Bray Wanderers Confirm Pre-Transfer Agreement with Bristol City for Billy O’Neill

 

Bray, Co Wicklow: 2nd April 2026 – Bray Wanderers can confirm that the Club has signed a pre-agreement for the permanent transfer of Billy O’Neill to EFL Championship side Bristol City. 

 

O’Neill, who was called up to the Republic of Ireland Under-19 squad for their 2027 EURO Championship qualifiers against Poland, Scotland and Italy, will move to Ashton Gate in the summer, subject to international clearance. 

 

Billy became Bray Wanderers’ youngest-ever player at the age of 15 years and 222 days old when he made his competitive first-team debut in October 2023 against Finn Harps, coming on as a second-half substitute. He subsequently became the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the League of Ireland since 1937, netting three goals in our 5-1 home win over Kerry FC on 17th October last year. 

 

Having played his junior football with Crumlin United and Kilnamanagh AFC, Billy joined Bray Wanderers’ Academy in 2022, initially in the U14 squad, before progressing quickly to the U15, U17 and U20 sides, and made his first senior appearance in a pre-season fixture against Dundee in July 2023. 

 

He became an established member of the first team squad in 2025 playing 34 times in all competitions, and has made a total of 49 competitive first-team appearances so far, including featuring in all 6 First Division matches this season. His first senior goal came against Cobh Ramblers in a 2-1 win in last March and he has scored 12 times in the League of Ireland to date. 

 

Internationally, Billy has represented the Republic of Ireland at U15, U16, U17 and U18 levels, earning a total of 22 underage caps. He has also scored 5 times for his country, including a goal on his U15 debut against Wales in March 2023, and a superb brace two days later against the same opposition. 

 

Speaking on the announcement of his future transfer, manager Paul Heffernan said: 

 

“We are delighted for Billy and his family. It’s a fantastic opportunity for him to join a great club in Bristol City and continue his development. He’s been a massively important player for us in the first team for the last 12 months and has shown that he has not only the talent but the right mindset and mentality to succeed in professional football. We wish nothing but success for Billy in this exciting new chapter in his career.” 

 

Dave Foley, Academy Director of Bray Wanderers, added: 

 

“Billy’s move is a hugely proud moment for everyone at the club. He has come all the way through our Club pathway from Under 14s through to our First Team. This opportunity is a testament not only to his talent and work ethic, but also to the consistent support, guidance, and belief shown by all the coaches and staff who have played a role in his development along the way. While the move won’t take place for a few months yet and we’re delighted to still have him with us in the meantime, we wish Billy every success as he prepares for this exciting next step in his career.” 

 

Billy also had this message for supporters: 

 

“I'm delighted to have signed for Bristol City as the next step in my career. I can't wait to get going and see what the future holds. I want to thank everyone at Bray Wanderers, the coaches, players and fans, for their support and for everything they've done for me throughout my time at the club."