Mullingar man Aidan Keena after signing for Sligo Rovers from Falkirk last month.

Keena off the mark for Sligo Rovers with competitive debut goal

When Mullingar’s Aidan Keena signed for League of Ireland club Sligo Rovers last month, he promised goals – and he’s already delivering.

Paul Hughes

Published: Sat 26 Feb 2022, 10:45 AM

Last updated: Sat 26 Feb 2022, 4:45 PM

The Mullingar Athletic alumnus and former Hearts and Falkirk striker scored a second goal for the Bit O’Red in Dalymount Park last night, as they got their SSE Airtricity League Premier Division campaign off to a winner with a 2-1 victory over St Patrick’s Athletic.

After Colin Horgan opened the scoring for Sligo on 40 minutes, Keena doubled that lead with some excellent footwork and a deflected shot in the 78th minute, after latching onto a pinpoint through-ball.

Keena’s goal turned out to be crucial, as St Pat’s pulled one back with a fine strike from Tunde Owolabi four minutes later. However, Liam Buckley’s charges held out for the win.

Keena, making his competitive debut for Rovers against his old club, was a lively presence for the Westerners for the 86 minutes he played, walloping the crossbar after 10 minutes and creating numerous other chances.