Irish League star will be 'major addition' to Shelbourne after reported six-figure transfer completed

Casey came through the youth ranks at Solitude before establishing himself as a senior star, making nearly 100 Premiership appearances for the Reds.

His club form earned Casey a maiden call-up to Northern Ireland’s U21 squad in March 2024, featuring in fixtures against Czechia and Serbia.

The 23-year-old played a key role in Cliftonville’s run to winning the Irish Cup in 2024 – Casey broke his leg in their final triumph against Linfield at Windsor Park, but made a successful return to action in November 2024.

He helped Jim Magilton’s side seal League Cup glory last term alongside reaching another Irish Cup final, where they lost out to Dungannon Swifts on penalties.

Although officially listed as an undisclosed fee, it’s been reported the transfer sum paid by Shels to acquire Casey’s services could rise above £100,000 – a figure which would mark a League of Ireland record.

“We’re delighted to welcome Odhran to the club and are very excited to begin working with him,” said O’Brien. “He is a very experienced player for his age, having already played a huge number of senior games.

"We believe he has great potential for further development, and we’re very pleased that he has chosen to come to Shelbourne FC.”

Shelbourne’s Technical Director Luke Byrne revealed the Dublin-based club have been tracking Casey’s progress closely and feels he can take his game to the next level at Tolka Park.

"We have monitored Odhran for a long time and feel he is going to be a major addition to the team,” said Byrne. “He’s got massive experience for someone so young, and he has fantastic attributes for a defender.

"He’s composed in possession, a dominant defender, and aggressive in both boxes. We see huge potential in Odhran, and this is the perfect environment for him to continue improving.”

On his move, Casey said: “I’ve heard this is a great club with a brilliant fanbase. Their ambitions were a real draw for me to come here. I’m looking forward to getting in with the lads and playing in front of the fans at Tolka Park.”

Cliftonville manager Magilton added: “Odhrán’s progress in the two-and-a-half years since Gerard Lyttle and I came to the Club has been nothing short of phenomenal.

“He has been magnificent on the pitch and a huge personality within our changing room. Players of his quality will always attract attention from other Clubs and the opportunity of playing full-time football is one that he wanted to pursue.

“We wish him very well and have no doubt that he will be a success during his time with Shelbourne.”