Noonan signs record transfer fee in three year deal
Conan Noonan has extended his stay at the RSC.
Waterford FC have announced the permanent signing of Conan Noonan on a three-year deal.
In a statement this afternoon, the club said:
"Waterford FC are thrilled to announce the permanent signing of exciting midfielder Conan Noonan on a three-year deal at the RSC, in what is a club record transfer fee for the Blues.
Noonan, who became a fan favourite at the Blues during his time with the club in 2025 on loan, makes his move permanent from Shamrock Rovers FC ahead of the 2026 season, now under the guidance of Blues Head Coach Jon Daly.
The 22 year-old made a lasting impact with the Blues in 2025, making 36 appearances for Waterford across all competitions, netting an impressive nine goals & earning six assists throughout the season.
The midfielder got his 2025 season off to the perfect start back in February, netting his first senior goal in our 3-2 win away to Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds, as he became a mainstay in the Blues midfield - striking up a tight-knit relationship with attacking duo Pádraig Amond & Tommy Lonergan.
Conan ended the season on a high for the Blues, scoring our equalising goal in our Promotion/Relegation Play-Off Final win over Bray Wanderers in Tolka Park last month, before being named our Senior Men’s Player of the Year after an impressive year in Blue.
The Kildare-native joined the Shamrock Rovers FC Academy in 2015, making an instant impact for Rovers’ academy sides causing trouble week after week with his powerful runs & silky dribbling.
His academy efforts were rewarded with a spot in Rovers’ B team squad for the 2020 SSE Airtricity First Division, before being involved with Stephen Bradley’s first-team since 2021.
Injury hampered Noonan’s progression in 2022, before regularly making appearances for the Hoops in 2023 as Rovers earned their fourth league title win in as many years.
2024 was Conan’s real breakout season, making 19 league appearances for the Hoops with four assists to his name – one of which came against the Blues at the RSC in April of 2024 as he set up Roberto Lopes’ winning goal in the second-half.
Conan also made two appearances for Shamrock Rovers in their UEFA Europa Conference League group phase run last season against Larne FC (Northern Ireland) & FK Borac Banja Luka (Bosnia & Herzegovina).
The now 22-year-old also made his Ireland U21 debut in June of last year, making a substitute appearance against England’s U20 side."
After an impressive 12-months at the RSC, the midfielder says he is ready to make a positive impact with the club in 2026. "I'm delighted to be back here permanently at the club," he said.
"I loved every minute of last year & I'm really excited to get back in and playing under Jon Daly now. The fans were incredible and I can’t wait to be back playing for all of you next season and beyond. Up the Blues!"
New Head Coach Jon Daly says he is "delighted" to secure the services of Noonan. "Conan is a player I’ve admired for a number of years," Daly said.
"He’s young, hungry, and brings real quality in the final third. I believe he is one of the most talented young players in the country. Securing him on a long-term deal shows the club’s ambition to build for the future. We’re delighted to have him on board and I’m really excited to work with him."
