2025 Arrivals and Departures

[outspoken]

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.

Yano what, that's a very fair point. I do think he's a bit light.

[Glen Of Aherlow]

Jaysis Sligo losing alot of quality from last season….

You'd have to be very worried if you were a Sligo fan , it's going to be a very competitive PD next season

[Shearer]

Finn Harps have signed Joe Gorman.

He was rubbish with Treaty, worse with Bray and then played in the Irish Premier Intermediate league which is a rank league.

A bad egg to top it all off.
News today that Joe has been fined €1K and put off the road for two years for being drunk in charge of a car.

Driving ban for League of Ireland footballer found drunk in charge of vehicle (https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/driving-ban-for-league-of-ireland-footballer-found-drunk-in-charge-of-vehicle/a990074049.html)

[Jack B]

I felt the same about Sligo last season and they ended up confounding expectations and having a comfortable enough one, albeit with a slightly disappointing run-in. Wouldn't put it past them to find a way to punch above their weight again but it's hard to do season after season, especially now when a lot of squads are so much more settled than usual and the domestic pool of players makes for much slimmer pickings. You'd imagine there won't be another Dundalk-level basket case and Drogs will be stronger too to give that bit of security from the relegation battle.

[culloty82]

Seán McGrath signs a new multi-year contract with Kerry:

https://kerryfc.com/sean-mcgrath-signs-multi-year-contract-extension-with-kerry-fc/

[Shinkicker]

Drogheda sign Thomas Oluwa could well be a sign Pierrot isn't re-signing.

[2 Year Contract]

Sligo sign Ronan Manning from Galway. Didn’t kick a ball in 2024 and has only made 68 senior LOI appearances in his 8 year career, an average of less than 9 a season. Risky signing by the look of things if they plan on needing him for more than a handful of games next year

[outspoken]

Sligo sign Ronan Manning from Galway. Didn’t kick a ball in 2024 and has only made 68 league appearances in his 8 year career, an average of less than 9 a season. Risky signing by the look of things if they plan on needing him for more than a handful of games next year

Sligo love a crock

[sbgawa]

Drogheda sign Thomas Oluwa could well be a sign Pierrot isn't re-signing.

There is a really good player in Oluwa, he impressed me when he was at Rovers , explosive pace , was surprised he left at the time.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Sligo love a crock

Theyre cheaper

[redobit]

Sligo love a crock

We've turned plenty of them in to gems tho.

[Nesta99]

You'd have to be very worried if you were a Sligo fan , it's going to be a very competitive PD next season

Careful now! Remember the 2024 predictions thread success and that they have tradition to save them from the dreaded trapdoor....

[outspoken]

We've turned plenty of them in to gems tho.

Yep, Power was excellent when he played last season but having had such a thing squad last season it's certainly high risk.

[legendz]

Seanie McGrath is staying with Kerry. A lot of good news after what had been a quiet off season.

[Jack B]

Have to say I may well be getting mislead by a small sample size, but whenever I've watched Luke Heeney I've always thought he was a weak point in Drogheda's team.

Nonetheless, very enjoyable stuff from them in teasing his re-signing announcement.

https://x.com/DroghedaUnited/status/1870188686857687267?s=19

[Cosmo]

Have to say I may well be getting mislead by a small sample size, but whenever I've watched Luke Heeney I've always thought he was a weak point in Drogheda's team.

Nonetheless, very enjoyable stuff from them in teasing his re-signing announcement.

https://x.com/DroghedaUnited/status/1870188686857687267?s=19


Certainly not a weak link - delighted he's staying.

[oriel]

Ah look its a good gag by Drogs admin, all good banter, to be fair why would any player turn down PD and Euro over start over project in FD, I certainly wouldn't.

He's a good player, won't be getting into many team of the weeks mind, but def worthy of a place at a PD club.

[oriel]

Eoin Kenny back at Dundalk for 2025, not sure he had that many options, but good to see, local lad now, but needs to score more, and bulk up a little in my book.

Another local lad who does not need to bulk is the big lad Animashaun, also signed back, central defender who should ease through FD games you would think.

[outspoken]

Ah look its a good gag by Drogs admin, all good banter, to be fair why would any player turn down PD and Euro over start over project in FD, I certainly wouldn't.

He's a good player, won't be getting into many team of the weeks mind, but def worthy of a place at a PD club.

Incredible to see so many grown men being beyond wound up about it, personally think it's sh*t like this that makes the league great.

[outspoken]

Eoin Kenny back at Dundalk for 2025, not sure he had that many options, but good to see, local lad now, but needs to score more, and bulk up a little in my book.

Another local lad who does not need to bulk is the big lad Animashaun, also signed back, central defender who should ease through FD games you would think.

Agree fully on Kenny needs to get down the roma more often for a mixed grill. Personally, I find Mayowa a bit clumsy especially with ball at feet but should cruise through FD if attitude is right.

[dansultheman]

Dundalk seem to have a good size budget! With everything they have been through to survive, is it seen as a gamble to go for it in the 1st division this year with so much debt still to pay?

I thought that they would be trying to create a more sustainable model, I could be wrong but the first division is a slog and won’t be as easy as many think in my opinion.

[culloty82]

Nathan Gleeson makes it three Kerry re-signings in as many days.

[oriel]

Agree fully on Kenny needs to get down the roma more often for a mixed grill. Personally, I find Mayowa a bit clumsy especially with ball at feet but should cruise through FD if attitude is right.

Outstanding, guessing you know the town well, if you know the most popular Italian cafe / chipper, and the mixed grill too - up there with Sing Li curry chips** and Harp - the towns greatest icons after DFC and the Coors !!!

**Away fans in Oriel Park would have had that pleasure for most of and after the SK era, then again Mullens is not bad either, all of this is just classic LOI, a 2025 arrivals and dept thread and we are talking about fast food, I`ll get my coat.........................

[oriel]

Dundalk seem to have a good size budget! With everything they have been through to survive, is it seen as a gamble to go for it in the 1st division this year with so much debt still to pay?

I thought that they would be trying to create a more sustainable model, I could be wrong but the first division is a slog and won’t be as easy as many think in my opinion.

I don't think anyone at the club or supporters will be of the opinion and regardless if this will be possibly one of the weaker FD's in some years, that it will still be nothing other than a very tough ask to come back up at the first attempt. Dundalk will probably start as favs, but what the club / fans won't have is the mentality knowing the FD inside out that the other 9 clubs will have, plus it will be 9 very different venues and much longer travel, so all will be a factor.

Initially and after all the meltdown, my mates and I (and we are mid 50's so we have seen a lot, euro games high of the late 70's, first golden era 76-82, then again 88-92, back to the FD for most of the 00's, terribly depressing scene, Kenny era and after obv massive highs 13-20, then where we are now) so its always been a rollercoaster.

All of us agreed that a good few seasons down, will do us no harm, re-start / re-set and take our medicine after a deserved relegation.

Then we see the pieces Kilduff has put together, and even getting him was a coup, remember he joined not knowing if we would get the License, and the players started to arrive, and most exactly what we need, good FD exp with Athlone (3 players), maybe Bray's best or one of, no marquee signing, but wasn't expecting any, Eoin Kenny and Animashuan staying are positives, both need to do better than 2024 but that wouldn't have been hard as would have applied to all.

Personally I`m not taking 2025 for granted, if we get promoted great, but then that creates another challenge, how to stay in the PD, and at the same time keep managing the debt, which by the sounds of things the owner and the board have managed very well, seemingly paying everyone, obv not what they are fully owed, but all get something.

I think the 2025 FD might be a little more competitive than most think.

[DCSIL]

Outstanding, guessing you know the town well, if you know the most popular Italian cafe / chipper, and the mixed grill too - up there with Sing Li curry chips** and Harp - the towns greatest icons after DFC and the Coors !!!

**Away fans in Oriel Park would have had that pleasure for most of and after the SK era, then again Mullens is not bad either, all of this is just classic LOI, a 2025 arrivals and dept thread and we are talking about fast food, I`ll get my coat.........................

Just seen that Joe Grossi has passed away.

[ger121]

I think the 2025 FD might be a little more competitive than most think.

I think you might be right Oriel. I’d still have you as firm favourites but it could be a competitive division.

[legendz]

I think the 2025 FD might be a little more competitive than most think.


I think you might be right Oriel. I’d still have you as firm favourites but it could be a competitive division.
Dundalk will pull well clear like Galway and Cork. 7 clubs will be vying for the playoffs again. That can classed as competitive within that group of 7. They can all perform well on their day, as seen in some cup performances, but not consistently enough to match Premier clubs and the odd one out squeezed out by relegation.

[Knocklyonhoop]

I don't think anyone at the club or supporters will be of the opinion and regardless if this will be possibly one of the weaker FD's in some years, that it will still be nothing other than a very tough ask to come back up at the first attempt. Dundalk will probably start as favs, but what the club / fans won't have is the mentality knowing the FD inside out that the other 9 clubs will have, plus it will be 9 very different venues and much longer travel, so all will be a factor.

Initially and after all the meltdown, my mates and I (and we are mid 50's so we have seen a lot, euro games high of the late 70's, first golden era 76-82, then again 88-92, back to the FD for most of the 00's, terribly depressing scene, Kenny era and after obv massive highs 13-20, then where we are now) so its always been a rollercoaster.

All of us agreed that a good few seasons down, will do us no harm, re-start / re-set and take our medicine after a deserved relegation.

Then we see the pieces Kilduff has put together, and even getting him was a coup, remember he joined not knowing if we would get the License, and the players started to arrive, and most exactly what we need, good FD exp with Athlone (3 players), maybe Bray's best or one of, no marquee signing, but wasn't expecting any, Eoin Kenny and Animashuan staying are positives, both need to do better than 2024 but that wouldn't have been hard as would have applied to all.

Personally I`m not taking 2025 for granted, if we get promoted great, but then that creates another challenge, how to stay in the PD, and at the same time keep managing the debt, which by the sounds of things the owner and the board have managed very well, seemingly paying everyone, obv not what they are fully owed, but all get something.

I think the 2025 FD might be a little more competitive than most think.

if this squad (even at this early stage) doesn’t get promoted then CK isn’t as good a manager as I’d say most expect him to be

[Nesta99]

Incredible to see so many grown men being beyond wound up about it, personally think it's sh*t like this that makes the league great.

Cup winners, Europe, going ft v 1st division finanaial basketcase, the moments hesitation between choosing was obviously the weight of sheer size, tradition, and how fleeting the normal order gets turned on its head. Why people get so flustered about fans being fans where oneupmanship and winding up is the core of the whole thing.

Im pretty sure Outspoken lives in Dundalk, snared by a local las, and a regular in Oriel, so a good independent view on where the teams is at over the years. It would've been super impressive if the old Maloccas(Park St) v Roma mixed grill wars were referenced!

[MoydowMonty]

Dean Williams returns to Athlone. Very good signing for them. He'll do a job in the first division for sure

[Martinho II]

Cup winners, Europe, going ft v 1st division finanaial basketcase, the moments hesitation between choosing was obviously the weight of sheer size, tradition, and how fleeting the normal order gets turned on its head. Why people get so flustered about fans being fans where oneupmanship and winding up is the core of the whole thing.

Im pretty sure Outspoken lives in Dundalk, snared by a local las, and a regular in Oriel, so a good independent view on where the teams is at over the years. It would've been super impressive if the old Maloccas(Park St) v Roma mixed grill wars were referenced!

Yeah Outspoken has lived there in Dundalk a good couple of years now Nesta

[culloty82]

Sean O'Connell the latest Kerry re-signing.

[legendz]

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

Dundalk is probably Gaxha's best route to the Premier Division, if he has a good season and proves himself.

[Martinho II]

Heard yesterday that Kyle OConnor has left us to go to Athlone Town. Huge blow as I thought he had a great season last year!

[outspoken]

Heard yesterday that Kyle OConnor has left us to go to Athlone Town. Huge blow as I thought he had a great season last year!

Towards the end of the year he found his 2023 form again but for much of the season he looked rather headless, not sure he'll be that big of a loss, can just move Dean O'Shea out there and hopefully recruit some solid CB's.

[MoydowMonty]

To no one's surprise, Cian Bargary joins the Cork Exodus at Cobh. A good signing for anr first division club

[Jd2793]

jr wilson to athlone... random? hes good enough to stay in PD

[Martinho II]

jr wilson to athlone... random? hes good enough to stay in PD

Yeah very surprised. Athlone Town have bought well so far unlike us!

[joey B]

Was Wilson Sligos first choice right back last season? Weird one that……

[Thewhitepele]

Was Wilson Sligos first choice right back last season? Weird one that……

Yes he was first choice and while not the greatest RB ever seen at the showgrounds he was solid and I suspect we would have offered him another contract had he not wanted to move back to Dublin where he has a young family. I would have thought he could do better than Athlone but I guess most Dublin clubs are already sorted at RB and he wants to play games.

[sbgawa]

Do Athlone train in Dublin. Would make it easier to understand if so

[outspoken]

Do Athlone train in Dublin. Would make it easier to understand if so
Don't think so

[joey B]

Will Patching signed for Carlisle United

[MoydowMonty]

Bastien Hery moves to Athlone. Longford's loss is Athlone's gain

[Olander]

Bastien Hery moves to Athlone. Longford's loss is Athlone's gain
Not so sure about that assessment.

Hery is well-past his best at this stage. He can barely run. The amount of clubs that he's had over the last few seasons tells a tale.

He hasn't performed at a high level for at least 3 or 4 years.

[Longfordian]

He was no addition any time I saw him last season.

[MoydowMonty]

Not so sure about that assessment.

Hery is well-past his best at this stage. He can barely run. The amount of clubs that he's had over the last few seasons tells a tale.

He hasn't performed at a high level for at least 3 or 4 years.

Thought he was our best player last season. Always the biggest threat, most creative and capable of pulling off something special.

And he doesn't have to play a high level, it's first division. Very much a loss for Longford

[Dermobohs]

Ah lads, an absolute chancer.Long signed him for bohs thinking we’d got a creative midfielder, turned out he was creative at being unfit for an entire season, an absolute chancer, and a lazy ******** to boot.stole money from several clubs, really boils my **** to see lads like this getting endless opportunities that young up and coming players find hard to come by.

[outspoken]

Olander is right that the lad can barely walk, he was by far and away our unfittest player last year yet he could still pick out a pass, probably goes to show how little options we had last season when a player like that is getting a game let alone being described as a huge loss. Not sure how is body will take to an astro pitch.

[Shinkicker]

Christie Pattinson gone from Waterford to Glentoran. Very surprised he wasn't picked up by a LOI club.