League of Ireland Premier League: Five takeaways from the weekend’s action

With so much to play for across the League of Ireland, it’s no surprise that there have already been plenty of announcements since the January transfer window opened on Thursday.

Oran Kearney has wasted no time in his first transfer window as Ballymena manager, and after the trio of Dean Eby, Zach Nolan and Igor Rutkowski were announced in December, Sean Murray has now joined the club.

Bangor have signed experienced Stephen Fallon on loan from Coleraine, while Brandon Birmingham returns to Dungannon Swifts after a spell at Cliftonville to add to their midfield options at Stangmore Park.

After a busy summer market at Coleraine, Ruaidhri Higgins has continued the pattern in this window. Former Derry City captain Mark Connolly and Portadown’s Ben Willey have signed for the Bannsiders, with both players not starting in the blue and white at their best after making their debuts in Friday’s loss to Larne.

There is a tough task ahead for Michael O’Connor if he is to prevent Glenavon from being relegated to the Championship for the first time since 2004. They have added Gavin Gilmour from Finn Harps to their ranks, but have also lost Francelli Lombuto, David McDaid, Bridel Busacani and Corey Smith, so it is set to be a busy few weeks for the Lurgan Blues.

Entering the window, David Healy said he would “look more internally for more people to come back” and that his team “wouldn’t sign for that” and they have so far enjoyed a quiet January.

Kenzie Beattie is the only returnee to the Blues after a spell at Premier League side Ballymash Rangers, although they moved last month to tie up the likes of Kirk Millar, Kyle McLean and Ben Hall to new contracts.

Portadown have made an impressive addition in Josh Carson from Ballymena United. However, losing Willie to Coleraine will sting, while Ryan Mayes has joined Dergview, so Niall Currie will have to find a new source of goals before the window closes at the end of the month.