Shelbourne FC Appoints Ollie Cahill as Head of Player Development | OneFootball

Shelbourne FC is delighted to announce that former five-time league title winner Ollie Cahill will be joining the club in his role as Head of Player Development. Ollie made over 150 appearances for the club winning titles in 2003, 2004 and in 2006 for the Reds. A decorated professional with a 17-year playing career, Cahill went on to work with distinction in the PFAI for 13 years, being awarded the PFAI Merit Award in 2022. The experience and expertise that Cahill will bring to the Shelbourne Academy is second to none and we are excited that such a club legend will be helping to mould the young Shelbourne players of the future.

Cahill spoke to ShelsTV about his appointment, “I’m excited and privileged to be at the club again and to be entrusted with this role within the Academy. Shelbourne have enjoyed some great times recently and my aim is to ensure that both the men’s and women’s first teams have a strong and viable pathway. It is important that young players can come through the Shelbourne Academy and affect the first team.

A consummate professional throughout his entire career, Ollie is looking forward to passing his wealth of knowledge and experience on to the Shels players of the future, “We will do everything possible to ensure that the coaches and players in the Academy are getting what they require so that we can ultimately produce footballers and people that are of the highest calibre. I can’t wait to get started and look forward to working with Keith Long to look to implement the highest standards possible in the Academy and to make sure that Shelbourne are at the forefront when it comes to producing the best players in the country.”

Speaking on the influence Ollie has already had, Shelbourne FC Technical Director Luke Byrne said, “Since the day Ollie walked into the Academy to assume a coaching role, he has made a very positive impact on all the players and coaches. Shelbourne FC is in his blood, and he knows what it takes to have a successful career as a player. Passing on his vast experience and his advice to our young players will be critical in developing the pathway into both first teams”

Shelbourne FC CEO Tomás Quinn said, “Ollie’s appointment is an important step in our ambition to develop a stronger and more sustainable pathway from the Academy to our first teams. Developing our own players is central to the long-term strategy of the football club, and having someone with Ollie’s playing experience, knowledge and understanding of Shelbourne, leading on player development is a major asset. Ollie understands what is required to build a successful career. His experience, together with the expertise of Keith Long and our Academy coaches, will help us raise standards and create an environment where our young players can fulfil their potential and ultimately contribute to our first teams.”