Stephen Baxter hails 'big game experience' of new recruit as speedy winger arrives at Carrick Rangers
Carrick Rangers have secured their third summer signing after agreeing a deal for winger Daire O’Connor.
The 29-year-old joins the ranks at Taylors Avenue after a permanent transfer was agreed with Ballymena United.
It brings an end to O’Connor’s sole season at the Ballymena Showgrounds, where he netted four times across 29 appearances for the Sky Blues – including a memorable brace against Coleraine as Ballymena took the Boxing Day bragging rights.
O'Connor had spells with UCD and Cork City in the League of Ireland before moving north of the border at Cliftonville.
The Co Wicklow man left Solitude after an impressive campaign to join Scottish club Ayr before returning to Northern Ireland to join Glentoran.
However, he was back the Irish Sea thereafter to join then Championship side Hamilton spending the second half of that season on loan at East Kilbride, helping them to win the Lowland Football League, Lowland League Cup and South Challenge Cup.
He would then once again return to Northern Ireland after penning a deal at Ballymena United, who were then managed by Jim Ervin.
On joining Carrick Rangers, O’Connor told the club’s website: “Stephen reached out to me expressing his interest in me as a player and the plans he has for Carrick this season.
"A lot of what he was saying I could relate to personally, and was keen to meet him for a chat. We sat down and had a good honest conversation about myself and where Carrick are headed.
"Stephen’s pedigree in the game is unrivalled, so when he’s interested in you as a player you’re immediately drawn in and want to play for him.
"I’m a fast, direct attacker who wants to put balls in the box and score goals - he’s worked with some of the best wingers in the league over the years so I felt it was the right step for me to go in and fine tune my game in a team that plays to my strengths.
"I’m very excited to settle down and make Carrick my home for the next few years, and look forward to running down the wing in Taylors Avenue in a few weeks time.”
Carrick have already secured the services of Jordan Forsythe and Jack Hastings for next season’s exploits and boss Stephen Baxter was thrilled to now add O’Connor to his panel.
He stated: “I am delighted to secure the signature of Daire O’Connor to Carrick Rangers for the new season.
"After spells in League of Ireland, the Irish Premiership and full time football in Scotland, Daire brings big game experience and adds plenty of fire power at the top end of the pitch.
"I would like to thank Ballymena United for their professionalism in making this move possible.”
Carrick Rangers, who finished seventh last season, start their Premiership campaign on Saturday, August 8 at home to Portadown.
A statement on social media by Ballymena United thanked Daire for his services to the club and wished him well for the next chapter of his career.