City keen to keep Sean Murray, women want Saoirse Noonan
Sean Murray of Cork City in action against Jason Abbott of Cobh Ramblers during the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division match between Cork City and Cobh Ramblers at Turner's Cross in Cork. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
Cork City manager Tim Clancy insists Sean Murray missed their 3-1 victory away to Wexford last Friday night due to injury rather being recalled from his loan.
Murray is currently on loan from Glentoran until the end of July and while City are keen to keep hold of the midfielder permanently, it is believed his parent club are also eager for him to return as they build towards the start of the new NIFL Premiership season.
The 30-year-old wasn’t included in the Rebel Army’s squad for their last outing, which saw them extend their lead at the top of the First Division to 15 points, with Clancy stating he had a ‘tight calf’.
“No, no. The loan is not up until the end of July,” began Clancy on Wednesday.
“Sean has been exceptional for us. He has a tight calf at the minute. Sean had major surgery last May and he has been on the go now 14 months without a break.
“It’s just managing that as well with him. He has been exceptionally good for us. As far as a loan goes, I don’t think anyone could have asked for a loan to go better.
“And again, if it’s an option for us… we still have to speak to Glentoran, he’s Glentoran’s player and if they wanted to bring him back there’s not a lot we can do.
“If Sean became available, he’s certainly one we’d like to keep as well because he’s been very, very good and as far as I’m aware he’s really enjoyed his time here as well.
Asked if he will be fit to return for Friday’s match against Finn Harps at Turner’s Cross (kick-off 7.45pm), Clancy responded, “No, he won’t be ok for Friday.
“He still has a tight calf so it’s one of those ones where he’s had a week off, so he probably needs another week.”
Asked for an update on potential incomings or outgoings during this transfer window, Clancy reaffirmed; “As I said previously, we will look to bring players in but we’re not just going to add numbers for the sake of it.
“We want the right players to come and the right type of people, ones that will improve us. It’s an ongoing process.
“We are probably in a little bit of a difficult position because we have a comfortable lead at the minute at the top of the league. If it was tighter there’d probably be more of an urgency to get players in and more of an eagerness to maybe spend money to get players.
“But we’re in a really good position so we want to make sure the ones we get in are the right ones.
“Outgoings as well, it’s like with every squad of players those that aren’t playing games or getting enough game time it might be something that we look at as well.
“It’s the transfer window, we are looking and hopefully if we do make signings, they are ones who can improve us.”
Meanwhile on the women’s side of the club, City are hoping to entice Saoirse Noonan into re-signing for Danny Murphy’s team.
Noonan is currently training with City, with whom she won an FAI Cup in 2017, following the expiration of her contract with English Women’s Championship side Durham.
The Republic of Ireland international, who turns 25 on Saturday, has represented Shelbourne more recently on these shores, helping them win the Women’s National League back in 2021.
It is understood Noonan is training with City in order to remain sharp as she contemplates her next move – a number of other Irish clubs are interested in securing her services - and while the club would like her to remain on Leeside, no contract talks have been held as of yet.
Bohs v Sligo, Dundalk v Drogheda, Galway v Waterford
Athlone v Longford, Cork City v Finn Harps, Kerry v Bray, UCD v Treaty, Wexford v Cobh
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