CORK CITY HAVE signed highly-rated teenage centre back Sean O’Mahony, formerly of Cobh Ramblers.

The 19-year-old was a member of the Cobh Ramblers U19 side in 2012-13 before making his senior debut for the club the following season where he made six appearances for the First Division club.

The defender signs for The Leesiders following a highly successful spell at UCC where he won both the Senior Premier Division and Collingwood Cup in February.

O’Mahony said he was happy to be joining the league leaders in light of their extraodrinary form this season which has seen Cork take an 18 point lead over champions Dundalk at the top of the Premier Division table.

“This season has been going very well for City, I’m very happy to have agreed a contract for the remainder of the season”, he said speaking to the club’s website.

“I’m looking forward to putting on the jersey, and will be happy to get as much playing time as possible.”

Manager John Caulfield noted the defender’s successful period playing for UCC.

He said: “We’re delighted to have Seán sign for us. He’ll join up with squad on Monday and get into training.

“He’s been phenomenal with UCC, winning the Beamish Stout Senior Premier Division Championship and Collingwood Cup.

“He’s a strong defender and we’re delighted to bring him in. We’ve been monitoring his progress at UCC. He’s a local lad, we’re delighted to bring him up to another level.”

The City manager will be looking to strengthen his squad during the mid-season break as left-back Kevin O’Connor is heavily linked with a move away from Turners Cross to join team-mate Sean Maguire at Preston North End next month.

Chairman Simon Grayson has already secured the services of Dundalk pair Andy Boyle and Daryl Horgan at Deep Dale and is expected to make a move for O’Connor this week.

On-loan central defender Ryan Delaney may also be called back from his loan spell from Burton Albion, meaning Cork could be short of defenders as they aim to secure a first league title since 2005.

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