Cork City continue to strengthen squad by bringing in midfielder Sean Murray from Irish League 

CORK CITY have continued to strengthen ahead of the new season by bringing in midfielder Sean Murray on loan from Glentoran in the Irish League, while re-signing academy graduate Cian Murphy.

They joined a number of new recruits, a group that includes goalkeeper Aidan Dowling.

Murray is best known for a spell with Dundalk that lasted from 2019-2021 and he helped the Lilywhites win a clean sweep of domestic honours in addition to qualifying for the group stages of the Europa League in 2020.

He has spent the last three years in the Irish League, and he will be at Turner's Cross until the end of July.

Speaking to the club's media team, he said: “Everything happened really quickly last week and I’m buzzing to be here. 

"I know from playing at Turner’s Cross in the past what it’s like to come to play against Cork City; this is a big club. 

"For Turner’s Cross now to be my home ground is brilliant and I am really looking forward to it.

“I know from playing here before that the home fans are loud and passionate, so to be playing in front of them will be great. 

"Tim has explained his ambitions for the coming season to me; there is a good squad being built here for the coming season and I hope that me coming in can add a bit of experience to the group. 

"I’ve played a lot of games in this league, so I know what it is like and I can’t wait to get started.” 

Cork City manager Tim Clancy added: “Looking at the group, we have a lot of talented young players but it is really good for us to be able to add more experience to that. 

"Sean has a huge amount of experience; he played at Championship level in England when he was younger and, more recently, has won trophies in this league as well when he was at Dundalk. 

"He is coming in to the group at a really good age and he will be brilliant for the young lads.

“If you look back at his career, he scores goals, whether that is through the middle or out wide. 

"From an offensive point of view, he will bring creativity and goals to the side. 

"When you have plenty of players who can score goals in your team, that takes the pressure off the strikers as well, and I think that is important, so we are really glad to have Sean on board.” 

Cian Murphy has signed a new contract with the club for the 2024 season.

The striker has made over 90 competitive appearances for the club since making his league debut in 2018.

“I’m delighted to have signed back with City for the 2024 season. I know it’s been said already, but myself and the other lads that came through the academy were really hurt after last season, and we know we have to put things right.

“From speaking to Tim, we all know that our goal for the season is to win the league and get back to the Premier Division. My aim this year is to chip in with more goals and help us achieve that," Murphy said.