Cathal Heffernan pens deal with Harrowgate Town

NEW CLUB: Harrogate Town have announced the signing of Newcastle United Reserve team captain Cathal Heffernan on a permanent deal. Picture: Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Harrogate Town have announced the signing of Newcastle United Reserve team captain Cathal Heffernan on a permanent deal.

The Cork native joins on an 18-month deal and will be available for their game against Shrewsbury subject to FA and EFL approval.

Heffernan started his career with Ringmahon Rangers before moving to Cork City in 2019. He went on to Juventus, Roma, Atalanta and AC Milan but Rossoneri secured his signature in 2022.

He moved to Newcastle United a year later making over 50 PL2 appearances. 

Speaking on his move, Heffernan said “I'm buzzing. It's a massive move for me and my family and will be my first taste of men's football, so I'm just really excited to get going.

“All the experiences in my career so far have been leading to this moment now, so if I can take all of that and put it together, then I think it'll give me a good shot.

“I'm grateful to the club for taking me here, this is a massive opportunity for me and I’m determined to repay the faith.

“I want to help the team get as many wins as possible and put in as many good performances as I can.”

Head of Player Recruitment Lloyd Kerry is delighted to welcome Heffernan. 

“He's energetic, puts his body on the line, he'll put his head in where it hurts and he's mobile, we like all aspects of his game” said Kerry.

“He's a real competitor. He was obviously captain for the under -21s at Newcastle so has got good leadership qualities.

“He’s exactly what we’re looking for in a centre half so hopefully he can come in, hit the ground running and push the other lads on as well.

“He’s at the stage now where he wants to go and forge a career and play senior football and we're giving them the opportunity to come in and play so it feels like a good fit.”

Meanwhile, Bolton Wanderers have added Cork born goalkeeper David Harrington to their roster from Fleetwood Town. 

Harrington joins the club for an undisclosed fee with the deal running until June 2028. 

“It’s a challenge I want to take on. I think it's just such a big club. Coming in and looking at the ground, it's an unbelievable ground, with unbelievable facilities,” said Harrington.

“The club is looking to go on an upward trajectory and I think it's definitely something I want to be a part of. Every time I pass the stadium, even when you're going down the motorway and you see the size of the ground, you're in awe. Now that I'm actually here, I'm delighted.”

“I've known Owain since I signed for Fleetwood and he's been a massive part of my development - probably one of the biggest influences on my development,” Harrington added.

“Working with him every day, extra sessions and this and that, I think the time and effort he's put into me and the amount that I listen and take off him, I think it's a really good connection we have.

“But he also pushes me. Just because he's worked with me before doesn't mean he's easy on me. He's the opposite. That's also what I'm looking forward to, being worked hard and pushed to the max.”