Boyle “will never forget” his time at Dundalk

Legendary defender Andy Boyle has announced his departure from Dundalk FC and signed for Waterford ahead of the 2025 SSE Airtricity League Premier Division season.

The 33-year-old Dubliner, who made 347 competitive appearances for The Lilywhites across two spells, leaves the club following their recent relegation to the First Division.

Boyle first joined Dundalk in 2013 after time spent at UCD and Shelbourne, and would go on to enjoy a trophy-laden four seasons at Oriel Park – resulting in a first cap for the Republic of Ireland, as well as a move to English Championship side Preston North End.

Loan stints at Doncaster Rovers, Dundee and Ross County preceded a return to Dundalk in 2019 – a year in which he helped the team to a fifth Premier Division title in six years.

He collected a winners’ medal in four of those successes throughout his time in Dundalk, not to mention twice lifting the FAI Cup and League Cup. He also, on two occasions, featured in the group phase of the Europa League, first in 2016 and then again in 2020.

In announcing his departure, he stated: “Thanks to everyone involved at Dundalk and all the fans for a period in my career I will never forget. An amazing club and town with some great people. Wish the club nothing but success going forward, looking forward to the next challenge.”

Upon completing his move to Waterford, he then added: “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 I’m just looking forward now to the future and a fresh start.

“It’s brilliant to be here (at Waterford). As soon as Keith (Long) 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.

“The experience was something Keith mentioned to me, to come in and help the group. I’m just looking forward to meeting the lads now and 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 and 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.”

Boyle’s departure is likely to be the first of many from Oriel this winter, with Dara Keane and Dan Pike both placed on the PFAI Transfer List despite being contracted for 2025.

Robbie Benson, Mayowa Animasahun, Paul Doyle and John Mountney have also appeared on the same list, and have attracted interest from across the League of Ireland.