Mark Leech facts for kids
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 9 December 1985 | ||
| Place of birth | Dublin, Ireland | ||
| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Belvedere | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2003–2004 | UCD | 4 | (1) |
| 2004–2007 | Drogheda United | 26 | (4) |
| 2006 | → Bohemians (loan) | 7 | (1) |
| 2007 | → Shelbourne (loan) | 30 | (12) |
| 2008 | Galway United | 16 | (1) |
| 2008 | Shamrock Rovers | 14 | (0) |
| 2009 | St. Patrick's Athletic | 9 | (2) |
| 2010 | Shelbourne | 20 | (4) |
| 2011–2012 | Southern Stars | 33 | (11) |
| 2013 | Shelbourne | 19 | (2) |
| International career | |||
| 2007 | Republic of Ireland U21 | 1 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Mark Leech was born on December 9, 1985. He is an Irish footballer who played as a forward. Mark played for many clubs in the League of Ireland. Some of these teams include St Patrick's Athletic, Drogheda, and Shamrock Rovers. His father, Mick Leech, was also a famous footballer. Mick played for Shamrock Rovers and the Republic of Ireland national team.
Contents
Mark Leech's Football Journey
Starting Out at UCD
Mark Leech began his senior football career in 2003. He joined UCD when he was still in school. He was given a special scholarship to play for them. Mark played many games for UCD's Under 21 team. He also made a few appearances for the main UCD team. Mark scored his only goal for UCD when he was just 17. This goal happened against Waterford United on September 22, 2003.
Moving to Drogheda United
In July 2004, Mark left UCD to join Drogheda United. His old coach from UCD, Paul Doolin, was now at Drogheda. Mark worked hard and played well for Drogheda's Under 21 team. Soon, he earned a spot on the main team.
Playing for Ireland's Under 21 Team
Mark's great play led him to be chosen for the Republic of Ireland Under 21s. He played his first game for them on February 28, 2006. He came on as a substitute in a 1–0 win against Sweden. This game was played at Drogheda's home ground.
Winning the Setanta Sports Cup
Mark became even more well-known in 2006. He scored the winning goal for Drogheda United in the 2006 Setanta Sports Cup Final. This exciting game was against Cork City. Mark scored in extra-time, helping his team win the cup. Later that year, he was loaned to Bohemians for a short time.
Time at Shelbourne
After leaving Drogheda United, Mark signed with Shelbourne in February 2007. He joined them on a loan for the season. At first, there was a problem with FIFA rules. Mark and other players could not play for Shelbourne right away. This was due to a rule about playing for two clubs in one season.
Getting Clearance to Play
Once FIFA gave him permission, Mark made his debut for Shelbourne. This was on March 30, 2007, against Kilkenny City. He scored a goal in his very first game, which ended in a 1–1 draw. Mark played regularly for Shelbourne during the 2007 season. He played in 32 league and cup games. He scored 12 goals, making him Shelbourne's top goalscorer that season.
New Teams: Galway and Shamrock Rovers
Mark's loan at Shelbourne ended in 2007. In December 2007, he signed with Galway United. However, he only stayed there for six months. On July 3, 2008, Mark joined Shamrock Rovers. He played his first game for them the very next day. He came on as a substitute against Cobh Ramblers. Mark left Shamrock Rovers at the end of the 2008 season.
Playing for St. Patrick's Athletic
Before the 2009 season began, Mark signed with St. Patrick's Athletic. He had a great start, scoring two goals in his first four games. But then, he broke his leg in a game against Dundalk on March 27, 2009.
Returning from Injury
After several months, Mark recovered from his injury. However, it was hard for him to get back into the starting team. He left St. Patrick's Athletic at the end of 2009. On March 25, 2010, he rejoined his former club, Shelbourne.
