Pictured: First Team Coach, Terry Fitzpatrick pictured with defender Cahal McGinty
Defender, Cahal McGinty, has signed an extension to his current contract at Stangmore Park which will see him remain at the Club until 2024.
Twenty Year Old McGinty has previously been on the books, at Underage level, with Cliftonville, Glenavon and Lurgan Town. He arrived at Stangmore Park when he was 15 years old and has remained with the Club since then. Cahal came into the team a few weeks ago and scored his debut goal for the first team against Carrick Rangers in our 1-1 draw. He looked hungry and eager to keep involved with the squad.
“I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to play under Dean, The way he wants us to play will hopefully suit me that bit better and allow me to push on. Hopefully now I can get the head down and start enjoying my football.”
Defender – Cahal McGinty
Manager, Dean Shiels, stated when he joined the Club as Manager that he would like to get a look at all the players in the squad and he stuck to his word, giving Cahal an opportunity.
“I’ve had a lot of players to get through and have a look at since I have came in. Cahal has been one of those players who I’ve started off in midfield but deep down I knew he was a centre back. He’s comfortable on the ball, he’s got a lot to learn and a lot to improve on but I like him and I like his attitude. He’s going to be a big player for us moving forward. When I’m asking players to do certain things, they need to be able to be comfortable doing that and Cahal is definitely one that fits that criteria and moving forward Cahal has a big future and hopefully it’s with us at Dungannon.”
Manager – Dean Shiels
Congratulations on the new contract Cahal, we wish you every success in the future.
Defender Cahal McGinty celebrates scoring against Carrick Rangers at the Loughshore Arena
Twenty year old, midfielder, Oisin Smyth, has been named Dungannon Swifts Club Captain. Oisin was presented with the captains armband for the first time against Linfield on Saturday and he will continue to wear it with pride for the remainder of the 2020/21 Season.
Oisin is the personification of what we are trying to build. His style of play matches the teams identity. He’s got the characteristics to lead and become a top player for Dungannon for many years to come.
Dean Shiels – DSFC Manager
After working his way up through the ranks at Dungannon United Youth, like many of our first team players, Oisin broke into the first team in the 2018/19 season and made his first appearance against Warrenpoint Town on 9th October 2018.
Oisin is pictured along with his Grandfather, Pat McGibbon, Senior, (left) and his father Liam Smyth.(right)
Oisin comes from a great footballing family, his father, Liam, played Irish League Football for Portadown, Larne and Lurgan Celtic. He is also the nephew of former Manchester United and Northern Ireland player, Pat McGibbon. Both of his younger brothers play their football in Dungannon and eighteen year old Odhran is also part of the first team squad this season.
“I am delighted to be named as Club Captain. Having been at Dungannon for seven years it means a lot to me personally. I understand the responsibility that comes with it and I’m excited for the challenge.”
Oisin Smyth – DSFC Club Captain
Everyone at Dungannon Swifts FC would like to congratulate Oisin on his appointment of Club Captain and continue to wish him every success in a Swifts jersey.
Highly regarded central midfielder, Terry Devlin, has agreed to extending his Dungannon Swifts contract by a year, bringing his stay at Dungannon for a further THREE AND A HALF years.
Devlin, 17, has featured heavily this season with his energetic and tenacious performances making him one of the first names on the team sheet.
Terry has put in a number of Man of the Match performances this season, picking up the award in games against Carrick Rangers and Coleraine.
Given his age, he isn’t afraid to throw his weight around as he is lining up against much more experienced Irish League players.
Speaking to us on the signing of his extension;
I’m very happy to sign for a further year, I’ve enjoyed my time so far at the club and I’m looking forward to staying an extra year. Unfortunately I’m out injured at the minute but I’m working hard to get back fit and back into the team
Terry Devlin
Head of Youth Development, Dixie Robinson, oversaw proceedings as Delvin extends his contract;
Terry has been catching a lot of peoples attention recently with his performances, my phone has been red hot with different people contacting me so we just thought getting Terry signed for a further year will gives us that little bit extra security. He fully deserves the extension, he has been one of our best players this season.
Dixie Robinson
Congratulations, Terry, on signing a for a further year.
Ethan McGee signing his first professional contract along with Head of Youth Development Dixie Robinson
Right back, Ethan McGee, has signed his first professional contract with Dungannon Swifts FC.
McGee, 18, has impressed so far in recent appearances and Head of Youth Development, Dixie Robinson, has moved quickly to secure the signature of the young defender.
As many of the young players in the squad, Ethan has come through the ranks of Dungannon United Youth.
He has also been involved with the Super Cup NI Co. Tyrone teams where he was part of the squad that defeated Scottish giants Celtic at the Coleraine Showgrounds in 2019.
It’s a big achievement for myself, I’ve played for the club since I was 14 years old and came the whole way up through the youth so obviously I’m delighted to get my first professional deal. I’ve been given a great opportunity to break into the first team and I feel I’ve grabbed that with both hands. Now I’m just looking to progress even further and get as many caps and appearances as possible.
Ethan McGee
Head of Youth Development, Dixie Robinson, is excited at getting Ethan on board.
Delighted to get Ethan signed up, I’ve been very impressed with his appearances so far. He got his debut in the second half against Glenavon, then his full debut against Glentoran where he won Man of the Match. We have always known that Ethan has had the capabilities to push on so we are delighted to get this sorted for him.
Dixie Robinson
Speaking after the Glentoran game, Michael Carvill spoke very highly of Ethan;
Playing in front of him for most of the match and he was talking throughout. I said to him about the quality of Robbie McDaid, Connor McMenamin and Donnelly pulling out on his side and you’re not going to get much of a tougher debut but I thought he was outstanding, he did very well and he was confident.
Michael Carvill
Ethan has signed a THREE AND A HALF year contract and we wish him every success in a Dungannon Swifts FC Jersey
