Dundalk have completed the signing of Patrick McEleney for a second spell at the club, while First Division top scorer Georgie Kelly has also moved to Oriel Park from UCD.

McEleney returns from Oldham Athletic where a six-month spell in England ended in disappointment with relegation to League 2 and little in the way of impact.

Financial trouble at the club has led to the 25-year-old becoming available again and the Lilywhites have beaten off competition from Shamrock Rovers for the signature.

The deal run until the end of the 2021 season. 

McEleney said: "I am buzzing to finally get the deal done. It was a long process but it’s great to be back at the Club. I am happy to be back here and I enjoyed my first spell here so to be back is great.

"I can’t wait just to get back playing for the side again. I have been keeping an eye on things since I left and they are going well here. Hopefully I can add to that."

Kelly, a former Derry City youngster, has emerged as a big talent in the league with 14 goals this season and 37 in 67 games for the Students. 

He is thrilled to make the step up for an undisclosed fee on a two and a half year deal.

Kelly added: "It was too good an opportunity to turn down for me. I have come here to try and win trophies. That has to be the ambition coming to the likes of Dundalk.

"That is the goal. There’s a culture here of winning, especially over the last couple of years. Winning leagues, winning Cups and progressing in Europe. I want to be a part of that and I can’t wait to get started."