Leitrim's Niall Morahan signs with Bohemian Football Club

Leitrim Village’s Niall Morahan is heading for Dalymount after Bohemians FC announced on Thursday that they had signed Sligo Rovers’ captain on a multi-year deal.

Having being an ever-present for the Bit O’Red in 2024 as he captained them from midfield, the loss of Morahan is a blow to Sligo Rovers but the former Carrick Town and Allen Gaels player admitted that he was looking for new challenges in his career.

Speaking to Bohs’ website, Niall said “I loved my time in Sligo, but I felt like I had reached the stage in my career where I needed a new challenge. Bohs is a club with a lot of history and an incredible fan base, so when Alan spoke about his plans and my role in that, this felt like the right next step for me.

“I’m delighted to be here. The support from Bohs fans is something that’s known across the league, and I can’t wait to experience it first hand at Dalymount. I look forward to seeing them all next season.”

Morahan also set some ambitious targets for himself: “I’m sure everyone involved with the club wants to bring silverware and European football back to Dalymount. I’m a determined and energetic midfielder who gives 100% every time I step on the pitch. I like to see myself as someone who reads the game well, I like to break up play, win possession back and get the team on the front foot by starting attacks from deep.

“This will be my eighth season in the league so I like to think that I know the league now and know what it takes to win games. For me, being a leader is about setting the standards on and off the pitch. I make it a priority to lead by example in working hard and supporting my team-mates, and I’m really looking forward to meeting them and getting down to work in pre-season.”

With 190 first team games for the Bit O’Red, Morahan’s signing represents a coup of Bohs manager Alan Reynolds: “This is another big coup for us. Niall is a really exciting player, a real leader and he will be a massive addition to our squad, giving us real options and competition in midfield.

“His age profile is perfect for the club, he’s 24 years of age, captain of Sligo Rovers last year, so has the leadership qualities we need to push on together as a group. It’s a big move for him to come to Bohemians after so many years with Sligo Rovers, so I am delighted that we have been able to bring him to the club and that he believes in what we are trying to achieve here.

“He’s the type of midfielder that we were really missing at times this season due to injuries to certain players, and I believe he is going to cement himself as a real fans’ favourite at Dalymount Park. Despite still being young, he knows this league inside out, and he has a lot of experience under his belt.

“He played nearly every minute for Sligo this year and had a pivotal role in the improvements they made this year. We can’t wait to get working with him.”