Darragh Markey seals two-year deal with Derry City FC

Derry City FC have confirmed the signing of talented central midfielder Darragh Markey from Drogheda United on an initial two-year deal.

The 28-year-old spent five seasons at the County Louth club and was part of the side that beat the Candystripes in the 2024 FAI Cup final.

Markey is Tiernan Lynch’s first new recruit ahead of the 2026 campaign and is a superb addition to the midfield options.

The City boss said he was delighted to get the deal over the line with the start of pre-season training now less than a month away.

“It was a seamless one for us, to be honest. Darragh was really keen to come to this football club. He sees the size of the club and he sees where we’re wanting to go, and I think how we want to play probably suits Darragh’s attributes.”

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“He’s got legs, he’s got energy, he’s good in possession.”

“There are also things in his game we feel we can definitely bring out — getting more goals, more assists added to his game — and he’s excited about that. Even at 27 or 28, he’s a kid who feels he has so much more to give, and hopefully we can get that out of him.”

“I’m delighted to sign for Derry City.”

Fáilte go Brandywell

Darragh Markey! pic.twitter.com/jrRguvoTS5

— Derry City FC (@derrycityfc) November 21, 2025

“I’ve played here a lot of times, probably on the back of more bad results than good to be honest. The new stand makes a massive difference to the atmosphere — even from playing here last year you could feel it — so I’m really excited, and really excited to play in front of the fans.”

“I know it’s a squad full of really, really good players and there’ll be a lot of competition, but that will only improve you as a player — how you train every day and how you perform on match days. I’m really excited for the opportunity.”