Kirby rejoins Longford

Experienced midfielder Alan Kirby has made a return to First Division side Longford Town for his second spell with the club.

After featuring as a second half substitute in a recent friendly against St. Patrick's Athletic, it looked likely he was set for a return to the club where he found much success in a five year spell from 2001 to 2006.

Kirby first joined The Town in 2001 when he impressed then manager Stephen Kenny in an FAI Cup Semi-Final tie while playing for Waterford United. He went on to win back to back FAI Cups with the club in 2003 and 2004, as well as a League Cup which saw them secure a 2004 Cup double. To this day the he has remained a legend among the Longford fans, most notably for his equalizer against his native Waterford in the 2004 FAI Cup Final.

He was signed by Paul Cook for Sligo Rovers ahead of the 2011 season and became a fan favourite at The Showgrounds, with many impressive performances and goals, but as the season went on he found his starts limited and was an unused sub in the 2011 FAI Cup Final victory over Shelbourne. The 34-year-old has also had spells at St. Patricks Athletic and the now defunct Sporting Fingal, winning the 2009 FAI Cup with the latter.

Kirby joins an impressive looking Longford Town side who will be hoping to challenge for promotion this season, but face fierce competition to win the league from strong favourites Limerick F.C.

In other news, midfielder David McGill has turned down a contract offer from the club.