Ryan Connolly returns to the League of Ireland to sign with Finn Harps

Finn Harps have announced the signing of Ryan Connolly with the former Galway and Shamrock Rovers man set to make a welcome return to League of Ireland football after twelve months away from the game.

The midfielder has enjoyed time at a number of clubs with his first stop being in 2007 when he moved to Derby County.

After five years, a return to the Emerald Isle was on the cards and the Castlebar native signed with Sligo Rovers in June 2012. Having only made 17 appearances in 12 months he moved on loan to Longford Town in desperate need of some more First Team exposure.

When the 2014 season began it was Galway United who had come calling over the course of the offseason and the chance to move closer to home was too tempting for Connolly to turn down. 30 league appearances soon followed as Connolly would secure his reputation as one of Galway’s key men.

2016 was one of his best season’s in League of Ireland football as 29 appearances would yield 12 goals from midfield for Galway’s play maker. Shamrock Rovers had clearly taken notice and Stephen Bradley would sign Connolly prior to the start of the 2017 season. However, a one year stop at Tallaght would soon be followed by a return to Galway United in 2018 before Connolly took the decision to take a year away from the game in 2019.

The year out has reinvigorated Connolly as he said to the Finn Harps media team; I’m buzzing to be given the opportunity by Ollie and Finn Harps to play again. After taking a year out I’ve never been more hungry to play and push on with Harps. I just can’t wait to get going.”

Ollie Horgan, who has only recently signed a new contract with the club himself, was delighted to secure his man. “When I spoke to Ryan it was clear he was itching to get back on the pitch and we’re happy he’s signed with us. He’s a talented player and has been known to chip in with a few goals too which aren’t easy got in the Premier Division. We’re doing our best to build a squad to compete next year and it’s great to have Ryan as part of that.”