Shelbourne tie three more key players down for 2025

Shelbourne have continued their preparations for the 2025 season by agreeing new deals for key trio Harry Wood, Paddy Barrett, and JJ Lunney.

Centre-back Barrett and midfielder Lunney were key figures as Damien Duff's side won the 2024 SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division, ending the Drumcondra club's 18-year wait for the league title.

Wood joined from Hull City at the beginning of the season and went on to score the dramatic late goal that sealed the title, in a 1-0 win away to Derry City on 1 November. The Leeds native had previously spent part of the 2023 season on loan at Shelbourne.

"It means the world to sign back with Shels," said 26-year-old Lunney. "I came here in 2021 when the club was trying to win the First Division. We're an ambitious group and want to keep building on what's already been achieved."

On his deal, Barrett, 31, said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have signed back and to be staying here. I'm really happy with how last season went both individually and of course as a team, winning the league and bringing it back to Tolka for the first time in 18 years."

Wood, 22, said: "Last year was a season of ups and downs for me but I wouldn't change it for a second. I know myself I only managed to perform at 40% of what I know I'm capable of but next year will be totally different. The feeling I got at the end of the season in Derry was unbelievable. The coaches, the club, the fans and I want the same again next year."

Derry City 0-1 Shelbourne: The visitors make the breakthrough with six minutes to go and it looks like the league title is heading to Tolka Park, thanks to Harry Wood's goal.