Stephen O'Donnell's Saints snap up Conor Kearns from UCD

Premier Division St Patrick’s Athletic have unveiled the acquisition of Republic of Ireland under-21 international Conor Kearns.

Kearns joins the Saints from relegated UCD – after being thrusted into a regular senior first-team environment for the first time in 2018.

While at the UCD Bowl, the 21-year-old made 55 appearances for the Students, with his senior debut coming at home to Shelbourne in February 2018.

Conor played underage football with Templeogue United before joining UCD's U19 squad for the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

He appeared on the bench for the senior side five times in 2016 and was included in Collie O'Neill's first team squad ahead of the 2017 First Division campaign.

“I’m delighted to be here,” Kearns told the Athletic’s media team.

“I met Stevie (O’Donnell) over the past couple of weeks and he sold the image to me. I really liked what he wanted to do with the club.

“It’s not that long ago that Stevie was at a club with so much success and as players that’s what we have in mind – to push that top two and break that mould that we feel is there to be broken.”

The UCD Social Sciences graduate added; “I dropped my college. I have my undergraduate degree finished and I started a masters in common law.

“But I think applying yourself to the top level of football and education in the country isn’t the most applicable thing in the world.



“I think now is the time to focus on being a footballer. I’m coming here to be a St Pats player and nothing else.

“I want to focus on being the best footballer I can be. Working, and hopefully being the number one here next season.

“There’s a lot of talent coming through here. I’m coming here to be a footballer and nothing else.”

 

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