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

St Patrick's Athletic have completed the signing of striker Ruairí Keating from Cork City on a long-term contract.

Keating - who netted 13 goals for now relegated City throughout the 2023 league campaign - had been linked with a number of Premier Division outfits following the Rebel Army's play-off loss to Munster rivals Waterford. 

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