Hull City sign UCD AFC duo Hugh Parker and Cathal McCarthy
10 February 2025
UCD AFC duo Hugh Parker and Cathal McCarthy are now signed to Hull City Credit: Hull City FC
Championship club Hull City announce the double signing of (opens in a new window)UCD AFC duo Hugh Parker and Cathal McCarthy.
The English team said they were “thrilled” to welcome the eighteen-year-olds, with Lead Professional Development Phase Coach Conor Sellars praising the experience and calibre of both players during their time with the Students.
"Cathal joins us with valuable experience, having played first-team football at UCD in Ireland’s second division. We would like to extend our gratitude to Emyr Humphreys, our Head of Emerging Talent, for his dedication in monitoring and maintaining communication with Cathal and UCD. We’re also grateful to everyone at the club who contributed to securing Cathal’s future.
"He is a highly competitive and composed centre-half who thrives under pressure and excels at defending both in tight and open spaces. He has shown great potential, and we’re excited to work with him as he continues to develop and progress with us.”
Cathal McCarthy
He continued: "We’re delighted to sign Hugh. He was invited to train with the Under-21s and immediately caught the attention of the staff with his performances.
"Having gained first-team experience at UCD and represented the Irish youth national team, he brings valuable experience. He’s a strong, physical centre forward with excellent finishing ability, and we’re excited to start working with him. Our goal is to support his development and help him reach his full potential through hard work and dedication.”
A spokesperson for UCD AFC said the club was “incredibly pleased for Cathal and Hugh, two highly talented young players, for this exciting opportunity for them”.
“Despite their young age, both Hugh and Cathal have already made significant contributions to the club at u17 level, as well as in our run in the UEFA Youth League and with a number of first team appearances under manager Willie O'Connor.
Hugh Parker
Adding: “While the move is an exciting one for their careers, it also serves to highlight the recognition UCD has both at home and abroad as a centre of excellence for the development of young talent and a destination any aspiring young player should consider, particularly when filling out their CAO or considering applying to avail of our scholarship schemes."
Progressing through the academy system at UCD, Cathal made his senior breakthrough in the 2024 season, making his first-team debut as a second-half substitute in May 2024.
An integral part of the club’s successful UEFA Youth League run, the defender started in all four games for UCD’s Under-19s during the qualifying rounds. Internationally, the 18-year-old has earned four caps for Republic of Ireland at Under-19 level.
Beginning his career at UCD in 2022, Hugh joined the Student’s Under 17 side from Bray Wanderer's academy.
With UCD, he helped the club win their first ever SSE Airtricity Under-17 League title in 2023, finishing joint top goalscorer with 23 goals.
Making his senior debut in March 2024, the striker made 34 senior appearances for UCD, also playing three times in the 2024/25 UEFA Youth League.
Internationally, he was selected to represent Ireland at the 2024 FAI Ireland School Squad for the Centenary Cup, playing all four matches against England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Scoring goals against Northern Ireland and Wales, he won Player of the Match against Scotland, and was also nominated for the 2024 Schools International Player of the Year award.
By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
