Forged in Derry and Donegal pride as Boston Emeralds FC prepare for kick off

Soccer in Boston is getting a distinct Irish accent this spring as co-founders Keegan Hegarty and Kevin Tarr officially unveil Boston Emeralds Football Club (BEFC).

The semi-professional outfit is scheduled to make its highly anticipated debut in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) Division 1 on April 4, 2026.

Forged from a shared vision to replicate the high-intensity atmosphere and community-driven spirit of the Irish game, the Emeralds will be led by Hegarty, a Buncrana native, and Tarr, a UEFA B-qualified coach from Derry.

The club’s arrival promises to bridge the gap between the North West of Ireland and the Massachusetts soccer scene, kicking off their journey with a high-stakes local derby against Dorchester City FC.

Head Coach Keegan Hegarty, a 25-year-old native of Buncrana, brings a unique blend of collegiate and UPSL experience. After an ACL injury halted his playing career, Hegarty transitioned to the touchline as Head Coach of the Jaguars United UPSL Premier team.

It was there he realised the need for a club that truly mirrored the football culture of his home in Donegal.

Partnering with him is Assistant Head Coach Kevin Tarr, a UEFA B-qualified coach with over 15 years of experience across both youth and senior football.

A Derry native, Tarr spent five years in senior management with Derry City FC Women as senior assistant head coach working under Kevin McLaughlin from Greencastle.

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“I am proud and honored to be appointed Assistant Head Coach of Boston Emeralds FC,” said. “I look forward to bringing the Irish football culture that shaped me throughout my playing and coaching career, particularly during my time with Derry City FC Women, to the club and the wider community.

“I have prior coaching experience in the United States, having worked in youth football programmes across various locations.“I am excited to begin this new role, to share my knowledge of the game, and to contribute to the development of players and the continued growth of the club.

“I also look forward to proudly representing the Irish community in Boston by helping to foster an Irish football culture and atmosphere that the community can connect with and support.”

Ahead of the new season, the club have successfully blended local Boston talent with a core of experienced players from Derry and Donegal, ensuring the Emeralds' identity is more than just a name.

Leading the charge are two names well-known to League of Ireland fans.

Buncrana native  Jonny Bonner  joins the midfield, bringing a wealth of professional pedigree to the Dorchester-based club.

Bonner’s career began in the prestigious Derry City Academy, before enjoying two stints with Finn Harps,.

Joining Bonner is fellow Inishowen man Sean O'Donnell.

The Carndonagh native, a dynamic attacking winger, was a standout performer for Finn Harps before making the life-changing decision to move to the United States on a soccer scholarship.

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With significant experience at both Derry City and Institute FC, returning for another campaign is Mark McFadden.

The Buncrana man really impressed Hegarty and Tarr last season and will be looking to make that same impact this year.

Defensive stability this season will be bolstered by the permanent addition of former Institute FC right-back Odhran Casey.

Having originally crossed the Atlantic to pursue his education and football at the University of Bridgeport, following his graduation he moved to Boston where head Coach Hegarty took him on board for the Premier Division. Only having a couple of weeks of play time, he certainly impressed head coach Keegan and will be looking to do the same this season for the Emeralds.

The Boston Emeralds FC have further strengthened their leadership and technical support for the 2026 season with two significant appointments from the North West of Ireland.

Ballybofey native Aoife Gillespie has been officially named Chief Administrative Officer for the Emeralds. Gillespie brings a decorated sporting background to the front office, with over 20 years of experience in Gaelic football, including five years at the senior inter-county level.

Her leadership on the pitch has already been proven in the United States where she served as captain of the Boston Shamrocks in 2024 and was a central figure in their historic 2025 campaign.

Last year, she helped lead the Shamrocks to a double victory, securing both the Boston Championship and the North American Intermediate Championship. In her new role, she will oversee the club’s daily operations and financial management while the Emeralds prepare for their upcoming UPSL campaign.

The club has also announced a strategic collaboration with L1 Goalkeeper for the 2026 season. The company is owned by Derry native Marty Walker, a former professional goalkeeper with experience at both Derry City and Institute FC.

"Bringing Irish football culture to Boston is exactly what we envisioned," Assistant Head Coach Kevin Tarr added."

“We are proud to represent this community and look forward to having everyone on board from the very first kick of the ball.”

The Boston Emeralds FC mission extends beyond the pitch as the club is committed to creating a dedicated pathway for players from the North West of Ireland to 'cross the water'.

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By serving as a high-visibility platform, the Emeralds provide a bridge for Irish talent to secure U.S. college scholarships, impress at professional tryouts, and progress to the highest levels of the American game.

Looking ahead to the Fall season, the club is also in negotiations to bring a household name from Irish and English professional football to the Emeralds' roster - a move set to further elevate the club’s profile in the UPSL.

In the coming seasons, the club’s infrastructure will expand to include a senior women’s team and a youth academy.

Assistant Head Coach Kevin Tarr hopes to leverage his deep roots in the Maiden City to establish an official partnership with Derry City FC Women.

This collaboration would create a unique exchange programme, offering Boston-based players the chance to test themselves in the Irish League while providing Derry’s top talent with the opportunity to experience the intensity of soccer in the United States.

The club’s authentic Irish identity has already garnered significant local backing, most notably from the legendary Boston-based punk rock band, the Dropkick Murphys.

The band’s support underscores the Emeralds' position at the intersection of Boston’s proud Irish heritage and its modern sporting future.