Pierce Sweeney

Pierce Liam Sweeney (born 11 September 1994) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender for club Cheltenham Town.

Career

Schoolboy football Sweeney began his career at Ardmore Rovers in his hometown of Bray, before moving on to the under-13 level with Belvedere.

Bray Wanderers

In 2012, Sweeney joined League of Ireland Premier Division side Bray Wanderers. He made 12 appearances for the Seagulls during the 2012 season.

Reading On 6 July 2012, Sweeney signed with then-Premier League side Reading. Although he was a member of Reading's Under 21 2013-14 Premier League Cup-winning side, on 9 May 2016, Sweeney was released by Reading without having made a first-team appearance for the club.

Exeter City On 22 July 2016, Sweeney signed with Exeter City as the 1931 Fund fan-funded player after a successful trial. He scored two goals and an assist in Exeter's 5–1 defeat of Notts County on 8 September 2018, and had already scored two additional goals before the end of September 2018.

Swindon Town On 11 June 2021, Sweeney signed a two-year deal with Swindon Town to begin on 1 July 2021, after rejecting an offer from Exeter City. His contract was terminated by mutual consent on 2 July 2021, with Sweeney stating that 'due to family circumstances at this current moment I am unable to fulfil relocating to be part of the team'.

Exeter City return Following his abrupt departure from Swindon Town, Sweeney returned to Exeter City on 8 July 2021. He was vice-captain as Exeter City secured a return to League One for the first time since 2012. In June 2022, Sweeney signed a new two-year deal with the club.

On 14 January 2023, in his first match as club captain following the departure of Matt Jay, Sweeney made his 300th appearance for Exeter City in all competitions. At the end of the 2022–23 season, Sweeney was chosen as Exeter's Player of the Year.

International career Sweeney has represented the Republic of Ireland at under-U17, under-U19, and under-U21 levels.

Career statistics

Honours Reading Premier League Cup: 2013–14

Exeter City EFL League Two runner-up: 2021–22