Barney McKeown has revealed “I wanted to stay at Glenavon” – but feels Dungannon Swifts is “the right environment for me to be in” after positive talks with Rodney McAree.

McKeown spent two seasons with the Lurgan Blues after joining from Newry City in 2024 and made 67 Premiership appearances during his time at Mourneview Park.

The 24-year-old, who has also previously played in the top-flight for Portadown, was one of five players made available for transfer by Glenavon – alongside Stephen Mallon, Kris Lowe, Kyle McClelland and Sean Carlin – in a squad update provided earlier this month.

McAree moved quickly to secure McKeown’s services with the former Everton youngster becoming the third new arrival at the Co Tyrone club as they prepare for next term, joining Michael McElhatton and Jamie Glackin.

placeholder image — Barney McKeown has departed Glenavon to join Dungannon Swifts. (Photo by Alan Weir/Pacemaker)

Last season’s drop was the third time McKeown has suffered the disappointment of relegation throughout his career, but admits he intended to stay with Glenavon as they aim to seal immediate promotion back to the Premiership.

However, after the “door was open for other clubs to contact me” and McAree got in touch, McKeown is thrilled to be joining a Swifts squad which has reached consecutive Irish Cup finals alongside recording back-to-back top-half league finishes.

"Of course (it was difficult to leave Glenavon), I absolutely loved my time at Glenavon, it's a fantastic club and fantastic people around the club,” McKeown told Dungannon’s media channel. “The boys in the dressing room, the boys in the management team, I have no doubt they're going to have a successful season this year.

"I wanted to stay at Glenavon, as things panned out the door was open for other clubs to contact me and that's when I spoke to Rodney.

"I didn't even really need to speak to Rodney with his reputation and how he's held in such high regard across the Irish League speaks for itself.

"The way he spoke about the club, about his team, the players, it was infectious, and I have no doubt this is the right environment for me to be in. I can't wait to get started.

"Rodney's team over the last couple of years has been phenomenal, great to watch.

"They've had success and when I spoke to Rodney and what he had planned for me, for the club, it was the right fit for me at this moment in time and I'm delighted to be here.

"It seems to be a tight-knit dressing room and I will settle in here nicely. Hopefully I can have many good years here.

"I want to be as successful as possible, play as many games as possible, and to be consistent with my performances. If I can tick all of those boxes I will be happy."

McKeown, who is also able to play in midfield, has been consistently deployed at centre-back in recent years and wants to bring his best form to Dungannon.

"It’s probably just my game, I like to be on the front foot as a centre-half, I like to be aggressive and show a physical presence,” he added. “I think my best attributes are certainly in that defensive side of the game.

"I can add a bit going forward, but I certainly pride myself on defensive actions and I think I can bring my best here.”