David Cassidy (born: 23 May 1985) is a midfielder who first shot onto the League of Ireland scene with Kilkenny City in 2005. He had earlier played for Home Farm at youth level and spent three years with Derby County in England, before returning to Ireland and the Cats when signed by Pat Scully in the July transfer window. A complete overhaul of the squad in the window saw the previously struggling Kilkenny (one win from fifteen) go on a magnificent run of form as they accumulated an impressive 45 points from the final 63 on offer (including a 5-0 hammering of Dundalk in Monaghan). Cassidy played a big role in City’s turnaround, playing in twelve of those games and netting two goals along the way, his debut strike in League of Ireland football coming in a 3-1 win over Limerick at Buckley Park. Despite their wonderful run, however, Kilkenny still finished six points short of a playoff spot.
 
Following his eye-catching first season in management, Scully switched to former club, relegated Shamrock Rovers, and took a number of Kilkenny players with him, including Cassidy. ‘Casso’ made his competitive debut for the Hoops when playing the full 90 minutes in the opening day come-from-behind 2-1 win over Dundalk at Tolka Park, and went on to play a key role in Rovers’ First Division title success. He played in 33 of their 36 league matches (20 starts/13 subs) and scored four goals, the last of which came in a 4-0 home win over Finn Harps on 10 November, the night Rovers sealed the league crown. Also during 2006, in late August, Cassidy made himself an instant hero with the Rovers support when netting both goals in the FAI Cup third round replay win over Bohemians at Dalymount Park, though the Hoops went on to lose the semi-final at home to Saint Patrick’s Athletic.
 
Cassidy remained at Tolka Park for 2007, and again was an ever-present, as he lined-out in 30 of the 33 games (25 starts/5 subs), scoring two goals. His performances were key to Rovers challenging for the Premier Division for long spells as they closed to within five points of champions Drogheda United at one stage, before they eventually finished fifth in their first season back in the top flight. Cassidy was widely expected to stay on with the Hoops for their 2008 campaign, however, within days of playing the full 90 minutes of the scoreless draw with Waterford on the final day of the season, the young star was surprisingly among 11 players released by Scully. A quality player, Cassidy attracted attention from many top flight clubs, however, after being approached by John Gill, the midfielder couldn’t resist the lure of Dundalk and this season aims to add a second First Division medal to his CV.
 
Profile last updated: February 2008