Dec 11,2024
Derry City goalkeeper Brian Maher has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the Ryan McBride Brandywell until the end of the 2026 season.
The 24-year old Dubliner, capped 12 times for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s, has been a mainstay in goal for Derry City since joining the club from Bray Wanderers before the 2022 season.
He picked up an FAI Cup winners medal at the end of his first season at the club, finishing runners-up in the league in both 2022 and 2023.
However, last season petered out badly for the Candystripes, the side slumping to fourth place in the league and then formally missing out on European football following the limp 2-0 loss to Drogheda United in the Cup final.
Manager Ruaidhrí Higgins departed at the end of the season, with Tiernan Lynch leaving NIFL champions Larne to take the reins in Derry.
Maher said it was the challenge of righting the wrongs of their late-season collapse in 2024 that formed part of the reason for his determination to stay, having been linked with a move away.
"I am absolutely delighted to extend my contract with Derry City FC," Maher said.
"Derry has been my home for the last three years and I have built up a special relationship with the supporters and that is something that I cherish.
"After sitting down with those around me and taking a bit of time to weigh everything up I decided this was where I wanted to be and to try put right what happened at the end of last year.
"Having spoken to Tiernan and listening to his plans for the club, I am excited to play my part, and I look forward to getting stuck in."
Meanwhile Reece Hutchinson is the latest player to commit to Sligo Rovers for the 2025 season.
Hutchinson has signed a one year deal which brings the 24-year-old into his third season at the Showgrounds.
The left-back joined the Bit O'Red on loan from Cheltenham Town before the commencement of the 2023 season and made the move permanent that summer following an impressive start to his Sligo stint.
The Birmingham native has appeared almost 50 times for Rovers to date, scoring three times. He ended last season having appeared in all 38 competitive first team games.
