Irish League Football

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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.

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Glentoran manager Declan Devine said "the players deserve all the credit" after his side edged out Linfield 2-1 after extra-time in a dramatic Irish Cup sixth round tie at the Oval which saw three players sent-off.

Jordan Jenkins opened the scoring for the Glens on 53 minutes before Chris McKee equalised for the Blues on 72.

Momentum swung in Glentoran's favour when Joel Cooper was sent off in extra-time for kicking out at Jonny Russell on the ground.

Substitute Finley Thorndike marked his introduction with a sweet strike from outside the area to seal the hard-fought victory for the Glens.

Linfield's Chris Shields and Glentoran's Joe Thomson were then dismissed late in extra-time after both received second yellow cards.

"This was a very important game for us against our biggest rivals who are in incredible form themselves," said Devine.

"To be as disciplined as were were, we weren't pretty by any stretch but we worked our hearts out.

"The players deserve all the credit. They've bought in to what it takes to play for the club."

Devine expressed relief at securing passage into Saturday's quarter-final draw.

The east Belfast side are undefeated in cup competitions this season, having already clinched the County Antrim Shield and in the final of the BetMcLean Cup.

"We're in the next round, that's all that matters.

"We've got great character in our team, even when we conceded the goal. There were a lot of players running on empty and what a goal to win it.

"But testimony to Linfield too. They're a brilliant team, it was a rip-roaring cup tie and we're delighted to be in the hat."

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Glentoran v Linfield (Friday, 19:45 GMT, live on BBC iPlayer & BBC Sport website from 19:30 GMT)

Declan Devine appears to have given his team a real buzz at present, securing the Country Antrim Shield and that taste of success. Linfield on the other hand, have failed to beat the Glens this year. I think this may be their moment.

Prediction: 1-2 AET

Ballinamallard United v Carrick Rangers (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster)

It will be a difficult trip to Ferney Park for Carrick Rangers. A good cup run is very possible, given the quality and experience they have backing their side, but I won't expect them to have it easy.

Prediction: 0-1

Dungannon Swifts v Coleraine (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster)

Back-to-back fixtures are always difficult to call, especially following last week's 1-1 draw [in the Irish Premiership], with a last-minute Coleraine equaliser. Dungannon are the Premiership's surprise package of the year, with underrated quality throughout. Both sides tasted regional trophy success as of late and it'll be a difficult one to call. This one could go either way.

Prediction: 2-1

Dollingstown v Loughgall (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster)

A capable Dollingstown team, who will be hoping to secure promotion to the Championship. Loughgall were unfortunate not to get a result against the Glens [in the Irish Premiership] and now have a welcome distraction from their league campaign. It will be interesting to see how they cope with having the favourites tag.

Prediction: 2-1

Crusaders v Limavady United (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster)

Having knocked out Larne and being well placed in the Championship, this experienced Limavady side have every chance to shock Crusaders, however, I think the Crues, with the home advantage, will be in the hat for the next round.

Prediction: 2-0

Cliftonville v Glenavon (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster)

Cliftonville have won one of their previous league fixtures. A side littered with talent, and they are the cup holders, however Glenavon are on the crest of a wave with four consecutive wins. A tough challenge at Solitude, but I think Glenavon will take the win.

Prediction: 0-1

Bangor v Annagh United (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster)

Two sides that have a real expectation of promotion to the Premiership and are enjoying impressive league campaigns. Annagh have shown confidence in the last three league outings, however, I think Bangor will take it with a late winner.

Prediction: 3-2

Moyola Park v Ards (Saturday, 15:00 GMT, coverage on Sportsound on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster)

Both sides are showing inconsistent form, however, I think the Championship side will progress in the cup.

Prediction: 1-2

Don't forget to join Sean Ward and the rest of the commentary team alongside Michael McNamee on Sportsound this week from 14:00 GMT on Saturday for all the latest from the Irish Cup. Available on BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Sounds and on the BBC Sport website.

Image source, David Cavan

Coleraine have completed the signing of Scottish striker Declan McManus from Welsh side The New Saints [TNS] for an undisclosed fee.

McManus spent four years with TNS, winning three Welsh Premier titles, two Welsh Cups and one Welsh League Cup.

He twice finished as the league's top goalscorer scoring 24 goals in 2021-22 and 29 in 2022-23.

The 30-year-old helped TNS to become the first Welsh side to reach the group or league stage of any European competition this season.

He played all six games of TNS' Uefa Conference League campaign, scoring in a 2-0 victory against Astana.

The Glasgow born forward becomes Coleraine's fourth arrival in January after the signings of Levi Ives, Ronan Doherty and Paddy Burns.

Bannsiders boss Dean Shiels was pleased to link up once again with McManus, who he played with at Dunfermline.

"I know his qualities and what he can offer. He's a good lad off the pitch, has a great attitude and he will fit in well with the group," Shiels told the club's website.

"Secondly, he's a good player and his goalscoring record in the last few years have been unbelievable.

"Declan is a pure goalscorer and they are worth their weight in gold."