Keegan & McCaffrey join Dundalk

It has been a busy day at Oriel Park as Dundalk have bolstered their squad with two new signings.

Jordan Keegan who was released by St. Patrick’s Athletic earlier in the day, put pen to paper on a deal with the Lilywhite despite interest from Shelbourne while Francis McCaffrey has signed for the border club following a stint with Hull City.

Stephen Kenny has been an admirer of the 21 year-old and has finally got his man after a failed attempt in the winter. The highly rated youngster was previously with the Saints in 2011 before moving onto Roddy Collins’ Monaghan United to aid their promotion push, which succeeded and Keegan scored in the promotion/relegation playoff victory over Galway United

Following the withdrawal of Monaghan from the league in June 2012, Keegan signed for Scunthorpe United however he remained there only for a short while and returned to St. Patrick’s Athletic.

He only featured in two matches for Liam Buckley’s charges as they soared to the top of the table and had his contract cancelled, paving the way for his move to county Louth.

McCaffrey meanwhile has signed for Kenny’s troops after his contract with Hull City expired. The midfielder was released from the Tigers in May and he has linked up with the Lilywhites following a short spell training with the club.

The Belfast native featured in a friendly against Glentoran on Sunday, impressing many in attendance and he will be hoping he can replicate that performance until the end of the season.

Both players are in line to make their debuts for the side this coming Friday against Derry City at the Brandywell.

Dundalk have also tied down promising youth player Ciaran O’Connor on a professional deal.

The young player has impressed manager Kenny and has been an integral part of the youth team scoring 16 goals for the team has recently completed the Leaving Cert. The Dundalk native has signed a contract which ensures he remains a Lilywhite until the end of the 2014 season.