Greg Bolger departs Shamrock Rovers

Greg Bolger has confirmed his departure from Shamrock Rovers. The player had returned from a leg break late in the season, appearing off the bench for the Hoops in the FAI Cup semi-final and last Sunday’s 4-2 loss to Dundalk in the cup final.

“Sadly last Sunday was my last time wearing a Shamrock Rovers jersey,” wrote Bolger on his social media accounts (via Notes). “The club informed me about three week ago so I was desperate to go out on a high but luck wasn’t on our side on Sunday unfortunately.”

Last weekend was Bolger’s fifth FAI Cup final appearance and the first time he ended up on the losing side. “He won the trophy with St. Patrick’s Athletic in 2014, with Cork City in 2016 and 2017 and he scored in Rovers’ shootout win over Dundalk last year.

The midfielder brought valuable league winning experience to Tallaght having won the title with St. Pat’s and during his time in Cork and this season he picked up his third league winners medal.

Stephen Bradley spoke recently about ensuring that young talent coming through in Tallaght wouldn’t be blocked and given Bolger’s age profile at 32 years of age and the quality Rovers already possess in midfield it means he will be playing elsewhere next season.

Bolger played 75 times for Rovers in all competitions, scoring four league goals. 

“I just want to thank the club, fans, players and management for their support over the last three years. We’ve shared some great memories together which will last a lifetime with me and being a part of this club’s history, I’ll be forever grateful for.”

All at the club thank Greg Bolger for his time @ShamrockRovers. Three great seasons, Greg was a leader on and off the pitch, we wish Greg all the very best in the future #OnceAHoopAlwaysAHooppic.twitter.com/UDvwFBDEDs

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) December 9, 2020

Bolger broke his leg in a friendly against Wexford before the season restarted in August and it seemed that his season had come to a cruel abrupt end but was able to make it back late in the season.

“There were hard days when I was thinking would I get back,” said Bolger speaking after Rovers’ semi-final victory over Sligo Rovers. “I’m thrilled to get out there on the pitch and I’m a bit emotional to be honest. It was a hard five months.”

End of Season Report Card - @ShamrockRovershttps://t.co/5JRMmr42qepic.twitter.com/pja3laK2TB

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) December 9, 2020