Lafferty’s arrival continues rebuild for 2023 season
But Keena wasn’t always a striker – growing up he played in various positions with teams at Mullingar Athletic AFC. He was a centre-back, midfielder and winger. His GAA background also meant he played in goal.
From Mullingar Athletic he went to an underage team at Shelbourne and from there to the St Patrick’s Athletic U-19s.
He played both hurling and Gaelic football with Mullingar Shamrocks – he was a centre-back in hurling and an attacker in Gaelic football.
Keena, who had adapted to what’s required, is a rare example of a talented, down-to-earth sports professional. He could be one of the nicest people to play for Rovers.
He will be all the more beloved by the Bit O’Red faithful, who always cherish goalscorers, should he continue his scoring input.
“The fans were brilliant, they turned up in huge numbers, especially for the European games. I think we gave them some good nights in Europe,” he stated.
“We held our own against some of the better teams [in the Premier Division] but it was against some of the so-called lesser sides that we struggled against, UCD for example. “I’m looking forward to next season where hopefully we’ll get better results. The standards are improving in the League of Ireland and the young players coming through are very good.”
KEENA – who has a song sung about him by Rovers fans – certainly savoured playing against Finn Harps as one-third of his season’s return (seven goals) came against the Donegal club who will be playing in the First Division next year. His family attended a lot of his games and he was cheered on by his parents, Martin and Julie, who became regulars at The Showgrounds. He’s contracted until the end of the 2024 season when given an extended deal in July as Rovers protected an asset who will surely get offers in the coming weeks to resume his career in the UK.
Prolific Keena, however, is currently enjoying downtime with his family – partner Leah and their child, Aoife – knowing that he has a bright future ahead.
Family life is how he switches off from the ups and downs of the season. The ongoing experience of being a dad, with a partner (who’s from Scotland) to look after, has grounded him and made him appreciate things more.
“I’ve heard the rumours of where I could be heading to but I’ve loved my time so far in Sligo and I’m in no rush to think too far ahead – it’s just a few weeks since the season has finished. “A year ago I was hating football in Falkirk – 12 months later I’m top scorer in the Premier Division.”
The accolades and the attention hasn’t changed this likeable, pragmatic footballer.
“I try not to get too carried away when things are going well because it can go the other way just as quick. I try to keep level-headed,” he added.
Keep on scoring, Mr Goals.
SLIGO Rovers have moved swiftly to replace left-back Paddy Kirk with this week’s signing of former Northern Ireland senior international Danny Lafferty.
The experienced defender, 33, comes to The Showgrounds from Derry City where he had two successful spells. His deal with Rovers is at least until the end of the 2023 season. He is the second full-back to join Rovers following the move of Johan Brannefalk, a 24-year-old from Sweden, to the north-west. Recently an Extra.ie FAI Men’s Cup winner with Derry, who were Premier Division runners-up, Lafferty was also an FAI Cup winner with Shamrock Rovers, with whom he won a Premier Division title two years ago.
The Derry native, who turns 34 next May, started on his journey as a pro with Oxford United’s academy. He won a First Division title with Derry in 2010. In England he had spells with Burnley, Rotherham United, Oldham Athletic, Sheffield United and Peterborough United. Once on the books of Glasgow Celtic, Lafferty was on loan at Ayr United 12 years ago. With Northern Ireland he played at U-17, U-19, U-21 and senior level – winning 13 senior caps between 2012 and 2016.
The arrival of Lafferty was welcomed by Rovers boss John Russell, who said: “Danny is a player of immense quality. He is an attacking full-back who has a great passing range and crossing ability.
“Danny knows the League of Ireland well and brings a wealth of experience [to Sligo], having played for his country and spent the majority of his career in the UK.”
Russell continued: “He is a player I’ve always admired and
I’m excited to start working with him.”
Lafferty was equally enthusiastic about the next stage of his career. He stated: “I’ve always liked coming to play at The
SILVERWARE: Danny Lafferty was part of the Derry City squad that won the Extra.ie FAI Men’s Cup earlier this month.
Showgrounds and even more so now for next year. I can’t wait to be playing in front of the Sligo Rovers fans. I’m looking forward to getting in and getting going.
“When I spoke with John [Russell] I was immediately taken aback by his ambition for the club – it aligned with what I want as well.”
Laffery’s former club Derry, where he spent the last three years, extended best wishes to him following his move to Rovers.
Derry manager Ruaidhri Higgins said: “Danny has been a brilliant professional and his experience has been so valuable to me and the squad since I joined the club.
“I’m sure our supporters will remember him fondly and, in particular, some very important goals he’s scored over his two spells with the club.”