McCarthy, O’Connor and Arra Depart Regional for Airtricity League football

Limerick District League Premier Division outfit Regional United were dealt a blow with the departure of Ed McCarthy and Evan O’Connor with the duo signing for Airtricity League First Division outfit Galway United. Both players were on trial with the Tribesmen in recent weeks and manager John Caulfield has been impressed during that period.

Regional confirmed the loss of McCarthy and O’Connor via their official twitter page this evening, along with the news that striker Jack Arra has joined Treaty United.

Evan O’Connor played a significant part of in the opening half of the season for Tom O’Connell’s Regional and was one of the mainstays in central defence as the Dooradoyle club finished in fifth place after 11 games to secure a place in the top 6 for the second half of the season. He will be vying for a place in the starting 11 with fellow Limerick man Killian Brouder who has also re-signed for a third season with Galway.

Midfielder Ed McCarthy makes a swift return to Airtricity League football having spent the majority of last season with Treaty United during their maiden season. McCarthy made 22 appearances for Tommy Barrett’s side with 19 of those being starts. McCarthy scored 2 goals during that period but left the club in September citing growing work commitments as the reason behind his departure and return to Dooradoyle.

The news that McCarthy has signed for a league rival so quickly after leaving Treaty will come as a blow to the club’s supporters as he was a fans favourite during his time at the Markets Field. However, the news that Arra has signed will boost Tommy Barrett’s attacking options. Arra bagged 21 goals for Regional this season and will be competing with Enda Curran and Kieran Hanlon for a starting berth.