Seán Kavanagh has retired as a player to join Stephen Bradley’s staff at Shamrock Rovers ahead of the 2026 season.
The 31-year-old has been beset by injury problems in recent seasons and has taken up the invitation from the club to move into coaching.
He will fill some of the void left by sporting director Stephen McPhail leaving the Hoops at the end of last year.
Kavanagh has been at Tallaght Stadium since 2018 after seven years with Fulham that included loan spells with Mansfield and Hartlepool United.
A former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, he won five league titles with Dublin side as well as two FAI Cups.
His last appearance come in their UEFA Conference League campaign against Hamrun Spartans in December.
Bradley described McPhail’s exit as “some time away” in today’s announcement about Kavanagh’s appointment.
The Hoops boss said: “With Stephen having some time away, that was definitely a factor (to appoint Kavanagh).
“Stephen was obviously a big influence in the staff room and coaches room. Experience has taught us, it is a heavy load throughout the year in terms of preparing for and recovering from games. I think Seán will be a really welcome addition to help all the staff, especially Glenn Cronin and I.
“It’s something we have spoken about with Seán for a long period of time. I felt for some time that this was the road Seán would go down. He has a brilliant football brain and has a really clear identity in how he wants to see the game.
“Seán has a very good opinion on the game and has always brought that to the dressing room and when we had our team meetings.
“He was always one who stood out as someone who would be a coach. When we had a change in the last few weeks and when we had the conversation with Seán, I’m sure it wasn’t an easy one for him as he was still a player.
“I think Seán has made the right decision and it’s a brilliant one for us, as he’ll add so much to our staff room.
“He’s also only stopped playing so he knows the dressing room. He’s also one of the ones who’s helped build the success that we’ve had. Seán has been a vital part of it on and off the pitch. We’re absolutely delighted he has taken up the role.”
Sean Kavanagh’s playing time was limited in recent seasons
Kavanagh said he couldn’t turn down the chance presented, particularly with his injury issues.
“I’ve always watched the game and thought that I could coach at some stage. But with not having played as many games as I would’ve liked over the last few years, it possibly was a factor in that. But I was given the opportunity to coach and I decided to go for it.
“The biggest thing for me is learning how Stephen and Glenn do it and learning new skills. I will learn more about myself off the pitch as well. I always knew where I was on the pitch, but now I’m going to be outside of the playing side. I’m looking to learn and upskill with the coaching, so I’m really looking forward to it.”