Darragh McBrien along with Dungannon Swifts Manager, Dean Shiels
Dean Shiels has captured the signing of the much sought after Darragh McBrien after beating off competition from Premiership Clubs including Glenavon and Cliftonville.
“Darragh is an exciting talent and I’m really excited to work with him. He is a player that a lot of people won’t know a lot about but im sure they will in a years time. He is a really promising player with a real hunger and desire, he has electric pace and most importantly he is a goal threat. He has turned down some big clubs to sign for Dungannon Swifts which says a lot about his mentality and his desire to come to the club and I’m delighted to have him.”
Dean Shiels – Dungannon Swifts Manager
McBrien, 19, joins on a three year deal from Ferney Park outfit, Ballinamallard United FC.
Ballinamallard United Academy product McBrien attracted attention from a few clubs last summer but decided to stay and develop further with the Championship club.
Darragh featured in the friendly between Dungannon Swifts u20’s and Ballinamallard United as part of the Fermanagh sides preparation for this seasons Irish Cup and caught the attention of Dean Shiels.
“He tore our u20’s to pieces that night, he’s direct and he has an eye for goal. He gets his shots off and there is end product there which we are lacking”
Darragh also was part of the Ballinamallard United side that reached the final of the 2019 Irish Cup, unfortunately losing out to Crusaders.
Darragh McBrien in action for Ballinamallard United FC
“I’m thrilled to have signed for Dungannon Swifts. I’m looking forward to working under Dean and making the step up to the Danske Bank Premiership. I feel like the style of play that the manager wants to implement here suits my style of play. I just can’t wait to get started, meet all the lads and hit the ground running from the get go”
Darragh McBrien – Dungannon Swifts
Welcome to Dungannon Swifts, Darragh! We wish you every success in a Dungannon Swifts jersey.
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.
