Noonan looking forward to the next chapter after permanent RSC move
Waterford’s Conan Noonan celebrates winning against Bray Wanderers to stay in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division. Photo: INPHO
One of the biggest boosts that Waterford FC fans received was the early Christmas present of the news that midfielder Conan Noonan had signed a three-year contract with the club.
Following one of the most successful loan agreements at Waterford in many a year, it was widely expected that Noonan would return to parent club Shamrock Rovers once his contract expired at the end of November.
And when rumours began to swirl about interest from other clubs in the Dublin region, fans were starting to accept that Noonan would be plying his trade in 2026 elsewhere in the capital.
The chat rooms, social media forums, and general street chatter exploded when his signing was announced on December 5. In addition to signing one of the biggest prospects in the league permanently, the commitment from the club – a three-year contract was a statement of intent from the owners who were making Noonan a record signing for the Blues.
And for the 22-year-old from Naas, this was an opportunity to continue his impressive performances for the Blues – a club that has captured his heart.
He made a lasting impact in 2025, making 36 appearances across all competitions, netting an impressive nine goals, and contributing six assists.
And with his equaliser in the playoff against Bray Wanderers setting the Blues on the way to remaining in the Premier Division, the new contract was the icing on the cake for him.
“ I think last year, I think I've said it probably anyway, but it was the best year of my life, easily,” gushed the midfielder.
“On and off the pitch, I was just so happy down here. And yeah, obviously, I played and started every game that I could have last year, and was delighted with how the season went on a personal note. “Obviously, as a team, not at all, to be honest. But in terms of coming back, it was an easy decision.
“I'm really happy to be back, and I think the fans probably see how much I love playing for the club last year. I'm just excited now for the future of just being here permanently.” Following a stellar underage career that started with the Rovers academy in 2015, Noonan was progressing well in Tallaght – firstly with the Rovers ‘B’ team that played in the 2020 First Division before moving into the first team squad in 2021.
His development was halted in 2022 as he suffered a medical setback that wiped out the season. However, he returned to action in 2023 with six appearances in the league-winning team before starting 2024 in style – 18 appearances in the opening 23 league games, during which he netted four times. He made two appearances in the UEFA Conference League and earned his Under-21 International cap against England in June.
But the second half of the season failed to sparkle and Noonan felt himself sliding down the pecking order at Rovers as Stephen Bradley strengthened from outside. So it was a good move to head to the South East.
“Absolutely. It was 100%. I mean, it's the best move I'll ever make, just in terms of the timing of it all.
“The club took a chance on me. There weren't many suitors this time last year, just based on how late the loan happened, just due to being with Rovers so late with Europe and stuff.
“I have to thank Keith Long so much for bringing me in. It was 100% the best thing I could have ever done. And without this last year, I don't know what would have happened, but I can't imagine it would have been any better than it was. So yeah, 100% was the right thing”
And he grasped that opportunity with both hands, netting on his debut to announce his arrival and striking up an excellent partnership with his team mates – Tommy Lonergan and Padraig Amond in particular.
But even though he was pleased with his contributions in the blue shirt, he was taken aback by the reaction to the announcement of his new deal.
“Oh, I was delighted - I was refreshing my phone all day, because it was just so cool to see, I mean, I don't know, it's mad to me, even some of the messages I was getting after the playoff, calling me a hero and saying all this stuff, like it's mental to me.
“I can't comprehend it. And then seeing all the stuff, like people online talking about such good things, and just being so happy to see me join the club.
“I don't want to sound like generic or something, like just for me, it's just, I don't know, it's so weird, but it's, it's amazing, it's humbling, you know, it's so nice. And obviously, I'll continue to do what I did last year, and just hopefully keep building and building a relationship with the fans and all.” And while there is still some time before the season kicks off, Noonan is already setting his sights on delivering more for the Blues.
“I just love scoring goals. Like it's the best feeling ever. But I don't know if it's a knack, but it's good to have, I guess.
“I want to build on that next year. I had goals and assists. So, next season, I want to have 20, 25, 30! I don't really set goals, but I want to keep improving and getting better at it.”
And the three-year contract gives him the stability he needs to really work on building his legacy, which is something interesting to talk to a 22-year-old about. And he is quick to respond.
“100%. Yeah. And that's what I want to do. And that's why I signed for three years, because I want to help the club get to where they deserve to be.
“I want to be pushing for Europe this year. I want to, it might be crazy talk, but by the third year, you know, up the top and continue. Like, I know it's maybe hard to see now, but that's what I want to do. You know, I want to be ambitious.”
