Home is where the heart is as Paddy McGarvey signs for Keadue Rovers

Keadue Rovers FC have announced the signing of former Finn Harps and Dergview FC goalkeeper Paddy McGarvey. 

McGarvey is also a former Republic of Ireland U15, U17 and U19 international, whilst he has also represented Ireland in schoolboy football. He was Dergivew Player of the Year in the 2022/2023 campaign. 

Unfortunately, Dungloe native McGarvey sustained a knee injury last September at Dergview, and has been out of action ever since. 

He has now been given the green light to play again and will be between the sticks for Patrick Bonner’s first team in the 24/25 Donegal Premier Division campaign. 

Keadue manager Patrick Bonner expressed his delight at the signing of McGarvey. 

“Despite being only 21, Paddy has a lot of experience in senior football following spells at Finn Harps and Dergview,” McGarvey said. “He has also represented the Republic of Ireland at various different levels, which is no mean feat. 

"We’re under no illusions that Paddy will only be with us for a short time, as he is destined to play at a higher level, but it is a huge boost for us, and the club in general to get Paddy onboard. 

"The moves makes sense for both parties, Paddy is coming back from a year out of football, and he needs games. 

"We will provide him with that, and the Donegal Premier Division next season is going to be packed with quality, so the standard will be high, and it’s only going to benefit Paddy in his efforts to get back to senior football, where we all know he belongs.”

McGarvey also expressed his delight at returning to Central Park. He said: "I had a number of opportunities to stay in the Irish League, but as I continue my rehabilitation from my knee injury, I needed to go somewhere where I could play straight away, as opposed to maybe sitting on the bench for a few months waiting on an opportunity. 

"So I felt it was better to come back to Keadue. Obviously Keadue are my hometown club, and they had a very good season last year. Patrick Bonner and Paul Ferry have come on board this year, and they are really implementing a professional approach, which made the decision relatively easy. I'm looking forward to the challenge, and can't wait for the season to start."