Warren embraces Premier Division step up with Dundalk switch

New Dundalk FC defender Harvey Warren is poised to take the next significant step in his career, making the leap to the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division after completing his move from Bray Wanderers.

The 21-year-old Wexford native was a key part of a Bray side that came agonisingly close to joining Dundalk in securing promotion from the First Division, only to fall short with a 2–1 defeat to Waterford in last month’s promotion/relegation playoff final—a match in which Warren was sent off in the closing stages.

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Now, he is set for his first taste of Premier Division football, becoming manager Ciaran Kilduff’s inaugural signing ahead of the 2026 campaign.

“Obviously, I played in the First Division last year and got a feel for it, but I definitely thought this year it was to take the next step and play against the best players in the country, really,” Warren said after completing his move.

“Me and Dundalk were in the same division last year. I had a couple of good games here, scored a few goals. I met with Ciaran then and it went from there. I’m delighted to be here as well, and I’ll be in front of the crowd now, hopefully, soon.

“It’s a young group—I’m getting older now—but it’s a young group in the Premier, and it’s just where I want to be, really.”

Warren began his League of Ireland journey with Waterford, making five competitive appearances between 2022 and 2023 before moving to Shelbourne for the 2024 season, where his sole outing came in the Leinster Senior Cup.

He enjoyed a far more impactful spell with Bray in 2025, featuring 26 times and scoring three goals—two of them against Dundalk at Oriel Park in a 2–2 draw in May before adding another in a 3–1 defeat later in September.

“The second one kind of came out of nowhere, really,” he recalled. “The first one—scoring near enough to the last minute. Dundalk scored then to equalise, but I like coming to Oriel Park, so hopefully next season can be as good as that.”

Warren, whose natural position is centre-back, though he can also slot in at right-back when required, added: “I’ve grown into that centre-half position now, over the last year, playing week in, week out—left-centre-half, maybe—and, hopefully, I can play there this season.

“I didn’t know what the facilities were like here, and I came in this morning and they’re great, absolutely great. I didn’t expect it, but I’m looking forward to getting used to this.

“It’s going to be a tough one, but I’m sure you have to do the tough work to get the good rewards at the end.”

Following the club’s successful licensing to compete in next season’s Premier Division, a wave of announcements regarding new signings and retained players is expected in the coming days.

As reported in The Democrat last week, Harry Groome—recently named in the PFAI First Division Team of the Year—has committed to a new deal that will keep him at Oriel for the 2026 campaign. Avenue Road native Shane Tracey, along with Sammy Safaei and TJ Molloy, have also agreed extensions.

Conor O’Keeffe, Mayowa Animasahun, and Declan McDaid are likewise believed to be nearing fresh terms with the club. However, while Dundalk had been hopeful of retaining Andy Paraschiv, the young midfielder has opted to explore opportunities elsewhere.

His departure was confirmed alongside those of Sean McHale and Rohan Vaughan, who have returned to their parent clubs—St Patrick’s Athletic and Queens Park Rangers—following loan spells, while Dean Ebbe and Ethen Vaughan have also moved on.

At least two further additions are anticipated this week, with left-back Bobby Burns—recently departed from Galway United—strongly tipped to join.

However, despite local reports suggesting Daniel Kelly could be set for a return to Oriel, the Ringsend native has instead committed his future to Shelbourne by signing a new contract.

The Lilywhites are also expected to unveil their new home and away kits this week, designed by Italian manufacturer Macron, while season tickets for the 2026 campaign are likewise set to go on sale.