Adam MC’Donnell Puts Pen To Paper At Ipswich Town

26 Nov Adam MC’Donnell Puts Pen To Paper At Ipswich Town

Adam McDonnell, Ireland U17′s International, has signed for Ipswich Town, from Shelbourne FC.
McDonnell (17) has been touted for a move to England for some time, having previously trialed with the historic club Manchester United, Bolton Wanderers, Peterborough United and Sheffield United.
McDonnell began his young football career at Home Farm FC, a club steeped in history and known for its fine youth development. Famously, Home Farm was the club which developed one of Ireland’s finest ever players, Ronnie Whelan.



McDonnell left Home Farm in January 2014 to join Shelbourne FC, another historic Irish club. Since joining Shelbourne, McDonnell has quickly moved up the ranks from (U17′s – U19′s – League of Ireland), eventually making his senior debut and scoring within minutes of coming on as a substitute in a league fixture against Waterford United in July of this year.
Adam McDonnell’s young career has also seen him represent his country at International level and also competed in last years European Championships.
Adams representative David Berber of DB Sports asked Adam how he felt when finding out that he was about to sign on the dotted line.



“I was delighted, it happened so fast as I found out Saturday afternoon I was 100% signing and then within 2 hours I found out I was moving to the UK the following day,” said young McDonnell.
Adam McDonnell’s stock has risen quickly in the past year, having made his league of Ireland debut this year aged just 17 it is of no surprise to hear of interest from other clubs than just Ipswich.
“I had interest from a number of clubs but I really felt Ipswich was the club I should be at. Having played for Mark Kennedy and playing against Mick McCarthy’s first team while on a pre-season camp in Ireland I really feel this is the club that will progress my career,” , said McDonnell.
Moving abroad for young Irish footballers has historically proved a tough challenge, such as Niall Byrne from Tallaght, who had a spell at Liverpool in the 90’s. Yet Adam McDonnell is unfazed as he sets out on his own journey.



Chris Forrester and Adam Mcdonnell
Chris Forrester and Adam Mcdonnell
“Like every challenge in life I know it will be difficult but if it was easy everyone would be doing it. I just want to get going now and try get into the first team as quick as possible. I really feel my experience playing League of Ireland at 17 will benefit me when I come up against the older more experienced players. I got word the other day Im in the U21′s squad this week to play West Ham at Upton Park, its unbelievable how you can go from playing at Tolka park one day to Upton park the next.
“Within five years I hope to be an established first team player, a senior Irish International and an example to all the young players in Ireland that they can fulfil their dreams by playing in the UK if they work hard.



Meanwhile there was well-wishes for Adam on the official Shelbourne website the club had kind words for Adam as he sets out on his new journey: “The management of Shelboure Football Club knows that they speak for all our supporters, when we wish Adam all the best in his future career on the other side of the Irish Sea”.