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, correct as of 30 October 2013 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 28 February 2007 (UTC) |
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Mark Leech is an Irish footballer born in Dublin, Ireland, on 9 December 1985. He played as a forward for many clubs in the League of Ireland. Some of these clubs include St Patrick's Athletic, Drogheda, and Shamrock Rovers. Mark is also the son of Mick Leech, who was a famous player for Shamrock Rovers and the Republic of Ireland national team.
Contents
Mark's Football Journey
Starting Out in Youth Football
Mark Leech was known as a promising young player from a young age. He played well in youth leagues and was part of the FAIS International squad. His senior football career began in 2003. He joined UCD while still in school. UCD offered him a scholarship for later.
Mark played for UCD's Under 21 team many times. He also made a few appearances for the main UCD team. He scored his first and only goal for UCD when he was just 17. This goal was against Waterford United on 22 September 2003.
Moving to Drogheda United
In July 2004, Mark left UCD before his scholarship started. He signed with Drogheda United. His former UCD coach, 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 first team.
Mark was one of Drogheda's most exciting young players. He was chosen to play for the Republic of Ireland Under 21s. He made his debut on 28 February 2006. He came on as a substitute in a 1–0 win against Sweden. Mark also scored a very important goal for Drogheda United. It was an extra-time winner in the 2006 Setanta Sports Cup Final. This big game was against Cork City on 22 April 2006. Later that year, in July 2006, he went on loan to Bohemians. This was part of a player exchange deal.
Time at Shelbourne and Other Clubs
After the 2006 season, Mark was available for transfer from Drogheda. In February 2007, he joined Shelbourne on a season-long loan. At first, there was a problem with him playing for Shelbourne. FIFA had a rule about players playing for two clubs in one season. Mark, along with other players, had to wait for clearance from FIFA.
Once FIFA allowed him to play, Mark made his Shelbourne league debut. This was on 30 March 2007 against Kilkenny City. He even scored a goal in his 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 for that season.
His loan at Shelbourne ended in late 2007. In December 2007, he signed with Galway United. However, his time there only lasted six months.
Later Career Moves
On 3 July 2008, Mark signed for 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.
Before the 2009 season began, he joined St. Patrick's Athletic. He started very well, scoring two goals in his first four games. But then, he broke his leg against Dundalk on 27 March 2009. After several months recovering, Mark returned to fitness. However, he found it hard to get back into the starting team. He left St. Patrick's Athletic at the end of 2009. On 25 March 2010, he rejoined his former club, Shelbourne.
Achievements
Mark Leech has won the following honours during his football career:
Drogheda United
- Setanta Sports Cup (1): 2006
Shelbourne
- Leinster Senior Cup (1): 2010
