After the announcement of contract news earlier on today we can bring the good news that a former Dungannon United Youth and Swifts favourite returns to Stangmore Park.
After four seasons away at Crusaders, Christopher Hegarty, has made the move back to his hometown Club.
Hegarty, thirty, of course is no stranger to Stangmore Park, having come through the ranks at DUY before heading across the water. Hegarty was part of our 2018 League Cup Winning squad and now re-joins us from Crusaders, he comes off the back of lots of success with the North Belfast side but he still has plenty to prove.
We take the opportunity to welcome Christopher back to Stangmore Park and wish him every success.
New Signing, Christopher Hegarty pictured alongside Chairman, Keith Boyd.
Congratulations to Padraig Lynch who has been rewarded, for all his hard work, with his first professional contract at Dungannon Swifts Football Club. This is fantastic news for the eighteen year old forward who is a very dedicated player.
“Since arriving through the doors of DUY indoor community programme as a 7 year old it didn’t take long for us to realise that Padraig was a talented young lad. He always had a great football brain and an eye for scoring all types of goals from those early days and this has continued right up until now as he has scored 30 goals already this season. We are delighted to see Padraig get his first professional contract with the club and I have no doubt that he will have a very good future ahead of him. “
Dixie Robinson
Congratulations Padraig, we wish you every success with your new contract.
On the last day of the transfer window, Swifts Manager, Kris Lindsay made a move to sign midfielder, Niall McGinley.
New signing, midfielder, Niall McGinley
Nineteen year old, McGinley, from Strabane, joins us at Stangmore Park as a free agent, his most recent club was Finn Harps. “I know Caolan McAleer, and he spoke to me about Dungannon, told me that Kris, (Lindsay) was brilliant with the lads. I played with Dungannon United Youth in the Under age squads at youth level and I know it’s the same ethos, right the way through from DUY to Dungannon Swifts. I think it’s brilliant that Dungannon has so much young and experience throughout the squad and I’m looking forward to playing and learning alongside both. I am buzzing to get started and involved with the team, they are on a good run at the moment and hopefully can keep it going.”
Kris Lindsay said; “I am delighted to add Niall to our squad and get him back on board with us in Dungannon. He gives us competition for more options in midfield. He is technically a very good player, who previously played with Dungannon United Youth. Although he wasn’t able to be involved in the game for us today, (his International clearance hadn’t came through on time), he has been training with us and he’s impressed me so far.”
Niall has been presented with the number 43 shirt. Welcome to Stangmore Park, Niall.
Club Captain, Christopher Hegarty, has made the decision to leave the Club for pastures new as he joins the newly crowned Irish Cup Champions, Crusaders Football Club.
“Christopher has been a fantastic player and an inspirational Captain since he took over the role. He has left us for an undisclosed fee to join the Crues (Crusaders). I wish Chris well for the future and thank him for his service to Dungannon Swifts Football Club.”
Manager – Kris Lindsay
Christopher has been a loyal servant to Dungannon Swifts, coming through the ranks at DUY before moving across the water to England as a teenager and finally returning to Dungannon Swifts, via Rangers and Linfield.
He has now decided it is time to move on.
Firstly, I’d like to thank Keith Boyd (Chairman) for letting me take this opportunity. It hasn’t been an easy decision to make but I feel if I don’t take the chance now, it’s one I may live to regret in the future. Thanks to Kris Lindsay and the coaching staff who have been brilliant towards me from the minute they came in. I believe Kris will do a great job at the Swifts and I’ve honestly enjoyed every minute under him. I would like to also pay personal thanks to Stevie (Symington) the physiotherapist, as he has been brilliant in the 3.5 years I’ve been at Dungannon.
I could go on and name everyone but honestly I’d only forget someone. I want to thank each and everyone of you at the Club for how well I have been treated. Unfortunately, winning the league cup has given me the hunger to go on and win more silverware, and this is an opportunity I couldn’t turn away for my own career. It is purely a footballing decision to try and better myself in the next few years and play some European Football and battle it out at the top of the league. Finally, I would like to thank the Supporters, from the moment I walked back into Dungannon Swifts, every single person has made me most welcome.
Thanks for the support everyone, I’m sure I will see you all very soon. Good luck.”
Christopher Hegarty
As a Club, we would like to thank Christopher for his service and wish him well for the future.
Pictured: Dixie Robinson (DUY), Tom Grimes, Winner of DSFC/DUY Last One Standing competition and Simon Graham (DSFC).
After another successful round of ‘Last One Standing’ competition ran by Dungannon Swifts and Dungannon United Youth we are delighted to announce the winner of £1000 went to TOM GRIMES.
Out of a total of 1244 entries this time round, Tom battled his way to the last place and bagged himself a worthy £1000.
We would like to thank organisers Simon Graham, Dixie Robinson and Charlie Calderwood for their helping in ensuring the competition ran smoothly from week to week .
Congratulations Tom, no excuses for not buying some Christmas presents this year!
