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Brennan in action for Bohemians last season. ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan
LOIlive

Hoops swoop for Brennan and Kavanagh

Shamrock Rovers have signed Killian Brennan and Daryl Kavanagh to help with their Airtricity League title defence in 2012.

SHAMROCK ROVERS HAVE strengthened their hand ahead of the new Airtricity League season with the signings of Killian Brennan and Daryl Kavanagh.

The Premier Division champions return to pre-season training tomorrow, but the comings and goings in Tallaght are set to continue as new manager Stephen Kenny closes in on his top transfer targets.

Both Brennan and Kavanagh were available as free agents after parting ways with Rovers’ Dublin rivals Bohemians and St Patrick’s Athletic in the off-season.

The news of Brennan’s cross-city defection will come as a painful blow to Bohs, whose well-publicised financial struggles have hampered their ability to compete for the league’s top talent. The 27-year-old midfielder, known for his dead-ball expertise, has been one of the Phibsboro club’s key men since his move from Derry City in 2007.

Rovers also confirmed that they have re-signed winger Billy Dennehy who returns to the club for a third season while, on Friday, centre-half Graham Gartland became the first new signing of Kenny’s tenure.

Gartland, 28, opted for a return to his native Tallaght after he parted ways with SPL side St Johnstone earlier this month.

“There probably isn’t another club in Ireland I’d have come back from Scotland for,” Gartland told the club’s official website.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back into action. I have been a bit frustrated over the last while, not getting to play as much as I’d have liked. I am very hungry to get back playing regularly and I’m happy to have signed for Rovers.”

Kenny’s next moves in the transfer market are likely to concentrate on the Rovers’ rearguard, with goalkeepers and full-backs very much a priority.

One name which has been linked with the Hoops in recent days is that of Ipswich’s Shane O’Connor, who can play on the left wing as well as at left back.

The 21-year-old from Cork is currently on loan at League Two side Southend United but could be allowed to return to Ireland if Kenny makes a move.

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