Barry Coffey seals move to Hartford Athletic after prolific season with Cobh Ramblers FC

Tipperary footballer Barry Coffey has secured a move to the United States after completing a free transfer from Cobh Ramblers to Hartford Athletic.

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The Connecticut-based club compete in the USL Championship, the second tier of professional football in the United States. The move marks Coffey’s first season in the league.

Hartford Athletic announced the signing on social media, highlighting both the midfielder’s background and ambitions. The club said: “New face. New league. Same goals

Barry Coffey, a central midfielder from Cobh Ramblers of the League of Ireland First Division, joins Hartford Athletic for his first USL Championship season.

With international experience representing the Republic of Ireland, including appearances at the UEFA U19 Euros and Qualifiers, the Irishman brings lethal scoring ability, calculated passes and skilled ball control. Welcome to Hartford”

Coffey, 24, is from Nenagh and began his football education in the academy of Celtic before returning to Ireland to play with Cork City. He later joined Cobh Ramblers, where his career gathered momentum.

The midfielder enjoyed an outstanding final season with the Cork club. He scored 26 goals from midfield, finished as the League of Ireland First Division’s top scorer and set an all-time goalscoring record for Cobh Ramblers.

Those achievements were recognised off the pitch when Coffey was named PFA Ireland Men’s First Division Player of the Year for 2025. He received the award at a ceremony held at The College Green Hotel in Dublin. 

Reaction at home has been positive. Independent local councillor Seamie Morris offered his support on social media, stating: “Best of luck to Barry. A great club and a great place for a young Irish man to live.”

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