While at Coláiste Éanna, Shaw played both Gaelic football and hurling. His fellow students and teammates on the field included Colin Moran. He also played association football with Firhouse Manor, Lourdes Celtic and Manortown United. His fellow players at Lourdes Celtic included Damian Duff. The Shaw and Duff families were neighbours and they took turns driving the pair to and from training. At the age of 16, Shaw had a trial with Oxford United and was offered a contract. However his parents advised him to complete his Leaving Cert.[1][2][3] Shaw was also included in Republic of Ireland squads at under-15 and under-16 level and was offered a trial with Liverpool.[7]
Clubs
Glenanne
Shaw began playing for Glenanne at U-8 level.[8][9] His father, Victor, his uncle Gerry, his brother, David and his cousins, Gary and Richie Shaw, all played for Glenanne.[1][7][10] During his playing career with Glenanne, Shaw helped the club win Leinster Division One titles,[11] three Irish Senior Cups,[3][12][13] and the 2008 EuroHockey Club Trophy.[14]
In June 2012 Shaw was appointed coach of the men's team at Monkstown. Initially Shaw planned to retire as a player.[14][21] However he subsequently continued as a player coach and guided Monkstown to three successive Men's Irish Hockey League titles in 2012–13, 2013–14 and 2014–15.[3][6][22] He also guided them to victory in the 2012–13 Irish Senior Cup and the 2014 EuroHockey Club Trophy.[23]
^"Evans and Shaw team up at Loreto". www.hookhockey.com. 30 August 2010. Archived from the original on 3 September 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2018.
^ ab"Shaw named Irish U-18 boys coach". www.hookhockey.com. 10 February 2012. Archived from the original on 15 February 2012. Retrieved 5 September 2018.