Ballymena United have reluctantly accepted Ben Kennedy’s request to leave the Showgrounds, with the 29-year-old midfielder joining Portadown for an undisclosed fee. The Northern Ireland Premiership side confirmed the departure after Kennedy, who scored 17 goals in 42 appearances, informed the club of his desire to move.
What happened?
Kennedy, a versatile attacking midfielder, began his career at Stevenage before returning to Northern Ireland with Crusaders, where he netted 39 times in 109 games. He joined Ballymena United in 2024, becoming a key figure with his creativity and goalscoring threat. His last appearance was as an unused substitute in the 3-0 win over Linfield last weekend.
Why it matters for Ballymena United
The club, who finished 10th in the 2025 Northern Ireland Premiership table with 34 points (9W-7D-17L), lose a player who contributed significantly to their attack, scoring 39 goals while conceding 50 last season. Kennedy’s departure leaves a gap in their midfield as they prepare for the new campaign.
What comes next?
Ballymena United issued a statement thanking Kennedy for his contributions and wishing him success. Meanwhile, Portadown’s Head of Recruitment, David Douglas, praised Kennedy’s leadership and experience, highlighting his impact both on and off the pitch. The club’s next fixture is an away game against Bangor on September 5, 2026.
