'It was a no-brainer' - Ex-Blue steps into his first coaching role in Ireland
Former Ipswich Town forward Ronan Murray has been appointed the strength and conditioning coach at Irish side Dundalk for the 2025 season.
The 33-year-old played for the Lilywhites back in 2018, where he won the league and cup double at Oriel Park.
Murray joins Ciarán Kilduff's backroom team, who will look to return to the top flight at the first time of asking after Dundalk suffered relegation to the second tier last season.
Explaining how the opportunity came about, he said: “I’ve been based in the West for the last three years. My wife is from Silverbridge, so we’ve decided to move back up this direction.
“When Ciarán got the job, I reached out to him to say that I was back in the area if he was in need of anything, that I was available, and that’s how it came about."
He added: “One or two things went in my favour, he got in touch, we had a good conversation about what he wants to do this season, going forward.
"Everything was in line with what I was wanting. I think it was a no-brainer on both parts to get me back involved. I’m just delighted that the opportunity has arisen.”
Ronan Murray, pictured during his time at Ipswich Town. (Image: Newsquest)
The Irishman came through the ranks at Town, where he scored on his Blues' debut at Exeter City in the League Cup during the 2010/11 season.
He made a further 13 appearances for Town, while spending time on loan at Torquay United, Swindon Town and Plymouth Argyle, before moving to Notts County on a permanent deal in 2013.
Murray returned to Ireland to join Galway United in 2017, before a successful spell at Dundalk. He went on to play for Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United.
Since retiring from football in 2021, he became a personal trainer and played Gaelic football with his local club Belmullet back in County Mayo.
