Advertisement
never forgotten

Chesterfield's Irish midfielder Jay O'Shea dedicates league title to his late friend

The Dubliner played football with St Joseph’s Boys alongside his pal David Spain, who passed away in January.

JAY O’SHEA HELPED Paul Cook’s Chesterfield to help clinch the League Two title, on Saturday, and dedicated the success to a friend who recently passed away.

O’Shea’s lively contribution helped Chesterfield bounce back from 1-0 down, against Fleetwood, and secure a 2-1 win that meant they would take home the League Two title. The midfielder whipped in a cross that led to Sam Hird’s headed equaliser before Gary Roberts netted the winner.

Cook, the former Sligo Rovers boss, had already secured promotion for the Spireites the previous weekend by beating Burton Albion. O’Shea scored his team’s second in that match.

The 25-year-old has previously played with Galway and Middlesbrough, and earned six Ireland U21 appearances. He was a member of St Joseph’s Boys AFC [from Sallynoggin], as a teenager, with his friend David Spain. Spain tragically passed away in December of last year. The 26-year-old had returned home from Australia so he could spend Christmas with his family but was fatally stabbed, following a party, in the early hours of St Stephens’ Day.

O’Shea dedicated a goal he scored against Bury to his late friend back on 11 January, two days after Spain was laid to rest.

Chesterfield FC Official YouTube Channel / YouTube

Cook told BBC Radio Sheffield post-match, “Football is all about the players, and it always will be. I can stand here today and take all the plaudits like I’m a top manager, a good manager, but I’m very lucky to have good players here.

“I’d thank everyone because football management is tough, and days like today are very, very good. I’m proud of the whole club in general.”

Soccer - Sky Bet League Two - Chesterfield v Fleetwood Town - Proact Stadium Chesterfield captain Ian Evatt lifts the Sky Bet League Two Champions trophy. Paul Cook is pictured in the black jersey. David Davies David Davies

Chesterfield also have Irish players Eoin Doyle, Jimmy Ryan and Daniel Kearns on their books while midfielder Jamie Devitt is currently out on loan at Morecambe.

- First published at 23:05 on Saturday, 3 May

Everton the ‘bad neighbours’ as Manchester City silence Goodison faithful

Late Danny North penalty keeps Saints from overtaking Dundalk at the top

Your Voice
Readers Comments
9
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.