DEFENDER Mark Connolly has played his last game for Dunfermline after it was announced he has returned to Ireland to join Dundalk.

The 30-year-old, who bowed out as a Pars player with a clean sheet and a victory over Hamilton Academical on Saturday, has joined the SSE Airtricity League side for the rest of the season.

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Irishman Connolly's loan at East End from Dundee United expired on Sunday and, after being strongly linked with a move back to his homeland, his parent club have confirmed the deal.

United said: "Dundee United can confirm that Mark Connolly has joined Dundalk FC on loan for the remainder of the season.

"The defender has spent the first half of this season on loan at Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic and will now cross the Irish sea link up with Dundalk in the SSE Airtricity League after cutting his Fife loan stint short.

"After a lengthy spell on the side-lines due to a cruciate injury, Mark has gained valuable minutes since joining the Pars, playing 14 times for John Hughes’ side and keeping four clean sheets in the process.

"We wish Mark all the best for his time back in Ireland."

Speaking to Dundalk's website, Connolly cited family reasons as a factor in his decision to move home.

"I’m really excited and really buzzing to be here,” he said.

"It’s been a long time coming and it hasn’t been a great secret but it’s something I really wanted and I’m delighted it’s done.

“It was a huge decision for me to come home. It’s been almost 15 years since I went to England as a teenager and it’s a decision I didn’t take lightly.

“Unfortunately, last year my father passed away and I wanted to be closer to my family but, as well as that, I believe I’m coming home to the right club.

“When I moved away, I always kept an eye on Dundalk. To me, it’s a club that has put League of Ireland football on the map with their results in the Europa League group stages.

“I wanted to be part of something exciting and I think that’s the case here. There’s a fresh slate, there are new faces and Stephen O’Donnell is trying to build a togetherness at the club. It’s the start of a new era and I really can’t wait to get going now.”

Connolly, whose former clubs include Kilmarnock, Bolton Wanderers and Crawley Town, was signed by Dunfermline's former manager, Peter Grant, in September and made his debut in a 1-1 Fife derby draw at Raith Rovers.

He went on to make 14 appearances, helping the club to three victories, and scored once, in last month's 3-3 draw with Queen of the South.

Pars boss John Hughes, who previously described Connolly as a "warrior", said last week that it was looking likely he would make the move across the Irish Sea, despite reiterating his desire to extend his East End stay.

READ MORE: Pars set to miss out on Connolly stay

Post-match on Saturday, Connolly said: "If it is my last game I am delighted to leave on a clean sheet and a win because it was a much needed win.

"It is difficult when you are losing games. We have a young team and it is tough going home every weekend, especially after the last game (the 5-0 loss at Morton). I was sitting at home watching the game and it was tough watching it.

"If that does end up being my last game I am delighted that I could leave on a win and a clean sheet.

"It is one of those things. There is stuff in the background that could be happening, it is not finalised so it is always in the back of your mind especially when you are older and the way football goes, it is difficult.

"Since I have come here I have had a priority to make sure that I do well for Dunfermline. Honestly there are some amazing people here at this club working hard behind the scenes to get it right. Since the manager has come in he has been brilliant."

Connolly added: "I didn’t really care about the position of the club, it was Dunfermline Football Club, it is a big football club and it is a club that I think should be in the Premiership.

"A lot of people have said it over the years but it takes hard work and getting the right recruitment, right players in and working hard.

"Obviously you need a bit of quality but you need to roll your sleeves up. I think the boys did that against Hamilton but it just can’t be a one off every so often, it needs to be every week that is how you win leagues and win games and get out of relegation trouble.

"I certainly hope so."