Eoin Kenny, the son of Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny, has signed his first professional contract at Dundalk this afternoon, taking the next step in what looks like a potentially promising career.
The 17-year old has impressed in the club's youth setup in recent times, also playing well during the opportunities he was given in the club's first team during pre-season. He has now been rewarded with a pro deal as a result.
We are delighted to announce that Eoin Kenny has signed a professional contract with the club.
The 17-year-old, who has impressed at academy level over the past couple of seasons, will combine football training with his studies at St Mary’s College, Dundalk.#CmonTheTown— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) March 6, 2023
Speaking to the club's website, the attacker said he was delighted to sign on the dotted line for a club he has been supported from a young age.
I’m delighted. I’ve been supporting Dundalk since I was six and it’s a massive honour for me to sign as a professional. I can’t wait to get started and show what I can do.
Some of the lads like John Mountney, Andy Boyle and Patrick Hoban were here when I first started coming to Oriel Park and to be able to learn things from players like that is a real privilege.
Eoin Kenny signs professional deal at Dundalk
While Eoin Kenny has now become a pro at Dundalk, there have been some suggestions that he might not be at the club for all that much longer.
A number of English clubs are said to be tracking his progress, with the player having recently spent time on trial at Championship club Reading.
Eoin Kenny played for Reading today!
The @DundalkFC player scored and assisted a goal🇮🇪✅ pic.twitter.com/HZxPPmQF5R— Rep of Ireland Player Tracker (@reptracker) February 18, 2023
In terms of international honours, Kenny also has a big decision to make in the near future.
Having been born upnorth of the border during his father's time in charge of Derry City, he is eligible to represent Northern Ireland at international level. He did so last year after being called up to their U18 squad and featuring in the SuperCupNI.
However, he more recently lined out for the Republic of Ireland, being part of an U18 schoolboys squad earlier this year.
During that camp, he came very close to scoring a sensational rabona goal against Australia.
Imagine if this went in?! 😬
Incredible 𝗥𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗮 effort from Eoin Kenny for the Ireland Schoolboys U18 side against Australia this weekend 😅@faischools | #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/V0bgacMCvd— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) January 23, 2023
He is certainly a player in demand, at both club and international level.
It will be interesting to see how his career progresses from this point.
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