Mark Connolly keen to progress Adam O'Reilly contract talks

​The 25 year-old Corkman scored the winning goal against Galway United at Brandywell on Friday night and has been one of Derry's stand-out performers in 2026.

His contract expires at the end of the season and the former Preston North End man has already gone on record to declare he would 'be over the moon' to extend his stay on Foyleside. "I love Derry City," he said in an interview with the 'Journal' at the end of June. "I've been here four years so it has a special place in my heart. I can't tell what's going to happen in the future but I absolutely love Derry."

Derry's interim boss and Director of Football, Connolly was singing the midfielder's praises after the 1-0 win over Galway on Friday night which took the club into fourth spot.

When asked if O'Reilly's recent performances were worthy of a new contract, Connolly responded diplomatically: "There's definitely talks ongoing. Adam is someone we love here. He's bought a house here, is living here and I think from the conversations I've had with him, he's loving it here and enjoying it here, so fingers crossed."

When pressed on whether there was a timeframe for a decision on O'Reilly's future, Connolly was playing his cards close to his chest.

"Well, we'll see. We've had a few conversations and we'll see where it goes."

Connolly has been delighted with O'Reilly's contribution since he's taken over as manager, as the robust midfielder has scored three goals and clearly is benefiting from the freedom afforded him by the Monaghan man.

He's scored six goals this campaign in total including that goal of the season contender from 40 yards in the 2-2 draw with Waterford last Monday night and a tap-in from six yards against Galway. So how is Connolly getting the best out of the box-to-box midfielder?

"Just go and score goals Adam," he smiled. "We've played him up at times higher up the pitch in an area I've always felt from when I was a player alongside him, but stepping in as interim manager, I know he has the legs to get higher up the pitch and into the box.

"He's taken his two goals really well. The one the other night in Wtaerford was incredible and tonight, the timing of his run, he gets the goal. But he's also doing the other side.

"He does that and then gets back in and does a shift without the ball, so he's a talented boy and one we love having here."