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12 Nov 2025
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12 Nov 2025
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Derry City club captain Mark Connolly is to leave the club after his contract expires. (Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile)
Derry City FC has today confirmed that club captain Mark Connolly is to leave the club after his contract expires, marking the end of his three-and-a-half-year tenure at the Brandywell.
The Clones native has been instrumental for the Candystripes since joining from Dundee United in 2022, via a loan spell at Dundalk.
In all, Connolly made 115 appearances for City - 38 as skipper - picking up an FAI Cup winners medal in his first season.
Paying tribute to this year’s club captain, manager Tiernan Lynch said the player had been a superb asset both on and off the pitch since his arrival.
“Mark is as honest as they come and he is held in the highest regard by players, staff and supporters here.
“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.”
In a farewell message on social media, Mark Connolly posted: “It's been an absolute honour to captain this football club and those group of boys this year.
Its been an absolute honour to captain this football club and those group of boys this year. 3 and a half years of meeting some amazing people at the club. Thank you to all the fans for there support towards me and my family.. Looking forward to the next challenge ahead⚽️ pic.twitter.com/GrQbicrye4
— Mark Connolly (@Mark5Connolly) November 12, 2025
“Three and a half years of meeting some amazing people at the club.
“Thank you to all the fans for there support towards me and my family. Looking forward to the next challenge ahead.”
Connolly is the first of several players expected to leave the club, marking the beginning of a broader squad restructure by manager Tiernan Lynch.
Striker Danny Mullen, who scored eight goals in all competitions this season, is also understood to be deemed surplus to requirements for 2026.
30-year-old Mullen scored eight goals across all competitions this season, and is attracting interest from several clubs.
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