Former Ireland U-21 international Colm Whelan has signed a two-year deal with FAI Cup champions Derry City.
The Kilkenny native has not played since he suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament in action for UCD last May, but has committed his future to the Candystripes despite a late move from champions Shamrock Rovers to try and do a deal.
Rovers were long-time admirers of Whelan, who was expected to join League One side Lincoln City before he suffered the long-term injury.
The 22-year-old striker hit 44 goals in 66 appearances during his three-year spell with the Students, and featured in three U-21 Euro qualifiers for Jim Crawford’s side before suffering the cruciate injury.
“I watched the FAI Cup final and was really impressed by what Derry and their fans did that weekend,” said Whelan.
“I’ve only played once at the Brandywell so far- a 7-1 defeat- so I’ll have to make sure there are many better nights than that one. I can’t wait to get started and can promise supporters a lot of hard work and hopefully a lot of goals.”
“We are delighted to welcome Colm to the club. He is a player with an extremely bright future in the game. He has a lot of games under his belt at such a young age and has a fantastic goal scoring record. Myself and the staff are really excited to get working with Colm and helping him develop further at Derry City,” said Higgins.
Higgins has been busy in the off-season, with midfielder Jordan McEneff penning a new two-year deal with the club last week too, while Danny Lafferty departed the club for Sligo Rovers.
Elsewhere, Galway United have re-signed Killian Brouder for next season. The 24-year-old defender will play a fifth successive season with the Tribesmen and was named on the PFA Ireland First Division Team of the Year this month.
Adam Foley has signed a new deal with Drogheda United. The 32-year-old forward made 24 appearances last season for Kevin Dohety’s side and is the club’s fourth signing for 2023.
Shelbourne have announced the re-signing of goalkeeper Scott van der Sluis for 2023. The former Welsh underage international made one appearance last season, and will compete with new signing Conor Kearns for the number one shirt at Tolka Park, who signed from Galway United earlier this month.
Wexford FC have signed left-back Ben Lynch from Longford Town. The 21-year-old made 27 appearances last season as Longford secured a play-off spot, and is James Keddy’s third new signing after Aaron Robinson and Mark Hanratty.
Shamrock Rovers have signed Alannah McEvoy from Peamount United. The 21-year-old forward has represented Ireland at every level from U-15 to U-19, and is the third player to leave Peas for the Hoops, after Aine O’Gorman and Summer Lawless. Meanwhile, Karen Duggan and Erin McLaughlin have re-signed with Peamount for 2023.
Wexford Youths have re-signed Ciara Rossiter for 2023. The defender was named on the Team of the Season for the second consecutive year, and also picked up Player of the Month for August/September.
