Former Cork City midfielder Daire O’Connor makes Scottish switch

Former Cork City attacking midfielder Daire O’Connor has joined Scottish side Ayr United ahead of the start of the 2021/22 Scottish Championship season.

O’Connor joins his new side having recently enjoyed a stint with Northern Irish side Cliftonville.

While at Solitude, O’Connor impressed suitably, making 37 appearances for the club as they just about missed out on European qualification.

17 of those appearances were starts while 20 came off the bench as he became a mainstay in the Reds’ first-team after joining from Cork City.

He of course linked up with Cliftonville just days after he was released by City in surprising fashion.

The former UCD midfielder was informed that his services were no longer required at the club by former manager Neale Fenn, just a few days before Fenn’s own departure from the club.

While at Turner’s Cross, the now 24-year-old made 38 appearances for the club, scoring four goals.

He initially joined the Leesiders from UCD under then manager John Caulfield ahead of the 2019 season.

During his first season at the Cross, O’Connor made 29 appearances as City slipped to a disappointing league finish.

He was however unable to help them avoid relegation last season, but he earned himself a move to Cliftonville in the process.

Ayr United finished 8^th in the Scottish Championship last season, but they will be hoping for a better campaign next term.

Ahead of the start of their season this weekend, the Honest Men secured a 3-0 Scottish League Cup win over Falkirk at home on Saturday.

Former Bohemians forward Andre Wright was at the club last season, and Corri Ndaba was also on loan there along with Wright.

They begin their new season against Kilmarnock on Monday evening at Rugby Park. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.