Ex-Ireland under-21 striker Murray joins Galway United
Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)
Galway United have completed the signing of former Ireland under-21 striker Ronan Murray from Notts County.
Belmullet-born Murray is the second Mayo native in as many days to put pen to paper with the Tribesmen following the signing of David Cawley from St Patrick's Athletic on Thursday.
Galway boss Shane Keegan spoke of his delight as United pulled off a coup in tempting another Connacht man back to his home province.
“Ronan is a player who is coming into the League of Ireland for the first time. Given his background, we feel he's a player that can give us something different.
“He's a very clever player, he's really creative in the final third. He's a player that can contribute in a big way in terms of goals and assists."
Murray echoed his manager's sentiments, alluding to the club's intention to push for honours next season as one of the pulling points taking him to the League of Ireland for the first time.
"Shane is really ambitious. We can work together going forward to achieve the goals we have set for the club. I want to push the club forward in a positive way. I can't wait to get started.
“Galway is a big club, so I’d always be interested in going there and proving what I can do, no matter who the manager is.
“I was in England for nine years, so it’s a bit of a change for me coming back home. I’m from Belmullet, so it will be nice to be closer to family and friends. I’ve been away from home since I was 15.
“It’s almost another culture change again, being back around where I grew up and went to school.
“It’s going to be great to be back around home while helping bring Galway United forward in a positive way and get those fans through the gates and really push on.”
Murray began his senior football career, like Cawley, with Ipswich Town, making a goalscoring debut for the Portman Road club in the League Cup in August 2010.
Following loan spells with Torquay United, Swindon Town and Plymouth Argyle, Murray made the move north to Nottingham with Notts County in 2013.
Murray made 68 appearances across three-and-a-half seasons with the Magpies but failed to make a single appearance for the club in 2016/17 following the arrival of manager John Sheridan.
