Footage emerges of young Irish wonderkid David Dunne ripping it up ahead of Monaco move

It’s clear to see what impressed Monaco!

The 16-year-old forward joined City’s academy from Rockmount in 2023, and made three first-team appearances for the League of Ireland side before being snapped up on Wednesday by the Ligue 1 outfit.

Footage from a Republic of Ireland U16 clash against Scotland last year, when Dunne was 15, gives a big indication as to why Monaco were so interested in the youngster.

Cork will get compensation from Monaco for Dunne’s signature. 

Cork City head of academy, Liam Kearney, said: “David is a very exciting young player with a bright future ahead of him, which is underlined by the fact that he has already got first team minutes at such a young age. 

“Of course, we would love to have kept him at the club, but he has decided to make the move to Monaco and we wish him every success.”

However, the left-winger is not expected to continue his development in the professional set-up in Ligue 1, and will instead be placed into the club’s prestigious youth set-up. 

Monaco are renowned for developing young attacking talent, having brought through Thierry Henry, Kylian Mbappe, David Trezeguet and more.

Dunne was named men's U15 LOI Academy Player of the Season for 2024. 

Dunne is joined by 17-year-old Jassim Djelloul, who arrives from AS Saint-Priest, and 16-year-old goalkeeper Axel Decrenisse, who comes from FC Servette.

Cork City sit bottom of the League of Ireland with 23 games gone, five points adrift of ninth-place Sligo Rovers. They were beaten 2-1 in the a friendly by Scottish champions Celtic on Tuesday, and face Waterford away on Friday night in league action.