Paddy Barrett
Dundalk FC have announced the signing of defender Paddy Barrett.
The 21-year-old arrives at the club from Galway FC, having made 13 appearances and scored twice in the Tribesmen’s promotion charge in the second half of last season. Despite his short spell in the west, Paddy still managed to make the PFAI’s First Division Team of the Year.
Prior to that, Barrett had spent the first half of last season playing for his hometown club Waterford Utd, where he made 17 appearances and scored three times.
Primarily a centre back, Barrett can also fill in at right back and in the centre of midfield with his versatility expected to be a big bonus to Stephen Kenny’s side.
The 5ft 11in defender signed for Scottish side Aberdeen as a youth from Waterford side, Southend United.
Paddy starred in Aberdeen’s youth and U-20 squads before joining Dundee United, where he broke into the first team squad. He was selected on the bench in the SPL on a number of occasions, but for the young defender, game time at senior level would have to come elsewhere.
In July of last year, Paddy was allowed to leave on loan, returning to his native Waterford. He played in all but two of Waterford’s league games as they were pipped to the second play-off spot in the First Division.
After joining Waterford permanently last season, he played in all but two of his side’s league games before deciding to join Galway FC in the summer.
Now he will be hoping to make a name for himself with the Lilywhites.
