Irish League midfielder confirms retirement amid links with managerial vacancy
Ballymena United midfielder Patrick McEleney has confirmed his retirement amid links with a League of Ireland club managerial vacancy.
McEleney was a statement signing from the Sky Blues in January 2025 with the 33-year-old joining from Derry City, where he won two FAI Cups alongside celebrating League of Ireland Cup glory in 2011.
He was a star performer throughout a golden period of success for Dundalk, winning three Premier Division titles and two FAI Cups while also representing the Oriel Park outfit in Europe.
McEleney’s form at Dundalk earned him a move across the water to League One club Oldham Athletic in 2018 – he played in nine league games before returning to the League of Ireland.
He made a first move to the Irish League with Ballymena last year, scoring three goals in 26 Premiership appearances, and stepped in to assist interim manager Ciaran Caldwell alongside Sean O’Neill following Jim Ervin’s exit.
The former Republic of Ireland youth international took up a coaching role at Derry City in January 2025, combining the post alongside playing for Ballymena, and could now be set to take on his maiden senior managerial position.
Both the Irish Examiner and Donegal Daily have reported that McEleney is “in the frame” for the current vacancy at Finn Harps, who confirmed on Sunday that Kevin McHugh had stepped down.
Announcing McEleney’s decision to retire after making more than 500 career club appearances, Ballymena posted: "Ballymena United can confirm that Patrick McEleney has announced his retirement from professional football with immediate effect.
"The decorated midfielder spent eighteen months at the Showgrounds after arriving from his native Derry City in January 2025, netting 3 goals in 31 appearances during his time with the club.
“Everyone at Ballymena United would like to sincerely thank Patrick for his contribution to the club and wish him every success in his new chapter of his career.”
McEleney had been joined at Ballymena by brother Shane in January following his move from Glentoran and the 35-year-old paid tribute to his younger sibling’s career.
"Sad that it’s over but proud that it happened and that I got to spend a large part of it with you on the pitch,” Shane posted on Instagram. “An unbelievable talent and some great memories along the way with more than a few trophies to our names as team mates but more so as brothers.
"Happy retirement Fats. One of the best I’ve seen do it. Here’s to you kid.”