John Martin

John Martin is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a forward for League of Ireland Premier Division club Shelbourne.

Career

Early career Martin was born on 5 January 1999 in Paulstown, Ireland. His first club was Vale Wanderers in Leighlinbridge, before he moved to New Oak in Carlow. He subsequently played youth football with Belvedere, Shelbourne, St Patrick's Athletic, and Waterford.

Waterford and Bray Wanderers Martin's senior career began at Waterford in the 2017 League of Ireland First Division. He made his professional debut at home to Longford Town in May 2017. The club were promoted at the end of that season, and he played the following 4 seasons with the club in the Premier Division. He spent the second half of the 2019 season on loan at Bray Wanderers back in the First Division.

Dundalk In 2022, Martin joined Premier Division side Dundalk. His first goal for the club was a late winner against Shelbourne in the league. During his tenure at Dundalk, he made 73 appearances and scored 10 goals.

Shelbourne In December 2023, Martin signed for Shelbourne. Manager Damien Duff praised Martin for his "hunger to score goals and win games" and noted that his versatility — capable of playing both as a centre‐forward and on the wing — made him a perfect fit for the team's style of play. After the club won the 2024 League of Ireland Premier Division title, Duff praised Martin's contribution and, in particular, his mentality and workrate. On 7 August 2025, Martin scored the winning goal to complete a 2–1 away win over Croatian side Rijeka in the Europa League third qualifying round.

International career Martin has represented the Republic of Ireland at U17, U18, and U19 level.

Personal life Martin has a twin brother, Paul, who is also a professional footballer and is who plays for Wexford. They played together at Waterford and for the Republic of Ireland U17 in a friendly against Switzerland U17 in March 2016. They have also faced each other in an FAI Cup tie in 2022, with Paul's Waterford side gaining victory over John's Dundalk.

Career statistics

Honours Waterford League of Ireland First Division: 2017

Shelbourne League of Ireland Premier Division: 2024 President of Ireland's Cup: 2025