Another duo re-sign at the RSC

Paul Martin in FAI Cup action against Athlone Town

Paul Martin in FAI Cup action against Athlone Town Credit: Gerry Shanahan (ETPhotos)

Waterford FC fans will have another couple of recognisable faces to cheer on in 2022 with the re-signings of Shane Griffin and Paul Martin. Both are Academy products of the Blues and were important parts of the first team squad last season.

Goalkeeper Martin- originally with St Patrick’s Athletic underage before signing with Waterford Under 19s and whose brother John departed to join Dundalk during the off-season, proved himself to be a more than capable deputy for Brian Murphy on several occasions during 2021- most notably as the penalty saving hero for Waterford in their dramatic shootout victory in the FAI Cup over Athlone Town.

Speaking with waterdfc.ie, the netminder was enthusiastic about his return for 2022, “I’m absolutely delighted to be re-signing with the club and really looking forward to getting back in training with the squad.” 

“I’m very determined to help the club get back where it belongs in the Premier division and I’m very excited to be working with Ian [Morris]. He’s had great success in the league already and he’ll have a great effect on the development of many of our young talented players so I believe it will be a successful season for the club under him.”

Following his January 2018 competitive debut for the Blues, Griffin has gone on to establish himself in the Waterford FC first team, netting 3 league goals in the 2021 campaign. For his part, speaking to waterfordfc.ie, he also expressed his delight at re-signing, “I’m delighted to be back at the club for the 2022 season. As a local lad it obviously hurt to be relegated last season so I’ll give it my all to get us back where we belong. 

“Ian [Morris] is putting together a really competitive squad and I’m really glad to be part of it. We have to fight for places every week and that’ll really stand to us. We know the season won’t be easy at all but I can’t wait to get started in pre-season and look to that first game.”

    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