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 striker Hoban turns down trial with Kilmarnock

Pat Hoban with his SSE Airtricity / SWAI Player of the Month Award for October

Dundalk FC striker Pat Hoban has turned down the chance to go on trial with Scottish Premier Division side Kilmarnock.

The 23-year-old, who finished last season as the league’s joint-top goalscorer with Christy Fagan, refused the invite from the Rugby Park side after insisting that he had proved himself enough over the past two seasons with the Lilywhites not to have to audition for a contract at the East Ayrshire club.

“I don’t see why I should have to go on trial,” Hoban is quoted as saying by the Irish Independent.

“I have proved myself in two years in the league.

“For some reason the league doesn’t get enough credit – I don’t know why as we have done very well in Europe this year and I think the standard is quite high.

“I would go on trial obviously if it was a Championship or Premier League club. Who would refuse that? But when it is League One, League Two, SPL, no disrespect but I don’t see why I should have to go on trial if they had done their homework.

“I think we would beat most teams in League One in England and most teams in the SPL as well, so we should be getting a lot more credit than we are at the moment.”

The striker, named the SSE Airtricity/SWAI Player of the Month winner for October yesterday, said he had the option to remain at Oriel Park but admitted he was not going to rush the decision.

“Stephen (Kenny) is not putting that much pressure on me. Obviously he wants me to stay but it has to be the right move for me at the end of the day as I’m not getting any younger.”