IRISH LEAGUE TRANSFER ROUND-UP: Teenager off to Scottish Premiership plus long-term deal helps full-back 'back loving my football' and striker joins 'sleeping giant'

The 18-year-old was named ‘Ulster Young Footballer of the Year’ following eight goals in 35 league games across a Glenavon campaign which ended in top-flight relegation.

A Glenavon statement highlighted: “Paul follows in the footsteps of so many talented Glenavon youngsters that have earned moves across the water.

“From Mark Sykes to Shayne Lavery to Josh Gracey to Chris Atherton, the club has a proud reputation of giving young players a platform to shine and Paul is the latest young talent to earn a high-profile move.

“We wish Paul and his family nothing but the best and we hope he goes on excel in the next stage of his career with Falkirk.

“We would like to express our thanks to Falkirk for the professional manner in which they conducted themselves throughout negotiations.”

Ryan Swan counts his move to Newry City AFC as a switch to a “sleeping giant”.

The 30-year-old striker will mark a first signing of the summer for boss Stuart King following the expiration of his contract at Annagh United.

“I’m delighted to be here,” said Swan. “After speaking to Stuart (King) and ‘Pixie’ (Ryan Moffatt, assistant manager) I felt this was the right move at the right time.

“This is a big club, a sleeping giant…I want to be here to try and get us back to the Premiership.”

​Jamie Rea’s long-term deal with Newry City AFC celebrates “back to loving my football and playing again” for the 29-year-old defender.

A January move from Portadown for the former Loughgall full-back led to consistent minutes at Newry across promotion out of Premier Intermediate League – with Rea “buzzing” by the contract and future goals.

"I'm buzzing to have re-signed at the club,” said Rea. “From the moment I arrived, everyone has been great to me and great to work with.

"Being at Newry has got me back to loving my football and playing again, which is all you can ask for.

"The fans are outstanding and we've already made some amazing memories, getting promoted with them and the club. Now is the time to push on and hopefully give them something more to celebrate."

Limavady United boss Paul Owens has secured a permanent deal for Leon Boyd – with the 20-year-old’s contribution over last season’s loan from Dungannon Swifts described as “a massive part in the Championship win”.

"Leon had a very successful loan move last year and his growth throughout the year was incredible,” said Owens. "His form and goals in the run-in played a massive part in the Championship win.

"Leon was really keen to make this move happen and, at only 20 years of age, I feel this is a massive signing for the club, as I have no doubt Leon will go from strength-to-strength over the next few years.”

Limavady have also signed Ronan Wilson from H&W Welders.

"It’s another player I have worked previously with and know all about the qualities he has,” said Owens. “Ronan is coming off an excellent season for the Welders, is technically superb and can play in a number of positions.”

Jonathan Doyle, Ballymacash Rangers’ top goalscorer last season, has signed for Moyola Park.

Dundela have signed James McCarthy, with manager Clifford Adams highlighting “he possesses many of the attributes you would look for in a defender and brings a strong level of experience to the squad” and “I believe he will add both quality and leadership to our defence, as well as contribute positively to the team overall”.