Month: November 2022

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Shelbourne Football Club is delighted to announce the re-signing of goalkeeper Scott van der Sluis for the 2023 season. 

Scott joined the club during the summer transfer window of the 2022 season having previously played with Bangor City in Wales. 

A talented keeper, he has represented his country at underage level from U15 to U17. He has had spells at Liverpool, Manchester United and Swansea City before moving to Merthyr Town prior to his move to Dublin.  

He made one appearance for the Reds in the 2022 season, starting the FAI Cup Round of 16 clash away to Bonagee United where he kept a clean sheet in a comfortable 4-0 victory.  

The Welsh shot stopper joins a large contingent of the 2022 squad to sign up for another season at the club with JR Wilson, Mark Coyle, Luke Byrne, Shane Farrell, Shane Griffin, Jack Moylan, Gavin Molloy, Jad Hakiki, Brian McManus, JJ Lunney, Kameron Ledwidge, Conor Kane and Sean Boyd putting pen to paper for the 2023 season. Shels have also signed Tyreke Wilson, Evan Caffrey, Andrew Quinn, Conor Kearns and Kyle Robinson for the upcoming season.

Damien Duff, Shelbourne FC Head Coach said: “It is great news that Scott has decided to re-sign for 2023.

Although he received limited game time, he settled in brilliantly halfway through the season and trained brilliantly. Still young and very ambitious, he will make it a very competitive position in the squad.”

Scott van der Sluis said: “When I had a call from the gaffer it was a no brainer really. I only got half of last season with them but the lads, staff, fans and people around the club have been brilliant with me since coming in. 

This is a great club going in the right direction and hopefully next year I can show everyone a bit more of what I’m about.”

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Shelbourne FC has today announced lifelong supporter John Brennan as its new Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO). 

John is a native of Dorset St in Dublin and would be well known by many Reds supporters for his work with the club over the years.

He began following Shels as a child being brought to games by his father, PJ Brennan. A proud Ringsend man who instilled a love of the Reds into John from a young age. 

From mascot, ball boy, groundsman, steward, organising away trips, and other odd jobs, John has been a dedicated volunteer for many years.

As part of his role, John will be serve for as a key link between the Club and its supporters and will focus on the following key areas during his tenure:

  • To serve as a bridge between the club and supporters, while providing a two-way flow of information on key issues. The SLO will proactively engage with the fanbase on matters of strategic importance to both Shelbourne Football club and its supporters.
  • The SLO will oversee and examine new structural ways of bringing further fan representation within the Club
  • Gather feedback and suggestions regarding strategy around improvement of the match day experience at Tolka Park
  • Play an active role in helping to advocate fan opinions and considerations in the development of club policy and processes.
  • Play an active role in further developing the Independent Supporters Committee.

The Club would like to thank outgoing SLO Darren Cleary for his support in the role previously. Cleary left the position to take over as Head of Media and Communications following the departure of Gavin White to the FAI in July 2022.

Shelbourne FC Supporter Liaison Officer John Brennan said: “It’s a great honour to be appointed Supporter Liaison Officer of Shelbourne FC. I understand how essential it is to enhance and strengthen the connection between the club and our supporters, as Damien Duff said recently, without our supporters we are nothing.

“Shels fans are the heart and soul of this football club, it’s key that ongoing, open and consistent lines of communication between supporters and the club exist. I would like to sincerely thank the board of Shelbourne FC for the trust and faith they have placed in me.” 

Photo Credit: Thomas Hartford

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Shelbourne Football Club is today delighted to announce the signing of Evan Caffrey from UCD.

The midfielder has put pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at Tolka Park until November 2023.

Caffrey is a grandson of Reds legend Theo Dunne, the only man to lead an Irish club out at the Nou Camp after the Reds visit there for the European Cup clash in 1963.

The 19-year-old came through the underage system at Shamrock Rovers, playing with their U15s in 2018, where he played under Damien Duff and their U17s in 2019.

In 2021, Caffrey joined UCD and scored on his debut for them in a 2-1 win against Wexford at the Belfield Bowl in July. The midfielder went on to make 9 appearances that season for the Students.

The Dubliner was an ever present under Andy Myler for 2022 as the Students did enough to secure Premier Division status in the SSE Airtricity league for 2023 by beating Waterford FC in the promotion/relegation play-off 1-0 at Richmond Park.

Caffrey made 36 appearances for UCD including 31 starts, scoring two goals, including a memorable long range effort against Finn Harps that proved vital at season’s end, as UCD finished above Ollie Horgan’s side.

A versatile midfielder who is technically proficient on the ball, the addition of Caffrey to the squad bolsters the Reds options in the middle of the park.

Caffrey joins Andrew Quinn, Kyle Robinson, Tyreke Wilson, JR Wilson, Conor Kearns, Mark Coyle, Luke Byrne, Shane Farrell, Shane Griffin, Jack Moylan, Gavin Molloy, Jad Hakiki, Brian McManus, JJ Lunney, Kameron Ledwidge, Conor Kane and Sean Boyd in signing up for the Reds for the upcoming 2023 season.

Damien Duff, Head Coach, Shelbourne FC said: “Evan was my captain in the LOI U15’s five years ago so we know each other very well. I have followed his career closely and it was so pleasing to see him do so well over the last few seasons. 

“He has a great understanding of the game, has top class technical ability and knows the demands we put on players. He can also play numerous positions which is great. I can’t wait to work with him again and watch his career continue to grow with Shelbourne FC.”

Evan Caffrey said: “I am very excited to be joining Shels, as it’s such a special club with a great history and brilliant fans. It’s also a proud moment for me and my family as I’ll be joining up with my cousin Gavin Molloy, but also my grandad Theo captained the club in the 1960s.

When I got the call from the manager, it was a no-brainer as I played under him before, and I knew what he was like. I think it’s the best place to be to improve as a young player, and I can’t wait to get started.”

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Shelbourne Football Club is pleased to confirm the signing of Andrew Quinn from Drogheda United. 

The defender made 30 appearances for Kevin Doherty’s side in 2022, including 28 starts. The 20-year-old spent the 2021 season on loan at Bray Wanderers where he played 27 times for the Seagulls.

Quinn first made the breakthrough with Dundalk FC at underage level before making his SSE Airtricity League debut against Shamrock Rovers in September 2020.

A strong and imposing presence at the centre of defence, Quinn has represented the Republic of Ireland at underage level.

Quinn joins Kyle Robinson, Tyreke Wilson, JR Wilson, Conor Kearns, Mark Coyle, Luke Byrne, Shane Farrell, Shane Griffin, Jack Moylan, Gavin Molloy, Jad Hakiki, Brian McManus, JJ Lunney, Kameron Ledwidge, Conor Kane and Sean Boyd in signing up for the Reds for the upcoming 2023 season.  

Damien Duff, Head Coach, Shelbourne FC said: “We are all very excited to get working with Andrew.

He is a young, very athletic and technical player who fits perfectly into how we want to play. He is coming off the back of a great season and I have no doubt he will continue to grow and improve.”

Andrew Quinn said: “I am very excited to be joining Shelbourne Football Club after the very successful year they had in 2022. 

“It is a huge honour for me and my family to get the opportunity to play in Tolka Park. 

“When I met with Damien and Joey, they explained their future plans for the club both on and off the pitch and I was easily convinced to join. 

“Another big factor in my decision was that I am very much looking forward to working under two great former players who have massive experience at the highest level of football. 

“I’m looking forward to working with the group and making the fans proud of our achievements on the pitch next season.”

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Shelbourne Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Kyle Robinson from St. Patricks Athletic. 

The 20-year-old made 7 appearances for the Saints last season, scoring one goal in a 4-0 win over Drogheda United. 

Kyle spent a large part of the 2021 season on-loan at Wexford FC, where he scored nine league goals over the season.

The 20-year-old forward played youth football with Esker Celtic, St Kevin’s Boys, Home Farm, Leixlip United and Drogheda United before he made the move to Inchicore.  

Kyle has won both the U-17 and U-19 National League titles along with a Leinster Senior Cup winners medal with St. Patrick’s Athletic.  

Robinson joins Tyreke Wilson, JR Wilson, Conor Kearns, Mark Coyle, Luke Byrne, Shane Farrell, Shane Griffin, Jack Moylan, Gavin Molloy, Jad Hakiki, Brian McManus, JJ Lunney, Kameron Ledwidge, Conor Kane and Sean Boyd in signing up for the Reds for the upcoming 2023 season.  

Damien Duff, Head Coach, Shelbourne FC said: “Kyle has so many standout qualities and I look forward to adding more. He has big potential and I thoroughly believe there is no better place in the country for young players to develop.”

Kyle Robinson said: “I am delighted to become a Shels player, and to be joining such a massive club, to sign for Shelbourne FC is a huge honour and to be playing for a manager like Damien Duff makes it even better. 

“When I got the phone call from the gaffer I was really excited and I knew it was the right move for me, the team has had a really good season and I’m looking to help add to that next season. 

“From what I can see the club has a strong close bond between the team right through to the staff, it’s a real family feel to it and it is very welcoming. One of the main reasons why I joined Shels is because I love the football they play and the energy they play with. They are a very hard working team and have a strong togetherness that I can’t wait to be a part of next year.”

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Shelbourne Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Tyreke Wilson from Bohemian FC. The second new addition to the squad to be announced today, and the fourth overall following Luke Byrne and Mark Coyle’s announcements this morning.

The 23-year-old played for Cherry Orchard at schoolboy level before moving across the water to Manchester City. He returned to Ireland to sign for Waterford United ahead of the 2020 season before moving to Bohemian FC for the 2021 season. 

Tyreke operates predominantly as a left back where he made 25 appearances last season. He is a set piece specialist having scored a number of eye-catching free kicks throughout his career.    

The former Irish U-21 international joins the Reds at a promising time after the club, after consolidating our position in the Premier Division and reaching an FAI Cup Final.  

The defender is the brother of current Red, JR Wilson with the pair now both part of Damien Duff’s plans for the 2023 season. 

Damien Duff, Head Coach, Shelbourne FC said: “It is not very often that you get the chance to play top level football with your brother. It will be great for the Wilson family to see the boys line out together. On top of that, Tyreke is a very technically gifted footballer and just as important as that, he has an absolute edge to him that I love.”

Tyreke Wilson said: “I’m really excited to be joining Shels for the coming season. I want to play for this club. I see how much it means to the players, staff and fans. Shels are probably the hardest team to play against in the league, they have a clear identity of how they play with and without the ball, and that’s a big reason why I wanted to come here. I joined because I want to help the team push on again next season as I thought last year was successful for the club. We want to go further again, and speaking with the manager that’s his aim and I want to be part of it.

“I know I’m going into a tough environment where I’ll be pushed everyday and I haven’t always had that at times, and that’s what I need now so I can improve as a player. I’m very proud and honoured to be part of this club and I look forward to playing in Tolka in front of the fans.

“On a personal level I’m looking forward to lining out with my brother, JR. My family are from Ringsend so coming to Shels just feels right. It’s a proud day for me and the family are thrilled to see me where I belong.“

Tyreke joins his brother JR, Conor Kearns, Mark Coyle, Luke Byrne, Shane Farrell, Shane Griffin, Jack Moylan, Gavin Molloy, Jad Hakiki, Brian McManus, JJ Lunney, Kameron Ledwidge, Conor Kane and Sean Boyd in signing up for the Reds for the upcoming 2023 season.  

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Shelbourne Football Club is today delighted to announce the signing of Conor Kearns.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper joins the Reds from Galway United where he’s spent the last two seasons. Kearns is the first new signing for 2023.

A native of Dublin, Kearns played his schoolboy football with Templeogue United before breaking through in the SSE Airtricity league with UCD, where he became a regular for the 2018 and 2019 campaigns.

The shot stopper then had a short spell at St Patrick’s Athletic after leaving the Students before moving to Galway United for the 2021 season.

Kearns joins Mark Coyle, Luke Byrne, Shane Farrell, Shane Griffin, Jack Moylan, Gavin Molloy, Jad Hakiki, Brian McManus, JJ Lunney, Kameron Ledwidge, Conor Kane, JR Wilson, and Sean Boyd in becoming the latest player to commit to the Reds for the 2023 season. 

Damien Duff, Head Coach, Shelbourne FC said: “Conor signing for Shelbourne is a great coup for the club especially after him having many offers from different clubs. He is a top young goalkeeper that has high ambitions in the game and he will fit perfectly into our culture. Conor’s arrival is another big statement of where we want to go.”

Conor Kearns said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be signing for Shelbourne Football Club. It’s a club with an incredible history but more importantly one that’s been taking all the right steps to keep moving forward, and I look forward to hopefully playing my part to continue that progression.

“When you see the talent in the dressing room and the wealth of knowledge and experience the staff have, it’s an environment that any player with ambition would want to be a part of.

“The supporters have been incredible the last number of years, and I’m determined to be a part of a group that gives them many more special nights down the line.”

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Shelbourne Football Club is today delighted to announce that Mark Coyle has agreed a new contract.

The 25-year-old midfielder’s new contract will see him play with the Reds until the end of the 2023 campaign.

The Donegal native arrived from Finn Harps in the close season of 2022. Despite an injury interrupted season, Coyle made 23 appearances in the SSE Airtricity League and FAI Cup, with 17 of those coming as a starter. 

Coyle moved to the Reds from Harps, where before leaving had been voted Player of the Year for the 2021 campaign.

Known for his ability on the ball, the tough tackling midfielder produced a man of the match display away to Shamrock Rovers at the Tallaght Stadium late in the season, and also scored 1 goal in the league last season, in a 2-0 win away to Drogheda United.

Coyle joins Luke Byrne, Shane Farrell, Shane Griffin, Jack Moylan, Gavin Molloy, Jad Hakiki, Brian McManus, JJ Lunney, Kameron Ledwidge, Conor Kane, JR Wilson, and Sean Boyd in becoming the latest player to commit to the Reds for the 2023 season. 

Damien Duff, Head Coach, Shelbourne FC said: “On the pitch Mark is a big part of what we want to do and where we want to go. But he has and will continue to play an equally big part off the pitch. He is a brilliant professional and a big personality in the dressing room. He is a big part of the Shelbourne Family.”

Mark Coyle said: “I’m delighted to have signed back for Shels, last year was full of ups and downs but I really enjoyed it. Injury interrupted my season just when I felt I was starting to hit form. I was delighted to come back in and make a positive impact later in the season. I’m grateful to the manager and staff for their trust in me, I’m excited to push on now with the team for next year”

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Shelbourne Football Club is today delighted to announce that club captain Luke Byrne has agreed a new contract.

The 29-year-old, a fan favourite at Tolka Park, has put pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at club until the end of the 2023 season.

The defender was a key member of the squad this term, featuring in 34 games in the SSE Airtricity League, all of which came as a starter. Byrne played in 4 games in the FAI Cup in 2022, bringing his tally to 38 appearances for the 2022 season. 

A leader on and off the pitch, a no nonsense centre-half, who’s calm and composed with the ball, Byrne captained the Reds to promotion and the SSE Airtricity League First Division title in 2021 and also won the 2019 First Division with the Club. 

Widely respected around the League of Ireland, the signing of Luke Byrne for next season is a big boost to the Reds.

Byrne joins Shane Farrell, Shane Griffin, Jack Moylan, Gavin Molloy, Jad Hakiki, Brian McManus, JJ Lunney, Kameron Ledwidge, Conor Kane, JR Wilson, and Sean Boyd in becoming the latest player to commit to the Reds for the 2023 season.

Damien Duff, Head Coach, Shelbourne FC said: “Everyone at the club is delighted Luke has signed back. It is very easy to sum him up. He is the best captain I have ever worked with. Full stop.

Luke Byrne said: “I couldn’t be happier at Shels and we as a squad are already excited for next season and continuing our progression. We know we had a positive season but we need to kick on next year and aim higher. The FAI Cup final defeat was very disappointing but we will use that as motivation as we approach pre-season. I love this club and will continue to give everything I have to help make it successful

I’d also like to take this chance to thank everybody involved in the club from the board to the volunteers to the fans for their support this season and the amazing reception they gave us last Sunday.”


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Shelbourne FC can this evening confirm the departures of Brendan Clarke, Aaron O’Driscoll, Dan Carr, Josh Giurgi, and Dan Hawkins.

Clarke leaves the Reds after a successful two year spell at Tolka Park, having signed from St Patrick’s Athletic in 2021. The experienced shot stopper played a key role as Shelbourne won promotion to the Premier Division as champions after winning the First Division title. 

The Dubliner established himself as first choice again early in the 2022 campaign, as the Reds finished 7th in the SSE Airtricity League and made it to the FAI Cup final.

Aaron O’Driscoll joined from Longford Town for the 2022 season, the defender made 25 appearances including 21 starts for the Reds.

Dan Carr departs the Reds having scored 4 goals in 31 appearances in the SSE Airtricity League and FAI Cup. Josh Giurgi signed in the summer of 2022, scored 1 goal and made 9 appearances for Shels.

Dan Hawkins’ season was cut short through injury, the winger played 5 games for Shels, scoring in a 2-0 win over Drogheda United at Head in the Game Park early in the campaign.

The club would like to thank Brendan, Aaron, Dan, Josh and Dan for their contribution to the Reds and wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.