Ruairí Keating

Irish footballer

Ruairí KeatingPersonal information

Full name|  Ruairí Thomas Keating
Date of birth|  (1995-07-16) 16 July 1995 (age 29)
Place of birth|  Dublin, Republic of Ireland[1][2]
Position(s)|  Forward
Team information

Current team

|  Cork City
Number|  9
Youth career
|  Westport United
2013–2014|  Sligo Rovers
Senior career*
Years|  Team|  Apps|  (Gls)
2014–2015|  Sligo Rovers|  21|  (1)
2014|  → Finn Harps (loan)|  12|  (5)
2015|  → Finn Harps (loan)|  10|  (5)
2016|  Galway United|  14|  (2)
2016|  Finn Harps|  11|  (1)
2017–2020|  Torquay United|  107|  (14)
2020|  Gateshead|  9|  (2)
2021|  Galway United|  25|  (9)
2022–2023|  Cork City|  62|  (26)
2024|  St Patrick's Athletic|  22|  (4)
2024–|  Cork City|  5|  (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 12:19, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

Ruairí Thomas Keating (born 16 July 1995) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a forward for League of Ireland Premier Division club Cork City. His previous clubs are Sligo Rovers, Finn Harps, Galway United, Torquay United, Gateshead and St Patrick's Athletic.

## Career

[edit]

### Early life

[edit]

Born in Dublin, Keating grew up in Westport, County Mayo[2] and played with local side Westport United.[3] He joined Sligo Rovers U19 side in 2013, before signing his first professional contract with the club in 2014.[4]

### Sligo Rovers

[edit]

Upon signing his first contract with Sligo Rovers in January 2014, Keating was sent out on loan to League of Ireland First Division side Finn Harps until the end of June 2014, in order to gain first team experience.[5] Upon returning from his loan spell, he made his senior debut for the club on 7 July 2014, in a 0–0 draw with Cork City.[6] On 17 July 2014, he made his first appearance in European football, coming off the bench in a 2–1 win away to Rosenborg BK in the UEFA Europa League.[7] After spending the first half of the 2015 season back on loan at Finn Harps, Keating scored his first goal at senior level for Sligo on 30 October 2015, scoring a 91st minute consolation goal in a 3–2 defeat at home to Limerick.[8]

### Finn Harps loans

[edit]

Keating signed for Finn Harps on a 6 month loan deal in February 2014.[9] He made his debut in senior football in a 0–0 draw with Waterford United on the opening night of the season. His first goal at senior level came on 10 March 2014 in a 3–2 win over Cockhill Celtic in the League of Ireland Cup. He impressed during his loan spell, scoring 6 goals in 13 appearances in all competitions before returning to Sligo Rovers for the remainder of the season.[1] Ahead of the 2015 League of Ireland First Division, Keating was again loaned to Finn Harps for the first half of the season. He scored 5 goals in 10 games in his second loan spell before again returning to his parent club for the second half of the season.[1]

### Galway United

[edit]

On 18 January 2016, Keating signed a season long contract with Galway United.[10][11] He scored his first goal for the club on 11 March 2016, scoring his sides 4th goal in a 4–0 win over Bray Wanderers.[12] He departed the club midway through the season following 2 goals in 18 appearances in all competitions.[1]

### Finn Harps (third spell)

[edit]

On 6 July 2016, Keating signed for fellow League of Ireland Premier Division side Finn Harps, where he had previously spent 2 loan spells in the past, on a permanent basis until the end of the season.[13][14]

### Torquay United

[edit]

Keating made the move to English football on 9 February 2017, signing for National League side Torquay United.[15] He featured 41 times in his first full season with the club, scoring 4 goals but it wasn’t enough to secure their league status, as the club were relegated to the National League South in April 2018.[16] On 9 June 2018, Keating signed a new 1 year contract with the club.[17] On 11 January 2019, he signed a contract extension with the club.[18] He scored 5 goals during the 2018–19 season as his side won the National League South title.[19] Keating departed the club in January 2020, after he saw his game time reduced following promotion back to the National League.[20]

### Gateshead

[edit]

On 24 January 2020, Keating signed for National League North side Gateshead on a permanent basis, in search of regular first team football.[21] He scored 2 goals in 11 appearances during his short time with the club, before departing by mutual consent in November 2020.[1]

### Galway United (second spell)

[edit]

Keating returned to Ireland, signing for Galway United for the second time in his career, ahead of their 2021 League of Ireland First Division campaign.[22] Keating scored 9 goals in 28 games in all competitions over the season, as Galway were knocked out of the playoffs by Bray Wanderers.[1]

### Cork City

[edit]

Keating signed for Cork City for the 2022 season.[23] His first season with the club was a success, as the club won the 2022 League of Ireland First Division title to gain promotion, with Keating finishing up as his side's top goalscorer with 13 league goals.[24] On 9 December 2022, Keating signed a new contract with the club for their 2023 League of Ireland Premier Division campaign.[25] On 12 July 2023, it was announced that Keating signed a new long term contract with the club.[26][27] On 1 September 2023, Keating scored a hat-trick in a 3–0 win over Sligo Rovers, dedicating his goals to his late father, who had recently died.[28] His performances in September 2023 saw him named League of Ireland Player of the Month.[29][30] On 10 November 2023, Keating was forced off at half time with an arm injury in the 2023 League of Ireland Premier Division Play-off as his side lost 2–1 to Waterford at Tallaght Stadium, resulting in relegation back to the League of Ireland First Division.[31] On 15 November 2023, it was announced that Keating had been included in the PFAI Team of the Year and was also one of the 3 nominees for the PFAI Player of the Year award, alongside Chris Forrester and Jonathan Afolabi.[32]

### St Patrick's Athletic

[edit]

On 23 November 2023, it was announced that Keating had signed for recent FAI Cup winners St Patrick's Athletic on a long term contract.[33][34] He made his debut for the club on 3 February 2024, scoring two of his sides goals in a 3–1 win away to UCD in the Leinster Senior Cup.[35] Keating scored his first goal for the club on 1 March 2024, opening the scoring away to Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.[36] He scored his first home goal for the club on 8 March 2024, in a 1–0 win over Dundalk at Richmond Park.[37] On 3 May 2024, he scored the only goal of the game to secure the win for his side at home to Drogheda United.[38] On 24 May 2024, Keating suffered a nasty head injury in the very first action of the game in a 2–2 draw away to Bohemians when contesting a header with Aboubacar Keita, he was discharged from hospital the following day and missed a number of games through concussion.[39] On 13 June 2024, he came off the bench in the 61st minute before scoring the equaliser 15 minutes later in an eventual 2–1 win at home to rivals Shamrock Rovers.[40] On 28 July 2024, it was announced that Keating had left the club by mutual consent.[41]

### Return to Cork City

[edit]

On 28 July 2024, Keating returned to Cork City to help their League of Ireland First Division charge for the title and promotion.[42] His first goal since his return came on 23 August 2024, when he scored a 91st minute header in a 1–0 victory away to Cobh Ramblers in the Cork derby.[43][44] On 6 September 2024, he was part of the side that defeated UCD 1–0 at the UCD Bowl to win promotion by winning the 2024 League of Ireland First Division.[45]

## Personal life

[edit]

He is the nephew of Boyzone singer Ronan Keating.[46] As well as the Republic of Ireland, Keating is also eligible to represent the United States at international level, through his Queens, New York City born Grandmother.[47] On 15 July 2023, Keating's father Ciaran was killed in a car crash on the N5, near Swinford, County Mayo, while travelling to Sligo to watch his son play for Cork City against Sligo Rovers. Keating's mother Ann Marie was also in the vehicle but survived the crash and was admitted to hospital for her injuries.[48][49][50]

## Career statistics

[edit]

As of match played on 6 September 2024[51]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition  Club  | Season  | League  | National Cup[a] | League Cup[b] | Europe | Other  | Total

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals
Sligo Rovers | 2014 | LOI Premier Division | 14 | 0 | — | — | 2[c] | 0 | — | 16 | 0
2015 | LOI Premier Division  | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 7 | 1
Total  | 21 | 1 | 0 | 0 | – | 2 | 0 | — | 23 | 1
Finn Harps (loan)  | 2014 | LOI First Division | 12 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 13 | 6
Finn Harps (loan)  | 2015 | LOI First Division  | 10 | 5 | — | 1 | 0 | — | — | 11 | 5
Galway United | 2016 | LOI Premier Division  | 14 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 18 | 2
Finn Harps | 2016 | LOI Premier Division  | 11 | 1 | — | — | — | — | 11 | 1
Torquay United | 2016–17 | National League | 15 | 3 | — | — | — | — | 15 | 3
2017–18 | National League  | 39 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 1[d] | 0 | 41 | 4
2018–19 | National League South | 34 | 5 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 1[d] | 0 | 38 | 5
2019–20 | National League  | 19 | 2 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 2[d] | 1 | 23 | 3
Total  | 107 | 14 | 5 | 0 | — | — | 4 | 1 | 116 | 15
Gateshead | 2019–20 | National League North | 6 | 2 | — | — | — | 2[e] | 0 | 8 | 2
2020–21 | National League North  | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 3 | 0
Total  | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | – | — | 2 | 0 | 11 | 2
Galway United | 2021 | LOI First Division  | 25 | 9 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 2[f] | 0 | 28 | 9
Cork City | 2022 | LOI First Division  | 28 | 13 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 30 | 14
2023 | LOI Premier Division  | 34 | 13 | 3 | 2 | — | — | 2[g] | 0 | 39 | 15
Total  | 62 | 26 | 5 | 3 | — | — | 2 | 0 | 69 | 29
St Patrick's Athletic | 2024 | LOI Premier Division  | 22 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — | 0[h] | 0 | 2[i] | 2 | 24 | 6
Cork City | 2024 | LOI First Division  | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 6 | 2
Career total  | 298 | 71 | 14 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 331 | 78

1. ^ Includes FAI Cup & FA Cup
2. ^ Includes League of Ireland Cup
3. ^ Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
4. ^ a b c Appearance(s) in FA Trophy
5. ^ Appearances in 2019–20 National League North play-offs
6. ^ Appearances in 2021 League of Ireland First Division Play-offs
7. ^ 1 appearance in Munster Senior Cup & 1 appearance in 2023 League of Ireland Promotion/Relegation Division play-off
8. ^ Appearance(s) in UEFA Conference League
9. ^ 1 appearance in President of Ireland's Cup & 1 appearance, 2 goals in Leinster Senior Cup

## Honours

[edit]

Torquay United

* National League South: 2018–19

Cork City

* League of Ireland First Division (2): 2022, 2024

Individual

* League of Ireland Premier Division Player of the Month: September 2023
* PFAI Team of the Year: 2023

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c d e f "Republic of Ireland - R. Keating - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". ie.soccerway.com.
2. ^ a b "Mayo man Ruairi on the mark on his return to the north-west". Connaught Telegraph. March 12, 2023.
3. ^ "WESTPORT UNITED EXTENDS ITS DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO FORMER UNDERAGE PLAYER, RUAIRÍ KEATING". Westport United.
4. ^ "Ruairí Keating | Stats | History | Career Details | Images | extratime.com - The Home of Irish Football - Extratime.com". www.extratime.com.
5. ^ "On-loan Ruairi Keating looks to make an impression at Finn Harps". Donegal News. March 14, 2014.
6. ^ "League Report: Sligo Rovers 0-0 Cork City". extratime.com.
7. ^ "Sligo Rovers secure surprise Europa League win at Rosenborg | Europa League | The Guardian". amp.theguardian.com.
8. ^ "League Report: Sligo Rovers 2 - 3 Limerick". extratime.com.
9. ^ "Finn Harps lose to Sligo Rovers, but finalise loan deal for Ruairi Keating". Donegal News. February 16, 2014.
10. ^ Team, Media (January 18, 2016). "Ruairi Keating joins United". Galway United.
11. ^ "Galway United bring in Ruairi Keating". January 18, 2016 - via www.rte.ie.
12. ^ "League Report: Galway United 4 - 0 Bray Wanderers". extratime.com.
13. ^ "Ruairi Keating returns to Finn Park". July 6, 2016.
14. ^ Ashmore, Chris (July 8, 2016). "Finn Harps boosted by return of Ruairi Keating for third spell". The Irish News.
15. ^ "Anderson and Keating join Torquay". BBC Sport. February 9, 2017.
16. ^ Thomas, Dave (April 21, 2018). "Torquay United RELEGATED following 1-1 draw at Hartlepool United". Devon Live.
17. ^ "SIGNING | Ruairi Keating Signs New Contract With TUFC - Torquay United". June 9, 2018.
18. ^ "Ruairi Keating Signs New Contract - Torquay United". January 11, 2019.
19. ^ "Torquay United win National League South title". Devon Live. April 13, 2019.
20. ^ Thomas, David (January 22, 2020). "Is Torquay United striker Ruairi Keating on his way out of Plainmoor?". Devon Live.
21. ^ "Ruairi Keating Joins Gateshead - Torquay United". January 24, 2020.
22. ^ Team, Media (December 4, 2020). "Ruairi Keating signs for United!". Galway United.
23. ^ Corcoran, Paul. "Ruarí Keating signs for Cork City". extratime.com.
24. ^ "Cork City top-scorer Ruairí Keating commits to 2023 campaign". echo live. December 10, 2022.
25. ^ "Ruairi Keating signs new contract!". Cork City FC Shop.
26. ^ "Keating signs new contract". Cork City FC Shop.
27. ^ Horgan, Andrew (July 12, 2023). "Ruairí Keating signs new long-term contract with Cork City". Irish Examiner.
28. ^ "Ruairi Keating Breaks Down As He Dedicates Hat-Trick To Dad". September 3, 2023.
29. ^ "Cork City's Ruairi Keating named Player of the Month after five-goal haul". Independent.ie. October 19, 2023.
30. ^ Barry, Stephen (October 19, 2023). "Cork City top scorer Ruairí Keating named Player of the Month". The 42.
31. ^ Fallon, John (November 13, 2023). "Relegated Cork City set to lose host of club's leading lights". Irish Examiner.
32. ^ "PFAI Team of Year includes one Shamrock Rovers player". 15 November 2023 - via www.rte.ie.
33. ^ "Ruairi Keating Joins On Long Term Contract". www.stpatsfc.com.
34. ^ "Ruairí Keating: 'Everything that's happened to me and my family this year...I want to keep making my dad proud'". Independent.ie. November 24, 2023.
35. ^ Merriman, Rory. "Leinster Senior Cup Report: UCD 1 -3 St Patrick's Athletic". extratime.com. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
36. ^ McLaughlin, Kevin (March 1, 2024). "Mullen fires late, late winner as Derry edge Pat's" - via www.rte.ie.
37. ^ "Ruairi Keating's decisive strike the difference as St Pat's defeat bottom side Dundalk". Independent.ie. 8 March 2024.
38. ^ "Ruairi Keating strike earns St Pat's welcome victory over Drogheda". Irish Independent. May 3, 2024.
39. ^ "St Pat's striker Ruairi Keating discharged from hospital following nasty head injury against Bohemians". Irish Independent. May 25, 2024.
40. ^ Dempsey, Andrew (June 13, 2024). "Pat's fight back to stun Hoops in Inchicore" - via www.rte.ie.
41. ^ "St Pat's in market for new striker as Ruairi Keating leaves to make return to Cork City". Irish Independent. July 28, 2024.
42. ^ Fallon, John (July 28, 2024). "Cork City re-sign Ruairí Keating with Premier Division return in mind". Irish Examiner.
43. ^ https://www.the42.ie/loi-first-division-2-6470504-Aug2024/
44. ^ https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-41461996.html
45. ^ "Building for the future starts now for Cork City after first division title success". echo live. September 14, 2024.
46. ^ Maguire, Stephen (April 17, 2014). "FINN HARPS STRIKER HOPING TO HIT THE HIGH NOTES LIKE HIS FAMOUS UNCLE". Donegal Daily.
47. ^ Murphy, Amos (March 31, 2020). "Ruairí Keating, the Heed's homebird in flight". Betting.co.uk.
48. ^ Shiel, Tom (July 16, 2023). "Cork City striker Ruairi Keating's father Ciaran dies in crash in Mayo". Cork Beo.
49. ^ "Ruairi Keating to return to Cork City 'when time is right' after death of father in tragic crash". Independent.ie. July 25, 2023.
50. ^ Shiel, Tom (July 16, 2023). "Brother of singer Ronan Keating dies in Mayo car crash". Irish Examiner.
51. ^ "Ireland - R. Keating - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com.

## External links

[edit]

* Ruairí Keating - Extratime.com
* Ruairí Keating at Soccerway

* v
* t
* e

Cork City F.C. - current squad

* 1 Wade
* 2 Nevin
* 3 O'Donovan
* 4 Coleman
* 5 Lyons
* 6 Bolger
* 7 Dijksteel
* 8 McLaughlin
* 9 Keating
* 10 Coffey
* 13 Dowling
* 11 Bargary
* 14 Drinan
* 16 Murray
* 17 Crowley
* 19 Doherty
* 20 Fitzpatrick
* 24 Murphy
* 26 Moynihan
* 31 Bailey
* 32 Healy
* 35 Henderson
* 42 Maguire
* Manager: Clancy

* v
* t
* e

2023 PFAI Premier Division Team of the Year

* GK: Kearns
* DF: Davies
* DF: Curtis
* DF: Lopes
* DF: Doherty
* MF: Patching
* MF: Forrester
* MF: Clarke
* FW: Moylan
* FW: Afolabi
* FW: Keating

*[Apps]: League appearances
*[Gls]: League goals
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template
*[Wade]: Bradley Wade
*[Nevin]: Harry Nevin
*[O'Donovan]: John O'Donovan
*[Lyons]: Charlie Lyons
*[Dijksteel]: Malik Dijksteel
*[McLaughlin]: Evan McLaughlin
*[Coffey]: Barry Coffey
*[Dowling]: Aidan Dowling
*[Bargary]: Cian Bargary
*[Drinan]: Conor Drinan
*[Crowley]: Darragh Crowley
*[Doherty]: Ben Doherty
*[Fitzpatrick]: Joshua Fitzpatrick
*[Murphy]: Cian Murphy
*[Moynihan]: Daniel Moynihan
*[Bailey]: Sam Bailey
*[Healy]: Arran Healy
*[Henderson]: Colin Henderson