Defender Barrett signs new Lilywhites deal

Dundalk defender Paddy Barrett has signed a new deal with the club to keep him at Oriel Park for the 2017 season.

The Waterford-born defender signed for the Lilywhites in 2015 from Galway United and, despite playing as an understudy to Brian Gartland and Andy Boyle, has been a real hit with the club’s supporters.

23-year-old Barrett featured for Stephen Kenny’s men 31 times last season, netting six times, including notching against the Tribesmen on the final day of the league season.

Barrett featured in all-six of Dundalk’s Champions League qualifying games in July and August.

The defender spoke with the club’s website in the aftermath of signing the deal, expressing his satisfaction at the agreement.

“I am delighted to re-sign at the club,” Barrett told dundalkfc.com.

“Stephen Kenny came to me a while back looking to sign me back and I always wanted to stay here.

“It’s a great club and the success that we had in 2016 was great. We want to repeat that over the next few years. The future for Dundalk is bright.

“I get on great with all the lads and everyone around Dundalk. It has been good to me. I was always going to sign back here. I am looking forward to next year.

“To have the opportunity again in the Champions League was a major part of my decision to stay.

“BATE Borisov was my best night ever football-wise and to get a chance to re-live that moment again is special. I want to kick on and have more nights like that.”