2014 FAI CUP champions St Patrick’s Athletic haven’t rested on their laurels and announced a trio of signings today.
Striker Ciaran Kilduff arrives from Shamrock Rovers, as does centre-back Jason McGuinness while 19 year-old defender Lee Desmond makes the switch from First Division Shelbourne.
Having surrendered their league title to Dundalk this season, Pats have moved quickly to strengthen their squad – on the same day that midfielder Keith Fahey swapped Richmond Park for the Tallaght Stadium.
Pat’s manager Liam Buckley has been monitoring both Kilduff and McGuinness for a while so was understandably delighted at finally bringing them to Inchicore.
I’m delighted to sign the three lads. I’ve tried to sign both Jason and Ciarán in the past and it just didn’t materialise, so to get them to sign now, they’ll be great additions to the club. Equally, I’m delighted to bring in young Lee Desmond as he’s a great player with a bright future ahead of him as he has proven with his recent call-up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad.”
For Kilduff, the club’s recent domestic success was crucial in him deciding to make the move.
“I’ve been talking to Liam quite a bit lately and he’s tried to sign me in the past so to sign for him now is great. After the success of the last few years with Pat’s winning the league and cup in the past two years, it’s great to join the club now.”
32 year-old McGuinness, meanwhile, has tasted titles wherever he’s gone. There were back-to-back league crowns with Bohemians in 2008 and 2009 and successive FAI Cups with Sligo Rovers in 2010 and 2011. He won his third league medal with the Bit o’ Red in 2012.
Pats will be the third Dublin team he’s played for.
