Cork City’s Dennehy brothers hunt new deal after FAI Cup final
Two other City stars, Ross Gaynor and Rob Lehane, were also among the 132 players wishing to make their names available to prospective clubs for the 2016 season, which doesn’t start until March.
As cup final match-winner Richie Towell lamented on Sunday, the four-month off-season is a precarious time to be a domestically based player. More than 90% are employed on one-season contracts, with the wages they receive for 40 weeks of the year vastly reduced from previous years.
Only the select few enjoy the security of rollover contracts and, judging by the quality of players appearing on the latest list, some of the best talent could seek employment in other countries where a sustainable career may be secured.
The majority of unemployed players choose not to have their status publicised.
Of those on the list, 17 hail from Sligo Rovers. These include the backbone of their side which won league titles and FAI Cups, like Alan Keane, Gavin Peers, and David Cawley.
Shamrock Rovers have three players included but Stephen McPhail’s contract has also expired and is at a loose end. Six from St Patrick’s Athletic feature, including free scoring Conan Byrne and goalkeeper Brendan Clarke.
Cork are understood to be leading the chase for Saints pair Greg Bolger and Kenny Browne.
