Galway United make First Division statement with the recapture of former captain Ryan Connolly

Galway United have made a statement of intent for the 2018 First Division season with the recapture of former captain Ryan Connolly from Shamrock Rovers.

The Mayo native skippered the Tribesmen in the top flight in 2016 and impressed sufficiently to earn a move to Stephen Bradley's Rovers.

And his absence was keenly felt on the west coast as Galway spent the vast majority of the season in the drop zone before their relegation was confirmed on the final day.

Shane Keegan's side have also staved off competition from Premier Division clubs for the signature of Eoin McCormack, who scored four times in 19 games for Galway last season.

Connolly had a mixed year with the Hoops, beginning the season as first-choice midfielder, but found his options limited as the year wore on and he struggled with a persistent toe injury.

All in all, the 25-year-old made 31 appearances in all competitions for Rovers, managing one goal in a 4-2 FAI Cup quarter-final win over Bluebell United.

The former Derby County youth scored 12 goals in 96 appearances across three years with Galway, winning promotion from the First Division in 2014. He also had spells with Sligo Rovers and Longford Town.

"It's a real coup to get Ryan," manager Shane Keegan told the club's website.

"It's certainly one that is going to catch the eye because of the quality that he gives us.

"The biggest compliment I can pay Ryan is how highly our players spoke about him last season. At times, they would point to the qualities Ryan has and that it might've been something that we were missing.

"I've had very productive discussions with him and I hope he can get the most out of Galway United and that we can get the most out of him. He could be outstanding for us next season.

"There is no doubt that he could've remained in the Premier Division and while he did enjoy his time at Shamrock Rovers, I think he missed being back West and he enjoyed playing his football in Galway."

Connolly added:"I've been speaking to the lads throughout the season about Shane and they said he is brilliant in all aspects of the game and I'm really looking forward to working with him next season.

“I thought he was very good in the discussions I had with him. My best years have been with Galway United. It's where I've felt happiest playing football.

“I had offers from other clubs, but the main thing was coming back to where I felt happiest. I want to go back to enjoying my football. I felt Galway United was the best option for me.

"Our aim and mindset will be to win the league. It's going to be a competitive First Division. Our manager, players and coaching staff have to be geared towards winning the division and nothing less."

22-year-old McCormack joined the Tribesmen from local side Ballinasloe Town midway through the 2016 and played a vital role as they almost battled back to avoid the drop.

Keegan said: “"When we brought Mac in initially, his attitude really impressed everyone. It's no surprise to see that he has gone from strength to strength.

"He was the man-of-the-match in our final league game of the season, which wasn't ideal, because it piqued everybody's interest in him.

“He gave two outstanding Dundalk centre-backs a difficult evening and he displayed all the potential that he has.

"I'm really glad that we have managed to retain him. He has begun to establish himself at the club. I believe he is certainly capable of hitting double figures in the First Division next season.

"His priority is obviously to win a First Division title with Galway United, but he will have aspirations of winning the top scorer accolade and I believe it is something that he is well capable of doing."

McCormack added: "Last season things clicked for me. It took a while for me to get up to the fitness levels required, but I really enjoyed my football and towards the end of the season I nailed down a place. Unfortunately, the season ended just as I felt I was getting going.

"There is a lot of mutual respect between myself and Shane. I really enjoyed playing under him, he gave me my chance and I hope to repay him next year.”