David Healy confident new Linfield signing will 'make a big contribution'
Linfield manager David Healy believes Darragh Leahy will “make a big contribution” for the Blues after becoming their first January arrival.
Leahy previously spent time on the books of Coventry City before going on to enjoy spells at Bohemians, Dundalk and Waterford.
The 27-year-old defender won the FAI Cup with Dundalk in 2020 and was named in the PFAI Premier Division Team of the Year two years prior.
Leahy made 62 League of Ireland appearances for Waterford across the past two seasons and helped the club fight off relegation last term, starting in their play-off victory over Bray.
The former Republic of Ireland U21 international will now bolster Healy’s defensive ranks after joining on an 18-month contract and the Linfield boss admits he has been tracking Leahy for some time.
“I’m absolutely delighted to bring Darragh to Linfield,” he said. “We’ve known about him for quite some time and have 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, can play comfortably across the back line, and 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. Massive thank you to Willie McKeown for his work in getting this over the line.”
After completing his move to Linfield, Leahy said: “I’m excited for the challenge ahead with Linfield. It’s an honour to join such a big club.
"Being league champions and playing in Europe was a massive attraction and I’m ready to give anything I can to help the team achieve success and can’t wait to get started.”