Cork City FC are delighted to announce that Under 19 players Rory Doyle and Dale Holland have signed their first professional contracts at the club.
The midfielders both featured for the senior team towards the end of the 2019 season, with the duo making cameos in the league in the final stages of the season. They become the latest players to come through the club’s academy and sign professional deals, following Under 19 teammates David Harrington and Cian Murphy, who re-signed last week.
Rory Doyle came to the club from College Corinthians at Under 17 level, before going on to represent our Under 19 side and today has committed his future to the club, signing his first professional contract ahead of the 2020 season.
Speaking to CCFC.ie, Doyle said: “I’m delighted, I grew up supporting Cork City. The pathway is there, as you can see with Alec, Conor Mc, Ronan, so I’m delighted to get in. Neale brought a few of us in training, and since I finished my Leaving Cert, I’ve been training full-time for the last few months and I’m loving it to be honest.”
Dale Holland joined the club’s Under 17 side in 2016, and went on to play for our Under 19 side where he featured prominently in 2018 & 2019. Speaking after signing his first professional contract, Holland said: “I’m delighted to get it over the line. I’ve been here for the last 3 years, and I’m absolutely delighted to get my first contract. I want to get on the pitch as much as I can, I want to help the team to get back to where it should be – which is at the top of the table and doing well in Europe.”
City boss Neale Fenn welcomed the addition of the players, commenting on the impact Colin Healy and the other staff have had on producing players for the first team: “It just shows the good work he’s doing at the club. He’s got players coming through the 19s, and getting professional contracts. There’s a pathway into the first team and players can have long, successful careers in professional football. I think it’s a credit to him and all the underage staff at the club.”
The club would also like to confirm that Graham Cummins’ time at the club has come to an end. The striker spent the second half of the season on loan at Shamrock Rovers, and his contract at CCFC has now come to an end. We would like to thank Graham, and wish him the best for the future.
Have you signed up for 2020 yet? Our fantastic Early Bird Season Ticket offer is available until 30 November. You can find out about this offer and all the other benefits of being a Season Ticket holder here.
