Aodh Dervan: ‘Look when Damien Duff rings you, it’s a great feeling’

Damien Duff has added Premier Division experience to the Shelbourne midfield with the arrival of Aodh Dervin to Tolka Park.

The combative 22-year-old had previously spent his entire League of Ireland playing with Longford Town.

After taking the first steps on the footballing ladder with Melview FC aged five, a decade later he became the first Longford native to be called up to the Republic of Ireland Boys' Under 15 side when then manager Niall Harrison brought him into the squad in June 2014.

The following year, he was part of the first Longford Town squad to feature in the inaugural National Under 17 League, starting with the short season of 2015. He won Player of the Season at the club in 2020 as they were promoted through the Play Off series and was a mainstay in Daire Doyle's team during the 2021 campaign.

Speaking with shelbournefc.ie about the influence of his new manager, Dervin enthused,

“Look when Damien Duff rings you, it’s a great feeling,” said Dervan. “It had been In the works for a while and it was the right time on all sides. 

“I’m hungry to be involved in what is going to be a ruthless environment. I’m obsessed with hard work and will be fully focused on it now. It’s a great Christmas present to get it over the line. I’m all Shels now.”

For his part Duff was equally as happy with the move. “We are delighted to welcome Aodh to Tolka Park. He has played a lot of games for one so young, so he is a brilliant addition to our midfield options.

"He is tenacious, technical and has an infectious appetite for the game. He will fit perfectly into the dressing room”

 



 

 

    About Tom O'Connor

    Dundalk based reporter following the league since Monaghan United’s goalless draw against Athlone Town in 1996. Special interest in education and underage football. Shortlisted for the 2018 FAI Communications Award for series on Life beyond … View Full Profile