Dundalk sign winger Dylan Connolly from Bray Wanderers

Dundalk have announced the signing of winger Dylan Connolly from Bray Wanderers after coming to financial settlement with the Wicklow club to cancel his contract.

Lilywhites boss Stephen Kenny was keen to bring the Dubliner to Oriel Park during the off-season but, as Connolly was under contract, Bray's pricetag was higher than he was willing to pay.

That appears to have changed in recent weeks as the clubs simultaneously announced that they had come to a financial arrangement to facilitate Connolly's move north.

Connolly joined the Seagulls ahead of the 2016 season after negotiating his release from Ipswich Town and signed a multi-year contract with the seaside club.

While he initially struggled to impose himself under manager Mick Cooke, he had a new lease of life following the arrival of Harry Kenny in May and became a key player in their revival.

Connolly finished the season with five goals to his name and has matched that already this term as the Seagulls have managed 40 goals in 20 games – third only to Cork City and Dundalk.

“I am over the moon to have signed for Dundalk,” Connolly told Dundalk's official website.

“When I heard that the club were interested in signing me I was 100% on board with it and I wanted to get things done.

“When I knew the interest was there I wanted to come and I wanted to get things sorted as quickly as possible and I am delighted to have got that.

“I have had a good year and a half at Bray Wanderers. I want to thank everyone at Bray for everything they they have done for me during the last 18 months.

“I feel now is the right time for me to move and Dundalk is the best place for me to go to the next level. I think it is the best move for me at this stage of my career.

“Stephen was a massive decision in me choosing to join Dundalk. It’s no secret that he is a brilliant manager.

“All you have to do is look at the trophies that he has won and everything he has achieved. He has done brilliantly. I met him a few times and it was a no brainer for me work with him.

“He has worked with top class wingers in the past who have gone on to play internationally – James McClean, Niall Maginn and Daryl Horgan. You can’t let the opportunity pass you by. ”

The 21-year-old began his senior career with Bohemians in 2012 before moving to Shelbourne in the First Division the following season.

His performances for the Reds, as well as the Republic of Ireland under-19 team, earned him admiring glances from abroad, and he signed for Ipswich alongside teammate Adam McDonnell.

Connolly spent two years at Ipswich, making the first team bench on a couple of occasions, before returning to play his football in his native country.