Cork City star striker Ruairí Keating switches to St Patrick’s Athletic

ST Patrick’s Athletic have confirmed the signing of Ruairí Keating from Cork City, ending weeks of speculation about the striker’s future after the Rebel Army were relegated to the League of Ireland First Division.

The striker moves to Richmond Park on a long-term deal, and he leaves Turner’s Cross after two seasons.

Keating's departure was confirmed by Cork City before it was officially announced by St Pat's and he issued an emotional statement to supporters on Thursday morning.“To the Rebel Army, where do I start? I have had an incredible 2 seasons at the club.

The time has come for me to move on, but not without expressing my sincere love and thank you for everything everyone at CFC 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 belong 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.” 

CLINICAL

The striker arrived on Leeside in 2022 from Galway United and he immediately hit the ground running by scoring on the opening day of the First Division season against Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds. That was the start of a run by the Mayo native which accumulated in nine goals in 21 First Division appearances.

Keating continuously delivered for City during the 2022 season, he even netted an injury-time penalty that meant the club had an opportunity to win the league title against rivals Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park.

The striker stepped up to the Premier Division and scored 13 times for the Rebel Army, a haul that includes a hat-trick during a game with Sligo Rovers last August.

It was Keating’s goals that kept Cork City fighting for safety until the final few weeks of the season. He also started in the play-off final defeat to Waterford at Tallaght Stadium and had to get substituted early on over a wrist injury.

The striker also played a key role in Cork City reaching the semi-finals of the FAI Cup, the club’s best run in the competition since 2018. His biggest contribution was an injury-time winner into the Shed End against Wexford FC in the quarter-finals at Turner’s Cross.