League of Ireland loan perfect chance for me to gain crucial experience at senior level, says Northern Ireland Under-21 ace
Northern Ireland Under-21 midfielder Darren Robinson has joined St Patrick's Athletic on loanNorthern Ireland Under-21 international Darren Robinson has joined Premier Division side St Patrick’s Athletic on loan until the end of the 2025 League of Ireland season.The midfielder makes the switch from Derby County, the club he joined after featuring for Dungannon Swifts.He also had a loan spell at Hartlepool United in the first-half of the 2024/25 season.“I left home at 16 from Dungannon Swifts to join Derby, so I’m in my fifth season now, I need to get some senior games now and feel this is a great opportunity for me in the League of Ireland with St Pat’s,” he said.Former Coleraine and Derry City player Stephen Dooley is set to join Galway United.The 33-year-old left Harrogate Town in May.Another ex-Bannsiders ace Ciaron Harkin has left Derry City to join Sligo Rovers.Harkin has signed until the end of the 2025 season, with the club retaining an option for 2026.The 29-year-old Derry man joins Patrick McClean and Sean Stewart at Rovers.“This year hasn’t gone the way I wanted it to go, I haven’t been playing much but I’ve been staying fit and waiting for my opportunity,” he said.The Candystripes have confirmed the signing of defender Jamie Stott from Morecambe.City boss Tiernan Lynch said: “Jamie comes here with plenty of experience in the EFL and National League and will strengthen our defensive options ahead of a very busy few months.”Ballymena United’s Shea McAuley has joined Coagh United on loan for the 2025/26 season, while talented Glenavon youngster Luke McGerrigan has penned a new deal.Ards, meanwhile, have stated that Odhran McCart has departed the club following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract.
