{{Short description|Irish footballer (born 1977)}} {{Use British English|date=November 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}} {{Infobox football biography |name = Alan Kirby |image = |caption = |fullname = |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1977|9|8|df=y}}<ref name=FIFA/> |birth_place = [[Waterford]], Ireland |height = {{height|ft=5|in=8}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://guardian.touch-line.com/?CTID=34&CPID=423&TEID=5819&PLID=209004&pStr=Player |title=Alan Kirby: Facts |work=Stats centre |publisher=Guardian News and Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023132150/http://guardian.touch-line.com/?CTID=34&CPID=423&TEID=5819&PLID=209004&pStr=Player |archive-date=23 October 2013}}</ref> |position = [[Midfielder#Winger|Winger]] |youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}–1994 |youthclubs1 = [[Johnville F.C. (Waterford)|Johnville F.C.]] |youthyears2 = 1994–1996 |youthclubs2 = [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] |years1 = 1996–1998 |clubs1 = [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] |caps1 = 0 |goals1 = 0 |years2 = 1999–2001 |clubs2 = [[Waterford United F.C.|Waterford United]] |caps2 = 81 |goals2 = 16 |years3 = 2001–2006 |clubs3 = [[Longford Town F.C.|Longford Town]] |caps3 = 183 |goals3 = 17 |years4 = 2007–2008 |clubs4 = [[St Patrick's Athletic F.C.|St Patrick's Athletic]] |caps4 = 56 |goals4 = 6 |years5 = 2009–2010 |clubs5 = [[Sporting Fingal F.C.|Sporting Fingal]] |caps5 = 60 |goals5 = 12 |years6 = 2011 |clubs6 = [[Sligo Rovers F.C.|Sligo Rovers]] |caps6 = 31 |goals6 = 6 |years7 = 2012 |clubs7 = [[Longford Town F.C.|Longford Town]] |caps7 = 28 |goals7 = 5 |totalcaps = 439 |totalgoals = 62 |nationalyears1 = 1998 |nationalteam1 = [[Republic of Ireland under-21 national football team|Republic of Ireland U21]] |nationalcaps1 = 1 |nationalgoals1 = 0 |nationalyears2 = 2010 |nationalteam2 = [[League of Ireland XI]] |nationalcaps2 = 1 |nationalgoals2 = 0 }} '''Alan Kirby''' (born 8 September 1977) is an Irish former [[association football|footballer]]. He played as a [[midfielder]], most often on the [[midfielder#Winger|right wing]].
As a 16-year-old, Kirby went to England to join [[Premier League]] club [[Aston Villa]]. He spent four years with the club without making a first-team appearance, and returned to his native [[Waterford]]. He signed for [[League of Ireland Premier Division]] club [[Waterford United]] in 1999, and two-and-a-half years later moved on to [[Longford Town F.C.|Longford Town]]. During his six seasons with Longford, Kirby won two [[FAI Cup]]s, in [[2003 FAI Cup|2003]] and [[2004 FAI Cup|2004]], and the [[2004 League of Ireland Cup]], and was nominated for the 2003 [[PFAI Players' Player of the Year]] award.
Two League runners-up medals in two years with [[St Patrick's Athletic]] preceded a third FAI Cup win and promotion from the [[League of Ireland First Division|First Division]] with [[Sporting Fingal]]. He won his fourth FAI Cup<ref name=fourth/> and third League runners-up medal in 2011 with [[Sligo Rovers]], and retired from playing after one last season with Longford Town in 2012. Kirby made sixteen appearances in the [[UEFA Cup]] and [[UEFA Europa League]], six each for Longford Town and St Patrick's Athletic, and two each for Sporting Fingal and Sligo Rovers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=24594/profile/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107180644/http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=24594/profile/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 November 2011 |title=Alan Kirby |publisher=UEFA |date=4 January 2013 |access-date=23 October 2013}}</ref>
Kirby was capped for Ireland at levels from [[Republic of Ireland national under-16 football team|under-16]] to [[Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team|under-21]], and was a member of the [[Republic of Ireland national under-20 football team|under-20 team]] that won the bronze medal at the [[1997 FIFA World Youth Championship]]. He played for the [[League of Ireland XI]] that faced [[Manchester United]] in a match to mark the opening of the [[Aviva Stadium]] in 2010.
==Personal life== Kirby was born in Waterford, the son of former [[Waterford United]] player and assistant manager Dave Kirby and his wife Angela.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.munster-express.ie/wp-content/plugins/as-pdf/generate.php?post=71608 |url-access=subscription <!--for full story--> |title=Alan Kirby retires following glorious career |newspaper=Munster Express |date=1 January 2013 |access-date=23 October 2013}}</ref> He married Caitriona Norton, and {{asof|lc=y|May 2018}}, the couple had two daughters, Leah and Lauren.<ref name=ltfcHomage>{{cite web |url=http://ltfc.ie/index.php/supporters-club-notes-281012/ |title=Supporters Club Notes (28/10/12): End of an era |publisher=Longford Town F.C. |date=28 November 2012 |access-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021175112/http://ltfc.ie/index.php/supporters-club-notes-281012/ |archive-date=21 October 2013}}</ref><ref name=The42>{{cite web |url=https://www.the42.ie/alan-kirby-league-of-ireland-3993893-May2018/ |title='Things were going really well and what killed me looking back was Ron Atkinson got the bullet' |first=Sinead |last=Farrell |website=The42 |publisher=Journal Media |date=6 May 2018 |access-date=3 June 2019}}</ref>
Kirby started a degree in business studies at [[Dublin City University]] in 2007, alongside his football career.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:LSNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=11C5DDC8C11494B0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=Kirby: I'll teach Kevin a lesson |first1=Stephen |last1=Finn |first2=Paul |last2=O'Neill |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=Ireland |date=5 October 2007 |page=61}}</ref> After completing his studies, he began a career in tax consultancy in Dublin.<ref name=ltfcHomage/><ref name=The42/>
==Club career==
===Early career=== As a youngster, Kirby played for Johnville in the Waterford Schoolboys League.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wsfl0.tripod.com/famous_players/alan_kirby.html |title=Famous players: Alan Kirby |publisher=Waterford Schoolboys Football League |access-date=17 October 2013}}</ref> In the summer of 1994, as a 16-year-old, he went to England to join [[Premier League]] club [[Aston Villa]]. He was a regular in the youth team for two seasons, made his debut for the reserves in the 1995–96 season, and played not infrequently at that level for a further two years.<ref name=AVPD>{{cite web |url=http://www.astonvillaplayerdatabase.com/758.html |title=Kirby, Alan |website=Aston Villa Player Database |publisher=Jörn Mårtensson |access-date=17 October 2013}}</ref>
===Waterford United=== Kirby returned to Ireland, signed for Waterford United in 1998,<ref name=The42/> and made his [[League of Ireland]] debut against [[Bohemian F.C.|Bohemians]] at the [[Waterford Regional Sports Centre]] on 29 January 1999.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/1999/01/30/shead.htm |title=Waterford blow golden chance for valuable points |first=Conor |last=George |newspaper=Irish Examiner |date=30 January 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124224842/http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/1999/01/30/shead.htm |archive-date=24 January 2010}}</ref> His first senior goal opened the scoring as Waterford beat [[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk]] 2–0 on 16 April,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/eight-from-same-team-sent-off-26153551.html |title=Dundalk fall to the Blues |newspaper=Irish Independent |date=17 April 1999 |access-date=16 August 2021}}</ref> and his second, a "glorious 20-yard volley that simply flew past" the goalkeeper, was the only goal of the game against fellow relegation candidates [[Bray Wanderers]] a few days later and made a significant contribution to Waterford retaining their Premier Division status.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/waterford-slay-bray-26154353.html |title=Waterford slay Bray |newspaper=Irish Independent |date=26 April 1999 |access-date=16 August 2021}}</ref>
Available on a free transfer at the end of the season,<ref>{{cite news |title=Pool in good shape |first=Nick |last=Loughlin |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=10 July 1999 |page=5}}</ref> Kirby returned to England for a trial with [[Hartlepool United]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:MNEB1&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0F720D9EAE08EF13&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=No worries for Turner despite results |first=Nick |last=Loughlin |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=21 July 1999 |access-date=16 August 2021}}</ref> which came to nothing. He rejoined Waterford for the [[1999–2000 League of Ireland]] season, but the club struggled to score, finished tenth in the league, and had to play off against [[Kilkenny City F.C.|Kilkenny City]] for a place in the next season's Premier Division. Waterford lost the first leg 1–0, and their ill-fortune in front of goal continued in the second. Kirby shot against the post in the first half, and missed a chance in the second, and [[Derek McGrath (footballer)|Derek McGrath]] missed a late penalty, to leave Waterford in the First Division with only three contracted players, of which Kirby himself was one.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DSM1&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=138CBF9FD79BB380&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=Late drama as Kilkenny go up |first=Michael |last=Scully |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=Ireland |date=8 May 2000 |page=28 |access-date=16 August 2021}}<br />{{cite news |url=http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2000/05/08/current/ppage_0.htm |title=Waterford manager Mike Flanagan devastated after the game |first=Conor |last=George |newspaper=Irish Examiner |date=8 May 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051101125513/http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2000/05/08/current/ppage_0.htm |archive-date=1 November 2005}}</ref>
Kirby helped Waterford reach the semi-final of the [[2000–01 FAI Cup|FAI Cup in 2000–01]]. In the quarter-final, his shot was punched over the bar by a [[Cobh Ramblers]] defender, and he converted the resulting penalty to give Waterford a 1–0 win.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2001/0325/154993-faicup/ |title=Bohs and Waterford secure semi-final spots |website=RTÉ |date=25 April 2001 |access-date=16 August 2021}}</ref> The semi-final, against [[Longford Town F.C.|Longford Town]], went to a replay. Kirby came close to scoring, and was named man of the match as he had been in the quarter-final, but the tie was settled by a penalty kick in favour of Longford.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DSM1&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1391773103317D58&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=Kelly the talk of lucky Town – Longford T 1 Waterford 0 |first=Michael |last=Scully |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=Ireland |date=27 April 2001 |page=51 |access-date=16 August 2021}}</ref> He was named in the [[Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland|PFAI]] First Division Team of the Year for 2001, and shortlisted for the First Division Player of the Year award.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dundalkfc.com/three-make-pfai-team-of-the-season/ |title=Three make PFAI Team of the Season |publisher=Dundalk F.C. |date=20 April 2001 |access-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021175037/https://www.dundalkfc.com/three-make-pfai-team-of-the-season/ |archive-date=21 October 2013}}</ref>
When Kirby and teammate [[Alan Reynolds (footballer)|Alan Reynolds]] signed two-year contracts with Premier Division club [[Longford Town F.C.|Longford Town]], Reynolds moved on a free, but the fee for Kirby was to be determined by tribunal.{{cn|date=August 2021}} He had attracted the attention of manager [[Stephen Kenny (footballer)|Stephen Kenny]] when the clubs met in the FAI Cup semifinal earlier in the year.<ref name=Longford2>{{cite news |url=http://www.longfordleader.ie/sport/soccer/longford-town-fc-welcome-back-alan-kirby-1-3506656 |title=Longford Town FC welcome back Alan Kirby |newspaper=Longford Leader |date=9 February 2012 |access-date=21 October 2013}}</ref>
===Longford Town=== Kirby made his debut in the [[FAI Super Cup]] pre-season tournament,<ref name=ltfcHomage/> and scored twice on the opening day of the league season in a 4–1 defeat of [[Cork City F.C.|Cork City]].<ref name=ltfc0102>{{cite web |url=http://ltfc.ie/index.php/club-history/club-stats/2000s/200102-2/ |title=2001/02 |publisher=Longford Town F.C. |access-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304105853/http://ltfc.ie/club-history/club-stats/2000s/200102-2/ |archive-date=4 March 2015}}</ref> He played in the club's first appearances in European competition, the qualifying round of the [[2001–02 UEFA Cup]], against [[Litex Lovech]], which Longford lost in [[stoppage time]] in the second leg in Bulgaria.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/last-gasp-agony-for-longford-26078045.html |title=Last gasp agony for Longford |newspaper=Irish Independent |date=24 August 2001 |access-date=21 October 2013}}</ref> Kirby scored six goals from 40 appearances in all competitions as Longford finished ninth in the League. The Premier Division was to drop from twelve to ten teams for the transitional [[2002–03 League of Ireland]] season, so Longford had to play-off against First Division runners-up [[Finn Harps]] to retain their top-flight status. The scores were level after two legs, and Longford won 6–5 on penalties.<ref name=ltfc0102/>
Kirby was ever-present during the 2002–03 season, scoring three times as Longford finished fifth.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ltfc.ie/index.php/club-history/club-stats/2000s/200203-2/ |title=2002/03 |publisher=Longford Town F.C. |access-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304110442/http://ltfc.ie/club-history/club-stats/2000s/200203-2/ |archive-date=4 March 2015}}</ref> They reached the [[2003 League of Ireland Cup]] Final via a 90th-minute equaliser against [[Derry City F.C.|Derry City]] followed by the winner in the last minute of [[extra time]], when Kirby's free kick struck the post and Alan Murphy converted the rebound.<ref name=2003LgeCup>{{cite news |title=Longford move into final with late victory: Longford Town 2 Derry City 1 |newspaper=The Irish Times|date=9 July 2003 |page=19}}</ref> [[St Patrick's Athletic]] goalkeeper [[Chris Adamson]] made "the save of the night" from Kirby towards the end of the final, which Longford lost by a single goal when [[Barry Ferguson (Irish footballer)|Barry Ferguson]] missed a penalty with the last kick of the game.<ref>{{cite news |title=Freeman condemns Longford |first=Paul |last=Buttner |newspaper=The Irish Times|date=26 August 2003 |page=A5}}</ref> They went one better against the same opponents in the [[2003 FAI Cup|FAI Cup]] Final. Playing at [[Lansdowne Road]], on a bigger pitch that allowed the wingers more space, Kirby fed [[Sean Francis (footballer)|Sean Francis]] to open the scoring, as Longford went on to beat St Pat's 2–0 to win the first senior trophy in their history.<ref name=2003FAICup>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/gerry-mcdermott-tears-of-joy-as-town-end-drought-in-style-25928040.html |title=Tears of joy as Town end drought in style |first=Garry |last=McDermott |newspaper=Irish Independent |date=27 October 2003 |access-date=21 October 2013}}</ref> His performance over the season earned him a nomination for the PFAI Player of the Year award, but he lost out to [[Shelbourne F.C.|Shelbourne]]'s [[Jason Byrne (footballer)|Jason Byrne]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/irish/2004/0223/179294-shels/ |title=Shels star Byrne wins top PFAI award |first=Dhane |last=Murray |publisher=RTÉ |date=23 February 2004 |access-date=21 October 2013}}</ref>
Kirby made more appearances than any other Longford player<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ltfc.ie/index.php/club-history/club-stats/2000s/2004-2/ |title=2004 |publisher=Longford Town F.C |access-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304105859/http://ltfc.ie/club-history/club-stats/2000s/2004-2/ |archive-date=4 March 2015}}</ref> as the club trebled its trophy collection in 2004. In the [[2004 League of Ireland Cup|League Cup Final]], the ''Daily Mirror'' wrote that he made clever use of the ball on the right wing, and came close to scoring a "wonder goal" when he dribbled past a couple of defenders but then shot wide. Longford had the better of most of the game, but were under pressure at the end, eventually holding on to beat [[Bohemian F.C.|Bohemians]] 2–1.<ref name=2004LgeCup>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DSM1&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=13917DBDDBDC5AD0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=Town hang on for Cup glory |first=Garry |last=Doyle |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=Ireland |date=31 August 2004 |page=8}}</ref> Longford were a goal behind after 86 minutes in the [[2004 FAI Cup Final]] against Kirby's home-town club Waterford when his "stunning shot" tied the scores. Controversially, the goal was scored while a Waterford defender was clearing a stray football from the pitch. Longford's winner came a few seconds later.<ref name=2004FAICup>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/longfords-cup-of-joy-overflows-25894509.html |title=Longford's Cup of joy overflows |newspaper=Irish Independent |date=25 October 2004 |access-date=21 October 2013}}</ref> Kirby was left with mixed feelings. While pleased to have scored only his second goal of the season, and recognising the importance of the win to his current club, he had decided ahead of the game that he would not celebrate if he did score, and felt "a little gutted" for his former colleagues.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pleasure and pain for United old boy |first=Emmet |last=Malone |newspaper=The Irish Times|date=25 October 2004 |page=A2}}</ref> He turned down a move to [[Drogheda United]], who reportedly offered to triple his wages, to sign a new two-year contract on improved terms with Longford.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DSM1&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=13917DB440E2AB58&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=Alan able to Kirb Drogs' enthusiasm |first=Garry |last=Doyle |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=Ireland |date=30 November 2004 |page=53}}</ref>
In 2004, Longford had given [[Liechtenstein]]'s [[FC Vaduz]] their first ever European win, in the [[2004–05 UEFA Cup#First qualifying round|UEFA Cup qualifying rounds]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/025a-0eaaba3ca948-88b08f9c94e7-1000--vaduz-break-european-duck/ |title=Vaduz break European duck |first=David |last=Farrelly |publisher=UEFA |date=16 July 2004 |access-date=21 October 2013}}</ref> In the [[2004–05 UEFA Cup#First qualifying round|2005 competition]], they took a 2–0 first-leg lead against Welsh club [[Carmarthen Town F.C.|Carmarthen Town]]; the second goal was scored by Ferguson from Kirby's cross.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4672879.stm |title=Longford are two up on Carmarthen |publisher=BBC Sport |date=14 July 2005 |access-date=21 October 2013}}</ref> In the second leg, Carmarthen's opener was equalised from the penalty spot, but they then scored four times in the second half to eliminate Longford and give Kirby what he describes as "the lowest moment of my career".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DSM1&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1391816366D888C8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=Kirb keen on Euro four-tune |first=Garry |last=Doyle |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=Ireland |date=1 August 2007 |page=51}}</ref> He is one of three men to have played in all six, {{asof|lc=y|2015}}, of Longford's appearances in UEFA competition.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/history/clubs/75821--longford/ |title=Longford Town FC: History |publisher=UEFA |access-date=21 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026063915/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season%3D2005/clubs/club%3D75821/history/index.html |archive-date=26 October 2013}}</ref>
Kirby was the only ever-present for Longford in 2006, and was also their leading goalscorer, but with just six goals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ltfc.ie/index.php/club-history/club-stats/2000s/2006-2/ |title=2006 |publisher=Longford Town F.C |access-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304105904/http://ltfc.ie/club-history/club-stats/2000s/2006-2/ |archive-date=4 March 2015}}</ref> This took his figures to 24 goals from 235 games in all competitions for Longford as his contract expired at the end of the season.<ref name=ltfcStats>{{cite web |url=http://ltfc.ie/index.php/alan-kirby-statistics/ |title=Alan Kirby statistics |first=Martin |last=Stapleton |publisher=Longford Town F.C |date=12 November 2012 |access-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830122526/http://ltfc.ie/alan-kirby-statistics/ |archive-date=30 August 2017}}</ref> With the club's budget set to be reduced further, Kirby was one of several players to leave. He signed for [[St Patrick's Athletic]] in December 2006;<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.longfordleader.ie/sport/alan-matthews-future-in-doubt-as-the-flancare-park-exodus-continues-1-1946085 |title=Alan Matthews future in doubt as the Flancare Park exodus continues |newspaper=Longford Leader |date=20 December 2006 |access-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021193032/http://www.longfordleader.ie/sport/alan-matthews-future-in-doubt-as-the-flancare-park-exodus-continues-1-1946085 |archive-date=21 October 2013}}</ref> the season preview in the ''Irish Independent'' saw "the capture of Alan Kirby [as] a particular coup."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/derry-city-26269261.html |title=Derry City |newspaper=Irish Independent |date=7 March 2007 |access-date=21 October 2013}}</ref>
===St Patrick's Athletic===
While at Longford, Kirby had worked full-time for the club's sponsors as assistant to the site engineer on a building site, but was allowed to leave early on training evenings. At St Pat's, he was a full-time footballer.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/kirby-reaps-rich-dividend-by-turning-pro-26265346.html |title=Kirby reaps rich dividend by turning pro |first=Daniel |last=McDonnell |newspaper=Irish Independent |date=13 April 2007 |access-date=21 October 2013}}</ref> He was named [[League of Ireland Premier Division Player of the Month|Player of the Month]] for March, cited as central to St Pat's unbeaten start to the season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/arid-10030323.html |title=Player of the month Kirby relishing Pat's derby clash with Bohs |first=Liam |last=Mackey |newspaper=Irish Examiner |date=13 April 2007 |access-date=21 October 2013}}</ref> Pat's began the season with Kirby, [[Keith Fahey]] and [[Joseph Ndo]] in a central three in midfield; their "interchanging of passing and movement is excellent", according to [[Bohemian F.C.|Bohemians]]' manager [[Sean Connor]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Strikingly good times for Kirby and St Patrick's |first=Paul |last=Buttner, Paul |newspaper=The Irish Times|date=13 April 2007 |page=19}}</ref> But an injury to Ndo, combined with Kirby's absences through injury and suspension, meant a switch to a [[Formation (association football)#4–4–2|4–4–2]] formation, with more workmanlike players in the centre and the flair and creativity of Fahey and Kirby pushed out to the wings; this coincided with a mid-season slump.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/stuttering-saints-to-pay-price-for-overcautious-approach-26307770.html |title=Stuttering Saints to pay price for over-cautious approach |first=Seán |last=Ryan |newspaper=Irish Independent |date=25 July 2007 |access-date=21 October 2013}}<br>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/saints-go-marching-on-as-longford-cast-further-adrift-26304910.html |title=Saints go marching on as Longford cast further adrift |first=Daniel |last=McDonnell |newspaper=Irish Independent |date=16 July 2007 |access-date=21 October 2013}}</ref> Kirby was rested for the first leg of the UEFA Cup tie against [[Odense Boldklub|Odense]], a goalless draw; he was brought back for the second leg, in which St Pat's were outclassed 5–0.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DSM1&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=139181C17A5F7F28&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=Too good... probably |first=Eoin |last=Dunne |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=Ireland |date=3 August 2007 |page=60}}</ref> Both player and club revived; Kirby scored four goals from 28 league appearances,<ref name=Soccerway>{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/alan-kirby/7178/ |title=A. Kirby |website=Soccerway |publisher=Global Sports Media |access-date=21 October 2013}}</ref> as his club finished in second place.
St Pat's beat Latvian club [[Olimps]] and [[IF Elfsborg]] of Sweden in the qualifying rounds of the [[2008–09 UEFA Cup]]. Kirby was an unused substitute in the first leg against Elfsborg,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/history/clubs/50133--st-patrick-s/ |title=2008/09 UEFA Cup: St Patrick's Athletic: Matches |publisher=UEFA |access-date=22 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026064922/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2009/clubs/club=50133/matches/index.html |archive-date=26 October 2013}}</ref> and a hard-working substitute as St Pat's scored two late goals to go through on aggregate.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://extratime.ie/newsdesk/articles/759/st-pats-2---1-if-elfsborg/ |title=St Pats 2–1 IF Elfsborg |first=Bar |last=O'Sullivan |website=Extratime.ie |date=28 August 2008 |access-date=22 October 2013}}</ref> He started on the left of midfield in both legs against [[Hertha Berlin]]; despite the 2–0 away defeat, he described that as "the best trip so far" of his five UEFA Cup campaigns.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DSM1&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=139184B204A61BF8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=Kirby issues Berlin battle cry |first=Paul |last=O'Hehir |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=Ireland |date=29 September 2008 |page=52}}</ref> St Pat's repeated their second-place league finish in 2008, but Kirby was "a little disappointed" by his personal season.<ref name=Pats08>{{cite news|url=http://extratime.ie/newsdesk/articles/1376/ |title=Kirby hoping for Sporting title push |first=Gordon |last=Hunt |website=Extratime.ie |date=4 March 2009 |access-date=22 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304203551/http://extratime.ie/newsdesk/articles/1376/ |archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> He would have preferred to play more than he did{{snd}}he started 18 of the 36 league matches<ref>{{cite web |url=http://guardian.touch-line.com/?Lang=0&mTEID=779&mCPID=95&Season=2008&CTID=34&CPID=423&TEID=5819&RFID=&PLID=209004&pStr=Match_List&t=2&ListType=8 |title=Alan Kirby All appearances 2008 |work=Stats centre |publisher=Guardian News & Media |access-date=22 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023060322/http://guardian.touch-line.com/?Lang=0&mTEID=779&mCPID=95&Season=2008&CTID=34&CPID=423&TEID=5819&RFID=&PLID=209004&pStr=Match_List&t=2&ListType=8 |archive-date=23 October 2013 }}</ref>{{snd}}and was led to expect a new contract which, in the club's straitened financial circumstances, failed to materialise.<ref name=Pats08/> Amid general economic uncertainty, he was appreciative of an offer from [[Liam Buckley]] to join [[Sporting Fingal]] for their second season in the league.<ref name=chance>{{cite news |title=Bookies believe Fingal have more than a sporting chance |first=Emmet |last=Malone |newspaper=The Irish Times|date=5 March 2009 |page=27}}</ref>
===Sporting Fingal=== The ''Fingal Independent'' labelled him a "big name signing" who was "regarded as a consummate professional by commentators in the game".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/regionals/fingalindependent/sport/soccer/here-we-go-27791304.html |title=Here we go! |first=Shane |last=Cassells |newspaper=Fingal Independent |date=11 February 2009 |access-date=22 October 2013}}</ref> The club's commitment to supporting players wanting to further their education<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DSM1&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=12C7D2187A2F91A0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=Fings add up for Ronan |first=Michael |last=Scully |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=Ireland |date=9 December 2009 |page=56}}</ref> allowed him to continue his studies alongside his football: "I'm in DCU, doing a degree in business, which I'm halfway through. I can come in and train, then go on to college and catch up on any lectures I've missed and stay as late as I want in the library."<ref name=chance/> In that season's FAI Cup, Kirby scored twice in the quarter-final against [[Shamrock Rovers]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2009/0915/254840-shamrockrovers_sportingfingal1/ |title=Shamrock Rovers 1–2 Sporting Fingal (AET) |publisher=RTÉ |date=16 September 2009 |access-date=22 October 2013}}</ref> and in the semifinal, against [[Bray Wanderers]], he set up his club's first goal, was involved in the second, and scored the third, before leaving the field through injury.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2009/1025/256526-fingal_bray2/ |title=Sporting Fingal 4–2 Bray Wanderers |publisher=RTÉ |date=25 October 2009 |access-date=22 October 2013}}</ref> Fingal finished third in the First Division, and beat Shelbourne<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/soccer/fingal-and-bray-face-off-for-premier-division-status-434161.html |title=Fingal and Bray face off for Premier Division status |website=BreakingNews.ie |date=13 November 2009 |access-date=22 October 2013}}</ref> and Bray Wanderers in the playoffs to earn promotion to the Premier Division after only two years in the League. Kirby was a late substitute in the second leg of the final, having missed the earlier matches with a foot injury,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://extratime.ie/newsdesk/articles/2775/ |title=Sporting Fingal progress to playoff final |first=Jody |last=Moylan |website=Extratime.ie |date=11 November 2009 |access-date=22 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027145554/http://extratime.ie/newsdesk/articles/2775/ |archive-date=27 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/irish-soccer-league/2009/1116/257437-braywanderers_sportingfingal/ |title=Bray Wanderers 2–2 Sporting Fingal |publisher=RTÉ |date=16 November 2009 |access-date=22 October 2013}}</ref> and won his third FAI Cup-winners' medal as an unused substitute, as Sporting Fingal beat [[Sligo Rovers]] with two late goals.<ref name=2009FAICup>{{cite web|url=http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100556:oneill-the-fai-ford-cup-hero-for-fingal&catid=18:fai-ford-senior-cup&Itemid=51 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526092425/http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100556%3Aoneill-the-fai-ford-cup-hero-for-fingal&catid=18%3Afai-ford-senior-cup&Itemid=51 |title=2009 FAI Ford Cup Final |publisher=Football Association of Ireland |date=22 November 2009 |archive-date=26 May 2011}}</ref>
Kirby signed another one-year contract for the 2010 season.<ref name=content>{{cite news |url=http://www.munster-express.ie/sports/soccer/alan-kirby-content-on-and-off-the-pitch/ |title=Alan Kirby content on and off the pitch |first=Matt |last=Keane |newspaper=Munster Express |date=31 December 2009 |access-date=18 October 2013}}</ref> He was a less frequent member of the starting eleven, but still took the field in 31 of the 36 League matches as Fingal finished fifth and qualified for the UEFA Cup.<ref name=Soccerway/> In August, he was chosen for the [[League of Ireland XI]] to face [[Manchester United]] in a match to mark the official opening of the [[Aviva Stadium]]. United captain [[John O'Shea]] said afterwards he "was glad to see Kirbs getting a game as he's such a dedicated player, for the league and for Ireland".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/oshea-in-seventh-heaven-27958535.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023060640/http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/oshea-in-seventh-heaven-27958535.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 October 2013 |title=O'Shea in seventh heaven |first=Aidan |last=Fitzmaurice |newspaper=Evening Herald |location=Dublin |date=5 August 2010 |access-date=22 October 2013}}</ref>
===Later career=== Kirby was one of many players to volunteer for the PFAI team to take part in the [[FIFPro]] Scandinavian Tournament in January 2011, a regular event featuring out-of-contract players from summer leagues, but did not make the squad.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pfai.ie/news/257-kelly-to-ma |title=Kelly to manage PFAI squad in Norway |publisher=Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland |date=22 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023060809/http://www.pfai.ie/news/257-kelly-to-ma |archive-date=23 October 2013}}<br>{{cite web |url=http://www.pfai.ie/news/263-squad-announced-for-fifpro-tournament |title=Squad announced for FIFPRO Tournament |publisher=Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland |date=10 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023055923/http://www.pfai.ie/news/263-squad-announced-for-fifpro-tournament |archive-date=23 October 2013}}</ref> Liam Buckley planned to speak to him about returning to Sporting Fingal,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/regionals/fingalindependent/sport/soccer/fingal-duo-on-trial-at-wolves-27807508.html |title=Fingal duo on trial at Wolves |first=Marcus |last=Cavaroli |newspaper=Fingal Independent |date=12 January 2011 |access-date=21 October 2013}}</ref> but at the end of the month, Kirby signed a one-year contract with [[Sligo Rovers]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/irish-soccer-league/2011/0128/275670-sligorovers/ |title=Sligo sign veteran midfielder Kirby |publisher=RTÉ |date=28 January 2011 |access-date=19 October 2013}}</ref> He scored six times in 31 league appearances<ref name=Soccerway/> as Sligo finished second in the Premier Division, and collected his fourth FAI Cup-winners' medal, again as an unused substitute, as Sligo beat Shelbourne on penalties at the Aviva Stadium.<ref name=fourth>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DSM1&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=13DFA52C4B8547A0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=Back where I belong |first=Paul |last=Buttner |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=Ireland |date=6 April 2012 |page=8}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17832/2/ |title=Shelbourne 1–1 Sligo Rovers (Sligo win 4–1 on pens) |first=Seamus |last=Egan |website=Extratime.ie |date=6 November 2011 |access-date=19 October 2013}}</ref>
When no new contract was forthcoming at Sligo, and recognising he was approaching the end of the career, Kirby was happy to return to Longford Town for the 2012 season.<ref name=fourth/> Together with fellow veteran [[Keith Gillespie]], he lent experience to the squad,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DSM1&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1406FAF331B74F68&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=Lee: don't forget us |first=Paul |last=Buttner |newspaper=Daily Mirror |location=Ireland |date=27 July 2012 |page=8}}</ref> helping Longford to a third-place finish and a [[2012 League of Ireland#Playoffs|playoff]] against Waterford United. Replacing Gillespie towards the end of the playoff second leg, with Waterford 3–0 ahead on aggregate, Kirby scored his last goal in senior football in his home town against his first senior club.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/irish-soccer-league/2012/1026/343327-waterford-progress-to-play-off-with-dundalk/ |title=Waterford United 1–1 Longford Town (Agg 3–1) |publisher=RTÉ |date=26 October 2012 |access-date=18 October 2013}}</ref> He had announced his retirement from football before the game.<ref name=ltfcHomage/> In his two spells with Longford, he scored 29 goals from 264 appearances in all competitions.<ref name=ltfcStats/>
==International career== Kirby was capped for [[Republic of Ireland national under-16 football team|Ireland under-16s]] while a Johnville player in 1994.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ireland caught for speed |author=Malone, Emmet |newspaper=The Irish Times|date=27 April 1994 |page=17}}</ref> He was a member of the [[Republic of Ireland national under-19 football team|under-18 team]] that qualified for the [[1996 UEFA European Under-18 Football Championship|1996 UEFA Youth Championship]] finals in Luxembourg,<ref>{{cite news |title=Tricky trip to Iceland |newspaper=The Irish Times|date=8 May 1996 |page=17}}</ref> and played in the finals.<ref>{{cite news |title=Injury worries for Bohemians and St Patrick's |first=Emmet |last=Malone |newspaper=The Irish Times|date=23 July 1996 |page=19}}</ref> Ireland finished third in their group, so qualified for the [[1997 FIFA World Youth Championship]] in Malaysia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/ec-u18-96.html |title=European U-18 Championship 1996 |first1=Hubert |last1=Descans |first2=Erik |last2=Garins |first3=Karel |last3=Stokkermans |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) |date=1 August 2000 |access-date=22 October 2013}}</ref> Kirby was an unused substitute for [[Republic of Ireland national under-20 football team|Ireland]]'s opening fixture, against [[Ghana national under-20 football team|Ghana]], but played in their remaining matches as they became the first and, {{as of|2017|lc=y|post=,}} only Irish side to win a medal at a FIFA World Cup at any age agroup.<ref name=FIFA>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/players/player=193920/index.html |title=FIFA Player Statistics: Alan Kirby |publisher=FIFA |access-date=22 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107014959/https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/players/player=193920/index.html |archive-date=7 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/dont-talk-to-me-unless-you-come-back-with-medals-the-malaysia-marvels-and-irelands-world-cup-glory-35845302.html |title='Don't talk to me unless you come back with medals' – The Malaysia Marvels and Ireland's World Cup glory |first=Jack |last=O'Toole |newspaper=Irish Independent |date=20 June 2017 |access-date=20 August 2021}}</ref> Played in by [[Robbie Ryan (footballer)|Robbie Ryan]] early in the match, Kirby's failure to score was, according to the ''Irish Times'', "the product of good goalkeeping rather than poor finishing", and [[Colin Hawkins]] headed wide from his cross with only a few minutes left, as Ireland lost 1–0 to [[Argentina national under-20 football team|Argentina]] in the semifinal.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/romeo-kills-an-irish-romance-1.87641 |title=Romeo kills an Irish romance |first=Peter |last=Byrne |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=3 July 1997 |page=19 |access-date=20 August 2021}}</ref> He was a first-half substitute as Ireland defeated Ghana in the third-place match to win the bronze medal.<ref name=FIFA/> Those two matches were televised live in Ireland, and the players became well known as their progress was followed by [[RTÉ]]'s magazine programme ''The Soccer Show''.<ref>{{cite news |title=World U-20 Championship: The television producer |first=Peter |last=Byrne |newspaper=The Irish Times|date=27 December 1997 |page=A7}}</ref>
Kirby made his only appearance at [[Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team|under-21 level]] as a substitute in a 3–0 defeat against the [[Czech Republic national under-21 football team|Czech Republic]] in March 1998.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DSM1&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1397A0E998EF1268&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB57AB53DF815 |title=Ireland's young guns are shot down in flames |newspaper=Daily Mirror |date=25 March 1998 |page=42}}</ref>
==Style of play== According to Kirby's profile on the St Patrick's Athletic website, he "can play anywhere across the midfield and chips in with his fair share of goals."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stpatsfc.com/profile.php?id=44 |title=Player profiles: Alan Kirby |publisher=St Patrick's Athletic FC |access-date=12 May 2015}}</ref> He has been used most often as a right-sided winger, though he said he liked playing in the centre of midfield because on the wing, "sometimes the game will pass you by and you're relying on other people to get you into the game."<ref name=PatsCentre>{{cite web |url=http://www.stpatsfc.com/news.php?id=1499 |title=St Pat's march on to the beat set by Alan Kirby |publisher=St Patrick's Athletic FC |date=12 April 2007 |access-date=22 October 2013}}</ref> Ahead of the [[1997 FIFA World Youth Championship]] semifinal, manager [[Brian Kerr (Irish football manager)|Brian Kerr]] was reportedly considering using him in a [[man-mark]]ing role.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tired Irish again try to defy odds |newspaper=The Irish Times|author=Byrne, Peter |date=2 July 1997 |page=19}}</ref>
In 2001, the ''Galway Advertiser'' wrote that his "blistering pace is an invaluable asset when his side is on the break."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://archive.advertiser.ie/filestore/6/4/5/7/1_9af40826d13848b/64571scr_a62c55e7d165dda.jpg |title=Longford's Lavine could make things difficult for United |newspaper=Galway Advertiser |date=20 December 2001 |page=68}}</ref> He combined creativity with industry. An RTÉ match report in 2008 claimed that "the workrate and creativity of Pat's centre midfield pairing of Alan Kirby and Keith Fahey can't be underestimated".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/irish-soccer-league/2008/0627/233864-derrycity_stpats/ |title=Derry City 0–3 St Patrick's Athletic |publisher=RTÉ |date=28 June 2008 |access-date=22 October 2013}}</ref> And the ''Sligo Champion''{{'s}} preview of a 2011 FAI Cup quarter-final summed him up as "a tireless worker with an eye for a defence splitting pass and an ability to ghost into dangerous attacking positions".<ref name=battle>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/regionals/sligochampion/sport/soccer/fai-cup-quarterfinal-battle-of-the-rovers-preview-27584112.html |title=FAI Cup quarter-final: Battle of the Rovers preview |author=Gray, Leo |newspaper=Sligo Champion |date=14 September 2011 |access-date=19 October 2013}}</ref>
==Honours== '''Republic of Ireland''' *[[FIFA World Youth Championship]]: bronze medal [[1997 FIFA World Youth Championship|1997]]<ref name=FIFA/>
'''Longford Town''' *[[FAI Cup]]: [[2003 FAI Cup|2003]],<ref name=2003FAICup/> [[2004 FAI Cup|2004]]<ref name=2004FAICup/> *[[League of Ireland Cup]]: [[2004 League of Ireland Cup|2004]]<ref name=2004LgeCup/> *League of Ireland Cup: runners-up [[2003 League of Ireland Cup|2003]]<ref name=2003LgeCup/>
'''St Patrick's Athletic'''<ref name=Soccerway/> *League of Ireland: runners-up [[2007 League of Ireland|2007]], [[2008 League of Ireland|2008]]
'''Sporting Fingal''' *FAI Cup: [[2009 FAI Cup|2009]]<ref name=2009FAICup/>
'''Sligo Rovers''' *FAI Cup: [[2011 FAI Cup|2011]] *League of Ireland: runners-up [[2011 League of Ireland|2011]]<ref name=fourth/>
==References== {{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kirby, Alan}} [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:1977 births]] [[Category:Association footballers from Waterford (city)]] [[Category:Republic of Ireland men's association footballers]] [[Category:Republic of Ireland men's youth international footballers]] [[Category:Republic of Ireland men's under-21 international footballers]] [[Category:Men's association football midfielders]] [[Category:Aston Villa F.C. players]] [[Category:Waterford F.C. players]] [[Category:Longford Town F.C. players]] [[Category:St Patrick's Athletic F.C. players]] [[Category:Sporting Fingal F.C. players]] [[Category:Sligo Rovers F.C. players]] [[Category:League of Ireland players]] [[Category:League of Ireland XI players]] [[Category:Association footballers from County Waterford]]