We are delighted to announce the arrival of Aaron Donnelly from Cliftonville, in a deal which will see Ronan Hale move in the other direction.
Hale moves to Solitude for an undisclosed fee in a transfer which also sees Aaron Donnelly become Tiernan Lynch’s first summer signing.
The 22-year-old defender, who is also at home in midfield, has represented Northern Ireland at under-19 level and was called up to John Schofield’s under-21 squad last season alongside now fellow Larne defender Kofi Balmer.
Donnelly (pictured above with secretary Neil Clarke) was named as Cliftonville’s Player of the Year for the 2020/21 campaign and made his debut as a 16-year-old for the North Belfast outfit.
Larne boss Tiernan Lynch is delighted with the new arrival. He said: “Aaron is a player I have long admired and everyone in the league has seen his ability over the last six years.
“I have worked with him at Academy level, so I know first half the qualities he brings and the professionalism and commitment he will show.
“At just 22, Aaron is someone who has more than 100 games of top flight under his belt and that will stand him in good stead.
“When the chance came up to work with him I jumped at it and I’m sure the fans will be delighted once they see him in a Larne shirt.”
Lynch also took time to pay tribute to Ronan Hale who leaves Inver Park after two seasons at the club.
He finished last season as the club’s top goalscorer, with four of his 19 goals coming in a memorable European play-off final away to Glentoran.
He added: “I want to thank Ronan for his efforts in a Larne shirt and his final game for the club was a good way to sign off!
“He came on in that game determined to make an impact and he certainly managed it.
“Ronan has done well for us and I’d like to think we have done well for him in his two seasons here. We wish him well.”
