Jack Keaney pens contract with Premier Division Drogheda United

Former UCD captain Jack Keaney has signed a one-year deal with Drogheda United.

Following Andy Myler’s departure as team manager as well as the side’s relegation from the Premier Division after two seasons in the top flight, the Donegal Town centre-half knew this would be his final year with the club after graduating from UCD with a degree in Maths and Science, having been with the club since 2019. 

The former Republic of Ireland youth player now feels it’s time for the next step by returning to full-time football.

"I went to Sligo at U-17 up until my Leaving Cert and then I was professional for two-and-a-half years,” the 24-year-old said back in September.

“I had a taste of the full-time set-up at Sligo. It was brilliant there, played a lot of games, made a lot of friends there, you never know what could happen. I've loved every minute at UCD. I can't speak a bad word about it but it's probably the time to move on.”

Drogheda have described Keaney’s signing as a “significant addition” to their back-line.

"I’m delighted to get the deal done now. It’s been a busy month since the season finished but just chatting to Kevin (Doherty), I’m excited to get going now," Keaney stated. "It’s been busy. I was on holiday for the last two weeks. Chatting to Kevin, knowing him first and foremost, we have a good relationship off the pitch. Everything he was saying, how well the club did last year and wanting to push on, made me excited to come here.

"Coming up here with UCD, I know the fanbase, it’s a hard place to come so we’re looking to make that a fortress next year. Every time you come up here, it’s a battle and you are not going to get anything easy with the fans behind you.

Keaney’s move to Drogheda United will be a lift for Kevin Doherty’s team following the news that 25-year-old winger Dayle Rooney has made the move to Bohemians for the 2024 season. The former Shelbourne star netted five goals and provided eight assists last season and was key to the Louth side’s survival in the Premier Division.