18 Facts About Patrick McEleney

Patrick McEleney was born on 26 September 1992 and is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Ballymena United in the NIFL Premiership.

Patrick McEleney has previously played for Sunderland, Derry City, Oldham Athletic and Dundalk.

Patrick McEleney joined Sunderland from Foyle Harps on a scholarship in the summer of 2008.

Patrick McEleney was one of the first four players signed by Stephen Kenny for Derry City following their relegation to the League of Ireland First Division, penning a two-year deal in December 2009.

Patrick McEleney was a key member of the Derry side that won the 2010 First Division title, scoring 12 league goals in 31 appearances, and he attracted interest from some English Premier League clubs and Celtic due to his performances.

Patrick McEleney was nominated for the 2010 PFAI First Division Player of the Year award, ultimately losing out to Graham Cummins.

Patrick McEleney was involved in a controversial incident in October 2010 when, 3 days after pulling out of the Republic of Ireland's Under 19 squad due to an ankle injury, he played and scored twice in a First Division fixture against Shelbourne.

In 2011, Patrick McEleney made a further 34 league appearances as Derry finished third on their return to the Premier Division.

In May 2012, Patrick McEleney scored a penalty in the final of the Setanta Sports Cup against Crusaders, however Derry ultimately lost in the shootout.

Patrick McEleney featured in the UEFA Europa League with Derry City on a number of occasions.

Patrick McEleney subsequently played against Shakhtyor Soligorsk in the second qualifying round.

Patrick McEleney was primarily signed as a replacement for the departed Richie Towell who moved to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Patrick McEleney picked up a groin injury after just his fourth game for the club and a hamstring injury sustained during his comeback put him out for longer, with McEleney noting that it took him until the mid-season break to gain full fitness.

On 13 November 2022 Patrick McEleney helped Derry to win the 2022 FAI Cup Final.

Patrick McEleney played for the Northern Ireland Under-16 team before later representing the Republic of Ireland at youth level.

Patrick McEleney progressed to the Republic of Ireland Under-19 team in September 2009, making his debut against the Netherlands at the Carlisle Grounds in the Clarion Hotel Four-nation Tour.

Patrick McEleney went on to make a further 3 appearances for the Under-19s.

Patrick McEleney's father, Henry, was a footballer, playing for Coleraine in the Irish League.