The 100 goal man: Five more outstanding Conan Byrne goals

It had been a long time coming, but Conan Byrne secured his 100th League of Ireland goal last night and in some fashion. His halfway line wonder strike was the gem in an unforgettable 4-0 Dublin Derby victory against Bohemians.

You asked for it, so here's Conan Byrne's absolute cracker for St Pat's. Watch full highlights on Soccer Republic on Monday #soccrepublicpic.twitter.com/A20QyRjVVz

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) March 31, 2017

Since joining St. Pats in 2013, the midfielder has gone on to achieve untold success, winning the Premier Division and FAI Cup in his first two seasons before back-to-back League Cup successes, as well as a Presidents’ Cup and Leinster Senior Cup for good measure.

Speaking to St. Pats TV after last night’s result, Byrne admitted that the goal may well have been the best of his career. However he has scored some doozies before as well. Here are five of the best from all competitions:

5. Drogheda United 2014

People will still debate whether or not it was a cross or if it was intentional. With a mighty hook of his weaker left peg Byrne curls an outstanding ball into the top corner of Micheál Schlingermann’s goal in a tense 3-2 win that needed a 91st minute winner from Christy Fagan.

4. Bray Wanderers 2014

He definitely meant this one, right? Not dissimilar from his strike against Drogheda, Byrne again finds himself in ample space along his favorite right touchline, once again spotting Stephen McGuinness off his line before curling the ball ambitiously into the far corner. He has form for dipping goalkeepers.

3. Limerick 2016

Skip to 2.55 and stay with me on this one. At first viewing it may seem like a cool touch and a deft low finish from close range. But upon closer inspection Byrne takes his first touch before the ball smashes off his face. It falls to his feet, with the player having the composure to regain total focus and slot the ball past Freddie Hall to take the lead in a League Cup final which meant so much during a season of lows for St. Pats. This turned the game the Saints’ way, as they would go on to score two more in a 4-1 EA Sports Cup final win at the Markets’ Field.

2. Wexford Youths 2016

This goal showcased the range which Conan Byrne has as a goal threat. Where many of his 100 league goals have been tap-ins following delicate build-up play from midfield, and others penalties, this goal versus Wexford Youths last season showed the Van-Basten-esque technique the player has in his armoury to slice the sweetest of volleys past Graham Doyle from the most difficult of acute angles and into the top corner.

1. UCD 2013

18 consecutive passes. Byrne himself referenced this goal when speaking about his halfway line strike against Bohemians last night. A simple finish yes, but the build-up play could be the most obvious and concentrated example of the passing, free-flowing Patselona football the Saints played during their swashbuckling 2013 Premier Division campaign which saw them crowned league champions.