Waterford FC can confirm that full-back Darragh Power has departed the club to join EFL League Two side Cheltenham Town.
The Kilmacthomas native came up through the Blues academy, representing our U17’s & U19’s – where he was part of our historic 2019 U19 League of Ireland winning side that defeated Galway United.
After impressive academy performances, he was rewarded with his first-team debut in our 2018 Munster Senior Cup 1st round clash against Cork City, a first opportunity for Blues supporters to get a real look at Darragh’s ability.
He continued to impress during 2019, as he made his league debut for the Blues in our final game of the season – a 2-0 win at home to Sligo Rovers at the RSC.
Darragh signed his first professional contract with the club ahead of the covid-hit 2020 season, where he made eight appearances which included three starts, as the Blues finished the season in fifth place.
2021 was a real breakout year for Darragh, a season where despite the Blues suffered relegation, he made 36 appearances in all competitions with the majority of those being starts.
He continued playing a key-role in the Blues defence in 2022, where he made a further 35 appearances in a season that the Blues narrowly missed out on promotion back to the Premier Division. Power netted his first-ever goal for the Blues in a 2-1 win away to Treaty United in May of that year, one of six goals Power would end up scoring during his time with the club.
Darragh was a key cog in the Blues 2023 promotion-winning season, as the Blues defeated Munster rivals Cork City in Tallaght Stadium to make the return to the Premier Division. Darragh’s dangerous dribbling & powerful running in attacking areas, along with his smart defending style gave few players the opportunity to get past him all season.
It was 2024 where Darragh really shone in the spot-light, appearing regularly in the Premier Division Team of the Week for his consistent performances down the right flank for Keith Long’s side.
Darragh has been a loyal servant to the club since he joined our academy, becoming a real fans favourite in his years with our first-team, and has now earned a move to EFL League Two club Cheltenham Town FC after four impressive years with our first-team.
Everyone at Waterford FC thanks Darragh for his efforts here over the course of his time at the club. We wish him the very best of luck at Cheltenham Town, and will always be welcome back to the RSC.
Once a Blue, Always a Blue!
