Cork players Cathal Heffernan and David Harrington on the move

Two young Cork players are on the move.

Cathal Heffernan has switched to League Two side Harrogate Town from Newcastle United, while goalkeeper David Harrington has joined EFL League One side Bolton Wanderers from Fleetwood Town.

Heffernan came through at Ringmahon Rangers and first made his name known locally by helping Douglas Community School win the U17 Munster Cup in 2020. That was followed by a move to Cork City, where he lifted the Mark Farren Cup before making one senior appearance for the Rebel Army in 2021.

The defender’s reward was a high-profile transfer to AC Milan, when he was just a teenager, with this going down as one of the first big post-Brexit moves involving an Irish footballer.

Heffernan finished his contract and went to Newcastle, which led to a prolonged spell in the Magpies academy. The defender appeared just once for their senior team, during a preseason game in Japan, but he never had a competitive outing in black and white.

BUZZING

The 20-year-old is now with Harrogate Town and excited to experience senior football on an 18-month deal, with his new home sitting second from bottom in the fourth tier of the English football pyramid.

“I'm buzzing, It's a massive move for me and my family and will be my first taste of men's football, so I'm just really excited to get going.” Heffernan he told the club’s media team.

“All the experiences in my career so far have been leading to this moment now, so if I can take all of that and put it together, then I think it'll give me a good shot.

I'm grateful to the club for taking me here, this is a massive opportunity for me and I’m determined to repay the faith.

“I want to help the team get as many wins as possible and put in as many good performances as I can.”

Head of Player Recruitment Lloyd Kerry added: “He's energetic, puts his body on the line, he'll put his head in where it hurts and he's mobile, we like all aspects of his game. He's a real competitor. He was obviously captain for the U21s at Newcastle so has got good leadership qualities.

“He’s exactly what we’re looking for in a centre-half so hopefully he can come in, hit the ground running and push the other lads on as well.

“He’s at the stage now where he wants to go and forge a career and play senior football and we're giving them the opportunity to come in and play so it feels like a good fit.”

Harrowgate Town also have Cork native Anthony O’Connor on their books, with the defender at the club since 2023.

Harrington moved to Bolton for an undisclosed fee, on a deal running until June 2028. It is understood that Harrington is looking to boost his international profile as he chases down future call-ups with Wales, the country he declares for through his father.

Harrington moves to a Bolton side that is sitting in sixth place in EFL League One, and fighting to get into the play-offs under head coach Steven Schumacher. The goalkeeper has played football in England since 2023, when he transferred to Fleetwood Town from Cork City.

Harrington will now be ply his trade in League One, a step up from what he was used to at Fleetwood, and he is excited to get started at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

“It’s a challenge I want to take on,” he told the club’s media team.

“I think it's just such a big club. Coming in and looking at the ground, it's an unbelievable ground, with unbelievable facilities,” said Harrington, who spent three years with Fleetwood after signing from Cork, where he was an Irish League First Division winner, in January, 2023.

The club is looking to go on an upward trajectory and I think it's definitely something I want to be a part of.

Every time I pass the stadium, even when you're going down the motorway and you see the size of the ground, you're in awe. Now that I'm actually here, I'm delighted.”

CONNECTION

Key for Harrington is Bolton’s goalkeeping coach Owain Fon Williams, as they previously worked together at Fleetwood Town.

“I've known Owain since I signed for Fleetwood and he's been a massive part of my development - probably one of the biggest influences on my development,” Harrington added.

“Working with him every day, extra sessions and this and that, I think the time and effort he's put into me and the amount that I listen and take off him, I think it's a really good connection we have.

“But he also pushes me. Just because he's worked with me before doesn't mean he's easy on me. He's the opposite. That's also what I'm looking forward to, being worked hard and pushed to the max.”

Harrington came through at Douglas Hall before moving to Cobh Ramblers, where he played in the Underage National Leagues. The goalkeeper moved across the county to sign for City in January 2018 and his first experience of senior football at the Rebel Army was during a 2-1 victory over Mayfield United in the quarter finals of the Munster Senior Cup in March 2020.

Harrington made his league debut in a 0-0 draw with Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds on October 1st 2021 and was the starting goalkeeper during the 2022 season.

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