O'Connor swaps Limerick for Cobh Ramblers

Cobh Ramblers supporters have received a welcome New Year surprise with the Co. Cork club today announcing the marquee signing of former Republic of Ireland u21 international Shane O'Connor.

O'Connor, who can play at either left back or on the left-hand-side of midfield, joins Cobh from top flight side Limerick F.C. The former Liverpool trainee should prove a most valuable addition to Martin Cambridge's youthful Cobh outfit given the experience he acquired cross-channel by lining  out in English football's second tier with Ipswich Town.

During a three year stint with Ipswich, which began in July 2009, the 24-year-old Cork man made 17 league appearances for the East Anglia club.

In addition to spending the latter part of last season at Limerick, O'Connor has also plied his trade domestically at Cork City and Shamrock Rovers since returning home from England in 2012. 

Having finished rock bottom of last year's SSE Airtricity League First Division nine points behind seventh placed Waterford United, the Ramblers faithful will be hoping O'Connor can help lift their favourites of the foot of the table this time around.

In joining the St. Colman's Park club, O'Connor becomes Ramblers' third new recruit of the off-season following the arrival of Peter White from Waterford United and Ross McCarthy from Youghal United.