The transfer window so far - SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division
Bohemians
Bohemians are preparing for building on a strong 2025 which saw them back in Europe and have added a couple of names to their squad with defender Sam Todd (from Derry City) and midfielder Patrick Hickey (from Galway United) coming in on multi-year deals.
However, they’ve also seen some notable departures with Keith Buckley, Rob Cornwall and James Talbot on the move.
Derry City
Tiernan Lynch has begun the off season with quiet confidence bringing in Darragh Markey from Drogheda United and Rob Slevin from Galway United.
With departures including the likes of Danny Mullen, Lynch is looking to refine the squad that finished second last season with a chance of a title push in 2026.
Drogheda United
Drogs have been busy so far in November and December as Brandon Kavanagh (St. Pat’s) and Mark Doyle (coming in from the US) have been added to the new squad with US based Ethan O’Brien also making the move to Sullivan & Lambe Park.
The moves in follows the departure of Darragh Markey and Luke Heeney who are both long term stalwarts of the Club so Kevin Doherty will be looking to move early to fill any gaps in the squad.
Dundalk
Perhaps the headline move for the Lilywhites so far is the signing of long-time Bohemians captain Keith Buckley. The 33-year-old midfielder joins Dundalk as they prepare for top-flight return.
Along with Buckley, Dundalk added young midfielder Ronan Teahan from Kerry indicating the club is blending experience with youthful potential.
Galway United
Manager John Caulfield has extended his contract, signalling long-term stability at Eamonn Deacy Park and though there has been some notable departures such as Pat Hickey to Bohemians and Rob Slevin to Derry City, he has also moved quick in bringing players in.
Among their early additions is midfielder Lee Devitt a standout from 2025’s SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division who moves to Galway United to test himself at the top flight after three years at Treaty United.
Former Bohs man Kris Twardek has also come in from Canada to bolster the Tribesmen.
Shamrock Rovers
As the Champions continue their UEFA Conference League campaign, Stephen Bradley has also been preparing for defending their title as Enda Stevens has made the move back to Tallaght.
Bradley has also hinted at Rory Gaffney signing a new deal at the Club and spoke about the return of Jack Byrne to the squad in January which will surely bolster their forces again.
Shelbourne
Shels have been quiet so far as they look to improve on last year’s third place finish but are also continuing their maiden UEFA Conference League campaign so fans can expect movement soon on updates in Tolka.
Sligo Rovers
John Russell has been one of the busiest managers so far this off-season. He has brought in Archie Meekison (Bohemians), Alex Nolan (Cork City), Jeannot Esua (Galway United) and Carl McHugh (Goa).
Ciaron Harkin has also signed a new deal as the Bit O’Red look to follow up a strong end of 2025.
St. Patrick’s Athletic
Stephen Kenny has been busy looking to bolster his squad after a disappointing 2025 campaign with the signing of former Sligo Rovers striker Max Mata who links up with his old team mate Aidan Keena.
Brandon Kavanagh has departed Richmond Park and a busy off season could be seen in the next month in Inchicore.
Waterford
Waterford, under new Head Coach Jon Daly, kicked off their 2026 preparations by snapping up midfielder and defender Luke Heeney, who makes the move from Drogheda United, marking their first new signing of the window.
The Club also confirmed their retained list: key names like veteran striker Pádraig Amond and others like Tommy Lonergan remain on board.
