League of Ireland news: Shelbourne signing, new Wexford manager, Finn Harps update
A former Ireland international has taken charge of First Division side Wexford, while champions Shelbourne have made their first new signing.
Shelbourne have made their first new signing of the close-season by raiding relegated Dundalk for young attacking star Ryan O’Kane.
O’Kane signed for his hometown club in 2021 and went on to make more than 100 appearances, including 33 last season. He scored three goals in the 2024 campaign, when Dundalk were relegated and were threatened with liquidation.
Shels boss Damien Duff reckons the 21-year-old is at the right club for his development.
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The title-winning boss said: “Shelbourne FC is the best club in the country at developing young players in the first team and bringing them to the next level. That is why it is the perfect move for both parties.
“For Ryan he will be given everything on and off the pitch to help him grow as a footballer and as a person.
“For us, we have signed electric pace, brilliant dribbling, an exciting player that will get us up the pitch and get bums off seats. He is a brilliant signing for the group, he will fit in brilliantly and will play his part in the continued growth of this team”
O’Kane added: “I was delighted when I heard Shels were in for me, it’s a club with ambition and has shown where hard work gets you, having won the League of Ireland last season.
“I think my game will really suit the way the team plays. I’m a winger, I like to dribble, cross and shoot and I’m really excited to get going.”
Elliott lands first senior role
Elsewhere, former Sunderland and Ireland striker Stephen Elliott has left St Patrick’s Athletic, where he was head coach with the Under-20s, to take over as first-team manager at Wexford.
The First Division side have offered the Dubliner, who also played first-team football at Manchester City, Wolves, Preston, Norwich, Hearts, Coventry, Carlisle, Shelbourne and Drogheda United, his first ever senior management role.
Elliott (40) explained why he went for the Wexford job.
“Obviously I saw there was an opportunity to come in and I’m aware that the club is wanting to move things forward from the academy base, getting players involved in the first team from the youth team set-up, and that’s something that really intrigued me, because I have a lot of experience working with young players, so I like that side of it,” said the Dubliner.
“Plus I want to have a go at being a senior manager myself, and that’s something that has always appealed to me from when I started out coaching seven or eight years ago back in Sunderland college.”
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Elliott has worked in the academy system at Darlington and Fleetwood Town, as well as Pat’s, where he was also the head of academy football.
He added: “You want to make people aware that there is a pathway for young local talent, that if they come in and they play well in the academy, then there is an opportunity there in the first-team.
“I’ve got a lot of experience working with young players and I feel I have a lot of expertise in getting the best out of young players. I’m hoping we see that over due course.”
Harps’ Murphy gets new deal
Meanwhile, Finn Harps have handed manager Darren Murphy a new three-year deal.
Murphy arrived at Finn Park in 2023 initially as assistant manager to Dave Rogers. He took over as interim boss after Rogers’ departure and was given the job full-time at the start of this year.
He led the club to a sixth place finish and said: “I’m delighted to have signed a new three-year deal.
“I’ve had a wonderful two years at Finn Park. The people of Donegal have been tremendous and I have really enjoyed getting to know them and being out and around the county.
“Our supporters are amazing, they are incredibly loyal through thick and thin and while I’m sure there will be bumps in the road ahead, it is a really exciting time for all involved with Finn Harps.”
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