NAPLES, Fla. – FC Naples today announced the signing of 29-year-old Irish fullback Kevin O'Connor, pending league and federation approval. The former Ireland youth international won a League of Ireland Premier Division title and an FAI Cup with Cork City FC. 

"Kevin's experience both internationally and domestically will be a massive contribution to our club," said Naples Head Coach Matt Poland. "His play at some of the highest levels will be vital to our squad as we create a culture and standard of excellence in our inaugural season."

The Enniscorthy, Ireland native developed in the academies of St Patrick's Athletic FC and Waterford FC before beginning his professional career in the League of Ireland First Division with the latter.

After a two-year stint with Waterford, O'Connor joined League of Ireland Premier Division side Cork City FC in 2015. Through his first two seasons in Cork, O'Connor claimed a league title (2017) and won the FAI Cup (2017). 

In 2017, O'Connor was transferred to EFL Championship side Preston North End FC. The Irishman made nine total appearances for Preston across EFL Championship and EFL Cup play in 2017 before being sent out on a quartet of loans across the next three years. Between 2017 and 2020, O'Connor made appearances with EFL League One side Fleetwood Town FC (2018), EFL League Two club Crewe Alexandra FC (2018), and returned to his former clubs in the Irish Premier Division, Cork City (2019) and Waterford (2020), for short periods.

Between 2020 and 2022, O'Connor returned to the Irish top flight on a trio of permanent deals with Cork City (2020, 2022) and Shelbourne FC (2021). In 2024, O'Connor made one appearance for Morristown, N.J.-based NPSL side FC Motown in a U.S. Open Cup match against NYCFC II.

Across a decade of play at the professional level in Ireland and England, O'Connor has totaled 17 goals and 44 assists through 270 appearances across all competitions. Notably, O'Connor made 13 appearances for Cork City in UEFA Europa League qualifiers between 2015 and 2019.

At the international level, O'Connor totaled 10 appearances with the Ireland youth national team at the U-17, U-18 and U-21 levels between 2011 and 2016.