St Patrick's Athletic have signed Brandon Kavanagh from Derry City for an undisclosed fee in their first major off-season move.
In a sign of changing times for the League of Ireland, two of the leading sides of the country have struck a transfer deal, with Pat's handing Kavanagh a multi-year contract.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder joined Derry from Shamrock Rovers two years ago but has moved down the pecking order following the arrival of several players in the July window for the Candystripes including Danny Mullen and Paul McMullan.
Kavanagh was twice in the First Division Team of the Year; with Shamrock Rovers II and a loan spell with Bray Wanderers.
He made 72 appearances for the Candystripes and won the FAI Cup in 2022, coming on in the 4-0 victory over Shelbourne last November.
Kavanagh said: "I'm really looking forward to being a St Pat's player and I'm delighted to get the deal over the line. I spoke to Jon about his plans for the club and I'm excited for the future here.
"Pat's have done really well over the last couple of seasons, they've just won the cup again, they play good football and the supporters have been excellent, it's something I really want to be part of and I can't wait to get to work."
Manager Jon Daly thinks Kavanagh will flourish in the new environment: "I'm delighted to get Brandon in. I've seen him play live numerous times and I've always come away impressed by his performances, he is a very talented player.
"I've no doubt Brandon will fit into the group really well and we're very happy to welcome him to the club."
Meanwhile, the Inchicore club have announced that striker Mark Doyle will leave the club to "take up an opportinuity abroad".
Doyle scored in last week's FAI Cup final which saw St Pat's overcome Dublin rivals Bohemians at Lansdowne Road.
The club said in a social media post: "Mark Doyle's time at the club has come to an end as he takes up an opportunity abroad. He scored 15 times in 73 appearances during his two years with us. Mark’s last goal as a Saint was the opener in our FAI Cup Final win last Sunday. Thanks for your efforts 'Rick’ & good luck."
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