Fiacre Kelleher leaves Colchester United for League of Ireland side
Moving on - Fiacre Kelleher has left Colchester United and will join Cork City on July 1 (Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)
FIACRE Kelleher has left Colchester United and joined League of Ireland premier division side Cork City on a long-term contract.
The 29-year-old centre-back, who was born in Cork, was due to see his existing contract at Colchester expire this summer.
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He had been one of several players in discussions with the club over a new deal but has decided to move on, after two and a half seasons with the U's.
Kelleher, who made 65 league and cup appearances for Colchester, will officially join the Rebel Army on July 1 after the Irish side confirmed his signature.
Kelleher told CorkCityFC.ie said: 'It's been a few weeks in the pipeline, so it's nice to get something sorted, and it's something to look forward to come the first of July!
'I've known Ger (City boss Gerard Nash) since I was first on trial in Ipswich years ago, so the minute he phoned me and we had a conversation, I was really excited and keen to get something done."
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Kelleher clocked up more than 50 league games for the U's after joining them from Bradford City in January, 2023.
The popular defender played a big part in helping them keep a 21st century club record 21 clean sheets in the 2024-25 season, under Danny Cowley.
Kelleher formed a solid partnership with skipper Tom Flanagan at the heart of the Colchester defence, in the second half of the campaign.
In total, the former Celtic youngster has made almost 300 career appearances.
(Image: STEVE BRADING)
Cork boss Gerard Nash said: 'We're getting a very good, experienced player in Fiacre.
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'He's played a lot of football at a good level across the water. What's really important is type of man that we're getting.
'I've known Fiacre for a long time. He's had offers and opportunities from clubs in England, but he's desperate to be here, and to play for Cork City.
'He's really passionate about the club. He's given up a lot to come to us, and we're delighted to have him. He walks into the dressing room as someone who cares passionately about the club.'
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