Former Shelbourne captain Luke Byrne appointed as club's technical director
Shels Skipper Luke Byrne lifts the Airtricity League First Division trophy Credit: Paul Dolan (ETPhotos)
Shelbourne have appointed former captain Luke Byrne as the club’s new technical director ahead of the 2024 season.
The former Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers defender will work from underage, academy and senior level with the Reds as he takes the step into coaching.
Howth native Byrne - who won the First Divison twice with the Drumcondra club - called a halt to his playing career at the age of 30 last month following a spate of injuries.
And he will now turn his hand to the technical side of the game as he looks to “establish a sustainable pathway for success, balancing short-term goals with creating long-term objectives that sit outside the cyclical nature of League of Ireland football.”
Byrne said: “I am incredibly grateful to be given the opportunity to continue being a part of the club, going into what is a very exciting period for Shelbourne FC.
“Everyone who knows me knows what this club means to me and I am extremely motivated about being part of a team that is helping the club to grow and achieve long-term success.
“The progress made over the past few years has been immense and I want to help all strands of the club continue on this upward trajectory. P/ersonally, I couldn’t think of a better transition for myself after retiring earlier this month.
“I also want to place on record a huge thanks to Mickey O’Rourke, Brian McGovern, Barry Mocke and the board for putting their faith in me. UTR and see you in Tolka in 2024”
Byrne suffered a debilitating cruciate knee ligament while playing for the Hoops as a result of a rash tackle from Cork City’s Steven Beattie in a 2-0 defeat at Turner's Cross in 2016.
But he recovered and, after assisting Shels boss Damien Duff coaching the Rovers under-15s, he moved to Tolka Park and won the First Division in 2019 and 2021 under Ian Morris.
Duff added: “It is amazing news that Luke is staying on at this great club in such an important position. He has played a huge part in helping rebuild the club on the pitch, now it is time to do it off it.
“I have no doubt he will become the best Technical Director in the country overnight. In what is a busy time for clubs in this transfer window, Luke is a world class signing for Shelbourne FC.
“A massive thank you also to Mickey O’Rourke for believing in Luke but also what he has done for everyone in the last six weeks.
“Myself, the staff and the players will be giving everything to repay his faith in us and the club. UTR”
