Ryan Connolly

Ryan Michael Connolly (born 13 January 1992) is an Irish professional footballer who plays for Finn Harps in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Connolly previously played for Football League Championship side Derby County. He plays in midfield and has represented the Republic of Ireland at U-16 level.[2]

For the television personality, see Ryan Connolly (presenter).

Ryan Connolly
Ryan Connolly in action for Galway United
Personal information
Full name Ryan Michael Connolly[1]
Date of birth (1992-01-13) 13 January 1992
Place of birth Castlebar, Ireland
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s) Midfielder
Club information
Current team
 Finn Harps
Number TBA
Youth career
2008–2010 Derby County
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2010–2012 Derby County 1 (0)
2011 → Ayr United (loan) 9 (0)
2012–2013 Sligo Rovers 17 (0)
2013 → Longford Town (loan) 11 (2)
2014–2016 Galway United 83 (12)
2017 Shamrock Rovers 20 (0)
2018 Galway United 26 (1)
2020– Finn Harps 0 (0)
National team
2009 Republic of Ireland U17
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 22 September 2018

Club career

Derby County

Connolly began his career as a scholar in the Derby County Academy, and had his first experience of first team football came when he was named as a substitute for Derby County's FA Cup 5th Round tie at home to Birmingham City in February 2010[2] before making his full debut as a late substitute in Derby's 2–0 victory over Cardiff City on the final day of the 2009–10 season.[3] Although primarily involved with the youth team – scoring twice in a 6–1 win over Peterborough United in the FA Youth Cup[2] -Connolly also appeared for the Derby County Reserves side which won the 2009–10 Central League Central Section title, starting three of his nine appearances and scoring the winner in a 1–0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.[4] He was named as Derby's Scholar of the Year for the 2009/10 season[5] and signed his first professional deal with the club on 8 July 2010.[6]

Connolly's career suffered a setback when he suffered a cruciate ligament injury during an Under 18's friendly in August 2010, which ruled him out for six months.[7] Despite this setback he was given a new one-year contract extension, alongside compariate Jeff Hendrick, in January 2011 to take him through until Summer 2012.[8] He returned to competitive action on 3 May 2011 when he appeared as a second-half substitute in Derby County reserves 4–0 victory at Sheffield United, which clinched the club's second consecutive totesport Central League title.

Ayr United

On 31 August 2011, Connolly joined Scottish First Division side Ayr United on loan until 31 December 2011.[9] Connolly spent the majority of his time at Ayr on the substitutes bench as he featured 12 times for The Honest Men. Connolly was named on the Derby County substitute bench in a 2–0 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion on 20 March 2012, being allocated squad number 34.[10][11]

Sligo Rovers

Connolly signed for Sligo Rovers in June 2012.[12]

Galway United

On 9 January 2014, it was announced that Ryan had signed for Galway United ahead of the 2014 season.[13]

Shamrock Rovers

Connolly spent the 2017 season with Shamrock Rovers making four appearances in the 2017–18 UEFA Europa League.


Galway United

Connolly re-signed with Galway United in December 2017 ahead of the 2018 League of Ireland First Division season.[14] He made his League debut for The Tribesmen in their 4–1 win over Athlone Town on Friday, 23 February.[15]

Finn Harps

In December 2019, Connolly was announced as having joined Finn Harps F.C. for the 2020 League of Ireland Premier Division season. Ryan's personal sponsor for the season is Social Media Manager ireland. Connolly scored the winning goal in the opening round of the 2020 FAI Cup against St. Patrick's Athletic.

International career

He has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under 15, 16 and Under 17 level.[2] He was called up to the Republic of Ireland Under 19 for the first time, alongside fellow Derby County player Jeff Hendrick, on 29 July 2010.[16]


Honours

Sligo Rovers

References
  1. "Ryan Connolly". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
  2. "Ryan Connolly". dcfc.co.uk. 2 January 2010.
  3. "Derby County 2 – 0 Cardiff City". dcfc.co.uk. 2 May 2010. Archived from the original on 8 August 2010.
  4. "Reserves claim 1–0 win". dcfc.co.uk. 3 March 2010.
  5. "Savage named Player of the Year". dcfc.co.uk. 30 April 2010. Archived from the original on 13 September 2012.
  6. "Academy Five sign professional deals". dcfc.co.uk. 8 July 2010. Archived from the original on 10 July 2010.
  7. "Derby youngster Ryan Connolly out for six months". BBC Sport. 19 August 2010.
  8. "Hendrick and Connolly agree new Derby deals". Football Association of Ireland. 20 January 2011.
  9. "Youngster Connolly Joins Ayr on Loan". dcfc.co.uk. 31 August 2011.
  10. "Brighton 2 – 0 Derby". BBC Sport. 20 March 2012.
  11. "Young Quartet Allowed To Leave The Rams". dcfc.co.uk. 3 May 2012. Archived from the original on 28 July 2012.
  12. http://extratime.ie/newsdesk/articles/8364/connolly-agrees-sligo-rovers-deal
  13. http://galwayfc.ie/index.php/ryan-connolly-signs-galway-fc/
  14. "Ryan Connolly returns to United". Galway United. 12 December 2017.
  15. "MATCH REPORT | Galway United 4-1 Athlone Town". Galway United. 23 February 2018. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  16. "Youngsters Get Ireland Call-Ups". dcfc.co.uk. 29 July 2010. Archived from the original on 29 July 2010.
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