wait to get on the pitch.”

About Shelbourne FC

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. 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.

Posted on 2022-07-152022-07-15

Shelbourne Football Club can confirm the extension of Jack Moylan’s contract to the end of the 2023 season with the Reds. 

The 20-year-old has become a firm fan favourite at Shels since joining at the start of the 2022 season and has played 17 times for the Reds in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division this year. 

The attacking midfielder has scored four times with memorable goals against St Patrick’s Athletic and Sligo Rovers among them. 

The versatile attacker has played 41 times in the SSE Airtricity League thus far after last season’s spell at Wexford FC. 

Jack’s extension adds to the list of JJ Lunney, Shane Farrell, Jad Hakiki, Gavin Molloy and Brian McManus who have extended their contracts in recent weeks.

Shelbourne FC, Head Coach, Damien Duff, said: “I am very happy that Jack has decided to extend his stay with us. He has high ambitions in football but I thoroughly believe  that this environment is the best place for Jack right now to keep growing and improving. He can do things that nobody else can do in the league. He excites the fans and he excites me. I am very tough on him and will continue to be as I believe he has the ability to take his game to a whole new level.” 

Jack Moylan said: “I’m delighted to sign for another year, it’s such a great club and definitely the most I’ve enjoyed my football ever so far in my career. It’s a proper club here with proper people in it and I can’t wait to see what the next year holds. The club’s going in the right direction and everyone’s buying into what’s happening on and off the pitch and I’m just delighted to be a part of it.” 

About Shelbourne FC

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. 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.

Posted on 2022-07-142022-07-14

Shelbourne Football Club is delighted to announce a new Player Continuity Pathway (PCP) with our neighbours and Leinster Senior League (LSL) partners Drumcondra Football Club. 

This PCP will allow Shelbourne FC to help players leaving our Academy in their transition to adult football by providing a gateway to LSL football with Drumcondra FC. 

We will continue to monitor the development of the players who enter the PCP at Drums with the potential of them returning to Shelbourne FC in the future depending on their progress.

Posted on 2022-07-122022-07-12

Shelbourne Football Club can confirm the extension of Gavin Molloy’s contract to the end of the 2023 season with the Reds. 

The 20-year-old has impressed in his time with Shels since captaining the U19M National League team and breaking into the first team.

Gavin has played eight times for Shels scoring twice in the recent win over Finn Harps FC and comes from a footballing family steeped in Reds history. 

The versatile midfielder has started the past two SSE Airtricity League Premier Division games for the Reds after his first appearances towards the tail end of 2021. 

Gavin’s Grandfather, Theo Dunne, captained Shelbourne against FC Barcelona and is a fantastic young player continuing a brilliant tradition in his family.

Shelbourne FC, Head Coach, Damien Duff, said: “Gavin comes from a great bloodline of footballers, past and present and we are delighted he has decided to extend his stay with us. He has waited for his chance and grasped it with both hands. He is very technical, athletic and can play in numerous positions which is a real bonus. This environment will help him grow a lot more and we all look forward to seeing him progress.” 

Gavin Molloy said: “I’m absolutely delighted to renew my contract and be on board for the 2023 season. It’s a special moment for me and my family as there’s a bit of history in my family with the club. I’m loving my football at the moment and the environment around the club is one I want to be a part of for the future.”

About Shelbourne FC

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. 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.

Posted on 2022-07-112022-07-11

Shelbourne FC can confirm that our FAI Cup First Round tie away to Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds has been moved to Friday July 29 at 19:45 from Sunday at 3pm.

The fixture change is due to a request to the home club from from local authorities and the Gardai relating to security and health and safety issues arising due to several other events happening in the vicinity of the area on the Bank Holiday Sunday.

We apologise to supporters for the inconvenience caused and thank fans for their continued outstanding support this season.