Massive season ahead for Meath men overseas

Royals players hoping to make an impact across Europe

Although the likes of Tommy Lonergan from Dunboyne and Dawson Devoy from Ashbourne are representing Meath through fine form in the League of Ireland, there are plenty of other Royal County stars who are enjoying playing careers outside of the Emerald Isle.

As new campaigns are beginning for the 2026/27 season across the UK and Europe, Meath men will be looking to continue good form with their clubs, or start new adventures in different settings.

Here is a breakdown on where these Meath players will be playing next season, and what expectations they may have for themselves.

Evan Ferguson

Bettystown’s Evan Ferguson endured a frustrating season in Rome last season, as his loan move from Brighton & Hove Albion to Roma seemed promising at times, but was ultimately ended by injury.

The Meath man made 16 appearances in Serie A last season, as well as a further six in the Europa League, finding the back of the net five times in the process. However, as Ferguson really began to find his feet toward the end of 2025 and early 2026, injury struck.

March would see Ferguson suffer an ankle injury, which essentially ended his time at Roma prematurely. Now aiming for an October return, it seems as if the striker will be a Brighton player at least until January.

The departure of Danny Welbeck to Chelsea means that Brighton are down a clinical finisher in their squad. This move does not, however, mean that the Irish goalscorer is the sole frontman for the Seagulls. Greek pair Stefanos Tzimas and Charalampos Kostoulas are up-and-comers who could look to keep Ferguson out of the squad, as well as the potential for Frenchman Georgino Rutter to move into the role.

It will undoubtedly be a challenging start to the season for Ferguson as he will not only face returning from injury, but also earning a place in the squad. He is receiving backing from Brighton manager, Fabian Hurzeler, who has said that he hopes Ferguson can recapture his form from a number of years ago.

Darragh Lenihan

Dunboyne’s Darragh Lenihan is currently a free agent, after his time at Middlesbrough has come to an end. The former Republic of Ireland international is looking for a new club after four years at The Boro.

Injuries have plagued the centre-back’s time at the club, following a move from Blackburn Rovers, even causing him to consider retirement. The 32-year-old has not featured in a competitive game since September 2025, and it is currently unclear what steps are next for the former Dunboyne A.F.C player.

Luke McNally

Bristol City’s Luke McNally is another player who is wrestling with injury problems going into the 2026/27 season. A long-term knee injury has kept McNally out of action since February 2025, as he is expected to return in the upcoming season.

The defender from Enfield is still just 26 years old, and he will look to recapture his form in the upcoming season for his side, who could be aiming for promotion. The former Drogheda player could prove to be an important part for Bristol City upon return, as he will also have his eyes set on getting in the Ireland squad for Euro 2028.

Sam Curtis

Navan man Sam Curtis was considered one of the League of Ireland’s hottest prospects following his departure from St.Patrick’s Athletic in 2023. Arriving at Sheffield United, the now 20-year-old is yet to have been given a real chance to shine for The Blades, spending last season on loan at Chesterfield.

Now back in Sheffield, Curtis could try and force his way into the first team, but would have to compete with recent signing and fellow Irishman Matt Doherty for the right-back spot.

The former Parkvilla player could also be sent out on loan again for the 2026/2027 season, having impressed in League 2 last year.

In terms of his international career, Curtis will look to improve his good form for the Ireland u21s this season, having scored a goal against Croatia in his last appearance for his country.

Jamie McGrath

Athboy playmaker Jamie McGrath will look to continue his good form with Hibernian FC this season as he will enjoy a second year at the Scottish side.

A calf injury does mean that McGrath was unable to feature in his side’s opening game of the Scottish Premiership season, but he will be looking to make a return in the coming weeks.

McGrath was an instrumental part in Hibs’ fifth-place finish last season, as he had a combined 13 goals and assists across the campaign, earning them a route into the UEFA Conference League. Although qualification for the league phase is still yet to be claimed, McGrath will be eager to show his creative ability on the European stage this season, should they qualify.

Josh Keeley

Josh Keeley from Dunboyne enjoyed a successful first season with Luton Town in League One as he played all but one of their domestic league games in the 2025/26 campaign. The 23-year-old’s performances even earned him his first Irish cap against Grenada in May.

Although Luton Town missed out on promotion back to the Championship, they will be aiming to right this wrong in the coming season, with Keeley between the sticks.

The former Tottenham Hotspur player will be eager to improve his abilities in London with Luton Town, with a big season potentially landing him a move next summer, as he is currently valued at just under €1 million.

Killian Cahill

Killian Cahill from Skryne featured 21 times for Leyont Orient last season after securing a permanent move away from Brighton. However, his place in the starting eleven is far from guaranteed.

Last season, Cahill was forced to compete for his place between the sticks, and now with the arrival of goalkeeper Nathan Baxter to the club, it could be a frustrating season for the Skyrne man.

The signing from Watford makes it seem Cahill will be considered a back-up keeper for the upcoming season, but at age 27 is still considered young for a shot stopper.

Darius Lipsiuc

Dunboyne man Darius Lipsiuc has completed a move to Notts County ahead of the 2026/2027 season. The St.Patrick’s Athletic academy graduate will be looking to impress in central midfield for the League One side after being unable to make an impression at Stoke City.

The 20-year-old had a strong season at Solihull Moors last season in the National League, and is aiming to continue an upward trajectory in his promising career.

Vinnie Leonard

Former Torro United player Vinnie Leonard was a key part of the Dundalk side that earned promotion back to the Premier League in 2025. Now, he has earned a move across the pond to Norwich City at the age of just 18.

The centre-back has joined The Canaries on a permanent deal, and is expecting to start life in the UK in the u23s set up. Despite interest from the likes of Celtic and Brighton, it will be Championship side Norwich where Leonard will hope to leave his mark.

Emre Topcu

Playing in the third tier of Turkish football is Duleek’s Emre Topcu. The Irish-Turkish player made the move to Iskenderunspor from Longford at the beginning of the year, and will hope to improve his game as a midfielder on the continent.

Aged 20, Topcu will be hoping to work his way to the top division in Turkey, or other European leagues, in the coming years.