Shels re-sign Byrne and Sullivan

John Sullivan and Sean Byrne are the latest players to be added to Alan Matthews’ Shelbourne squad for the forthcoming 2012 Premier Division campaign.

These signings bring Shelbourne up to a squad of fourteen and with further signings expected in the coming weeks, the Reds look to have a strong base for a squad established for their pre-season preparations.

Sean played underage football at Home Farm and Belvedere before signing for Bohemians at the start of the 2008 season. His first team debut came on 7th April 2009 when he came on as a substitute against Galway United at Terryland Park.

At the start of the 2010 season, Sean signed for Dermot Keely at Shelbourne and made 29 appearances and scoring twice in his debut season at Tolka Park. 

The 2011 season saw Sean hampered by injury and with the signing of Lorcan Fitzgerald, few saw Sean breaking back into the side once recovered. However, the young Dublin born defender grabbed himself a few appearances before season’s end, and has got himself an extension on his contract until the end of the 2012 season.

John Sullivan will most likely be remembered for setting up Phillip Hughes for the FAI Cup opener at the Aviva Stadium. Sullivan is a strong central midfielder who showed his ability in the First Division as well as over in Scotland. He will be competing for a central midfield spot this season with Glen Cronin and Kevin Dawson this season.

John played youths football in Dublin with Lourdes Celtic and Crumlin United before signing with Bohemians and playing with their U20 side. 

In February 2009 he moved to Scotland where he spent a season and a half at Hamilton Academical. At the end of the 2009/10 season he returned to Ireland and signed for Pat Scully at Limerick FC in June. He spent the remainder of the 2010 season there making 13 league appearances and scoring two league goals before signing for Alan Mathews in 2011.