Joe Dunne on signing his first professional contract…
The 18-year-old left-sided defender who has put pen to paper on a one-year deal (with the option of a further year) admits it is something that he has dreamed off since he was a youngster.
“It feels great to have signed,” said Dunne.
“I have dedicated my life to football, working towards this moment. Getting a pro contract is something that I have worked towards all my life, so I am so thankful for the opportunity.
“It has been a strange few months due to everything that has been going on with the Coronavirus. It has been a long wait to get to this point, so I’m really happy to be back and I’m looking forward to the season ahead."
He continued: “I know that the hard work needs to continue now. Brian [Barry-Murphy] is a great manager to work with and he gives opportunities to young players, which is obviously good for me.
“I know if I can keep working hard and performing, then hopefully I might get an opportunity.”
Following the players’ return to training, they have been split into small groups in line with the Coronavirus guidelines. Dunne has been placed into a ‘bubble’ with experienced defenders Paul McShane, Jim McNulty and Eoghan O’Connell, something he says can only be beneficial for him.
“It’s great. They always tell me what to do and how to improve, and [last season] after sessions they’d go through drills with me to help make me a better player. It’s great for me to be able to learn from experienced players like them, especially Paul McShane who has played for over 20 years.”
Watch Joe’s interview in full on iFollow.