Tiernan Lynch pays tribute to skipper Mark Connolly who departs Derry City
DERRY City captain Mark Connolly is set to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the month after being told he isn't part of manager Tiernan Lynch's plans for next season.
The 33-year-old 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 was a key figure under Ruaidhrí Higgins who brought him to the club as Derry went on an impressive European run in his first season, won the FAI Cup final; was named in the PFAI Team of the Year 2022 and nominated for PFAI Player of the Year.
The experienced centre-half was 'proud' to be appointed Derry City captain by Lynch last February ahead of the 2025 campaign and was an ever-present at the heart of a much-changed defence this year, playing over 30 games as Derry finished just three points behind Shamrock Rovers in the league title race, qualifying for next season's Uefa Europa League.
Lynch, who is preparing for another overhaul of his squad during the close season - his third transfer window as City boss - paid tribute to his former skipper who led out the 'Candy Stripes' on 38 occasions.
"Mark is as honest as they come and he is held in the highest regard by players, staff and supporters here," said Lynch. "He accepted the captaincy and took the role very seriously, proving himself a real leader for the squad.
"I want to sincerely thank him for everything he has done for this club and wish him every success for the future."
Connolly, who spent most of his senior career with cross-Channel clubs including Bolton Wanderers, Crawley Town and Kilmarnock, is the first of several players from last season's squad expected to be shown the door this week as Lynch holds talks with those out of contract at the end of the month.
Striker Danny Mullen, who scored eight goals in all competitions this season, is also understood to be deemed surplus to requirements for 2026.
The Scot joined the club in July 2023 and made vital contributions including memorable stoppage time winners against Bohemians at Dalymount Park and against St Patrick's Athletic. He netted another winner against the Saints at Brandywell this season and a crucial equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Drogheda - his last goal for the club last September before injuring his shoulder.
Mullen is understood to have several admirers including his former boss Higgins at Irish League leaders Coleraine while the 30 year-old is also attracting attention from clubs in his native Scotland.
Several other players will have their fate sealed this week with Shane Ferguson, Hayden Cann, Robbie Benson, Sam Todd, Ronan Boyce, Arlo Doherty and Sadou Diallo expected to meet the manager to discuss their futures.