Former Cork City and Wexford defender Ryan Delaney returns to Rochdale after Wimbledon loan

Former Cork City defender Ryan Delaney has returned to his parent club Rochdale following the conclusion of his loan spell at AFC Wimbledon.

Delaney joined the Dons at the end of the summer transfer window, making 16 appearances and scoring one goal during his time at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

His final appearance for Wimbledon came in a 1-1 draw at home to Southend United on New Year’s Day.

His move back to Spotland comes just days after Brian Barry Murphy’s side earned a credible draw at home to Newcastle United in the Third Round of the FA Cup.

Former Cork City duo Jimmy Keohane and Stephen Dooley both featured as the Dale fought back from a goal behind to draw with the Magpies.

The 23-year-old joined Rochdale after impressing with Cork while he was on loan from Burton Albion.

The defender joined Burton from Wexford in 2016, after impressing at Ferrycarrig Park before leaving the club midway through the club’s maiden year in the top-flight.

He soon made the return to the League of Ireland ahead of the 2017 season with Cork City where he spent the year on Leeside.

He then returned to England to join his parent before he left Burton to join Rochdale. While at Spotland, the Wexford native was sent out on loan to Wimbledon at the start of the 2019/20 season.