Farrelly joins Cork, Healy close

Former Bohemians player-manager Gareth Farrelly is returning to the League of Ireland  after agreeing a two-year-deal with Cork…

Former Bohemians player-manager Gareth Farrelly is returning to the League of Ireland  after agreeing a two-year-deal with Cork City.

He was under-fire during the latter stages of his Dalymount reign and left after the club's FAI Cup defeat to Shamrock Rovers last year.

The 31-year-old subsequently returned to England where he had a spell with Leicester City before moving to Blackpool in November on a short-term deal.

But Cork manager Damien Richardson has tempted the Dubliner to try his hand in the domestic league once again.

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Farrelly, a former Republic of Ireland, Bolton and Everton midfielder, will complete his transfer on Monday

"During my days as Bohemians manager I fully realised the passion that is part and parcel of
Cork City," Farrelly said.

"But most importantly," he added, "the ambition of the club presented to me by Damien
Richardson has whetted my appetite greatly and I look forward to two very productive years."

Richardson said he has long been an admirer of Farrelly's and believes the player's "elegant football skills" will be "a great catalyst for a successful future".

Farrelly has played just twice since joining Blackpool.  He was introduced as a last minute substitute against Scunthorpe before Christmas and played 57 minutes against Aldershot last month.

Richardson should also know later tonight if Colin Healy will accept an offer to play for his home-town club.

The Republic of Ireland international has been plagued by injury in recent seasons but has an opportunity to resurrect his career at Turners' Cross.

The 26-year-old has been offered terms and Cork officials are confident the former Celtic and Sunderland midfielder will sign by the weekend.

Healy was one of the Republic of Ireland's brightest prospects before breaking a leg in 2003.  To compound his misery further, he then broke his leg again soon after his comeback.

Struggling for form and fitness thereafter, the 12-times capped international left Sunderland a little over a year ago when his contract expired.

He joined Scottish side Livingston on a short-term deal before moving to Championship outfit Barnsley.  But, after just a handful of appearances (including a months loan with Bradford), he had his contract cancelled by mutual consent.