Richie Purdy

Richie Purdy
Richie Purdy
AppsGoals
League 127(9)4
FAI Cup 15(0)
Europe 0(1)
League Cup 11(1)
Leinster Cup 3(1)
Others 1(0)
Totals 157(12)4
90-91 2(1)
91-92 23(7)
92-93 35(1)
93-94 29(2)2
94-95 36(0)2
95-96 32(1)
Totals 157(12)4
Date Of Birth: 12-Mar-1972
Place Of Birth: Dublin
Total Appearances: 169
Total Goals: 4
Position: RWB
Nationality: IRE
Debut: 29-Nov-90 Lge (h) v Athlone Town 3-0.

Bio:

A Home Farm product, right-back Riche Purdy was playing National League football at the age of sixteen, having graduated from the inaugural League of Ireland/FAS apprentice’s scheme, and made his League of Ireland debut in Sept 1988 for Home Farm against EMFA.

He had been capped at U15, U16, U17 and U18 levels when Turlough O’Connor took him to Dundalk in October 1990. Making his debut in November against Athlone Town, his three appearances in his first season were all winning efforts.

After competing with Dave Mackey for the right-back berth for a season, he replaced Dave for the 1992-93 season, winning the PFAI ‘Young Player of the Year’ Award and adding an U21 cap to his honours.

Not known for his goal-scoring, he did make his own contribution to the early season efforts of 1994-95, when his single goals yielded a draw (v Derry) and a win (v Shelbourne) in consecutive series one matches against teams who turned out to be key opponents at the business end of the season.

While defending was his primary job, he and fellow back John Coady were given license to venture forward in support of the frontmen. The end result was a League championship won against all the odds and the predictions of the pundits.

A move to Derry City for the 1996-97 year brought another League Championship by a runaway ten points margin but a three year stint with Shamrock Rovers brought little reward, except a victory in the consolation 1998 FAI Super Cup.

What They Said About Him

“ An outstanding prospect who demonstrated an ability and maturity that point to a successful full-time football career.” The Argus on the 19-year old prospect whose three appearances in his first season—the 1990-91 Championship winning season— were all winning ones.

Honours:

1 Win: 1994-95

3 Runners Up: FAI Cup 1992-93; League Cup 1994-95; Presidents Cup 1995-96

1 Under-21 Cap (v Albania, EC, 1-1, May 1993)

2 LOI Caps

PFAI Young Player of the Year 1992-93

Career Stats

AppsGls
Home Farm 1988-90 35(2)
Dundalk 1990-96 127(9)4
Derry City 1996-97 21(1)0
Shamrock Rovers 1997-00 72(9)12
Kilkenny City 2000-01 19(0)1
UCD 2001-03 24(0)1
Kildare Co 2003 nana
16 seasons 298(21)18