UCD skipper Paul Doyle leaves student days behind as he joins the Lilywhites

Paul Doyle

Paul Doyle Credit: John Crothers (ETPhotos)

Following hot on the heels of the re-signing of Robbie Benson, another left footed former UCD midfielder in Paul Doyle has joined the Dundalk’s ranks for the 2022 campaign. 

The Mayo native capped off a busy 2021 by signing for the Lilywhites - he graduated as a physiotherapist, achieved promotion and was named in the PFAI First Division Team of the Year. Speaking with dundalkfc.com, Doyle reflected on a busy period, as well as looking forward to playing in front of the Oriel Park crowd.

“I’m delighted to get the move over the line and I can’t wait to get going now,” he said. “I had a great year, personally and collectively, with UCD and it just naturally came to an end.

“I have four years of college done and I finished up my studies so I’m ready to attack full-time football. I have over 100 games under my belt and I feel the natural progression for me now is to go into an environment that can demand more from me and will need me to raise my game and do everything properly, on and off the pitch.

“I can’t wait to play at Oriel Park again. I played here with UCD in the FAI Cup semi-final in 2018 and it was electric and, hopefully, we can get more crowds like that through the gates next season.

“We also played here in early 2019 with UCD and we went 1-0 up in that game. When it went to 1-1 in the second half I remember thinking ‘Jesus, this crowd is on our case now’. It was one of the hardest atmospheres I’ve ever played in so if you have that on your side then you have a chance.”

After beginning his League of Ireland career in the Sligo Rovers Academy, Doyle joined UCD for the 2018 season, a campaign which he ended as a First Division champion. Having made 28 starts for the Students in their 2019 Premier Division campaign, he was named their Player of the Season for 2020 and also skippered the Belfield outfit.

Reflecting on his new signing with dundalkfc.com, head coach Stephen O’Donnell, paid tribute to the midfielder’s physical and mental characteristics, “Paul has finished his college degree and is a player we have been monitoring for a few years now. He is a very good footballer with a lovely left-foot and he will give us a bit of versatility.

“He was UCD captain last season, which tells you everything you need to know about his character, and our history with UCD players at this club has been very good and we’re hoping Paul adds to that. He can’t wait to get started and he really wants to come here and to develop and show what a good player he is and I’m sure he will do that.”

 



 

    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