Ronan Finn
Encyclopedia
Ronan Finn is an Irish
footballer
, who is currently playing for League of Ireland
Premier Division club Shamrock Rovers
.
The former Republic of Ireland under-21 midfielder said: "I was flying out after school on Fridays, playing a game on Saturday and flying straight back because I had to finish school in Ireland.
"Ricky Duncan (then youth manager) wanted me there more and more, but I’d been training with Bohemians as well and they wanted to sign me.
"I weighed up my options and at the time Cambridge weren’t a club going forward, so it got to the February and I just told Ricky I needed to take a step back and go with my education and they respected that."
in 2005 and went straight into the U-21 team. He was one of the star performers in the side and was a catalyst for the club winning a second straight Dr. Tony O'Neill U-21 League Championship, scoring the winning goal in the final against Shelbourne
. His impressive displays earned him a call-up to the first team squad towards the end of the season. He made his League of Ireland
debut for UCD
in a 1-0 defeat against Longford Town
in November 2005. He made his home debut the following week on the 18th against Shamrock Rovers
, again as a substitute. He rounded off an eye-catching performance with his first senior goal for UCD
.
Finn started the 2006 season back in the U-21s. He continued to impress and it was obvious that another call-up to the first team was not long away. He regularly began to make the match day squad from the beginning of June, making a couple of brief substitute appearances. However he got his chance to impress as he was handed his first senior start away to Sligo Rovers
in August. Finn was the most outstanding player on the pitch, terrorising the Sligo
defence with his dribbling skills and defence splitting passes which earned him the man-of-the-match award. This was enough to convince UCD
manager Pete Mahon
to make him one of the first names on the teamsheet for the remainder of the season.
Finn repaid his manager's trust in him and continued to be a thorn in any side that he came up against. He made he made his FAI Cup
debut in the third round against Limerick FC and scored his first goals of the season, scoring twice in a 3-1 win. His displays did not go unnoticed and he was nominated for the PFAI Young Player of the Year award and also won the UCD Supporters' New Player of the Year with a landslide victory.
2007 proved to be a successful year for Finn as he secured his place as a first choice pick in centre midfield. He forged a strong partnership with fellow Irish U-21 international Shane McFaul. This partnership helped UCD reach the semi finals of both the League and FAI Cups.
With the retirement of Tony McDonnell and the departure of Shane McFaul, Ronan became one of the most experienced central midfielders at the club and formed a new partnership with Alan McNally in the centre. Finn began the 2008 season with some impressive and authoritative displays in the opening games against Derry and Bray. Unfortunately UCD struggled as the season went on and were eventually relegated after finishing bottom of the Premier Division.
Following relegation UCD lost almost all of its first team squad leaving Finn as the only experienced first team player left with the club. UCD chose to promote many members of last season's successful A Championship winning squad augmented with a few signings. Ronan was handed the captaincy of this extremely youthful and inexperienced squad and led them to promotion and an unexpected 2009 First Division title win while putting in many exceptional performances.
on 8 December 2009.
On 9 February 2011 the future of the club remained in doubt after the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI) released a statement confirming that the club has cancelled the contracts of its entire playing staff.[13]
On 10 February 2011 the directors of Sporting Fingal FC confirmed that the club withdrew its application for a licence from the FAI to participate in the 2011 Airtricity League season. This decision was taken after funding targets integral to the club's continued existence were not reached during the off-season. After their demise, Finn became a free agent.
, Finn signed for Shamrock Rovers
on a two year deal in February 2011 http://www.shamrockrovers.ie/news/35-news/1812-hoops-add-trio-to-squad.
He made his League debut for the Hoops in the opening night win over Dundalk http://www.shamrockrovers.ie/news/67-2011-first-team-match-reports/1824-rovers-31-dundalk, and helped the Hoops win the Setanta Sports Cup
by beating Dundalk 2-0 in the final.
Finn was named man-of-the-match in two live televised Setanta games in a row, against Dundalk and in a 1-0 win over Bohemians.
squad for the first time in early 2007, for the annual Madeira Cup tournament. He won his first cap when he came on as a half-time substitute against Madeira. In May 2010, Finn made his Republic of Ireland Under 23
debut against England Under 23
in the International Challenge Trophy at the RSC
in Waterford
http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100998:late-comeback-by-u23s-not-enough-against-england&catid=2:under-23&Itemid=10.
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
footballer
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
, who is currently playing for League of Ireland
League of Ireland
The League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
Premier Division club Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
.
Club career
Finn spent eight months in the Cambridge United youth team in 2004-05.The former Republic of Ireland under-21 midfielder said: "I was flying out after school on Fridays, playing a game on Saturday and flying straight back because I had to finish school in Ireland.
"Ricky Duncan (then youth manager) wanted me there more and more, but I’d been training with Bohemians as well and they wanted to sign me.
"I weighed up my options and at the time Cambridge weren’t a club going forward, so it got to the February and I just told Ricky I needed to take a step back and go with my education and they respected that."
UCD
Ronan was signed by UCDUniversity College Dublin A.F.C.
University College Dublin Association Football Club known commonly as UCD is the football team of University College Dublin. They play in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1895 was elected to the league in 1979 under the management of Dr. Tony O'Neill. Since the 2008 season they have...
in 2005 and went straight into the U-21 team. He was one of the star performers in the side and was a catalyst for the club winning a second straight Dr. Tony O'Neill U-21 League Championship, scoring the winning goal in the final against Shelbourne
Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
. His impressive displays earned him a call-up to the first team squad towards the end of the season. He made his League of Ireland
League of Ireland
The League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
debut for UCD
University College Dublin A.F.C.
University College Dublin Association Football Club known commonly as UCD is the football team of University College Dublin. They play in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1895 was elected to the league in 1979 under the management of Dr. Tony O'Neill. Since the 2008 season they have...
in a 1-0 defeat against Longford Town
Longford Town F.C.
Longford Town F.C. is an Irish football club playing in the League of Ireland First Division. The club, founded in 1924 and elected to the league in 1984, hails from Longford, County Longford and play their home matches at Flancare Park...
in November 2005. He made his home debut the following week on the 18th against Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
, again as a substitute. He rounded off an eye-catching performance with his first senior goal for UCD
University College Dublin A.F.C.
University College Dublin Association Football Club known commonly as UCD is the football team of University College Dublin. They play in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1895 was elected to the league in 1979 under the management of Dr. Tony O'Neill. Since the 2008 season they have...
.
Finn started the 2006 season back in the U-21s. He continued to impress and it was obvious that another call-up to the first team was not long away. He regularly began to make the match day squad from the beginning of June, making a couple of brief substitute appearances. However he got his chance to impress as he was handed his first senior start away to Sligo Rovers
Sligo Rovers F.C.
Sligo Rovers Football Club is a professional Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1928 and have been in the League of Ireland since 1934. The club is a co-operative venture, owned by the people of Sligo. Sligo Rovers have played at...
in August. Finn was the most outstanding player on the pitch, terrorising the Sligo
Sligo Rovers F.C.
Sligo Rovers Football Club is a professional Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1928 and have been in the League of Ireland since 1934. The club is a co-operative venture, owned by the people of Sligo. Sligo Rovers have played at...
defence with his dribbling skills and defence splitting passes which earned him the man-of-the-match award. This was enough to convince UCD
University College Dublin A.F.C.
University College Dublin Association Football Club known commonly as UCD is the football team of University College Dublin. They play in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1895 was elected to the league in 1979 under the management of Dr. Tony O'Neill. Since the 2008 season they have...
manager Pete Mahon
Pete Mahon
Pete Mahon , is an Irish football manager who is currently the manager of St. Patrick's Athletic .His son, Alan Mahon , played all his career for UCD....
to make him one of the first names on the teamsheet for the remainder of the season.
Finn repaid his manager's trust in him and continued to be a thorn in any side that he came up against. He made he made his FAI Cup
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
debut in the third round against Limerick FC and scored his first goals of the season, scoring twice in a 3-1 win. His displays did not go unnoticed and he was nominated for the PFAI Young Player of the Year award and also won the UCD Supporters' New Player of the Year with a landslide victory.
2007 proved to be a successful year for Finn as he secured his place as a first choice pick in centre midfield. He forged a strong partnership with fellow Irish U-21 international Shane McFaul. This partnership helped UCD reach the semi finals of both the League and FAI Cups.
With the retirement of Tony McDonnell and the departure of Shane McFaul, Ronan became one of the most experienced central midfielders at the club and formed a new partnership with Alan McNally in the centre. Finn began the 2008 season with some impressive and authoritative displays in the opening games against Derry and Bray. Unfortunately UCD struggled as the season went on and were eventually relegated after finishing bottom of the Premier Division.
Following relegation UCD lost almost all of its first team squad leaving Finn as the only experienced first team player left with the club. UCD chose to promote many members of last season's successful A Championship winning squad augmented with a few signings. Ronan was handed the captaincy of this extremely youthful and inexperienced squad and led them to promotion and an unexpected 2009 First Division title win while putting in many exceptional performances.
Sporting Fingal
Finn departed UCD after five seasons to join Sporting FingalSporting Fingal F.C.
Sporting Fingal Football Club was a professional football club based in Fingal, County Dublin, Ireland. The club competed in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland from 2008 to 2011. Former Shamrock Rovers manager, Liam Buckley was the club's manager while former Arsenal player, John Devine...
on 8 December 2009.
On 9 February 2011 the future of the club remained in doubt after the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI) released a statement confirming that the club has cancelled the contracts of its entire playing staff.[13]
On 10 February 2011 the directors of Sporting Fingal FC confirmed that the club withdrew its application for a licence from the FAI to participate in the 2011 Airtricity League season. This decision was taken after funding targets integral to the club's continued existence were not reached during the off-season. After their demise, Finn became a free agent.
Shamrock Rovers
Following the demise of Sporting FingalSporting Fingal F.C.
Sporting Fingal Football Club was a professional football club based in Fingal, County Dublin, Ireland. The club competed in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland from 2008 to 2011. Former Shamrock Rovers manager, Liam Buckley was the club's manager while former Arsenal player, John Devine...
, Finn signed for Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
on a two year deal in February 2011 http://www.shamrockrovers.ie/news/35-news/1812-hoops-add-trio-to-squad.
He made his League debut for the Hoops in the opening night win over Dundalk http://www.shamrockrovers.ie/news/67-2011-first-team-match-reports/1824-rovers-31-dundalk, and helped the Hoops win the Setanta Sports Cup
Setanta Sports Cup
The Setanta Sports Cup, commonly known as just the Setanta Cup, is a club football competition featuring teams from both football associations on the island of Ireland...
by beating Dundalk 2-0 in the final.
Finn was named man-of-the-match in two live televised Setanta games in a row, against Dundalk and in a 1-0 win over Bohemians.
International career
Ronan was called up to the Republic of Ireland U21Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team
The Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team, is the national under-21 football team of the Republic of Ireland and is controlled by the Football Association of Ireland and competes in the biennial European Under-21 Football Championship and has competed since 1978.-Competition...
squad for the first time in early 2007, for the annual Madeira Cup tournament. He won his first cap when he came on as a half-time substitute against Madeira. In May 2010, Finn made his Republic of Ireland Under 23
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
debut against England Under 23
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
in the International Challenge Trophy at the RSC
Waterford Regional Sports Centre
The Waterford Regional Sports Centre is part of Waterford Corporation's Municipal sporting facilities and home to Waterford United of the League of Ireland ....
in Waterford
Waterford
Waterford is a city in the South-East Region of Ireland. It is the oldest city in the country and fifth largest by population. Waterford City Council is the local government authority for the city and its immediate hinterland...
http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100998:late-comeback-by-u23s-not-enough-against-england&catid=2:under-23&Itemid=10.
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | FAI Cup FAI Cup The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland... |
League Cup | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| App 100 | Goals 24 | App 54 | Goals 11 | App 406 | Goals 107 | App 1 | Goals 0 | ||
| UCD AFC University College Dublin A.F.C. University College Dublin Association Football Club known commonly as UCD is the football team of University College Dublin. They play in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1895 was elected to the league in 1979 under the management of Dr. Tony O'Neill. Since the 2008 season they have... |
2009 | 30 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 33 | 8 |
| 2008 | 28 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 2 | |
| 2007 | 23 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 27 | 0 | |
| 2006 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 2 | |
| 2005 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | |
| Total | 97 | 10 | 7 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 108 | 13 | |
Honours
League of Ireland First Division: 1
- UCDUniversity College Dublin A.F.C.University College Dublin Association Football Club known commonly as UCD is the football team of University College Dublin. They play in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1895 was elected to the league in 1979 under the management of Dr. Tony O'Neill. Since the 2008 season they have...
- 2009
- UCD
- Setanta Cup:
- Shamrock RoversShamrock Rovers F.C.Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
- 2011
- Shamrock Rovers