Poynton and Brennan join the Boynesiders

Ryan Brennan (centre)

Ryan Brennan (centre) Credit: Paul Dolan (ETPhotos)

Drogheda United have announced the signings of experienced local duo Georgie Poynton and Ryan Brennan for the 2022 season. 

Both players departed Shelbourne at the end of the 2021 campaign having achieved promotion with the Tolka Park outfit. Laytown native Poynton is a former Republic of Ireland underage international and began his League of Ireland career with Dundalk FC’s Academy, making a number of first team appearances at both right back and in midfield. 

He was part of their Europa League Group Stages squad in 2016 and spent 2017 on loan at Bohemians, for whom he scored four times in the Premier Division. He returned to Oriel Park for the 2018 season and played with Waterford in their 2019 top flight campaign.

2020 saw him sign with Shelbourne and he scored twice, including a penalty against former side Dundalk, while 2021 saw his winning penalty against Treaty United seal the First Division title for Shelbourne.

He shared penalty taking duties for the season with Ryan Brennan who netted 14 goals overall as Ian Morris’ Reds stormed to the First Division title.

A decade previous, Drogheda native Brennan made his debut for the Boynesiders in their 14th March encounter with rivals Dundalk. After spending 2010 with his hometown club, he signed with Monaghan United for 2011 before returning home to spend two seasons back with Drogheda United.

2014 saw Brennan join Shamrock Rovers, with whom he gained league and European experience over his two years at the club. 2016 and 2017 saw another brace of years spent in green and white, however this time in the colours of Bray Wanderers, netting seven league goals in the latter season before linking up with St Patrick’s Athletic for 2018.

Another four league goals followed before he signed for Ian Morris at Shelbourne, earning promotions in both 2019 and 2021.

    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