Byrne has found the winning mentality

IT might be well known within the game that Shelbourne full-back Sean Byrne comes from good League of Ireland stock, but spend some time in his company in the run-up to Sunday’s final against Sligo Rovers and it becomes apparent there is much more to the 22-year-old Dubliner than an ability to kick a football.

Sean’s father John played for Home Farm, Bohemians, Sligo and St Pat’s but his son reveals that, having previously worked as a plumber, his dad later opted for a surprising career turn and is now a lecturer in sports psychology at the Institute of Technology in Blanchardstown. And Sean himself has reaped the benefits.

“It has been helpful actually,” he said.