Feb. 25, 2002

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Head coach Richie Grant received his newest commitment on Monday after signing central midfielder Gary Connolly of Dundalk, Ireland.

Connolly is now the seventh player to ink with the Tigers during the spring signing period and comes to the U of M as a product of the Colaiste Ide system. Connolly is now the fourth Colaiste Ide alum to join the Memphis program along with current Tigers Graham Gibbs, John Reilly and U of M assistant Paul Conway.

Listed at 5-10/175, Connolly is known for his physical style of play and should help solidify a Tiger midfield that lost two key starters to graduation. The Dundalk native, has particpated in the prestigious "Milk Cup" in Colraine, Northern Ireland three times and is presently the captain of his Colaiste Ide side.

Connolly's hard-nosed play should help fill the void left by departing senior Justin Stralka, who was one of the Tigers' most aggressive players during the past four years. "We think Gary's the type of player who can strengthen the middle of the park for us," stated Grant. "After losing two seniors, he has the opportunity to make an immediate impact because he has strength and speed, which are the two qualities we look for at Memphis."

Connolly, an accomplished athlete, also found success in track and field after capturing the 1999 All-Ireland triple jump crown and posting consecutive runner-up finishes in the 100m during the 1998-99 seasons. He helped secure back-to-back All-Ireland 100m relay titles and was the 1999 All-Ireland 200m runner-up.