Frantz Pierrot celebrating Drogheda United's FAI Cup final win in 2024. Lorcan Doherty/INPHO

Galway United sign FAI Cup winner Pierrot; Shamrock Rovers welcome Asamoah

Meanwhile, Barry Cotter has joined Derry City.

LAST UPDATE | 23 Feb

Updated at 20.27

GALWAY UNITED HAVE announced the signing of striker Frantz Pierrot, subject to a work permit, with the Haitian international set for a League of Ireland return.

The news comes after the transfer deadline passed at 11pm on Sunday night.

Pierrot previously represented Drogheda United and Athlone Town on these shores.

The 26-year-old pitched up in the Midlands in 2023 after starting his senior career in America’s lower leagues. He scored 22 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions and was named in the First Division Team of the Year before moving to Premier Division side Drogheda.

Pierrot helped the Drogs win their first FAI Cup in 19 years, scoring 11 goals in all competitions. 

He has since had spells in Bosnia (Velež Mostar) and Israel (Bnei Yehuda) and is now set to return to the League of Ireland with Galway United ahead of their home Connacht derby against Sligo Rovers on Friday. 

John Caulfield’s side have one point from their opening two games of the season, and sit eighth in the table.

Meanwhile, double champions Shamrock Rovers have added Wigan Athletic striker Maleace Asamoah to their ranks on a season-long loan.

The 23-year-old spent some time on loan with Waterford, scoring six goals in 17 games, before joining Wigan in August 2024. He is the son of former professional and Ghanaian international Derek Asamoah.

“Maleace has been a target of ours for some time,” said Rovers boss Stephen Bradley. “Some weeks back, it looked like it was on, then it was off, but we’re delighted we got it done yesterday. We were working right up to the deadline to make sure the loan went through, so I am delighted that we got it done.

“Maleace is currently suspended. He was sent off with Wigan over the weekend. I’m not sure whether it’s two or three games’ suspension, and that carries over to here. But like [fellow new signing] Tunmise [Sobowale], he’s ready to go. He’s halfway through a season and has been involved in games, so Maleace is definitely ready to go.”

barry-cotter-of-notts-county-runs-with-the-ball-during-the-sky-bet-league-2-match-between-notts-county-and-bromley-at-meadow-lane-nottingham-on-saturday-23rd-august-2025-photo-jon-hobley-mi-news Barry Cotter pictured during his time at Notts County. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Finally, Derry City have secured the signing of Barry Cotter.

The 27-year-old, who plays predominantly on the right as a full-back or wing-back, has joined on a permanent deal after Barnsley agreed to his release.

The Ennis native had signed a season-long loan deal with League Two outfit Notts County in July, but that move has been cut short after 10 appearances, the last of which was in September.

His three-year spell at Barnsley was preceded by stints in the League of Ireland with Limerick, Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic, while he has also spent three years at Ipswich, though failed to establish himself as a first-team regular with the Tractor Boys.

“Ideally, we want two quality players in each position because we’ll always have to contend with injuries and suspensions as the season progresses,” Derry City boss Tiernan Lynch said.

“Barry’s CV speaks for itself – he’s played at Shamrock Rovers and St Pat’s before getting his move to Barnsley in 2023.

“It’s no secret that we’ve been in the market for a right back and we’re really delighted to get working with him.”

Cotter is expected to be available for the Candystripes’ match at home to Waterford on Friday.

Additional reporting by Paul Fennessy

Close
Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel