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Greg Bolger

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Greg Bolger
Personal information
Full name Greg Bolger
Date of birth (1988-09-09) 9 September 1988 (age 36)
Place of birth New Ross, County Wexford, Republic of Ireland
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Cork City
Number 6
Youth career
New Ross Celtic
Wexford
–2006 Cherry Orchard
2006–2007 UCD
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2007–2010 UCD 64 (10)
2011 Sporting Fingal 0 (0)
2011 Dundalk 24 (2)
2012–2015 St Patrick's Athletic 104 (6)
2016–2017 Cork City 47 (1)
2018–2020 Shamrock Rovers 62 (4)
2021–2023 Sligo Rovers 83 (1)
2024– Cork City 31 (0)
International career‡
2010 Republic of Ireland U23 2 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 01:02, 19 October 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:59, 15 January 2024 (UTC)

Greg Bolger (born 9 September 1988) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for League of Ireland Premier Division club Cork City. His previous clubs are UCD, Sporting Fingal, Dundalk, St Patrick's Athletic, Cork City, Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers.

Career

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Youth career

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A native of New Ross, County Wexford, Bolger began playing with his local side New Ross Celtic, before moving onto the academy of his local League of Ireland club Wexford, then to Dublin side Cherry Orchard, where he earned a move to UCD in 2006.[1]

UCD

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Bolger made his senior debut for UCD in a 1–0 loss to Cork City on 23 March 2007.[2] His first goal at senior level came on 22 August 2008 in a 2–1 loss to Derry City at the UCD Bowl.[3] Following their relegation in 2008, Bolger was part of the UCD side that won the 2009 League of Ireland First Division title to regain promotion.[4] He impressed upon the club's return to the League of Ireland Premier Division, scoring 7 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions. In total he made 76 appearances in his 4 seasons with the club, scoring 10 goals.

Sporting Fingal

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Bolger signed for Sporting Fingal ahead of the 2011 season, but on 9 February 2011 the club went bust, cancelling all player contracts in the process, in Bolger's case before he had even made his debut.[5]

Dundalk

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On 10 February 2011, Bolger signed for Dundalk.[6] He made his debut 4 days later in a 5–3 win away to Linfield in the Setanta Sports Cup.[7] On 14 May 2011, he featured in the Final of the 2011 Setanta Sports Cup, as his side were defeated 2–0 by Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.[8] He scored his first 2 goals for the club in a 6–1 win over Galway United on 24 June 2011.[9] Bolger made a total of 33 appearances during the season, scoring 2 goals as the side finished in 7th place.[10]

St Patrick's Athletic

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2012 season

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Bolger signed for fellow League of Ireland Premier Division side St Patrick's Athletic in January 2012.[11] He made his debut for the club on 20 February 2012 in a 1–0 loss at home to Cliftonville in the Setanta Sports Cup.[12] His first goal for the club came on 20 April 2012 in a 2–0 win over one of his former clubs UCD.[13] The Summer of 2012 saw Bolger's first taste of European football, as he featured in all 6 of his side's games in their UEFA Europa League campaign as they defeated ÍBV of Iceland, Široki Brijeg of Bosnia and Herzegovina before being knocked out by Bundesliga side Hannover 96.[10] In October 2012, Bolger scored in a 3–0 win over his former club Dundalk in the FAI Cup Semi Final but missed out on the 2012 FAI Cup Final due to injury, as his side lost to Derry City in extra-time.[14]

2013 season

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On 13 October 2013, Bolger opened the scoring with a 25-yard strike into the top corner in a 2–0 win over Sligo Rovers at Richmond Park, a win that secured the 2013 League of Ireland Premier Division title for the club.[15] On 20 October, 2 days after being award the league trophy, Bolger featured in a fatigued Pats side that were defeated 1–0 by Shamrock Rovers in the 2013 Leinster Senior Cup Final.[16] He was named in the PFAI Team of the Year for 2013 by his fellow players on 17 October 2013.[17] On 17 November 2013, Bolger was named as the club's Player of the Year by their supporters.[18]

2014 season

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On 2 March 2014, he was part of the team that won the 2014 President of Ireland's Cup with a 1–0 win over Sligo Rovers.[19] He made his UEFA Champions League debut on 16 July 2014 in a 1–1 draw away to Legia Warsaw.[20] He was part of the side that ended the club's 53-year wait for an FAI Cup win, as he received the Man of the Match award in his side's 2–0 win over Derry City in the 2014 FAI Cup Final at the Aviva Stadium.[21]

2015 season

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He featured in the 2015 President of Ireland's Cup on 28 February 2015 as his side lost 2–1 to Dundalk at Oriel Park.[22] On 24 March 2015, he scored a 45-yard lob to open the scoring in a 2–0 win over Derry City at Richmond Park.[23] In July 2015, Bolger was subject to a transfer bid from Scottish Premiership club Motherwell, which was rejected by St Patrick's Athletic.[24] On 19 September 2015, Bolger played the full 120 minutes of the 2015 League of Ireland Cup Final, which saw his side defeat Galway United 4–3 on penalties at Eamonn Deacy Park following a 0–0 draw after extra time.[25]

In total, Bolger made 145 appearances for the Saints, scoring 9 goals.[10]

Cork City

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2016 season

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Ahead of the 2016 League of Ireland Premier Division, Bolger signed for the previous season's runners-up Cork City.[26] On 28 February he played in the 2016 President of Ireland's Cup as Cork defeated league champions Dundalk 2–0 to claim the trophy.[27] Bolger was named League of Ireland Player of the Month for June 2016.[28] His first and only goal for the club came on 16 September 2016, when he scored an 89th-minute penalty in a 3–0 win over Shamrock Rovers at Turners Cross.[29] Bolger was named on the PFAI Team of the Year for 2016 by his fellow players.[30] On 6 November 2016, Bolger featured in the 2016 FAI Cup Final, which his side won 1–0 thanks to a 120th-minute winner from Sean Maguire.[31]

2017 season

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On 18 February 2017, he was part of the team that defeated Dundalk 3–0 in the 2017 President of Ireland's Cup to retain the trophy.[32] On 12 June 2017, he was part of the side that won the 2017 Munster Senior Cup with a 4–2 win over Wilton in the final.[33] Bolger claimed the second Premier Division medal of his career on 17 October 2017, when Cork clinched the 2017 League of Ireland Premier Division title following a 0–0 draw with Derry City.[34] On 5 November 2017, he helped his side complete the double by defeating Dundalk 5–3 on penalties in the 2017 FAI Cup Final following a 1–1 draw after extra time, with Bolger scoring his penalty in the shootout.[35]

Shamrock Rovers

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On 7 November 2017, Bolger agreed to join Shamrock Rovers for their 2018 season.[36] He made his debut for the club on 16 February 2018 in a 3–1 defeat to Bohemians at Dalymount Park.[37] On 14 September 2018, he scored his first goal for the club in a 5–0 win over Limerick at Tallaght Stadium.[38] On 3 November 2019, Bolger scored his penalty in the shootout as his side defeated Dundalk 4–2 on penalties in the 2019 FAI Cup Final following a 1–1 draw after extra time, ending a 32-year wait for an FAI Cup win for his club.[39] Bolger picked up an injury in a friendly with Wexford in July 2020 that would rule him out until late in the season.[40] He recovered from injury in time to play a part in the 2020 FAI Cup Final, replacing Dylan Watts in the 83rd minute as his side were defeated 4–2 by Dundalk after extra time in a behind-closed-doors Aviva Stadium.[41]

Sligo Rovers

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On 11 December 2020, it was announced that Bolger would be signing for Sligo Rovers ahead of the 2021 season, reuniting with Liam Buckley, his former manager at St Patrick's Athletic.[42][43] He was named League of Ireland Player of the Month for the second time in his career for the month of May 2021, after leading his side to the top of the table.[44] Bolger signed a new contract with the club on 17 November 2022 that would see him act as a player-coach under manager John Russell, who was a former teammate of Bolger's at St Patrick's Athletic.[45] On 29 April 2023, Bolger scored his first and only goal for the club in a 2–1 defeated to his former club Shamrock Rovers.[46] He made a total of 88 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 1 goal.[10]

Return to Cork City

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On 23 December 2023, newly relegated League of Ireland First Division side Cork City announced that Bolger would be returning to the club for their 2024 season in a player-coach capacity, working under new manager Tim Clancy.[47][48] On 3 June 2024, he made his 400th League of Ireland appearance, in a 0–0 draw with UCD at Turners Cross.[49] On 6 September 2024, he was part of the side that defeated UCD 1–0 at the UCD Bowl to win promotion by winning the 2024 League of Ireland First Division.[50] At the end of the season he was named in the PFAI First Division Team of the Year.[51] Amidst consideration of retirement from football,[52] Bolger signed a new one year contract with the club on 24 October 2024.[53]

International career

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Bolger was called up to the Republic of Ireland U23 side for their game against England in May 2010,[54] making his debut in a 2–1 loss.[55] He also featured in the side's 1–0 win away to Estonia in September 2010.[56]

Career statistics

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As of match played on 18 October 2024[57][58]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FAI Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
UCD 2007 LOI Premier Division 5 0 2 0 2 0 — — 9 0
2008 13 1 0 0 1 0 — — 14 1
2009 LOI First Division 17 2 1 0 2 0 — — 20 2
2010 LOI Premier Division 29 7 2 0 0 0 — 2[a] 0 33 7
Total 64 10 5 0 5 0 — 2 0 76 10
Sporting Fingal 2011 LOI Premier Division 0 0 — — — — 0 0
Dundalk 2011 LOI Premier Division 24 2 5 0 0 0 — 4[b] 0 33 2
St Patrick's Athletic 2012 LOI Premier Division 28 3 4 1 2 0 6[c] 0 1[b] 0 41 4
2013 29 1 3 1 0 0 2[c] 0 2[a] 0 36 2
2014 24 0 4 0 1 0 2[d] 0 6[e] 1 37 1
2015 23 2 1 0 2 0 2[c] 0 3[f] 0 31 2
Total 104 6 12 2 5 0 12 0 12 1 145 9
Cork City 2016 LOI Premier Division 27 1 4 0 1 0 5[c] 0 2[g] 0 39 1
2017 20 0 3 0 3 0 4[c] 0 4[h] 0 34 0
Total 47 1 7 0 4 0 9 0 6 0 73 1
Shamrock Rovers 2018 LOI Premier Division 31 1 0 0 0 0 2[c] 0 0[a] 0 33 1
2019 28 3 4 0 1 0 4[c] 0 0[a] 0 37 3
2020 3 0 2 0 — 0[c] 0 — 5 0
Total 62 4 6 0 1 0 6 0 0 0 75 4
Sligo Rovers 2021 LOI Premier Division 26 0 1 0 — 1[i] 0 — 28 0
2022 26 0 0 0 — 2[i] 0 — 28 0
2023 31 1 1 0 — — — 32 1
Total 83 1 2 0 — 3 0 — 88 1
Cork City 2024 LOI First Division 31 0 2 0 — — 0[j] 0 33 0
2025 LOI Premier Division 0 0 0 0 — — 0[j] 0 0 0
Total 31 0 2 0 — — 0 0 33 0
Total 415 24 39 2 15 0 30 0 24 1 523 27
  1. ^ a b c d Appearance(s) in the Leinster Senior Cup
  2. ^ a b Apprarance(s) in the Setanta Sports Cup
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Apprarance(s) in the UEFA Europa League
  4. ^ Appearance(s) in the UEFA Champions League
  5. ^ 1 appearance in the President of Ireland's Cup, 2 appearances in the Setanta Sports Cup, 3 appearances & 1 goal in the Leinster Senior Cup
  6. ^ 1 appearance in the President of Ireland's Cup, 1 appearance in the Leinster Senior Cup
  7. ^ 1 appearance in the President of Ireland's Cup & 1 appearance in the Munster Senior Cup
  8. ^ 1 appearance in the President of Ireland's Cup & 3 appearances in the Munster Senior Cup
  9. ^ a b Appearance(s) in the UEFA Europa Conference League
  10. ^ a b Appearance(s) in the Munster Senior Cup

Honours

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Club

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UCD
St Patrick's Athletic
Cork City
Shamrock Rovers

Individual

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References

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  1. ^ "Greg Bolger | Stats | History | Career Details | Images | extratime.com - The Home of Irish Football - Extratime.com". www.extratime.com.
  2. ^ "Cork gain first victory of league season". Irish Examiner. March 23, 2007.
  3. ^ "UCD 1-2 Derry City". August 22, 2008 – via www.rte.ie.
  4. ^ Dempsey, Andrew. "Where are they now? - UCD's 2009 First Division title winners". extratime.com.
  5. ^ Buttner, Paul (February 10, 2011). "Sporting Fingal on verge of collapse as contracts cancelled". Irish Examiner.
  6. ^ White, Brendan. "Dundalk snap up Greg Bolger". extratime.com.
  7. ^ McLaughlin, Gavin (February 14, 2021). "VALENTINE'S DAY 2011: LINFIELD 3-5 DUNDALK FC". Dundalk Football Club.
  8. ^ "Dundalk 0-2 Shamrock Rovers". May 14, 2011 – via www.rte.ie.
  9. ^ "Dundalk 6-1 Galway United". June 24, 2011 – via www.rte.ie.
  10. ^ a b c d "Republic of Ireland - G. Bolger - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com.
  11. ^ "BUCKLEY ANNOUNCES NEW SIGNINGS". www.stpatsfc.com.
  12. ^ "St. Patrick's Athletic 0 - 1 Cliftonville (Cliftonville win 2-0 on agg)". extratime.com.
  13. ^ "St. Patrick's Athletic 2 - 0 UCD". extratime.com.
  14. ^ "St Pat's must wait until Wednesday for FAI Ford Cup Final opponents | Football Association of Ireland". www.fai.ie.
  15. ^ Fennessy, Paul (October 13, 2013). "St Pat's crowned Airtricity League champions following win over Sligo". The 42.
  16. ^ "Shamrock Rovers claim third Cup victory of 2013". extratime.com.
  17. ^ Kelly, Niall (October 17, 2013). "Here's the Premier Division Team of the Year (and more end-of-season shortlists)". The 42.
  18. ^ "Greg Bolger - POTY". www.stpatsfc.com.
  19. ^ "Superb Fahey strikes earns silverware for St pat's". Independent.ie. March 3, 2014.
  20. ^ "St Patrick's Athletic came agonisingly close to a historic victory against Legia Warsaw in the Champions League qualifying round". Independent.ie. July 16, 2014.
  21. ^ "Greg guides Saints to success". Independent.ie. November 8, 2014.
  22. ^ Bailey, Ryan (February 28, 2015). "League champions Dundalk draw first blood as Finn stars in President's Cup win". The 42.
  23. ^ "Bolger stunner helps Saints overcome Derry". March 24, 2015 – via www.rte.ie.
  24. ^ "St Pats 'reject' Well bid for Bolger". BBC Sport. July 31, 2015.
  25. ^ "EA Sports Cup Final Report: Galway United 0 - 0 St Patrick's Athletic (St Pats win 4 - 3 on penalties)". extratime.com.
  26. ^ "Cork City have swooped to sign Greg Bolger from St Pat's but some big names are leaving Leeside". Independent.ie. November 13, 2015.
  27. ^ O'Mahony, Niamh (February 27, 2016). "Cork claim President's Cup by beating Dundalk" – via www.rte.ie.
  28. ^ Dollery, Paul (July 12, 2016). "Cork midfielder marks debut season with club's first player of the month award in two years". The 42.
  29. ^ "League Report: Cork City 3 - 0 Shamrock Rovers". extratime.com.
  30. ^ "Cork City and Dundalk dominate PFAI Team of the Year". Irish Examiner. October 18, 2016.
  31. ^ "Last-gasp Cork City win Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup Final | Football Association of Ireland". www.fai.ie.
  32. ^ Glennon, Michael (February 17, 2017). "Cork see off Dundalk to claim President's Cup" – via www.rte.ie.
  33. ^ "Munster Senior Cup Final Report: Cork City 4 - 2 Wilton United (AET)". extratime.com.
  34. ^ Dollery, Paul (October 17, 2017). "Draw with Derry sees Cork City clinch first Premier Division title in 12 years". The 42.
  35. ^ Blake, Ben (November 5, 2017). "Cork City claim a first-ever double after penalty drama in the FAI Cup final". The 42.
  36. ^ Casey, Gavan (November 7, 2017). "Greg Bolger has joined Shamrock Rovers after announcing his Cork City departure earlier today". The 42.
  37. ^ "Bohemians bare teeth in second half to rip Shamrock Rovers apart". Irish Mirror. February 16, 2018.
  38. ^ "League Report: Shamrock Rovers 5 - 0 Limerick". extratime.com.
  39. ^ Leahy, Ed (November 3, 2019). "Shamrock Rovers hold their nerve to end 32-year wait" – via www.rte.ie.
  40. ^ Rovers, Shamrock (July 30, 2020). "Greg Bolger Injury Update - Shamrock Rovers - All at Shamrock Rovers would like to extend our best wishes to midfielder Greg Bolger with his recovery after sustaining an unfortunate injury during a".
  41. ^ "FAI Cup Final Report: Shamrock Rovers 2 - 4 Dundalk (Dundalk win after extra-time)". extratime.com.
  42. ^ "Greg Bolger signs for Sligo Rovers – Sligo Rovers". December 11, 2020.
  43. ^ "Bolger signs for Sligo Rovers". December 11, 2020 – via www.rte.ie.
  44. ^ "Bolger lands monthly honour after leading Sligo top". June 10, 2021 – via www.rte.ie.
  45. ^ "Greg Bolger to take on player/coach role at Sligo Rovers". Independent.ie. November 17, 2022.
  46. ^ "Report: Shamrock Rovers 2-1 Sligo Rovers – Sligo Rovers". April 30, 2023.
  47. ^ Fallon, John (December 22, 2023). "Greg Bolger returns to Cork City for promotion push". Irish Examiner.
  48. ^ "Cork City recruit Greg Bolger can guide the next generation at Turner's Cross". echo live. January 2, 2024.
  49. ^ "x.com".
  50. ^ "Building for the future starts now for Cork City after first division title success". echo live. September 14, 2024.
  51. ^ Fallon, John (October 24, 2024). "Play-off jostle begins as cup finalists Drogheda await victors". Irish Examiner.
  52. ^ Geraghty, Darryl (September 7, 2024). "Greg Bolger: Decisions still have to be made whether I retire or not but I feel good". Irish Examiner.
  53. ^ "Cork City's Greg Bolger signs up for his 19th LOI season as Wilson Waweru agrees new Sligo Rovers deal". Irish Independent. October 24, 2024.
  54. ^ "Doolin announces U23 squad for England game | Football Association of Ireland". www.fai.ie.
  55. ^ "Late comeback by U23s not enough against England | Football Association of Ireland". www.fai.ie.
  56. ^ "U23s defeat Estonia in Tallinn | Football Association of Ireland". www.fai.ie.
  57. ^ "Republic of Ireland - G. Bolger - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". ie.soccerway.com.
  58. ^ "Greg Bolger - Soccer player profile & career statistics - Global Sports Archive". globalsportsarchive.com.
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