Squad Update : Shelbourne FC Manager Sean Russell gives his first update as he begins to build his squad for the 2026 season | OneFootball

Shelbourne FC manager Sean Russell has begun building the Reds’ squad for the 2026 season with the announcement of the re-signing of Pearl Slattery, Jess Gargan, Alex Kavanagh, Aoibheann Clancy, Rachel Graham, Lucy O’Rourke, Kate Mooney and Nia Hannon.

Pearl Slattery, Shels skipper, returns for her 11th year in Red. The Shelbourne FC number 4 will be hungry to bring silverware back to Tolka Park as she looks ahead to the 2026 season.

Jess Gargan, the 1895 Player of the Year award winner, re-signs following a top-quality season with the Reds where she took on a leadership role and battled relentlessly for the team. Gargan has been vital to the squad and has contributed immensely to the club’s success over recent years.

Alex Kavanagh re-signs with the Reds as she continues her status as the longest serving Shelbourne FC player, entering her 16th season at Tolka Park. Kavanagh had a flying start to her 2025 season, earning an international call-up in April. She finished the season with a wrist injury that rendered her unavailable to finish out the season. She is expected to start the 2026 campaign ready and eager to bring success back to Tolka Park.

Aoibheann Clancy commits to her second year in Red following an impressive first year at the club. The hard working and determined midfielder has been essential to the team since her arrival and picked up the 1895 Young Player of the Year award for the 2025 season. She will be eager to get going and hungry for success as we look ahead to the 2026 season.

Rachel Graham, another long-term servant of the club, has committed to entering her 11th season with the Reds. Rachel is a cultured midfielder who excels in all aspects of the game. The former Irish international is a leader on and off the pitch and brings a calming presence to the midfield and dressing room.

Lucy O’Rourke commits to another year with Shelbourne FC. Having joined the Reds Academy in 2022, Lucy will look forward to furthering her role within the senior team. O’Rourke is a young, talented and versatile defender who continues to earn caps at underage international level.

Kate Mooney, Goal of the Year award winner in the 2025 WPD, commits to Tolka Park for the 2026 season. Following a stellar end to 2024, which carried into the 2025 season, Mooney was unlucky to miss out on the latter half of the campaign due to an ACL injury. She will be a huge player for the Reds upon her expected return in 2026.

Nia Hannon, another Reds Academy graduate, has re-signed for Shelbourne FC ahead of the 2026 season. Nia has earned her place in the senior squad by producing several accomplished displays in the back line. A good reader of the game with an eye for a pass, she will be hungry to bring success back to the club this season.

Sean Russell also confirmed a number of departures.

Noelle Murray, one of the best strikers ever to grace the League of Ireland departs Tolka Park with the sincerest appreciation of fans, teammates, staff and volunteers for her incredible time in Red. One of the most prolific and talented goalscorers ever to lead the line, we are immensely grateful for her contribution.

Courtney Maguire a Reds Academy graduate and talented shot-stopper. Her journey at the club has also come to an end following multiple stints in Red. Courtney has grown up and been involved in the club for long periods, everyone involved in her journey would like to thank her immensely for her contributions over the years and wish her the best of luck as she departs.

Amanda McQuillan, part of the core group with multiple long and successful stints in Red. Amanda departs Tolka Park with the deepest thanks from the fans, teammates, staff, and volunteers who were part of her remarkable chapter in Red. A great talent who was key to many of the Reds’ successes in recent years.

Megan Smyth Lynch, another player having been multiple significant and successful stints in Tolka Park also departs the club following her latest stint of three years in Red. All involved in her career in Red hold great respect for her and have nothing but thanks and best wishes to offer her as she departs.

Roma McLaughlin, an immensely talented midfielder greatly contributed in 2024, a season which saw the Reds lift the FAI Cup and only lose one league fixture departs the club with deep gratitude from the fans, the staff and her teammates who were part of her time in Tolka Park wishing her every success for the future.

All at Shelbourne FC wish them the very best and thank them for their brilliant contribution during their time at the club.

New additions and further re-signings will follow over the coming weeks, don’t miss a minute of the action.