Rory James Finneran (born 29 February 2008) is a footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for EFL League One club Notts County, on loan from Premier League club Newcastle United. Born in England, he is a senior Republic of Ireland international, having made his debut in May 2026.
In January 2024, he became Blackburn Rovers' youngest ever player, debuting in the FA Cup third round against Cambridge United.
Early life Finneran attended St Ambrose College in Altrincham in his school years.
Club career Described as a left-footed defensive midfielder, Finneran joined the Blackburn Rovers academy at eight years old. In December 2023, Finneran was named in the match day squad for Blackburn in the EFL Championship against Bristol City, but was an unused substitute. On 6 January 2024, he made his senior debut in the FA Cup against Cambridge United. At 15 years old, ten months and eight days, he became Blackburn's youngest ever debutant. However, he was not allowed to wear a kit with the main Blackburn shirt sponsor, an electronic cigarette manufacturer, due to his young age.
In July 2024, Finneran joined Newcastle United's academy, with a tribunal required to determine the compensation fee owed to Blackburn Rovers. On 29 August 2026, Finneran joined EFL League One side Notts County on a season-long loan.
International career A Republic of Ireland youth international, he first played for the U15 team against Cyprus in 2022. He went on to play for Ireland at U16 and U17 levels, making his competitive debut in a 4–0 Euro U17 qualifying win over Armenia in October 2023. He captained Ireland for the first time in a 3–1 victory over Australia at the start of 2023. Finneran was named the Republic of Ireland's under-15 player of the year in 2023. Finneran was named in the squad for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar in November 2025.
In May 2026, he received his first call up to the senior Republic of Ireland team as a late call up for a friendly against Granada. On 16 May, Finneran made his debut, replacing Jayson Molumby from the bench in a 5–0 win over Grenada.
Career statistics Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsBlackburn Rovers2023–24Championship0010000010Newcastle United U212024–25–20–202025–26–10–10Total–30–30Notts County (loan)2026–27League One1000000010Career total1010300050
International
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsRepublic of Ireland202610Total10
References
External links