Damien Duff hails Mark Coyle 'an important part of the DNA of Shelbourne'

Damien Duff says Mark Coyle is now a firm part of the Shelbourne DNA.

The 26-year-old Burt man has signed a new contract which will see him stay at Tolka Park until the end of the 2024 season. Then, Shelbourne will have an option of extending the deal by another year.

Coyle was snapped up by Duff after being named Finn Harps’ Player of the Year in 2021. The midfielder has played 16 times for Shels so far this season having made 23 appearances during injury-hit campaign in 2022.

Coyle took a career break from his role as a Medical Scientist in the Pathology Department of Letterkenny University Hospital to pursue full-time football with Shelbourne.

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“We are building for now and for the future,” former Republic of Ireland international Duff, now the Shelbourne Head Coach, said. “Mark is part of both. It is important we keep him fit as he consistently grows as a player when he is.

“He is a big player and has become an important part of the DNA of Shelbourne FC.”

Coyle has started 13 games this year and he joins former Harps striker Sean Boyd, Conor Kearns and Gavin Molloy in pledging their future to Shels until the close of the 2024 campaign.

Coyle said: “I couldn’t be happier to extend my contract for another year; it’s a pleasure to be part of this fantastic club. From the moment I arrived at Tolka, I’ve been warmly welcomed by a wonderful group of people—dedicated volunteers, supportive coaches and staff, and talented and hard working teammates — I genuinely enjoy every moment spent here.

“Committing to the club when it is undoubtedly heading in the right direction is very exciting, the decision to sign on for another year was incredibly easy. The belief and trust shown in me by the gaffer and everyone involved played a significant role in making this happen. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue wearing the Shels jersey.“