Waterford FC is delighted to announce the signing of defender Paddy Barrett on loan from Dundalk, until the end of the 2017 season. A native of Waterford, Barrett makes a return to the RSC after two previous spells at the club.
Paddy signed for the Blues having playing locally with both St. Paul’s and Southend United. The versatile defender then made a move to play in Scotland with Aberdeen and Dundee United before making a return to his home town club.
In 2014 he then moved to Galway United where he won promotion with the Tribesmen after a playoff success against UCD. He scored in the first leg of that playoff. At the end of that season, he made the move to Dundalk under Stephen Kenny, where he won two Premier League titles and made seven appearances for the Lilywhites in their Europa League run last season. This season he played in Dundalk’s recent unsuccessful Champions League encounter with Rosenberg.
Speaking on his decision to move back to his home town club, Barrett said today:
“When the opportunity arose to join Waterford on loan until the end of the season, I did not hesitate. It gave me the chance to help the club get back to the Premier Division. I’ve seen the team play this season and they’re so close to making a return to the top division. If I can play a part in that with six games remaining in the season, well I’ll be delighted to do so.
“It’s fantastic to see the crowds return to the RSC because I remember a time not so long ago when the club was in a bad place. The turnaround this season is unbelievable and the whole running of the club from top to bottom is on a whole new level so it’s great to see things moving in the right direction. I hope to bring my experience to the squad for the last six games so we can get things over the line and win promotion. It would be also great to get a good run in the cup. We’ve a home game against Shelbourne and there is no reason why we can’t make our presence felt in that competition.
“I’m looking forward to getting started with the lads and meeting up with them for training. We have a tough game against Cabinteely on Friday night. They are in great form and had a good win against UCD last week. I know from keeping in touch with the lads that Stradbrook isn’t an easy place to get a result so we’ll have to be ready for that game. But for now, it’s good to be back home and I’m really looking forward to helping Waterford make a return to the Premier Division.”
