O'Mahony departs Cork City for Brighton

Cork City teenager Mark O'Mahony has joined English Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee.

O’Mahony joined the Leesiders at Under-15 level from Carrigaline United in 2019 and progressed through the three academy set-ups before moving into the first-team squad.

The 18-year-old attacker made 11 league appearances for City last season as they claimed the First Division title, as well as being named the FAI’s U-17 Men’s International Player of the Year for 2022.

O'Mahony, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, said: "I got to know the club and the coaches well during my trial and I knew early on that I wanted to sign here.

"Brighton's academy is one of the best in the country, especially with the way young players are given an opportunity and a pathway.

"I spoke to a few of the Irish boys in the group about what the club is like and they all spoke really highly of what’s in place here, so it was an easy decision."

City manager Colin Healy said: "Mark has done really well for us since he joined the club, coming into the academy at a young age and he has played all the way up and into the first team last season.

"We know the ability that he has and he works really hard as well, so this is a reward for the work that has gone in.

"He is a very talented player and he has a really good attitude, so I am sure he will continue to do well. We all thank him for his contribution to the club and wish him the very best of luck in the future."

O'Mahony follows several League of Ireland players in making the move to the Premier League side with Evan Ferguson currently in their first team along with Andrew Moran.

Four other Irish prospects have joined the club recently, including Jamie Mullins from Bohemians.