Four players commit to St Pat's

Liam Buckley announced on Saturday night at St Patrick’s Athletic’s 2016 Player of the Year awards that his preparations for 2017 are well and truly underway.

Buckley confirmed the re-signing of defensive stalwart Ian Bermingham, along with Michael Barker and Conan Byrne.

Bermingham is heading into his eighth season at Inchicore after arriving from Shamrock Rovers in January of 2010.

Barker is set for a second season at Richmond Park having joined from Bray Wanderers in late 2015.  Barker, who can be deployed at full-back, centre half or in midfield also had spells with UCD and Bohemians before moving onto his previous club Bray Wanderers.

Like Bermingham, Conan Byrne has become a fans favourite in Inchicore.  Entering into his fifth season with Liam Buckley’s men, the 31 year-old will be looking to terrify defences once again in 2017.

There was also a welcome surprise for Saints fans as Buckley revealed the signing of central defender Gavin Peers from Sligo Rovers.  Peers was forced to depart the Showgrounds due to family reasons which he posted on his facebook account.

“Never thought I would be doing this but that's football for you. I've sadly decided not to return to Sligo next season. We tried to agree terms but it was difficult this year as my family wanted me back in Dublin. They were willing to move back to Sligo but with school commitments I couldn't keep moving them around, it wasn't fair to My eldest son and I already found it hard travelling back and forth and so did my family,” Peers posted.

“I made this decision for them as it's time we settled down and I have had great support from them through my career especially through some tough times in the past when my future with Sligo was uncertain and my family were forced to move back to Dublin otherwise they would still be there. I'm happy to leave having helped to stabilise the club again.