The Saints sign Brandon Kavanagh and Cian Kavanagh from Derry City

St. Patrick’s Athletic complete their first two signings of the winter transfer window as the FAI Cup winners look to strengthen ahead of the 2024 campaign. 

Brandon Kavanagh leaves the Candystrips after making 72 appearances for the club since joining from Shamrock Rovers in 2020. 

The midfielder had been a crucial member of Ruaidhri Higgins but since the arrival of reinforcements in the summer window such as Danny Mullen, and Paul McMullan, he has found game time limited. 

Kavanagh, who signs on a multi-year deal, spoke to St. Pats media team upon signing and stated his delight of signing for the Inchicore side. 

“I'm really looking forward to being a St Pat's player and I'm delighted to get the deal over the line. 

I spoke to Jon about his plans for the club and I'm excited for the future here. 

Pat's have done really well over the last couple of seasons, they've just won the cup again, they play good football and the supporters have been excellent, it's something I really want to be part of and I can't wait to get to work."

Manager Jon Daly when speaking about the signing of Kavanagh said, “I'm delighted to get Brandon in. I've seen him play live numerous times and I've always come away impressed by his performances, he is a very talented player”. 

His namesake, Cian, has also signed for the Saints after 18 month with Derry City and , follows the footsteps of Brandon Kavanagh of making the switch to Dublin 8.

The striker returns to the club where he played in the academy before making the switch to Scottish club Hearts in 2019. 

The 20-year-old made 32 appearances in 2023, scoring 4 goals, two of which was in the Europa Conference League against KuPs of Finland and Tobol of Kazakhstan.

"I'm excited to the back”, said Cian Kavanagh speaking to the clubs media team.

“I've been at St Pat's before and I know what the club is about, I'm really looking forward to it and can't wait to get started. 

I had a couple of good years here in the Academy at 15s and 17s and scored some goals so hopefully I can do the same at senior level.

I've had good conversations with Jon Daly, he was the Assistant Manager at Hearts when I was there in the U20s and Sean O'Connor coached me in the Pat's Academy too, so I can't wait to get on the training pitch and hopefully it will be a good season."

With the losses of Eoin Doyle, Mark Doyle, and Cian Carty in the forward department, the signing of the striker will be a welcome boost to Jon Daly’s attacking options going into 2024. 

FAI Cup Final hero Mark Doyle departs St Patrick's Athletic to join Rhode Island FC https://t.co/VYzuWUZCm1pic.twitter.com/Xo3UxAf6Ib

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) November 22, 2023