2024 Season, Arrivals and Departures

[ontheotherhand]

Congratulations to Shelbourne on their league title win !


Keith Ward joined Shelbourne aswell….

These may cancel each other out.

[ontheotherhand]

Gannon should be useful for Shels. Did petty well as the RCB in a back 3 for us but just wasn't better than other options. Not great at wingback but I'm sure he'd love to get back to RB if they switched to a back 4. The man wins leagues.

Rooney to bohs is disappointing. Good signing.

[placid casual]

Polar opposite signings there by duffer for shels. One has got more league titles than pats,the other....likes breakfast rolls

[RealJohn91]

Good signing for them, can only assume none of the top half clubs were interested in him surprisingly. Begs the question for Bohs though in terms of wingers, which one of, Connolly, Grant or Rooney sits on the bench? All 3 are surely good enough to be starters for them
Grant hasn't showed much so far, hoping a full pre-season will help him. Rooney is a big improvement on McDaid and Twardek at least.

[patsdad]

Major Pats signing announcment scheduled for tomorrow. Indo are reporting it’s Ruairi Keating.

[Longfordian]

Life is a rollercoaster for him lately.

[Jd2793]

hmmm. lot of bodies up top for pats? must be expecting melia to go in the summer?. Keats was great for us this year gave us a fighting chance. Good luck to the fella he had a very tough year off the pitch but never shirked his responsibility when he played. One thing I will say is that he is pretty effective at playing on the counter or chasing balls into the channels. pats will be a strong team who youd assume will boss possession in a lot of games next year. I think he might struggle a bit.

[2 Year Contract]

Major Pats signing announcment scheduled for tomorrow. Indo are reporting it’s Ruairi Keating.

Happy days! Dan McDonnell’s article stated the contract extension he signed in July had a get out of jail free card if Cork went down so he won’t cost Pats a penny in a transfer fee.


hmmm. lot of bodies up top for pats? must be expecting melia to go in the summer?. Keats was great for us this year gave us a fighting chance. Good luck to the fella he had a very tough year off the pitch but never shirked his responsibility when he played. One thing I will say is that he is pretty effective at playing on the counter or chasing balls into the channels. pats will be a strong team who youd assume will boss possession in a lot of games next year. I think he might struggle a bit.

Eoin Doyle retired in July and was never replaced, while Carty is gone back to Bolton and has been replaced by Cian Kavanagh. Melia has been used almost exclusively on the left wing when he’s played so that leaves Keating, Kavanagh and Lonergan as the options up top which matches the number of options from this year

[patsdad]

It’s just 2 replacements - Keating (if the Indo are right) for Carty whose loan from Bolton is up, and Kavanagh for Doyle who’s signed for an American club. Add Lonergan, Melia, Mulraney and Nolan and is 6 players for the front 3 positions which is ideal. Melia is definitely going nowhere, his family agreed with the club that his best interests are served by staying with Pats at least till he’s 18 and he’s just signed a 3-year deal

[dundalkfc10]

Polar opposite signings there by duffer for shels. One has got more league titles than pats,the other....likes breakfast rolls

Ward is a good signing for Shels.can unlock defences last 20 mins games.
Was good any time he came on for us this season and we missed him when he was injured
Big miss around the dressing room aswell

[D24Saint]

Major Pats signing announcment scheduled for tomorrow. Indo are reporting it’s Ruairi Keating.

His signing would be a huge statement of intent for 24. It would be great if we could create a proper title race with Rovers & perhaps Derry aswell.

[Dermobohs]

It’s hoban

[Jack B]

I'm wary of getting too carried away with Keating given we've had many a sure-fire hit go down like a lead balloon and after having a largely underwhelming career he's suddenly just clicked in the last couple of seasons, but it's definitely a big deal and potentially a game-changer if he can carry over his form from this year.

[placid casual]

If pats have signed both hoban and Keating then they are (a) serious about winning the title and (b) have money to throw around.
If it's only hoban then it's not a signing I'd worry about as a Rovers fan.
Pat's threw money at Jack Byrne,which, had he accepted,would have posed a real challenge to Rovers 5 in a row. I'm still not unduly concerned but clearly pats are serious about improving their team and are getting their business done nice and early,which makes a lot of sense.

[TonyD]

If pats have signed both hoban and Keating then they are (a) serious about winning the title and (b) have money to throw around.
If it's only hoban then it's not a signing I'd worry about as a Rovers fan.
Pat's threw money at Jack Byrne,which, had he accepted,would have posed a real challenge to Rovers 5 in a row. I'm still not unduly concerned but clearly pats are serious about improving their team and are getting their business done nice and early,which makes a lot of sense.

I’m happy enough we didn’t sign Byrne. I know Rovers fans are saying we were throwing money at him, I wonder how much truth there is in that. Wouldn’t see himself and Forrestor in the same team, and I’d prefer Chris. I can’t see us signing both Keating and Hoban, I’ve seen both rumoured, so we’ll see. I think I’d take Keating of the two. Not long to wait for the announcement anyway. Supposed to be at 12.

And just on Mason Melia, he is still only 16, so I’d imagine he might be used sparingly.

[TonyD]

Keating confirmed. Good news.

[joey B]

Usher telling the Cork fans there would be no more clauses in contracts and then their best player leaving for free with a clause in his contract doesn’t seem great……

[D24Saint]

Keating confirmed. Good news.

Great to see us doing our business so quick. It looks like Daly is eager to hit the ground running next season. The next big signing will be a RB to replace Curtis and I’d love Daly to bring in a backup LB to help Breslin out. At CB & CM we are looking solid.

[culloty82]

Daniel Okwute is the latest Kerry player to re-sign - truth be told, the elephants in the room remain Gaxha and Kevin Williams, with their contracts expiring at the end of the month.

[Another Bohemia]

I'm wary of getting too carried away with Keating given we've had many a sure-fire hit go down like a lead balloon and after having a largely underwhelming career he's suddenly just clicked in the last couple of seasons, but it's definitely a big deal and potentially a game-changer if he can carry over his form from this year.

It kind of strikes me as similar to when you signed Dinny. Bit of a gamble but one worth taking in a league where goal scorers are few and far between. The only difference is you don't have that established goal scorer that you had with Fagan when you signed Dinny. But looking around the league who has great options at striker? Rovers with Gaffney and Johnny Kenny would be up there but I assume Kenny is on the way back to Celtic, Bohs with Afolabi and Dean Williams maybe as well but it's very likely that Afolabi will be Championship bound in the new year. Shels had to move Moylan to striker, Dundalk had Hoban but he's on the market now. I actually couldn't name Derry's main striker and I'd say it's somewhere they'll look to improve in the off season. Keating is probably the free agent with the most upside in a pretty bare market.

[TonyD]

Great to see us doing our business so quick. It looks like Daly is eager to hit the ground running next season. The next big signing will be a RB to replace Curtis and I’d love Daly to bring in a backup LB to help Breslin out. At CB & CM we are looking solid.

We have Sjoberg and McLaughlin to cover right back. Light on cover at lb alright, though Jay McLelland can cover at a push. Squad looking good to me. Might need another midfielder if Adam Murphy goes.

[Jack B]

It kind of strikes me as similar to when you signed Dinny. Bit of a gamble but one worth taking in a league where goal scorers are few and far between. The only difference is you don't have that established goal scorer that you had with Fagan when you signed Dinny. But looking around the league who has great options at striker? Rovers with Gaffney and Johnny Kenny would be up there but I assume Kenny is on the way back to Celtic, Bohs with Afolabi and Dean Williams maybe as well but it's very likely that Afolabi will be Championship bound in the new year. Shels had to move Moylan to striker, Dundalk had Hoban but he's on the market now. I actually couldn't name Derry's main striker and I'd say it's somewhere they'll look to improve in the off season. Keating is probably the free agent with the most upside in a pretty bare market.

Agreed on all that. I don't think he necessarily guarantees a title push like a lot of other team's fans on social media seem to, but in the grand scheme of things given the state of the market and the striker position in general in the league I don't think the club could have done much better. He's certainly a big upgrade on what were young and talented but inconsistent lads in Carty and Lonergan last season, with the latter and Kavanagh still being decent back-ups compared to the rest of the league. You'd imagine it'll be a trigger event for other moves within the league, as you say there's limited options around and Keating is an obvious one off the table. Would imagine there's a serious scramble about to occur for Hoban.


We have Sjoberg and McLaughlin to cover right back. Light on cover at lb alright, though Jay McLelland can cover at a push. Squad looking good to me. Might need another midfielder if Adam Murphy goes.

Agree on McLaughlin, don't even know if he's signed for next season but if he is and can stay fit I think he's of a good enough pedigree to come in. Axel just can't get fit though which has been a shame as he's looked handy on the rare occasions he's played. I think whether Murphy stays or not we really need someone that can cover Lennon/play a similar role because we don't really have that DM position covered elsewhere in the squad and were fortunate he was available for most of the season. Think that's an important one to get sorted as well as the squad bits like left back that you mention. In terms of the definite starting XI though I'd say the current priority is either convincing Lyness to stay on or finding an able replacement.

[Yossarian]

I didn’t realise Keating was 28. Just assumed he was much younger. Be interesting to see how he gets on with Pats on the back on one good season.

[sbgawa]

Afolabi has had one decent season if i was Bohs id cash in, Kenny had a good season with Sligo and did nothing at Celtic before coming home and doing nothing for Rovers. Young players can be built up quickly but dont often follow through. Its a risky business.
Keating at least has scored goals over a couple of seasons for Glaway and then Cork so might have a bit more of a chance.

Interesting to see where Hooooban shows up. Maybe if Kenny heads back to Celtic the budget mioght be there at Rovers but ive never seen him as a Bradley type of forward, doesnt do enough off the ball.....plan B maybe

[Another Bohemia]

Afolabi has had one decent season if i was Bohs id cash in, Kenny had a good season with Sligo and did nothing at Celtic before coming home and doing nothing for Rovers. Young players can be built up quickly but dont often follow through. Its a risky business.
Keating at least has scored goals over a couple of seasons for Glaway and then Cork so might have a bit more of a chance.

Interesting to see where Hooooban shows up. Maybe if Kenny heads back to Celtic the budget mioght be there at Rovers but ive never seen him as a Bradley type of forward, doesnt do enough off the ball.....plan B maybe

On Afolabi he scored 20 goals in all competitions for Bohs this season and had 7 assists. It's more than a decent season. If he stays I believe he would put up similar if not better numbers next year but he has eyes on playing at as high a level as he can. If we had have secured European football I could see him staying to gain that experience but as it stands I fully expect him to be gone. I hope Bohs do look at Hoban as a replacement because any time I've seen him play he does plenty of work off the ball and would add some leadership that is sorely missing within the squad.

[Calcio Jack]

Afolabi has had one decent season if i was Bohs id cash in, Kenny had a good season with Sligo and did nothing at Celtic before coming home and doing nothing for Rovers. Young players can be built up quickly but dont often follow through. Its a risky business.
Keating at least has scored goals over a couple of seasons for Glaway and then Cork so might have a bit more of a chance.

Interesting to see where Hooooban shows up. Maybe if Kenny heads back to Celtic the budget mioght be there at Rovers but ive never seen him as a Bradley type of forward, doesnt do enough off the ball.....plan B maybe

If Kenny is returning to Celtic then Hoban would be a great signing for us - and if nothing else getting to hear him say “…. I’ve always wanted to sign for Rovers the biggest and best club in Ireland…” would be a laugh

[sbgawa]

If Kenny is returning to Celtic then Hoban would be a great signing for us - and if nothing else getting to hear him say “…. I’ve always wanted to sign for Rovers the biggest and best club in Ireland…” would be a laugh

Childhood dream to play for Rovers

[oriel]

If Kenny is returning to Celtic then Hoban would be a great signing for us - and if nothing else getting to hear him say “…. I’ve always wanted to sign for Rovers the biggest and best club in Ireland…” would be a laugh

And not forgetting the scarf held aloft while sitting in the stands !

Anyway you won't be getting him, the Arabs are coming to Dundalk with bags and bags of money............................:D

https://twitter.com/LMFMRADIO/status/1727705301384581313

[joey B]

Luke Byrne retired….

[total hoofball]

I remember Keating looking really bad dumped out on the wing against Shels in an empty Tolka in the First Division for Galway during covid 2 years ago and now the hottest signing in the LOI funny times. Good for him though he a had great season in 2023 even more impressive with all he had to deal with personally

[total hoofball]

Luke Byrne retired….
Not surprising, a big loss on an off the pitch a truly great bloke and leader but happy for him that he is no longer pushing his body through the pain barrier. He will have a great career in coaching if he wants to continue on with his badges


https://shelbournefc.ie/luke-byrne-retires-from-professional-football/

[pineapple stu]

Well I presume he's still coming on board as UCD's (non-playing) coach for next season, so I guess he is going down that route.

[Calcio Jack]

And not forgetting the scarf held aloft while sitting in the stands !

Anyway you won't be getting him, the Arabs are coming to Dundalk with bags and bags of money............................:D

https://twitter.com/LMFMRADIO/status/1727705301384581313

Sure it will be different this time ….

[thebronze14]

Noe Baba signed back at Harps.

Our best player near the end of the season. No idea why the Scouse Bluffer dropped him for so long.

[thebronze14]

I didn’t realise Keating was 28. Just assumed he was much younger. Be interesting to see how he gets on with Pats on the back on one good season.

Feels like he played for Harps a lifetime ago!

[Bunny Kelly]

Keating to Pats reminds me of when Pats got Ronan Coughlin from Sligo, he was the top available forward that off season but ultimately wasnt able to make the step up in level. Keating's age I think is a positive, CF more than most positions I think you need that experience

[Burnsie]

Gerard Nash in advanced talks to be new Cork City manager. currently over Aston Villa under 18s

[2 Year Contract]

Gerard Nash in advanced talks to be new Cork City manager. currently over Aston Villa under 18s

He went for the pats job several times since it came up as far back as when Liam Buckley went in 2018, he was interviewed a few times for it but was always beaten to the job.

[RealJohn91]

According to Dan McDonnell in his newsletter today Hoban is keen on a move to Derry but everything is on hold at the moment with investment maybe coming into Dundalk.

Bohs and Galway are interested in Franz Pierrot from Athlone. Leo Gaxha has agreed to move to Galway and Caulfield wants Arron Dobbs and Ethan Boyle from Wexford too.

Shels are trying to sign Ali Coote but it looks more likely he'll go to Pat's like expected. There might be interest in Tommy Lonergan from other teams in the league as well.

[Shearer]

According to Dan McDonnell in his newsletter today Hoban is keen on a move to Derry but everything is on hold at the moment with investment maybe coming into Dundalk.

Bohs and Galway are interested in Franz Pierrot from Athlone. Leo Gaxha has agreed to move to Galway and Caulfield wants Arron Dobbs and Ethan Boyle from Wexford too.

Shels are trying to sign Ali Coote but it looks more likely he'll go to Pat's like expected. There might be interest in Tommy Lonergan from other teams in the league as well.
Aaron Dobbs is lethal at First Division level but remains to be seen if he can do it at top flight. Didn't do anything for Shels, managed 3 goals for Longford which isn't bad considering.

Ethan Boyle is a headscratcher.

[2 Year Contract]

He went for the pats job several times since it came up as far back as when Liam Buckley went in 2018, he was interviewed a few times for it but was always beaten to the job.

And failed this time seemingly… Tim Clancy just announced as the new Cork manager

[Jack B]

At this point I'm convinced Gerard Nash isn't a real person.

Think Clancy will do well for Cork. Obviously didn't quite do the business at Pats but Cork aren't exactly going to be competing at the top end of the PD for a while, and he's proven to be solid at the level below.

[total hoofball]

Aaron Dobbs is lethal at First Division level but remains to be seen if he can do it at top flight. Didn't do anything for Shels, managed 3 goals for Longford which isn't bad considering.

Ethan Boyle is a headscratcher.
Boyle to Galway would probably be heavily influenced by Ollie Horgan who signed him twice when he was manager of Harps

I'd agree on Dobbs he didn't look up to Premier Division level at Shels but he was still young in a poor team and same with Longford the following season. 24 goals in 50 FD starts in two seasons he may well be worth another look for PD teams with the lack of goalscorers around

[total hoofball]

Shels have re-signed the following for 2024 and all I'm very happy with

Tyreke Wilson, Shane Griffin, Kameron Ledwidge, Brian McManus, Shane Farrell

[El-Pietro]

At this point I'm convinced Gerard Nash isn't a real person.

Think Clancy will do well for Cork. Obviously didn't quite do the business at Pats but Cork aren't exactly going to be competing at the top end of the PD for a while, and he's proven to be solid at the level below.

Would love to know why we waited this long to appoint him, hes been available since May. Clearly not our first choice. Everything is a mess.

[Bunny Kelly]

Boyle to Galway would probably be heavily influenced by Ollie Horgan who signed him twice when he was manager of Harps

I'd agree on Dobbs he didn't look up to Premier Division level at Shels but he was still young in a poor team and same with Longford the following season. 24 goals in 50 FD starts in two seasons he may well be worth another look for PD teams with the lack of goalscorers around


I think Dobbs has been hampered by injuries over the years & is probably more ready for PD football than before, but his his celing will be fairly low maybe on par with Sean Boyd who when fit has been ok with Shels? Sometimes we are too quick to decide on a player, not hard to believe you will be a better player at 24/25 than at 21.

Boyle is a very Caulfield signing, can put him with Aodh Dervin in a player that will try hard but is just too limited for a PD side

[Shearer]

Kerry FC owner Brian Ainscough switches to Dundalk (http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41276785.html?s=08)

More interested in how this impacts Kerry than Dundalk...

[D24Saint]

At this point I'm convinced Gerard Nash isn't a real person.

Think Clancy will do well for Cork. Obviously didn't quite do the business at Pats but Cork aren't exactly going to be competing at the top end of the PD for a while, and he's proven to be solid at the level below.

A competent coach in fairness to him. Not the sweetest rose in the garden , could do with more people skills. He should do a job for Cork.

[ger121]

Kerry FC owner Brian Ainscough switches to Dundalk (http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41276785.html?s=08)

More interested in how this impacts Kerry than Dundalk...

Was this fella not on the BTS Podcast a couple weeks ago taking about his plans for Kerry in 2024 and beyond. Bit strange.

[culloty82]

Kerry FC owner Brian Ainscough switches to Dundalk (http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41276785.html?s=08)

More interested in how this impacts Kerry than Dundalk...

Absolutely - the article says that the departure is "on amicable terms", but given the KDL only own 25% of the club, Dennehy himself has a portion, and Ainscough presumably put forward the remainder, it's hard to see at this remove who is waiting in the wings.