Duff brings Gannon and Ward to Tolka Park as Barrett and Smith re-sign for the Reds

Keith Ward (left) and Sean Gannon are Tolka Park bound

Keith Ward (left) and Sean Gannon are Tolka Park bound Credit: Martin Doherty (left) and Ben Whitley (right)

Damien Duff had a busy day in the transfer market on Wednesday as Shels secured the services of two very experienced League of Ireland players, along with the re-signing of two crucial players from the squad who helped the Reds secure fourth spot this past season.

Sean Gannon and Keith Ward arrived from Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk respectively, with both Paddy Barrett and Matty Smith re-signing on for another season at Tolka Park.

Shels’ fourth placed league finish, coupled with St. Patrick’s Athletic’s FAI Cup win, means the Reds will play European football next season for the first time since 2006.

The two new singings will bring in valuable European experience to the Tolka Park dressing room.

Gannon

With 55 European appearances, Gannon second in the League of Ireland appearance list in Europe behind only Ronan Finn (63). He played twice in the groups stage in Europe – in 2016 the Europa League with Dundalk and the Europa Conference League with Rovers last year.

The 32-year-old made over 75 appearances at his second spell at Rovers where he won three league titles. Overall he has won ten league winners medals across seasons with Dundalk, St. Patrick’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers (including the 2011 season when he made one league appearance for Rovers).

“I couldn’t be happier to join Shelbourne FC,” said Gannon on shelbournefc.ie. “It’s an honour to be part of such a special club.

“I’m from Ringsend, I know what this club means to people. It’s a place I’ve always wanted to come to in my career.  I’m excited to bring my experience to the team.”

Ward



Another 30-something to arrive in Tolka is Keith Ward who is set for his 17th season of League of Ireland football having passed the 400 league appearance mark last season when at Oriel Park.

The 33-year-old made his league debut in 2008 with UCD, before going on to play for Dundalk (winning the league in 2014), Bohemian FC, Sligo Rovers, and Derry City.

His new boss Damien Duff said: “I have always been very impressed by Keith when we have played against him over the past two years. He has incredible technical ability, an infectious enthusiasm and a brilliant winning mentality that will be priceless for our dressing room.”

Barrett & Smith

Meanwhile both Paddy Barrett (30) and Matty Smith (26) have re-signed for the Reds. 

“I am very proud that Paddy has put his faith in us for another year,” said Duff. “He has been brilliant for the club and he is so popular on and off the pitch. He is a man mountain, someone that loves to defend but has so much class on the ball also.”



Meanwhile Scotsman Matty Smith is delighted to continue his time at Tolka Park. “Signing back with Shels feels like a fresh start for me,” said Smith.

“I’m thrilled to be here, it’s a fantastic club and I’m eager to get back on the pitch. Last season’s injury was a setback, but I’m determined to work hard and show what I’m about.

"I’m excited about the journey ahead in the league and Europe and know I can make a positive impact.”

About Macdara Ferris

Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile