O'Connor returns to Inchicore

St Patrick’s Athletic have announced the capture of Drogheda United’s prized midfielder Garreth O’Connor.

O’Connor returns to Richmond mere months after leaving the Inchicore side to join Alan Mathews in Drogheda at the beginning of the season.

Saints manager Pete Mahon expressed his delight at the return of the prodigal son stating, “Gareth was one of the players that we were very sorry to lose and we’re delighted to have signed him back”

Mahon also believes that the presence of O’Connor will bring further competition for places in the Pats midfield.

“He’s a true professional, he’ll bring valuable experience to the squad and will greatly add to the competition for places,” he said.

Speaking on his move the midfielder stated that the prospect of challenging for the title as opposed to avoiding relegation played a part in his decision.

“It’s definitely easier going from a relegation battle to challenging for the league and that was one of the attractions for coming back to Pat’s”. O’Connor also added “I enjoyed my time playing for Drogheda and was pleased with the way I had been playing, after a slow start Darius came in and tightened things up a bit and made the side a lot harder to play against”.

The loss of O’Connor will be softened slightly by the acquisition of midfielders Darren Meenan and Peter McMahon who both return to Drogheda after beginning their careers at the North East club.

McMahon arrives at the club from UCD while Meenan had spells with Monaghan, Shels and Sligo before returning to Drogheda.

Drogheda assistant manager Darius Kierans spoke of his delight at having the duo back at Hunky Dorys Park.

“They both started out here in the youths and were highly rated players and they will both bolster the squad. They are two fantastic players and I’m delighted to have them back.”