Killarney youngster Luke Doolan has today signed for Kerry FC. The former Killarney Athletic striker’s services have long been sought after for Kerry’s League of Ireland outfit, and he has now signed for the Mounthawk Park club.
Luke, who is just 17 years old, has shone brightly during his time with Killarney Athletic and played superbly in the last season of the Kerry District League. A highlight was scoring 5 goals in the Munster Youths Cup, and he was an integral part of the club’s senior side in the KDL. Luke also received a call-up to the Ireland Under-18 squad and impressed in friendly matches at international level. Luke went on to earn 4 Ireland Caps in the Centenary Shield in April this year, becoming the first player from St. Brendan’s Secondary School in Killarney to feature for the Republic of Ireland in the competition.
Luke will now train with the first team and will be an integral part of the club’s Academy, where he will feature for the club’s MU20 side as well. Doolan is another fantastic football talent developed within the structures in place here in Kerry, and the lure of League of Ireland football is sure to steer him on the right path in what is sure to be a long and successful career for the Killarney man.
Speaking after his move from Killarney Athletic to Kerry FC, Luke Doolan said, “I’m delighted to have this chance of playing for Kerry FC and I’m really looking forward to the challenge and getting to play with my new teammates. I’m grateful to Colin for giving me the opportunity to work my way into the team, and hopefully, I can learn and improve under his guidance. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and can’t wait to play in front of the Kerry supporters.”
Also speaking after he arrived in Mounthawk Park, Colin Healy said, “Luke is another young lad who has really impressed during his time with his home club, Killarney Athletic. He has come in training with us over the last 5 or 6 weeks and has done really well. He has got a big future ahead of him and has shown his hunger and desire over the last number of weeks. This is a great opportunity for him to take his game to the next level. Most importantly, he wants to be here; those are the players we want in the group. He has a willingness to learn, and it means a lot for him to be with us.”
Kerry FC CEO Billy Dennehy added, “It’s great to have Luke Doolan join Kerry Football Club. Luke’s story has been similar to many players before him, except they had no step to progress into League of Ireland football in their home county. Luke’s development is a credit to his grassroots club, Killarney Athletic, and the level of coaching he has received from many coaches over the years. Similar to Ryan Kelliher & Luke Palmer, we will provide Luke with the opportunities to develop his talent at League of Ireland level and represent his club & county on the biggest stage.”