Glentoran Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Crusaders captain Jarlath O’Rourke for an undisclosed fee.

The 30-year-old arrives at the BetMcLean Oval after putting pen to paper on a contract with the club, having agreed personal terms and successfully completed a medical.

The experienced and versatile defender joins the Glens after six seasons at Seaview, following his move from Dungannon Swifts in 2019.

O’Rourke made 246 senior appearances in all competitions for the north Belfast club and played a key role in two successful Irish Cup triumphs, as well as gaining European experience in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League.

The Dungannon native has featured 24 times across all competitions this season, contributing two goals and one assist and was made captain in the summer ahead of the season commencing.

Speaking after completing the move, Jarlath O’Rourke said: “The opportunity to play full time was one I couldn’t turn down. Glentoran is a massive club with big expectations and you can see immediately the standards and professionalism around the place.

“It’s a club with real history and I’m proud to be pulling on the Glentoran jersey. I’ll give everything I’ve got to make a success of my time here and to help the team in the months ahead.

“Even before getting out on the pitch with the lads, you can sense the standards around the place. Everyone I’ve spoken to has said the same thing. It’s a strong group, competitive in the right way and there’s a real hunger within the squad to achieve something together.

“I’ve always loved playing at the BetMcLean Oval. The atmosphere, the history and the expectation make it a special place. Now I can’t wait to play here as a home player, with the fans behind me instead of against me.”

Declan Devine, Glentoran First Team Manager, said: “Jarlath is a player we have tracked closely for a long time and we are delighted to bring him to the Club. He is experienced, consistently high-performing and, in my view, one of the best defenders in the league.

“He understands what it takes to win. He’s been a leader, he’s delivered at the business end of competitions and he brings a mentality that matches exactly what we demand here. He has come to Glentoran because he wants to be part of a group that is hungry for success.”

O’Rourke is the latest addition to arrive at the BetMcLean Oval as Declan Devine continues to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window. The defender follows the recent additions of versatile attacking midfielder Jack Malone from Glenavon and 23-year-old forward Ben Gallagher.

There have also been a number of departures this month, with David Fisher, Jonny Russell and Shane McEleney leaving the BetMcLean Oval permanently, while Charlie Lindsay, Nathaniel Ferris, Callan Farley and Jude Johnson have all moved out on loan in search of regular first-team minutes.

Paul Millar, Sporting Director at Glentoran. said: “Strengthening our defensive unit was a priority for us in this January window and we have moved decisively to address that with a player of genuine quality and experience.

“Jarlath has proven himself over a sustained period at this level, he has won major honours and he arrives with the leadership and standards we want at this club as we continue to build a squad capable of competing for silverware.

“This signing strengthens us immediately, increases competition within the squad and reflects the ambition we have for the second half of the season and the longer-term direction of the football club.”