Matthew O'Brien departs Drogheda United for NIFL side Loughgall

Matthew O’Brien has left his hometown club, Drogheda United, and signed for Loughgall in the Northern Ireland Football League.

21-year-old O’Brien was part of Kevin O’Doherty’s squad in 2024 but had limited game time throughout the season as the Co. Louth club successfully staved off relegation from the Premier Division and also achieved a memorable FAI Cup win over Derry City.

He did not make the FAI Cup final squad and was restricted to just four league starts, as well as five substitute appearances, during the season.

The midfielder, who has represented Ireland at U-19 level, started his career with Longford Town before moving to the Boynesiders in February 2023.

O’Brien is one of four new arrivals at Lakeview, home of the Co. Armagh club, as manager Dean Smith fights to keep his team in the Premier Division of the NIFL next season.

The club currently sits at the bottom of the league table on 13 points after 23 games, eight points behind second-from-last Carrick.

Joining O’Brien at Loughgall are other new signings James Carroll (formerly of Glenavon), Fra McCaffrey (formerly of Newry City), and Robbie Mahon, who spent last season with Dundalk.

Loughgall’s next game is at home to Portadown at Lakeview Park on Saturday, 12 January, at 3pm.