Ballymena United snap up ex-Cabinteely defender Conor Keeley

Danske Bank Premiership side Ballymena United have unveiled the signing of former Cabinteely defender Conor Keeley.

Keeley joins Ballymena who confirmed the departure of loanee Ciaran Kelly back to Bohemians as of yesterday.

The 23-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with David Jeffries’ side who are fourth in top-flight of the Irish League.

“We're delighted to announce the signing of Conor,” Jeffries said. “We've watched him this season and are delighted that although he has had several other options down south, he sees us as the best next step in his career.

“Obviously without doubt the very positive experience that was had by Ciaran (Kelly) was also an influence there, and when we knew that Ciaran wouldn't be staying it was vitally important that we remained strong in that area of the pitch.

“Once the final clearance is through, we look forward to Conor coming in and are sure that he will meet both his and our expectations.”

Keeley left the Cabinteely in October after making over 75 appearances for the club after joining from Shelbourne in 2017.

Conor was part of the underage set up at Shelbourne before joining Johnny McDonnell's first team squad on in May 2014.

He played for Shelbourne's under-19 squad for the 2014/15 season and stayed with them for the 2015 and 2016 season.

He was called up to the senior squad by Kevin Doherty midway through the 2015 season and made the bench four times in the months of June and July.

He would go on to make his debut in the last match of the 2015 First Division season as he started the 2-0 win over Cobh Ramblers.

In 2016 Conor made a further 10 league appearances for The Reds and at the end of that season he left Tolka Park to sign for Pat Devlin at Cabinteely.