Cobh Ramblers latest: six re-signings for 2024 as Waweru and Rowe depart
Wilson Waweru was announced as a Sligo Rovers player on Monday. Picture: Instagram @wilsonwaweruu
THIS week, Cobh Ramblers have announced that Jason Abbott, Matthew McKevitt, Darragh Burke, Brendeán Frahill, James O’Leary and Darragh O’Sullivan-Connell have all signed new deals with the club, keeping them at St Colman’s Park for the 2024 season.
29-year-old Cobh native Jason Abbott wore the armband last season under Shane Keegan and will now head into his third full season with the club.
Matthew McKevitt – who joined the club midway through last season, was originally signed as a squad player for a team that boasted a wealth of attacking options, but could now be leading the line in 2024.
The 25-year-old’s signature became a priority for Cobh Ramblers after Jack Doherty’s departure, and even more so with Wilson Waweru and Mikie Rowe moving to Sligo Rovers and Wexford FC respectively.
Brendeán Frahill was key at the back in last year’s success, and keeping him at the club is a huge boost for next year.
James O’Leary has suffered various injury setbacks in his Ramblers career but got back in time to deliver in the playoff semi-final, scoring the winner against Wexford at St Colman’s Park. Darragh O’Sullivan-Connell featured 17 times last year and will also be key in 2024, as he's expected to play even more.
The six new re-signings join Charlie O’Brien and Mike McCarthy as the only other players that have contracts for next season, with the duo having penned long term deals earlier this year.
Wilson Waweru was never officially a Cobh Ramblers player, but his performances last season ensured he quickly became a fan favourite, and his move to Premier Division side Sligo Rovers is one that will certainly be a blow to the Cork club.
Mikie Rowe joins Waweru, Charlie Lyons, Jack Doherty and goalkeeper Lee Steacy as another regular starter to leave St Colman’s Park before the 2024 season.
Luke Desmond is also likely to leave the club, while the futures of Alec Byrne and Dale Holland are also up in the air as things stand.
“With Jason leading the group last season, I knew that it would be important to make sure I got him over the line,” says new manager Gary Hunt, on the news of Abbott and McKevitt signing contract extensions.
“Matt is an exciting player, and I am looking forward to seeing what he can do. I’m sure with a good pre-season behind him he can really show his qualities in 2024.
“I’m delighted to have Brendeán signed up for 2024,” says Hunt, when speaking on Frahill’s new contract. “He was an important part of the team last season, and you could see his qualities both in and out of possession.
“This club means a lot to him, and I know he will continue to give 100% in everything he does for Cobh Ramblers.”
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