Rory Feely makes Saints return after two year spell at Waterford

Premier Division St Patrick’s Athletic have unveiled the signing of defender Rory Feely from Waterford ahead of the 2020 campaign.

Feely is a graduate of the Saints academy, playing for the Inchicore outfit’s under-19 side in 2015 – and winning the underage league crown in the same year.  

The 23-year-old spent the last two years at Waterford, and under Alan Reynolds – the Kildare native played a key role in the Blues two years back in the top-flight.

Speaking to the Saints media team, Feely noted that he was attracted to make his return to the club by the ambition of new boss Stephen O’Donnell.

“I spoke to Stephen at the end of the season and he felt I had a good year at Waterford, so he was telling what mentality he was looking for from players and what his future plans for the club are,” the defender said.

“I knew straight away from talking to him that he was ambitious, and that's the same person that I am in that I want to progress further in my career and in the league. Knowing what the goals are for the year, I wanted to be part of his plans.

“My last spell at Pat's was successful between underage success and breaking into the first team under Liam Buckley and playing with some really experienced players and learn a new position at centre back.

“It didn't work out after that and I went to Waterford, but I'm back now and really looking forward to playing again at Pat's.”

Manager O’Donnell added; “I am delighted to get Rory signed. He was another player that I really wanted to bring to the club when I took the job.

“He is a player that will epitomise what we are trying to achieve here; great attitude, great professional and great athlete.

“He had an excellent season with Waterford last year, captaining them and picking up their Player of the Year award.

“He has a great profile in being young and wanting to improve and they are the type of people we want at the club.”