Defender Ciaran Kelly rejoins St Patrick's Athletic from Drogheda United

St Patrick’s Athletic have signed defender Ciaran Kelly from Drogheda United ahead of the 2019 season.

Kelly returns to the Inchicore club after a year’s absence at having come through the underage ranks up to under-19 level.

He made two appearances for the senior team in 2017, lining out twice in the Leinster Senior Cup against Firhouse Clover and Shelbourne.

The 20-year-old signed for Tim Clancy’s Drogheda United side ahead of the 2018 season and made significant progress.

Kelly played every game for the club during the most recent campaign but has now reunited with Pats under new manager Harry Kenny.

Speaking to the Pats website, Kelly said the prospect of reuniting with his former coach Kenny, and the attractiveness of full time football, were key factors in his decision.

“Harry contacted me at the end of the season and I’ve worked with Harry before in Clondalkin and did the FAI course with him.

“[We] got on well so we had a chat and everything sounded perfect so I’m now a St. Pats player again.

“It’s a great setup here at the club. Even with the under-19s they encourage you to play the ball out from the back and that is brought through to the first team as well.

“Hopefully when Harry starts to implement his plans we can get up and running and see where it takes us.



“Some people said that moving to Drogheda was a step down but for me I saw it only as a step up as it was a chance for me to play first team senior football.

“I managed to play every game last season so it worked out really well for me and turned out to be a great experience.

“Having Kevin Doherty and Tim Clancy there as well was so beneficial with myself also being a centre half and I learnt so much from them.

“I’ve seen the squad and it’s going to be very competitive to get into the team but that is the way I like it because it will bring the best out of me as well.”