FORMER IRELAND INTERNATIONAL Jason Byrne is set to line out for Leinster Senior League side Bluebell United.
The 39-year-old Dubliner signed for First Division side Cabinteely, his sixth League of Ireland club, in January, expressing his desire to continue playing until he became the league’s all-time top scorer.
But it looks like Byrne has shied away from that idea as he drops down to amateur football.
Brendan Bradley holds the 31-year-old record of 231 goals, while Byrne bows out — for now anyway — 13 short with 218.
The veteran is in Andy Noonan’s squad for tomorrow’s Leinster Senior League away clash at Killester United.
“Jason’s registration went through yesterday and with his experience is a great addition to our attacking options,” Noonan told the club website of Byrne, who has been involved with coaching at Bluebell of late.
The legendary LOI striker started out at Bray Wanderers in 1998.
A two-time PFAI Players’ Player of the Year, he has spent the entirety of his career in the LOI, with the exception of a one-year stint in Cardiff.
Byrne has won five Premier Division titles (three with Shelbourne, two with Bohemians) and two FAI Cups (one each with Bray and Bohs).
He was capped twice by the Republic of Ireland.
As Jason Byrne retires from League of Ireland football take a look back at some of his many memorable moments. https://t.co/EDK2wKStiM. Best of luck to him at @BluebellUnited pic.twitter.com/gBvXosypSI
— Sportsfile (@sportsfile) December 9, 2017
The move to Bluebell United has also brought about a bit of joking on Twitter between the club and Irish comedian Jason Byrne:
EVERYONE is surprised at our announcement of signing Jason Byrne yesterday. Even @thejasonbyrne himself looks a bit shocked 😱
— Bluebell United FC (@BluebellUnited) December 9, 2017
Yup #TheBell 😂🤷🏻♂️
💙⚽️🛎 pic.twitter.com/dTEIyF6xCL
Big game in the morning pal. See you in Killester at 9.45pm 💙⚽️🛎. Bring a jacket, it’s meant to be bitter tomorrow 😂😂😂😂
— Bluebell United FC (@BluebellUnited) December 9, 2017
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