PADDY BURNS RETURNS 3z339

Paddy Burns has re-ed Glenavon. The 24-year-old has signed a two-year contract. 6w6m4t

He is technically about to commence his third spell at Mourneview Park. He ed the club as a teenager. In November 2017 he made his senior debut in a Mid-Ulster Cup semi-final win against Portadown and went on to make 25 appearances (including five as a substitute). In 2020 he moved to the USA to embark on a Political Science and Sociology degree at Notre Dame University.

In January 2022 Gary Hamilton re-signed him to play against Crusaders in an Irish Cup 5^th round tie.

He is looking forward to helping Glenavon’s bid for success next season.

“I am very optimistic,” he said. “I think we can push the leading clubs hard in the league and do well in the other competitions. Dungannon has shown that you don’t need outside investment to be successful.”

Paddy, the younger brother of Bobby, was a precocious talent. He captained the Northern Ireland Schoolboys’ Under-18s and was part of the Northern Ireland U-19 side. Indeed, he played in the U-19’s squad’s famous victory against at Mourneview Park during the build-up to the U-19 European Championship Finals.

During his four year period stateside, he captained the Notre Dame team which, in 2021, won the prestigious Atlantic Coast Conference title. Whilst at home on summer breaks, he often trained with Glenavon.

On completing his studies, he signed a short-term contract with Cliftonville and played in its memorable 3-1 Irish Cup Final victory against Linfield.

Between January and May 2025, he was a full timer with Coleraine.

“I enjoyed my time at the Showgrounds and wish everyone at Coleraine nothing but the best, but I did not start regularly,” he said. “I want to play as much as I can. Hopefully, this move gives me the opportunity to do that.”

Paddy reckons that he is a much more complete player now than he was during his first spell at Mourneview Park. “I am older, more mature and have a lot more experience,” he added. “I have also played in some big games. I feel that I am coming into what will hopefully be some good years.”

He is looking forward to working with Paddy McLaughlin and Colin Coates. “I played with Colin during his spell at Glenavon,” he explained. “I’m excited to work under him. He has achieved everything in the game, including playing at international level. There is no one better to learn from.”

“I don’t know Paddy well yet, but I know players who played under him at Cliftonville, and they all speak very highly of him,” he continued. “His record suggests that we could not have a better man in charge.”

During Paddy’s stint at Solitude, he sometimes played as a left-sided centre-back. It was a new string to his bow. “It was not a role I had performed before,” he said. “But I learned a lot. I think I am stronger and better in the air now than I was four or five years ago. My favourite position is as a left back in a back four. It gives me the opportunity to get forward and deliver crosses but I am happy to play anywhere.”

He is looking forward to the start of the new campaign. “I am fiercely ambitious and competitive. Warm-up games are important, but I think most players prefer playing during the season proper,” he said. “Interest will start to grow when the fixtures are released. Hopefully, we can make a good start.”

Paddy McLaughlin is delighted to have secured Paddy’s signature. “We have been monitoring his situation since he moved to Coleraine and were surprised that he was available,” said the Northwest native. “We moved for him straightaway. He is a top young player. He has played in a lot of big matches and has a winning mentality. He is a great addition to the squad.”