Shane Elworthy: 'I started to panic a little bit on what I was going to do next after I came home'

A consistent performer in the First Division,  it is fair to say that Shane Elworthy has not had it all his own way in his short footballing career.

Once on the books of Fulham, the Swords native has had to deal with plenty of mental setbacks since he kickstarted his career in football with the West Londoners in 2013.

“It was tough (going over to the UK), I hadn’t even turned 16 when I left," Elworthy noted on his time in England with the Craven Cottage outfit.

“It took me a year to get going over there but after that I really enjoyed my time over there. I’ve only got good things to say about Fulham, it’s a great club and I really enjoyed my time over there, it was brilliant.

“I would have considered staying at home if the current underage League of Ireland structures were there. Saying that, when a young lad gets the opportunity to go over to England at such a young age it’s hard to turn it down,” the former Drogheda United full-back revealed.

“It may not ever come again,” he added. “If I was talking to a young lad now, I would say to consider the option of doing the Leaving Cert. In a way, I regret not doing it, but it is a chance you have to take.”

However, when the former Republic of Ireland under-19 international did return home, he admits he had mixed feelings on departing the Cottagers; “There was mixed emotions for me coming home.

“I didn’t know what to do really, I started to panic a little bit thinking what I was going to do next. Being back home with your family and friends is the good part of it but when I initially came home, I struggled mentally.”

However, the FAI FÁS programme provided the energetic full-back with a platform to both play football and prepare for life outside of the game.

“What really did help me was doing the FAI FÁS programme in Cabra with Harry McHugh and John Maher. I really feel that did save me. I was there with a few lads playing football and I was getting an education as well which was huge for me.



“I spent a year there and it got me into a college but after a year I decided it wasn’t for me, but it stopped me from sitting at home all the time as I was around people playing football again. It was as close to a professional environment as I was going to get at that stage.

“There was a little bit of an emphasis on education in England, but it was mainly in the first year. I think it was called a BTEC but after you finished that it was primarily about football.”

After coming home and joining forces with Drogheda as his first senior side, the former St Patrick’s Athletic under-19 star revealed the difference between the League of Ireland and the underage grades in England. 

“In England it would be a lot more technical possession wise and obviously here there’s a lot more intensity wise with people flying into you from the first whistle.

“It’s gruelling in the First Division, people are competing for places and looking to get promoted. It’s a lot tougher than I expected it to be but it’s great having the opportunity to play week in week out in such an environment.

“I wasn’t surprised by the standard of the league. I used to go to games before I went over and it really doesn’t get the recognition it really deserves, I feel.”



While there has been plenty to look back on during his career so far, the 21-year-old insists there is still much scope to add to his interesting story in this year’s highly competitive First Division with Longford Town.

“The season has been good so far. We started really well going ten games unbeaten but you’re going to have your ups and downs.

“I think with the likes of Conor Kenna at the back he’s brought that kind of experience and maturity to the squad. Even with myself getting forward he’s always talking to me about when and when not to go.

“Himself and Mick (McDonnell) have really gelled and that has really helped me and Anto Breslin. ‘Breso’ has been brilliant for us as well so that’s been a big part of our season so far.”