By:
Mark Hendry
Darragh Leahy has revealed it was the chance to play in Europe which convinced him to move to Linfield.
The former Waterford defender made the switch to former NIFL Premiership champions on an 18 month deal.
It was a decision not taken easy to leave the League of Ireland but one the 27-year-old felt he had to take.
The opportunity to win silverware and play European football was too good to pass up.P
Turning out alongside the likes of former Nottingham Forest man Matthew Orr at Linfield and playing for ex-Rangers and Leeds United striker David Healy was also a draw.
“I’m excited for the challenge ahead with Linfield. It’s an honour to join such a big club,” Leahy said.
“Being league champions and playing in Europe was a massive attraction.
“I’m ready to give anything I can to help the team achieve success and can’t wait to get started.”
Darragh Leahy wants European football at Linfield
Leahy, a 10-time Republic of Ireland under-21s star, is a proven winner having lifted the FAI Cup.
He played 31 times for the Blues last season before his contract expired.
His new gaffer, Healy, admits he was chuffed to be able to land the defender on a deal.
And he provided details of where he feels the player is strongest and the talents he possesses.
“I’m absolutely delighted to bring Darragh to Linfield,” Healy said.
“We’ve known about him for quite some time.
“I’ve followed his progress closely throughout his career in the League of Ireland.
“He’s a player with real pedigree and nearly 200 senior games under his belt, which says a lot about his quality and consistency at a high level.
“He’s a strong, intelligent defender who reads the game well.
“He can play comfortably across the back line, brings great leadership and professionalism both on and off the pitch.
“I’m confident he’ll make a big contribution to the team as we push forward this season and next.”
Leahy’s career stats and previous clubs
Leahy also counts the likes of Coventry City among his former clubs but he never made the grade there.
Instead the Dubliner made his name in the Premier Division in his home country.
He played for Bohemians and Dundalk – where he won the FAI and President’s Cup – before starring for Waterford.
At Bohemians he was named in the team of the year in 2018, as voted by fellow pros.
Leahy has also represented Republic of Ireland at youth level all the way from under-16s to the 21s.
He’ll surely be hoping national boss Heimir Hallgrimsson is keeping an eye on the transfer window and knows where he’s gone.
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