Mark Connolly appointed Derry City Director of Football

The Clones native spent three-and-a-half years at the Brandywell club and made 115 appearances since making his move from SPL outfit Dundee in July 2022 following a six-month loan spell with Dundalk.

He lifted the FAI Cup at the Aviva after victory over Shelbourne in 2022 but wasn’t offered a new contract by Derry boss Tiernan Lynch at the end of the 2025 campaign and secured a move to Irish League outfit Coleraine where he linked up with his former manager Ruaidhri Higgins once again.

The 34 year-old joined the Bannsiders back in January and played a key role in the heart of the back four as Higgins’ men finished second in the league, won the Irish Cup and qualified for European football this summer.

He will hang up his boots after an illustrious career in England, Scotland and Ireland and Derry City today announced his appointment in a key role with the Foylesiders.

“I am delighted to rejoin the club in a new role and I can’t wait to get started,” he said. “I look forward to working with Tiernan and everyone at the club to help create an environment where players, staff and the academy can thrive.

Club chairman Philip O’Doherty added: “Mark brings a wealth of experience, professionalism, and deep understanding of the game. Mark is a clear leader, and his vision will be invaluable as we continue to develop every aspect of the football club

“Finally, we would like to thank Coleraine football Club for the professional way they dealt with our request.”

Meanwhile, Coleraine paid tribute to their former centre half following his decision to retire from professional football and Higgins claims he’s ‘not surprised’ Connolly was offered the Director of Football role at the Brandywell.

“After a distinguished career spanning almost two decades, Mark brings the curtain down on a journey that saw him represent clubs across England, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and finally with Coleraine FC,” read a club statement.

“The Clones man is now stepping away from the game to move into an off-the-field role with Derry City.

“First-team manager Ruaidhri Higgins praised Mark for his contribution at The Showgrounds and has no doubts he will be successful in his latest challenge.

“Mark had a great influence on the group during his time here,” he said. “He probably didn’t play as much as he would’ve liked towards the end, but his high level of professionalism remained the same.

“Mark has been exemplary with me and my staff throughout our years working together at Derry City and Coleraine. Naturally at 34-years-old, you think about what’s next in your career and this new role at Derry City is a brilliant opportunity for him.

“I’m not surprised he’s been offered that role as he has all the characteristics to be a success. We wish him the very best of luck in the next stage of his career.”

Chief Executive Officer, Dale Pryde-MacDonald, congratulated Mark on his career and passed on his well wishes for the future.

“This is a significant decision for Mark and his family that will bring with it some strong emotions as he hangs up his boots,” he added.

“We congratulate Mark on what has been a remarkable on-field career with success at a number of clubs.

“It is fitting that he ends his on-field career as an Irish Cup winner as well as helping to elevate Coleraine FC back into European football.

“Since joining Coleraine FC, Mark has been an outstanding professional, he has supported the development of young players in the squad and has shown fantastic leadership along the way.

“We wish Mark every success in his next chapter with Derry City FC and look forward to following his career moving forward.”

Reflecting on his time at The Showgrounds, Connolly stated: “I want to thank everyone at the club; Henry, Dale, Ruaidhri, all the staff, players and fans for their support. It was a short six months but to win the Irish Cup and qualify for European football is a nice way to bow out.

“I fully believe that Coleraine FC are moving in the right direction and I wish the club nothing but success moving forward.”