Ciaran McKenna

Ciaran Paul McKenna (born 25 March 1998) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a centre back or right back. McKenna has previously played for Falkirk, Hamilton Academical, Partick Thistle and Queen of the South.

Early life
McKenna was born in Glasgow and was educated at Cardinal Newman High School, Bellshill, and St Ninian's High School, Kirkintilloch. McKenna played in the Celtic Academy, before turning down the offer of a three-year professional contract with the club, to accept the offer of a scholarship with Duke University in North Carolina.

Early career
McKenna had 42 appearances with the Duke Blue Devils over three seasons and scored two goals. McKenna also spent a spell during 2017 playing for Jacksonville Armada U-23 in the National Premier Soccer League.

Falkirk
In January 2019, McKenna joined Falkirk. McKenna had 17 league appearances and scored two goals in his debut season as a professional with the Bairns.

Hamilton Academical
In June 2019, McKenna joined Hamilton Academical and had four league appearances and also four League Cup matches for the Accies.

Partick Thistle
In August 2020, McKenna joined Partick Thistle on a two-year contract. McKenna had 34 league appearances and scored one goal, as well as 14 cup matches for the Harry Wraggs.

Queen of the South
On 24 June 2022, McKenna joined Queen of the South on a one-year contract.

McKenna was released by the Doonhamers at the end of the 2022-23 season.

Personal life
Between 14 November 2015 and 27 January 2016, McKenna was accused of rape by a fellow student at Duke University. The establishment then issued a six-semester suspension, which upon appeal by McKenna was increased to a ten-semester suspension, but this was overturned by legal action on a technicality as to the university's "double jeopardy" policy.

In June 2022, McKenna, married Jamaica Women's national team player Kayla McCoy in Oak Park, Illinois, USA. The pair met in college.

Club

 * Partick Thistle
 * Scottish League One: 2020–21