SEÁN SHEEHY RIP

Dundalk FC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Sean Sheehy, who died on Monday morning. A League of Ireland winner with the club in the 1975/76 season, Sean made over 130 appearances across two spells at Oriel Park, leaving a lasting impression on and off the pitch.

Born in Dublin but with strong Dundalk roots, his father Roger was a proud Dundalk native and a key figure in the Dublin branch of the Dundalk Supporters’ Club, Sean joined the Lilywhites in the summer of 1970 from St Joseph’s Sallynoggin. A promising youth international midfielder, he made his debut on August 6th in a Presidents Cup tie against Shamrock Rovers.

Sean quickly became a mainstay in the team, earning his first senior medal that December with a Leinster Senior Cup win over the Hoops. He would go on to star in the club’s 1971/72 Shield success, netting the only goal in the semi-final before Dundalk thrashed Drogheda United 5-0 in the final.

Following a spell abroad, including time with Preston North End, Dundee United and two caps for the Irish U23 team, Sean returned to Ireland and helped Bohemians to a league title in 1974/75. That summer, he rejoined Dundalk under Jim McLaughlin, and once again proved his worth.

During the 1975/76 campaign, Sean formed a lethal partnership with striker Terry Flanagan. The pair’s 19 league goals powered Dundalk to their first league title in over a decade and launched the McLaughlin era in style. Sean’s strength, intelligence, and deceptive pace made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for defenders.

He remained with Dundalk through to 1978, lifting another Leinster Cup medal in 1976/77 and playing his part in shaping a new-look team that would go on to dominate Irish football.

In total, Sean Sheehy made 134 appearances for Dundalk, scoring 20 goals. He won:

• League of Ireland: 1975/76

• Shield: 1971/72

• Leinster Senior Cup: 1970/71, 1976/77

  
  

After Oriel Park, Sean brought his leadership and experience to clubs like Thurles Town, where he was player-manager and Player of the Year, Shelbourne, and Finn Harps, finishing his League of Ireland career with 39 goals in 200 appearances across four clubs.

The Dundalk Democrat once described Sean as:

“Big, hard-working, mobile, athletic, honest, intelligent… his deceptively long strides had fooled many defenders… and he was the ideal partner for Terry Flanagan in Jim McLaughlin’s first League victory.”

Everyone at Dundalk FC sends our heartfelt condolences to Sean’s brother Colm, his extended family, friends, and former teammates. Sean Sheehy’s contribution to our history will never be forgotten.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.