Dan Casey (Bohemians)The former St Joseph’s Boys teenager joined Bohemians in July from following his release from Sunderland. Having represented Ireland at U15 international level and all the way up to U19, the versatile defender will add strength i
Dan Casey (Bohemians)
The former St Joseph’s Boys teenager joined Bohemians in July from following his release from Sunderland. Having represented Ireland at Under 15 international level and all the way up to U19, the versatile defender will add strength in depth to Keith Long’s side as they look to push on and challenge at the top half of the table.
Bohs boss Keith Long was delighted to have been able to bring Casey to Dalymount Park: “I'm delighted to sign him. He's a big, powerful lad. He's a player who I believe will be a good addition to the squad.”
Ryan Swan (Cabinteely)
Having spent time in England with League Two side Exeter City, Ryan Swan has returned to Irish football at Stradbrook Road for Cabinteely. The 21-year-old has previous goal-scoring experience in the SSE Airtricity League First Division having bagged 18 league goals in two years during his time at UCD.
Pat Devlin was ecstatic to have Swan joining his ranks: “We are delighted to have Ryan here. I’s a brilliant opportunity for Ryan and Cabinteely. It’s an opportunity to put himself in the shop window and show everybody what he can do.”
Kieran Sadlier (Cork City)
One of the most high-profile transfers of this summer was when Kieran Sadlier departed the Showgrounds to join impending league champions Cork City. Having lost Seanie Maguire’s goalscoring prowess to Preston, Cork boss John Caulfield was keen to bolster his attacking options, and Sadlier appeared to be the answer.
The ex-West Ham winger scored in both meetings against Cork this campaign, but it’s his overall contribution which have earned him numerous plaudits.
Sadlier cited his enthusiasm to win silverware as one of the main reasons he decided to make the move down south: “I'm at a point in my career when I want to win trophies and be successful. When I sat down and thought about the interest in me from other clubs, I felt I had to come to this decision.”
Darren Cole (Derry City)
An experienced defender who has spent time in Scotland at Rangers and Partick Thistle, Darren Cole joined up with Derry City with Kenny Shiels eager to add defensive reinforcements.
Cole offers this in abundance, as well as valuable experience in a young Derry side who are pressing hard to finish inside the top three in the Premier Division this season.
Chris Mulhall (Drogheda United)
Mulhall left Limerick in search of first-team football and signed for Drogheda, which represented a positive step for Pete Mahon’s struggling team. Having found goal-scoring pedigree later on in his career with Limerick, Mulhall was brought to United Park for that exact reason.
“It’s no secret that we’re trying to add more goals to the team and I believe Chris can play a big part in that,” said Drogheda coach Pete Mahon.
Dylan Connolly (Dundalk)
Connolly joined Dundalk following a financial agreement from Bray Wanderers and his new employers to cancel his contract. He enjoyed a brief spell under Mick McCarthy at Ipswich and then made the move to the Carlisle Grounds in 2015 where he enjoyed a breakout season, scoring seven goals.
This prompted interest from Dundalk last year, but they were initially scared off by Bray’s asking price, which reportedly would have eclipsed the domestic transfer record in Ireland.
Joe Crowe (Limerick)
A defender capped by Northern Ireland at underage level, Crowe joined Limerick from Norwich City at the beginning of July. He featured regularly for the Canaries U23 side, and captained their U18 during their FA Youth Cup campaign some years earlier.
Sitting in mid-table, the Super Blues have not struggled to score goals but it’s the opposite end of the pitch where Crowe’s tenacity and defensive capability will be of value to Neil McDonald.
Lee Grace (Shamrock Rovers)
A deadline day move saw Grace depart Galway United to sign for The Hoops for an undisclosed fee in what was one of the most surprising transfers of the summer window.
The talented defender had been impressing in his debut season with Galway following a move from Wexford Youths, but he will now be tasked with breaking into Stephen Bradley's side.
Greg Moorhouse (Sligo Rovers)
One of the more recent signings on this list, Greg Moorhouse joined the Bit o’ Red from Gleneavon where he registered ten league goals and nine assists in the NIFL.
The striker was in attendance at The Showgrounds last weekend when Gerard Lyttle’s side drew 1-1 with champions Dundalk, and he believes the signs are positive going forward.
“Hopefully I can come in and score some goals. I had a loot at it, I was here on Saturday nights for the Dundalk game. The signs were good. The result was deserved.”
Owen Garvan (St Patrick's Athletic)
Garvin arrived at Inchicore at the same time as Killian Brennan, an exciting time for St. Pat’s fan during a difficult campaign up to then. Brennan arrived as a fan-favourite, but Garvan’s experience abroad and as a Republic of Ireland U21 international may prove vital to Keith Buckley’s hopes of survival.
Buckley was thrilled to add such an experienced player to his ranks: “"He has played at the top level in England in a very competitive Championship and will add a lot to us on and off the pitch.”
Paul Keegan (Waterford)
With Waterford FC poised for promotion, they added seasoned veteran Paul Keegan to their books in the middle of July. Keegan has winning habits in Irish football having had successful spells with Drogheda and Bohemians earlier on in his career.
A former Premier Division and League of Ireland Cup winner, Waterford have won every game since his arrival. He credits his relationship with former Bohs boss Pat Fenlon for getting the deal done.
“I knew in signing for Waterford and for Pat that everything would be done right. He’s very meticulous in his organisation and he has formed a very good coaching team at the club,” said Keegan.
