Andy Boyle calls time on his professional football career

Waterford FC defender Andy Boyle has called time on his playing career after making just nine appearances for the Blues since joining the club at the start of the 2025 SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division.

Boyle, who joined the club after making over 130 appearance for Dundalk, played in the UK with Preston North End and Doncaster Rovers before making a loan move to Dundee and Ross County in Scotland following his first spell at Oriel Park.

His return to the League of Ireland where he steered Dundalk to a league and cup double success in 2019 and ended his career with four Premier League title, two FAI Cup, one League of Ireland First Division, and a Scottish Championship with Ross County.

After making appearances at underage level for the Republic of Ireland, the centre back picked up one senior cap for the men’s senior team after coming on as a substitute in 1-0 friendly defeat over Iceland back in March 2017.

In a statement, Boyle said: “The day has come a little sooner than I would have hoped. Football has given me and my family more than I could ever have imagined when I first started out. As a child, I dreamt of playing professionally, but I could never have foreseen the incredible journey this game would take me on.

“I’ve been fortunate to play for some incredible clubs and had the ultimate privilege of representing my country.

“To all the managers, coaches, teammates, medical staff, and club officials I’ve worked with — thank you for helping me grow not just as a player, but as a person. Along the way, I’ve made friends for life.

“A special thank you must go to my family — to my wife Hayley, my daughter Indie, and my Mam and Dad — for their unconditional support throughout my career. You’ve been there to share the unforgettable highs and to pick me up through the tougher moments.

“It’s been one hell of a journey. Thank you.”