Shealan Johnston

Gaelic footballer
Shealan Johnston
Personal information
Irish name Shealan Mac Seáin
Sport Gaelic football
Position Forward
Born (2001-01-19) 19 January 2001 (age 23)
Club(s)
Years Club
2019–
Kilcoo
Club titles
Down titles 4
Ulster titles 2
All-Ireland Titles 1
Inter-county(ies)
Years County
2020
Down
Inter-county titles
Ulster titles 0

Shealan Johnston (born 19 January 2001) is a Gaelic footballer who plays for Kilcoo and the Down county team.

Playing career

Club

Johnston joined the Kilcoo club at a young age and progressed to the club's senior team.

On 13 October 2019, Johnston played in his first county final, coming on as a sub against Warrenpoint, with Kilcoo coming out on top by a point.[1] Kilcoo reached the final of the Ulster championship. Johnston started the final against Naomh Conaill, and Kilcoo claimed their first Ulster title with a two-point victory.[2] Johnston scored a point in the All-Ireland semi-final against Ballyboden St Enda's as Kilcoo reached the All-Ireland final.[3] The All-Ireland final against Corofin took place on 19 January 2020, his 19th birthday.[4] Johnston started the final and Kilcoo forced a draw in normal time, but Corofin pulled away in extra-time to win the title.[5]

Johnston played in his first county final as a starter in 2020, with Kilcoo facing Carryduff. Johnston scored a point as Kilcoo successfully defended their title.[6]

On 7 November 2021, Johnston scored two points as Kilcoo got the better of Burren to win their third county title in a row.[7] Kilcoo reached their second consecutive Ulster final, facing Fermanagh kingpins Derrygonnelly. Johnston scored a goal as Kilcoo won their second Ulster title.[8] Kilcoo reached their second All-Ireland final after beating St Finbarr's,[9] where they faced Kilmacud Crokes. The final went to extra-time once again, and a late goal from Shealan's brother Jerome secured Kilcoo's first All-Ireland title.[10]

Johnston played in his fourth consecutive county final in 2022, facing Warrenpoint on October 16. Johnston scored a point as Kilcoo won their fourth county championship in a row.[11]

Inter-county

Minor and Under-20

Johnston captained the Down under-20 team in 2021.[12] Down reached the Ulster final, where they would meet Monaghan.[13] The final took place on 30 July, and Johnston scored two points as Down came out on top after extra-time.[14] On 7 August, Johnston scored a goal in the All-Ireland semi-final loss to Roscommon.[15]

Senior

Johnston joined the Down senior team in 2020.[16] Johnston made his National League debut as a substitute in a loss to Louth on 25 October.[17] Johnston made his Ulster championship debut on 15 November, scoring a point in a semi-final loss to Cavan.[18]

Honours

Down

Kilcoo

References

  1. ^ "Dylan Ward goal helps Kilcoo bury memories of Burren heartache to clinch another Down title". The Irish News. 14 October 2019. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  2. ^ "Kilcoo crowned Ulster champions for first time after thrilling win over Naomh Conaill". The42.ie. 1 December 2019. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  3. ^ "Kilcoo sink Ballyboden to reach first All-Ireland final". RTÉ. 4 January 2020. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  4. ^ "Kilcoo looking to succeed in front of watching warrior O'Hanlon". RTÉ. 14 January 2022. Retrieved 5 November 2022. His 19th birthday was the day of the All-Ireland final. That was definitely ruined so hopefully Derrygonnelly don't ruin his 21st as well.
  5. ^ "Corofin make it three on the bounce in extra-time at Croke Park". RTÉ. 19 January 2020. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  6. ^ "Kilcoo show their class to coast past Carryduff in Down final". The Irish Times. 20 September 2020. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  7. ^ "Kingpins Kilcoo hold off late Burren fightback to take Down title again". The Irish News. 8 November 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  8. ^ "Kilcoo serve notice as they dismantle Derrygonnelly to win Ulster title". Irish Independent. 16 January 2022. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
  9. ^ "Defeat for gallant St Finbarr's as Kilcoo prevail in extra-time battle". Irish Examiner. 29 January 2022. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  10. ^ "Kilcoo snatch All-Ireland from Kilmacud in dramatic fashion with 81st minute winning goal". The42.ie. 12 February 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  11. ^ "Kilcoo go extra mile to deny valiant Warrenpoint". Irish Independent. 16 October 2022. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  12. ^ "We're on a mission to do Down proud, says Shealan Johnston". Belfast Telegraph. 4 August 2021. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  13. ^ "Down and Monaghan to meet in Ulster U20 final". RTÉ. 16 July 2021. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  14. ^ "Down prevail in U-20 extra-time thriller but Farney's 'Ógie' remains forever young on night of high emotion". Irish Independent. 30 July 2021. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  15. ^ "Rossies surprise favourites Down to set up novel All-Ireland U20 football final against Offaly". Irish Examiner. 7 August 2021. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  16. ^ "Paddy Tally calls up Kilcoo quartet as Down prepare for League and Championship battles". Down GAA. 7 October 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  17. ^ "Louth finish campaign on high with victory against Down". RTÉ. 25 October 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  18. ^ "Cavan overturn ten-point deficit to reach Ulster final". RTÉ. 15 November 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
Kilcoo squads
  • v
  • t
  • e
Kilcoo2020 All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship runners-up
  • 1 M. McCourt
  • 2 N. Branagan
  • 3 R. McEvoy
  • 4 N. McEvoy
  • 5 E. Branagan
  • 6 Aaron Branagan
  • 7 D. Branagan
  • 8 Aaron Morgan
  • 9 Aidan Branagan (jc)
  • 10 D. Ward
  • 11 P. Devlin
  • 12 R. Johnston
  • 13 S. Johnston
  • 14 J. Johnston
  • 15 C. Laverty (jc)
Subs used
24 J. Clarke for R. Johnston
30 Anthony Morgan for A. Branagan
12 R. Johnston for N. McEvoy
22 F. McGreevy for Aaron Morgan
23 P. Greenan for D. Branagan
Subs not used
16 N. Kane
17 T. Fettes
18 M. Rooney
19 D. McEvoy
20 S. O'Hanlon
21 J. McClean
25 M. Devlin
26 C. McEvoy
27 D. Kane
28 G. McEvoy
29 C. McClean
Manager
M. Moran
Selectors
C. Gilligan
P. Devlin
  • v
  • t
  • e
Kilcoo2022 All-Ireland Senior Club Football Champions (1st title)
  • 1 N. Kane
  • 2 N. Branagan
  • 3 R. McEvoy
  • 4 Aaron Branagan
  • 5 M. Rooney
  • 6 D. Branagan
  • 7 E. Branagan
  • 8 D. Ward
  • 9 Aaron Morgan
  • 10 C. Doherty
  • 11 J. Johnston
  • 12 S. Johnston
  • 13 C. Laverty (jc)
  • 14 R. Johnston
  • 15 P. Devlin
Subs used
20 Anthony Morgan for R. Johnston
17 Aidan Branagan (jc) for Aaron Morgan
14 R. Johnston for S. Johnston
12 S. Johnston for M. Rooney
22 J. Clarke for C. Doherty
26 S. McCusker for J. Johnston
Subs not used
16 M. McCourt
18 T. Fettes
19 M. Hynes
21 N. McEvoy
23 F. McGreevy
24 P. Greenan
25 G. McEvoy
27 C. Rogers
28 C. Rooney
29 D. Kane
30 J. Devlin
Manager
M. Moran
Selectors
C. Gilligan
R. Thornton