Shelbourne snap up Michael O’Connor and Ally Gilchrist for 2021

Shelbourne have confirmed the acquisition of both Michael O’Connor and Ally Gilchrist ahead of the 2021 season.

O’Connor joins the Reds after leaving Scottish Premiership side Ross County earlier this week, while Ally Gilchrist joins from Derry City.

O’Connor was most recently of Waterford in the League of Ireland – and he has also played for Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers in the Premier Division.

“It’s great to get the deal done, it’s been a hectic few days but delighted it’s over the line now,” O’Connor told Shelbourne’s media team. 

“I’ve had good conversations with Alan Reynolds and obviously with Ian too. We’ve a big season ahead to get this club back to where it belongs,” he added.

Gilchrist also joins from Derry after the 25-year-old endured a disappointing year with the Candystripes in 2020,

“I definitely felt wanted by the manager when he was explaining the plan to me. Having Alan Reynolds in can also only be good too,” Gilchrist said.

“You have to be looking at the club when joining and the big thing for me is that Shels have a good plan set out,” he added.