Soccer

Sean Hoare signs for St Patrick’s Athletic on multi-year contract

Defender leaves Shamrock Rovers and returns to Richmond Park, where he played from 2012 to 2016

Shamrock Rovers' Sean Hoare applauds the fans after the game. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho
Shamrock Rovers' Sean Hoare applauds the fans after the game. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho
Thu Jan 02 2025 - 17:39

St Patrick’s Athletic have announced the signing of defender Sean Hoare on a multi-year contract.

The Dubliner’s contract expired after four seasons at Shamrock Rovers, where he won three league titles, adding to the two he won at Dundalk in 2018 and 2019.

The 30-year-old centre-back started his career at St Patrick’s Athletic, having joined their under-19s in 2012, and made 98 appearances during his first spell in Inchicore.

He played his first senior game for St Pat’s in 2013, before making his league debut the following season as The Saints won the 2014 FAI Cup, as well as EA Sports League Cups in 2015 and 2016.

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The former Ireland under-21 international was named in the PFAI Premier Division Team of the Season in 2018 and 2019.

“St Pat’s has a soft spot in my heart so I’m delighted to be back and I’m looking forward to getting going with the lads,” he said.

“I had a very successful first spell here, winning the FAI Cup and a couple of League Cups and being part of the 2013 squad that won the league, it was a great experience being around those lads even though I didn’t feature in the league that season.

“One of the reasons I’ve come back is to work with Stephen Kenny again. He’s the best manager in the country, he’s proven that at such a high level and he’s proven that he wins things in the League of Ireland.

Kenny said of the signing: “Sean is high calibre player with an excellent attitude who will bring a lot to the dressing room and the club and we’re delighted to welcome him back to St Patrick’s Athletic.

“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 back four too.”