Following Monday’s 2-1 defeat to Drogheda United, George Shelvey, the goalkeeper for Dundalk, has been handed a 10-match ban for verbal abuse directed at referee Rob Harvey. The independent disciplinary panel of the FAI declared that Shelvey violated the FAI’s rules on racism and discrimination. Shelvey, originally from England, was criticised for the discriminatory term “Irish c***”, which he reportedly used. According to Dundalk’s official statement, he was initially unaware that his comment could be perceived as discriminatory.
Dundalk stated, “While George quickly recognised his language was inappropriate, he didn’t initially understand the discriminatory implications of his utterances. After discussing the issue with the management, he completely acknowledges his comments were not only derogatory but also discriminatory. The club will assist George in improving his understanding of these matters going forward.”
This issue with Shelvey has overshadowed discussions regarding Stephen Kenny’s possible return to the League of Ireland following a five-year break. There has been an upturn in reappointing past managers, with Noel King taking over from Stephen O’Donnell at Dundalk after two decades, and rumours that Kenny might replace Jon Daly at St Patrick’s Athletic.
Kenny had been exploring options in England’s lower leagues ever since his contract with the Republic of Ireland wasn’t renewed last November by the FAI. The uncompromising attitude of Premier Division club heads has raised concern among the management community.
Tim Clancy, current Cork City manager said, “Jon succeeded me last year and won the club’s fifth-ever cup. I find it outrageous that he was dismissed after just 15 games this season. In four months, three Premier Division managers, including O’Donnell, Declan Devine at Bohemians, and now Daly, have been sacked.”
However, Daly might not remain jobless for long. Keith Long has returned to Waterford, replacing Devine, who took over Glentoran in April, while O’Donnell has been named assistant coach to Alan Reynolds at Dalymount Park.
Stephen Bradley holds the record for longest tenure as manager in premier division, having been at the helm of Shamrock Rovers since July 2016, amassing a total of 338 matches. Following him is Ruaidhrí Higgins of Derry City, with 135 games since 2021.
Critically examining the mismatch between club aspiration and actuality, Clancy pointed out that although John Russell has done a tremendous job with Sligo, their ambitions to compete are unwarranted.
Speculation is rife that if St Pat’s boss, Garrett Kelleher secures Kenny’s signing, the departure of Daly will appear understandable. Meanwhile, Seán O’Connor will be taking the Inchicore squad to pit against Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night. This match could place the reigning champions – Bradley’s team at the top of the table, if Shelbourne suffer a loss at home to Drogheda.
Notably, football on Friday nights is not confined to Dublin. The impending Connacht derby at Eamonn Deacy Park finds Sligo Rovers, who are currently eighth, a mere three points behind Galway United in fourth.