A move that arguably nobody could have predicted or seen coming, Ballymena United secured the services of Ben Kennedy from Crusaders in July. Undoubtedly one of the Irish League's best players, Kennedy had been linked with a move to Larne earlier in the year but ultimately decided Ballymena was the destination for him. The 27-year-old, who has experience of playing across the water at Stevenage, has started life with the Sky Blues superbly, scoring 12 times in 19 Premiership appearances this term.placeholder image
A move that arguably nobody could have predicted or seen coming, Ballymena United secured the services of Ben Kennedy from Crusaders in July. Undoubtedly one of the Irish League's best players, Kennedy had been linked with a move to Larne earlier in the year but ultimately decided Ballymena was the destination for him. The 27-year-old, who has experience of playing across the water at Stevenage, has started life with the Sky Blues superbly, scoring 12 times in 19 Premiership appearances this term.

RANKED: The biggest - or most surprising - transfer made by each Irish League Premiership club throughout 2024

Johnny Morton
By Johnny Morton

Sports Journalist

Published 29th Dec 2024, 12:43 GMT
Updated 29th Dec 2024, 19:41 GMT

Just like every year, transfers were amongst the most intriguing Irish League stories throughout 2024 with some shock and significant moves taking place.

Here we have a look back at the biggest move made by each top-flight team, either in terms of impact or shock value, which dominated the headlines over the past 12 months.

One of the best midfielders in the Irish League, Larne made a significant move in January by signing Chris Gallagher from Cliftonville. The arrival of the former Shrewsbury Town ace helped the Inver Reds secure another Premiership title and book their spot in the UEFA Conference League. It was also Gallagher that scored their maiden goal in the League Phase, striking in a 4-1 defeat to Shamrock Rovers.

9. Chris Gallagher (Larne)

One of the best midfielders in the Irish League, Larne made a significant move in January by signing Chris Gallagher from Cliftonville. The arrival of the former Shrewsbury Town ace helped the Inver Reds secure another Premiership title and book their spot in the UEFA Conference League. It was also Gallagher that scored their maiden goal in the League Phase, striking in a 4-1 defeat to Shamrock Rovers. Photo: Larne FC

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The early stages of January were incredibly busy as Ethan McGee made the move to Linfield from Dungannon Swifts on January 5. McGee is undoubtedly one of the Irish League's best young talents and has impressed in the early stages of his Blues career. The 22-year-old has virtually been an ever-present for David Healy, playing in all 22 Premiership matches so far this season as they opened up a significant advantage at the summit.

10. Ethan McGee (Linfield)

The early stages of January were incredibly busy as Ethan McGee made the move to Linfield from Dungannon Swifts on January 5. McGee is undoubtedly one of the Irish League's best young talents and has impressed in the early stages of his Blues career. The 22-year-old has virtually been an ever-present for David Healy, playing in all 22 Premiership matches so far this season as they opened up a significant advantage at the summit. Photo: Pacemaker Press

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The signing of goalkeeper Nathan Gartside marked an impressive coup for Loughgall. He had just came off playing a big part in the Reds' Irish Cup final triumph over Linfield, called upon as an early substitution after injury to David Odumosu, and also made over 40 league appearances for Derry City. No goalkeeper has made more saves so far this season than Gartside (94), who saved two penalties in a stalemate against Carrick Rangers earlier this month.

11. Nathan Gartside (Loughgall)

The signing of goalkeeper Nathan Gartside marked an impressive coup for Loughgall. He had just came off playing a big part in the Reds' Irish Cup final triumph over Linfield, called upon as an early substitution after injury to David Odumosu, and also made over 40 league appearances for Derry City. No goalkeeper has made more saves so far this season than Gartside (94), who saved two penalties in a stalemate against Carrick Rangers earlier this month. Photo: Loughgall FC

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Three years on from his reported record-breaking move to Glentoran, Shay McCartan left the Glens to join Portadown in what was a major coup for Niall Currie's side. The 30-year-old has previously earned two senior international caps for Northern Ireland and made over 200 appearances in England for Burnley, Accrington Stanley, Bradford City and Lincoln City. His biggest moment at Shamrock Park so far was a 70-yard screamer which secured a 1-0 victory over Larne.

12. Shay McCartan (Portadown)

Three years on from his reported record-breaking move to Glentoran, Shay McCartan left the Glens to join Portadown in what was a major coup for Niall Currie's side. The 30-year-old has previously earned two senior international caps for Northern Ireland and made over 200 appearances in England for Burnley, Accrington Stanley, Bradford City and Lincoln City. His biggest moment at Shamrock Park so far was a 70-yard screamer which secured a 1-0 victory over Larne. Photo: Portadown FC

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