Waterford FC are thrilled to announce that Andy Boyle has put pen to paper to become the Blues’ first signing of the off-season.
After a four-and-a-half year spell in Oriel Park with Dundalk FC, Boyle makes the move to the RSC ahead of the 2025 season to become the Blues’ first signing of the window.
The 33-year-old is no stranger to League of Ireland fans, having two lengthy spells with Dundalk FC either side of move abroad to the UK where he plied his trade in England & Scotland.
Boyle began his career at Crumlin United before making the move to UCD & then Shelbourne, before signing for Dundalk in 2013 where he played a pivotal role in one of the most successful League of Ireland sides in recent years – as Boyle picked up a staggering four League of Ireland Premier Division titles alongside two FAI Cups.
After an impressive first stint at Oriel Park, Boyle earned himself a move to EFL Championship side Preston North-End in 2017, where he made 12 appearances before having loan spells at Doncaster, Dundee FC & Ross County.
Boyle’s club performances earned him his first international cap in March of 2017, with a second-half substitute appearance in the Republic of Ireland’s international friendly against Iceland at the Aviva Stadium
The experienced central-defender made the move back home to Dundalk in the summer of 2019, where he has been a mainstay in the Lilywhites defence since – racking up an impressive 340 appearances with Dundalk, and having over 460 League of Ireland appearances to his name alone.
The Dublin native also has two UEFA Europa League group stage appearances to his name from 2016/17 & 2020/21, where he played all twelve group-stage games across both years.
Boyle adds to the Blues defensive strength, alongside Grant Horton, Kacper Radkowski, Darragh Leahy & Ryan Burke, who have all signed for 2025.
Speaking to waterfordfc.ie on his move to the RSC, Boyle was delighted at the opportunity, commenting:
“It’s brilliant to be here. As soon as Keith rang me a couple of weeks ago, I was really happy to hear he wanted me to come down. I’m really happy to get going now.
It’s a club that’s going places. Every time you play against them, they’re an exciting team to play against. I think the little bit of experience I have will help the group here.
Of course it was a difficult decision [to leave Dundalk]. Over the last number of years it hasn’t gone to plan – I think everyone knows of the off-the-field issues, but look I’m just looking forward now to the future & a fresh start.
The experience was something Keith mentioned to me, to come in & help the group. I’m just looking forward to meeting the lads now & the new season.
I’ve always enjoyed playing at the RSC, especially of late with the crowds being really good down here, along with the pitch being really good, so it’s a great venue to play your football in.
Keith’s been in & around the league for a long time, he’s a big reason why I’ve come to the club. I’ve spoken to him over the years when it hasn’t worked out in the past, but now I’m really looking forward to working with him here. He’s shown me around the facilities and they’re top class here, so it’s a club definitely on the up.”
Waterford FC Head Coach Keith Long was delighted to secure the services of Andy Boyle for 2025, outlining:
“Andy is the type of player we need at the club. He’s got a huge amount of League of Ireland experience & European experience, along with experience playing in the UK.
I think if we’re looking for leaders, Andy will certainly bring those leadership qualities to the team. He has lots of experience like I said and I’m sure he can help the team progress on the pitch this year.
He’s a great professional with a great attitude, and we’re delighted to have him.”
Welcome to the Blues, Andy!
