Sharkey heads down under
Credit:
As the season approaches, and teams are finalising their squads, Derry City will be without another
defender this season, with Seamus Sharkey leaving the club to join Australian side, Southern Cross
United.
The news comes as a blow to Stephen Kenny, after the departures of Mark McChrystal and Mark Scoltock, leaving Shane McEleney as the only recognised centre half in the squad.
Sharkey himself is following former team-mate Liam Kearney, and former Bohs player Brian Shelley down under, and is looking forward to the opportunity.
“I think it’s too good an opportunity to turn down. I’m going out to play for Southern Cross United, do a bit of coaching and I’m gonna be studying to get my personal qualification as well.
“It’ll be hard leaving Derry, because I’ve made so many friends over the past few years, but it’s too good an opportunity to turn down.”
Sharkey, who made a handful of appearances for the Candystripes last season, including a polished performance against Monaghan in the final game, is highly regarded at the Brandywell, and had spent time on loan with Finn Harps the season before last.
At the end of the season, he, along with two other players at Derry, had explored the possibility of a scholarship in America, as well as contacting several clubs in Australia.
“Primarily, I was looking for a move to America on a scholarship, but kept my options open, getting in touch with teams in Brisbane. Just before Christmas, the club contacted me about possibly moving out, and I think I owe it to myself to try my luck.”
“It’s an opportunity, and hopefully it’ll be a good experience for me” he concluded.
The news comes as a blow to Stephen Kenny, after the departures of Mark McChrystal and Mark Scoltock, leaving Shane McEleney as the only recognised centre half in the squad.
Sharkey himself is following former team-mate Liam Kearney, and former Bohs player Brian Shelley down under, and is looking forward to the opportunity.
“I think it’s too good an opportunity to turn down. I’m going out to play for Southern Cross United, do a bit of coaching and I’m gonna be studying to get my personal qualification as well.
“It’ll be hard leaving Derry, because I’ve made so many friends over the past few years, but it’s too good an opportunity to turn down.”
Sharkey, who made a handful of appearances for the Candystripes last season, including a polished performance against Monaghan in the final game, is highly regarded at the Brandywell, and had spent time on loan with Finn Harps the season before last.
At the end of the season, he, along with two other players at Derry, had explored the possibility of a scholarship in America, as well as contacting several clubs in Australia.
“Primarily, I was looking for a move to America on a scholarship, but kept my options open, getting in touch with teams in Brisbane. Just before Christmas, the club contacted me about possibly moving out, and I think I owe it to myself to try my luck.”
“It’s an opportunity, and hopefully it’ll be a good experience for me” he concluded.
About Rory Kelly
Rory Kelly is a freelance Sports journalist based in Co. Donegal. Having been a player in the League of Ireland for four seasons, he recently graduated with a degree in Journalism from John Moores University, … View Full Profile