Kildare stars on the move as transfer window closes

It was a busy week of transfer activity across Europe as transfer windows closed in a number of leagues.

Leixlip's Andrew Omobamidele was responsible for one of the surprise moves of the window, leaving French side Strasbourg to join Belgian giants Anderlecht on loan.

The 10-times capped Republic of Ireland international made more than 40 appearances last season for Strasbourg and captained the side in last Saturday's Ligue 1 victory over Lens.

The 24-year-old will now line out for an Anderlecht team that secured a place in this season's Europa League group stage after finishing fourth in last season's Belgian Pro League.

Also on the move is young Maynooth goalkeeper Alex Noonan.

The Ireland Under 19 international, who has made 32 appearances across the national underage ranks, has joined Ipswich Town on loan from Shamrock Rovers in a deal that will become permanent at the end of the season.

Noonan, who starred at the 2025 Under 17 World Cup, joined Shamrock Rovers from Straffan Celtic in 2020 and made his competitive debut for the Hoops in January's President's Cup clash with Derry City.

One Maynooth goalkeeper who remains in place despite significant transfer speculation over the summer is Mark Travers.

The Ireland international joined Everton from Bournemouth in the summer of 2025 and made just two cup appearances last season, the most recent of those almost 12 months ago.

Travers featured heavily during Everton's pre-season programme while regular number one Jordan Pickford was afforded an extended break following England's third-place finish at the World Cup. He may have hoped for game-time in the second round of the Carabao Cup, but Pickford was selected as the Toffees recorded a 4-0 victory over Preston North End.

Travers was reported to have a clause in his contract that would have facilitated a move if a suitable offer arrived, but no deal materialised. Barring an injury to Pickford, he appears set for another lengthy spell on the bench.

Earlier in the window, Caragh's Cathal McCarthy completed a loan move to Kilmarnock from Hull City, after signing a new five-year contract with the Premier League newcomers.

The defender made his Scottish Premiership debut against Dundee United last Saturday and featured again in Wednesday night's clash with St Mirren. However, Kilmarnock suffered defeats in both matches and remain rooted to the foot of the table without a point after four games.