Goalkeeping Glory and Defensive Dynamos: The Reds’ Season in Review
Ah, football! The beautiful game where every match feels like a high-stakes drama—complete with plot twists, and the occasional villain who should probably stick to ping-pong. This season, it seems ‘The Reds’ have not just played to win; they’ve played for glory, keeping us all on the edge of our seats and reminding us why we ever fell in love with this sport in the first place.
A Fortress in Goal: Kearns Leads the Charge
Leading the line of defence is none other than our knight in shining gloves, Kearns. Coming in from Galway United, he’s turned the goal into a veritable fortress, keeping 16 clean sheets in 36 games. Tied with Brendan Clarke for the best defensive record in the league, our man didn’t just play; he practically camped out in front of his net. Not bad for a guy who probably thought he was just coming to play 5-a-side!
Gannon’s Glorious Comeback
Seán Gannon (33, Dublin) had a rough year with Shamrock Rovers but after a dog-walk chat with Damien Duff, he found his way to Tolka, and boy, did it pay off! Starting in almost all league matches this season, he snagged an incredible 11th Premier Division winner’s medal. If that doesn’t scream redemption arc, I don’t know what does!
Barrett’s Unyielding Presence
Paddy Barrett (31, Waterford) has been the bouncer at the club’s backdoor, holding it down and making sure the opposition stays on the outside looking in. After his transfer to Drumcondra last December, he has lived up to the billing, being a rock in defence, aside from a wee three-game suspension which, let’s be honest, is probably going to turn into the “legendary band-aid” story over a pint.
Ledwidge: A Hero in the Making
Kameron Ledwidge (23, Dublin) has solidified his place as one of the club’s longest-serving players. Since joining from Southampton’s academy, he’s dreamt about making his mark. And guess what? He’s done just that, racking up over 100 appearances under the wise gaze of Duff. Talk about steadying the ship!
A Midfield Dynamo: Tyreke Wilson Rises
Then there’s Liam Burt (25, Glasgow). He crosses the Liffey like it’s just another day at the office, making a solid impact with big goals at critical moments. Clearly, he’s got bus fare for success, and he’s using it well. Imagine being a goalkeeper and constantly looking up only to see a sea of teammates celebrating? Someone pass that guy a medal!
Lunney, Quite Cool Indeed
JJ Lunney (26, Dublin), dubbed “Mr. Cool,” is sneaking into contention as one of the key players, pulling in the second-most appearances under Duff with 103. If he were any cooler, he’d be a piece of ice, folks! And come on, winning player of the match in Derry? I smell a comeback story brewing for next season!
Goals and Giggles: A Forward’s Tale
John Martin (25, Kilkenny) had a rocky start but clawed back with some impressive late contributions. Four goals and big assists in nail-biting victories show tenacity, something we all need as we stare down the final whistle!
Honourable Mentions: The Not-So-Silent Supporters
And don’t forget about Harry Wood (22, Leeds), who made his mark loud and clear with a dramatic late winner in Derry, securing his title in Shelbourne’s history. Now that’s how you make an exit, my friends! I’m not saying the guy deserves a statue, but…
Ending the season atop the league honors, this team has proven they can defend like a lion protecting its pride while also knowing how to celebrate like there’s no tomorrow. Bravo, boys! Who suffered more—the opponent or the pizza vendor who couldn’t keep up during the celebrations? Only time will tell. Here’s to next season, and may it be even more spectacular!
In this version, I practiced the art of observational humor, playful exaggeration, and cheeky commentary in a detailed reflection on the players for The Reds. The structure adheres to an engaging and informative style suitable for a wide audience while aiming to optimize SEO through relevant keywords, making it easy to rank on Google and capture the essence of football fan culture.
The standout goalkeeper for The Reds, Kearns, played a pivotal role in propelling his side to achieve the league’s top defensive record this season, notching an impressive 16 clean sheets over 36 matches, a feat that places him in a tie with Brendan Clarke. Having made his move from Galway United ahead of the 2023 season, Kearns has rapidly become one of the most esteemed goalkeepers in Ireland, showcasing his skills by making critical saves during the season’s crucial encounters. Notably, he played every league minute, further emphasizing his reliability and endurance in goal.
Seán Gannon (33, Dublin)
After enduring a frustratingly limited playing time of just four starts with Shamrock Rovers last season, the seasoned right-back Seán Gannon had a fateful encounter with Damien Duff while walking his dog last winter. The Shelbourne manager persuaded Gannon to join his squad at Tolka Park. This decision proved to be a monumental success as Gannon displayed his impressive abilities, starting all but three league matches this season, and ultimately secured his remarkable 11th Premier Division winner’s medal, solidifying his status as a leading figure in Irish football.
Paddy Barrett (31, Waterford)
Another crucial defender for the team this year, Barrett made his way to Drumcondra in December 2022 and quickly established himself as a cornerstone in the defensive lineup under manager Damien Duff. His rigorous presence on the pitch was felt heavily last term, and he would have almost entirely retained his position throughout this season; however, a suspension kept him out for three matches. This represents Barrett’s third top-flight title, showcasing his persistent excellence and unwavering commitment, and he has also earned a spot on the PFA Ireland Team of the Year, further highlighting his contributions.
Kameron Ledwidge (23, Dublin)
Having arrived at Tolka Park in July 2021 after his release from Southampton’s academy, Ledwidge has become one of the club’s most reliable players. The former St Kevin’s Boys centre-half has grown immensely under manager Duff, featuring prominently in 107 appearances over his tenure, making him the most-played player under the current management. His versatile skill set allows him to contribute effectively as both a center-half and left-back, amplifying his value to the squad.
Liam Burt (25, Glasgow)
Burt crossed the Liffey last Christmas on a season-long loan from Shamrock Rovers and concluded his journey with his second Premier Division title. Despite experiencing a season marked by injury setbacks in Tallaght last year, he flourished this term, accumulating 31 appearances and scoring significant goals in critical matches against Dundalk and Waterford, solidifying his reputation as a valuable asset.
Mark Coyle (27, Donegal)
Coyle, a captain who epitomizes leadership, made a defining move by leaving Finn Harps and his lab technician role at Letterkenny hospital to answer Duff’s call at the outset of his managerial journey. As a vital component in central midfield, he scored a pivotal goal in a February victory against Shamrock Rovers that showcased his influence. His consistent performances earned him a well-deserved spot on the PFA Ireland Team of the Year, underlining his importance to the squad.
JJ Lunney (26, Dublin)
Lunney has firmly established himself as one of the key players under Duff, making the second-most appearances with 103. Following a crucial triumph over Drogheda, the Shelbourne manager praised him as “Mr. Cool.” As a fan favorite who has been with Tolka Park since their days in the First Division in 2021, he celebrated his inaugural top-flight title last Friday, expressing a sense of unity within the team: “Nobody gave us a chance except us,” he remarked after being named player of the match in Derry.
John Martin (25, Kilkenny)
Although Martin’s move from Dundalk to Drumcondra before the 2024 campaign came amid high expectations, he struggled with a personal tally of just four league goals, which he regarded as disappointing. However, the importance of his contributions cannot be understated, as he scored three decisive goals in narrow 1-0 victories that ultimately secured nine crucial points for his team. Notably, he also won the free-kick that led to the team’s critical goal in Derry last week, proving his value in key moments.
Seán Boyd (26, Dublin)
After a tumultuous beginning to 2024, which included a straight red card in the opening match against Waterford, Boyd bounced back spectacularly with a remarkable run of form in May, netting five goals in a span of six games. Despite facing a setback due to a calf injury in August, he rallied impressively during the season’s climax, highlighted by his brace against Waterford and a goal and assist against Drogheda. Ultimately, Boyd finished 2024 as the club’s top scorer with 11 goals across all competitions, marking a triumphant season of personal achievement.
Honourable mentions
Harry Wood (22, Leeds)
Wood solidified his legacy in Shelbourne history with a dramatic late winner in Derry, etching his name in club folklore. After spending the latter part of the previous season on loan at Tolka from Hull City, he returned last July on a permanent basis, fully committing to the team’s ambitions. “I want to play my part in getting this club back to where it belongs,” he declared last summer, a sentiment he undeniably embodied through his impactful performances.
Will Jarvis (21, York)
Jarvis, an agile attacker, deserves recognition for his significant contributions during a six-match winning streak early in 2024, where he netted four goals and provided a crucial assist. He elevated the team’s performances with winning goals in away matches against Shamrock Rovers and Waterford, earning the Player of the Month award in both March and June. As Hull City recalled him last August, he expressed a desire to secure his league winner’s medal in the mail, reflecting his aspirations for continued success.
Ali Coote (26, Bedford)
Evan Caffrey (21, Dublin)
Caffrey has been a crucial figure for the team with 81 appearances under Duff, ranking as his fifth-most picked player. As the grandson of club legend Theo Dunne, known for captaining Shelbourne against Barcelona at Camp Nou, the forward made 34 league appearances this season, including a standout moment when he scored a dramatic 96th-minute winner away against St Pat’s in May.
Gavin Molloy (23, Dublin)
Molloy astounded fans by completing every single minute of league play at centre-half before he made a move to Aberdeen in June on a lucrative three-year deal. Praising his talent, Duff referred to Molloy as a “fabulous boy” and a “class act” last summer. At Aberdeen, Molloy has continued to shine, playing every minute and contributing to their success in the Scottish Premiership, where the team currently holds a commendable second position with an impressive record of nine wins and just one draw in ten matches.
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Ginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit” style=”color:var(–color-primary-80)”>Coote has proven to be a valuable asset for his squad throughout the season. His creativity and vision on the ball made him an instrumental player in crucial matches, where he contributed with key assists and even chipped in with some goals. His performances were often highlighted by his ability to unlock defenses, providing his teammates with the opportunities they needed to score. As a well-rounded midfielder, Coote’s impact was felt both in terms of goal contributions and as a driving force in the midfield, cementing his reputation as a crucial player for the team.
