Month: July 2023

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Shelbourne FC is pleased to announce the signing of Will Jarvis from Hull City on loan until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.

A strong and imposing forward, the Englishman is a product of the Hull City academy, having joined the club at U12 level.

A native of York, the 20-year-old signed his first professional deal in March 2021. A natural forward, Jarvis has also played out wide and through the middle, he played there for both the Under-18s and Under-21s at Hull, scoring the second goal in the 2-0 FA Youth Cup victory away at Crewe Alexandra in November 2020.

Jarvis made his senior debut for the Tigers in August 2021, coming off the bench against Wigan Athletic in the first round of the Carabao Cup and scored his penalty in the shootout. He made his league debut a week later against Derby County in the Championship.

In January 2022, Jarvis joined National League North side York City on a one-month loan deal, making two appearances. A few months later, he joined Scarborough Athletic, netting on his debut in a 2-1 victory over Atherton Collieries.

During his time with the club, Jarvis scored four goals in 10 appearances, helping Scarborough win promotion to the National League North, via the play-offs, as well as the North Riding Senior Cup.

In August 2022, Jarvis rejoined Scarborough on an initial one-month youth loan, in his second spell, he featured five times, scoring once. 

Jarvis has been involved in Hull City’s pre-season preparations and scored in the 1-1 draw with Hatayspor earlier this month.

He goes straight into the match day squad for this evening’s game against Cork City at Turners Cross.

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Shels look to bounce back from last week’s disappointing FAI Cup exit when they travel to Turners Cross to face Cork City tomorrow. (7:45pm)

Damien Duff’s side return to League of Ireland Premier Division action a week after bowing out of the FAI Cup after a 1-0 loss to Bohemian FC.

Paddy Barrett was forced out of that game with an injury, Duff revealed the setback for the centre half is not as bad as first feared:

“Paddy came off last week but he’s not too bad and has been back running and out on the pitch, tomorrow might come too soon for him but we expect he’ll be fine for next next. 

“It’s a boost to have Shane Griffin and Matty Smith back on the grass, Griff we could see back next week all going well. Matty is back running now too.”

Having had to plan without two key players for a number of crucial games has been a considerable blow for Duff, but the Reds boss is not interested in hard luck stories: 

“You can’t complain when you’ve lost the game, we’ve done so well when we’re losing big players over the last few months to injury, you just get on with it, I am not someone to complain and look for excuses or hard luck stories, yes they’re big losses, Matty, Griff and Brian McManus, but what can you do? No point dwelling on it.

“We looked back at last week, watched the tape, reflected on it, and the three standouts from the game are we needed to play with more of an edge, we did not have near enough quality in our play, which was really disappointing, and thirdly, we showed a real lack of composure throughout the game. 

“Maybe the occasion affects us, when you think of the progress made over the last few months I’d like to think we’re a lot better than that first half in Dalymount and it’s up to us to show it now.”

Attention quickly turned to the trip to Turners Cross and Duff is confident his players will respond positively to the setback: “They’re young boys, we saw a good response for the most part in training this week, with them, it’s give them a shake and a rattle and get focused on the next game, we can’t feel sorry for ourselves the whole week. Time moves on quickly in football. Leave it behind because the next game is absolutely massive for us and for Cork City.” 

Friday will mark Cork City’s first game at home since the tragic passing of Ciaran Keating, father of Cork City striker Ruairi Keating, who sadly lost his life in a car accident. Duff extended his condolences to the Keating family and all connected with Cork City: “Heartbreaking what happened to that poor family and myself, the staff, the players and everyone connected with Shelbourne Football Club would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Ruairi and his family. We’re devastated for them, the tragedy they have endured is absolutely horrific and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this horrible time.”

The Reds have played Cork City twice this season, winning 2-0 in Turners Cross back in March and emerging 2-1 winners when the sides met then in Tolka Park earlier this summer. Reflecting on those games Duff said: 

“Two proper League of Ireland wins you’d say, solid performances home and away against a tough team, I’d be expecting a very different Cork City this time around. Liam Buckley has them now and they’ve set up really well, he’s one of the greats of this league, they went on a very good run and picked up a lot of points, they are still second bottom and trying to get out of that place, they are desperate for points, they want to start climbing. For us, we know how important this game is and we need those three points. We’ve been open and honest about our own ambitions, we’re not giving up on them, so you’ve two teams both desperate for the three points for their own reasons.”

Duff expects an emotionally charged occasion and a big game feel at Turners Cross and he has urged his players to match that:

“That’s up to them, we can’t go out there, all we can do is prod and plant the seeds. We’ve been really clear, we know how important it is to start fast, like I said last Thursday, if you don’t get going in that first few minutes, you’ll struggle to gain momentum in a game and it will pass you by. We can’t afford to start slow and sluggish, we need to show more quality, we know we have it, but that aside, we need to be composed, we can have quality but without having that composure it can be an uphill battle.”

Tickets for the game are available here. Please note tickets must be purchased online in advance, no tickets will be available on the day at the ground.

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The much-anticipated FAI Cup clash of Shels and Bohs is one one of the standout ties of the first round. Dalymount Park is the venue for the Dublin Derby.

It comes just a week after the sides played out a 1-1 draw at Tolka Park, with Bohs coming from behind and happy to leave Tolka with a point.

In team news, Matty Smith remains out of action, the game also comes too soon for Shane Griffin and Brian McManus:

“No major change in the injury situation. We had a good week’s training. Matty Smith, Brian McManus and Shane Griffin remain out of action. Brian is long term, coming from a serious operation. Matty and Griff had a light jog today. Back on the grass, we’ll hope to get them back into the group over the coming weeks”

It’s been a busy week off the pitch as Duff secured the futures of a number of key first team players with contract extensions for JJ Lunney, Mark Coyle and Sean Boyd, following on from earlier announcements of new deals for Conor Kearns and Gavin Molloy this season. Duff also revealed that Jad Hakiki is signed up for 2024, having penned a long term deal with the club last year:

“Getting the business done early has played a big part in how we worked the last year and a half. We got our contracts sorted and had clarity. It’s important in this league when not many clubs offer long term deals, to tie down the guys we need and secure their future to Shelbourne, because others clubs are sniffing around and want to take them away. It’s important that we get that done. Another one is Jad Hakiki, he signed a two and a half year deal last year, so he’s part of the plans for 2024 as well, after the injury impacted a lot of last year, it’s great to have Jad show what he can bring to the group again.”

Having reviewed the most recent meetings of the sides, Duff feels the main takeaway from the game is a renewed sense of confidence for his players: 

​​“We watched it back, it just gives you confidence and for the boys, we know we played really well. We know on another day we deliver a better last 20 mins and we see it home. Still though we can approach the game with confidence, that’s the main takeaway after watching the tape

“We’ve tried to get going, fast starts is something we want to see, that was there at Tolka a week ago, we want the guys to start fast. If you don’t start fast you will always struggle to get it back if you let the other team dictate the pace of the game, we want to see that again tomorrow.

“We do a lot of work on defensive and offensive stuff, the hardest thing to do is score and create chances. I’m not surprised our record is what it is is, defensively in the league we’ve been good I know the work that goes in from the players and the staff, we pride ourselves on that defensive solidity and long may it continue” 

The Reds made it to the final of the FAI Cup for the first time since 2011 last season. ​​Despite falling short at the final hurdle, Duff feels the experience will stand to his squad:

“I think the cup run brought us on leaps and bounds, I’d put the final in that bracket too. You learn the most from defeats and bad defeats in particular, can bring you on as a person. That’s where the most learning and growing up came for our lads. Guys that played in the Aviva last November and were involved. I think there’s motivation there. They know the last game was against Derry and that was a tough day, a very hard one to take. I think those lads will go out with a point to prove, and I think players should embrace that feeling.

“Listen we all approach games differently but that’s what I loved as a player, having to prove people wrong, I loved being slaughtered, being given out to, I think it made me a better player, carrying that bit of anger, that gave you an edge. If I became calm and nice and played that way it never brought the best out of me.” 

The peak of the rivalry between the clubs was in the early 00s when Pat Fenlon’s Shels and Stephen Kenny’s Bohs were fighting for top honours.

Since the Reds returned to the top flight the spark between the north Dublin neighbours has reignited: 

“I’m a blow in, but all I know is I can spot a rivalry a long way away, we’re here 18 months. This is the 7th or 8th time we’ve played them. There’s an edge there, a proper rivalry, you can see it and feel it, it’s on the pitch, it’s between players and between the staff, it’s in the stands between the fans, you can sense it on match day, you feel it all week in the build up to the game. Shels – Bohs, FAI Cup, it’s as big as it gets.” 

The game is sold out, but you can watch it live in the Bar @ Tolka Park, open from 7pm.

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Shelbourne Football Club is this evening delighted to announce that JJ Lunney has extended his stay at Tolka Park beyond the end of 2024 by signing a new contract.

The midfielder joins Mark Coyle, Sean Boyd, Conor Kearns and Gavin Molloy in signing up for next season. The club also retains the option to extend the deal for a further year.

Lunney joined the Reds in 2021 and has gone on to make 68 appearances in the League of Ireland, scoring 3 goals for Shels. His most recent, a stunning strike against UCD at the Belfield Bowl in a comfortable 4-0 win for the Reds.

The 25-year-old’s fine recent form has been rewarded with an early extension of his contract with the club. 

A tidy and technical player, known for his ability on the ball, Lunney has been an ever-present under Reds boss Damien Duff, starting 21 games this season and putting in a string of fine performances in the heart of midfield.

He made 25 appearances last season, including 19 starts as the Reds finished 7th in the league and made it to the FAI Cup final.

He was part of the team that got Shels back to the Premier Division in 2021, winning the first division title under Ian Morris, playing 20 times that season.

Before joining the Reds, the Dubliner played with Waterford, Bohemian FC and St Pats.

Damien Duff, Head Coach, Shelbourne FC said: “It is brilliant news that JJ has signed back for 2024. He is a beautiful player to watch and brings a real calmness to our play that staff and players appreciate. He has played a massive part in the last 18 months and he will continue to do so. He has had a few clubs in the League of Ireland, but this is his home”

JJ Lunney said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have extended my stay at Tolka Park. Shelbourne is a club that holds a special place in my heart, and I am honoured to represent the club, it’s a massive privilege for me. I want to thank the manager and the staff and the supporters too for backing me, I am eager to contribute to our future successes. Together, we have an ambitious group and we have aims for this season, I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and trying to make a positive contribution”

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Shelbourne FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Aaron Roe as the Academy’s Transition Phase Head Coach & Administrator on a full-time basis.

The newly created role further compounds the club’s ambition to grow the academy. Roe has played an important part in helping to progress the small-sided games section within the club since joining the Reds in 2021. His dedication have led to improvements in this crucial developmental phase.

In his new role, the Dublin native will build upon this success and take on the increased responsibility of supporting coaches and players as they transition from small-sided games to eleven-a-side football within the Academy.

A qualified coach, Aaron holds a UEFA B licence and is currently in the process of completing his UEFA Youth B licence. In addition to his contributions at Shelbourne FC, he has previously garnered valuable experience as a support performance analyst with the Ireland U21 International team under the guidance of former Shels player Jim Crawford.

Under the stewardship of Colm Barron, Shelbourne FC is committed to advancing the Academy across all aspects. The appointment of Roe in a full-time capacity represents a significant step towards this overarching goal. By adding a full time resource to the coaching and administrative team, the club aims to further enhance the standards of player development.

Colm Barron, speaking about Aaron Roe’s appointment, emphasised the positive impact he has already had on the small-sided games section and expressed his confidence in Aaron’s ability to contribute further to the Academy’s progress. 

Colm Barron, Head of Academy said: “We have witnessed tremendous growth in our small-sided games section since Aaron joined the club, and he has played a pivotal role in this achievement. Our goal is to continually elevate the standards of the Academy, and having Aaron assume a full-time position will undoubtedly strengthen our capabilities in doing so. The football partnership we have forged with St Mochta’s has been mutually beneficial, and Aaron will play a central role in managing and nurturing this partnership while exploring opportunities for additional potential football collaborations.”

Aaron Roe, Academy Transition Phase Head Coach & Administrator said: “I am delighted to take up this role. The club’s decision to offer me this position on a full time basis is a clear indication of their commitment to the academy and youth development. I was excited and honoured to join this great club two years ago, and I cannot put into words how thrilled I am about the future here. Up the Reds!”

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

The 26-year-old will be with the Reds until the culmination of the 2024 campaign, with a club option to extend then for a further year after that.

The midfielder has made a total of 16 appearances this year, with 13 of them coming as a starter— Coyle had played an integral role within the team this season.

Hailing from Donegal, Coyle joined the Reds from Finn Harps during the close season of 2022.

Despite encountering some injury challenges during the season, Coyle made a big impact when fit, playing 23 matches across the SSE Airtricity League and FAI Cup.

Prior to his arrival at Shelbourne, Coyle’s outstanding performances at Harps earned him the Player of the Year for the 2021 campaign. Known for his ability on the ball and tenacious tackling, Coyle proved his mettle on numerous occasions, including a memorable man-of-the-match display during an away fixture against Shamrock Rovers at the Tallaght Stadium late in the season. Furthermore, he also contributed a crucial goal in the league last season, securing a 2-0 victory away to Drogheda United.

This contract extension for Mark Coyle marks another significant boost for Shelbourne Football Club, as Damien Duff continues to build for the future. Coyle joins Sean Boyd, Conor Kearns, and Gavin Molloy in committing for next season.

Damien Duff, Head Coach, Shelbourne FC said: “We are building for now and for the future. Mark is part of both. It is important we keep him fit as he consistently grows as a player when he is.

He is a big player and has become an important part of the DNA of Shelbourne FC”

Mark Coyle said: “I couldn’t be happier to extend my contract for another year; it’s a pleasure to be part of this fantastic club. From the moment I arrived at Tolka, I’ve been warmly welcomed by a wonderful group of people—dedicated volunteers, supportive coaches and staff, and talented and hard working teammates — I genuinely enjoy every moment spent here.

“Committing to the club when it is undoubtedly heading in the right direction is very exciting, the decision to sign on for another year was incredibly easy. The belief and trust shown in me by the gaffer and everyone involved played a significant role in making this happen. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue wearing the Shels jersey.“

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Shelbourne Football Club is today delighted to announce that Sean Boyd has committed to the club by signing a new contract.

The 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at Tolka Park until at least the end of the 2024 season, with a club option for a further year.

Boyd joins Conor Kearns and Gavin Molloy in signing through to the end of the 2024 campaign in what is a significant boost for Damien Duff and his staff.

The striker has come back and made a hugely positive impact having endured an injury interrupted season. Boyd played in the opening game of the 2023 League of Ireland Premier Division campaign against Drogheda United, but following that missed four months through injury after surgery on an abductor tear and a hernia.

Since returning to action the Swords native has made an instant impact, scoring three times so far in the league in the win over UCD, the draw with Derry City and the win over Drogheda United. He has made 9 appearances so far this season.

Boyd played a key role for the team in 2022, making 29 appearances in the league, scoring 11 goals. He also scored key goals in the run to the FAI Cup final, scoring 4 times on the road to the Aviva Stadium, in the opening round against Bray Wanderers, and most notably in the quarter-final win over Bohemian FC.

Damien Duff, Head Coach, Shelbourne FC said: “Credit to Sean, he has worked his way back from a serious injury and impacted the team straight away. He has a brilliant presence and personality within the squad, on and off the pitch.  He said in the ‘1895 podcast’ recently that I don’t like him. He is right. I don’t like him, I love him. UTFR”

Sean Boyd said: “I’m over the moon to have extended my contract with this great club, I have loved every minute here and with the club going in all the right places Shels is a really exciting place to be, I’m extremely proud to get the opportunity to extend my stay here and I want to thank the manager and staff who have put so much time and love into me. I would also like to thank the fantastic fans who have been brilliant for us. There is no place like home and Tolka Park is mine.”

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The Dublin Derby takes centre stage at Tolka Park tomorrow night as Shelbourne FC and Bohemian FC do battle. Kick off is at 7:45pm.

Damien Duff’s side come into this one looking to make it back to back wins having comfortably beaten UCD 4-0 at the Belfield Bowl a week ago.

In team news, Matty Smith is closing in on a return to action but will not be ready for tomorrow, Tyreke Wilson missed the last game but has been passed fit to play

“Matty is currently working through his injury and needs some extra time for recovery. Matty had another scan that came back clear, just a bit of bone bruising and the ankle sprain. Griff had a calf strain, he’s recovering. Tyreke has been managing a slight knee injury for some time now, and he missed the UCD game as a precaution to manage his minutes. He is back in training this week and will be available for the Bohs game, which is a special one for him, on a personal level.”

Before the game with UCD, Duff urged his players to identify new leaders in the group. He was pleased with the response they produced at Belfield last week: “It was great to see the lads respond to what was asked of them. We’ve been encouraging it over the past 18 months but honestly we got sick of staff shouting. That’s why we took the approach we did, we put it on the players, we gave Boydy the captain’s armband, we knew we’d get a response from the players and it paid off.

“Sean showed a real presence and it was a great performance. The big thing was lads stepping up, can’t just be Lukey, and helped to drive on the standards, you can’t pick and chose the games, UCD has been a struggle in the past for us, but to their credit a lot of them have stood up and led the dressing room.”

The Reds have a good recent record against Bohs, winning two and drawing two in the last four matches in the League of Ireland and FAI Cup. Duff feels the game is an important one in the calendar:

“In a Dublin derby, every fan may have their own favourite fixture, but I sense that this particular match is big for our fans. The players have been on it in almost every game against Bohs since I’ve come here, they have consistently stepped up over the past 18 months, even in games we lost at Dalyer, they showed fight. I expect more of the same tomorrow night. We had a good performance against UCD, but listen, we know we’ll need to up that level again and play even better than we did last week.

“I sometimes think people can be too much stock on form, going into a Dublin Derby, so much at stake, regardless of what happens, the last game, bad or good, doesn’t mean anything under the lights at 7:45pm tomorrow, it’s an isolated game, a proper derby, rivalry is there, a big match in the context of the league, a special one to be involved in, it means a lot to a lot of people.”

“A big part of improving as a team is getting the mentality right, and that’s innate, a will to want to work hard, when I was playing that came from my mam and dad, it helps with who you surround yourself with, when we sign players and build a dressing room, we’re very careful, we want to bring in guys with the ability on the pitch but the mentality to be an asset to the group, guys with the right mentality feed into that, usually when guys leave it’s because they aren’t the right fit and don’t buy into it.

“Our lads would run through walls for each other, jump off the top of Tolka, I know that, but one thing I want more from them is noise, vocals, pushing each other. Lot of them stood up and showed it in UCD. Now bring it in every day, training matches, on the pitch, off the pitch. Mentality drives everything. It was my biggest asset as a player. We’ve tried to drive that at the training ground for the last 18 months and in every aspect of what we do.”

Tolka Park is sold out for tomorrow’s Dublin Derby, Duff has urged fans to arrive early and enjoy the occasion:

“Our fans are amazing, I’m quick to say that the players would die for each other, it’s the same for the crest, the three red castles and that special bond with the supporters is there. I want the players to drive it again this week, not look to the stands to get you up for it, give them something, give the people a reason to get to their feet. I’m putting responsibility on the players tomorrow to give the fans something to shout about.”

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Get your tickets for tomorrow’s game here.

Shelbourne FC make the short trip across the city to face UCD tomorrow at the Belfield Bowl (7:45pm)

Damien Duff’s side come into this one off the back of a 1-1 draw with Derry City in their last League of Ireland outing.

In team news, Shels will once again be without the influential Matty Smith, a key player this season, while the long term injured Brian McManus is out, Shane Griffin and Kyle Robinson are also missing:

“Toward the end of the Bohs game, Kyle took a head knock. As a result, he won’t be involved against UCD, more out of an abundance of caution. It’s great to see him score, though. That will definitely help his confidence

“Matty won’t be in the squad tomorrow due to an ongoing issue. He rolled his ankle against Sligo Rovers. The same goes for Griff, who has a calf strain, and Brian McManus is rehabbing after surgery.

Duff welcomed two new players to the training group this week following the arrival of Harry Fisk and Harry Wood, both joining from Hull City. Duff hopes the window will bring the best out of his current squad:

“I hope to see a response from the players here. The window can be positive as it brings healthy competition to the group. It keeps everyone on their toes and pushes them to perform better, the players here looking over the shoulder, knowing new boys are coming in, it helps them get up to the next gear.

“It’s great to have Harry Wood and Harry Fisk in, they’ll add a lot to the squad. It’s important that people know, and the lads know. Nobody should assume anything will be handed to new signings coming from Hull City, players will be picked on the same basis they always have been, they will need to earn their minutes.”

Shels beat UCD 1-0 the last time the sides met in Tolka earlier this season, on the last visit to Belfield the sides played out a 0-0 draw. Duff admits results against UCD have been frustrating at times for the players and staff:

“We won the home game in Tolka, it was a frustrating night. When we analyse it, the goal is to get three points, but right up there, we aim for a strong and positive performance. The key to a good performance is mentality. We need to approach the game with the right mindset, prepare properly, and that performance should follow.”

UCD have lost 9 of their last 10 games, their most recent meeting with St Pats a week ago saw them beaten 7-0. Duff feels it would be foolish to underestimate the Students:

“Listen they are a dangerous team, and one of the big things they have is a strong mindset, previous results never seem to affect or bother them. Despite being on the end of a 7-0 defeat last week, they don’t let that weigh them down. They are a young and fit group of players, filled with positivity. They’ll bounce into the game and they have a strong spirit and determination, we have to match that and turn up with the right approach.”

Between the Leinster Senior Cup, the FAI Cup and the League of Ireland, the Reds will face Bohs 3 times in the next few weeks. Duff is fully focused on UCD, but admits he’s relishing the prospect of the Dublin Derby filled few weeks: 

“I’m not looking beyond UCD, but I’m really looking forward to the upcoming Bohs game. It reminds me a few years back of El Clásico when Barcelona played Real Madrid three times in a span of 10 days back in 2011. It’s a similar situation, and lads will never get tired of playing against Bohs. It’s always a brilliant game, and when you add in the stakes at the moment, it will be a big few weeks for the club.”

Duff has urged his senior players to take on the responsibility of leading tomorrow and has put the onus on them to make amends for the last visit to UCD:

“I believe the players are up for it, they’ve responded well to us asking them to take responsibility for tomorrow but the most crucial thing is not delivering that Tuesday or Thursday in training its under the lights on Friday.

“It’s what I’ve been looking for for the past 18 months – for the players to take charge. That’s what top teams do. The manager allows the players to lead the way. We’re looking for the players to step up.

“We have experienced players like Kearns, Coyle, Barrett, but Lukey for near on 18 months has been doing it on his own at times. We have lads who can make a difference, they have the ability and experience, and we want them to be comfortable in taking on that leadership role. Getting that result, delivering the performance, that’s all that matters on Friday really.”

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Shelbourne FC can confirm Kian Leavy has left the club.

Leavy made 11 appearances for the Reds since joining from Reading on loan before the start of the 2023 season, scoring once. 

The midfielder’s last appearance was the 2-2 draw with Shamrock Rovers back in April.

Leavy has been sidelined with an injury since then. Following his release from Reading back in May, Leavy was offered a deal to remain at Tolka Park.

Leavy informed the club he would be leaving. Head Coach Damien Duff said: “Kian Leavy has surprisingly turned down a contract with us and has left the club.

“I wish him all the best with his recovery from injury”