Cork City seal loan signing of former Watford midfielder Sean Murray

The former Watford midfielder joins City on loan from NIFL side Glentoran for the first half of the season.

NEW COLOURS: Sean Murray during his spell at Dundalk. Pic: Ben McShane, Sportsfile

Cork City boss Tim Clancy has further strengthened his midfield ranks with the loan addition of former Watford and Dundalk man Sean Murray. 

Murray will join City from Glentoran until the end of July, adding needed experience to the Rebel Army ranks ahead of the 2024 First Division campaign. 

The 30-year-old will likely form an integral part of a young City squad alongside veteran Greg Bolger, who returned to City this off-season, after spells with Shamrock Rovers, St Pat's and Sligo Rovers. 

Murray came through the ranks at Watford, making over 80 first team appearances for the Hornets.

After that, he had stints with Swindon Town, Colchester United and Vejle before joining Dundalk in 2019. The former Championship player won a league title with Dundalk before moving to NIFL side Glentoran in 2021.

Upon signing, the midfielder said: “Everything happened really quickly last week and I’m buzzing to be here. I know from playing at Turner’s Cross in the past what it’s like to come to play against Cork City; this is a big club. 

"For Turner’s Cross now to be my home ground is brilliant and I am really looking forward to it. 

“I know from playing here before that the home fans are loud and passionate, so to be playing in front of them will be great."

The 30-year-old continued: "Tim has explained his ambitions for the coming season to me; there is a good squad being built here for the coming season and I hope that me coming in can add a bit of experience to the group. I’ve played a lot of games in this league, so I know what it is like and I can’t wait to get started.” 

Cork City manager Tim Clancy added: “Looking at the group, we have a lot of talented young players but it is really good for us to be able to add more experience to that. 

"Sean has a huge amount of experience; he played at Championship level in England when he was younger and, more recently, has won trophies in this league as well when he was at Dundalk. 

"He is coming into the group at a really good age and he will be brilliant for the young lads. 

"If you look back at his career, he scores goals, whether that is through the middle or out wide. From an offensive point of view, he will bring creativity and goals to the side. 

"When you have plenty of players who can score goals in your team, that takes the pressure off the strikers as well, and I think that is important, so we are really glad to have Sean on board.”

Meanwhile, City striker Cian Murphy has extended his stay at the club until the end of the 2024 season.

Striker Murphy has made over 90 competitive appearances for the club since making his league debut in 2018. 

“I’m delighted to have signed back with City for the 2024 season," Murphy said. "I know it’s been said already, but myself and the other lads that came through the academy were really hurt after last season, and we know we have to put things right.

"From speaking to Tim, we all know that our goal for the season is to win the league and get back to the Premier Division. 

"My aim this year is to chip in with more goals and help us achieve that.”