Dundalk snap up McGrath and Vemmelund from league rivals

With just under five-weeks to the start of their four-in-a-row title tilt, Dundalk have announced the signings of Jamie McGrath and Niclas Vemmelund.

The pair are the second and third new additions, following the signing of Sean Hoare, to a squad which has been hit hard with big name departures.

McGrath’s move has been the transfer window’s worst kept secret with a local news site having broken the news more than a week ago.

The Meathman joins from St. Patrick’s Athletic, where he came through the club’s academy after joining from UCD before going on to make 66 first-team appearances across three seasons.

The 20-year-old NUI Maynooth student has international pedigree to his name having featured for the Irish underage sides on top of playing Collingwood Cup football with Maynooth.

Derry’s great Dane Vemmelund has also agreed a deal with Stephen Kenny’s side and he will act as defensive company to Hoare and the established Brian Gartland and Paddy Barrett.

The defender enjoyed an excellent campaign with the Candystripes in 2016, playing 41 times in a season where the Foylesiders finished in a credible third-place.

Despite only turning 24 in October, Vemmelund has played for a host of clubs across Europe, including sides in Sweden, Iceland and in his homeland.

Dundalk open their league season at home to Shamrock Rovers on Friday, February 24.