Conor Kearns moves west to sign for Galway United
Conor Kearns in action during last season's FAI Cup. Credit: Clare McCahill (ETPhotos)
Galway United have announced the signing of goalkeeper Conor Kearns for the forthcoming League of Ireland season.
The 22-year-old keeper joins the Tribesmen after spells with UCD and St Patrick’s Athletic.
Kearns helped his UCD side win the First Division title in 2018 before joining Pats before the 2020 season.
The shot-stopper also earned a call up to Stephen Kenny’s under-21 squad in 2019 after putting in some impressive performances for UCD.
Kearns said was keen to join John Caulfield's side, as he looked forward to the season ahead.
“John’s reputation speaks for itself, he’s the type of manager that every player wants to work under,” Kearns told the club's website.
“I’m excited to be joining Galway United, who are a fantastic club with a proud history, located in a great city. I’m thrilled to be a part of the culture and community that John is trying to build at the club.
“It was difficult at Pats last year, it didn’t go as I expected, but it was a learning curve for me. This is a step out of my comfort zone, but it’s by no means a step down or sideways.
"I see this as a step up. It’s a club where I can improve as a player, and enjoy my football like I did at UCD.
"I’ve been in this Division before, I know what it takes to win it and I want to be a part of a squad that understands that as well.
“I had more comfortable options and offers, but ultimately I left my master's to play full-time football and this is the place I want to do it.
"You’re doing what you love every morning and you’re part of a fantastic club. I’m really excited to get going now, it’s going to be a challenge, but it’s one that I’m relishing.”
Galway United manager John Caulfield added that pleased to add another goalkeeper to his 2021 squad.
“I’m delighted to bring Conor to the club, he’s a very talented goalkeeper. He’s won the First Division with UCD before and played in the Premier Division with them before joining St. Pats last year.
“It’s great to have two top goalkeepers at the club. We feel that we have real competition right throughout the squad now.
“It was important that we brought the right person in to compete with Kevin. Conor was very keen to join us, I’m looking forward to working with him now and hopefully he will have a big season for us.”
