Shane Farrell
{{short description|Irish footballer}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Shane Farrell
| full_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|2000|6|26}}
| birth_place = Finglas, County Dublin, Ireland
| height =
| position = Midfielder
Utility player
| currentclub = Drogheda United
| clubnumber = 17
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = Finglas Celtic
| youthyears2 = –2018
| youthclubs2 = Finglas United
| years1 = 2018–2024 | clubs1 = Shelbourne | caps1 = 148 | goals1 = 12
| years2 = 2024– | clubs2 = Drogheda United | caps2 = 17 | goals2 = 1
| club-update = 16:38, 18 March 2025 (UTC)
}}
Shane Farrell (born 26 June 2000) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for League of Ireland Premier Division club Drogheda United. He previously played for Shelbourne.
Career
=Youth career=
A native of Finglas, County Dublin,{{Cite web|url=https://www.the42.ie/shane-farrell-shelbourne-5993927-Feb2023/|title='When I see my Ma smiling now, it's the best feeling ever to see her happy'|first=David|last=Sneyd|date=February 13, 2023|website=The 42}} Farrell began playing schoolboy football with local club Finglas Celtic{{Cite web|url=https://finglascelticfc.clubifyapp.com/articles/42842|title=A return to his roots - Shane Farrell|website=Finglas Celtic FC}} and then Finglas United, where in his last season with the club, he scored the winner in the Dalton U19 Cup Final against Knockmitten from the penalty spot.{{Cite web|url=https://shelbournefc.ie/final-four-signings-ahead-of-2018-season-announced/|title=Final Signings Ahead of Shelbourne's 2018 Season|first=Shelbourne|last=FC|date=February 9, 2018}}
=Shelbourne=
Farrell signed for League of Ireland First Division club Shelbourne on 9 February 2018. He made his debut for the club on 23 February 2018, in a 2–1 loss away to UCD in the first game of the season at the UCD Bowl.{{Cite web|url=https://www.extratime.com/fixtures/2018-league-of-ireland-first-division/ucd-v-shelbourne/33136/4/report/|title=League Report: UCD 2 - 1 Shelbourne|website=extratime.com}} On 25 April 2018, he scored his first goal in senior football in a 7–2 win over Drogheda United at Tolka Park in the League of Ireland Cup.{{Cite web|url=https://www.extratime.com/fixtures/2018-league-cup-second-round/shelbourne-v-drogheda-united/34060/4/report/|title=EA Sports Cup Report: Shelbourne 7 - 2 Drogheda United|website=extratime.com}} He followed the goal up by scoring again 5 days later, netting the only goal of the game in a 1–0 win away to Athlone Town in the Leinster Senior Cup.{{Cite web|url=https://www.extratime.com/fixtures/20172018-leinster-senior-cup-fourth-round/athlone-town-v-shelbourne/34275/3/lineups/|title=Athlone Town 0 - 1 Shelbourne - LINEUPS | 2017/2018 Leinster Senior Cup Fourth Round | extratime.com - The Home of Irish Football - Extratime.com|website=www.extratime.com}} Farrell signed his first professional contract with the club in August 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://shelbournefc.ie/also-signed-for-2019-is-shane-farrell/|title=Also signed for 2019 is Shane Farrell|first=Shelbourne|last=FC|date=November 7, 2018}} On 28 September 2018, he was part of the team that defeated rivals St Patrick's Athletic in the final in a penalty shootout to win the 2017–18 Leinster Senior Cup at Tolka Park, with Farrell scoring his penalty in the shootout.{{Cite web|url=https://www.the42.ie/leinster-senior-cup-final-2018-report-shelbourne-st-patricks-athletic-league-of-ireland-4260346-Sep2018/|title=Shelbourne follow up play-off spot with silverware as Reds retain Leinster Senior Cup|first=Dave|last=Donnelly|date=September 28, 2018|website=The 42}} On 13 September 2019, Farrell was part of the side that defeated Drogheda United 3–1 at United Park to win the 2019 League of Ireland First Division and promotion to the Premier Division.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2019/0913/1075841-shelbourne-promoted-after-beating-drogheda-united/|title=Shelbourne promoted after beating Drogheda United|website=amp.rte.ie}} The return to the League of Ireland Premier Division did not go to plan for Farrell or Shels, as they were relegated back to the First Division on 15 November 2020 after losing 1–0 to Longford Town at Richmond Park.{{Cite web|url=https://www.extratime.com/articles/26112/promotionrelegation-play-off-report-shelbourne-0---1-longford-town/|title=Promotion/Relegation Play-Off Report: Shelbourne 0 - 1 Longford Town|first=Andrew|last=Dempsey|website=extratime.com}} On 1 October 2021, he was part of the team that defeated Treaty United 1–0 at Tolka Park to claim the 2021 League of Ireland First Division title to yo-yo the club back up to the Premier Division.{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/match-reports/shelbourne-promoted-premier-division-after-25121393|title=Shelbourne promoted to Premier Division after Treaty United win|first=Paul|last=Buttner|date=October 2, 2021|website=Irish Mirror}} On 26 November 2021, he signed a new contract with the club.{{Cite web|url=https://shelbournefc.ie/shane-farrell-re-signs-for-shels-for-fifth-year/|title=Shane Farrell re-signs for Shels for fifth year|first=Shelbourne|last=FC|date=November 26, 2021}} Just a few months later on 22 May 2022, he signed another new contract that would run to the end of the 2023 season, with the option for another year.{{Cite web|url=https://shelbournefc.ie/farrell-signs-new-shels-deal/|title=Farrell signs new Shels deal|first=Shelbourne|last=FC|date=May 27, 2022}} On 13 November 2022, he was part of the Shels side that were on the receiving end of a record FAI Cup final defeat as they were beaten 4–0 by Derry City in the 2022 FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium, in what he later described as "the lowest moment in my career".{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41514005.html|title=Shane Farrell savours Drogheda FAI Cup win two years on from 'lowest moment in my career'|first=John|last=Fallon|date=November 10, 2024|website=Irish Examiner}} He signed a new contract with the club on 26 November 2023,{{Cite web|url=https://shelbournefc.ie/shels-extend-farrell-deal/|title=Shels extend Farrell deal|first=Shelbourne|last=FC|date=November 24, 2023}} after making 37 appearances in all competitions in the 2023 season.{{Cite web|url=https://ie.soccerway.com/players/shane-farrell/539159/|title=Republic of Ireland - S. Farrell - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway|website=ie.soccerway.com}} He made just 2 in the first half of the 2024 season, with manager Damien Duff publicly criticising Farrell's lifestyle and effort in training following a red card against Shamrock Rovers on 22 April 2024, stating "Regarding Shane, I'm always honest privately and in public. He knows he has let everyone down. I used to laugh about his diet, in year one, the chicken fillet rolls, whatever. That time has passed now. How you live your life off the pitch, how you train usually gets shown up on a match night and it did tonight. I get he's a fan's favourite and what have you, but he hasn't deserved to play - not one bit."{{Cite web|url=https://www.the42.ie/shane-farrell-duff-6361689-Apr2024/|title='I used to laugh about his diet...the chicken fillet rolls. That time has passed now'|first=Gavin|last=Cooney|date=April 22, 2024|website=The 42}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/i-get-hes-a-fans-favourite-but-he-hasnt-deserved-to-play-damien-duff-expands-on-shane-farrell-criticism/a1881430249.html|title='I get he's a fan's favourite … but he hasn't deserved to play' – Damien Duff expands on Shane Farrell criticism|date=April 23, 2024|website=Irish Independent}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/damien-duff-explains-shelbourne-fans-32649861|title=Damien Duff explains why Shels' Shane Farrell needs to knuckle down|first=Paul|last=O'Hehir|date=April 23, 2024|website=Irish Mirror}} He was allowed to depart the club when the July transfer window opened, having made 173 appearances for the club, scoring 17 goals during his 7 seasons.
=Drogheda United=
On 1 July 2024, Farrell joined fellow League of Ireland Premier Division club Drogheda United.{{Cite web|url=https://www.extratime.com/articles/33876/drogheda-united-swoop-for-shelbournes-shane-farrell-as-elicha-ahui-rejoins-from-lincoln-city/|title=Drogheda United swoop for Shelbourne's Shane Farrell as Elicha Ahui rejoins from Lincoln City|first=Extratime|last=Team|website=extratime.com}} He made his debut for the club on 12 July 2024, in a 4–2 loss away to Dundalk in the Louth Derby at Oriel Park.{{Cite web|url=https://www.extratime.com/fixtures/2024-league-of-ireland-premier-division/dundalk-v-drogheda-united/63617/4/report/|title=League Report: Dundalk 4 - 2 Drogheda United|website=extratime.com}} His first goal for the club came in a 2–2 draw at home to Bohemians, as he found the top corner with a free-kick.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2024/0802/1463258-drogheda-and-bohemians-play-out-entertaining-draw/|title=Drogheda and Bohemians play out entertaining draw|first=Barry|last=Landy|date=August 2, 2024|via=www.rte.ie}} Farrell started the 2024 FAI Cup final on 11 November 2024, as his side defeated Derry City 2–0 at the Aviva Stadium to win the Cup.{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41513876.html|title=Drogheda United shock Derry to claim first FAI Cup since 2005|first=John|last=Fallon|date=November 10, 2024|website=Irish Examiner}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/from-2022-devastation-to-2024-celebration-shane-farrell-on-road-to-fai-cup-redemption/a1677049412.html|title=From 2022 devastation to 2024 celebration – Shane Farrell on road to FAI Cup redemption|date=November 10, 2024|website=Irish Independent}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2024/1110/1480216-farrell-happy-to-repay-doherty-faith-after-crazy-year/|title=Farrell happy to repay Doherty faith after crazy year|first=Peter|last=Branigan|date=November 10, 2024|via=www.rte.ie}} On 16 November 2024, he helped his side to a 3–1 win over Bray Wanderers at Tallaght Stadium in the 2024 League of Ireland Premier Division Promotion/Relegation Playoff.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/drogheda-united-secure-premier-division-status-with-play-off-win-over-bray/a1325542561.html|title=Drogheda United secure Premier Division status with play-off win over Bray|date=November 16, 2024|website=Irish Independent}} On 7 December 2024, Farrell signed a new contract ahead of the 2025 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.extratime.com/articles/35060/drogheda-united-re-sign-luke-dennison-and-shane-farrell-for-2025/|title=Drogheda United re-sign Luke Dennison and Shane Farrell for 2025|first=Extratime|last=Team|website=extratime.com}}
Career statistics
{{updated|match played on 14 March 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/shane-farrell/539159/|title=Republic of Ireland - S. Farrell - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway|website=int.soccerway.com}}
| class=wikitable style="text-align: center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition | ||||||||||
| rowspan=2|Club
!rowspan=2|Season !colspan=3|League !colspan=2|National Cup{{efn|Includes FAI Cup}} !colspan=2|League Cup{{efn|Includes League of Ireland Cup}} !colspan=2|Other !colspan=2|Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan="8"|Shelbourne
|2018 |rowspan="2"|LOI First Division |12 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 6{{efn|4 appearances, 2 goals in the Leinster Senior Cup; 2 appearances in the 2019 League of Ireland First Division Promotion Playoffs}} | 2 | 23 | 3 | |
| 2019
|17 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0{{efn|Appearance(s) in the Leinster Senior Cup|name=statsLSC}} | 0 | 19 | 4 | |
| 2020
|11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1{{efn|Appearance in the League of Ireland Promotion/Relegation Play-off}} | 0 | 13 | 0 | ||
| 2021
|24 | 3 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 25 | 3 | |||
| 2022
|rowspan="3"|LOI Premier Division |34 | 6 | 5 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 39 | 6 | |||
| 2023
|33 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 3{{efn|name=statsLSC}} | 1 | 37 | 1 | ||
| 2024
|17 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 0{{efn|name=statsLSC}} | 0 | 17 | 0 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!148 | 12 | 11 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 10 | 3 | 173 | 17 | |
| rowspan="3"|Drogheda United
|2024 |rowspan="2"|LOI Premier Division |11 | 1 | 4 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1{{efn|1 appearance in the 2024 League of Ireland Premier Division Promotion/Relegation Playoff}} | 0 | 16 | 1 | ||
| 2025
|6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0{{efn|Appearance(s) in the UEFA Conference League|name=statsConf}} | 0 | 3{{efn|1 appearance in the President of Ireland's Cup; 2 appearances in the Leinster Senior Cup}} | 0 | 9 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!17 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 25 | 1 | |
| colspan="3"|Career Total
!165 | 13 | 15 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 14 | 3 | 198 | 18 |
{{notelist}}
Honours
;Shelbourne
- League of Ireland Premier Division (1): 2024
- League of Ireland First Division (2): 2019, 2021
- Leinster Senior Cup (1): 2017–18
;Drogheda United
References
{{reflist}}
External links
[https://www.the42.ie/shane-farrell-reaction-fai-cup-final-6538681-Nov2024/ 'I could be the first League of Ireland player to win the double and get relegated']
{{Drogheda United F.C. squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Farrell, Shane}}
Category:Republic of Ireland men's association footballers
Category:Shelbourne F.C. players
Category:Drogheda United F.C. players
Category:League of Ireland players
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Men's association football utility players
Category:Association footballers from County Dublin