Ruairí Keating completes move from Cork City to St Patrick's Athletic

It is understood that the terms of Keating's City deal allowed him to leave had they succumbed to relegation from the top-flight. 

The 28-year-old frontman was recently named in the Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland Premier Division team of the year. 

He has also been shortlisted for the PFAI player of the year gong alongside recent Republic of Ireland call-up, Jonathan Afolabi and new teammate Chris Forrester. 

On the move, Keating said: "It feels brilliant, I'm really really excited, it's a great opportunity for me and my family and I can't wait to get going.

"It's been a very difficult decision to make, I love Cork City and what the people there have done for me, it's a amazing football club and I've made friends for life down there, I wish them nothing but but best going forward, unfortunately it's time to move on.

"From speaking to the manager here (Jon Daly) and the chairman (Garrett Kelleher), everything has gone really well, from the first chat we had, it's been made very easy from me. I think we have the same vision going forward, and hopefully we can have lots of success in the future.

"St Patrick's Athletic is a wonderful football club, Richmond Park is a great place to play football, the atmosphere here is brilliant and I'm really looking forward to playing here in red, and not getting roared at from the Pat's fans, it's going to be great.

"I want to play as much as I can, score as many goals as I can and get this club to the top of the league."

✍️ We are thrilled to announce the capture of striker @RuairiKeating, who joins us from Cork City, on a long term contract

The 28 year old, who has been nominated for PFAI Premier Division POTY & has been named in the Team of the Year, scored 15 goals in all competitions in 2023 pic.twitter.com/JapwNrensX

— St Patrick's Athletic FC (@stpatsfc) November 23, 2023

St Pat's boss Jon Daly added: "Everyone at the club is very happy to welcome Ruairi, we're looking forward to working with him.

"He has shown over the last number of years that he is one of the best strikers in the country.

"Ruairi has scored almost 30 goals across the last 2 years, including 13 in the league season just finished, including against us, so we know what he's capable of.

"He had offers from a number of other clubs in Ireland and abroad, so we're delighted that he's chosen to join St Patrick's Athletic.

"At 28, he's heading into the prime of his career and he'll add great experience to our front young line and will help Tommy Lonergan, Mason Melia, Cian Kavanagh and our other attackers with their development and overall game.

"We were the second top scorers in the Premier Division last season, so to add a quality striker like Ruairi to the group will only make us stronger in the attacking department."

The Mayo native leaves City having played an integral part of their First Division-winning campaign in 2022, before earning plaudits for his top-level performances upon their promotion to the top-tier of Irish football. 

Having returned to the City side in mid-August after a leave of absence taken following the tragic death of his father Ciarán in July, Keating hit a career-first hat-trick in the league win against Sligo Rovers at the start of September. 

Upon his departure, Keating thanked everyone involved at City, noting that the club will always hold a special place in his heart. 

"To the Rebel Army, where do I start? I have had an incredible two seasons at the club," said Keating. "The time has come for me to move on, but not without expressing my sincere love and thank you for everything everyone at CCFC has done for me, especially in the last few months.

"To the staff, my teammates, supporters and volunteers, I couldn't have wished for better support in one of the toughest periods in my life. The 2022 season, and helping the club win promotion back to the Premier Division was one of the most enjoyable seasons to date.

"We did all we could to maintain that status this year but unfortunately things didn't end the way we had hoped. A club like Cork City belongs in the Premier Division and I hope they can achieve this as soon as possible.

"The Rebel Army and the football club will always have a special place in my heart.

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I'm sure we will see each other very soon."

Meanwhile, St Pat's have also signed attacking midfielder Brandon Kavanagh from Derry City for an undisclosed fee, while Cian Kavanagh returns to the Inchicore outfit, having most recently spent time alongside his namesake Brandon on Foyleside. 

In addition, Daly and the club have tied down centre-half Tom Grivosti to an new contact.