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|website=[http://www.sosofficial.com/index.shtml The Irish Curse]
|website=[http://www.sosofficial.com/index.shtml The Irish Curse]
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'''Stephen Farrelly'''<ref name="slam 'em">{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20060507/ai_n16353552|title=Sheamus Out to Slam 'em|date=2006-05-07|last=McDonnell|first=Kevin|accessdate=2008-10-25|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|publisher=Find Articles}}</ref><ref name="slam"/> (born January 28, 1978)<ref name="slam">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/sheamus.html|title=Sheamus|last=Kamchen|first=Richard|accessdate=2009-10-06|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> is an [[Ireland|Irish]] [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] and [[actor]], best known by his [[ring name]]s '''Sheamus O'Shaunessy''' and '''Sheamus'''. He is currently performing for [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE), competing on its [[WWE Raw|Raw]] brand, where he is the reigning [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]].
'''Stephen Farrelly'''<ref name="slam 'em">{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20060507/ai_n16353552| title=Sheamus Out to Slam 'em|date=2006-05-07|last=McDonnell|first=Kevin|accessdate=2008-10-25|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|publisher=Find Articles}}</ref><ref name="slam"/> (born January 28, 1978)<ref name="slam">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/sheamus.html|title=Sheamus|last=Kamchen|first=Richard|accessdate=2009-10-06|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> is an [[Ireland|Irish]] [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] and [[actor]], best known by his [[ring name]]s '''Sheamus O'Shaunessy''' and '''Sheamus'''. He is currently performing for [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE), competing on its [[WWE Raw|Raw]] brand, where he is the reigning [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]].


Prior to joining WWE, Farrelly was also a two-time [[Irish Whip Wrestling#Irish Whip Wrestling International Heavyweight Championship|International Heavyweight Champion]] during his tenure in [[Irish Whip Wrestling]]. During his time in WWE's [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]], [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW), he held the [[Florida Championship Wrestling#FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship|FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship]] once.
Prior to joining WWE, Farrelly was also a two-time [[Irish Whip Wrestling#Irish Whip Wrestling International Heavyweight Championship|International Heavyweight Champion]] during his tenure in [[Irish Whip Wrestling]]. During his time in WWE's [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]], [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW), he held the [[Florida Championship Wrestling#FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship|FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship]] once.


==Professional wrestling career==
==Professional wrestling career==
Farrelly's inspiration into a professional wrestling career came from watching both British wrestling from [[ITV]]'s ''[[World of Sport (UK TV series)|World of Sport]]'' and American wrestling from the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] on [[Sky1|Sky One]].<ref name="ExpressNightOut">{{cite web|url=http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2009/12/sheamus-wwe-tlc-celtic-warrior.php|title=Tables, Ladders & Sheamus: The WWE's Celtic Warrior|last=Porter|first=Christopher|date=2009-12-10|accessdate=2009-12-14|work=Express Night Out|publisher=[[Express (newspaper)|Express]]}}</ref> On the advice of [[Bret Hart]],<ref name="fsm">{{cite web|url=http://www.sosofficial.com/fightingspirit.shtml|title=Fighting Spirit Magazine Interview|last=Denton|first=James|date=November 2006|work=[[Fighting Spirit Magazine]]|publisher=SOS Official|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> Farrelly began training in [[Larry Sharpe]]'s Monster Factory wrestling school in April 2004,<ref name="slam"/> alongside [[John Toland (wrestler)|Tank Toland]], [[Cliff Compton]] and [[Cindy Rogers]].<ref name="fsm"/> Six weeks later he officially debuted as a [[Face (professional wrestling)|fan favorite]] under the name Sheamus O'Shaunessy against Robert Pigenion. It was during this time that he developed the [[nickname]] the "Irish Curse" after low-blowing an opponent.<ref name="offstats">{{cite web|url= http://www.sosofficial.com/stats.shtml|title=Sheamus O'Shaunessy - The Statistics|publisher=SOS Official|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> He soon suffered a serious neck injury after [[Botch (professional wrestling)|botching]] a [[Professional wrestling throws#Hip toss|hip toss]]<ref name="fsm"/> which sidetracked his career for two years.<ref name="slam"/>
Farrelly's inspiration into a professional wrestling career came from watching both British wrestling from [[ITV]]'s ''[[World of Sport (UK TV series)|World of Sport]]'' and American wrestling from the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] on [[Sky1|Sky One]].<ref name="ExpressNightOut">{{cite web|url=http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2009/12/sheamus-wwe-tlc-celtic-warrior.php|title=Tables, Ladders & Sheamus: The WWE's Celtic Warrior|last=Porter|first=Christopher|date=2009-12-10| accessdate=2009-12-14|work=Express Night Out|publisher=[[Express (newspaper)|Express]]}}</ref> On the advice of [[Bret Hart]],<ref name="fsm">{{cite web|url=http://www.sosofficial.com/fightingspirit.shtml|title=Fighting Spirit Magazine Interview|last=Denton| first=James|date=November 2006|work=[[Fighting Spirit Magazine]]|publisher=SOS Official|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> Farrelly began training in [[Larry Sharpe]]'s Monster Factory wrestling school in April 2004,<ref name="slam"/> alongside [[John Toland (wrestler)|Tank Toland]], [[Cliff Compton]] and [[Cindy Rogers]].<ref name="fsm"/> Six weeks later he officially debuted as a [[Face (professional wrestling)|fan favorite]] under the name Sheamus O'Shaunessy against Robert Pigenion. It was during this time that he developed the [[nickname]] the "Irish Curse" after low-blowing an opponent.<ref name="offstats">{{cite web|url= http://www.sosofficial.com/stats.shtml|title=Sheamus O'Shaunessy - The Statistics|publisher=SOS Official|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> He soon suffered a serious neck injury after [[Botch (professional wrestling)|botching]] a [[Professional wrestling throws#Hip toss|hip toss]]<ref name="fsm"/> which sidetracked his career for two years.<ref name="slam"/>


Farelly soon developed his wrestling character by drawing on [[Celtic mythology]]. Wanting to move away from limiting [[Stereotype#Irish stereotypes|Irish stereotypes]] of [[Lucky Charms (disambiguation)|lucky charms]], [[leprechaun]]s and [[alcoholism]], he instead wanted to portray an [[Fianna|Irish warrior]].<ref name="fsm"/> Going to a [[Gaelscoil]], Farelly grew up aware of [[Irish mythology|the four cycles of Irish mythology]] and, inspired by the artwork of [[Jim Fitzpatrick (artist)|Jim Fitzpatrick]], incorporated the sword and axe-wielding imagery into his [[List of professional wrestling terms#G|gimmick]].<ref name="ExpressNightOut"/><ref name="fsm"/> This included the design of his own pendant, the crossos, which combines the [[Celtic cross]] with a [[Iron Age sword#Celtic swords|Celtic War sword]] to illustrate his character's "indigenous origins with a hybrid of warrior strength matched with a strong ethical centre."<ref name="fsm"/>
Farelly soon developed his wrestling character by drawing on [[Celtic mythology]]. Wanting to move away from limiting [[Stereotype#Irish stereotypes|Irish stereotypes]] of [[Lucky Charms (disambiguation)|lucky charms]], [[leprechaun]]s and [[alcoholism]], he instead wanted to portray an [[Fianna|Irish warrior]].<ref name="fsm"/> Going to a [[Gaelscoil]], Farelly grew up aware of [[Irish mythology|the four cycles of Irish mythology]] and, inspired by the artwork of [[Jim Fitzpatrick (artist)|Jim Fitzpatrick]], incorporated the sword and axe-wielding imagery into his [[List of professional wrestling terms#G|gimmick]].<ref name="ExpressNightOut"/><ref name="fsm"/> This included the design of his own pendant, the crossos, which combines the [[Celtic cross]] with a [[Iron Age sword#Celtic swords|Celtic War sword]] to illustrate his character's "indigenous origins with a hybrid of warrior strength matched with a strong ethical centre."<ref name="fsm"/>


===Irish Whip Wrestling (2004–2006)===
===Irish Whip Wrestling (2004–2006)===
In May 2004, still using the ring name Sheamus O'Shaunessy, Farrelly returned to wrestling at the newly opened [[Irish Whip Wrestling]] (IwW) school in [[Dublin]]. He then made his debut match for the [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotion]] at their [[Mount Temple, County Westmeath|Mount Temple]] show on July 9 against Mark Burns, who he [[List of professional wrestling terms#S|easily defeated]].<ref name="OfficialBio">{{cite web|url=http://www.sosofficial.com/bio.shtml|title=The Celtic Wrestler's Biography|publisher=SOS Official|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> He went on to win a [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] the following month.<ref name="iww2401">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result080804.html|title=Peaders Beer Garden, County Laois 08/08/04|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref>
In May 2004, still using the ring name Sheamus O'Shaunessy, Farrelly returned to wrestling at the newly opened [[Irish Whip Wrestling]] (IwW) school in [[Dublin]]. He then made his debut match for the [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotion]] at their [[Mount Temple, County Westmeath|Mount Temple]] show on July 9 against Mark Burns, who he [[List of professional wrestling terms#S|easily defeated]].<ref name="OfficialBio">{{cite web|url=http://www.sosofficial.com/bio.shtml|title=The Celtic Wrestler's Biography|publisher=SOS Official|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> He went on to win a [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] the following month.<ref name="iww2401">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result080804.html| title=Peaders Beer Garden, County Laois 08/08/04|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref>


O'Shaunessy spent the rest of the year engaged in a rivalry with Vid Vain after losing to his tag team partner Joey Cabray the same night as winning the battle royal.<ref name="iww2401"/> On October 22 and 23 they traded wins,<ref name="iww2210">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result221004.html|title=Bangor Leisure Centre, Bangor, County Down 22/10/04|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref><ref name="iww2310">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result231004.html|title=Ballynahinch Centre, County Down 23/10/04|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> leading to O'Shaunessy recruiting help from CJ Summers to help defeat the tag team on October 24.<ref name="iww2410">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result2410042.html|title=Mount Temple, County Dublin 24/10/04|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> Still O'Shaunessy failed to defeat Vain in singles action the following day.<ref name="iww2510">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result251004.html|title=Portlaoise GAA Club, County Laois 25/10/04|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> Despite these losses, his impressive showings earned him a place against [[Alex Shane]] in a guest match for the [[British Heavyweight Championship (XWA)|Frontier Wrestling Alliance (FWA) British Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name="iww212">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result021204.html|title=Sarsfield, Lucan, County Dublin 02/12/04|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> Despite putting on a strong showing and being close to winning, his friend Red Vinny interfered in the match and cost him the championship.<ref name="OfficialBio"/>
O'Shaunessy spent the rest of the year engaged in a rivalry with Vid Vain after losing to his tag team partner Joey Cabray the same night as winning the battle royal.<ref name="iww2401"/> On October 22 and 23 they traded wins,<ref name="iww2210">{{cite web|url= http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result221004.html|title=Bangor Leisure Centre, Bangor, County Down 22/10/04| publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref><ref name="iww2310">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result231004.html|title=Ballynahinch Centre, County Down 23/10/04|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate= 2010-01-24}}</ref> leading to O'Shaunessy recruiting help from CJ Summers to help defeat the tag team on October 24.<ref name="iww2410">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result2410042.html|title=Mount Temple, County Dublin 24/10/04|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> Still O'Shaunessy failed to defeat Vain in singles action the following day.<ref name="iww2510">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result251004.html|title= Portlaoise GAA Club, County Laois 25/10/04|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> Despite these losses, his impressive showings earned him a place against [[Alex Shane]] in a guest match for the [[British Heavyweight Championship (XWA)|Frontier Wrestling Alliance (FWA) British Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name="iww212">{{cite web|url= http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result021204.html|title=Sarsfield, Lucan, County Dublin 02/12/04|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> Despite putting on a strong showing and being close to winning, his friend Red Vinny interfered in the match and cost him the championship.<ref name="OfficialBio"/>


In March 2005 he avenged this loss by teaming with [[Scott Levy|Raven]] to defeat Shane and Vinny.<ref name="iww2403">{{cite web| url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result240305.html|title=The Forum, Waterford City 24/03/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> This victory was part of a winning streak over the end of March where O'Shaunessy wrestled twice a day on March 24,<ref name="iww2403"/> 25,<ref name="iww2503">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result250305.html|title=Hudson Bay Hotel, Athlone, County Roscommon 25/03/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> 26 - including an 11 man Rumble win<ref name="iww2603">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result260305.html|title=The Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny City, Kilkenny 26/03/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> - and 27 with a standard tag match and a ten-man tag team match.<ref name="iww2703">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result270305.html|title=The Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise, County Laois 27/03/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> This series of victories, aside from one loss by disqualification to Vain,<ref name="iww2603"/> put him good stead for the one-day tournament held in [[County Kildare]] to crown the inaugural [[Irish Whip Wrestling#Irish Whip Wrestling International Heavyweight Championship|IwW International Heavyweight Champion]]. On March 28, O'Shaunessy put an end to his main rivalries when he defeated Vinny and then Vain in the quarter and semi finals, respectively.<ref name="iww2401mat">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result2803051.html|title=Naas GAA Club, Naas, County Kildare 28/03/05 (Matinee)|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]| accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> He met [[Darren Burridge]] in the final match and won to become IwW's first champion,<ref name="abroad">{{cite web|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/article230414.ece|title=Brits Abroad|last=Sibley|first=Adam|date=2007-05-24|work=[[The Sun (newspaper)|The Sun]]|accessdate=2009-12-09}}</ref> but had to compete again in an evening show in Dublin, defeating Burridge and Vinny once more in a tag match alongside Vain.<ref name="iww2803">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result2803052.html|title=Sarsfield GAA Club, Lucan, County Dublin 28/03/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref>
In March 2005 he avenged this loss by teaming with [[Scott Levy|Raven]] to defeat Shane and Vinny.<ref name="iww2403">{{cite web| url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result240305.html|title=The Forum, Waterford City 24/03/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> This victory was part of a winning streak over the end of March where O'Shaunessy wrestled twice a day on March 24,<ref name="iww2403"/> 25,<ref name="iww2503">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result250305.html|title=Hudson Bay Hotel, Athlone, County Roscommon 25/03/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]| accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> 26 - including an 11 man Rumble win<ref name="iww2603">{{cite web|url= http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result260305.html|title=The Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny City, Kilkenny 26/03/05 |publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> - and 27 with a standard tag match and a ten-man tag team match.<ref name="iww2703">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result270305.html|title=The Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise, County Laois 27/03/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> This series of victories, aside from one loss by disqualification to Vain,<ref name="iww2603"/> put him good stead for the one-day tournament held in [[County Kildare]] to crown the inaugural [[Irish Whip Wrestling#Irish Whip Wrestling International Heavyweight Championship|IwW International Heavyweight Champion]]. On March 28, O'Shaunessy put an end to his main rivalries when he defeated Vinny and then Vain in the quarter and semi finals, respectively.<ref name="iww2401mat">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result2803051.html|title=Naas GAA Club, Naas, County Kildare 28/03/05 (Matinee)|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]| accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> He met [[Darren Burridge]] in the final match and won to become IwW's first champion,<ref name="abroad">{{cite web|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/article230414.ece|title=Brits Abroad|last=Sibley| first=Adam|date=2007-05-24|work=[[The Sun (newspaper)|The Sun]]|accessdate=2009-12-09}}</ref> but had to compete again in an evening show in Dublin, defeating Burridge and Vinny once more in a tag match alongside Vain.<ref name="iww2803">{{cite web|url= http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result2803052.html|title=Sarsfield GAA Club, Lucan, County Dublin 28/03/05| publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref>


[[File:Sheamus O'Shaunessy Victory.jpg|thumb|left|O'Shaunessy after retaining the IwW International Heavyweight Championship on November 14, 2005.]]
[[File:Sheamus O'Shaunessy Victory.jpg|thumb|left|O'Shaunessy after retaining the IwW International Heavyweight Championship on November 14, 2005.]]
O'Shaunessy's first successful title defence came against Burridge the following month<ref name="iww2404">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result240405.html|title=IwW GYM, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, County Dublin 24/04/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> but Burridge would not let his grudge rest, continuing to attack O'Shaunessy and finally costing him the title during a match against [[D'Lo Brown]] on May 29.<ref name="OfficialBio"/><ref name="iww2905">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result290505.html|title=D-Day, SFX Theatre, Dublin City 29/05/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> O'Shaunessy earned revenge in July by defeating Burridge in a grudge match,<ref name="iww2307">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result230705.html|title=The Moat Theatre, Naas, County Kildare 23/07/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> though lost to him in an [[arm wrestling]] contest the following day.<ref name="iww2407">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result240705.html|title=IwW Gym, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, County Dublin 24/07/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> Still, he continued on his quest to regain the title<ref name="OfficialBio"/> by winning a contendership three way match against Vinny and Red Viper in August<ref name="iww2808">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result280805.html|title=IwW Gym, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, County Dublin 28/08/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> setting him up to regain the International Heavyweight Champinship in October from Brown in [[Newcastle upon Tyne]] in [[England]].<ref name="iwwtitle">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/tithist.htm|title=IwW International Heavyweight Title History|accessdate=2010-01-16|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]}}</ref>
O'Shaunessy's first successful title defence came against Burridge the following month<ref name="iww2404">{{cite web|url= http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result240405.html|title=IwW GYM, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, County Dublin 24/04/05 |publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> but Burridge would not let his grudge rest, continuing to attack O'Shaunessy and finally costing him the title during a match against [[D'Lo Brown]] on May 29.<ref name="OfficialBio"/><ref name="iww2905">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result290505.html|title= D-Day, SFX Theatre, Dublin City 29/05/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> O'Shaunessy earned revenge in July by defeating Burridge in a grudge match,<ref name="iww2307">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result230705.html|title=The Moat Theatre, Naas, County Kildare 23/07/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate= 2010-01-24}}</ref> though lost to him in an [[arm wrestling]] contest the following day.<ref name="iww2407">{{cite web|url= http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result240705.html|title=IwW Gym, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, County Dublin 24/07/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> Still, he continued on his quest to regain the title<ref name="OfficialBio"/> by winning a contendership three way match against Vinny and Red Viper in August<ref name="iww2808">{{cite web |url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result280805.html|title=IwW Gym, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, County Dublin 28/08/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> setting him up to regain the International Heavyweight Champinship in October from Brown in [[Newcastle upon Tyne]] in [[England]].<ref name="iwwtitle">{{cite web|url= http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/tithist.htm|title=IwW International Heavyweight Title History|accessdate=2010-01-16|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]}}</ref>


After defending his title against [[Vampiro]]<ref name="iww2003">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result141105.html|title=SFX Theatre, Dublin City 20/03/05 [sic] |publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> and Viper,<ref name="iww1712">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result171205.html|title=Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath 17/12/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> O'Shaunessy found himself embroiled in a new feud with rising [[Scotland|Scottish]] wrestling star "Thee" [[Drew Galloway]], who he would later admit was his toughest opponent.<ref name="ASW"/> On January 28, 2006 he received his first championship match, evolving their rivalry from previous non-title contests.<ref name="iww2801">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result280106.html|title=Stillorgan, Dublin 28/01/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref> The rivalry quickly took on a patriotic flavour, with Galloway's blue colours of Scotland clashing O'Shaunnesy's green colours of Ireland, mirroring the [[Old Firm]] [[Association football|football]] [[Local derby|derby]] between [[Rangers F.C.|Glasgow Rangers]] and [[Celtic F.C.|Glasgow Celtic]], respectively.<ref name="ramblings">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlersramblings.com/index.php/who-is-drew-mcintyre/|title=IwW promoter on WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre|last=Bullgod|first=The|publisher=Wrestler Ramblings|accessdate=2009-12-09}}</ref> This football allusion became particularly prominent when the two met again at Verona Football Club once again for the title, though the match changed into a [[Professional wrestling match types#Lumberjack match|Lumberjack match]], the result and champion remained the same.<ref name="iww9">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result190206.html|title=Verona Football Club, Blanchardstown, Co. Dublin 19/02/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref>
After defending his title against [[Vampiro]]<ref name="iww2003">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result141105.html|title=SFX Theatre, Dublin City 20/03/05 [sic] |publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> and Viper,<ref name="iww1712">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result171205.html|title=Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath 17/12/05|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> O'Shaunessy found himself embroiled in a new feud with rising [[Scotland|Scottish]] wrestling star "Thee" [[Drew Galloway]], who he would later admit was his toughest opponent.<ref name="ASW"/> On January 28, 2006 he received his first championship match, evolving their rivalry from previous non-title contests.<ref name="iww2801">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result280106.html|title= Stillorgan, Dublin 28/01/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref> The rivalry quickly took on a patriotic flavour, with Galloway's blue colours of Scotland clashing O'Shaunnesy's green colours of Ireland, mirroring the [[Old Firm]] [[Association football|football]] [[Local derby|derby]] between [[Rangers F.C.|Glasgow Rangers]] and [[Celtic F.C.|Glasgow Celtic]], respectively.<ref name="ramblings">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlersramblings.com/index.php/who-is-drew-mcintyre/|title=IwW promoter on WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre|last=Bullgod|first=The|publisher=Wrestler Ramblings|accessdate=2009-12-09}}</ref> This football allusion became particularly prominent when the two met again at Verona Football Club once again for the title, though the match changed into a [[Professional wrestling match types#Lumberjack match|Lumberjack match]], the result and champion remained the same.<ref name="iww9">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result190206.html| title=Verona Football Club, Blanchardstown, Co. Dublin 19/02/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref>


With Galloway defeated, O'Shaunessy continued to dominate by again defending his title against Vampiro on 17 March.<ref name="iww11">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result170306.html|title=IwW Gym, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, County Dublin 17/03/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref> Galloway earned himself a [[Professional wrestling match types#Two out of three falls match|two out of three falls match]] against the champion the following day, however, which O'Shaunnesy won two falls to one;<ref name="iww12">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result180306.htm|title=St.Finbarr's GAA Club, Cabra, Dublin 18/03/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref> the next day produced the same result<ref name="iww13">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result190306.html|title=Skerries Community Centre, Skerries, Dublin 19/03/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref> in a match O'Shaunessy claimed was his best on the [[independent circuit]].<ref name="ASW"/> With Galloway briefly answered, O'Shaunessy took on the newcomer Pierre Marcaeu and defeated him in two successive title matches only to find Galloway had earned another shot.<ref name="iww14">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result230406.html|title=Clonmel GAA Centre, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary 23/04/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref><ref name="iww14">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result260406.html|title=Community Centre , Rathdowney, Co. Laois 26/04/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref> With their rivalry intensifying, Galloway's next challenge to O'Shaunnesy was given the stipulation of a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Man Standing match|Last Man Standing match]]. Once again, the Irish native retained the title,<ref name="iww15">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result270406.html|title=M.C.R. Community Centre , Sligo Town, Co. Sligo 27/04/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref> as he also did in June with the same stipulation.<ref name="iww16">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result170606.html|title=Combined Community Centre, Balbriggan, Dublin 17/06/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref> Finally, on August 28, O'Shaunessy lost the IwW International Heavyweight Championship in a singles match to Galloway in what would be his last appearance with the promotion.<ref name="iwwtitle">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/tithist.htm|title=Title History|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref><ref name="iww17">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result270806.html|title=Combined Community Centre, Balbriggan, Dublin 27/08/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate= 2009-12-10}}</ref>
With Galloway defeated, O'Shaunessy continued to dominate by again defending his title against Vampiro on 17 March.<ref name="iww11">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result170306.html|title=IwW Gym, Baldoyle Industrial Estate, County Dublin 17/03/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref> Galloway earned himself a [[Professional wrestling match types#Two out of three falls match|two out of three falls match]] against the champion the following day, however, which O'Shaunnesy won two falls to one;<ref name="iww12">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result180306.htm|title=St.Finbarr's GAA Club, Cabra, Dublin 18/03/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate= 2009-12-10}}</ref> the next day produced the same result<ref name="iww13">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result190306.html|title=Skerries Community Centre, Skerries, Dublin 19/03/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]| accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref> in a match O'Shaunessy claimed was his best on the [[independent circuit]].<ref name="ASW"/> With Galloway briefly answered, O'Shaunessy took on the newcomer Pierre Marcaeu and defeated him in two successive title matches only to find Galloway had earned another shot.<ref name="iww14">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result230406.html|title=Clonmel GAA Centre, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary 23/04/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate= 2009-12-10}}</ref><ref name="iww14">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result260406.html|title= Community Centre , Rathdowney, Co. Laois 26/04/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref> With their rivalry intensifying, Galloway's next challenge to O'Shaunnesy was given the stipulation of a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Man Standing match|Last Man Standing match]]. Once again, the Irish native retained the title,<ref name="iww15">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result270406.html|title=M.C.R. Community Centre , Sligo Town, Co. Sligo 27/04/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref> as he also did in June with the same stipulation.<ref name="iww16">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result170606.html|title=Combined Community Centre, Balbriggan, Dublin 17/06/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref> Finally, on August 28, O'Shaunessy lost the IwW International Heavyweight Championship in a singles match to Galloway in what would be his last appearance with the promotion.<ref name="iwwtitle">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/tithist.htm|title=Title History|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref><ref name="iww17">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishwhipwrestling.com/images/results/result270806.html|title=Combined Community Centre, Balbriggan, Dublin 27/08/06|publisher=[[Irish Whip Wrestling]]|accessdate= 2009-12-10}}</ref>


===British promotions (2005–2007)===
===British promotions (2005–2007)===
As well as wrestling in Ireland, O'Shaunessy occasionally travelled to [[Great Britain]] to make appearances on the [[Professional wrestling in the United Kingdom|British independent circuit]]. In April 2006 he was brought into [[Wales]]' Celtic Wrestling promotion as a contender for their top title but was defeated by the champion, Chris Recall.<ref name="cw">{{cite web|url=http://www.celtic-wrestling.co.uk/results_2006.html|title=Celtic Wrestling - Results 2006|publisher=Celtic Wrestling|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> Later that year in November, he was employed by [[London]]'s LDN Wrestling to appear on their ''Capital TV'' show where, after quickly defeating William Hill, he gained an LDN Championship match against Tex Benedict which ended with Benedict winning by [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]] and O'Shaunessy attacking him after the match.<ref name="ldn">{{cite web|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071025124831/www.ldnwrestling.com/site/news/035.htm|archivedate=2007-10-25|url=http://www.ldnwrestling.com/site/news/035.htm|title=LDN Anniversary Showdown Results|date=2006-11-22|accessdate= 2010-01-27|publisher=LDN Wrestling}}</ref>
As well as wrestling in Ireland, O'Shaunessy occasionally travelled to [[Great Britain]] to make appearances on the [[Professional wrestling in the United Kingdom|British independent circuit]]. In April 2006 he was brought into [[Wales]]' Celtic Wrestling promotion as a contender for their top title but was defeated by the champion, Chris Recall.<ref name="cw">{{cite web|url= http://www.celtic-wrestling.co.uk/results_2006.html|title=Celtic Wrestling - Results 2006|publisher=Celtic Wrestling|accessdate= 2010-01-27}}</ref> Later that year in November, he was employed by [[London]]'s LDN Wrestling to appear on their ''Capital TV'' show where, after quickly defeating William Hill, he gained an LDN Championship match against Tex Benedict which ended with Benedict winning by [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]] and O'Shaunessy attacking him after the match.<ref name="ldn">{{cite web|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071025124831/www.ldnwrestling.com/site/news/035.htm|archivedate= 2007-10-25|url=http://www.ldnwrestling.com/site/news/035.htm|title=LDN Anniversary Showdown Results|date=2006-11-22|accessdate= 2010-01-27|publisher=LDN Wrestling}}</ref>


During his time overseas he worked for Brian Dixon's [[All Star Wrestling]],<ref name="aswnews">{{cite web|url=http://www.bigtimewrestlinguk.com/index.php?id=pages/news/news20|title=All Star Grapplevine presented by Russell Plummer|last=Plummer|first=Russell|date=2006-07-14|publisher=[[All Star Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> which gave him a taste of large audiences that he had not experienced in Ireland,<ref name="fsm"/> as well as wrestling English veteran [[Robbie Brookside]] and other British wrestling luminaries, including [[Nigel McGuinness]] and [[Doug Williams (wrestler)|Doug Williams]].<ref name="fsm"/> He also represented the UK in a Battle of the Nations tag team match between Britain and Austria alongside [[Drew McDonald]] and The Celtic Warrior (Bari Griffiths) in a losing effort against Chris Raaber, Michael Kovac & Robert Ray Kreuzer at the [[Global Professional Wrestling Alliance|European Wrestlng Association's]] Night of Gladiators.<ref name="ewa">{{cite web|url=http://www.ewa-wrestling.com/events.php|title=EWA Results|publisher=European Wrestling Association|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref>
During his time overseas he worked for Brian Dixon's [[All Star Wrestling]],<ref name="aswnews">{{cite web|url= http://www.bigtimewrestlinguk.com/index.php?id=pages/news/news20|title=All Star Grapplevine presented by Russell Plummer|last= Plummer|first=Russell|date=2006-07-14|publisher=[[All Star Wrestling]]|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> which gave him a taste of large audiences that he had not experienced in Ireland,<ref name="fsm"/> as well as wrestling English veteran [[Robbie Brookside]] and other British wrestling luminaries, including [[Nigel McGuinness]] and [[Doug Williams (wrestler)|Doug Williams]].<ref name="fsm"/> He also represented the UK in a Battle of the Nations tag team match between Britain and Austria alongside [[Drew McDonald]] and The Celtic Warrior (Bari Griffiths) in a losing effort against Chris Raaber, Michael Kovac & Robert Ray Kreuzer at the [[Global Professional Wrestling Alliance|European Wrestlng Association's]] Night of Gladiators.<ref name="ewa">{{cite web|url=http://www.ewa-wrestling.com/events.php|title=EWA Results|publisher=European Wrestling Association|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref>


As well as making top contender appearances based on his growing reputation, O'Shaunessy also brought with him to Britain his long-standing rivalry with Galloway. He had already wrestled in Galloway's home promotion, British Championship Wrestling (BCW), twice in 2005 losing to Jay Phoenix the day before Phoenix would go on to lose to Galloway in March<ref name="bcwbegin">{{cite web|url=http://www.bcwwrestling.co.uk/results/2005/03/18/new-beginnings-2-night-1|title=Results: New Beginnings 2 (night 1) New|publisher=British Championship Wrestling|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> and returning in September to defeat one of BCW's top stars, Wolfgang, via count-out.<ref name="bcwstorm">{{cite web|url=http://www.bcwwrestling.co.uk/results/2005/09/17/rise-before-the-storm|title=Results: Rise Before The Storm|publisher=British Championship Wrestling|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> In the middle of their IwW feud the following year, O'Shaunessy went back to Scotland to take part in BCW's Path To Glory tour, defeating Galloway on the first night<ref name="bcwglor1">{{cite web|url=http://www.bcwwrestling.co.uk/results/2006/05/26/path-of-glory-night-1|title=Results: Path of Glory (night 1)|publisher=British Championship Wrestling|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> but conceding a loss the to him next night in May.<ref name="bcwglory2">{{cite web|url=http://www.bcwwrestling.co.uk/results/2006/05/27/path-of-glory-night-2|title=Results: Path of Glory (night 2)|publisher=British Championship Wrestling|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> Though their feud finished in Ireland in August 2006, it continued on across the [[Irish Sea]] when the two wrestled for the umbrella promtion [[Real Quality Wrestling]] (RQW) the following year. The two first met during April's ''Taking On The World'' show which ended in a double countout.<ref name="rqwapr">{{cite web|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070822180244/www.realqualitywrestling.com/news.php?id=16|archivedate=2007-08-22|url=http://www.realqualitywrestling.com/news.php?id=16|title= April 20th Live Event Results|publisher=[[Real Quality Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref> The lack of a decision led to a rematch in June, and one of O'Shaunessy's last on the independent circuit, where Galloway picked up the victory in a [[Professional wrestling match types#No Disqualification match|No Holds Barred match]] ahead of an [[RQW Heavyweight Championship]] match.<ref name="rqwjune">{{cite web|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070822180206/www.realqualitywrestling.com/news.php?id=18|archivedate=2007-08-22|url=http://www.realqualitywrestling.com/news.php?id=18|title=June 16th Live Event Results|publisher=[[Real Quality Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref>
As well as making top contender appearances based on his growing reputation, O'Shaunessy also brought with him to Britain his long-standing rivalry with Galloway. He had already wrestled in Galloway's home promotion, British Championship Wrestling (BCW), twice in 2005 losing to Jay Phoenix the day before Phoenix would go on to lose to Galloway in March<ref name="bcwbegin">{{cite web|url=http://www.bcwwrestling.co.uk/results/2005/03/18/new-beginnings-2-night-1|title=Results: New Beginnings 2 (night 1) New|publisher=British Championship Wrestling|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> and returning in September to defeat one of BCW's top stars, Wolfgang, via count-out.<ref name="bcwstorm">{{cite web|url=http://www.bcwwrestling.co.uk/results/2005/09/17/rise-before-the-storm|title=Results: Rise Before The Storm|publisher=British Championship Wrestling|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> In the middle of their IwW feud the following year, O'Shaunessy went back to Scotland to take part in BCW's Path To Glory tour, defeating Galloway on the first night<ref name="bcwglor1">{{cite web|url=http://www.bcwwrestling.co.uk/results/2006/05/26/path-of-glory-night-1|title=Results: Path of Glory (night 1)|publisher=British Championship Wrestling|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> but conceding a loss the to him next night in May.<ref name="bcwglory2">{{cite web|url=http://www.bcwwrestling.co.uk/results/2006/05/27/path-of-glory-night-2|title=Results: Path of Glory (night 2)|publisher=British Championship Wrestling|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> Though their feud finished in Ireland in August 2006, it continued on across the [[Irish Sea]] when the two wrestled for the umbrella promtion [[Real Quality Wrestling]] (RQW) the following year. The two first met during April's ''Taking On The World'' show which ended in a double countout.<ref name="rqwapr">{{cite web|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070822180244/www.realqualitywrestling.com/news.php?id=16|archivedate=2007-08-22|url=http://www.realqualitywrestling.com/news.php?id=16|title= April 20th Live Event Results|publisher=[[Real Quality Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref> The lack of a decision led to a rematch in June, and one of O'Shaunessy's last on the independent circuit, where Galloway picked up the victory in a [[Professional wrestling match types#No Disqualification match|No Holds Barred match]] ahead of an [[RQW Heavyweight Championship]] match.<ref name="rqwjune">{{cite web|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070822180206/www.realqualitywrestling.com/news.php?id=18| archivedate=2007-08-22|url=http://www.realqualitywrestling.com/news.php?id=18|title=June 16th Live Event Results|publisher=[[Real Quality Wrestling]]|accessdate=2009-12-10}}</ref>


===World Wrestling Entertainment===
===World Wrestling Entertainment===
On November 13 2006, O'Shaunessy appeared on the [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) show ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' at [[Manchester Evening News Arena|The M.E.N. Arena]] as part of the security team ejecting [[D-Generation X]] from ringside only to later receive a [[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|Pedigree]] from [[Triple H]].<ref name="slam"/><ref name="raw1114">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/14/2352032.html|title=Raw: DX have a jolly ol' time in England|last=Plummer|first= Dale|date=2006-11-14|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> The following day he and Galloway had a try out match against each other. The following year in April he received another set of try out matches in Milan and London again against Galloway as well as [[Stu Bennett|Stu Sanders]] and WWE talent [[James Yun|Jimmy Wang Yang]] and Monster Factory alumnus [[Cliff Compton|Domino]].<ref name="fights">{{cite web|url=http://www.sosofficial.com/fights.shtml|title=Upcoming and Past Fights|publisher=SOS Official|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> This led to signing a developmental contract for WWE, at which point he relocated to the [[United States]].<ref name="slam"/>
On November 13 2006, O'Shaunessy appeared on the [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) show ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' at [[Manchester Evening News Arena|The M.E.N. Arena]] as part of the security team ejecting [[D-Generation X]] from ringside only to later receive a [[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|Pedigree]] from [[Triple H]].<ref name="slam"/><ref name="raw1114">{{cite web|url= http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/14/2352032.html|title=Raw: DX have a jolly ol' time in England|last=Plummer|first= Dale|date=2006-11-14|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> The following day he and Galloway had a try out match against each other. The following year in April he received another set of try out matches in Milan and London again against Galloway as well as [[Stu Bennett|Stu Sanders]] and WWE talent [[James Yun|Jimmy Wang Yang]] and Monster Factory alumnus [[Cliff Compton|Domino]].<ref name="fights">{{cite web|url=http://www.sosofficial.com/fights.shtml| title=Upcoming and Past Fights|publisher=SOS Official|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> This led to signing a developmental contract for WWE, at which point he relocated to the [[United States]].<ref name="slam"/>


====Florida Championship Wrestling (2007–2009)====
====Florida Championship Wrestling (2007–2009)====
Line 56: Line 57:
By September, O'Shaunessy had focused his attention to singles competition and wrestled his way to the top of the card, successfully defeating former partner Hager for the [[Florida Championship Wrestling#FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship|Florida Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name="fingal">{{cite web|url=http://www.fingal-independent.ie/sport/other-sports/sheamus-wrestles-his-way-to-the-top-1925586.html|title=Sheamus wrestles his way to the top|last=Murphy|first=Hubert|date=2009-11-28|publisher=Fingal Independent|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> He defended the title against Hager on October 23 and took on a number of competitors, with [[Eric Pérez|Eric Escobar]] and [[Joe Hennig]] consistently earning themselves into contention. Eventually, on December 11, O'Shaunessy lost the title to Escobar in a four-way match also involving Hennig and Drew McIntyre (formerly Drew Galloway).<ref name="fcw08"/>
By September, O'Shaunessy had focused his attention to singles competition and wrestled his way to the top of the card, successfully defeating former partner Hager for the [[Florida Championship Wrestling#FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship|Florida Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name="fingal">{{cite web|url=http://www.fingal-independent.ie/sport/other-sports/sheamus-wrestles-his-way-to-the-top-1925586.html|title=Sheamus wrestles his way to the top|last=Murphy|first=Hubert|date=2009-11-28|publisher=Fingal Independent|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> He defended the title against Hager on October 23 and took on a number of competitors, with [[Eric Pérez|Eric Escobar]] and [[Joe Hennig]] consistently earning themselves into contention. Eventually, on December 11, O'Shaunessy lost the title to Escobar in a four-way match also involving Hennig and Drew McIntyre (formerly Drew Galloway).<ref name="fcw08"/>


O'Shaunessy spent 2009 continuing to chase gold, earning two shots over January and February at the Florida Tag Team Champions [[Johnny Curtis]] and [[Gabe Tuft|Tyler Reks]] but he and [[Ryan Reeves|Ryback]] were unsuccessful in both attempts. In March he challenged the two for the titles once again, this time with McIntyre as his partner but could not defeat them, nor could he defeat McIntyre for the Florida Heavyweight Championship the following month. He received a series of chances throughout the rest of the year but could not win any more titles before being called up to WWE television.<ref name="fcw09">{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2009/|title=FCW Results 2009|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref>
O'Shaunessy spent 2009 continuing to chase gold, earning two shots over January and February at the Florida Tag Team Champions [[Johnny Curtis]] and [[Gabe Tuft|Tyler Reks]] but he and [[Ryan Reeves|Ryback]] were unsuccessful in both attempts. In March he challenged the two for the titles once again, this time with McIntyre as his partner but could not defeat them, nor could he defeat McIntyre for the Florida Heavyweight Championship the following month. He received a series of chances throughout the rest of the year but could not win any more titles before being called up to WWE television.<ref name="fcw09">{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fcw/_2009/|title=FCW Results 2009|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate= 2010-01-27}}</ref>


====Breakout (2009–present)====
====Breakout (2009–present)====
On July 22, 2008 O'Shaunessy worked a dark match at a ''SmackDown'' taping, losing to [[Ron Killings]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/6106/105/|title=Smackdown spoilers from Philadelphia|date=2008-07-22|last=Begley|first=Ray|accessdate=2008-10-25|publisher=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online}}</ref> The following year in May O'Shaunessy began appearing at the Raw [[WWE Brand Extension|brand's]] house shows, and on both May 8 and 9 he defeated [[Jamie Noble]]<ref name="slam"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1241942817.php?style=dark|title=5/8 WWE Results: Erie, PA|date=2009-05-10|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=2009-05-10|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1241943798.php?style=dark|title=5/9 WWE Results: Youngstown, OH|date=2009-05-10|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=2009-05-10| publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> along with another dark match victory over Noble before an episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/article2425444.ece|title=Daily wrestling news and gossip|date=2009-05-12|last=Aldren|first=Mike|accessdate=2009-05-12|work=[[The Sun (newspaper)|The Sun]]}}</ref>
On July 22, 2008 O'Shaunessy worked a dark match at a ''SmackDown'' taping, losing to [[Ron Killings]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/6106/105/|title=Smackdown spoilers from Philadelphia|date=2008-07-22|last=Begley|first=Ray| accessdate=2008-10-25|publisher=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online}}</ref> The following year in May O'Shaunessy began appearing at the Raw [[WWE Brand Extension|brand's]] house shows, and on both May 8 and 9 he defeated [[Jamie Noble]]<ref name="slam"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1241942817.php?style=dark|title=5/8 WWE Results: Erie, PA|date=2009-05-10| last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=2009-05-10|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1241943798.php?style=dark|title=5/9 WWE Results: Youngstown, OH|date=2009-05-10|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=2009-05-10| publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> along with another dark match victory over Noble before an episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/article2425444.ece|title=Daily wrestling news and gossip|date=2009-05-12|last= Aldren|first=Mike|accessdate=2009-05-12|work=[[The Sun (newspaper)|The Sun]]}}</ref>

⚫
On the June 30 2009 episode of ''[[ECW (WWE)|ECW]]'', Farrelly made his unannounced debut as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villain]] under the shortened ring name of Sheamus, quickly defeating a [[Job (professional wrestling)|local competitor]].<ref name="ecw306">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_33241.shtml|title=ECW TV Report 6/30: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Dreamer & Christian vs. Kozlov & Regal|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2009-06-30|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref><ref name=ecw0630009results>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9806/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling, I mean ECW, TV report|date=2009-06-30|accessdate=2009-07-01|publisher=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online}}</ref> Sheamus soon entered into a critically well-received<ref name="ecw19"/> rivalry with [[Dustin Rhodes|Goldust]] after defeating him on July 29.<ref name="ecw297">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/29/10295521.html|title=ECW: Ryder pushes Christian to the brink|last=Bishop|first=Matt|date=2009-07-29|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> After exchanging victories in the following weeks<ref name="ecw2907">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/29/10295521.html|title=ECW: Ryder pushes Christian to the brink|last=Bishop|first=Matt|date=2009-07-29|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref><ref name="ss138">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/08/13/10457251.html|title=Superstars: Goldust leads rookie to his best match on television|last=Johnson|first=Matt|date=2009-08-13|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> the two took part in an ''[[Brian Jossie|Abraham Washington Show]]'' talk segment<ref name="ecw188">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_34572.shtml|title=8/18 ECW on SyFy Report: Mayer's alt. perspective review of Regal's New Faction, Hurricane's in-ring return, Washington hosting Goldust and Sheamus|last=Mayer|first=Dominick|date=2009-08-18|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> leading to a [[Professional wrestling match types#No Disqualification match|No Disqualification match]] on September 1 which Sheamus won.<ref name="ecw19">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_34974.shtml|title=9/1 WWE ECW Hits & Misses: Abraham Washington Show, Benjamin vs. Ryder, Goldust vs. Shaemus|last=Mezzera|first=Jon|date=2009-09-02|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> Sheamus then began a feud with [[Shelton Benjamin]] which was [[List of professional wrestling terms#h|hot-shot]] into a deciding match on on October 27 which Sheamus won.<ref name="ecw2710">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_36394.shtml|title=10/27 WWE ECW Hits & Misses: Abraham Washington Show, Shaemus vs. Benjamin, Christian vs. Tatsu|last=Mezzera|first=Jon|date=2009-10-28|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref>


⚫
On the June 30 2009 episode of ''[[ECW (WWE)|ECW]]'', Farrelly made his unannounced debut as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villain]] under the shortened ring name of Sheamus, quickly defeating a [[Job (professional wrestling)|local competitor]].<ref name="ecw306">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_33241.shtml|title=ECW TV Report 6/30: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Dreamer & Christian vs. Kozlov & Regal|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2009-06-30| publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref><ref name=ecw0630009results>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/9806/|title=Florida Championship Wrestling, I mean ECW, TV report|date=2009-06-30|accessdate=2009-07-01|publisher= Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online}}</ref> Sheamus soon entered into a critically well-received<ref name="ecw19"/> rivalry with [[Dustin Rhodes|Goldust]] after defeating him on July 29.<ref name="ecw297">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/29/10295521.html|title=ECW: Ryder pushes Christian to the brink|last=Bishop|first=Matt|date=2009-07-29|work=Slam! Sports| publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> After exchanging victories in the following weeks<ref name="ecw2907">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/07/29/10295521.html|title=ECW: Ryder pushes Christian to the brink|last=Bishop|first=Matt|date=2009-07-29|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref><ref name="ss138">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/08/13/10457251.html|title=Superstars: Goldust leads rookie to his best match on television|last=Johnson|first=Matt|date=2009-08-13|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> the two took part in an ''[[Brian Jossie|Abraham Washington Show]]'' talk segment<ref name="ecw188">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_34572.shtml|title=8/18 ECW on SyFy Report: Mayer's alt. perspective review of Regal's New Faction, Hurricane's in-ring return, Washington hosting Goldust and Sheamus|last= Mayer|first=Dominick|date=2009-08-18|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> leading to a [[Professional wrestling match types#No Disqualification match|No Disqualification match]] on September 1 which Sheamus won.<ref name="ecw19">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_34974.shtml|title=9/1 WWE ECW Hits & Misses: Abraham Washington Show, Benjamin vs. Ryder, Goldust vs. Shaemus|last=Mezzera|first=Jon|date=2009-09-02|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch| accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> Sheamus then began a feud with [[Shelton Benjamin]] which was [[List of professional wrestling terms#h|hot-shot]] into a deciding match on on October 27 which Sheamus won.<ref name="ecw2710">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_36394.shtml|title=10/27 WWE ECW Hits & Misses: Abraham Washington Show, Shaemus vs. Benjamin, Christian vs. Tatsu |last=Mezzera|first=Jon|date=2009-10-28|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref>
[[File:SheamusOrton staredown.jpg|thumb|220px|left|Sheamus defending the WWE Championship against [[Randy Orton]] at the [[Royal Rumble (2010)|Royal Rumble]].]]
[[File:SheamusOrton staredown.jpg|thumb|220px|left|Sheamus defending the WWE Championship against [[Randy Orton]] at the [[Royal Rumble (2010)|Royal Rumble]].]]
His rivalry with Benjamin was prematurely ended owing to Sheamus being moved to the the Raw brand the day before. He made his ''Raw'' debut by defeating Jamie Noble.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/10/27/11535426.html|title=Raw: Superstars take revenge on Big Show|date=2009-10-27|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=2009-10-27|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> In the following weeks, he continued to attack Noble which caused him to retire,<ref name="noble">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11092009/articles/12505222|title=Jamie Noble retires|date=2009-11-09|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> and, in lieu of competition, assaulted the timekeeper and commentator [[Jerry Lawler]] on November 16 at [[Madison Square Garden]].<ref name="raw1711">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/11/17/11770271.html|title=Raw: Smaller set, big three-way tag match at MSG|last=Writer X|date=2009-11-17|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> The following week Sheamus appeared on his first WWE [[pay-per-view]] event, [[Survivor Series (2009)|Survivor Series]]. Sheamus appeared as part of [[Mike Mizanin|The Miz's]] team in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Elimination tag team match|traditional five-on-five elimination tag team match]]. He eliminated fellow Irishman [[Dave Finlay|Finlay]] and made the final pinfall to eliminate the opposing captain [[John Hennigan|John Morrison]] and survive along with [[Mike Mizanin|The Miz]] and long-time former rival Drew McIntyre. The following night on ''Raw'', Sheamus won a "break-through" battle royal for wrestlers who had never won a [[World Heavyweight Championship (professional wrestling)|world championship]], to become the number one contender to [[John Cena]]'s [[WWE Championship]]. At the contract signing immediately afterwards, Sheamus put Cena through the table as guest host [[Jesse Ventura]] announced it would be a [[Professional wrestling match types#Tables match|Table match]].<ref name="breakthrough">{{cite web|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/2745757/Sheamus-OShaunessy-is-set-for-WWE-big-time-after-getting-TLC-main-event-spot.html|title=Sheamus set for WWE big time|last=McNichol|first=Rob|date=2009-11-25|work=[[The Sun (newspaper)|The Sun]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref>
His rivalry with Benjamin was prematurely ended owing to Sheamus being moved to the the Raw brand the day before. He made his ''Raw'' debut by defeating Jamie Noble.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/10/27/11535426.html|title=Raw: Superstars take revenge on Big Show|date=2009-10-27|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=2009-10-27|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> In the following weeks, he continued to attack Noble which caused him to retire,<ref name="noble">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/11092009/articles/12505222|title=Jamie Noble retires|date= 2009-11-09|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> and, in lieu of competition, assaulted the timekeeper and commentator [[Jerry Lawler]] on November 16 at [[Madison Square Garden]].<ref name="raw1711">{{cite web|url= http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/11/17/11770271.html|title=Raw: Smaller set, big three-way tag match at MSG|last=Writer X|date=2009-11-17|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|accessdate=2010-01-27}}</ref> The following week Sheamus appeared on his first WWE [[pay-per-view]] event, [[Survivor Series (2009)|Survivor Series]]. Sheamus appeared as part of [[Mike Mizanin|The Miz's]] team in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Elimination tag team match|traditional five-on-five elimination tag team match]]. He eliminated fellow Irishman [[Dave Finlay|Finlay]] and made the final pinfall to eliminate the opposing captain [[John Hennigan|John Morrison]] and survive along with [[Mike Mizanin|The Miz]] and long-time former rival Drew McIntyre. The following night on ''Raw'', Sheamus won a "break-through" battle royal for wrestlers who had never won a [[World Heavyweight Championship (professional wrestling)|world championship]], to become the number one contender to [[John Cena]]'s [[WWE Championship]]. At the contract signing immediately afterwards, Sheamus put Cena through the table as guest host [[Jesse Ventura]] announced it would be a [[Professional wrestling match types#Tables match|Table match]].<ref name="breakthrough">{{cite web|url= http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/2745757/Sheamus-OShaunessy-is-set-for-WWE-big-time-after-getting-TLC-main-event-spot.html|title=Sheamus set for WWE big time|last=McNichol|first=Rob|date=2009-11-25|work=[[The Sun (newspaper)|The Sun]]|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref>


On December 13, at the [[WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] pay-per-view, Sheamus defeated Cena to win the WWE Championship, his first championship in WWE,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_37357.shtml|title=WWE TLC PPV Report 12/13: Complete PPV report on Cena vs. Sheamus, DX vs. JeriShow, Taker vs. Batista| last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2009-12-13|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2009-12-14}}</ref> making him the first Irish-born WWE Champion.<ref name="ExpressNightOut"/> The following night on ''Raw'', Sheamus was awarded with the 2009 Breakout Superstar of the Year [[Slammy Award]].<ref name="2009-Slammy">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards09/|title=2009 Slammy Awards|date=2009-12-14|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=2009-12-15}}</ref> He went on to successfully defend the championship against Cena on ''Raw'' and [[Randy Orton]] at the [[Royal Rumble (2010)|Royal Rumble]] in January 2010, with both matches ending in disqualification.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/12/28/12288346.html|title=RAW: It's official, Bret Hart returns next week|date=2009-12-28|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=2010-02-01|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/01/12692126.html|title=The 2010 Royal Rumble is Rated R in Atlanta|date=2010-02-01|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2= Tylwalk|first2=Nick|accessdate=2010-02-01|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]]}}</ref> <!-- DO NOT ADD WEEK BY WEEK EVENTS, RUMORS OR SPECULATION. THIS INCLUDES ANNOUNCED MATCHES THAT HAVE NOT YET OCCURRED. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A NEWS SITE BUT AN ONLINE ENCYCLOPEDIA. Please see the articles "Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not" and "Wikipedia:Guide to writing better articles" for more information. -->
On December 13, at the [[WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] pay-per-view, Sheamus defeated Cena to win the WWE Championship, his first championship in WWE,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_37357.shtml|title=WWE TLC PPV Report 12/13: Complete PPV report on Cena vs. Sheamus, DX vs. JeriShow, Taker vs. Batista| last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2009-12-13|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=2009-12-14}}</ref> making him the first Irish-born WWE Champion.<ref name="ExpressNightOut"/> The following night on ''Raw'', Sheamus was awarded with the 2009 Breakout Superstar of the Year [[Slammy Award]].<ref name="2009-Slammy">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards09/|title=2009 Slammy Awards|date=2009-12-14|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=2009-12-15}}</ref> He went on to successfully defend the championship against Cena on ''Raw'' and [[Randy Orton]] at the [[Royal Rumble (2010)|Royal Rumble]] in January 2010, with both matches ending in disqualification.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/12/28/12288346.html|title=RAW: It's official, Bret Hart returns next week|date=2009-12-28|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate= 2010-02-01|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/01/12692126.html|title=The 2010 Royal Rumble is Rated R in Atlanta|date=2010-02-01|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2= Tylwalk|first2=Nick|accessdate=2010-02-01|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]]}}</ref> <!-- DO NOT ADD WEEK BY WEEK EVENTS, RUMORS OR SPECULATION. THIS INCLUDES ANNOUNCED MATCHES THAT HAVE NOT YET OCCURRED. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A NEWS SITE BUT AN ONLINE ENCYCLOPEDIA. Please see the articles "Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not" and "Wikipedia:Guide to writing better articles" for more information. -->


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
Farrelly played the role of "Two Ton" in the 2008 movie ''[[The Escapist (2008 film)|The Escapist]]'' alongside [[Joseph Fiennes]] and [[Brian Cox]].<ref name="escapist">{{cite web|url=http://www.theirishworld.com/article.asp?SubSection_Id=1&Article_Id=4419|title=Irish wrestler's big-screen debut|date=2008-01-02|publisher=The Irish World|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> He had a small role in the 2006 Irish film, ''3 Crosses'',<ref name="fsm"/> and was a Celtic Warrior Zombie in the opening sequence of the 2009 movie ''[[Assault of Darkness]]'' opposite [[Vinnie Jones]].<ref name="ExpressNightOut"/> He appeared on several episodes of the famous Irish sockpuppet, [[Dustin the Turkey]]'s show ''Dustin's Daily News'' where he had a rivalry with Dustin. It ended with Dustin and Sheamus having a "fight", which Dustin won. He also appeared on ''[[The Podge and Rodge Show]]'' as a [[leprechaun]] wrestler, along with IwW alumnus George McFly.<ref name="fsm"/>
Farrelly played the role of "Two Ton" in the 2008 movie ''[[The Escapist (2008 film)|The Escapist]]'' alongside [[Joseph Fiennes]] and [[Brian Cox]].<ref name="escapist">{{cite web|url=http://www.theirishworld.com/article.asp?SubSection_Id=1&Article_Id=4419| title=Irish wrestler's big-screen debut|date=2008-01-02|publisher=The Irish World|accessdate=2010-01-24}}</ref> He had a small role in the 2006 Irish film, ''3 Crosses'',<ref name="fsm"/> and was a Celtic Warrior Zombie in the opening sequence of the 2009 movie ''[[Assault of Darkness]]'' opposite [[Vinnie Jones]].<ref name="ExpressNightOut"/> He appeared on several episodes of the famous Irish sockpuppet, [[Dustin the Turkey]]'s show ''Dustin's Daily News'' where he had a rivalry with Dustin. It ended with Dustin and Sheamus having a "fight", which Dustin won. He also appeared on ''[[The Podge and Rodge Show]]'' as a [[leprechaun]] wrestler, along with IwW alumnus George McFly.<ref name="fsm"/>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Farrelly was born in [[Clonsilla]], [[Dublin]], but was raised in North Great George's Street, Dublin.<ref name="offstats"/> Farrelly's father, Mark, was an amateur [[bodybuilding|bodybuilder]].<ref name="ExpressNightOut"/> Farrelly speaks fluent [[Irish language|Irish]] having attended Scoil Caoimhin Primary and Secondary School, a [[Gaelscoil]].<ref name="offstats"/> He sang in the Palestrina Choir until the age of thirteen, as part of which he appeared on both the Christmas Late Late Show and Live at Three.<ref name="OfficialBio"/> He played [[Gaelic football]] for the Erin's Isle team where he was declared Sportstar of The Month.<ref name="fingal"/> He also played [[Rugby union|rugby]] for the [[National College of Ireland]],<ref name="offstats"/> where he gained a [[National Diploma (Ireland)|National Diploma]].<ref name="fsm"/>
Farrelly was born in [[Clonsilla]], [[Dublin]], but was raised in North Great George's Street, Dublin.<ref name="offstats"/> Farrelly's father, Mark, was an amateur [[bodybuilding|bodybuilder]].<ref name="ExpressNightOut" /> Farrelly speaks fluent [[Irish language|Irish]] having attended Scoil Caoimhin Primary and Secondary School, a [[Gaelscoil]].<ref name="offstats"/> He sang in the Palestrina Choir until the age of thirteen, as part of which he appeared on both the Christmas Late Late Show and Live at Three.<ref name="OfficialBio"/> He played [[Gaelic football]] for the Erin's Isle team where he was declared Sportstar of The Month.<ref name="fingal"/> He also played [[Rugby union|rugby]] for the [[National College of Ireland]],<ref name="offstats"/> where he gained a [[National Diploma (Ireland)|National Diploma]].<ref name="fsm"/>


Farrelly is a former [[Information technology|IT]] technician.<ref name="slam 'em"/> He also worked as security for a [[nightclub]] which led to him occasionally working personal security for [[Bono]] and [[Larry Mullen, Jr.]] from [[U2]], as well as [[Denise van Outen]].<ref name="ExpressNightOut"/><ref name="offstats"/>
Farrelly is a former [[Information technology|IT]] technician.<ref name="slam 'em"/> He also worked as security for a [[nightclub]] which led to him occasionally working personal security for [[Bono]] and [[Larry Mullen, Jr.]] from [[U2]], as well as [[Denise van Outen]].<ref name="ExpressNightOut"/><ref name="offstats"/>
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***[[Professional wrestling attacks#Bicycle kick|Bicycle kick]]<ref name=PWTorch/><ref name=Hatton/>
***[[Professional wrestling attacks#Bicycle kick|Bicycle kick]]<ref name=PWTorch/><ref name=Hatton/>
***''Celtic Cross''<ref name=CelticCross>{{cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/news/1263866655.shtml|title=Live Raw Coverage by Dan O'Hagan}}</ref> ([[Powerbomb#Crucifix powerbomb|Crucifix powerbomb]])<ref name=Hatton>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_36654.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Report 11/9: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Ricky Hatton hosting from the U.K.|date=2009-11-09|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=2009-11-11|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> – late 2009–present
***''Celtic Cross''<ref name=CelticCross>{{cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/news/1263866655.shtml|title=Live Raw Coverage by Dan O'Hagan}}</ref> ([[Powerbomb#Crucifix powerbomb|Crucifix powerbomb]])<ref name=Hatton>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_36654.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Report 11/9: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Ricky Hatton hosting from the U.K.|date=2009-11-09|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=2009-11-11|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> – late 2009–present
***''Irish Curse'' ([[Backbreaker#Side slam backbreaker|Side slam backbreaker]])<ref name=ecw0630009results/><ref name="offstats"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_34955.shtml|title=Caldwell's ECW TV Report 9/1: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels WM25 and ECW happenings|date=2009-09-01|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=2009-09-02|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
***''Irish Curse'' ([[Backbreaker#Side slam backbreaker|Side slam backbreaker]])<ref name=ecw0630009results/><ref name="offstats"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_34955.shtml|title=Caldwell's ECW TV Report 9/1: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels WM25 and ECW happenings|date=2009-09-01|last=Caldwell|first=James| accessdate=2009-09-02|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
**'''As Sheamus O'Shaunessy'''
**'''As Sheamus O'Shaunessy'''
***''Celtic Slam'' ([[Professional wrestling throws#Death Valley driver|Death Valley driver]])<ref name="slam 'em"/>
***''Celtic Slam'' ([[Professional wrestling throws#Death Valley driver|Death Valley driver]])<ref name="slam 'em"/>
Line 98: Line 98:
**"S.O.S."<ref name="slam 'em"/> (independent circuit)
**"S.O.S."<ref name="slam 'em"/> (independent circuit)
**"The Irish Curse"<ref name="slam 'em"/> (independent circuit / FCW)
**"The Irish Curse"<ref name="slam 'em"/> (independent circuit / FCW)
**'''"The Celtic Warrior"'''<ref name="WWE">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/sheamus/bio/|title=Sheamus Biography|accessdate=2009-10-26|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> ([[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWE]])
**'''"The Celtic Warrior"'''<ref name="WWE">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/sheamus/bio/|title=Sheamus Biography| accessdate=2009-10-26|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> ([[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWE]])


*'''[[Music in professional wrestling|Entrance themes]]'''
*'''[[Music in professional wrestling|Entrance themes]]'''
Line 111: Line 111:
**[[Irish Whip Wrestling#Irish Whip Wrestling International Heavyweight Championship|IwW International Heavyweight Championship (2 times)]]<ref name="iwwtitle"/>
**[[Irish Whip Wrestling#Irish Whip Wrestling International Heavyweight Championship|IwW International Heavyweight Championship (2 times)]]<ref name="iwwtitle"/>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
**PWI ranked him #'''226''' of the best 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2008<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2008/918/randy_orton_346514.shtml|title=The Complete 'PWI 500' List For 2008|date=2008-09-18|last=Clark|first=Ryan|accessdate=2009-03-12|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|publisher=WrestlingInc.com}}</ref>
**PWI ranked him #'''226''' of the best 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2008<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2008/918/randy_orton_346514.shtml|title=The Complete 'PWI 500' List For 2008|date= 2008-09-18|last=Clark|first=Ryan|accessdate=2009-03-12|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|publisher=WrestlingInc.com}}</ref>
*'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]'''
*'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]'''
**[[WWE Championship]] ([[List of WWE Champions|1 time]], current)<ref name=WWETitle>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/20091213|title=WWE Championship: Sheamus' first reign|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=2009-12-15}}</ref>
**[[WWE Championship]] ([[List of WWE Champions|1 time]], current)<ref name=WWETitle>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/20091213|title=WWE Championship: Sheamus' first reign|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]| accessdate=2009-12-15}}</ref>
**[[Slammy Award]] for Breakout Star of the Year ([[Slammy Award#2009 Slammy Awards|2009]])<ref name="2009-Slammy"/>
**[[Slammy Award]] for Breakout Star of the Year ([[Slammy Award#2009 Slammy Awards|2009]])<ref name="2009-Slammy"/>
{{-}}
{{-}}

Revision as of 18:44, 13 February 2010

"Sheamus" redirects here. For other uses, see Séamus.
Sheamus O'Shaunessy
Born (1978-01-28) January 28, 1978 (age 46)[1]
Clonsilla, Dublin, Ireland[2]
WebsiteThe Irish Curse
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Galldubh[3]
Sheamus[4]
Sheamus O'Shaunessy[5]
Stephen Farrelly[3]
Billed height6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)[6][2]
Billed weight272 lb (123 kg; 19.4 st)[6]
20 st (280 lb; 130 kg)[2]
Billed from3000 BC[7]
Dublin, Ireland[6]
Trained byLarry Sharpe[1]
Jim Molineaux[1]
Irish Whip Wrestling[8]
DebutMay 2002[8]

Stephen Farrelly[2][1] (born January 28, 1978)[1] is an Irish professional wrestler and actor, best known by his ring names Sheamus O'Shaunessy and Sheamus. He is currently performing for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), competing on its Raw brand, where he is the reigning WWE Champion.

Prior to joining WWE, Farrelly was also a two-time International Heavyweight Champion during his tenure in Irish Whip Wrestling. During his time in WWE's developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), he held the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship once.

Professional wrestling career

Farrelly's inspiration into a professional wrestling career came from watching both British wrestling from ITV's World of Sport and American wrestling from the World Wrestling Federation on Sky One.[9] On the advice of Bret Hart,[10] Farrelly began training in Larry Sharpe's Monster Factory wrestling school in April 2004,[1] alongside Tank Toland, Cliff Compton and Cindy Rogers.[10] Six weeks later he officially debuted as a fan favorite under the name Sheamus O'Shaunessy against Robert Pigenion. It was during this time that he developed the nickname the "Irish Curse" after low-blowing an opponent.[11] He soon suffered a serious neck injury after botching a hip toss[10] which sidetracked his career for two years.[1]

Farelly soon developed his wrestling character by drawing on Celtic mythology. Wanting to move away from limiting Irish stereotypes of lucky charms, leprechauns and alcoholism, he instead wanted to portray an Irish warrior.[10] Going to a Gaelscoil, Farelly grew up aware of the four cycles of Irish mythology and, inspired by the artwork of Jim Fitzpatrick, incorporated the sword and axe-wielding imagery into his gimmick.[9][10] This included the design of his own pendant, the crossos, which combines the Celtic cross with a Celtic War sword to illustrate his character's "indigenous origins with a hybrid of warrior strength matched with a strong ethical centre."[10]

Irish Whip Wrestling (2004–2006)

In May 2004, still using the ring name Sheamus O'Shaunessy, Farrelly returned to wrestling at the newly opened Irish Whip Wrestling (IwW) school in Dublin. He then made his debut match for the promotion at their Mount Temple show on July 9 against Mark Burns, who he easily defeated.[8] He went on to win a battle royal the following month.[12]

O'Shaunessy spent the rest of the year engaged in a rivalry with Vid Vain after losing to his tag team partner Joey Cabray the same night as winning the battle royal.[12] On October 22 and 23 they traded wins,[13][14] leading to O'Shaunessy recruiting help from CJ Summers to help defeat the tag team on October 24.[15] Still O'Shaunessy failed to defeat Vain in singles action the following day.[16] Despite these losses, his impressive showings earned him a place against Alex Shane in a guest match for the Frontier Wrestling Alliance (FWA) British Heavyweight Championship.[17] Despite putting on a strong showing and being close to winning, his friend Red Vinny interfered in the match and cost him the championship.[8]

In March 2005 he avenged this loss by teaming with Raven to defeat Shane and Vinny.[18] This victory was part of a winning streak over the end of March where O'Shaunessy wrestled twice a day on March 24,[18] 25,[19] 26 - including an 11 man Rumble win[20] - and 27 with a standard tag match and a ten-man tag team match.[21] This series of victories, aside from one loss by disqualification to Vain,[20] put him good stead for the one-day tournament held in County Kildare to crown the inaugural IwW International Heavyweight Champion. On March 28, O'Shaunessy put an end to his main rivalries when he defeated Vinny and then Vain in the quarter and semi finals, respectively.[22] He met Darren Burridge in the final match and won to become IwW's first champion,[5] but had to compete again in an evening show in Dublin, defeating Burridge and Vinny once more in a tag match alongside Vain.[23]

O'Shaunessy after retaining the IwW International Heavyweight Championship on November 14, 2005.

O'Shaunessy's first successful title defence came against Burridge the following month[24] but Burridge would not let his grudge rest, continuing to attack O'Shaunessy and finally costing him the title during a match against D'Lo Brown on May 29.[8][25] O'Shaunessy earned revenge in July by defeating Burridge in a grudge match,[26] though lost to him in an arm wrestling contest the following day.[27] Still, he continued on his quest to regain the title[8] by winning a contendership three way match against Vinny and Red Viper in August[28] setting him up to regain the International Heavyweight Champinship in October from Brown in Newcastle upon Tyne in England.[29]

After defending his title against Vampiro[30] and Viper,[31] O'Shaunessy found himself embroiled in a new feud with rising Scottish wrestling star "Thee" Drew Galloway, who he would later admit was his toughest opponent.[32] On January 28, 2006 he received his first championship match, evolving their rivalry from previous non-title contests.[33] The rivalry quickly took on a patriotic flavour, with Galloway's blue colours of Scotland clashing O'Shaunnesy's green colours of Ireland, mirroring the Old Firm football derby between Glasgow Rangers and Glasgow Celtic, respectively.[34] This football allusion became particularly prominent when the two met again at Verona Football Club once again for the title, though the match changed into a Lumberjack match, the result and champion remained the same.[35]

With Galloway defeated, O'Shaunessy continued to dominate by again defending his title against Vampiro on 17 March.[36] Galloway earned himself a two out of three falls match against the champion the following day, however, which O'Shaunnesy won two falls to one;[37] the next day produced the same result[38] in a match O'Shaunessy claimed was his best on the independent circuit.[32] With Galloway briefly answered, O'Shaunessy took on the newcomer Pierre Marcaeu and defeated him in two successive title matches only to find Galloway had earned another shot.[39][39] With their rivalry intensifying, Galloway's next challenge to O'Shaunnesy was given the stipulation of a Last Man Standing match. Once again, the Irish native retained the title,[40] as he also did in June with the same stipulation.[41] Finally, on August 28, O'Shaunessy lost the IwW International Heavyweight Championship in a singles match to Galloway in what would be his last appearance with the promotion.[29][42]

British promotions (2005–2007)

As well as wrestling in Ireland, O'Shaunessy occasionally travelled to Great Britain to make appearances on the British independent circuit. In April 2006 he was brought into Wales' Celtic Wrestling promotion as a contender for their top title but was defeated by the champion, Chris Recall.[43] Later that year in November, he was employed by London's LDN Wrestling to appear on their Capital TV show where, after quickly defeating William Hill, he gained an LDN Championship match against Tex Benedict which ended with Benedict winning by disqualification and O'Shaunessy attacking him after the match.[44]

During his time overseas he worked for Brian Dixon's All Star Wrestling,[45] which gave him a taste of large audiences that he had not experienced in Ireland,[10] as well as wrestling English veteran Robbie Brookside and other British wrestling luminaries, including Nigel McGuinness and Doug Williams.[10] He also represented the UK in a Battle of the Nations tag team match between Britain and Austria alongside Drew McDonald and The Celtic Warrior (Bari Griffiths) in a losing effort against Chris Raaber, Michael Kovac & Robert Ray Kreuzer at the European Wrestlng Association's Night of Gladiators.[46]

As well as making top contender appearances based on his growing reputation, O'Shaunessy also brought with him to Britain his long-standing rivalry with Galloway. He had already wrestled in Galloway's home promotion, British Championship Wrestling (BCW), twice in 2005 losing to Jay Phoenix the day before Phoenix would go on to lose to Galloway in March[47] and returning in September to defeat one of BCW's top stars, Wolfgang, via count-out.[48] In the middle of their IwW feud the following year, O'Shaunessy went back to Scotland to take part in BCW's Path To Glory tour, defeating Galloway on the first night[49] but conceding a loss the to him next night in May.[50] Though their feud finished in Ireland in August 2006, it continued on across the Irish Sea when the two wrestled for the umbrella promtion Real Quality Wrestling (RQW) the following year. The two first met during April's Taking On The World show which ended in a double countout.[51] The lack of a decision led to a rematch in June, and one of O'Shaunessy's last on the independent circuit, where Galloway picked up the victory in a No Holds Barred match ahead of an RQW Heavyweight Championship match.[52]

World Wrestling Entertainment

On November 13 2006, O'Shaunessy appeared on the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) show Raw at The M.E.N. Arena as part of the security team ejecting D-Generation X from ringside only to later receive a Pedigree from Triple H.[1][53] The following day he and Galloway had a try out match against each other. The following year in April he received another set of try out matches in Milan and London again against Galloway as well as Stu Sanders and WWE talent Jimmy Wang Yang and Monster Factory alumnus Domino.[54] This led to signing a developmental contract for WWE, at which point he relocated to the United States.[1]

Florida Championship Wrestling (2007–2009)

O'Shaunessy debuted for the WWE developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) on October 2 in a double-debut match with a win over Bryan Kelly. While wrestling regularly, he was not part of any long feuds but did wrestle with a number of short-term tag teams alongside Hade Vansen[55] and Jake Hager before teaming with Kafu (and managed by Dave Taylor) in the tournament to crown the inaugural Florida Tag Team Champions. They advanced past the first round after defeating The British Lions ("Thee Superstar" Christopher Gray and "The Rascal" Tommy Taylor) but lost to Brad Allen and Nick Nemeth in the second round.[56]

By September, O'Shaunessy had focused his attention to singles competition and wrestled his way to the top of the card, successfully defeating former partner Hager for the Florida Heavyweight Championship.[7] He defended the title against Hager on October 23 and took on a number of competitors, with Eric Escobar and Joe Hennig consistently earning themselves into contention. Eventually, on December 11, O'Shaunessy lost the title to Escobar in a four-way match also involving Hennig and Drew McIntyre (formerly Drew Galloway).[56]

O'Shaunessy spent 2009 continuing to chase gold, earning two shots over January and February at the Florida Tag Team Champions Johnny Curtis and Tyler Reks but he and Ryback were unsuccessful in both attempts. In March he challenged the two for the titles once again, this time with McIntyre as his partner but could not defeat them, nor could he defeat McIntyre for the Florida Heavyweight Championship the following month. He received a series of chances throughout the rest of the year but could not win any more titles before being called up to WWE television.[57]

Breakout (2009–present)

On July 22, 2008 O'Shaunessy worked a dark match at a SmackDown taping, losing to Ron Killings.[58] The following year in May O'Shaunessy began appearing at the Raw brand's house shows, and on both May 8 and 9 he defeated Jamie Noble[1][59][60] along with another dark match victory over Noble before an episode of Raw.[61]

On the June 30 2009 episode of ECW, Farrelly made his unannounced debut as a villain under the shortened ring name of Sheamus, quickly defeating a local competitor.[4][62] Sheamus soon entered into a critically well-received[63] rivalry with Goldust after defeating him on July 29.[64] After exchanging victories in the following weeks[65][66] the two took part in an Abraham Washington Show talk segment[67] leading to a No Disqualification match on September 1 which Sheamus won.[63] Sheamus then began a feud with Shelton Benjamin which was hot-shot into a deciding match on on October 27 which Sheamus won.[68]

Sheamus defending the WWE Championship against Randy Orton at the Royal Rumble.

His rivalry with Benjamin was prematurely ended owing to Sheamus being moved to the the Raw brand the day before. He made his Raw debut by defeating Jamie Noble.[69] In the following weeks, he continued to attack Noble which caused him to retire,[70] and, in lieu of competition, assaulted the timekeeper and commentator Jerry Lawler on November 16 at Madison Square Garden.[71] The following week Sheamus appeared on his first WWE pay-per-view event, Survivor Series. Sheamus appeared as part of The Miz's team in a traditional five-on-five elimination tag team match. He eliminated fellow Irishman Finlay and made the final pinfall to eliminate the opposing captain John Morrison and survive along with The Miz and long-time former rival Drew McIntyre. The following night on Raw, Sheamus won a "break-through" battle royal for wrestlers who had never won a world championship, to become the number one contender to John Cena's WWE Championship. At the contract signing immediately afterwards, Sheamus put Cena through the table as guest host Jesse Ventura announced it would be a Table match.[72]

On December 13, at the TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view, Sheamus defeated Cena to win the WWE Championship, his first championship in WWE,[73] making him the first Irish-born WWE Champion.[9] The following night on Raw, Sheamus was awarded with the 2009 Breakout Superstar of the Year Slammy Award.[74] He went on to successfully defend the championship against Cena on Raw and Randy Orton at the Royal Rumble in January 2010, with both matches ending in disqualification.[75][76]

Filmography

Farrelly played the role of "Two Ton" in the 2008 movie The Escapist alongside Joseph Fiennes and Brian Cox.[77] He had a small role in the 2006 Irish film, 3 Crosses,[10] and was a Celtic Warrior Zombie in the opening sequence of the 2009 movie Assault of Darkness opposite Vinnie Jones.[9] He appeared on several episodes of the famous Irish sockpuppet, Dustin the Turkey's show Dustin's Daily News where he had a rivalry with Dustin. It ended with Dustin and Sheamus having a "fight", which Dustin won. He also appeared on The Podge and Rodge Show as a leprechaun wrestler, along with IwW alumnus George McFly.[10]

Personal life

Farrelly was born in Clonsilla, Dublin, but was raised in North Great George's Street, Dublin.[11] Farrelly's father, Mark, was an amateur bodybuilder.[9] Farrelly speaks fluent Irish having attended Scoil Caoimhin Primary and Secondary School, a Gaelscoil.[11] He sang in the Palestrina Choir until the age of thirteen, as part of which he appeared on both the Christmas Late Late Show and Live at Three.[8] He played Gaelic football for the Erin's Isle team where he was declared Sportstar of The Month.[7] He also played rugby for the National College of Ireland,[11] where he gained a National Diploma.[10]

Farrelly is a former IT technician.[2] He also worked as security for a nightclub which led to him occasionally working personal security for Bono and Larry Mullen, Jr. from U2, as well as Denise van Outen.[9][11]

In wrestling

Sheamus performing his Bicycle Kick on Randy Orton.
  • Nicknames
    • "S.O.S."[2] (independent circuit)
    • "The Irish Curse"[2] (independent circuit / FCW)
    • "The Celtic Warrior"[6] (WWE)

Championships and accomplishments

Sheamus as the WWE Champion in December 2009.

References

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  56. ^ a b "FCW Results 2008". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2010-01-27.
  57. ^ "FCW Results 2009". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2010-01-27.
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  60. ^ Martin, Adam (2009-05-10). "5/9 WWE Results: Youngstown, OH". WrestleView. Retrieved 2009-05-10.
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