Cathal Heffernan moves to Cambridge United on four-year deal

Former Ringmahon Rangers player, Cathal Heffernan, has joined English League One side Cambridge United on a four-year contract.

The centre-back only joined Harrogate Town six months ago from Newcastle United. He began his professional career at hometown club Cork City before making a much-publicised move to Italian giants AC Milan.

“It was a no-brainer to me when I found out that Cambridge were interested,” he said after stepping up a tier, on the back of 24 appearances for Harrogate.

“All my experiences have helped me gear up to this moment - I am relishing the challenge and really excited to get started.” Experienced manager Neil Harris could hand the 21-year-old his debut in Saturday’s visit of Huddersfield Town.

“Cathal really shone through during a testing period for Harrogate last season, and we were thoroughly impressed when we came up against him,” said the former Millwall boss.

“Cathal can come straight in and impact the starting XI but also has the long-term ambition to grow alongside us.

“Given the strides our defensive unit has made over the last 18 months, we’re excited to work closely with Cathal and help him reach his potential."

One of Heffernan’s former Newcastle teammates and compatriots, Rory Finneran, is set to join Notts County on loan for the season. Finneran, 18, made his Ireland debut against Grenada in May.