Some of the best days of my life - Ronan Boyce leaves Derry City for St Pat's

Ronan Boyce has announced his departure from Derry City as he joins Premier Division side St Patrick's Athletic.

The Ramelton man has spent nine seasons with the Candystripes, making his debut in 2019.

The 24-year old has since made 175 appearances, scoring 16 goals in that time and he was part of their 2022 FAI Cup winning team as they defeated Shelbourne in the final.

“I would just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved at Derry City Football Club for the past 8 and half years. To all the managers, my teammates, coaches, volunteers, staff behind the scenes and especially the fans.

“I have a lot to thank the club for. The club has shaped me into the person I am today and it has been a massive part of my life, from joining the club at 16 years of age to the academy to making my debut and to playing 175 times for the club in two cup finals and playing in Europe, was a huge honour for me and something that I’m proud of and take great pride in.

“It has brought me some of the best days of my life as well as my family, and for that I will always remember and be grateful for.

“It was a massive decision for me but it’s something I thought long and hard about but I feel it’s the right time for me to move on.

“I will always keep an eye on the club as I believe I have made friends for life from it and it has some special people involved in it, and I wish everyone all the best.

“Thanks for everything.”

Derry City boss Tiarnan Lynch wished Boyce success for the future.

“Ronan is the type of player that gives you everything when he pulls on the shirt, and we know how much this club means to him.

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“He goes about his work without any fuss and is a really popular lad among the players, staff and very much among our supporters as well.

“From a personal perspective, I want to thank Ronan for all his efforts since I came here and to wish him every success in his career going forward.”

Speaking on his move to Dublin club St Pat’s, who finished fifth in the Premier Division last season under former Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny, Boyce said: "I'm buzzing to be here, it's a really exciting opportunity for me to join the club and I can't wait to get going.

“St Pat's have always played football the right way, as have Stephen Kenny's teams and I'm looking forward to getting on board.

“I think I'm at a good age now, I've played a lot of games in the League and I just want to kick on personally and help St Pat's achieve success."

The manager also commented on the signing of the Donegal defender.

"We welcome Ronan to the club. He has already achieved a lot, playing in two FAI Cup finals and has been involved in a team at the top of the table from when he came through the Academy at Derry City.

“Ronan has good attitude, to have already made 175 senior appearances at the age of 24 is significant.

We need to add goals to our team, and Ronan has scored 15 times as an attacking full-back which is a high number, his numbers are good in terms of goals and assists and he's 6'1 so he can be important for us in both boxes as a defender and as an attacker."