Irish League Football

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Cliftonville have announced the signing of H&W Welders forward Brian Healy for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old previously featured in the Irish Premiership with Newry City and then enjoyed two productive loan spells with Ballyclare Comrades.

He signed for the Welders in July 2025 and hit the ground running in east Belfast, netting 25 goals in 26 games in all competitions, including four in his final appearance for the club against Armagh City.

Healy becomes the Reds' third January signing after the arrivals of Joseph O'Toole and Liam McStravick and will be part of the squad for their Irish Cup fifth round tie against Dundela on Saturday.

Cliftonville also confirmed that full-back Conor Barr has returned to Derry City following the conclusion of his loan spell at the club.

The 20-year-old made 13 appearances during his time at the north Belfast outfit.

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Crusaders have announced the signing of defender Cameron Bruce on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The 20-year-old joins from Airdrieonians, who he made 10 appearances for, and will add to Declan Caddell's side's defensive options.

Bruce is the first signing that Caddell has made since the transfer window opened as the north Belfast side attempt to extend their unbeaten run to more than three games and move further clear of the bottom two in the Irish Premiership.

"We are delighted to add Cammy to the squad," Caddell told Crusaders media after the announcement.

"He is a player we have been watching for a while and when the opportunity came to sign him, we jumped at it.

"He is a very talented player who will fit in really well with the group."

The Crues travel to the Coleraine Showgrounds on Friday night to face the Bannsiders in the fifth round of the Irish Cup with the match live on the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.

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January signings so far: Josh Carson (Ballymena United), Jack Scott (Coleraine)

January departures so far: Ben Wylie (Coleraine), Ryan Mayse (Dergview)

Portadown have already made a shrewd acquisition by bringing in experienced midfielder Josh Carson from Ballymena United.

Carson was plagued by injury during his time with the Sky Blues, but when at full fitness is an energetic and creative option for Niall Currie, who will hope his side can pull away further from relegation danger in the second half of the season.

The arrival of Carson should help to offset the departure of Ben Wylie, who has joined Coleraine after an impressive first half of the season at Shamrock Park, while the addition of Jack Scott on a permanent deal looks to be another good bit of business after he impressed on loan at Carrick Rangers.

Forward Ryan Mayse, whose minutes have diminished this season after his goal scoring heroics off the bench for much of last season has also departed, joining Premier Intermediate side Dergview.

Currie will hope the Ports can hold onto fellow forward Josh Ukek who is attracting attention from other clubs in the league and maybe bring a few others in to strengthen the squad depth.

Next five fixtures: Annagh United (H, Irish Cup) - 10 January; Bangor (A) - 17 January; Ballymena United (A) - 24 January; Carrick Rangers (H) - 31 January; Coleraine (A) - 10 February

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January signings so far: Kenzie Beattie (Ballymacash Rangers - end of loan)

January departures so far:

Linfield are in need of some quality additions as they look to keep their faint hopes of retaining the Gibson Cup alive with a squad that is currently stretched.

Injuries have robbed David Healy of key players such as Chris Shields, Jamie Mulgrew and Kieran Offord for large parts of the season.

Signing a defensive midfielder will be high on the agenda as will a centre-back given they failed to replace Matty Orr in the summer and Euan East's own fitness struggles.

Healy will hope the likes of Matt Yates, Charlie Allen and Chris McKee continue to step up, as they did in the thrashing of Bangor in the continued absence of Offord and alongside Matthew Fitzpatrick.

Outgoings may be few and far between given the injury list, so Linfield fans will hope Callumn Morrison can also make his mark as he has struggled for consistency since his arrival last January.

Next five fixtures: Bangor (H, Irish Cup) - 10 January; Carrick Rangers (A) - 13 January; Larne (H) - 16 January; Crusaders (A) - 24 January; Ballymena United (H, BetMcLean Cup) - 27 January

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January signings so far:

January departures so far:

Andy Ryan's return to goal scoring form so soon after his long injury lay-off will have eased Larne's necessity to go into the transfer market for a new striker.

The 31-year-old featured off the bench against Cliftonville and Coleraine in recent weeks, scoring twice against the Bannsiders and his timely return will feel like a new signing for Gary Haveron.

With the likes of Dan Bent and Dylan Sloan also set to soon return after their own spells out injured, Larne's strength in depth in midfield will increase further as they look to clinch a third title in fourth years.

Larne didn't do much business in the summer, and it is unlikely they will do much in January given the settled nature of their squad.

Ryan's January arrival in 2023 helped Larne over the line to their first title that year and the likes of Chris Gallagher and Tiernan O'Connor have also been examples of some successful business the Invermen have done in this mid-season window, showing they are willing to act if the right player is available to aid their title push.

Next five fixtures: Ballymena United (A, Irish Cup) - 10 January; Glentoran (A) - 13 January; Linfield (A) - 16 January; Bangor (H) - 23 January; Crusaders (A) - 31 January

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January signings so far: Ben Gallagher (Mandurah City), Jack Malone (Glenavon)

January departures so far: David Fisher (Hanoi FC), Nathaniel Ferris (Glenavon - loan), Charlie Lindsay (Glenavon - loan), Jonny Russell (Crawley Town)

Glentoran, on paper, look to have a strong squad that will not need too much tinkering in January, but they have chosen to strengthen further as they look to challenge on three fronts in the league, BetMcLean Cup and Irish Cup.

They have brought in midfielders Jack Malone and Ben Gallagher, who are both young but have impressed during their time in the Irish League with Glenavon and Dungannon Swifts respectively.

Their real business this month will be trying to tie some of their key players this season down to new deals with goalkeeper Alex Mills and full-back Danny Amos out of contract at the end of the season.

The Glens did get an undisclosed fee for selling Jonny Russell to League Two Crawley Town, a deal that looks to have worked for both parties given the Northern Ireland under-21 international was in and out of the team under Declan Devine and the east Belfast side have made a profit on an academy player.

Fringe players Charlie Lindsay and Nathaniel Ferris have departed on loan to Glenavon to get more minutes while David Fisher has completed an interesting move to Vietnamese side Hanoi FC, where he will link up with his former boss Warren Feeney.

Next five fixtures: Strabane Athletic (A, Irish Cup) - 10 January; Larne (H) - 13 January; Glenavon (A) - 17 January; Cliftonville (H) - 25 January; Coleraine (H, BetMcLean Cup) - 28 January

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January signings so far: Gavin Gilmore (Finn Harps), Nathaniel Ferris (Glentoran - loan), Charlie Lindsay (Glentoran - loan)

January departures so far: Francely Lomboto (Galway United), David McDaid (Portstewart), Bridel Bosakani (Drogheda United - end of loan), Corey Smith (Coleraine - end of loan), Caolan Murphy (H&W Welders), Jack Malone (Glentoran)

Michael O'Connor will be desperately hoping to bring in a number of recruitments this month to help Glenavon in their fight against relegation and reshape the squad he inherited from Paddy McLaughlin a few months ago.

The departures of Francely Lomboto, David McDaid, Bridel Bosakani and Michael O'Connor have left the Lurgan Blues light up front and given their precarious position, they have had to rely on loan deals to bring in some much-needed Premiership experience.

Nathaniel Ferris and Charlie Lindsay have both arrived from Glentoran and will be at Mourneview to the end of the season.

Ferris will hope to rediscover his goalscoring form from his time at Loughgall, while Lindsay will look to benefit from regular game time.

Gavin Gilmore has also joined and the 22-year-old winger adds depth in the wide areas following Corey Smith's return to Coleraine.

He will be keen to hit the ground running after recently spending 18 months with Finn Harps in the League of Ireland Frist Division.

They have been dealt a blow in losing Jack Malone, their best performer this season, to Glentoran and they will also want to keep hold Peter Campbell and Jack Malone, who has had some bright moments despite Glenavon's struggles this season.

Next five fixtures: Newington (H, Irish Cup) - 10 January; Glentoran (H) - 17 January; Coleraine (A) - 23 January; Cliftonville (H) - 31 January; Carrick Rangers (A) - 10 February

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January signings so far: Brandon Bermingham (Cliftonville - end of loan), Shea Gordon (Cliftonville)

January departures so far: Bobby-Jack McAleese (Portstewart - loan)

It's been a quiet start to the window for Dungannon Swifts, who have welcomed Brandon Bermingham back from an unsuccessful spell at Cliftonville and have also snapped up Reds midfielder Shea Gordon for another spell at Stangmore Park.

Bermingham was involved off the bench in defeat to Crusaders as Rodney McAree attempts to integrate the forward back into his squad, which he will need to utilise fully as the Swifts look to solidify their place in the top six and retain the Irish Cup.

Signing another forward that can cover for Junior, who has impressed for the Swifts will be an aim, especially as bright forward Tomas Galvin has decided to switch his focus to GAA and the Armagh panel.

Keeping talented youngsters such as Steven Scott and Adam Glenny, who have both thrived again this season, will also be desirable.

A loan spell for Bobby-Jack McAleese in the Championship, under McAree's former assistant John Gregg should afford the promising midfielder regular game time that he hasn't had with the Swifts this campaign.

Next five fixtures: Ards (H, Irish Cup) 10 January; Ballymena United (H) - 17 January; Carrick Rangers (A) - 24 January; Glentoran (H) 31 January; Linfield (A) - 10 February

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January signings so far: Jonny James (H&W Welders - end of loan), Cameron Bruce (Airdrieonians)

January departures so far:

It has been a quiet start to January and Crusaders boss Declan Caddell will hope it stays that way departure wise until the end of the window.

Keeping hold of star striker Fraser Bryden this January will be the aim for the north Belfast side as they look to pull further away from relegation trouble.

The on-loan Ayr United man is the Irish Premiership top goal scorer with 15 goals and has interest from clubs in the league and further afield.

Crusaders will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last January when they lost Kieran Offord, who was enjoying a fine loan spell at the club, to Linfield after they paid a transfer fee to his parent club St Mirren.

The Crues may also look to bring in some Irish Premiership experience, even on loan to help their thin and extremely young squad in the second half of the season.

Cameron Bruce is the latest player to come to Crusaders from the Scottish Championship, with the young defender signed permanently from Airdrieonians.

Next five fixtures: Coleraine (A, Irish Cup) - 9 January; Coleraine (A) - 17 January; Linfield (H) - 24 January; Larne (H) - 31 January; Ballymena United (A) - 10 February

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January signings so far: Mark Coyle (Shelbourne), Mark Connolly (Derry City), Ben Wylie (Portadown), Corey Smith (Glenavon - end of loan), Senan Devine (H&W Welders - end of loan), Will Patching (Carlisle United - permanent)

January departures so far: Stephen Fallon (Bangor - loan), Aidan Harris (Newcastle United - end of loan), Jack Scott (Portadown)

Coleraine have already been busy in the January window as they look to add quality players who can get their faltering title challenge back on track.

They have brought in experienced former Derry City defender Mark Connolly, who has gone straight into the side with fellow centre-bac Kodi Lyons-Foster injured.

The Bannsiders have also added more midfield depth by snapping up versatile Ben Wylie after a good half-season with Portadown.

The most important business Coleraine have done is tying Will Patching down to a permanent deal after his fine start to life on the north coast, but the capture of Shelbourne captain Mark Coyle is also mightily impressive.

The likes of Corey Smith, Jack Scott and Senan Devine have all been recalled from loan spells and it will be interesting to see if they will be utilised by Ruaidhri Higgins in the run in or will go back out on loan.

The future of 19-year-old Devine will be interesting given he scored 12 goals in 24 appearances during a productive spell with H&W Welders.

Next five fixtures: Crusaders (H, Irish Cup) - 9 January; Crusaders (H) - 17 January; Glenavon (H) - 23 January; Glentoran (A, BetMcLean Cup) - 28 January; Bangor (A) - 31 January

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January signings so far: Joseph Toole (Fleetwood Town - loan), Liam McStravick (Airdrieonians), Brian Healy (H&W Welders)

January departures so far: Brandon Bermingham (Dungannon Swifts - end of loan), Thomas Lavery (Sunderland - end of loan), Darien Wauchope (Mansfield Town - end of loan), Shea Gordon (Dungannon Swifts)

With the protracted takeover saga still hanging over the club, Cliftonville will seemingly have to rely once again on loan deals and free transfers to strengthen a thin squad in January as they look to maintain their push to return to the top six.

They have made three signings so far, adding versatile defender Joseph Toole on loan from Fleetwood, former academy player Liam McStravick and Championship goal machine Brian Healy, who could prove to be an exciting forward option if he can hit the ground running as he did with H&W Welders.

The Reds have offloaded Brandon Bermingham, who flattered to deceive in his eight appearances, back to Dungannon Swifts following the end of his loan, while injury curtailed Darien Wauchope's loan spell at Solitude as he made just three appearances.

Jim Magilton's side have also been dealt a blow with the impressive Thomas Lavery recalled from his temporary stay in north Belfast to return to Sunderland and have sold Shea Gordon to the Swifts after he struggled for regular game time following his arrival from Larne.

There are rumours of a number of full-time teams looking at Odhran Casey, who has excelled this year, but Cliftonville will want to avoid losing another key player in January, as has happened the last few seasons with the likes of Luke Turner, Chris Gallagher and Ronan Doherty among those to depart mid-season.

Next five fixtures: Dundela (H, Irish Cup) - 10 January; Ballymena United (A) - 13 January; Carrick Rangers (H) - 17 January; Carrick Rangers (County Antrim Shield) - 20 January; Glentoran (A) - 25 January

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January signings so far: Mikey Place (Finn Harps)

January departures so far: Jack Scott (Coleraine - end of loan)

Given the scale of Carrick Rangers' injury crisis, Stephen Baxter will probably be forced to go into the January market to bring in reinforcements in a number of positions, either on loan or on permanent deals.

A goalkeeper will be high on the list after Baxter confirmed on Saturday that Nathan Gartside will be out for a while after picking up a thigh injury, leaving the inexperienced Scott Pengelly as the only option.

More attacking options will also be desirable after Ryan Waide was forced off in the 7-0 thrashing against Glentoran and could be out for a while.

Jack Scott being recalled early from his loan by Coleraine is a blow given the versatile 23-year-old had been one of Carrick's more impressive players in a difficult run.

They have made one signing already, bringing in former Ballymena United defender Mikey Place from Finn Harps.

Next five fixtures: Queen's University (H, Irish Cup) - 10 January; Linfield (H) - 13 January; Cliftonville (A) - 17 January; Dungannon Swifts (H) 24 January; Portadown (A) - 31 January

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January signings so far: Dean Ebbe (Dundalk), Igor Rutkowski (Armagh City), Sean Murray (free agent)

January departures so far: Josh Carson (Portadown)

Ballymena United boss Oran Kearney has acted quicky in the mid-season transfer window as he looks to put his own stamp on the Sky Blues squad he inherited at the start of December, already making three signings.

Kearney had identified a lack of firepower up top as an area to address, bringing in two strikes in Dean Ebbe and Igor Rutkowski.

Thirty-one-year-old Ebbe previously featured for Crusaders and enjoyed goal laden spells at TNS and more recently Dundalk and will he an experienced option to partner the effective if inconsistent Success Edogun.

Rutkowski makes the jump from the Premier Intermediate League where he scored eight goals this season for Armagh City and at 21, may be one for the future who could provide an impact off the bench.

Sean Murray is another experienced and talented operator to give the Sky Blues more midfield depth but keeping the 32-year-old fit will be key following his previous injury-hit spell at Glentoran.

Next five fixtures: Larne (H, Irish Cup) - 10 January; Cliftonville (H) - 13 January; Dungannon Swifts (A) - 17 January; Portadown (H) - 24 January; Linfield (A) - 31 January

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January signings so far: Stephen Fallon (Coleraine - loan)

January departures so far:

Like in the summer window, it has been a quiet start to the January market for Bangor, although they have made one notable addition thus far.

The acquisition of Stephen Fallon on loan will be seen as a real coup, if Lee Feeney can get him fit and firing.

The talented midfielder has made just one appearance for Coleraine this season but proved his quality during his time at Linfield and will be desperate to get his career back on track with the Seasiders.

Keeping hold of star striker Ben Arthurs, who has netted nine league goals this season will be crucial this January.

They will also want to add more players with Premiership experience like Fallon as Bangor look to kick on following an impressive start to life back in the top light.

Next five fixtures: Linfield (A, Irish Cup) - 10 January; Portadown (H) - 17 January; Larne (A) - 23 January; Coleraine (H) - 31 January; Carrick Rangers (A) - 3 February

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Midfielder Will Patching has signed a permanent two-and-a-half-year contract with Coleraine.

The 27-year-old was on loan at the Showgrounds from Carlisle United and has now made the switch permanent.

Patching, who previously played for Notts County, Derry City and Dundalk, has scored six goals in 25 appearances for the Bannsiders.

Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins said Patching was an "exceptional" and "very elegant" player.

"What people maybe wouldn't see is his desire to win and how much not winning upsets him," Higgins said.

"I think when we took the job here, he was very quickly a player that we identified that we would like to build a team around."

Higgins added that plans to make the switch permanent had "been in the pipeline for quite a while".

"It's been in the pipeline for quite a while and it's clear how much we rate him and how much we value him as a footballer.

"I think now that this is done permanently, we'll see him kick on again and we're delighted that he's going to be a major part of our future."

Elsewhere, Cliftonville have announced the loan signing of versatile defender Joseph Toole from Fleetwood Town.

The Reds also confirmed that Thomas Lavery has been recalled from his loan by Sunderland after scoring twice in his 19 appearances for the north Belfast club.

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Ballymena United have announced the signing former Glentoran midfielder Sean Murray.

The 32-year-old had spells with Watford, Colchester United and Dundalk before joining the Glens in January 2022.

He made just 48 appearances during an injury-hit spell at the club and joined Cork City on loan in January 2024.

That summer the Englishman made the move to Cork permanent and he played 60 games for the Rebels before having his contract cancelled in December 2025.

He becomes Oran Kearney's third signing of the winter window after the arrivals of Igor Rutkowski and Dean Ebbe.

"What drew me most to Ballymena was the staff and the people around the club," he told Ballymena United's website.

"The project is a positive one and I'm happy to be a part of it. Hopefully as I get up to scratch in the next couple of weeks and we get a few people back, we can go on a bit of a charge up the table. Ballymena is a sleeping giant with great facilities and a great fan base."

Manager Kearney added that he was delighted to bring in someone as experienced as Murray.

"You don't play the number of games that he played for Watford in the Championship without undoubted star quality," he explained.

"He had a few injury issues, but he got those sorted a couple of years ago.

"He's absolutely flying and ready to go and we're looking forward to working with him."

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Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter said his side have to "move forward" after their 7-0 loss against Glentoran at Taylors Avenue.

Pat Hoban netted six goals in 52 minutes to give the away side a sizeable lead before Liam Burt added a seventh.

It was an afternoon to forget for Carrick with defender Reece Glendinning dismissed for a high challenge on Jordan Jenkins after 30 minutes.

"Glentoran were better than us by some difference and we were well below par," Baxter told BBC Sport NI.

"Credit to Glentoran for some very good play and some very good finishes from Hoban and it was one of those days that got away from us.

"It is not something that I am going to lose any sleep over. Whether it was 4-0, 6-0 or 10-0, it is what it is, and we have lost the game. Players have to get over it quickly and move forward."

Baxter's side are now without a win in nine league games and sit 11th in the Premiership table.

As well as now being without the suspended Glendinning, Ryan Waide looks set to join Carrick's lengthy injury list after he had to be replaced 10 minutes into the game.

"In terms of where we are personal wise, we need to see fit bodies coming back and we need to bring one or two more in for what is ahead of us over the next 16 weeks," Baxter continued.

"We have one goalkeeper at the minute. Nathan Gartside looks like he will be out for quite a number of weeks with this thigh injury he picked up against Crusaders.

"Lots of things go on around you and the sending off doesn't help you and, for me, it was never a sending off."

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Crusaders boss Declan Caddell said his side "thoroughly deserved" their 2-0 win over Dungannon Swifts at Seaview.

Goals from Finley Thorndike and Fraser Bryden helped the hosts extend their unbeaten run to three games in the league.

The dogged victory also brought just a third clean sheet of the campaign, which Caddell was hugely satisfied with.

"It's a welcome three points, it's nice to start the new year off with a win at home as our home form hasn't been great," he told BBC Sport NI.

"The most pleasing thing for me was a clean sheet, something we have struggled with all season, but the boys were a credit to the fans today and I thought they were exceptional."

Caddell reserved praise for goalkeeper Musa Dibaga, who has put in a string of impressive displays since being reinstated to the starting side last month.

"Musa is growing in confidence week on week. He started at the start of the season and lacked that bit of confidence, we took him out and eased him back in and the last three weeks I think he's been exceptional," Caddell added.

"He made two good saves from free-kicks and some reaction saves and he showed today how good a goalkeeper he can be."

Dungannon Swifts boss Rodney McAree was frustrated with his side's display as they suffered a first league defeat in six games.

"We probably get what we deserve, we create numerous chances and don't take them, we present Crusaders with chances, and they capitalise on that," he said.

"I was a bit disappointed with us, at times we were lethargic and complacent, got caught in possession and paid the price."