BY MICHAEL O’LEARY
A dramatic finish to one of the most spectacular League of Ireland campaigns, saw Shelbourne strike late with an 85th minute goal from Harry Wood to defeat Derry City 1-0 at The Brandywell and give Damien Duff’s charges their first Premier Division title in 18 years since 2006.
With their nearest title challengers Shamrock Rovers winning against Waterford United, Shelbourne needed to win also and the full time whistle sparked wild jubiliant scenes along the Banks of The Foyle.
Playing their parts for Shels was Paulstown man John Martin who played a key role throughout the season on their way to League glory.
John along with twin brother Paul have been plying their trade in The League of Ireland since 2017, when they helped Waterford United gain promotion to The Premier Division.
Both John and Paul played together in Waterford at The RSC, until John moved to Dundalk at the end of 2021 when The Blues were relegated.
The duo began their careers playing in the Carlow Schoolboys Soccer League with Vale Wanderers before moving to New Oak, and with both players having featured on The Irish Schoolboys Team they were also on the St. Patricks Athletic Team that won The National League U-17 title in 2016.
John was also capped for the Republic of Ireland U-19 Team, and he made an instant impact with Waterford United in his debut season in 2017 when he scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 trouncing of Athlone Town.
He stayed with The Suirsiders for 5 seasons until the end of the 2021 season, where he joined Dundalk as he spent two seasons in Oriel Park.
Paul remained with Waterford United and the two would come up against one another in the FAI Cup Quarter-Final in 2022 as The Blues prevailed 3-2 in a thriller, before losing 1-0 at home to Shelbourne in the Semi-Final.
However, John had a fine debut season with Dundalk as they finished third in The Premier Division under manager Stephen O’Donnell to qualify for The Europa Conference League.
Unfortunately the 2023 season was disappointing for Dundalk as they only finished mid-table, but one particular highlight for John was a magnificent goal he scored against Shelbourne.
The goal that he scored most certainly attracted the attention of Shelbourne, with Damien Duff hailing his signing as a player that would blend in perfectly into the set-up.
“With so much attacking talent leaving the club during the transfer window, it is imperative that we replace it. John has been an attacking force in this league for a few years now. I love his hunger to score goals and win games. On top of his pace, power and technical ability, he has a great presence on the pitch too. He will fit in brilliantly with the players and our culture”
Words that proved most accurate, as the Paulstown man more than played his part in what his manager described as the perfect Hollywood ending.
