Latest news with #RodneyMcAree
BBC News
3 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
McAllister returns to Swifts after Everton release
Midfielder Sean McAllister has returned to Dungannon Swifts following his release from left the Swifts in 2019 to sign for the Premier League side and he spent five years with the Toffees but was released last summer after failing to make a senior former Northern Ireland Under-21 international remained on Merseyside to rehabilitate from an injury before joining National League side Marine for a brief stint in 22-year-old, who trained with the Swifts in the closing weeks of the season, also had a loan spell at Scottish Championship side Inverness last becomes Rodney McAree's third summer signing after the arrivals of Mal Smith and Peter Maguire.
BBC News
27-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
McGovern joins Shamrock Rovers from Dungannon Swifts
League of Ireland Premier Division leaders Shamrock Rovers have completed the signing of forward John McGovern from Irish Premiership side Dungannon 22-year-old striker joins Rovers for an undisclosed was a key figure in Dungannon's successful 2024-25 season, which saw them finish fourth in the league and win the Irish Cup by beating Cliftonville 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 after extra-time, thereby securing European football for the Stangmore Park former Northern Ireland Under-21 international and Newry City frontman scored the opening goal in the showpiece decider and contributed 14 league goals in 29 appearances for Rodney McAree's team."After many weeks of negotiations, the club agreed a transfer fee with Dungannon Swifts which will remain undisclosed," read a statement from the Dublin club on Tuesday."This transfer is subject to International and Domestic clearance which, when approved, would allow John to be available for selection from July 1st, 2025."John has attracted much interest in recent months but has been fully committed in his desire to play for Shamrock Rovers."Speaking on the Shamrock Rovers club website, external, manager Stephen Bradley explained that he had McGovern in his sights for "over a year"."We were up quite a lot to watch John. We tried quite a bit over the last year to get him, but it wasn't possible. "John was at university and Dungannon weren't ready to sell at that moment in time. So, it was a case of continuing to monitor John and thankfully we've got him in now. "We could have moved in on other players in the previous window, but we wanted to wait on John as he was someone we'd monitored for quite some time. He fits the group, has a good age profile and we really like what he's about. So we waited and now we got it done."McGovern told the club's website that it was "a no-brainer" to make the move."I'm absolutely delighted. It's a massive club, the biggest in the country. You look at the success Shamrock Rovers have had in recent years and throughout the club's history."I want to win trophies, I want to win medals, and continue the legacy of the club."Rovers are six points clear of nearest challengers Drogheda United at the top of the Premier Division table.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Dungannon's 2024-25 season in review
2024-25 League position: 4thPlayer of the season: Gael Bigirimana2024-25 Review: The campaign will surely go down as the best ever witnessed at Stangmore club had finished fourth in the top-flight twice previously in the 1990s, both under the stewardship of current manager Rodney McAree's father Joe, but their Irish Cup triumph over Cliftonville was a first for the memorable scenes at Windsor Park on the first Saturday of May have brought deserved praise upon the club who have delivered major silverware, broken into the top six, and will play in European football all on a budget that ensures they need to promote youth and rely on astute signings. Gael Bigirimana and Leo Alves are just two examples of the latter, while 22-year-old full-back Adam Glenny was voted onto the team of the season this year having come through the youth will miss the firepower of John McGovern next season, who is expected to move on after a strong campaign in front of goal, but the Swifts will back themselves to find another bargain as a replacement. 2025-26 signings so far:2025-26 departures so far: Dean Curry (retired)
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Swifts parade Irish Cup in unforgettable homecoming celebration
Rodney McAree has a special story to tell. (Image: John Stafford) Just after 7pm on Monday evening, beneath a sunlit blue sky, the Dungannon Swifts made their triumphant return home, arriving on an open-top bus to a rapturous reception in Market Square. The winning team pulled up beside a specially constructed stage, greeted by crowds singing, cheering, letting off flares, and waving blue and white flags in celebration of their dramatic Irish Cup victory over Cliftonville at Windsor Park on Saturday. The team remained atop the bus for a time, soaking up the moment and energising the crowd as they danced and proudly paraded the Cup – now in its third day of celebrations. Excitement surged as Mid Ulster Council Chairman, Councillor Eugene McConnell, introduced local sports personality Adrian Logan to the stage, prompting a roar of approval from the packed square. When Logan declared the Swifts 'Irish Cup champions,' the crowd erupted, joining the team in a spontaneous rendition of We Are the Champions. Among those interviewed live on stage by 'Logie' were Swifts' captain Dean Currie, club chairman Keith Boyd, goalkeeper Declan Dunne, and goalscorer John McGovern – who sparked laughter with his candid remark: 'You see to be honest, I don't remember anything about the goal.' As each player appeared on stage, fans serenaded them with individual chants, with many of the squad now boasting their own unique songs. The players revelled in the atmosphere, and cheers reached a crescendo when manager Rodney McAree and his wife Adele took to the stage. Visibly moved, Mr. McAree told the crowd: 'I keep thinking this is a dream and we've already gone to Heaven, looking down, imagining what could have been. It's unbelievable – to drive in the town road and see so many supporters.' He then joked: 'I got promoted with Fulham (as a player) and I scored a goal at Fulham which was better than any of these boys could do,' prompting a quick retort from Logan: 'Look, he had 485 appearances and he scored one goal.' Mr. McAree continued: 'We did an open top bus parade around Fulham but there was nobody on the streets, it was embarrassing and I really worried about this night but this here is phenomenal. You guys are exceptional and I thank you so much.' He needn't have worried – the turnout, in Adrian Logan's words, numbered in the thousands, made up of seasoned Swifts fans and newly converted supporters alike. But the undisputed star of the night was country music legend Philomena Begley. Dressed in blue and white, the 82-year-old took to the stage with her trademark wit and powerhouse vocals, belting out her iconic hit Blanket on the Ground – now the unofficial anthem of Dungannon Swifts. Ms Begley mingled with players and supporters, chatting, singing, and dancing with the team, their families, and the entire crowd. The celebrations reached a high as jubilant goalkeeper Declan Dunne lifted manager McAree – and the Irish Cup – onto his shoulders in front of an ecstatic audience. Among those in attendance was Mid Ulster Councillor Dominic Molloy, who told The Impartial Reporter: 'I can't believe the turnout in the Square! Great to see the sea of blue and white bringing everyone together. I heartily congratulate the players, management and backroom team of Dungannon Swifts FC on their historic win. It really was the icing on the cake in a very successful year for the club. The win and run up to the final has been a huge lift for the entire Dungannon area." It was, by all accounts, a night to remember – a triumphant celebration of football, music, and community spirit that brought Dungannon together in spectacular style.
Belfast Telegraph
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Rodney McAree: I went into a cafe after Dungannon Swifts' Irish Cup win and everyone started to applaud… it's just been amazing
Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree has reflected on the extraordinary and joyous reaction in the town to his team winning the Irish Cup for the first time in their history. Speaking on the BelTel Football podcast, alongside assistant boss Dixie Robinson, McAree revealed how on the day after the Swifts beat Cliftonville at Windsor Park in a penalty shoot-out in a memorable Final he was applauded by fellow customers entering a café in his hometown!
