Seán Hoare back at St Pat's to aid Kenny's title bid
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Shamrock Rovers defender Seán Hoare has reunited with Stephen Kenny by returning to St Patrick’s Athletic.
Hoare had interest from Bohemians 12 months ago but remained with the Hoops for their tilt at claiming an unprecedented fifth league title in a row.
He featured across that campaign, which ultimately saw them relinquish their crown to Shelbourne on the final night, and he was also part of the Hoops’ march to the knockout stages of the Conference League.
Hoare began his professional career at St Pat’s, playing 98 games before joining Kenny’s Dundalk at the end of the 2016 campaign. He won two League of Ireland Premier Division titles (2018 and 2019), two League Cups (2017 and 2019) and two FAI Cups in a successful four-year term at Oriel Park, scoring in both of their 2018 and 2020 FAI Cup final wins at Aviva Stadium.
Now he’s back at Inchicore, where Kenny also returned in May – his first job since his three-and-a-half-year spell as Ireland boss ended.
"Seán is high-calibre player with an excellent attitude who will bring a lot to the dressing room and the club,” Kenny said of the 30-year-old, who follows Simon Power and Barry Baggley as new recruits.
“He is a great competitor and a good all round footballer, who makes a real impact in both boxes. He is comfortable at centre-back in the back three or four.
“St Pat's played an important part in his life during his first spell. Sean has achieved a lot in his career but he's still very hungry for future success."
St Pat’s, whose late title charge lifted them to within two points of runners-up Rovers, will open their 2025 campaign by hosting FAI Cup winners Drogheda United on Friday, February 14 at Richmond Park.
Elsewhere Waterford defender Darragh Power has completed his move to English League Two side Cheltenham Town.
The 24-year-old full-back made almost 150 appearances for his hometown club but rejected a contract extension offer in order to pursue his ambition of playing in England.