Waterford FC has announced that under 20 captain Noah O Brien has signed his first professional contract with the club.

Noah began his footballing journey with Villa FC, before being selected to represent Waterford at the 2022 Kennedy Cup tournament at University Limerick. The centre-back’s impressive performances at the Kennedy Cup secured him a move to his hometown League of Ireland side, where he progressed through our academy over the course of four seasons.

Along with his club success, the 18-year old shone for the Republic of Ireland U18 Schools side this season where he has been named as one of three nominees for the Republic of Ireland U18 Schools Player of the Year after an impressive SAFIB Centenary Shield campaign, where Noah started each of the three games for the Irish Schools side, whilst scoring twice & being named Player of the Match in their opening day win over Northern Ireland at the Athlone Town Stadium.

Noah made his senior debut for the Blues in their 4-2 win over Treaty United in the 2025 Munster Senior Cup at the RSC, before going on to make a further four more Munster Senior Cup appearances for the senior side across 2025 & 2026.

Most recently, O’Brien was included on the bench for the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division clash against St. Patrick’s Athletic for the first time, and now signs on the dotted line for his first professional deal with the Blues.

Speaking on his contract, the defender spoke of his excitement to sign his first professional contract with his hometown club, saying:

“I’m delighted to sign my first professional contract here at Waterford FC. Being a local lad, having come up through the academy at the club, it means a lot to me.”

Waterford FC Academy Director Johnny Dunleavy is delighted to see Noah sign his first deal with the Blues, mentioning:

“It’s a very proud and exciting day for everyone at the club to see Noah sign his first professional contract. The fantastic work over the last number of years in the Academy has led us to this point and hopefully it’s just the beginning of Noah’s journey in football.”

Waterford FC Chief Operating Officer Richy Walsh is also pleased for O’Brien to secure his first professional contract at the club, outlining:

“We’re absolutely delighted to see Noah sign his first professional contract with Waterford FC. As a local lad who has come through every stage of our academy pathway, he’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved through hard work, commitment and belief in the club’s vision.

Developing and retaining our best local talent is a huge part of our strategy, and Noah’s decision reflects the environment we’ve created for young players to progress into the first team. We’re excited to see him continue his development and we’re confident he has a very bright future ahead of him in a Waterford shirt.”O Biren, who began his football journey at Villa FC, moved to the Blues academy in 2022 and made his senior team debut in the 2025 Munster Senior Cup against Treaty United.

Photo Courtesy of Waterford FC