Cork City have signed Irish youth international Kevin Williams, a defender with a strong track record in the League of Ireland. The 26-year-old joins the club following a brace of appearances in pre-season, against Mangotsfield and a start against Shaftesbury. Williams, an Irish youth international, climbed through the ranks of Cork City’s Academy, finding first team football with Cobh Ramblers in Ireland’s second tier. A departure from Ireland came, as he joined German fifth tier sides Inter Leipzig and then FSV Union Fürstenwalde. Following 18 months in Germany, he returned to Ireland with his hometown and newly formed side Kerry. In three seasons with Kerry, in Ireland’s second tier, he appeared 90 times, appearing in cup runs to the semi-final of the FAI Cup, and every minute of their run to the Munster Senior Cup. Williams’ time with the K’s included a loan to Maltese Premier Division side Balzan FC, in which he played 12 times. Following his departure from Kerry in February, he headed to Switzerland with FC Wessen. A side who were promoted into the fifth tier the season before, Williams helped them to a third place finish, missing out on the title by eight points. With Cork City currently sitting 1st in the First Division, 20 points clear of Bray Wanderers, and boasting a +32 goal difference, Williams is expected to make an immediate impact. The team is on a 2-game winning run, with their last result being a 3-2 win over Athlone Town. They will look to continue their momentum in their next fixture, a home game against Kerry on the 7th of August.