Jessie Stapleton will join Women's Super League side on 1 July after Shelbourne confirmed she will play a final game for the club on Saturday 24 against Linfield FC in the Avenir Sports All Island Cup at Tolka Park.
Stapleton is widely regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in Irish football. She departs the Reds having made 71 appearances, scoring21 goals in winning two League of Ireland titles and an FAI Cup.
Since arriving at Tolka Park in 2021, Stapleton has become central to the success enjoyed under Noel King. In her first season in senior football, she was nominated for Young Player of the Year and named in the team of the season as the Reds won the title in the most dramatic of fashions, pipping Peamount United on the final day to win the 2021 Women's National League title.
The Reds made it to the FAI Cup final that season, but were denied the double by Wexford Youths.
The next season Stapleton was a vital part of the side that followed up the 2021 title win with a remarkable League and Cup "double".
She was crowned Young Player of the Year and retained her place in the Team of the Season. Stapleton also made up for the disappointment of missing out on the FAI Cup in 2021, as she scored the opening goal and won the Player of the Match award as the Reds beat Athlone Town 2-0 in the 2022 FAI Women's Cup final.
Stapleton has captained the Republic of Ireland U-19s side and named U-19s Player of the Year at International level at the FAI Awards in 2022 an award for which has been nominated again for this year.
The 18-year-old went on to make her senior international debut against the Philippines as a substitute last June in Turkey.
She said: "It's been a pleasure to play for this incredible club. I’ve grown so much as a player winning two league titles, an FAI Cup and had the amazing experience of playing in the Champions League.
"I wanted to thank the staff, especially Noel King who gave me the opportunity of playing and helped develop me as a player. For now, I’m onto my next challenge but I’ll be Shels biggest fan."
Shelbourne head coach Noel King said: "Jessie has been a role model, not only for her teammates but for aspiring footballers in our community. Her professionalism, humility, and determination are qualities that we greatly admire and respect.
"Her positive influence has extended far beyond the pitch, it was a privilege to work with Jessie and I wish her all the best for the future."
Watch Republic of Ireland v Zambia on Thursday night from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app
Watch Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland on Friday from 7.35pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on all matches on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app
