Paul Byrne (footballer, born 1986)

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Paul Byrne (born 19 May 1986 in Dublin) is an Irish footballer who played as a forward. He last played for Shelbourne in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

Career overview
- Early years: Byrne started in youth football with Cherry Orchard. He joined University College Dublin A.F.C. (UCD) on a sports scholarship in 2004. He helped UCD win promotion to the Premier Division, scoring 3 goals in 4 appearances in his first senior season. Injuries limited his 2005–2006 seasons, but 2007 was productive, with 7 goals in all competitions. He was part of UCD’s Under-21 league title wins in 2004, 2005 and 2007.

- Sporting Fingal (2008): Moved to Sporting Fingal in 2008, making 16 appearances and scoring 2 goals as Fingal finished third in their first league season.

- Bray Wanderers (2009): Joined Bray Wanderers in 2009, playing 28 games in all competitions and scoring 3 goals. Bray were relegated after a promotion/relegation playoff.

- St Patrick’s Athletic (2010): Joined St. Patrick’s Athletic for the 2010 season, helping the team challenge for the title and reach the Setanta Sports Cup final, but injuries limited his appearances in the second half of the year.

- Australia and return to Ireland (2011–2012): Spent time in Australia with Ballarat Red Devils (4 appearances, 1 goal) before returning to Ireland with Monaghan United (4 appearances) and then Shelbourne (11 league appearances, 1 goal) in 2012.

Career statistics
- League appearances: 139
- League goals: 26
- Total appearances (all competitions): 166
- Total goals (all competitions): 31

Summary
Paul Byrne’s career spanned several League of Ireland clubs, with a brief stint in Australia. He began at UCD, then played for Sporting Fingal, Bray Wanderers, St Patrick’s Athletic, Ballarat Red Devils, Monaghan United and Shelbourne, finishing his known playing career with Shelbourne in 2012.