Glentoran Football Club is delighted to announce that highly-rated defender Ciaran Rogers-Duffy has signed his first professional contract, committing his future to the club until the end of the 2026/27 season.
A product of the Glentoran Academy and the club’s Elite Scholarship Programme, the commanding 18-year-old centre-back enjoyed an exceptional 2024/25 season, captaining both the Colts and Reserves.
Rogers-Duffy led the Colts to a historic Harry Cavan Youth Cup triumph in April, captaining the side to victory as Glentoran lifted the trophy for the first time in 30 years following a dramatic penalty shootout win over Linfield.
Having joined the Glentoran Academy in 2021 at the age of 14, he has since matured into a composed, intelligent defender and earned international honours with Northern Ireland’s U18 Schoolboys.
Speaking about signing his first professional contract, Ciaran Rogers-Duffy said: “Becoming a professional footballer has been my dream since I first kicked a ball, so signing my first contract with Glentoran is an incredibly proud moment for me and my family.
“Last season was a massive one for me personally. I captained the Colts to the Harry Cavan win, wore the armband for the Reserves and had the opportunity to train with the first-team. I learned so much and developed a lot, but that chapter is now closed. The focus is firmly on what I can achieve next season.
“The standard within the senior squad is top class and it pushes you to improve every single day. There are so many top quality players at the club and having someone like Marcus Kane, a Glentoran legend, supporting me has been brilliant. He leads by example and is always there with advice and encouragement.
“Now it is about making an impact during the pre-season games and showing I am ready to step up. The hard work really starts now and I want to earn the right to represent this club at first-team level.”
Declan Devine, Glentoran First Team Manager, said: “Ciaran has all the attributes you want in a young defender. He is strong, composed, vocal and reads the game exceptionally well. He impressed me throughout last season, not just with his performances but with the way he carried himself as captain. To lead both the Colts and Reserves at his age shows real leadership qualities.
“He has already impressed us in pre-season with how he has applied himself in training and embraced the challenge of stepping into the senior environment. Now the opportunity is there for him to show he is ready to take that next step. The door is open for Ciaran. We are building a squad that blends quality and youth and he is absolutely part of that plan.”
Rogers Duffy is the latest Academy graduate to sign a new contract with the club this summer, following Charlie Lindsay and Jude Johnson, as manager Declan Devine continues to shape his squad for the 2025/26 campaign and provide a pathway for the club’s academy talent.
Paul Millar, Glentoran’s Sporting Director added: “Ciaran is another excellent example of what we are continuing to build through our Academy and Elite Scholarship Programme. He has impressed coaches at every level and consistently stood out as one of the top performers in his age group.
“His leadership qualities are clear to see. He captained both the Colts and the Reserves last season and handled those responsibilities with real maturity. He leads by example, has a fantastic attitude, and is someone the younger players look up to.
“This contract is a deserved reward for the progress he has made, but also a reflection of the belief we have in his potential. The opportunity is now there for him to push on, stake his claim and earn the right to be part of the first-team environment. We are excited to support him and see how he continues to develop.”
