Pat Scully has moved swiftly to restructure his Shamrock Rovers squad just days after a mass cull at the Dublin club.
Darragh Maguire, touted among the best and most consistent centre halves in the league, joins from St Patrick's Athletic where he could not commit to their new full-time set-up.
The 31-year-old's arrival boosts Scully's defensive options although Rovers are already well served with Aidan Price, Barry Ferguson and Dean Lawrence - who will go on loan - on the books.
"I was always a huge admirer of Darragh," said Scully. "As soon as he became available we immediately moved in for him as he's a player of great quality.
"He's as good a centre-half as you'd find in the league, and he's also a model professional who will bring a wealth of experience and influence to the club."
Sean O'Connor, a team-mate of Maguire's in Inchicore, also joins - much to the relief of Scully who had tried signing the 24-year-old winger on four separate occasions.
Left back Darren Stapelton arrives from First Division side Kildare County whom he joined this season from Reading.
"He's a left back and that's an area we needed to strengthen," said Scully. "We'll give him a little bit of time to adjust to life at Shamrock Rovers and I've every confidence in him.
"I'm delighted that we've signed these players," added the manager. "We're now starting to look strong in every area and the new squad is really beginning to take shape.
"Certain areas needed strengthening and when you look at the quality of the players who've come in we're definitely moving in the right direction."
Stephen Rice joined from Bohemians last week and was a key figure in the Republic of Ireland's under-23 win over Slovakia at Dalymount Park last night.
Rovers released David Cassidy, Robbie Clarke, Jamie Duffy, Dave McGill, John McGuinness, Andy Myler, Dave O'Connor, Derek Pender, Alan Reynolds, Ian Ryan and Paul Shiels at the weekend.
Lawrence and leading under-21 striker Ciaran Kilduff remain contracted to the club but will be loaned out next season.
