Strikers Donnelly and Ojo to depart Cliftonville
Strikers Ruaidhri Donnelly and Destiny Ojo will depart Cliftonville upon the expiration of their contracts.
Donnelly brings the curtain down on an injury-hit third spell with the Reds after joining in July 2024.
The 33-year-old made just 13 league appearances, the last of which came in November.
He found the net once, scoring once in a 3-1 defeat against Larne in September.
"I want thank Jim [Magilton] for the chance he gave me to put a Reds top back on, always an honour wearing that top," Donnelly posted on X.
"It has been a difficult and frustrating season on and off the pitch for myself and I truly believe no player deserves a contract without fighting for one, which I was unable to do due to injury.
"The Reds fan base is something else. Thank you, Cliftonville Football Club, once a Red, always a Red."
Donnelly made 70 appearances during his first spell with the north Belfast side before impressive form earned a move to Swansea City in January 2012.
Also representing Tranmere Rovers and Gillingham while playing in England, he returned to Cliftonville in the summer of 2017.
The forward then joined Glentoran on transfer deadline day in January 2021 and also had a spell at Newington in the Championship.
Ojo signed in August last year after being released by Portsmouth and featured 14 times for the Reds in all competitions.
He scored twice in Cliftonville's run to the BetMcLean League Cup final, including a dramatic extra time winner against Larne in the semi-final win.
The 20-year-old was an unused substitute in Jim Magilton's side 1-0 victory over Glentoran in the decider.
"Thank you for everything last season, all the best for the future," he said in a post on X.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Reds Make Roster Announcement Ahead of Astros Series
Reds Make Roster Announcement Ahead of Astros Series originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Cincinnati Reds reinstated first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand from the injured list Friday and designated catcher Austin Wynns for assignment in the corresponding move. Encarnacion-Strand had been sidelined since April 17 due to lower back inflammation. After a lengthy rehab assignment, he's been cleared to return to the Reds' active roster. Advertisement Before the injury, the 25-year-old slashed .158/.183/.198 with two home runs in 57 at-bats. However, he showed encouraging signs at the plate during his rehab stint with Triple-A Louisville, going 12-for-37 (.324) with two home runs over 10 games. Mar 29, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand (33) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images© Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Wynns, 34, had been part of a three-catcher setup since Tyler Stephenson returned from the injured list on May 2. The Reds kept Wynns on the roster longer than expected, reportedly out of concern he might be claimed off waivers if exposed. In 18 games with Cincinnati, Wynns hit .400 with a 1.142 OPS, three home runs, and 11 RBIs, but saw limited playing time following Stephenson's return. Advertisement With Encarnacion-Strand back in the fold, the Reds open a weekend seires against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Great American Ball P This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.


Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Hamilton Spectator
De La Cruz out of Reds' lineup against Arizona after flight from Dominican Republic canceled
CINCINNATI (AP) — Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz will not be in the lineup for Cincinnati's series opener against Arizona on Friday night after his flight from the Dominican Republic, where he was mourning the death of his older sister, was canceled. The 23-year-old De La Cruz returned to the Dominican after Wednesday's 9-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers . He was not placed on the bereavement list and was expected to be back in Cincinnati late Friday. 'He was actually trying to get here in time for the game, but one of his flights got canceled, so he's getting here later,' Reds manager Terry Francona said. The Reds got a boost to the lineup Friday when first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand was reinstated from the 10-day injured list. He had been on the IL since April 17 due to back inflammation. Second baseman Matt McLain moved to short in place of De La Cruz, and Garrett Hampson was set to play second base against the Diamondbacks. ___ AP MLB:


Fox Sports
2 hours ago
- Fox Sports
De La Cruz out of Reds' lineup against Arizona after flight from Dominican Republic canceled
Associated Press CINCINNATI (AP) — Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz will not be in the lineup for Cincinnati's series opener against Arizona on Friday night after his flight from the Dominican Republic, where he was mourning the death of his older sister, was canceled. The 23-year-old De La Cruz returned to the Dominican after Wednesday's 9-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. He was not placed on the bereavement list and was expected to be back in Cincinnati late Friday. 'He was actually trying to get here in time for the game, but one of his flights got canceled, so he's getting here later,' Reds manager Terry Francona said. The Reds got a boost to the lineup Friday when first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand was reinstated from the 10-day injured list. He had been on the IL since April 17 due to back inflammation. Second baseman Matt McLain moved to short in place of De La Cruz, and Garrett Hampson was set to play second base against the Diamondbacks. ___ AP MLB: recommended