Darragh Leahy re-signs with Dundalk

Darragh Leahy

Darragh Leahy Credit: Martin Doherty (ETPhotos)

Following the postseason departures of Raivis Jurkovskis and Cameron Dummigan, the re-signing of defender Darragh Leahy for the 2022 campaign sees the 23-year-old former Bohs man as the most senior full back at the club. 

On the back of a shortened 2020 league campaign, the Europa League Group Stages saw Leahy involved in five of the six games while he was also part of the Republic of Ireland Under 21 squads who faced Iceland and Italy in European Championships Qualifiers last autumn.

His second season at Oriel Park saw Leahy’s league appearances curtailed at the start of the campaign, albeit there was further European involvement, as the Lilywhites eventually crashed out to Vitesse Arnhem. 

Speaking with dundalkfc.com, Leahy was looking forward to the 2022 season. “I’ve really enjoyed the past two years, but I don’t think I’ve experienced the ‘proper’ Dundalk yet. The first season was so stop-start because of COVID-19 and last season I was out of the team for the first six months and there was so much chopping and changing at the club.

“I’ve never worked with any of the new management team before but all I’ve heard are positive things. Stephen O’Donnell is obviously a legend here and himself and Padge Cregg won the FAI Cup with St Pat’s while Dave Mackey is also a former league winner here, so I’m excited to get started again. There are very exciting times ahead.”

Lilywhites head coach Stephen O’Donnell comments were also aimed towards the future. “Darragh’s pedigree is there for all to see. He was a regular in Stephen Kenny’s Republic of Ireland U21 team where he played against top-class opposition and I thought he did really well in Dundalk’s European games in 2020 where you could see how comfortable he is going up levels.

“To keep him at Dundalk is a great coup for the club and myself, Dave and Padge are looking forward to working with him and the rest of the players to try to improve them, give them a good platform and create a good culture that allows them to thrive.”

    About Tom O'Connor

    Dundalk based reporter following the league since Monaghan United’s goalless draw against Athlone Town in 1996. Special interest in education and underage football. Shortlisted for the 2018 FAI Communications Award for series on Life beyond … View Full Profile