Robbie Benson has followed in manager Stephen O'Donnell's footsteps by returning to Dundalk from St Patrick's Athletic, the Oriel Park club has confirmed.
O’Donnell replaced Vinny Perth as Dundalk manager last week, days after guiding St Pat’s to the FAI Cup.
Benson scored the winning goal in their penalty shootout victory over Bohemians at the Aviva Stadium but he too has quickly departed.
The midfielder played 141 games for the Lilywhites between 2016 and 2019, winning three SSE Airtricity League titles and a clean sweep of domestic cup competitions.
He also scored three European goals for the club, the most famous coming against BATE Borisov at Tallaght Stadium in August 2016 when his strike secured Dundalk a place in the group stages of the UEFA Europa League.
"It’s great to be back," the 29-year-old told dundalkfc.com.
"When I walked into Oriel Park to sign the contract, all of the old memories from my first spell here came back and I’m looking forward to replicating that again.
"When I left here the first time around I felt I had done all I could with the group that was there. I just wanted something new. Coming back, it’s a fresh start. The club has new owners, who look ambitious, new management and new players to a big degree. I can’t wait to get going again.
"I think I’ve learned a lot about the game in the last two years and I’m coming back a better player and as hungry as I ever was to succeed."
