Waterford FC have announced Luke Heeney as their first new signing of the transfer window, ahead of the 2026 League of Ireland season.
The versatile midfielder makes the move to the RSC having spent the last seven years with Drogheda United, making 198 appearances for the county Louth side across the course of those seven years.
Heeney, a midfielder who is also comfortable at full-back, began his underage career with St. Kevin’s Boys before joining St. Patrick’s Athletic in 2015.
After 3 years within the Saints academy, Heeney made his senior debut as a late substitute against Dundalk towards the end of the 2018 SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division season, before making the move to Drogheda United ahead of 2019.
It was with the Claret & Blue that Heeney made his name within the League of Ireland, spending seven consecutive seasons with Drogheda – becoming a mainstay in the heart of the Drogheda midfield over the course of those seven years.
He was part of the Drogheda United side that secured promotion to the Men’s Premier Division in 2020 as Drogheda were crowned First-Division champions, before getting his hands on the FAI Cup in 2024, coming off the bench as a second-half substitute at the Aviva Stadium as Drogheda defeated Derry City 2-0 to earn just their second ever FAI Cup title.
The 26-year old becomes Jon Daly’s first Winter signing, after the Transfer Window opened on Monday 1st December.
Speaking on his move to the RSC, Heeney spoke of his excitement to get straight to work at his new club, saying:
“I’m delighted to be here at the club & looking forward to a new challenge with Waterford. I can’t wait to get straight to work and meet the rest of the group now, and play in front of the Waterford fans at the RSC next year.”
Waterford FC Head Coach Jon Daly is delighted to secure the services of Heeney for 2026, mentioning:
“I’m thrilled to bring Luke to the club. His League of Ireland experience is a major asset, and his energy will immediately elevate the group. He’s an exceptionally hard-working player with a top-class attitude and a clear team-first mentality.
From our very first conversation, it was obvious that Luke had a strong hunger and determination to play for Waterford FC. I’m absolutely certain he will slot seamlessly into the environment we’re building and play a significant role in driving us forward.”
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