Shelbourne bring in Long and Cahill for key academy roles

Shelbourne have named former Bohemians and Waterford boss Keith Long as the club's new academy director, with five-time LOI title winner Ollie Cahill coming in as head of player development.

The appointments are being funded through the League of Ireland Academy Investment Programme, a €3m government funding measure that was announced in last year's Budget.

Long managed Bohs for eight years, departing in 2022. He took the reins at Waterford in March 2023, moving on just over two years later.

Now the 52-year-old has joined the set-up at Shels, where he will oversee the coaching structures and player pathways across all of the academy boys and girls teams.

"I'm excited by the opportunities and the challenges that lie ahead of me," he said.

"I believe that this role is a critical one in any football club and I am really looking forward to working with the coaches and the players. Our aim is to create development pathways for the players’ careers and to build upon the good work that already exists in the Shelbourne Academy.

"Government support is a significant opportunity for the club, but success won’t simply be measured by additional staff or resources. It will be measured by the standards we establish.

"We are at the start of what I believe is an exciting journey for Irish football. The Government investment gives clubs a real opportunity to raise the standards within our academies and to create better environments for our players and coaches."

Cahill made over 150 appearances for Shels winning leagues in 2003, 2004 and in 2006.

He also won titles with Drogheda United (2007) and Shamrock Rovers (2010), as well as an FAI Cup with Cork City in 1998.

"I'm excited and privileged to be at the club again and to be entrusted with this role within the academy," said the Tipperary man.

"I can’t wait to get started and look forward to working with Keith Long to look to implement the highest standards possible in the academy and to make sure that Shelbourne are at the forefront when it comes to producing the best players in the country."

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