Glentoran Football Club has announced that goalkeeper Lorcan Donnelly has joined NIFL Championship side Ballinamallard United on loan until January 2026.

The highly-rated 19-year-old is a graduate of Glentoran’s Academy and Elite Scholarship Programme and made his senior debut for the club during the 2023/24 season in a Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Coleraine.

Donnelly spent the second half of last season on loan at Newry City, making 13 senior appearances in the NIFL Championship, following an impressive initial loan spell with Lisburn Distillery in the NIFL Premier Intermediate League.

Glentoran manager Declan Devine said: “Lorcan is a talented young goalkeeper with a great attitude and a strong skill set. His loan spells over the past year have given him valuable minutes in senior men’s football and tested him in different competitive environments. Ballinamallard United is another excellent platform for him to continue that progression and return to Glentoran ready to compete at a higher level.”

Ballinamallard United manager Mark Stafford said: “I’m very pleased to secure the services of goalkeeper Lorcan Donnelly on loan from Glentoran. While still very young, Lorcan comes with a lot of experience as part of the Glentoran squad and playing for Lisburn Distillery and Newry City.

“Lorcan will provide us with a big presence in goal and we’re looking forward to him playing a key role with Ballinamallard United this season. I want to place on record my thanks to Paul Miller and Elliott Morris for helping get this deal done and trusting us with a bright young talent.”