Keith Doyle has become Shamrock Rovers second signing of the close season after agreeing a two-year contract on Monday.
The former Bray Wanderers defender was a member of new Hoops' boss Liam Buckley's St Patrick's Athletic championship winning side in 1998, and he becomes the second former Saint to join the Hoops following the arrival of another ex-Saint Stephen McGuinness last week. Buckley was understandably delighted with the acquisition.
"He is only 22-years-old but has already won two Championships and is an international having been selected by Brian Kerr (winning the European Under 18 Championships)," he told fai.ie. "He is a very useful addition to the squad and I hope to make a few more signings."
Doyle was used primarily as a wingback by Buckley at St Patrick's Athletic in a 3-5-2 formation, but the manager was playing his cards close to his chest about a possible switch to that formation at Rovers. "He played as a wingback for me, but Pat Dolan used him as a fullback while he can also play in midfield when required. He will give us a few interesting options."
The manager also confirmed that Tony Cousins contract has not been renewed while Gareth Cronin has been placed on the transfer-list. In other transfer news from the last week, Shelbourne have confirmed the signings of Stuart Byrne from Longford and Chris Bennion from Middlesbrough.
Longford have also confirmed that Paul McNally has left the club to join Bohemians, but Vinny Perth has agreed a new contract at Flancare Park, while former Dundalk man, Aaron Callaghan has joined the club as first team coach.
In the First Division, Kildare County have agreed a deal with Longford Town's Shay Zellor while Athlone have announced on their Website that club captain Conor Frawley has been appointed Jimmy Greene's assistant manager.
