Dundalk sign McCourt, Connolly departs

Dundalk have announced the signing of defender Robbie McCourt from Sligo Rovers for an undisclosed fee, their first move of the summer transfer window.

However, manager Stephen O'Donnell confirmed that their efforts to retain Mark Connolly are at an end.

The 30-year-old defender has spent the last six months at Oriel Park, on loan from Dundee United, earning the SWAI Player of the Month award for June during his short stint.

Connolly will now depart, with speculation mounting that he is bound for Derry City.

McCourt, a former Under-19 international who was subsequently called up to Under-21 squad, made 37 appearances for Sligo since signing from Waterford in December 2020.

The 24-year old Dubliner spent his youth career at West Brom before returning home to sign for Bohemians in August 2018. He switched to Waterford in 2019, playing all bar one game that season.

Dundalk currently sit in second spot in the league, seven points adrift of leaders Shamrock Rovers and McCourt expressed delight at the move.

"As soon as Stevie gave me the call I wanted to jump into the car and come up straight away," he said. "I think he tried to get me twice before so hopefully this is third time lucky!

"He's made it known that he likes me as a player and all you want to hear as a footballer is that you’re going to get a chance under the manager. I’m delighted it’s done and I’m delighted to be here.

"As soon as I heard Dundalk wanted me, I started thinking who do I know up there - and I know quite a few. I played with Keith Ward, Darragh Leahy and Dano Kelly at Bohs and I played with Sam Bone and John Martin at Waterford.

"I just want to push on now and get on that training pitch."

O'Donnell said: "Robbie is a player I've always liked and he gives us