The Shelbourne FC Academy are gearing up for three elite League of Ireland national finals. The U17 Men’s, U17 Women’s, and U19 Women’s, have secured their spot in the finals of their respective competitions, further evidence of the brilliant work being done at underage levels at the club.
A Dublin Derby awaits the U17 Men’s team who go head-to-head against Shamrock Rovers in the final. The Reds began the campaign with a first-round bye, before overcoming Kildare on their home turf in a thrilling encounter, emerged 3-2 winners courtesy of goals from Mark Isong, Leo Healy, and Tyriek Sammy at the AUL.
The quarter-final bout against Sligo was nothing short of a masterclass in dominance. The Reds emphatically swept their opponents aside with a commanding 7-0 win. Mark Isong shone brightly, securing a hat-trick, while early goals from Aaron Maloney and Leo Healy further compounded the Bit O’Red’s misery.
The semi-final clash against UCD was a tight and tense affair. Despite a 1-1 draw in normal time, the Reds held their nerve and clinched their place in the decider in a nervy penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Jamie Gamble was the hero as he made two crucial saves, which were pivotal in this remarkable victory.
Mark Isong and Leo Healy also consistently delivered standout performances throughout the journey to the final.
Manager Keith Roche, reflecting on the team’s journey, and looking ahead to the final said: “When we put this group together, we knew there was massive potential within the squad. They have really kicked on as a group in the second half of the season with some outstanding performances and have started to fulfil the talent we knew was there.”
Shelbourne -v- Shamrock Rovers
Saturday October 28th 15:00
Tallaght stadium
The U17 Women’s team’s journey to the final is a testament to their heart, team spirit and individual skill. They will now face off against Athlone Town in what has the potentual to be a thrilling final showdown.
The group stage saw Shels finish on top with maximum points, hitting 10 goals while conceding just one.
The quarter-final clash against Shamrock Rovers was an edge-of-the-seat affair, with the Reds emerging winners in a thrilling 3-2 match.
The semi-final, a Dublin derby against Bohemian FC, tested their mettle. It required extra time to settle the score, but Shelbourne emerged as 3-0 victors, securing their place in the final.
Key contributors for the U17 Women’s team include Ruby McCarthy, Aoibhe Brennan, Jenna Willoughby, and Katie McFetridge. First team regular Rebecca Devereux also played a crucial role on the way to the final.
Shelbourne -v- Athlone Town
Sunday October 29th 15:00
Athlone Town stadium.
The U19 Women’s team will face formidable opponents in Wexford Youths as they gear up for their tilt at silverware
The group stage saw them record an emphatic 4-1 victory against reigning champions Shamrock Rovers.
The quarter-final bout against Athlone Town saw the Reds record a commanding 3-0 victory. Key contributors for the U19 Women’s team include Katie McCarn, Hannah Healy, Keva Deegan, and Leah Riley.
Shelbourne -v- Wexford
Sunday November 5th, 14:00.
Athlone Town stadium.
The finals are set to be held at Tallaght Stadium for the U17 Men, Athlone Town Stadium for the U17 Women, and that is the venue too for the U19 Women.
Rory Kirk of the women’s academy said: ‘It has been a pleasure to see the development across the season in both our U17 and U19 WNL sides. Our WU17s have had to deal with the pressure that comes with being league and cup champions for 2022 and to be in a cup final and top of the league with three games to go is a testament to both the character and ability of all players within the group. They have been led brilliantly by Eoin Wearen & Craig Plunkett.”
Colm Barron, Head of Academy reflecting on this remarkable achievement, highlighted the high standards set by coaches and met by players: “To have three teams make the finals out of a possible six shows the progress that has been made across the Academy in the last two years. Our u14s and 19s men’s teams narrowly missed out on the finals losing to Shamrock Rovers in both respective semi finals. High standards have been set by the coaches and met by the players. For the players and coaches it is about enjoying the occasion and showcasing their abilities. Our Academy teams have experienced playing against some of the biggest clubs in Europe over the last two years. Those experiences will enable them to enjoy occasions like finals and approach them full of confidence.”
As the Academy teams prepare to fly the Reds flag in the finals, Shels fans, staff, and volunteers are fully behind the group of players and coaches that will form the future of the football club. If you can get down to support our rising Reds stars, please do! Your support would mean the world!
Up the Reds.
