Damien Duff has completed his fifth close season signing after landing Evan Caffrey from UCD.
The midfielder, who played a leading role in the Students’ top flight survival mission, has signed a one-year deal at Tolka Park.
A grandson of League of Ireland legend Theo Dunne, Caffrey will play with his in-demand cousin Gavin Molloy at the Reds next season.
Shels boss Duff said: “Evan was my captain in the LOI U15’s five years ago so we know each other very well.
“I’ve followed his career closely and it was so pleasing to see him do so well over the last few seasons.
“He has a great understanding of the game, has top class technical ability and knows the demands we put on players.
“He can also play numerous positions which is great. I can’t wait to work with him again and watch his career continue to grow.”
Caffrey follows Andrew Quinn (Drogheda United), Tyreke Wilson (Bohemians), Conor Kearns (Galway United) and Kyle Robinson (St Pat’s) in making the switch to Shels for next season.
Captain Luke Byrne and midfielder Mark Coyle have already signed contract extensions for Duff’s beaten FAI Cup finalists.
Elsewhere, Derry City’s Jordan McEneff has signed a fresh two-year deal with the Candystripes.
McEneff, who started last season at Shels, scored the late penalty against them in Derry’s Cup final win earlier this month.
And Ruaidhri Higgins insists the former Arsenal youth - brother of ex-Shamrock Rovers man Aaron McEneff - can show his true potential over the next two seasons.
“Jordan initially signed a short- term deal, and as the weeks went by he got stronger and stronger,” said the Derry boss.
“We feel he has a really bright future if he continues to apply himself the way he has done in his short time with us.”
“He has undoubted talent and it is now up to Jordan to go and fulfil that potential.”
Colin Fortune has left his role as Galway United assistant manager after three years with the First Division club
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