After three years at Ballinamallard Danny Keohane (pictured left) has left the club to attend University in London. The left back was a regular starter following his move from Sligo Rovers and he received the supporter’s players of the season award in the Mallard’s first campaign in the Premiership, but he has made the decision to end his time with the Mallards to study physiotherapy.

“It was tough decision,” Danny admitted. “I have been involved with football now since I was a teenager but basically I made a career decision. I am planning on going to England to do a degree in physiotherapy, so it just wouldn’t have worked out with football. I’m just going to focus on getting a really good qualification and getting into work but I know I will miss it. I’m not going to rule football out completely and I will play a bit over there for fun.” Danny joined Ballinamallard for their successful Championship winning season. He was a star performer as the Mallards exceeded all expectations in their debut season in the top flight, and he admits he had a great time at Ferney Park.

“It has been very enjoyable,” he said. “I have enjoyed the three years that I have been there probably as much as I have ever enjoyed playing football. It’s an enjoyable league to play in with good facilities and good grounds. I had a good time there and I will definitely look back on it fondly. Our first season in the Premiership when we finished fifth was brilliant. That was a great season and a highlight within that was the Linfield game. We won 3-1 away from home when no one gave us a chance. That was a really great experience.” Danny made himself a crowd favourite with his committed displays at left back and he was always one of the first names sung by the Mallard Ultras in the stands. Although a Ballinamallard goal remained elusive, his consistency and attitude made him a fan favourite and the feeling was mutual. “I want to thanks the fans,” said Danny. “They have been great. Ever since I joined the club they have been so supportive, not just of me but all the other Sligo lads would say the same thing. They are brilliant. They turn up in their numbers every week home and away and I want to thank them for their support. They made it very enjoyable for myself and the other lads.” Despite leaving the club the Mallard’s will remain close to Danny’s heart, and he believes the squad can bounce back from a disappointing season to produce better results this season in his absence.

“It is going to take a big effort from everyone involved but the enthusiasm is there and there are a lot of people putting in a lot of work to make it happen,” he said. “It was a tough season last year. I think the teams around us got stronger and we lost one or two key players and that was maybe what contributed to our tough season. It will be interesting to see how they get on this year. They have brought in a few new players and it will be interesting to see how they bed in. There is no doubt it will be a tough season but if they do all stick together I can see them doing well. They have brought in a number of quality players and I think we have strengthened this season to be honest. I will keep following their results. I plan to come back to Ireland every couple of months so I will try to get to a game if I can and see how the team is doing.”