Saints sign Killian Brennan and former Irish under-21 cap Owen Garvan

St Patrick’s Athletic have announced the double-signing of Republic of Ireland under-21 international Owen Garvan and former fan favourite Killian Brennan.

 

Garvan, who most recently played with English League Two side Colchester United, has represented the Republic of Ireland at all age groups up to under-21 and was also in Giovanni Trapattoni’s first=ever Ireland senior squad.

 

The midfielder brings a wealth of experience to the Saints as they try to avoid relegation having made over 300 appearances for Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace in the English Championship.

 

Garvan appeared for Palace in the Premier League before going on to have loan spells at Millwall and Bolton.

 

The 29-year-old played 50 games for Colchester United before parting ways with the club in April.

 



“I became aware that Owen was coming home to Dublin a little while ago and I'm delighted to get his signing over the line,” manager Liam Buckley told the club’s website.

 

“He has played at the top level in England in a very competitive Championship and will add a lot to us on and off the pitch.”

 

Brennan started this season with his hometown club Drogheda United and the midfielder returns to the club with whom he won the Premier Division and PFAI Player of the Year in 2013.

 



The midfielder played with the Saints between 2013 and 2015 winning the FAI Cup and EA Sports Cup along with the Premier Division title in that time.

 

He began his career in England with Peterborough before returning to the League of Ireland, where he spent time with Dublin City, Derry City, Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers before signing for Pats.

 

“I know Killian well having managed him during his previous spell at the club, when we had a lot of success on the pitch,” Buckley said.

 

“He is one of the best midfielders in the country and I feel he still has a lot to offer. He has an excellent left foot and is also a leader on the pitch,” he said.

 

“Killian understands the way we want to play and what it means to play for St Pat's, hopefully he'll put in some good performances for us to help us move up the table,” he added.

 

St Patrick’s Athletic host Scottish Premier League side Heart of Midlothian in Inchicore on Wednesday night.

 

The new signings could make their League debuts this Sunday when they face Cork City at Turner’s Cross (kick-off 2pm).