Midfielder Evan McLaughlin signs a new contract ahead of the 2025 season with Cork City

Cork City have continued to build towards their return to the League of Ireland Premier Division by re-signing Evan McLaughlin.

The attack minded midfielder made 34 appearances last term and scored five goals.

The Derry native was rewarded for his work with a place in the PFA Ireland Men’s First Division Team of the Year and SSE Airtricity Men's First Division Team of the Year.

The Echo also understands that former Cork City player Jack Doherty, who moved to Cobh Ramblers last month, has picked up a long-term injury.

The winger was one of the marquee signings brought in by Mick McDermott, and he returned to St Colman’s Park after helping the club reach the promotion play-off final in 2023.

Doherty moved to Turner’s Cross year, and he played with McLaughlin in a Cork City side that dominated the League of Ireland First Division.

The Rebel Army won the league at a canter, with the title wrapped up at the beginning of September.

The club is now focused on their return to the Premier Division and making sure they keep their place at the highest level of the Irish football pyramid.

McLaughlin spoke about his excitement for 2025 and his love of playing at Turner’s Cross, in an interview with the club’s media team.

“I’m delighted to get the deal done and to commit to City for the season,” he said.

“I really enjoyed my first year here, and I’ve loved playing in front of the Turner’s Cross crowd. I can’t wait to get going again for the new season!

City boss Tim Clancy said: “Evan did very well for us last season, particularly after the move to left back. There was obviously interest from elsewhere, so we’re very pleased to get him tied down for 2025.

“While he’s still a young player, he’s got a lot of first team games under his belt, so he knows what’s expected as we make the step up to the Premier Division.” McLaughlin a product of the Derry City academy and he broke through to the Candystripes first-team in 2021 under Ruaidhrí Higgins.

The midfielder immediately made his name known by scoring on his debut during a 2-0 victory over Waterford at the Brandywell.

McLaughlin went on to sign for Coleraine in the Irish League on a season long loan from Derry City and he helped the club clinch a place in the Conference League play-offs.

The club also reached the sixth round of the Irish Cup, where they lost to Cliftonville on penalties.

McLaughlin moved to Turner’s Cross in December 2023, shortly after the club was relegated from the Premier Division.

The midfielder slotted into the team and developed a close on-pitch relationship with Greg Bolger and Cathal O’Sullivan.

McLaughlin hit the ground running with a goal against Longford at Turner’s Cross putting the club back on top of the league, level on points with Treaty United last March.

The Rebel Army went on to win 22 games and just two losses were recorded in 38 outings.

Cork City will get their 2025 season underway later on with a visit to Carrigaline United in the Munster Senior Cup Round of 16.

Clancy and his players will go into the game looking to reach the quarter finals for the first time in two years.