It Friel’s Good

COLERAINE FC is pleased to confirm the signing of Cathair Friel on a three-year deal…

The striker becomes Oran Kearney’s first arrival in the summer transfer window.

After a brief spell at The Showgrounds in 2011, Friel would make his name at Limavady United where his 46 goals in a single season helped the Roesiders win the Championship Two title in 2015/16.

Those performances alerted the attention of Ballymena United as Friel joined the Sky Blues in 2016/17 and he would lift the League Cup, as well as scoring in an Irish Cup final defeat to Glentoran during his time on Warden Street. In total, Friel made 162 appearances and scored 70 times for the Braidmen.

The 28-year-old finished the campaign with Carrick Rangers and scored four times in 23 appearances for the Amber Army.

Coleraine boss Oran Kearney spoke of his determination to add more goals to his side on this week’s Podcast and knows the Limavady man can certainly do that.

“I gave Cathair his debut at Limavady United and he had plenty of pace and was exciting, before taking him to Coleraine,” he said.

“He made the decision to leave and play games and that ultimately proved fruitful as he scored a lot of goals at Limavady United under the management of Paul Owens.

“He had an impressive record in the top flight with Ballymena United and I’m sure we can get the best out of him.

“Cathair is a local lad, he will be well known amongst our squad and he’s itching to get back on track.”

The Club can confirm that Friel will wear the number 27 shirt next season.