Luke McNally

Luke McNally (born 20 September 1999) is an Irish professional footballer who plays for EFL League One club Oxford United, having previously played for League of Ireland Premier Division club, St Patrick's Athletic, the club where he started his professional career. He has also spent a season on loan at Drogheda United.

Club Career

Early career

Raised in Enfield, County Meath, McNally signed for his local League of Ireland club Drogheda United in August 2015. He played for the club's under 17 side for their 2015 and 2016 seasons before moving to Dublin club St Patrick's Athletic in March 2017, playing with their under 19 side. He played in the same Under 19s team as fellow future first team players including Jake Walker, Brian Maher, Paul Clearly and Joe Manley. In 2018, his side got to the Enda McGuill Cup final, unfortunately losing out 2–1 to Bohemians at Richmond Park on 4 September.

St Patrick's Athletic

McNally's first involement in a first team squad was on 8 August 2017, when he was named on the bench for a Leinster Senior Cup game against Firhouse Clover, remaining an unused substitute. On 8 February 2019, it was announced that McNally had signed a 2 year professional contract with St Patrick's Athletic, while he would be loaned to Drogheda United for the 2019 League of Ireland First Division season.

Drogheda United loan

McNally's first appearance in a Drogheda United shirt came on 8 February 2019, playing in a friendly against his parent club St Patrick's Athletic on the same day that he signed for the club on loan. His competitive debut in senior football came on the opening night of the League of Ireland First Division season, as his side beat Cobh Ramblers 4–0 at United Park. The first senior goal of McNally's career also came against Cobh Ramblers, when he scored the 4th goal in a 4–1 away win at St Colman's Park on 27 April 2019. The month of May saw him score twice, scoring the 4th goal