Shamrock Rovers have signed Republic of Ireland Under-19 winger Adam Brennan from UCD.

Brennan has been on Hoops boss Stephen Bradley’s radar for some time, with Ronan Finn – now director of football at the league and FAI Cup champions – a known admirer of the 18-year-old, with whom he played at the Students last season.

Brennan racked up nine goals and 12 assists in 28 appearances with UCD last term.

“We’ve monitored Adam very closely and we really like the type he is,” said Bradley.

“He’s really aggressive in the final third, commits people, wants to beat players, wants to make things happen. We knew Josh Honohan was going to leave (to join Lincoln City) for some time and Adam was one of our targets for that position.

“So we’re delighted to get him in. He has turned down Championship clubs to come here, which says everything about his commitment to us, we believe he has a really high ceiling and we’re looking forward to seeing him in the team.”

The Hoops face Derry City in Saturday evening’s President’s Cup final before beginning their league campaign against Dundalk at Tallaght Stadium next Friday.

Bradley is hoping Brennan’s registration will be completed in time for him to be available to face the Candystripes, and is confident the new arrival will make a swift impact.

“He’s fearless in the final third. He dribbles really strongly with the ball, makes things happen, can go right or left, he’s two footed. I believe we can make him better, add goals to his game and he’s a very exciting player.

“I’m hoping he’ll be registered in time to play against Derry and get him on the pitch as soon as possible and get a feel for it. We hope that he can impact us right now, but we need to remember he’s only 18 and we’ll have to protect him, as we do with all our young players and choose the right times to put him in and take him out.”

Cian Barrett meanwhile has left Shamrock Rovers to join Waterford on a season-long loan.

The 20-year-old, who can play across the defence or in midfield, came through the Shamrock Rovers academy. He had a short spell at Shelbourne in 2022, before rejoining the Hoops ahead of the 2023 season.

Barrett has previously had two loan spells at Kerry, and now makes the move to the RSC for 2026.

“When Jon (Daly) contacted Rovers about the possibility of joining on loan, it was an opportunity that really excited me,” he said.

“I can’t wait to get going and will do everything I can to help the team over the next few months.”