Athlone's Robbie Benson returns to his former club Dundalk
Athlone native Robbie Benson, whose penalty kick sealed an FAI Cup victory for St Patrick's Athletic three weeks ago, has rejoined his previous club, Dundalk.
The 29-year-old from Mayfield Grove was signed for the Lilywhites by current Ireland manager Stephen Kenny in 2016.
He went on to spend four seasons at Oriel Park, winning three league titles and an FAI Cup, while also featuring prominently in some memorable European campaigns. He then moved to St Pat's ahead of the 2020 season.
Coach Stephen O'Donnell, who guided St Pat's to cup glory last month, has since taken over at Dundalk and it was officially announced today that Benson would be coming with him.
The attacking midfielder, a son of Ethna and Ray Benson, started his League of Ireland career with Athlone Town, and also had a successful stint with UCD.
"It's great to be back," he told dundalkfc.com. "When I walked into Oriel Park to sign the contract, all of the old memories from my first spell here came back and I'm looking forward to replicating that again.
"When I left here the first time around I felt I had done all I could with the group that was there. I just wanted something new. Coming back, it's a fresh start.
"The club has new owners, who look ambitious, new management and new players to a big degree. I can't wait to get going again.
"I think I've learned a lot about the game in the last two years and I'm coming back a better player and as hungry as I ever was to succeed."
Stephen O'Donnell said Dundalk's supporters were familiar with the qualities Benson would bring to the club.
"He's obviously been away for a couple of years and done very well but he's back and I’m delighted to get him on board. The association between the club and Robbie is there from some great times, so it's brilliant to get him back.
"As you grow older it's natural that you become more mature and Robbie is no different. He's not your typical leader maybe in how loud he is but he leads by example with his performances and by giving little bits of advice to players. When you marry that with his football ability, it's a great asset," said O'Donnell.