Gavin Kilkenny (born 1 February 2000) is an Irish footballer who plays as a central midfielder for club Swindon Town.
Raised in Beaumont, a northern suburb of Dublin, Kilkenny started out his footballing career at St Kevin's Boys, a schoolboy team with several notable graduates, such as Damien Duff, Jeff Hendrick, Dara O'Shea, Robbie Brady and Ian Harte. Kilkenny left home at the age of 16 to join AFC Bournemouth, having excelled as a youngster at Gaelic football and hurling.
Kilkenny joined AFC Bournemouth at the age of sixteen. He moved into the club's under-21 squad after serving a two-year scholarship in the under-18s and was quickly elevated to the first team in the summer of 2019, having signed his first professional contract in April 2018. Kilkenny starred and scored in an impressive 3âÂÂ0 pre-season friendly win over Lyon, being named man-of-the-match. He made his debut for the club starting in a 0âÂÂ0 draw against Forest Green Rovers in the EFL Cup on 28 August 2019. He then appeared in the following round, starting in a 2âÂÂ0 away loss to Burton Albion. Kilkenny made his first appearance of the 2023âÂÂ2024 season for Bournemouth in their 5-0 FA Cup defeat of Swansea on 25 January 2024, when he came on as a 57th minute substitute for the injured James Hill.
On 2 July 2022, Kilkenny joined Stoke City on loan for the 2022âÂÂ23 season. He only made four appearances for Stoke and returned to Bournemouth in January 2023.
On 31 January 2023, Kilkenny joined Charlton Athletic on loan for the rest of the 2022âÂÂ23 season.
On 1 February 2024, Kilkenny joined Fleetwood Town on loan for the rest of the 2023âÂÂ24 season.
Kilkenny joined League Two side Swindon Town on 30 August 2024.
Kilkenny is a youth international for the Republic of Ireland, having experience playing in the U18s squads and the U21s.
AFC Bournemouth