David Shovlin departs Avondale United after six years at the club

Avondale United are bidding an emotional farewell to a key member of their senior team, as David Shovlin returns to his native Donegal after five years of service with the Cork-based club. 

Shovlin joined Avondale United in 2018, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his time in Donegal, including a memorable appearance in the 2016 FAI Intermediate Cup final, where his former club Letterkenny Rovers narrowly lost to Crumlin United. 

Determined to rectify that heartbreak, Shovlin realised his ambition in 2019, helping Avondale claim their eighth FAI Intermediate Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Crumlin in the Aviva Stadium. 

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Shovlin, who lived in both Letterkenny and Raphoe while also playing for Salthill in the League of Ireland, was one of the goalscorers in the semi-final that year when Rovers won the game 2-0 against Ringmahon Rangers. 

During his time with Avondale, Shovlin also contributed to numerous other successes, including winning the Michael Ward Inter-League Trophy with the Munster Senior League (MSL) team and lifting both the Keane Cup and the Beamish Cup.  

In addition to his footballing achievements, Shovlin embraced Cork’s sporting culture, representing St Michael's GFC in Gaelic football. 

However, the call of home has proven too strong to resist. Shovlin and his wife, Ruth, have been renovating their new home in Ramelton, where he will continue his professional work in pediatric care. 

Avondale United extended their gratitude for his contributions and wished both David and Ruth the very best for the future. 

“Avondale’s loss will be another club’s gain,” a club statement noted, summing up Shovlin’s enduring value as both a player and a teammate.