- Andrew Dempsey
- Wed, Feb 15 2023
First Division Longford Town have swooped in to sign Aodh Dervin on loan from Shelbourne ahead of the 2023 campaign.
Dervin, 23, joined the Reds last season from De Town alongside now former Shels defender Aaron O’Driscoll.
And despite featuring for Damien Duff’s side in the FAI Cup final, Dervin has returned to his home-town club on a season-long loan.
He has become Longford’s 21st new signing ahead of the new season.
Elsewhere, Premier Division outfit St Patrick’s Athletic have signed Coventry City youngster Jay McGrath on loan.
McGrath will provide some cover for Tim Clancy’s side ahead of their season opener against Derry City on Friday night.
The centre-back, 19, has been predominantly playing for Coventry at Under-23 level, but has also been on loan at Alfreton Town in English non-leagues.
“I've been wanting to get out on loan and as soon as I heard St Pat's were interested I was really happy to join the club,” McGrath said.
“St Pat's is a big club with great fans and when I spoke to the Tim Clancy and Jon Daly about the way they play and the type of team we are; I couldn't wait to join.
“My first session was very good, I could see straight away the quality of the boys, it's a good group of lads they were all very welcoming and we can't wait to get going in front of the fans on Friday.”
Meanwhile, First Division Waterford have signed Premier Division duo Ronan Coughlan and Ryan Burke.
Coughlan joins from the Saints while Burke links up with the Blues after a stint with Bohs.
Coughlan is a striker by trade and has previously played for Sligo Rovers, Cork City and Bray Wanderers – while Dubliner Burke was on the books of Birmingham City before.
“Hopefully I can bring goals, experience and much more to help get the club back to where it belongs,” Coughlan said.
“It’s been too long since I’ve had a proper chance to show what I can do when I’m given the opportunity. I’m extremely hungry for success and hopefully it will start on Friday night.
“First and foremost, we want to be right up there come the end of the season, we won’t shy away from that, we know where we need to be and what needs to be done in order to achieve that outcome.”
Also in the First Division, Kerry have unveiled the signings of Shane Guthrie and Steven McCarthy – with the duo completing the Kingdom’s 29-man squad for 2023.
Former Treaty United star Matt Keane has also been named as club captain for the year.
