John Martin Commits Future to Shelbourne | OneFootball

Shelbourne FC is delighted to announce that forward John Martin has put pen to paper on a new and improved contract that commits his future to the club.

Martin first joined Shelbourne ahead of the 2024 campaign and the new deal will see him at the club up until at least 2027. The striker has developed into a vital part of the Reds attack, matching his tireless work rate with a striker instinct for goal. Since arriving at the club, he has made 76 competitive appearances, scoring 14 goals across the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division, FAI Cup, and European competition.

In 2024, Martin made 30 league appearances, scoring 4 goals, and played his part on the road to the most memorable title win in the club/s illustrious 130 year history.

The Kilkenny man’s form has continued that strong form in 2025, registering 10 goals in all competitions, including a memorable strike in the away victory over HNK Rijeka during the club’s European campaign, which ended in qualification for the league phase of the UEFA Conference League, the club’s first ever appearance at the group stage of continental competition.

The 26-year-old also netted a hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Sligo Rovers at Tolka Park in May this year. Martin counts Dundalk and Waterford among his former clubs. He’s represented the Republic of Ireland at U17, U18 and U19 level.

John Martin said: “I’m delighted to be signing back for this great club. I’ve loved being part of what we’ve achieved over the last two years, but I’m hungry for more. I want to help drive the club on to even greater success in the years ahead.”

Shelbourne FC Manager Joey O’Brien said: “John is the ultimate team player, he always puts the team ahead of himself, which is a rare quality in the game today. He’s got all the traits you want in a professional, and whenever he’s called upon, he delivers. Everyone in the dressing room and on the staff loves working with him, so we’re delighted to have him signed up for the long term.

We’re looking to kick on, we’re never happy and we know John can bring more goals and assists to his game over the next couple of years, and we think Tolka Park and Shels is where he’s best placed to do that.”

Shelbourne FC Technical Director Luke Byrne added: “His team mates, his coaches and our fans love him. He gives everything he has for the team every time he crosses the white line and is an example to players everywhere. John Martin has consistently come up with big goals in big games for us during the past two years and has brilliant qualities as a player. We love him and are delighted he has extended his contract with us.”