Irish League Football

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After a rollercoaster few seasons, there is a feel-good factor around Glentoran again.

Declan Devine's side won the County Antrim Shield, are in the final of the BetMcLean Cup and quarter-finals of the Irish Cup, and are second in the Irish Premiership table.

With his winner at Loughgall and red card against Linfield, Joe Thomson has already made an impact after signing from Larne.

Shane McEleney and Ciaron Coll have moved to the Oval after leaving Derry City, while Christie Pattison has joined from Waterford.

Nathaniel Ferris was an arrival late in the window from Loughgall and will boost the Glens' goalscoring options.

There are a number of outgoings, all on loan. Striker Jay Donnelly is the headline departure as he signs for Newington, while Harry Murphy and Lorcan Donnelly two of those also depart.

In: Shane McEleney (Derry City), Ciaran Coll (Derry City), Joe Thomson (Larne), Christie Pattison (Waterford), Nathaniel Ferris (Loughgall).

Out: Jay Donnelly (Newington - loan), Harry Murphy (Glenavon - loan), Lorcan Donnelly (Newry City - loan), Theo McToal (Ballyclare Comrades), Casey Smyth (Newry City - loan), Callan Farley (Warrenpoint Town - loan), Owen McNeill (Lisburn Distillery - loan), Tony McIlhone (Newington - loan).

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Paddy McLaughlin has been fairly active in the January in his first transfer window as Glenavon manager.

Goalkeeper Tadhg Ryan moves to Mourneview Park from Derry City, while midfielder Aaron Heaney joins on loan from the Brandywell.

Harry Murphy also moves on loan from Irish Premiership side Glentoran and Sean Carlin has signed from Institute.

The Lurgan Blues have also recalled striker Aaron Prendergast from Dundela for the second half of the season.

Keith Ward has left Mourneview Park to sign for Dundalk, while James Carroll has made the switch to Loughgall, while midfielder Jamie Doran and winger James Soona have joined Newry City and Armagh City on loan.

After struggling at the start of the season, Glenavon have been on a good run of form under McLaughlin and are within five points of the top six.

In: Tadhg Ryan (Derry City), Sean Carlin (Institute), Harry Murphy (Glentoran - loan), Aaron Heaney (Derry City - loan), Aaron Prendergast (Dundela - end of loan).

Out: Keith Ward (Dundalk), James Carroll (Loughgall), Jamie Doran (Newry City - loan), Cohen Henderson (Oxford Sunnyside), Bobby Dean (Limavady United), James Doona (Armagh City - loan).

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Dungannon Swifts' rise to third in the table has been one of the stories of the Irish Premiership season.

The Swifts are also in the quarter-finals of the Irish Cup and won the Mid-Ulster Cup in January.

It was a stable window for Rodney McAree's side as they look to consolidate their place in the table.

Striker Brandon Bermingham, 23, was the sole recruit for the Swifts in January and has made a goalscoring start to life at Stangmore Park.

There weren't too many outgoings, either, with three departures on loan to Championship clubs.

Goalkeeper Patrick Solas Grogan has moved to Bangor, midfielder Aidan Hegarty has joined Institute while Tommy Taggert will feature for Newry City.

In: Brandon Bermingham (free agent).

Out: Patrick Solas Grogan (Bangor - loan), Tommy Taggert (Newry City - loan), Aidan Hegarty (Institute - loan)

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Coleraine were the story of the transfer market before the January window had opened after being heavily linked to Linfield's Joel Cooper.

Cooper is set to move to Coleraine in the summer after signing a pre-contract with the club.

The Bannsiders, with fresh investment, were active in the window and strengthened by bringing in Ronan Doherty from Cliftonville and Levi Ives from Larne.

Defender Paddy Burns was snapped up as a free agent and Declan McManus and Charles Dunne have arrived from TNS and St Mirren respectively.

Dean Shiels' side have also been boosted by the loan extension for Connor Murray, who will remain at the Showgrounds from Hamilton Academical until the end of the season.

Loughgall snapped up striker Kirk McLaughlin from Coleraine on deadline day, while Mackenzie Carse, Ciaron Harkin and Sam McClintock have left the club.

Coleraine sit ninth in the table and will be hoping their new recruits can help push them up the table in the second half of the season.

In: Ronan Doherty (Cliftonville), Levi Ives (Larne), Declan McManus (TNS), Charles Dunne (St Mirren), Paddy Burns (free agent), Connor Murray (Hamilton Academical - loan).

Out: Kirk McLaughlin (Loughgall), Mackenzie Carse (released), Ciaron Harkin (Derry City - end of loan), Sam McClintock (Limavady United - loan).

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Cliftonville have been active in the January transfer window as Jim Magilton's side look to consolidate their place in the fight for European places.

Australian winger Alex Parsons, 25, is an intriguing signing from A-League side Brisbane Roar.

Eric McWoods has been brought to Solitude to add to the Reds' goalscoring threat, while centre back Jack Keaney joins the club after being part of Drogheda United's FAI Cup-winning squad.

Midfielder Harry Wilson joins the club as a free agent, while defender Stephen McGuinness has returned to Solitude after spending the first half of the season at Championship leaders Bangor.

Losing to Ronan Doherty to Coleraine is a undoubtedly a blow to the Reds, while Jack Berry has made the move to Lithuania to play for FK Be1.

Taylor Steven has returned to his parent club at St Johnstone, while Kevan Hawthorne and Callum McCay have departed on loan.

In: Alex Parsons (Brisbane Roar), Eric McWoods (free agent), Jack Keany (Drogheda United), Callum McCay (Derry City), Harry Wilson (free agent), Stephen McGuinness (Bangor - end of loan)

Out: Ronan Doherty (Coleraine), Jack Berry (FK Be1), Taylor Steven (St Johnstone - end of loan), Keevan Hawthorne (Ballyclare Comrades - loan), Callum McCay (Institute - loan).

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It has been a busy window for Carrick Rangers, who are in no man's land in the Irish Premiership relegation/promotion play-off place.

While a run of victories could see them challenge the teams above them, manager Stephen Baxter will be hoping his new recruits can help fire Carrick to Irish Cup glory. They face Dungannon Swifts in the last eight.

Defender Ethan Boyle is a familiar face to the Irish League after a spell with Linfield, while Reece Webb and Cian O'Malley also arrive from League of Ireland First Division side Wexford.

Carrick are the league's lowest scorers with 21 goals in 24 matches, and Baxter has recruited striker Jack Hastings on loan from Larne, and attacking players Jack O'Reilly and Shane Forbes.

Former Larne goalkeeper Jack McIntyre was another late addition at Taylors Avenue after leaving Ayr United.

Emmett McGuckin has left the club to join Limavady United, while Ben McCauley and Ronan Kalla have moved onto pastures new.

In: Ethan Boyle (Wexford), Reece Webb (Wexford), Cian O'Malley (Wexford), Shane Forbes (Athlone Town), Jack O'Reilly (Ytterhogdals IK), Jack McIntyre (Ayr United), Luke O'Brien (St Pat's Athletic), Jack Hastings (Larne - loan).

Out: Ben McCauley (Coagh United), Ronan Kalla (Newington), Emmett McGuckin (Limavady United), Jaydyn Whiters (Ballyclare Comrades).

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After a blistering start to the season, life in the Irish Premiership has been a bit more up and down for Ballymena United in recent months.

With that in mind, manager Jim Ervin has been busy in the transfer market to bolster his squad for the second half of the campaign.

Derry City captain Patrick McEleney was the highest-profile recruit to arrive at the Showgrounds, while striker Success Idogun and midfielder Kian Corbally arrived from the League of Ireland First Division.

Conor Barr and Duncan Idehen have also arrived from the Brandywell on loan deals until the end of the season.

There have been a few notable departures, including Mikey Place, who signed for Finn Harps, Noah Stewart's move to Maidenhead United and John Herron, who was released from his contract.

In: Patrick McEleney (Derry City), Success Idogun (Finn Harps), Kian Corbally (Wexford), Conor Barr (Derry City - loan), Duncan Idehen (Derry City - loan), Jordan McMullan (H&W Welders - end of loan), Caleb Crawford (Dundela - end of loan).

Out: John Herron (released), Noah Stewart (Maidenhead United), Jack O'Mahony (Bangor), Mikey Place (Finn Harps), Brendan Barr (Institute), Fiontan O'Boyle (Newington - loan), Caleb Crawford (Moyola Park - loan), Sean Brown (Larne - end of loan), Oisin Devlin (Larne - end of loan).

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Glentoran striker Jay Donnelly will spend the rest of the season on loan at NIFL Championship side Newington.

The former Cliftonville man has scored 78 goals in 179 appearances for the east Belfast club and won the Irish Premiership's Golden Boot award in 2021-22.

The 29-year-old, who joined the club in 2020, has fallen down the pecking order under manager Declan Devine this season with Jordan Jenkins and David Fisher leading the line in the former Derry City boss' 4-3-3 formation.

Glentoran added Loughgall's Nathaniel Ferris, another striker, last week.

"We felt the best decision was to facilitate a loan move that allows [Donnelly] to play regularly and regain his sharpness in a competitive environment," said Devine.

"We know the quality Jay possesses and this loan provides him with the platform to rebuild momentum with consistent game time.

"We have no doubt he will make a real impact at Newington and we wish him all the best for the remainder of the season."

Donnelly's older brother, Ruaridhri, who has since returned to Cliftonville, spent the second half of last season on loan at Newington, also from Glentoran.

Elsewhere on transfer deadline day, Loughgall moved to replace Ferris by bringing former Glentoran striker Kirk McLaughlin to Lakeview Park from Coleraine.

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Linfield have signed Scottish winger Callumn Morrison from Falkirk on a two-and-a-half year contract for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old is a product of the Hearts academy and made 30 first-team appearances for the Edinburgh club before moving to Falkirk, where he established himself as one of the standout players in the Scottish lower leagues.

During the 2023-24 campaign, Morrison played a significant part in Falkirk's unbeaten season in Scottish League One, helping the club secure promotion to the Championship.

His performances saw him named PFA Scotland League One Player of the Year, while also finishing as the league's top scorer, lifting the Golden Boot award.

His spell at Falkirk saw him make over 150 appearances, scoring 64 goals.

"It's no secret that Callumn is a player we have admired and attempted to sign for some time, and we are thrilled to bring him to Linfield," said manager David Healy.

"His pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability will add another dimension to our attacking options and adds more vital title-winning experience to our ranks."

"Callumn could easily have stayed in Scotland with there being interest from Premiership clubs but has made it clear that he wanted to come to Linfield and build on his ambition to win trophies. I believe he will be a fantastic addition to our squad as we push for further success."

Last week the Blues further strengthened their attacking options by adding St Mirren forward Kieran Offord, formerly on loan at Crusaders, to their ranks.

Linfield sit 19 points clear at the top of the Irish Premiership table, with their next game, an away fixture against Ballymena United, to be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app on Friday night.

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Coleraine have announced the signing of defender Charles Dunne pending international clearance.

The 31-year-old joins the Irish Premiership club from St Mirren, where he made almost 100 appearances for the Paisley-based outfit.

A London native, Dunne started his career at Wycombe Wanderers and after a loan spell at Staines Town, joined Blackpool on a permanent basis in 2013.

Dunne had further spells on loan at Wycombe Wanderers and Crawley Town before joining Oldham Athletic, for who he played 18 times.

The former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international then moved to Motherwell, playing in the 2017 Scottish League Cup and 2018 Scottish Cup finals.

After a four-year stay at Fir Park, Dunne went on to play for St Mirren.

Speaking about the signing of Dunne, Coleraine head coach Dean Shiels said: "Centre back is a position we have been looking to add experience to help the younger players.

"Charles is a commanding centre-back who has played at a really high level this season in the Scottish Premiership. He also possesses the experience to organise and communicate.

"He is good in possession and is very quick, which are great qualities to have."

The signing of Dunne comes hot on the heels of the arrival of striker Declan McManus from Welsh side TNS on Friday.

The Bannsiders have also added Levi Ives, Paddy Burns and Ronan Doherty to their ranks during the transfer window.

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Cliftonville have signed Australian winger Alex Parsons from A-League side Brisbane Roar.

The 25-year-old started his career with Western Pride and had a brief spell at Central Coast Mariners before joining Brisbane in 2020.

Parsons, who can play across the frontline, made the move to fellow A-League side Sydney FC in 2022 before returning to the Roar a year later.

He becomes Jim Magilton's third signing of the January window after the arrivals of Jack Keaney and Eric McWoods.

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Northern Ireland internationals Danielle Maxwell and Louise McDaniel have left Women's Premiership champions Cliftonville to join Burnley.

Both players played a key role Cliftonville's two title winning seasons in 2022 and 2024.

Maxwell managed 11 league goals and McDaniel netted the opener in the 5-0 Irish Cup final win against Lisburn Rangers as the Reds won a domestic treble last season and enjoyed an 'invincible' Women's Premiership campaign.

Winger Maxwell, who previously had a short stint at Blackburn Rovers, won the Women's Premiership Player of the Year award in 2023 and 2024

The 22-year-old has won 16 caps for Northern Ireland, scoring two goals.

McDaniel joined John McGrady's side in 2021 after spells with Linfield, Hearts and Blackburn Rovers.

The centre midfielder was part of Northern Ireland's Euro 2022 squad and has won 17 caps, becoming first Northern Ireland women's player to score at Windsor Park, when she netted in a 4-0 victory over Latvia in 2021.

The two players will link up with international teammate Brenna McPartlan at the Clarets, who sit third in Women's Premier Division.

"It's a very competitive league and it's a big step for me, but from what I've seen of the club it's very professional," Maxwell told the club's website.

"I'm here to help with goals and assists but ultimately, the most important thing is that the team keeps getting results.

"It's an exciting time at the club with some clear goals in mind and they align with my own ambitions, so I thought it was a really good fit," McDaniel added.

"I spoke to Brenna and she told me everything about the club. Having been here for a few days now it has surpassed my expectations."

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Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree paid tribute to goalscorer Gael Bigirimana after their 2-1 extra-time win over Coleraine in the Irish Cup sixth round.

The midfielder opened the scoring for the home side with a stunning 25-yard striker before Tomas Galvin clinched the victory after the Bannsiders forced extra-time through Declan McManus.

"He's been in bed these last two days and he only got out of bed this morning," McAree told BBC Sport after the match.

"He came in and did a bit of a jog to see how he felt and he thought he could give us something but he's ended up giving us over 120 minutes - and that's outstanding.

"That's leadership from him and shows great character."

The Swifts, who currently sit third in the Premiership table, will face Carrick Rangers in the quarter-finals after their 3-0 win over Ballinamallard.

"We've beat a Premiership side here today - a very good one at that - and I would certaintly rather be in the draw with an away tie at Carrick," McAree continued.

"It's going to be difficult and we're going to have to go there and stand up to a physical challenge."

Stephen Alexander
BBC Sport NI contributor

Larne missed the opportunity to make inroads into Linfield's lead at the top of the Irish Premiership table as they drew 1-1 with Portadown at Inver Park in the only league fixture of the day.

Both goals came within a three-minute spell in the second half with Andy Ryan's opener for the champions cancelled out by Steven McCullough's equaliser.

The draw keeps Portadown, who had lost four of their previous five top flight outings, in fourth position in the standings.

Larne remain in sixth place, still some 24 points behind leaders Linfield, albeit with six games fewer played.

In a quiet first half, Ryan had an effort chalked off for offside following a quickly-taken free kick.

Larne had an opening when Portadown's offside trap failed from a Mark Randall free-kick but Ports keeper Aaron McCarey was able to dive to his left to comfortably save Tiarnan O'Connor's header.

Larne almost took the lead in the first 60 seconds of the second half when Tomas Cosgrove's cross from the right was met with a powerful header by Sean Graham but McCarey dived to push the effort away before it was scrambled clear.

Substitute Ben Wylie had a shot narrowly deflected wide for Portadown before another Graham header from a Cosgrove cross looped onto the crossbar before being cleared.

But the deadlock was eventually broken on 73 minutes when Dylan Sloan got to the bye-line before brilliantly cutting back a cross which was met by the in-rushing Ryan, whose effort looped over McCarey and into the net.

However, Larne's lead lasted a mere three minutes as Rabby Minzamba's low cross from the right was met by Lewis MacKinnon, whose goalbound effort was blocked but the rebound fell favourably for Steven McCullough to lash home a right-footed shot from inside the penalty area

Larne will play the next of their games in hand on Tuesday night as they make the short journey to Taylors Avenue to face neighbours Carrick Rangers.

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Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton admitted his side just "managed to find a way" to beat Glenavon 3-2 to seal their place in the Irish Cup quarter-finals.

The holders took the lead through Arran Pettifer in the first half before Michael O'Connor levelled the tie after the break.

Rory Hale thought he had won the game for the home side with a stunning late strike but an error from keeper David Odumosu presented Barney McKeown with a simple finish to force extra-time.

Magilton's side managed to snatch the victory thanks to Jonny Addis' winner in the second half of extra-time.

"With the chances created in the game it could have been 10-9," Magilton told BBC Sport NI after the game.

"I'm surprised we won the game 3-2 as both teams did give up opportunities. It takes all sorts to win a game and today we just managed to find a way."

Next up for Cliftonville is a last eight match-up with north Belfast rivals Crusaders - a tie that the Reds manager is looking forward to.

"Big game, big derby. It's an Irish Cup game so we can look forward to and relish.

"It's going to be a fantastic game, fantastic atmosphere and we've got to go and try and win."

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Crusaders have been drawn to host holders and north Belfast derby rivals Cliftonville in the quarter-finals of the Irish Cup.

In another all-Premiership tie, Carrick Rangers will be at home to Dungannon Swifts.

The other last-eight fixtures will see Championship leaders Bangor host Glentoran and another second tier side, Ards, at home to Loughgall.

The matches are scheduled to be played on Friday 28 February and Saturday 1 March.