Ruairi Keating signs Torquay contract extension

Striker Ruairi Keating has signed a contract extension with Torquay United.

The former Sligo Rovers, Galway United and Finn Harps frontman first joined Torquay in February 2017 and has shown his versatility this season for Gary Johnson’s side.

Keating has had to play on the right of midfield this season, and has netted four times in the league, twice against East Thurrock United and once against both Dartford and Slough Town.

Torquay currently sit top of the National League South, two points clear of Woking, and manager Gary Johnson expressed his delight at Keating extending his contract.

“I am delighted that Ruairi has decided to stay with us,” said Johnson, speaking to the club’s official website.

“Ruairi’s had a very good first half of the season that was only interrupted by a couple of injuries and a suspension. 

“Ruairi’s power and pace is ideal for our way of playing and it’s good that he has settled down into the swing of things, despite interest from clubs back in Ireland,” he continued.

“His family often travel from Ireland to watch him play; that is a commitment that they enjoy.

“Ruairi’s another player in our group that can play in two positions, as a striker but most recently with me as a wide player. 

“This ability will be needed for the run-in towards the end of the season,” Johnson explained.



Keating came through Sligo Rovers under-19 side and signed a professional deal with the Bit O’Red in early 2014. 

He joined Harps on loan for the first half of that season before returning to Sligo for the remainder of the year.

The same occurred in 2015 as he played with Harps on loan until June before returning to Sligo, and then moving to Galway permanently in 2016.

He would stay at Galway until June before making the switch to Donegal for a third spell with Harps before joining Torquay in 2017.

    About Gerard Grimes

    Final year journalism student who joined Extratime.ie in May 2016 as a teenager. Mainly found in United Park covering Drogheda United games, but have also covered international matches and domestic cup finals in the Aviva … View Full Profile