Shelbourne FC has recently announced the appointment of Joey O’Brien as Head Coach on a long-term contract, marking a new era for the club following their 2024 League of Ireland Premier Division title win[7].
On the pitch, Shelbourne has been active in the transfer market both in the 2025 winter and summer windows. Confirmed arrivals include James Norris (on loan from Liverpool Academy), Kerr McInroy (free agent), Ademipo Odubeko (from Fleetwood, free), Daniel Kelly (from Derry City, free), Ellis Chapman (from Sligo Rovers, free), and Ryan O’Kane (from Dundalk), among others. Notably, departures this season include Shane Griffin (to Cobh Ramblers), Dean Williams (to Athlone Town), and Gavin Molloy (to Aberdeen for €75,000)[4].
In terms of club development, Shelbourne FC has secured a major 18-year lease for their Academy at the AUL Complex in north Dublin. This investment includes the development of four new pitches, including a state-of-the-art all-weather surface, and upgrades to football operations and education facilities. A €500,000 grant from the Community Sport Facilities Fund, supplemented by further club investment, will help deliver these improvements, which are designed to support 450 young players across 27 underage teams[3].
This season, Shelbourne are competing as the defending Premier Division champions. As of early May 2025, the club’s league performance included 7 wins, 10 draws, and 6 losses from 23 matches. They also claimed victory in the President of Ireland’s Cup, defeating Drogheda United 2-0 at Tolka Park, with goals from Mipo Odubeko and Seán Boyd[5].