Dundalk FC announce capture of Paddy Barrett

Paddy Barrett

Dundalk FC have announced the signing of defender Paddy Barrett.

The 21-year-old arrives at the club from Galway FC, having made 13 appearances and scored twice in the Tribesmen’s promotion charge in the second half of last season. Despite his short spell in the west, Paddy still managed to make the PFAI’s First Division Team of the Year.

Prior to that, Barrett had spent the first half of last season playing for his hometown club Waterford Utd, where he made 17 appearances and scored three times.

Primarily a centre back, Barrett can also fill in at right back and in the centre of midfield with his versatility expected to be a big bonus to Stephen Kenny’s side.

The 5ft 11in defender signed for Scottish side Aberdeen as a youth from Waterford side, Southend United.

Paddy starred in Aberdeen’s youth and U-20 squads before joining Dundee United, where he broke into the first team squad. He was selected on the bench in the SPL on a number of occasions, but for the young defender, game time at senior level would have to come elsewhere.

In July of last year, Paddy was allowed to leave on loan, returning to his native Waterford. He played in all but two of Waterford’s league games as they were pipped to the second play-off spot in the First Division.

After joining Waterford permanently last season, he played in all but two of his side’s league games before deciding to join Galway FC in the summer.

Now he will be hoping to make a name for himself with the Lilywhites.

Dundalk to find out Europa League opponents later today

Dundalk will find out who they have been paired with in European competition later today when the draw for the first two qualifying rounds of the Europa League takes place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon in Switzerland.

The draw for the first qualifying round is due to take place at 12 noon, with potential second round opposition revealed at 1.30pm.

The draw will be streamed live on uefa.com

The first qualifying round matches are scheduled to take place on Thursday July 3^rd and Thursday July 10^th.

Possible opponents for Dundalk are Aberdeen of Scotland, Jeunesse Esch of Luxembourg, Tromso of Norway, Ekranas of Lithuania, My-Pa 47 of Finland and Bangor City of Wales.

There is the possibility of fixture reversals following the draw so supporters have been advised not to book flights or accommodation until after the fixtures are officially confirmed by UEFA later today.

Tickets for the games will go on general sale from Oriel Park on Monday. Due to UEFA insisting that the home leg be all-seated, tickets will be limited and be on restricted sale.