Their squad has been decimated since they were relegated, but UCD last week named a new manager as they prepare for life back in the First Division. Andy Meyler will take charge in the Belfield Bowl – he had previously played for the club amongst others in what was a highly successful playing career. He replaces Maciej Tarnogrodzki who had been in temporary charge after Colin O’Neill was sacked in August.
One of his first tasks will be to stem the flow of departures from Belfield. That continued during the week with midfielder Richie O’Farrell signing for Drogheda United. Goalkeeper Tom Murphy left to sign with Wexford FC as the men from the South East made three signings during the week. Cian Kavanagh arrived after a season with Drogheda, and goal-keeper Colum Feeney has returned to the club after he took time off to concentrate on getting his Leaving Certificate.
It was a busy week on the transfer front in the First Division as Galway United added two more to their ranks. They signed under-age player Jack O’Connor from Sligo Rovers and also brought in another former Rovers player in goalkeeper Micheál Schlingermann. The netminder has 10 years playing experience in the league despite being only 28 years old. Alan Murphy’s side will be looking to figure more prominently in the race for promotion.
Derry City are another side who have been busy on the transfer front as it continued with the addition of midfielder Conor Clifford. He had been with St. Patrick’s Athletic last season and previously had spells with Limerick, Dundalk, and Chelsea. Dundalk have also added to their already impressive ranks as they signed left-back and Irish U-21 international Darragh Leahy from Bohemian FC.
Sligo Rovers have brought in midfielder Will Seymour. He was with Reno 1868 last season and FC Cincinnati before that. The week ended on a sad note for the Bit o’Red though with the passing of honorary Club President Eddie McCullagh. A lifelong Rovers supporter, Eddie previously served on the management committee and was also an active seller of lotto tickets for the club.
He was also most notably one of the group of volunteers who took it upon themselves to raise the funds to help the club build its ground the Showgrounds in the 1960s. He called to hundreds of houses collecting shillings. He helped the club secure its home, and what a legacy to leave. He will be missed and may he rest in peace.
