Cork City sign ex-Waterford and Cobh midfielder O'Keeffe

Niall O'Keeffe tussles with Kerry's Sean McGrath. Pic: Eddie O'Hare

Cork City have announced the signing of midfielder Niall O’Keeffe ahead of the 2026 First Division campaign.

O'Keeffe is Ger Nash's first capture of the off-season as the FAI Cup finalists prepare for a title tilt next term.

O'Keeffe has made over 150 League of Ireland appearances so far, since coming through the academy at Waterford FC, making his first team debut in 2020. 

The 24-year-old spent the 2025 season at Cobh Ramblers, featuring 33 times as they finished second in the First Division, scoring once.

O’Keeffe said: “I’m delighted to be here. I spoke to the manager, and his ambitions for the club going forward excited me. I watched City play in the cup final last week and thought they were really good. 

"I know exactly what Turner’s Cross is like on match day, and I’m looking forward to being able to experience the other side of playing in front of the Shed end.” 

City boss Nash added: “I’m pleased to have Niall on board. Although he’s still relatively young, he comes with plenty of League of Ireland experience in both divisions, and he’s got a lot of potential. 

"He’s a player that we have been watching for a while, and identified early as someone that would work well within our plan of where we want this club to get to next season.”