Soccer

Jamie McGonigle returns to Coleraine as Derry City look to snap up Pat Hoban

Candystripes leading the way to land Dundalk striker

Coleraine have signed Jamie McGonigle on a three and a half year contract after spells with Crusaders and Derry City. McGonigle IS pictured with manager Oran Kearney. (David Cavan)
By Kevin McLaughlin

It’s expected to be one striker in and one striker out at Derry City this week.

Dungiven man Jamie McGonigle has departed the Brandywell to rejoin his old club Coleraine and in doing so has paved the way for the Candy Stripes to add Dundalk’s all-time record goalscorer Pat Hoban.

McGonigle, who joined the Foylesiders from Crusaders in January 2021, played a major role in Ruaidhrí Higgins’s men lifting the FAI Cup in 2022, the front man scoring the first goal at the Aviva Stadium in City’s 4-0 hammering of Shelbourne in the final.  

However, last season, the 27-year-old, who signed a three-and-half-year deal with the Bannsiders, struggled to feature much and his exit wasn’t a shock.

Nevertheless Higgins praised McGonigle, who was one of his first signings as City boss and wished him well.

“Jamie has certainly had a positive impact for us, and has scored some memorable goals in that time,” Higgins said.

“His opening goal in the 2022 cup final win and the late league winner against Shamrock Rovers are two that immediately spring to mind.

“I want to thank Jamie for all his efforts at the club and wish him every success going forward.”

Dundalk's Pat Hoban, pictured battling with Arsenal's Joe Willock during last week's clash at the Emirates, insists the Lilywhites had no reservations about travelling to Vienna just days after a suspected terrorist attack in the city. Picture by PA
Derry City are thought to be leading the race for Dundalk striker Pat Hoban despite interest from Bohemians and Galway United

As for McGonigle, he enjoyed his time at the Brandywell, but is now looking forward to the future with Oran Kearney’s men.  

“I’m thankful to Ruaidhri for giving me the chance to play for Derry City,” explained the former Crues striker.  

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’d also like to thank the supporters for their backing over the last two and a half seasons.  

“It was an honour and privilege to represent the club and I wish Derry City well for the future.  

“I’m delighted to have joined Coleraine again, it’s a great club and I can’t wait to get ready for a big second half to the season.”  

McGonigle’s departure is sure to speed up Hoban’s arrival and although there was also interest from Bohemians and Galway United, Derry have been leading the way for the Galwegian.  

Despite being under contract for another season, the 32-year-old stated towards the end of the 2023 campaign that he was told he could leave Oriel Park, however, it’s now thought Stephen O’Donnell’s side will get a small fee from Derry.