Larne and Coleraine made their first signings of the summer as the transfer window officially opened.

Champions Larne swooped to secure the services of highly rated 20-year-old defender Craig Farquhar from Ballymena United while, leaving Inver Park, Graham Kelly made the switch to sign for Coleraine.

Farquhar, who broke into the Sky Blues squad last season and opened the scoring in the Irish Cup semi-final victory over - ironically - Larne, said of his move: "I’m over the moon to be joining the league champions and I can’t wait to get started.

"When I got the call that this was a possibility I didn’t think twice to be honest, full-time football is what I’ve always wanted since I started playing football.

"Champions League football is new to me and a big challenge for everyone, but I can’t wait to get going," he told the club website.

Kelly moves to the North West to link up with the Bannsiders on a three-year deal.

Although still only 25, the Dubliner comes with extensive experience picked up at Sheffield United and Port Vale amongst others before helping Larne to titles in both the Championship and, most recently, the Premiership.

Bannsiders boss Oran Kearney was pleased to get his man.

"We are delighted to get Graham on board,” he told the official Coleraine site.

"Since Graham joined Larne in 2018 he has always impressed me and stood out when we played against him. We feel he has all the attributes to kick on here at Coleraine and we are looking forward to working with him."

And Limavady United continued to strengthen their squad with the return of Joe McCready to The Showgrounds.

The 32-year-old striker is back with the Roesiders after a couple of years in the top flight with Dungannon Swifts, as well as spells with Ballymena United and Institute.

United manager Paul Owens welcome McCready back to the club after his departure four years ago.

"I’m absolutely delighted to announce that Joe has returned to the club.

"He wasn’t short on offers and with 32 appearances in the Premiership last year shows how big a coup this is for Limavady”

He is the fifth new arrival at the club, joining Caiolan Brennan (Coleraine), John Butcher (Newtowne), Graham Crown (Dergview) and Ian Parkhill (Moyola Park).

Elsewhere, Dergview welcomed Niall McGinley back to Darragh Park following a season with Annagh United, as well as announcing a contract renewal for Shea Devlin while Ballyclare Comrades confirmed that Liam Hassin has committed to spending another season at Dixon Park.