Kevin Long thrilled to be back playing with Cork City in the premier division in 20207

Cork City FC have confirmed the signing of defender Kevin Long ahead of the 2027 Premier Division season.

The 36-year-old Cork native returns to Leeside, having originally come through the club’s academy before making his first-team debut in 2009. Long made 17 appearances for City before earning a move to English Premier League side Burnley in November 2009, where he went on to spend 13 years.

During his time at Turf Moor, Long made 91 appearances for Burnley, including 48 in the Premier League. 

He also had loan spells with Accrington Stanley, Rochdale, Portsmouth, Barnsley and MK Dons.

Following his departure from Burnley in 2023, Long joined Championship side Birmingham City before making the move to Major League Soccer, where he spent two seasons with Toronto FC, making 50 appearances for the Canadian side.

At international level, Long earned 17 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland, making his debut against Mexico in 2017 and scoring his first international goal against Bulgaria in 2019.

Long spent the 2026 at Waterford, before returning home to join the Club where he played his first minutes in senior football.

Speaking in Bishopstown Long said he has happy to be back.

“It’s great to be back. It’s been a while! It’s a nice feeling to get the memories and flashbacks as you walk through the door and see some familiar faces. 

"I’m really looking forward to getting back and playing in front of the Cork City fans.

“I spoke to the manager about the plans for the season and I spoke to Seani Maguire, who said nothing but great things about manager and how professional the set-up is and how meticulous his training sessions are, so I was very excited and wanted to get the deal done.” 

City boss Barry Robson said he was thrilled to have Kevin at the club.

“We’re very pleased to have Kevin signed up. Cork City fans won’t need an introduction to the kind of player he is, having been here before and going on to have a fantastic career in the Premier League and with the Ireland national team. 

"He adds a lot of experience and quality to the squad.

“He’s familiar with the club, and with the League of Ireland. 

"After spending last season at Waterford, he’s familiar with the teams we will be coming up against this season and knows what will be expected from us. 

"He’s the kind of player that will drive standards and the younger players in the squad will benefit from that too.”

In recent weeks, Archie Meekison was announced as the club’s first new arrival of the off-season, while Greg Bolger confirmed his retirement from professional football. 

Charlie Lyons, who captained City to the First Division title in 2024, also announced his departure from the club. 

Harry Nevin, who came through the club’s academy before earning a move to Preston North End in 2020, returned to City in 2024. 

Having made over 50 appearances for the men’s first team across the last three seasons, Harry has also departed the club.

The following members of the 2026 squad remain under contract with the club for the 2027 season:

Conor Brann, Matthew Kiernan, Fiacre Kelleher, Ruairí Keating, Hans Mpongo, Conor Drinan, Darragh Crowley, Josh Fitzpatrick, Chris N’Sa, Seani Maguire, Matthew Murray, Rory Feely, Ike Manjor-Georgewill, Tom McGrath, Charlie Hanover, Luke Downey, Brody Lee, and Cillian Murphy.

The club can also confirm the departure of the following players, following the conclusion of their contracts.

Harry Nevin, Charlie Lyons, Greg Bolger (retired), Joe Aidoo, David Odumosu, and Niall O’Keeffe.