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Shelbourne tie three more key players down for 2025

Paddy Barrett (L) and JJ Lunney are staying with Shels
Paddy Barrett (L) and JJ Lunney are staying with Shels

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.

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The latest batch of Shelbourne contract announcements comes on the back of the club tying down Sean Boyd, Conor Kearns and Tyreke Wilson for the season ahead.

The club have also announced a new front-of-shirt partnership with builders' merchants Chadwicks, who have agreed to help upgrade facilities at Tolka Park.

The ground will host the 2025 President's Cup on 7 February, when league champions Shels will take on Sports Direct FAI Cup winners Drogheda United in the 2025 League of Ireland curtain-raiser.

Meanwhile, Waterford have confirmed that midfielder Rowan McDonald has signed a deal to remain with the Blues for 2025.

McDonald came through the ranks at Manchester City and moved to Waterford in August 2023, helping to guide the club to promotion from the First Division.

He then played a key role as Keith Long's men finished seventh in their first season back in the top flight.

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