LEONARD SIGNS FIRST PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT
Dundalk FC are delighted to announce that Academy player Vinnie Leonard has signed his first professional contract and will be part of Ciarán Kilduff’s first-team squad for 2025.
The 16-year-old defender, an Ireland Under-17 international, arrived at Oriel Park ahead of the 2022 season from Meath club Torro United and has played for the Lilywhites from Under-14 level all the way up to the senior team.
The Kilberry native in February this year became the youngest-ever player to wear a Dundalk shirt in a competitive fixture when lining out against Bohemians in the Leinster Senior Cup at Oriel Park, six weeks shy of his 16th birthday. That record has since been broken by TJ Molloy.
Leonard went on to make his League of Ireland Premier Division debut when coming off the bench late on against Shamrock Rovers in the club’s final home game of the season in October.
Having made rapid progress in his three seasons at Oriel, the young centre-half says it is a dream to sign a professional contract, stating that all his hard work has paid off.
“It’s something I always wanted to work towards, ever since I joined when I was 14. The contract was obviously the end goal,” Vinnie told dundalkfc.com. “I’m just happy to make my first pro contract, and get my debut in the last few months as well.
“It was what I was working towards and I achieved it, so I’m happy with that.”
On his development at Oriel Park, quickly rising through the ranks, Leonard added: “I’m very happy. I’ve gone from Under-14s to Under-20s in the space of three years, and senior as well, so it has been going well.”
4 November 2024; Vincent Leonard of Republic of Ireland celebrates after his side qualify for the next round after the UEFA U17 European Championships Round 1 qualifier match between Scotland and Republic of Ireland at Inver Park in Larne, Antrim. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile.
Leonard also spoke highly of Kilduff, who took over as first-team manager last month and who the young defender will look to progress further under in 2025.
“Ciarán has been class,” Vinnie said. “He has been very good. He’s great with the players and he has given good opportunities to the young lads, so it’s a good sign for me. I’m looking forward to getting back in for pre-season and hopefully getting myself into a starting XI in the near future.”
On his league debut against Rovers, he added: “It was class. It was obviously again what I was working towards. It was great to get it done and be able to say I’ve made my senior Premier Division debut in the League of Ireland.”
Just eight days later, Leonard started against Scotland as Ireland qualified for the Elite Phase of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in dramatic fashion, as they made it through thanks to their disciplinary record.
“It was a great buzz after that,” Vinnie said, “especially with the way we went through, so it has been going well with Ireland too.”
Kilduff’s playing squad for 2025 now stands at 13 players, as Dundalk continue to build steadily towards a promotion push.
“It’s very exciting,” Leonard said. “Even to be part of a squad that’s looking to bounce back to the Premier Division is great. I’m looking forward to the year ahead and hopefully getting back up – that’s the aim.”
2025 Dundalk FC Squad
Enda Minogue
Peter Cherrie
Conor O’Keeffe
Mayowa Animasahun
Vinnie Leonard
Seán Keogh
Aodh Dervin
Harry Groome
Daryl Horgan
Gbemi Arubi
Dean Ebbe
Leo Gaxha
Eoin Kenny
The post LEONARD SIGNS FIRST PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT appeared first on Dundalk Football Club.