2025 Arrivals and Departures

[joey B]

Niall O'Keefe signed for Cobh Ramblers

[outspoken]

Niall O'Keefe signed for Cobh Ramblers

Great signing, Cobh could be shaping up to be dundalks main challenger, although the new gaffer could just as easily be gone in a few months, should be a fun season

[Martinho II]

Niall O'Keefe signed for Cobh Ramblers

Never heard of NOK Jory B where was he signed from?

[joey B]

Never heard of NOK Jory B where was he signed from?

Ah he’s been at Waterford for years,good player especially at First Division level…

[joey B]

Shane Griffin ,last at Bray also signed by Cobh Ramblers

[outspoken]

Cobh really going for it

[Shearer]

Cobh throwing the cheque book at it again.

[Buckett]

They're hardly marquee signings

[2 Year Contract]

They're hardly marquee signings
Agreed, they’re Cork/Munster based lads that have been deemed not good enough by their clubs in most cases, where else would they go?

From Cobh’s point of view they’re good solid first division signings and they could do well if added to and managed properly

[nigel-harps1954]

Don't know about that. They're two excellent signings for any First Division team. Griffin was excellent for Waterford, and then last season at Bray and O'Keefe played 19 games in the Premier last season with Waterford and is a big enough signing for a promotion chasing side.

Cobh are definitely throwing a bit of money at it this year, but their business so far has been very good. The biggest question is their choice of manager, but how he does remains to be seen.

[2 Year Contract]

Don't know about that. They're two excellent signings for any First Division team. Griffin was excellent for Waterford, and then last season at Bray and O'Keefe played 19 games in the Premier last season with Waterford and is a big enough signing for a promotion chasing side.

Cobh are definitely throwing a bit of money at it this year, but their business so far has been very good. The biggest question is their choice of manager, but how he does remains to be seen.

Don’t get me wrong, they are very good signings for any first division club. I meant that the likes of Murphy, O'Keeffe etc have been let go by premier division clubs and if they’re looking at first division offers, Cobh makes a lot of sense geographically for them which is a big plus that other FD clubs mightn’t have, meaning they probably wouldn’t have had to throw as much cash as is being suggested at signing them. I guess I’m saying, when I saw Cobh signed them, my thinking was more ‘very good signing, makes sense’, rather than ‘very good signing, how they hell did they get him, must be throwing mad money at it’. At most they’ve probably beaten off maybe Wexford, Treaty, Kerry for these lads? None of which are exactly rolling in cash

[MoydowMonty]

Carl Lennox leaves Shamrock Rovers for UCD after being on loan at Wexford and Longford Town last year. Still has some proving to do. Didn't get much game time at Longford

[joey B]

Cian Coleman won’t be back at Cork City next season

https://t.co/bLGpaghqPS

[Another Bohemia]

Cian Coleman won’t be back at Cork City next season

https://t.co/bLGpaghqPS

Interesting choice to let your captain go. Not sure how good or bad of a player he is but you would wonder what affect letting him go has on the dressing room as a whole.

[MoydowMonty]

Wonder could that be another one Cobh look to snatch off them after Cian Murphy.
Jack Doherty would be another

[2 Year Contract]

In fairness Coleman has had 4 full seasons as a first team player in the Premier Division, one was a bang average year with Pats, and the other 3 he was relegated in each. I can’t say I’ve seen a whole lot of him in the last few years bar Cork’s games against Pats in 2023 but it’s safe to say that history doesn’t bode well for a future at PD level for him. He’d be a good signing for most if not all FD clubs though

[joey B]

In fairness Coleman has had 4 full seasons as a first team player in the Premier Division, one was a bang average year with Pats, and the other 3 he was relegated in each. I can’t say I’ve seen a whole lot of him in the last few years bar Cork’s games against Pats in 2023 but it’s safe to say that history doesn’t bode well for a future at PD level for him. He’d be a good signing for most if not all FD clubs though

I’d be happy enough if I was a Cork fan,him going through how well Corks season went in the first division last year was fairly pointless,he’s not good enough for the Premier division and they’re correct to be ruthless…..

[joey B]

Conor Keeley‘s contract at Pats terminated and he’s heading back to Drogheda…

[2 Year Contract]

Conor Keeley‘s contract at Pats terminated and he’s heading back to Drogheda…

Suits all parties really. He’ll fit into that Drogheda team a lot better than he did the Pats one. Wish him all the best, by all accounts he’s a good lad and wasn’t one to throw the toys out of the pram when he was dropped when Kenny came in.

That makes it 11 of Jon Daly's 17 signings over 2 transfer windows that have been let go by the club now…

[MoydowMonty]

Valeri Dolia signs for Treaty. Don't think he kicked on at Kerry much after Athlone. Probably still a decent signing for them all the same

[joey B]

Jack Doherty signed back at Cobh Ramblers

[MoydowMonty]

Called it. Made perfect sense after he left Cork. They surely fancy themselves for a shot at the title

[Jack B]

Wonder if Coleman could end up at Cobh too. Doesn't feel like he'll have any suitors at PD level so may have limited options, but a spine of him, O'Keeffe, Griffin and Doherty would make up a pretty formidable one by First Division standards.

[oriel]

Dundalk meant to be announcing up to 5 re-signings, and 3 further new additions by the end of the week. That will make for a squad of 15 so far as there are at least 2 or 3 already signed beyond 2025, Horgan and Keogh (young left back) are two.

10+ and could even be as high as 14 will be leaving, so its going to be a big turnover, expected to be fair.

Kilduff getting his biz done early it seems which is something we have not been used to, apart from one recent season, most / all not announced until late Jan.

[joey B]

Wonder if Coleman could end up at Cobh too. Doesn't feel like he'll have any suitors at PD level so may have limited options, but a spine of him, O'Keeffe, Griffin and Doherty would make up a pretty formidable one by First Division standards.

Seems the obvious move,if Cobh have money to spend they’ll have a team challenging just by taking cast offs from Waterford and Cork …..

[MoydowMonty]

Cian Bargary would be another one you'd think they'd look to tempt to Cobh

[joey B]

Daniel Kelly’s contract cancelled at Derry

[Shinkicker]

Daniel Kelly’s contract cancelled at Derry
I believe Bohs were interested in him.

[RealJohn91]

He was unbelievable in 2018 for Bohs but a lot of miles and injuries on the clock since then. Shocked he's still only 28.

[Another Bohemia]

He was unbelievable in 2018 for Bohs but a lot of miles and injuries on the clock since then. Shocked he's still only 28.

Wonder how many of those injuries could be linked to the surfaces he's played on since he left Bohs. Dundalk and Derry are both artificial pitches after all.

[joey B]

Will Patching Won’t be back at Derry next year either….

[2 Year Contract]

Similarly to Whelan, Kelly could be a great signing for Bohs. Not playing on an Astro every second week (as well as training pretty often on it too I’m assuming) should help a lot with the injuries.

Patching would be a good signing for anyone in this league, although it sounds like he’s looking to head back to England having been over here for 5 seasons now. I know Carlisle were apparently keen on him about 6 weeks ago but haven’t heard anything on that front in recent weeks

[brendy_éire]

Daniel Kelly’s contract cancelled at Derry

Just never got going with us, for whatever reason. Said himself he didn't know what it was. Then went through a spell of injury, and that was that. Unfortunate really. Best of luck to him. Would be a decent signing for most clubs if he finds his form again.

Patching supposedly away, yes. Back to England, which we kind of expected really. Bagloads of talent in him, one the best midfielders in the league, but too often didn't show it. He was playing through an injury for half of this season, but even last year, there were games he'd go missing. Could be frustrating to watch.

I'd say those two will free up a good bit of wages, and some housing too.

[Kiki Balboa]

Just never got going with us, for whatever reason. Said himself he didn't know what it was. Then went through a spell of injury, and that was that. Unfortunate really. Best of luck to him. Would be a decent signing for most clubs if he finds his form again.

Patching supposedly away, yes. Back to England, which we kind of expected really. Bagloads of talent in him, one the best midfielders in the league, but too often didn't show it. He was playing through an injury for half of this season, but even last year, there were games he'd go missing. Could be frustrating to watch.

I'd say those two will free up a good bit of wages, and some housing too.

Because Kelly was always a super strange signing for Derry as he was never that good of a player. Genuinely only signed because he played with Dundalk.

He can take goal chances for sure, but those goals paper over how bang average of a player he is. He runs up and down like a headless chicken and does not have a good touch or any guile in his game. He was a good option for Dundalk because he can grab you a goal and can produce some very good moments if given tonnes and tonnes of space to run into, but if he does not score in a game, he is normally the worst player on the pitch. The exact player that only works well when he doesnt have to think.

Derry should have taken a punt on a different option.

As for Patching, a pure midtable player as could never play consistently. No loss at all - can not understand how a team trying to win the league could keep a hold of such a player. There is a pattern there with those too players.

[Another Bohemia]

Because Kelly was always a super strange signing for Derry as he was never that good of a player. Genuinely only signed because he played with Dundalk.

He can take goal chances for sure, but those goals paper over how bang average of a player he is. He runs up and down like a headless chicken and does not have a good touch or any guile in his game. He was a good option for Dundalk because he can grab you a goal and can produce some very good moments if given tonnes and tonnes of space to run into, but if he does not score in a game, he is normally the worst player on the pitch. The exact player that only works well when he doesnt have to think.

Derry should have taken a punt on a different option.


I don't think Kelly was that strange a signing when you consider what problem Derry were trying to solve last off season. They needed more goals to really push on for a league challenge. The year before (from what I remember but any Derry fan feel free to correct me) they had too many draws. So they went out and signed Hoban as a goalscorer and Kelly to add goals for the wings. I don't think Kelly suits a possession based style of play, much better chasing a ball, lost cause or hassling defenders but I can see why a player who's best attribute is taking the chances he's given was seen as a good option to improve them.

[culloty82]

Ryan Kelliher has signed a new contract with Kerry:

https://kerryfc.com/kerry-fc-striker-ryan-kelliher-signs-new-contract-ahead-of-2025-season/

[MoydowMonty]

Strange announcement about Kelliher cuz they said in 2023 that he had signed a 2 year contract till the end of the 2025 season. https://kerryfc.com/ryan-kelliher-commits-long-term-future-to-kerry-football-club-by-signing-professional-deal/

Now they're after announcing the exact same thing... *Shrug"

Important news for Kerry nonetheless

[legendz]

Ryan Kelliher remaining is great news for Kerry. Relied upon a lot to get goals. Hopefully there will be additions who can contribute.

[sessylU]

aaaaand Kelly has signed for Shelbourne. That was quick.

Sort of can't believe he played 30 times for Derry. In my head he made maybe 10-15 appearances. Perception's a funny thing, eh?

[Kiki Balboa]

I don't think Kelly was that strange a signing when you consider what problem Derry were trying to solve last off season. They needed more goals to really push on for a league challenge. The year before (from what I remember but any Derry fan feel free to correct me) they had too many draws. So they went out and signed Hoban as a goalscorer and Kelly to add goals for the wings. I don't think Kelly suits a possession based style of play, much better chasing a ball, lost cause or hassling defenders but I can see why a player who's best attribute is taking the chances he's given was seen as a good option to improve them.

But he is not even strong at this. He is an out-and-out poacher, that plays out wide.

I know that scoring goals is very hard in this league, and 8 in a year is nothing to be sniffed at, but I would also not be surprised if he never comes close to those numbers again, and all you are left with is Leinster Senior League player.

He seems like a very nice fella, but to borrow an American euphemism, he is a classic stat-padder.

[Dermobohs]

Dan Kelly to shels.Burt must be staying at rovers so?

[Nesta99]

Dan Kelly v Dylan Connolly? Had both been at one club and on either wing footballing nous aside opposition would still have pinned their wide defenders back. I think Dan Kelly had a lot more about him than suggested above and played in Dundalk sides that were getting rudderless. When needing to hold a lead and moved up front Kelly occupied a few players that otherwise would have bombed forward. I'd agree though, he was a play on instinct lad, give him time and he over thought things. Connolly was absolutely a one pace pony.

Im not suggesting this had anything to do with squad personality or issues at Derry subsequently, but a stand out moment of a 'wise-up' moment in Oriel was Kelly doing his hamstring, Carrick End, YDC corner, he was in bits, obvious distress and the Derry keeper wanted to put the ball out, dont think it was Maher tbh, Dummigan was screaming for the ball and to play on, keeper put the ball out to stop the game and Dummigan went and eyeballed the keeper, former and future Dundalk/Derry players were over saying cop on to Dummigan. It was an odd one as ye know when a player is genuinely hurt and this was no squealing like a pig after an air kick and the lads would have been teamates prior.

I think its a handy signing by Shels. Yes Kelly should be hitting his peak but as an out and out winger Duffer can definitely relate and help his game. O'Kane signing has the markings of long term development but for limited enough coaching I can see Kelly being a effective signing for Shels.

[MoydowMonty]

Darragh Levingston staying on ag Wexford which they'll be happy with.
Darragh Dunne also joins, which is a new name to me. Formerly of Pat's academy

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Ellis Chapman signs for Shels

[total hoofball]

Kelly is a hot or cold winger but his susceptibility to injuries with coming off a season where he was struggling for fitness makes that a risky signing for me

I suppose Duff looks at signing Kelly within the budget available that Kelly has a higher ceiling for goals/assists than if he decided to stick out another season with Matty Smith or signing Liam Burt permanently

[2 Year Contract]

Leo Gaxha signs for Dundalk. Not sure how he did with Athlone but Dundalk will surely be a better fit for him than Caulfield’s Galway was

[MoydowMonty]

Ah just call off the first division at this rate

[outspoken]

Leo Gaxha signs for Dundalk. Not sure how he did with Athlone but Dundalk will surely be a better fit for him than Caulfield’s Galway was

4g in 15 at Athlone, whoever advised him, if anyone, on the move to Galway needs a good boot, that was never ever going to work out

[joey B]

Ellis Chapman signs for Shels

Jaysis Sligo losing alot of quality from last season….

[Olander]

4g in 15 at Athlone, whoever advised him, if anyone, on the move to Galway needs a good boot, that was never ever going to work out
Lazy generalisation.

Jimmy Keohane and Ed McCarthy are just far better players than him. Same for Dervin, hence why he was shipped out in July.

Keohane was arguably our best signing in the window, he's a quality player. Very technical, and scored some brilliant goals last season. Gaxha probably should've seen more gametime with us, but when he did play, he was decent, nothing more. Upper echelons of the First Division is probably about his level.