Shelbourne continue to make signings that catch the eye and look very much the forerunner for promotion from the First Division. This week they brought in left back Luke Byrne from Shamrock Rovers. Byrne had been with the side from Tallaght for past five seasons and before that, he was previously with Bohemian FC. They also signed midfielder Darragh Noone from Bray Wanderers. Added to their earlier capture of the likes and Ciaran Kilduff and Conan Byrne, it looks like Ian Morris’ side will be the team to beat.
Another interesting move in the First Division was that of the return of Iarfhlaith Davoren to Galway United. Davoren is one of the most decorated left backs in the league having played with Galway before and also Sligo Rovers and Cork City. Indeed he won league and cup honours with Rovers. He also had a stint in the USL with Tulsa Roughnecks. He has signed as a player/coach. They also brought in another defender in the form of Andrew Peters from Mayo Super League side Claremorris AFC.
There has been some movement during the week at Cork City as well. Last season’s runners-up in both the League and the FAI Cup have brought in forward Darragh Rainsford from junior side (non-league) Pike Rovers. He had played in the league before with Limerick and his signing could be seen as something of a gamble by Cork manager John Caulfield. They have also brought in another striker, James Tilley on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Three players who won’t be returning to Turner’s Cross are striker Josh O’Hanlon and the versatile Jimmy Keohane. The former Exeter City player has returned to the UK. Another player staying in the UK is defender Danny Kane. He is currently on loan with Fylde from Cork but has been released by Cork so that the move can be made permanent. Sligo Rovers have added to their squad bringing in Jamaican international Romeo Parkes. Parkes who is a physical forward joins from USL side Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
One player who won’t be playing in the league next season is Killian Brennan who announced his retirement during the week. He had spells with his local club Drogheda United and also Derry City, Shamrock Rovers, Bohemian FC and most recently St. Patrick’s Athletic. He won honours with nearly every club he played for and completed a clean sweep of domestic trophies with St. Pat’s. One of the best left footed players to have played in the league in recent times, he also played with Ireland up to U-19 level.
