Ruairí Keating makes return to Cork City from St Patrick's Athletic

Ruairí Keating has made a dramatic return to Cork City just months after leaving the club for St Patrick's Athletic.

The Saints announced his departure by mutual consent in order to return to the Rebels.

Injuries hampered the striker's short time in Inchicore while new manager Stephen Kenny has been putting his stamp on the Saints squad with a number of new faces.

Keating scored four times in 18 league starts at the club.

He has signed a multi-year contract at Turner's Cross having scored 13 times in the Premier Division last season

Cork are set for an immediate return to the top flight as they lead the First Division by 15 points.

Keating said: "I genuinely can’t explain how happy I am to be back at City. I absolutely loved my time at the club before, and I am absolutely thrilled to be coming back.

"I just can’t wait to pull on a City jersey and play at Turner’s Cross again in front of the amazing City fans.

"This club is very special to me and I am just so, so happy to be back home. I just want to get back to playing football again. I am looking forward to getting into training tomorrow; we have some big games coming up and I cannot wait to get started."

Cork City manager Tim Clancy has hailed the return of Keating: "It’s brilliant to get 'Keats' signed back with the club. The fans have been brilliant all season, and I know that he is a player that they have a very special relationship with, so I am sure this signing will give them a lift as well.

"He obviously had a really successful spell at the club before, and everyone at City knows what he brings to the team.

"He’s a quality player, a really good character and has plenty of experience as well. As we move into the closing stages of this season, with so much still to play for,