McLaughlin and Mahon become the Blues latest signings

Waterford FC have completed the signings of Evan McLaughlin for an undisclosed fee from relegated Cork City and also central defender John Mahon, who joins the club from Sligo Rovers.

McLaughlin makes the move from Turners Cross to the RSC, where the 23-year-old spent the last two seasons before deciding to leave Leeside to become a Blue ahead of the new campaign that will get underway on February 6 against Shelbourne.

McLaughlin came up through the academy ranks of his hometown club Derry City FC, before making his senior debut in 2021 in a 2-0 win against the Blues at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium - a game that saw McLaughlin open the scoring in the first half.

The midfielder spent the second-half of 2022 on loan with NIFL Premiership side Coleraine before returning to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium for 2023 until he departed to Cork City, where he helped the club win the First Division.

He now makes the move to Waterford 2025, where he will link up with former Cork teammate and new Blue Benny Couto, along with the rest of Jon Daly’s squad ahead of the 2026 League of Ireland season.

Speaking on his move to the Blues, McLaughlin said: “I’m delighted to finally be here at the club. After talking to Jon and seeing the facilities here, it was an easy decision to join. I’m looking forward to getting to work now, meeting all the lads, and playing in front of the Waterford fans next year.” 

Commenting on the move, Jon Daly added: “I’m really pleased to secure Evan’s signature and bring him to Waterford FC. He’s a very talented player who will add more quality to our already excellent options in the midfield and attacking third. It’s important we have competition for places across all areas of the pitch.

“Evan has a real desire to improve and develop. We believe this is the perfect environment for him to take the next step in his career.” 

The club have also secured the signing of experienced defender John Mahon, who leaves the Showgrounds for the RSC after his contract for Sligo Rovers ran out at the end of the season.

After spending close to ten years with Sligo Rovers, whilst also having a spell with Scottish side St. Johnstone, Mahon, who has over 150 League of Ireland appearances to his name at just 26 years of age, is a big addition to Daly’s squad.

Speaking on his move to the RSC, Mahon said: “I’m delighted to be here, it felt like the right time for a fresh start, and after talking to Jon and seeing the training ground, I knew this was the right place for me.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the lads and getting straight to work now.” Blues Head Coach Jon Daly added: “John is a top professional and a very reliable defender. He understands what it takes to compete in this league week in, week out, and he’ll add real strength and organisation to our back line.

“I was keen to bring in someone with John’s experience and character. He’s a competitor, he sets standards, and he’ll be a big presence in the dressing room as well as on the pitch.”