Career
In total he scored 30 goals in 201 matches in the Football League. He was both the first Doncaster, and the first Southport player to appear in an international match. Youth
Paddy began his career in Scottish Junior Football playing for Bellshill Athletic, Larkhall Thistle and Bathgate.
Senior
McConnell was signed by Bradford in August 1924, though only made 3 appearances that season.
In August 1925 he was bought by Doncaster where he played for five seasons, before moving onto Southport for two seasons, then home to Ireland to play for Shelborne. He returned to England playing for Spalding, Boston and Grantham before returning to Scotland where he joined Hibernian.
International
He played twice for the all Ireland team, a 2–1 defeat against Wales in 1928 and a 6–2 defeat by England in 1932.