Ruairi Keating has left Torquay United and joined National League North side Gateshead on a permanent deal.
The forward has departed the club in search of regular first-team football.
Keating joined Torquay United in February 2017 after spells in his native Ireland with Sligo Rovers, Galway United, and Finn Harps, and made his debut shortly after in a 1-1 draw against Macclesfield Town at Plainmoor. The following month saw him register his first goal for United in dramatic fashion, as he notched a 90th minute winner against Southport. Two more strikes followed in the closing stages of the season, as United did just enough to retain their National League status.
Although the club endured a disappointing 2017/18 which culminated in relegation, the appointment of Gary Johnson the following season saw Ruairi given a new lease of life. Largely employed on the right side of midfield during the 2018/19 campaign, Keating produced a number of impressive performances, and scored some crucial goals, on his way to collecting a National League South winners’ medal.
Torquay United manager Gary Johnson spoke about Ruairi’s departure at Thursday’s press call.
We would like to wish Ruairi the very best for his career in the future and thank him for his efforts whilst with the Club.