Jay McClelland departs UCD to join St Patrick's Athletic

St Patrick’s Athletic have unveiled their first signing of the transfer window in the form of former UCD star Jay McClelland.

After a four-year stint at UCD, the winger joins forces with Stephen O’Donnell’s side after impressing on the Students ill-fated year in the top-flight.

While at the UCD Bowl, McClelland made 130 appearances for the club, where he won the 2018 First Division.

Of the title-winning side in 2018, only five remain from the side that played in the 2018 game versus Finn Harps.

However, a new challenge awaits McClelland at Richmond Park, where the 22-year-old is relishing his new test.

“It was a tough four years at UCD balancing everything because it’s like a 9 to 5 job in college and in the library and then going straight to training.

“Now I can concentrate on football 9 to 5 and I think I can only improve and get better by doing that.

“I was hooked straight away when I spoke to Stephen and I can’t wait to play for him.

“St Pat’s are fond of keeping the ball on the ground, intricate passing, playing in the hole and splitting defences.

“That suits me as it’s the way we played at UCD and I have Collie O’Neill to thank as he preferred me coming in off the wing and taking up those positions in the hole.”



“Next season is about pushing for Europe and closing the gap on the top two and that matches my ambition because I’m hungry.”