Joey O'Brien set to be confirmed as Shelbourne manager
The former Republic of Ireland international had been Damien Duff's assistant for the past three and a half years and stepped into the caretaker role for the games with Waterford and Galway United in the week after Duff's resignation.
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Shels drew both matches 2-2 and 1-1, respectively, and the club have now decided to hand the Dubliner the job ahead of what will be his first home game in charge against Cork City on Friday.
The Premier Division champions are currently fifth in the table and face Linfield in the first qualifying round of the Champions League next week.
They welcome the Irish League champions to Tolka Park on Wednesday, 9 July before visiting Windsor Park for the second leg the following week.
Retaining their League of Ireland crown now looks beyond Shels but they are just five points off second place Bohemians, and while the Gypsies have a couple of games in hand the European places are well within grasp for O'Brien.
Shels' FAI Cup campaign also kicks off on 19 July when they travel away to the FAI Junior Cup winners and Limerick District League Premier Division champions Fairview Rangers.
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RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
Confidence heading into European duty for League of Ireland clubs a necessity
There's a familiar buzz in the air this weekend. It's that unmistakable blend of excitement and pressure that descends when European football hovers on the horizon. For Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers, and St Patrick's Athletic, their upcoming continental clashes provide pivotal opportunities to grow their stature, boost their budgets, and test themselves beyond the comforts of the League of Ireland. But before thoughts drift too far toward Linfield, Hegelmann or either St Joseph's of Gibraltar or Cliftonville in Shamrock Rovers' case, there's domestic business to attend to - and that matters just as much. What this weekend reminds us of, is how momentum can shape a season. Confidence isn't just a nice-to-have going into Europe; it's a necessity. Strong domestic performances now can be the difference between going into Europe with rhythm or retreating with regrets. For Shelbourne, this evening's home tie against bottom-placed Cork City couldn't have been scripted better – at least on paper. Cork's poor away form, just two points on the road all season, offers Shels the perfect platform to enter Wednesday's Linfield clash with a swagger in their performance. Joey O'Brien, while likely to experiment slightly with personnel, will know the importance of getting three points and maintaining the confidence needed which is a difficult thing to instil. This evening isn't about coasting past Cork. It's about control, confidence and coming out unscathed—both in scoreline and squad fitness. Europe demands full tanks and fit legs. Shels can't afford another injury crisis at this critical point in the season. Shamrock Rovers were handed a fortunate bye into the second qualifying round, courtesy of Drogheda's well documented failures. That slice of luck must now be matched with form, and Sligo away is no gentle stroll. The Showgrounds has already proven to be tricky terrain this season, with Rovers tasting defeat there earlier in the year. Stephen Bradley will know all too well the need for sharpness and tempo heading into their European campaign. Bradley's group remains deep and adaptable. Keeping key players fit and performing has been vital these last couple of months for them. And an excellent use of squad rotation at the right times to continue to shoulder the responsibility across his whole squad has worked effectively. A win tomorrow will be about continuity. Rovers are famous for slow starts and strong finishes, but this season has shown improvement in that department and historically they have performed well during this time of the year. If they want to hit the ground running in Europe, they'll need to ensure their domestic rhythm doesn't falter in Sligo. It's hard to look at tonight's Dublin derby between St Pat's and Bohemians without thinking back to last summer. A sluggish start had many writing off the Saints, only for their European campaign to ignite something deeper in the squad. What followed was a run that carried them very close to silverware and a rousing end to the season. Under Stephen Kenny's guidance, the club finds itself on the cusp of another potential European springboard. But Kenny will know more than anyone, the importance of seizing domestic momentum first. Tonight's fixture will be used as a barometer. Bohs arrive at Richmond Park full of confidence and dangerous. Pat's must show they're not reliant on the promise of next week to find purpose this week. With Hegelmann to come on Thursday, a win tonight would be a vital injection of belief ahead of a stern European test. There's no denying the lure of European football. The travel, the exposure, the chance to test our clubs against unfamiliar opposition, it matters. But so too does the league. The bread and butter can't be neglected. European campaigns can raise profiles, bolster finances and even spark title pushes. But they can also derail seasons if not handled with the right balance. This weekend, therefore, is not just a prelude to Europe. It's part of the same story. It's where reputations can begin to be forged, where confidence is built, and where momentum either gathers pace or slips away. For Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers and St Pat's, the mission is clear - win tonight, stay injury-free, and step into Europe not with nerves but with heads held high and form on their side.


Irish Times
2 hours ago
- Irish Times
Friday Night Lights: FAI keen to secure Owen Elding for Ireland before Sligo exit, with Juventus weighing move
The sensational rise of Owen Elding provides the Football Association of Ireland with an opportunity to show off their administrative expertise. UK and European clubs are circling Sligo Rovers' home-grown prodigy. Even Juventus are curious following his eighth goal of the season at Dalymount Park last Friday. Whether the 19-year-old's latest piledriver - scored in a 1-1 draw against high-flying Bohemians - was better than his 35-metre rocket against Shelbourne in late May is up for debate. Owen Elding's goals in 2025 😍 — League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) 'Owen reminds me of Malcolm Macdonald, especially when he hammers the left foot,' said Tommy Higgins, the Sligo chairman. 'He has that build too.' READ MORE Those born after the 1960s will not remember Macdonald's long-range strikes for Luton, Newcastle and Arsenal . There is something unquantifiable about the way Elding is performing this season. According to Sligo Rovers manager John Russell, the boy is already a leader of men: 'We know he's got talent but he's orchestrating things. He's making demands of players, his work-rate off the ball is top class. Once he's in the team you've a chance of winning matches.' Good, because Sligo sit second from bottom of the Premier Division, eight points adrift of Waterford, with league leaders Shamrock Rovers rolling into town on Saturday night. Elding is also comparable to the early sightings of Chiedozie Ogbene galloping about the Gaelic and soccer pitches of Cork. Anthony Elding celebrates after scoring the winning goal for Sligo Rovers in the 2013 FAI Cup final against Drogheda United. Photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho Their situations are similar. The Ogbene family moved from Nigeria to Cork when Chiedozie was seven years old to work and eventually thrive in the Irish healthcare system. The Eldings arrived in Sligo from England, when Owen was also seven, before his dad Anthony Elding went on to become a club legend. Scoring a 94th-minute winner in the 2013 FAI Cup final ensures the Elding name is etched into Sligo sporting folklore. It was Anthony Elding's 19th goal that season. 'It runs in the family,' said Higgins. 'Owen has been a natural goalscorer all his life. He scored 27 goals for the under-14s in our academy. A modest lad, he has the temperament too.' Sligo Rovers have Elding tied to a three-year contract, without the dreaded break clause that recently saw Galway United lose the prolific Moses Dyer. The FAI are currently working to satisfy Fifa of his Irishness. They should know what they are doing. One of Stephen Kenny's first inquiries after his appointment as Ireland manager in 2020 was around the availability of Ogbene. Stephen Kenny with Chiedozie Ogbene in 2022, during Kenny's time as Republic of Ireland manager. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho 'It was a [14-month] process to get him registered, with Uefa and Fifa having to trawl through records,' Kenny revealed in 2021 before capping the winger against Hungary. 'I didn't feel that was right because he's lived in Cork since he was seven. 'He grew up through the schoolboy system, came into Cork City then played for Limerick. He should have absolutely been able to play for Ireland a long time ago, but he wasn't. The minute I got the job we were trying to get him free to play.' Sligo have not received a formal offer for Elding from Juventus or any English club. It is safe to assume that the Ireland under-21 manager, Jim Crawford, would like to see the youngster's Irish passport stamped before he inevitably leaves the country. The Eldings are English by birth. Just like the Ogbenes are Nigerian by birth. But, like Chiedozie Ogbene, Owen Elding has come through the Irish system, as his dad finished his career at the Showgrounds before coaching his son in the Sligo and Longford Town academies. Fifa rules state that a player qualifies to play for a country on residency grounds by continuously living there for five years after turning 18. There is some wriggle room by demonstrating a 'clear connection' to the country. Ogbene needed to produce records from his primary school, Bunscoil Chríost Rí, to show the family move was not solely for him to play professional football. Strict rules around residency are necessary. The 'clear connection' law came into force in 2004 after Qatar granted nationality to three Brazilian players. Fifa articles 19.3 and 19.4 aim to 'protect minors from being exploited or moved around for purely footballing reasons' and to 'provide responsible and ethical management of young players' careers'. Ethics still matter in football, on paper at least. Over to the pencil pushers overlooking Abbotstown's green fields. Up Next: The first Shelbourne match at Tolka since Damien Duff quit is on Friday night against bottom side Cork City, while St Patrick's Athletic's' miserable run of form needs to be arrested at home to Bohemians, which is the live game on Virgin Media Two. Weekend fixtures (all games 7.45pm) Friday Premier Division: Derry City v Waterford; Drogheda United v Galway United; Shelbourne v Cork City; St Patrick's Athletic v Bohemians. First Division: Bray Wanderers v Wexford FC; Cobh Ramblers v Athlone Town; Finn Harps v Longford Town; Kerry v Dundalk; UCD v Treaty United. Saturday Premier Division: Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers.

The 42
7 hours ago
- The 42
Shelbourne confirm Joey O'Brien as Damien Duff's full-time successor
SHELBOURNE HAVE CONFIRMED the appointment of Joey O'Brien as the club's new head coach on a long-term deal, as first reported by The 42 on Wednesday. Former Republic of Ireland international O'Brien had served for three and a half years as Damien Duff's second-in-command and took charge of the League of Ireland champions on an interim basis following Duff's shock departure last month. Shels drew both fixtures for which O'Brien was interim boss — 2-2 at Waterford and 1-1 at Galway United respectively — and the club have now appointed the Dubliner on a full-time basis ahead of what will be his first home game in charge against Cork City on Friday. 'This is an incredible honour,' O'Brien said upon Thursday night's confirmation of his full-time appointment. 'Of course, being honest, it was unexpected — not something I was thinking about. The opportunity came up and I was asked to take it. I didn't take long to say yes. Advertisement 'I'm obviously delighted to be given the chance and grateful for the trust shown in me by the owners and the board. It's a privilege to be given this chance to continue the work that's been done over the last few years. 'I know first-hand what this club is about and that's an advantage coming into the job,' O'Brien added. 'Over the last three and half years, I've got to see this club grow. This place is full of special people, and fans who have seen it all and stood by the club through everything. 'I am absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity. Myself, the staff and the players — we're proud to be the custodians of such a historic club, one of the biggest in Irish football, and that's a great honour but ultimately, Shelbourne Football Club, the heart and soul of it, is the people who are there every Friday night, making this club what it is. 'The job is to make those people proud and create more special memories.' Shels are currently fifth in the Premier Division table and face Linfield in the first qualifying round of the Champions League next week. They welcome the Irish League champions to Tolka Park on Wednesday, 9 July, before visiting Windsor Park for the second leg the following week. Retaining their League of Ireland crown now looks beyond the reigning champions but they are just five points off second-placed Bohemians. The Gypsies have a couple of games in hand but European qualification remains a realistic aim for O'Brien. Shels' FAI Cup campaign also kicks off on 19 July when they travel away to the FAI Junior Cup winners and Limerick District League Premier Division champions Fairview Rangers. Tomás Qunn, Shelbourne CEO, added of his 'delight' at O'Brien's appointment that 'Joey brings a deep understanding of the game, a wealth of top-level experience, and a clear vision for the future of the club. 'His passion, leadership, and commitment to developing both the team and our culture made him the standout choice,' Quinn continued. 'We're confident Joey is the right person to lead us into the next chapter of Shelbourne's journey, and we're excited for what lies ahead under his stewardship.' Technical director Luke Byrne added: 'Joey has been a fundamental part of the team's success over the last few years and proved himself to be an outstanding coach, leader and communicator. 'His strong leadership skills, relationship with the players in the dressing room, and relentless desire to be successful make him the ideal man to lead us forward. Related Reads Losing the LOI's top scorer for €30,000 shows measures clubs must take just to keep up From chasing new signings to calling it quits - Damien Duff resigns at end of dramatic week 'The appointment of Joey gives us continuity and stability at a crucial time in the season as well as the club's long term strategic plan. I can't wait to see him take to the touchline in Tolka Park as our head coach tomorrow night.'