Mark O'Mahony to work under Noel Hunt during loan spell at Reading

Hunt took over at Reading in December. 

Former Cork City striker Mark O'Mahony, now with Brighton, had a loan spell with Portsmouth last season. Pic: Nigel French/PA Wire.

Cork striker Mark O'Mahony will link up with fellow Munsterman Noel Hunt at League One side Reading after Brighton and Hove Albion sanctioned the 20-year-old’s second loan move.

O’Mahony expanded the Irish legion at Brighton in 2023 when joining from Cork City for an initial fee of €80,000.

He made three first-team appearances for the Seagulls, two in the Premier League and a goalscoring League Cup outing against Crawley Town.

Injuries restricted his game-time to 13 appearances on loan at Portsmouth last season but he links up with Reading fit and fresh.

The Royals have emerged through the tumultuous ownership period of Dai Yongge to gain stability under Rob Couhig.

Waterfordman Hunt is rebuilding his squad in his first full season at the helm, having taken over last December.

O’Mahony, whose contract was last year extended to 2027, visited the club’s training ground today to finalise his season-long temporary switch.

"Mark is a young hungry striker who wants to come in and develop at our club," said Hunt. "He's young and he wants to learn his trade after having a successful loan deal last year at Portsmouth in the Championship.

"He learnt plenty whilst playing at that level, which will stand him in good stead for the upcoming season. He's another player who has come through a really strong Academy, and will be a great addition to our squad."

Reading CEO Joe Jacobson added: "Mark is someone who has been highly sought after in this transfer window. The manager speaking to him personally has made him want to come here, Noel's thoughts on the player and how he sees him playing and developing was key.

"It's an exciting addition, and another player with experience in the league above. He's very highly thought of at Brighton, and we'd like to place on record our thanks to them for entrusting us to offer him game time and provide further development."