Soccer

Shelbourne defender Gavin Molloy joins Aberdeen

Blow for manager Damien Duff’s title hopes as talented defender joins Scottish side

Shelbourne's Gavin Molloy reacts during the game. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho
Shelbourne's Gavin Molloy reacts during the game. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho
Fri Jun 14 2024 - 16:06

Shelbourne have been hit with a blow to their League of Ireland Premier Division titles hopes after Aberdeen announced the signing of Gavin Molloy for an undisclosed fee on July 1st.

The 22-year-old defender has made 79 appearances for Shels and excelled this season, his final match a clean sheet over Waterford on Thursday.

Shelbourne were eager for Molloy, the grandson of former captain Theo Dunne, to stay at Tolka Park, but he made the decision to continue his career in Scotland.

“It’s emotional to leave; these have been the best three years of my life. The fans have made me feel really comfortable, I’ve flourished at Tolka, and I’ve loved every minute of it,” Molloy said. “Missing out on Europe will be tough but I’ve always wanted to play across the water, which is the dream of any young lad, and I’m fulfilling it now.

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“Playing at Tolka and representing Shels has been the highlight of my life. The pride I felt is indescribable. My family are Shels fanatics, so with my bloodline, my grandad, it makes it really special. I’ll be back as a fan, there’ll be no doubt about it”

“Speaking on behalf of everyone, I want to wish Gavin the best of luck, he’s a fabulous boy, a class act and he never gave me a moment of trouble,” manager Damien Duff said. “We wish him all the best. We’re sad to see Gavin go of course, but that is the way of the world now.

“The club will move on like it did after Tony Sheridan, Jack Moylan, and Wes Hoolahan left. We’ll do our business, we’ll be sharing some signings very soon, and we’ll adapt as we always have done.”

Shelbourne are two points ahead of Derry City with a game in hand.