LAST UPDATE | 22 Nov 2017
ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC have announced today that Graham Kelly, Conan Byrne and captain Ian Bermingham have extended their contracts with the club.
The Saints have also confirmed the addition of 26-year-old midfielder Ryan Brennan from Bray Wanderers.
Bermingham, who has made 316 appearances for the Inchicore outfit, is one of three current players to have committed for the 2018 season.
A former Irish U21 international, the 28-year-old left-back first joined the Saints in 2010 after spending a season with Shamrock Rovers.
During his time at Richmond Park, the Dubliner has won every major domestic honour: the Premier Division in 2013, FAI Cup in 2014 and consecutive EA Sports Cups in 2015 and ’16.
He’ll be hoping for better fortunes next year. Having been involved in a relegation battle, Liam Buckley’s side had to wait until the final day of the 2017 season to preserve their top-flight status.
Having signed for the club from Shelbourne in 2013, Byrne is preparing for a sixth season at Richmond Park. The 32-year-old fan favourite scored nine league goals in 2017, one of which was voted Soccer Republic’s goal of the season.
Kelly, a 26-year-old former Derby County midfielder who joined Pat’s from Bray Wanderers, has also committed to the club for a third season.
Ryan Brennan looks set to link up with his brother Killian in Inchicore. The midfielder was arguably Bray’s top performer in 2017, scoring seven league goals as the Seagulls secured another top-half finish.
“I’m delighted to have the lads in our squad for the coming season,” said Pat’s manager Liam Buckley of the contract extensions signed by Bermingham, Byrne and Kelly. “Between the three of them, they have made over 600 appearances for the club so having that level of experience with us again next season is crucial.
“Ian has been a tremendous servant to the club which is incredible considering he is still only 28. His passion for the club was evident on so many occasions last season when captaining the side, and for a defender, he popped up with some crucial goals for us when it mattered.
“I’ve worked with Conan Byrne for many years now and again he is another fans’ favourite so I know everyone will be happy to see him back in Inchicore. Conan has scored goals in every season that I have worked with him, and scored his 100th goal in the league last year so I am delighted to have him back for next season.
“Graham Kelly really stepped up last season and became a leader, scoring some important goals, playing for us in different positions when required and driving the team on. I know that he can again push on in 2018 and will be an important member of our squad.”
Regarding the addition of Ryan Brennan, Buckley said: “Ryan is a very talented player and will add real quality to our team. He has amassed a lot of appearances in the league with his previous clubs and had a good season last year with Bray, so we believe his experience and talent can help us push on and improve in 2018.”
