A classy right back, Connell played for Bohemians - he played in their famous 3-2 against Rangers in 1984 - Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers F.C. amongst others during his career in the League of Ireland.

He captained Ireland at schoolboys Under 15 level in 1974/75 playing and scoring twice against a Dutch side which included Ruud Gullit, and a Wales side that boasted Ian Rush.

He signed for Shamrock Rovers in August 1989 and in his three years at the club, he won two consecutive Player of the Year awards before signing for Ards F.C. and then Drogheda United F.C.

He has also played for and managed Limerick F.C. and having retired from playing managed Galway United in the League of Ireland.

Connell began working for the FAI in 2011 and is currently the head coach of the Republic of Ireland women's under 19s, whom he helped reach the semi-finals of the European Championships in Norway in July 2014, going out to eventual winners the Netherlands.

He also works as a Football In Community Development Officer and previously managed the Ireland women’s under 17s.