Shelbourne’s Sean Gannon lifted a brand‑new chainsaw as Man of the Match after the club held Celtic to a 1‑1 draw in Cork on July 8, 2026. The unusual prize sparked a buzz on social media, but the defender’s performance was the real story.

How did the match unfold?

Martin O’Neill’s Celtic opened the pre‑season with a mixed XI, conceding a penalty that Sean Gannon’s side converted late in the second half. Celtic equalised in stoppage time when Shin Yamada slotted home his own spot‑kick. The game ended 1‑1, giving both squads valuable minutes ahead of their summer camps.

Why was the award so unusual?

Instead of the typical bottle of bubbly, Chadwick’s presented Gannon with a brand‑new chainsaw. Marketing director Sean Duggan handed over the tool, posting the moment on Twitter. Fans were left scratching their heads, but the club’s partnership with Chadwick’s made the quirky gift a talking point.

What does this mean for Shelbourne’s season?

The friendly result adds little to the league table, yet Shelbourne remain 3rd in the Premier Division with 59 points from 36 games (15W‑14D‑7L) and a recent form of DWWWW. Their goal tally sits at 48 scored and 37 conceded, a +11 difference, keeping them 7 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers. The performance hints at defensive solidity that could help close the gap.

What’s next for the clubs?

Celtic will head to Portugal for a training camp, facing Sporting CP before returning to Lennoxtown for fixtures against AC Milan and Middlesbrough. Shelbourne return to league action, looking to turn the confidence from the draw into points as the title race tightens.

How did fans react?

Social media lit up with memes of the chainsaw, while many praised Gannon’s composure at the back. The club’s official accounts highlighted the award, emphasizing the partnership’s community spirit. Even shareholder Dermot Desmond, spotted in the stands, nodded approvingly at the spectacle.

The quirky award may have been the headline, but Gannon’s defensive work helped Shelbourne earn a valuable point against a strong Celtic side, offering a glimpse of the resilience needed to chase the league leaders.