Posted on 2023-03-302023-03-30

Shelbourne FC return to League of Ireland action after the international break as title contenders Derry City visit Tolka Park on Friday. 

The Reds go into the game after back to back wins in the Leinster Senior Cup and the League of Ireland.

Damien Duff’s side secured a spot in the quarter-final of the Leinster Senior Cup as Jack Moylan, Kyle Robinson, Evan Caffrey, and Gbemi Arubi got the goals in a 4-0 win over Dundalk last week.

A number of players have been carrying injuries in recent weeks that has left the Reds down to the bare bones. 

Head coach Damien Duff delivered a squad update ahead of tomorrow’s game. He told ShelbourneFC.ie: “We’re in a lot better shape on the injury front, a lot stronger I’m glad to say. JJ Lunney, Mark Coyle, Paddy Barrett, and Jad Hakiki are fit and available. Great to be able to have them come back into the mix. Kian Leavy is back, he was in with the Ireland U21s and did well. 

“Injury wise we’re getting lads back at the right time, we’re only missing our long term injured players Conor Kane and Sean Boyd. 

“The likes of Jad and Mark, great to see them back. Fit and match fit is a big difference, but glad both are pain free.

“Jad needs to get minutes, so we might see him with the U19s, he’s missed a lot of football but listen, he’s back and available for us. 

“With the guys coming back it gives me and the staff a welcome headache when it comes to sitting down and picking the team.”

The Reds have lost just one of their last 5 games, a narrow defeat to Dundalk in Oriel Park was followed by a draw with Shamrock Rovers in Tolka and a win away to Cork City, before the 4-0 win over Dundalk in the Leinster Senior Cup.

Duff feels his side are starting to find some consistency: “You usually get results from positive performances. Lads are on it now week in, week out. The benefit of that is the real competition for places now. 

“Lads have no choice, they know the levels they need to hit to be involved on a Friday night. Listen we couldn’t say that for a lot of last season, the team almost picked itself, it was a light squad we all know that. 

“We’ve come on a lot in the last few months, lads are well aware now what is required, that complacency that comes with nearly being a certain starter every week is gone, they know they need to perform. 

“Experienced it myself as a player, there’s no greater wake up call than when new blood, competition arrives into the football club.

“Lads who came in during the off season probably did give some of the guys here a fright and a jolt, they know there’s real competition for places and depth now, and credit to the new boys they’ve settled well, got to work quickly and have made a positive impact.”

Derry have been in fine form and are second in the League of Ireland Premier Division table. The Candystripes come into this after back to back draws with Sligo and Dundalk. Duff knows they’ll be eager to get back to winning ways:

“Top team Derry, they’ve footballing greats in their team, some proper players, some of the top talent in the League of Ireland. That quality isn’t easy to match; they can affect and win games, and that’s what we saw in the FAI Cup final. 

“Look, Bohs have got off to a great start. Derry will be title contenders, the gap between Rovers and Derry is closing, I’ve said before I still think Rovers are the team, leading the way in Ireland.

“Derry are right up there, I’ve huge respect for their manager Ruaidhrí Higgins, he’s a great guy and I’ve a lot of admiration for him and the job he’s doing.”  

This will be a repeat of the 2022 FAI Cup Final, a one sided affair that saw Derry City deservedly lift the trophy at the Aviva Stadium back in November. Ahead of the renewal of the rivalry, Duff doesn’t believe that game will have any meaning tomorrow night:

“Will it make a difference? Not for me, totally different game, arena, occasion. It’s our home ground, Tolka Park, the soul of Shelbourne Football Club. We’ve a good team coming down to us, live on TV, we’re playing well, why would we be thinking about 5 months ago? 

“My thoughts on the game, my approach, the team I pick, it’s not a revenge mission or anything like that. I’ve a lot of motivating factors for tomorrow, the players do, but November 13 is not one of them. I don’t need that to get myself up for a game at Tolka Park.

“Don’t think that one game shows a reflection of the rivalry with Derry, we won 2-1 and drew 1-1 in the Brandywell last year, we were unlucky not to get anything at home.

“Results wise they’ve been tight games in the league, listen we know there’s a gulf there in terms of the quality and depth of Derry and what they’re operating with but it shows how well the lads did perform that we competed and beat them in the league last year.

“The FAI Cup final, on the day they were the better side, we’re honest we know we deserved what we got, we weren’t ready to deliver on the big occasion, but trust me when I say this, we will be. That’s where we’re looking to go.

“I have no doubt, the team that is out tomorrow night is a lot better than the team that lost the FAI Cup Final, we’re constantly growing, evolving and improving.” 

Friday night will mark a milestone for Shels club captain Luke Byrne, who will make his 100th appearance for the club should he start against Derry City. Duff was full of praise for the Howth native:

“I talk about my admiration for Luke Byrne fairly regularly, listen honestly, it’s hero worship stuff at this point, the presence he has at this club, in our dressing room. He’s a born leader. Delighted to see him play his 100th game for the club. We spoke about it after training today, he’s a warrior, he commands so much respect, leads by example, a genuine war horse. The dressing room, the staff, the club, the supporters, they love him so much, I love him. He’s been through so much and he has so much enthusiasm and love for the game.

“I like to think I got Luke into coaching at Rovers. He’s a big player for Shels and he’s a big player in the League of Ireland. Mark my words, he’ll manage in the League of Ireland as a young man. He’s had a brilliant career here, I’ve no doubt he’s got a lot left to give as a player, but he’ll manage very young. That’s testament to his qualities as a leader.

“It’s not easy for Luke, look his injuries are well documented, it’s heart on the sleeve stuff every time he puts on the Red shirt, the dressing room rows in behind him. 

“He’s always ready at 7:45pm on a Friday and every waking moment, his full focus is on doing that, the hardest bit of his week is the other 6 days and the way he prepares for games.

“People don’t see it, it’s ridiculous what he has to go through. He’s just constantly recovering. Shels is his life. Being on the pitch is his life, giving everything for his teammates is his life. I’ve been fortunate to be in some great teams, great dressing rooms, but Luke Byrne, hands down and without doubt is the best captain I’ve ever come across in football. 

Match Programme:

There will be no digital match programme for this week’s game. We’ll have a bumper double match edition for our next home game at Tolka Park. We are seeking contributors for the programme. If you’re interested please email darren.cleary@shelbournefc.ie

Posted on 2023-03-232023-03-23

Shelbourne FC make their long awaited bow in the 2023 Leinster Senior Cup on Friday as Dundalk provide the opposition at Oriel Park. 7:45pm kick-off.

Shane Griffin put in a man of the match display as the Reds beat Cork City on St Patrick’s Day in the League of Ireland premier division clash at Turners Cross.

Mark Coyle, JJ Lunney and Paddy Barrett were among those who missed out through injury.

Head coach Damien Duff delivered a squad update ahead of tomorrow’s game. He told ShelbourneFC.ie: “The lads got a well deserved weekend off but with so many injuries we are limited in what we can do. It’s been a low key week. 

“We’re still managing a lot of injuries. To give you an example, we had 11 training and 11 out injured watching it this week. It shows you where we’re at. 

“Tomorrow will be a mixed team, we’re going to have young boys involved. People will get a look at a few 19s. One or two will start. They’ll be looking at it as an opportunity and we have high expectations for those lads.”

The Reds picked up a valuable away 2-0 victory on Leeside a week ago. Duff hopes that performance can serve as a springboard as his side continues to grow in confidence:

“It’s a really good performance and we were really pleased with the result. It’s one of our most complete performances of the season.

“The win against Bohs was up there as well in terms of energy and quality, not pretty at times but we had an edge there and that bit of quality when it mattered. Both felt like proper performances. It was good to see the display get the result it deserved, Bohs at home, going away to Cork, that’s a real game, real atmosphere, and the lads rose to that and embraced it.”

Duff also paid tribute to the travelling support who made the trek South and brought a brilliant atmosphere to Turners Cross: “They were outstanding, what I expect to be fair from them, they are consistent, unwavering, their support away and home this year has been amazing.

“The funny thing is we actually could’ve been more there I’m sure but Cork stopped selling tickets at 1pm the day before, bit of a bizarre thing to do, makes life hard for our fans who on the day if they want to make the trip. Disappointing for those you couldn’t get down then because the sales were stopped. We won’t take anything away from people that travel down.

“It goes in tandem, I think the performance from the lads on the pitch gave the lads in the stand something to get behind.” 

While most clubs will play friendly games in the International window the Reds are facing into a competitive fixture, belatedly starting the Leinster Senior Cup after previously being given a walkover to the next stage after Dundalk were removed from the competition. The Louth club were reinstated on appeal. Duff says they’re looking forward to finally playing the game:

“It’s a funny one, you’d still be looking for a game this week, when it’s competitive you want to really win it and play with an edge. There’s a prize at stake. It’s not easy with the injuries we’re dealing with, we’re going to have to manage it. 

“Boys that thought they’d get a week off and who probably need a rest will be playing, because we’re tight for bodies. Listen I’ve said it in Cork, I’ll be showing respect to this competition, we’ll have a strong enough team but a markedly different team than played a week ago. We’ll be competitive.”

“6-8 weeks ago if the game was played when it was originally drawn, it might be a completely different approach from them, maybe they play a lot of young kids, now they have senior lads who need minutes so we expect to face a strong Dundalk side tomorrow. 

“There’s a carrot there and we’re expecting a proper game, taking into account the edge in the match a few weeks back and then the way that ended on our last visit anyway, we’re going to respect the cup, respect the opposition, and I know Stephen O’Donnell will do the same.”

Luke Byrne and Jack Moylan’s fine form was recognised as they were included in the League of Ireland’s Team of the Week. Duff was pleased to see them make the cut but admits he was surprised one or two others did not:

“Could’ve had a few of our lads in there, Conor Kearns has been immense, four clean sheets and only conceded 3 goals in 6 games, Gavin Molloy too, has been doing very well, Shane Griffin first game back and he’s man of the match. Evan Caffrey too, growing with every performance, how they didn’t make it, I’m not sure.

“Glad to see Lukey in there, we’re going to have to manage him with the chronic stuff he has got going on, he doesn’t mind me saying it. Luke is powering on through the pain He’s a warrior. I stand by it, I said it last season, I meant it, he’s the best captain I’ve ever worked with. Going to war every week with Luke is a genuine privilege for me. Jack has high ambitions, young kid, he wants to get to the top level and I want to help him get there. Boys at the top end of the pitch are all about stats, Jack is hungry for goals and assists, he knows that there could’ve been more this season and we’re excited to see him step up now.”

Off the pitch, David O’Connor’s departure was confirmed this week. The CEO spent 5 years at the helm of the club and Duff paid tribute to the Meath man:

“David is moving on, I wish him all the best in his professional career and the next chapter to come and his personal life as well.

“David played a big part in bringing me to the club, that’s a life changing moment for me, I think people can see what Shelbourne FC means to me, for that I’ll always be grateful.”

Posted on 2023-03-232023-03-23

Shelbourne FC is proud to partner with the Immigrant Council of Ireland to deliver a new community programme designed to ‘Show Racism the Red Card’.

As part of our part of our Reds Together programme we facilitated a special workshop at St Patricks BNS in Drumcondra this morning.

Shelbourne FC and the Immigration Council of Ireland have partnered to design and deliver a ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ workshop to Primary and Secondary Schools in our local community.

Schools should be safe havens, free from racism and discrimination, education is key to the fight against racism, discrimination and anti immigration sentiment in our community.

The workshop takes pupils through topics related to attitudes towards race, discrimination and stereotyping in an engaging way with the objective of embracing and celebrating the diversity that exists within our community. 

Tolka Park and our community of Drumcondra is an inclusive environment where all are welcome.

There is no place for racism or xenophobia in Irish society and education is one of the best tools for building inclusive societies.

The programme is designed to teach children to embrace equality, respect and tolerance.

We kicked off the programme this morning, March 23, 2023 with 5^th class pupils at St Patricks Boys NS in Drumcondra.

Coaches from the Shelbourne FC’s Sport and Business Diploma course attended to provide fun physical activity for the pupils after the workshop.

For more information on the programme or to arrange a workshop for your school, please contact john.mcgouran@shelbournefc.ie

Posted on 2023-03-222023-03-22

Shelbourne FC is excited to announce a unique international partnership with Volta Rangers FC, a growing Division One Ghanaian football club.

The new multi-faceted partnership with Volta Rangers FC aims to foster and develop mutual beneficial football development strategies between both clubs.

Amidst other objectives, the partnership will see promotion of exchange programmes between the clubs to optimize coaching and player talent development.

As part of the partnership, Shelbourne FC have appointed a Ghanaian-Irish scout domiciled in Ireland – Jonathan D. Ahiekpor, to serve as the partnership liaison person and to be responsible for identifying players for trials to be considered by Shelbourne’s football department.

In welcoming the partnership, the out-going CEO of Shelbourne – David O’ Connor said:

“Having had an extended period of time developing strong relationships between both clubs, including a visit to Ghana last year, it is great to finally be able to announce this incredibly exciting strategic partnership with Volta Rangers FC.

“Similarly to Shels, Volta Rangers are a club which has experienced considerable growth over the past number of years and have a core of really good people in the operations of their club. We believe that a mutually beneficial partnership of this nature has amazing potential”.

The CEO of Volta Rangers F.C- Worlanyo Akude says: “This is an exciting partnership and we look forward to collaborating closely with Shelbourne FC over the coming years as we believe this partnership is a great fit for both clubs”.

Posted on 2023-03-202023-03-20

Dave O’Connor is to step down as Chief Executive Officer of Shelbourne Football Club after 5 years with the Club.

Dave O’Connor has informed the Club that he has decided to step down from his role of CEO at Shelbourne FC.

Dave joined Shelbourne FC as CEO at the age of 26 in 2018 and has played a central role in the transformation of the Club into a leading Premier Division presence in both the men’s and women’s game.

Andrew Doyle, Chairman of Shelbourne FC, said: “I would like to sincerely thank Dave for his outstanding contribution to the Club. Having assumed the role of CEO at just 26 years of age, Dave has made a huge contribution to Shelbourne. He is a natural and outstanding leader and professional and has played an integral role in the significant development and growth of the club over the past 5 years.”

Doyle continued: “The board is grateful to Dave for the professionalism, expertise, and dedication he has brought to his role. We are very sorry to see him leave but wish him the best for the future on behalf of everyone at Shelbourne”.

O’Connor has played a critical role in the development of the Reds, both on and off the field, since he arrived at Tolka Park in 2018, in what has been an extremely successful period in the Club’s decorated history.

During O’Connor’s tenure at Tolka Park, the club have won two Men’s First Division titles, 2 Women’s National League titles and have reached 3 FAI Cup Finals (mens and womens).

During his tenure, the club has also seen record breaking season ticket and commercial sales, while off the field the club has rapidly expanded its community outreach programme.

O’Connor said: “It has been an incredible privilege to have been the Chief Executive of Shelbourne Football Club for the past 5 years. I have a love, and affiliation to this club that will stay with me for life and feel truly privileged to have had the chance to work at this phenomenal football club.

“I want to thank the board, volunteers, and my colleagues for the friendship, support and trust they have shown in me over that time. In particular, I would like to thank Andrew Doyle for providing me with a once in a lifetime opportunity to take on such an amazing role at such a young age. Making the decision to leave Shels after a long time has been extremely difficult but I feel the time is right to explore new challenges.”

The club have commenced a formal process for identifying a successor for O’Connor and will provide an update on this in the coming days.

Posted on 2023-03-192023-03-19

Shelbourne Football Club is seeking to recruit a player to represent the club in the 2023 eLOI.

The eLOI is the an officially sanctioned League of Ireland gaming tournament and part of the EA Sports FIFA Global Series.

This will attract the very best of Irish e-sport talent to the eLOI, and the club are looking for a serious and committed individual to represent us.

We are looking for a candidate with the following: 

• A demonstrated track record of excellence within FIFA 2023 on the PlayStation. 
• An enthusiasm for eSports.
• Competencies in online engagement. 

A selection process will be conducted by the club, after the closing date of Sunday the 26th of March.

To meet the eligibility criteria applicants must be: 

-Over 18 years of age.

-You have a verified Ultimate Team or are ranked Division 2 or higher. 

-You own and have access to FIFA 2023, a PlayStation 4 and a high quality broadband connection. 

Applicants can apply using this online form: Apply Here to represent the Reds in the eLOI

Posted on 2023-03-162023-03-16

The Reds are on the road to Turners Cross on St Patrick’s Day for a League of Ireland Premier Division clash with Cork City (5pm KO).

The Reds have had to contend with a busy sickbay in recent weeks with Shane Griffin, Jad Hakiki, Mark Coyle, Conor Kane, Sean Boyd and Paddy Barrett among the walking wounded.

Head coach Damien Duff delivered an upbeat fitness update ahead of the trip south. He told ShelbourneFC.ie: “Shane Griffin is fit and available. It’s a good time to be back fit heading into a game with his home town club. We’re delighted to have him back with the group. Conor Kane is looking really good. We’re glad to see the progress he has made and Conor will ease his way into full training in a few weeks. 

“Jad Hakiki will be back training next week as well. People think cruciate and leg breaks are the worst that can happen to a player but the issues Jad has been dealing with, osteitis pubis, have been as difficult as any of them.

“When he’s back on the pitch it’s up to Jad to reach the level he is capable of, we saw glimpses of his ability before the injury. It’s on Jad now to get back there and show what he is made of.

“Mark Coyle is back doing some running, tomorrow is likely too soon for Coyler but he’s making progress. Paddy Barrett went off at half-time last week, he managed to do some training this week, we’re assessing Paddy at the minute, he’s done well for us and Paddy is made of tough stuff.

“Sean Boyd had his operation in London last week. We’re looking at around 12 weeks or so, that’s a nasty injury. We’ll mind him, Boydy is in the best of hands. Mark Cornish and Mauro Martins, two of the leaders in their fields, they’ll work with Sean through the rehab phase and beyond. Boydy will be back to what Boydy does best soon enough, he’s dealt with the issue, he has the best surgeon in the world in medical terms and for us as staff and his teammates, we will help him all we can on and off the pitch”

The Reds picked up a valuable point at home with a defensively solid display in a 0-0 draw against the Champions Shamrock Rovers a week ago, Duff feels its the kind of performance that will help the squad grow:

“It’s a brilliant point, the first time they had a full squad this season, I agree with Joey O’Brien’s assessment, I still think Rovers are the best team in the country. At times, in the games we had to be ultra organised and defend well, work hard without the ball, we did that.

“We limited them and fully deserved the result, we know we can build and the level they’re at, that’s the level we want to get to. 

“Such a well earned point from our perspective. Big teams when they go 3 or 4 games without a win, couple of poor results, they can go and paste someone. We’ve seen it before, teams with a point to prove unleash hell. We were ready for that, and we warned the lads to expect it, but I thought defensively we were brilliant, and it was a very interesting game. 

“Listen you could say it was devoid of attacking opportunities but I think as the game wore on we could’ve snatched it, but it was a good point.

Duff pointed to the growing confidence on the pitch and in the stands and in particular the crowd’s response to the additional time at the end of the game. 

“Last season at home, maybe hanging onto a result the fourth official’s board goes up and you can feel the nerves around the ground, almost a sigh. The vibe last Friday was completely different.

“When he held up 5 minutes it was the Shels fans on their feet with energy and enthusiasm willing the team on to go and win it.

“Rovers did look dead on their feet, in that last few minutes if there was one team going to win it would be us, be it a second phase knick or something scruffy. 

“That’s the mentality now from the players, they’ll go to the end, and always try to be positive and attack the game. The players have grown in confidence, and I think the fans can see that.”

After another clean sheet against Rovers, Duff was keen to praise the defensive solidity of his players, and another solid performance from Conor Kearns in goal:

“You’re only as strong as your weakest link. In the main we defend brilliantly and we don’t give up many opportunities at all to opposition teams.

“It tends to be individual errors that have cost us at times, if someone falls asleep that’s a chance or a goal given away.

“The staff we’re on the lads every week, don’t be the one that costs us, don’t drift off for a second, concentration, application, keep those levels up.” 

“Training this week has been low key enough, coming off the three tough games, with a lot of knocks and bruises. Even on Monday after the weekend off, we couldn’t do much. 

“A lot of video work and preparation on the approach in the early part of the week. We had to modify and monitor the training this week. Lads will be fresh and raring for a proper clash tomorrow night.”

Only goal difference separates Cork City in 6th from the Reds in 7th, and Duff has been impressed by the Leesiders start to the season:

“Cork have done brilliantly well, they certainly haven’t tiptoed into the league. They’ve laid a marker down to tell the test for the division they’ve come up.

“They’re a high energy team and they play with intensity, they’re capable of scoring a few, 10 goals in 3 games and also letting a few in. 

“They’ll have Turners Cross rocking, and our lads will be ready for it. It’s one of the great places to go in League of Ireland football, proper ground, an atmosphere, and a derby feel usually when it’s a Dublin team coming to town.”

Duff and Cork City manager Colin Healy represented the Republic of Ireland together at international level, the Reds boss was full of praise for his former team mate:

“Admire Colin Healy a lot, he is a top guy, I have huge respect for him and what he’s done. Really impressive guy, he’s turned the club around, they’ve had good results against UCD, Rovers and Sligo.

“We’ve gone through the video this morning and the lads know what to expect, it might not be pretty, there is always that edge, Shels against Cork City, and even that rivalry of a team from Dublin going down to Cork, there’s always a bit of blood, guts and thunder. It’s a proper fixture and we’re ready for it.”

Posted on 2023-03-152023-03-15

Dear supporter,

As discussed at the recent Fans Forum, the Club continues to be intent upon putting Shelbourne FC where we belong; playing consistently at the top of the men’s and women’s game in Ireland while developing talented players and continuing to make a substantial contribution to our community. We are making good progress to these ends.

We had very open, transparent and constructive discussions with all fans who attended the Fans Forum a few weeks ago and appreciate the support and encouragement received from our fans at the event.

We are making good progress on the potential acquisition of our Stadium and in continuing to identify potential suitable, and like-minded, partner(s).

As our fans know, central to our objectives are the protection and preservation of the Club’s proud history, tradition, name and crest and the continuing use of Tolka Park as the home of Shelbourne FC.

Great work has been done by the club to establish equality between the men’s and women’s Senior teams and this work will be respected, continued and expanded.

As with all investment in the Club in recent years, any future investment in Shelbourne FC will be for the sole purpose of sustaining and improving the speed of our development on and off the pitch.

The Club will continue to engage openly and transparently with the fanbase and fan groups in relation to all material developments at the Club and will continue to act in the best possible interests of Shelbourne FC and its fans, stadium and traditions.

As always, we greatly appreciate your continued and unwavering support.

Shelbourne FC

Posted on 2023-03-132023-03-13

The Reds return to League of Ireland action on Friday for the St Patrick’s Day trip to face Cork City at Turners Cross.

A large traveling contingent is expected to make the journey to Leeside.

Cork City have informed the club that they will close online sales at 1pm on Thursday March 16th.

All Shelbourne FC supporters intending to travel to Turners Cross should purchase their ticket as soon as possible.

There are only a limited number of senior, student and OAP tickets remaining, and those wishing to attend the game are advised to purchase their tickets before they are gone.

No away ticket sales will be available on the day. Tickets must be purchased in advance

Tickets can be purchased here: 

https://corkcityfc.ticketco.events/ie/ie/e/away_fans_cork_city_fc_v_shelbourne_fc

Posted on 2023-03-132023-03-16

Shelbourne FC is pleased to announce a ‘Bring A Friend For Free’ initiative for this Saturday’s League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division clash with Shamrock Rovers.

The Reds will host Rovers in the Ringsend Derby this coming Saturday March 18th 2023 at Tolka Park (kick off 2pm)

The club is pleased to invite season ticket holders to bring a friend for free to the game. 

Tickets for all Shelbourne FC home games in the League of Ireland women’s Premier Division are €8 for adults, with admittance for all children completely free.
 
To avail of the offer of a complimentary plus ticket, all you have to do is present your season ticket on admission. 

Holders of family season tickets will be entitled to bring up to 4 guests to the game free of charge. 
 
Shelbourne FC would like to welcome underage teams from across Dublin to join us as well on Saturday.
 
The club will offer complimentary group passes for underage teams and their coaches and mentors.
 
We’d encourage any team interested in joining us in Tolka Park as guests of the club can fill out this form: https://forms.gle/2ts5yqnSvsx4WjBQ9

Tickets can also be purchased at the below link: https://shelbournefc.ie/shels-tickets-general/