Scottish move is Academical for Daniel O'Reilly

Dan O'Reilly in action for Drogheda United in 2021

Dan O'Reilly in action for Drogheda United in 2021 Credit: Ben Whitley (ETPhotos)

Scottish Championship side Hamilton Academical have announced the signing of former Drogheda United defender Daniel O’Reilly.

The 26-year-old began his career with Cherry Orchard before joining Fulham in November 2010. He returned to Ireland ahead of the 2015 League of Ireland season and joined Bray Wanderers for a season which saw them change manager on a couple of occasions and ended up eighth in the Premier Division.

He signed for former Seagulls boss Alan Matthews at Longford Town and spent three seasons in the midlands, netting four league goals for De Town.

In 2019, he moved to the north west as Ollie Horgan’s Finn Harps survived a Promotion/Relegation play off against Drogheda United to remain in the Premier Division with O’Reilly scoring twice in the league before departing the club at the end of the season. 

2020 saw a return to Leinster for the Dubliner as he joined Ian Morris’ Shelbourne who, unlike Harps the previous season, didn’t survive the drop and O’Reilly moved up the M1 to sign for Tim Clancy at Drogheda United.

His solitary goal in 2021 came against former club Finn Harps as the Boynesiders finished the season well clear of relegation, in seventh place tied on points with the men from Donegal.

Former Limerick FC manager Stuart Taylor is currently in charge at Hamilton and he was enthusiastic about the prospect of O’Reilly joining the club, “I am delighted to welcome Dan here to Accies. He has captained Drogheda in the past and won personal accolades for his performances. 

“We have been looking to add a bit of leadership to the side and Dan allows us to do just that. I know he will be a great addition to the squad.

“I’d like to take the time to thank the board for getting this deal done. Dan was a player myself and my staff had identified very early on and to have him in the door on the first day of the window is fantastic.”

 

    About Tom O'Connor

    Dundalk based reporter following the league since Monaghan United’s goalless draw against Athlone Town in 1996. Special interest in education and underage football. Shortlisted for the 2018 FAI Communications Award for series on Life beyond … View Full Profile