Reigning Ulster Senior League champions Cockhill Celtic are showing no signs of a waning hunger with player-manager Gavin Cullen making five new signings to strengthen his arsenal at the Charlie O’Donnell Sports Grounds.
Cockhill have won the League and League Cup double for an unprecedented six successive seasons now and the closed season recruiting suggests they are firmly intent on making that seven-in-a-row come next May.
Brendan ‘Fildara’ McLaughlin has been added from Culdaff FC in the Inishowen League Premier Division. McLaughlin is back for a second spell at Cockhill as Cockhill prepare for an FAI Senior Cup game against Limerick FC in three weeks’ time.
Joining McLaughlin in moving to the Ulster Senior League champions are teenager Bart Wesolowski from derby rivals Buncrana Hearts; defender Lee McColgan comes in from Derry City; and Denim McLaughlin arrives from Redcastle.
Cullen has also signed Ryan Doherty, a Buncrana native who played most recently in Limerick, where he is at college.
Last week, it was revealed that Letterkenny Rovers – who pushed Cockhill to a play-off last season – had signed the former Finn Harps player Jonny Bonner as Eamonn McConigley looks to bridge the gap to the champions.
But Cockhill’s summer so far suggests a keenness to raise the bar even higher.