Premiership boss delighted to sign 'technically superb' midfielder - three years after initial interest
Limavady United boss Paul Owens admits he’s delighted to have finally secured the services of “technically superb” Sean Carlin ahead of the club’s Premiership return – with the transfer coming three years after his initial interest in the midfielder.
Carlin becomes the first summer arrival at The Showgrounds as Limavady prepare for life in Northern Ireland’s top-flight following last season’s Championship title triumph.
The 21-year-old has previously spent time on the books of Maiden City and Coleraine, making one Premiership appearance for the Bannsiders before joining Institute in search of consistent senior minutes.
Carlin helped ‘Stute progress to a Premiership promotion/relegation play-off in his first season at the Brandywell – Kevin Deery’s side ultimately missed out narrowly in a two-legged showdown against Ballymena United.
He earned his top-flight return with Glenavon in January 2025 and made 39 Premiership appearances during his time at Mourneview Park.
With the Lurgan Blues suffering relegation, Carlin was one of a number of players made available for transfer as he looked to continue plying his trade in the Premiership – and will now do so at Limavady.
Having failed in a first attempt to sign Carlin, Owens is delighted to have landed his man and believes he can make an impact.
"We are all delighted to welcome Sean to the club,” said Owens. “I first tried to sign Sean three seasons ago before he joined Institute, and since then his progress has been exceptional.
"I remember our Boxing Day game when he was the best player on the pitch, and that form earned him a move to Glenavon.
“He continued that form in the Premiership with Glenavon, and at 21 he already brings great Premier League experience.
"Sean is comfortable anywhere across midfield and is technically superb. We are delighted that he sees his future at Limavady.”
Carlin’s exit from Glenavon came just a matter of hours after club captain Barney McKeown was announced as a new Dungannon Swifts player.
The 24-year-old made 67 league appearances across two seasons with the Lurgan Blues and also previously enjoyed spells at Portadown and Newry City.
A former Northern Ireland youth international, McKeown spent two years in the academy of Premier League outfit Everton between 2017 and 2019 before returning home.
With Caolan Marron made available for transfer by Dungannon, McKeown will strengthen their defensive ranks which already includes the likes of Danny Wallace, Peter Maguire and Cahal McGinty.