Conor Keeley makes League of Ireland return with Drogheda United

Head in the Game Park

Head in the Game Park Credit: Ben Whitley (ETPhotos)

Drogheda United have announced the signing of Conor Keeley from Ballymena United ahead of the 2023 Premier Division season.

The defender spent four seasons with Cabinteely before moving to the Norther Irish Football League to play for Ballymena in January 2021.

“I had two great years at Ballymena and met some really good people but I’m delighted to be here now and I can’t wait to get going. It’s a short turn around now until the start of the season,” Keeley said, speaking to the club’s media team.

“Every year the league is getting stronger and stronger. It’s building every year and it's going to get more difficult, the teams are improving in every position but we’ve a really good squad here.

“We’re hoping to push on as high as we can in the league and hopefully get a good cup run going,” Keeley said.

The move is a reunion for both Keeley and Drogheda manager Kevin Doherty. Doherty gave the 25 year old his senior debut while he was at Shelbourne in 2015.

“He’s a player I’ve really liked. I gave him his debut as Shelbourne, he had a good couple of years at Cabinteely and the move to Ballymena has done wonders for him. He matured greatly,” Doherty said.

“He’s a really dominant centre-half and that’s something we really needed to strengthen and I think Conor will do that.

“I think he’ll be a massive addition for us. I would like to thank Ballymena aswell in how they dealt with it, they were very professional.  Conor was a key man for them and I’m delighted he’s now a Drogheda United player.

About Paul Corcoran

Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams … View Full Profile