Greg Bolger has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of the 2026 League of Ireland season. The midfielder confirmed his decision via a statement on social media this week.
Bolger, who won a Premier Division title and FAI Cup with St Patrick's Athletic, will play his final match for current club Cork City against Finn Harps at Turner's Cross on Friday night. His career spanned two decades and over 460 league appearances across seven clubs.
"After 20 years in the League of Ireland, I’ve decided it’s time to hang up my boots," Bolger said. The Wexford native made his debut for UCD against Cork City in March 2007 and went on to win three Premier Division titles, three First Division titles and four FAI Cups.
He achieved the league and cup double with three different clubs: St Patrick's Athletic, Shamrock Rovers and Cork City. His second FAI Cup triumph with Cork came during their historic double-winning season in 2017.
"I couldn’t be happier that the final game of my career will be at Turner’s Cross, a place that has given me some of my fondest memories," Bolger added. He thanked managers, coaches, teammates, volunteers and fans from all his former clubs.
Bolger's retirement marks the end of an era for a player deeply connected to St Patrick's Athletic. The Saints, who lead the standings with 59 points, have won four of their last five league matches as they push for the title. Their next key test is an away fixture against fourth-placed Derry City on 9 October. Bolger's former side will be looking to maintain their strong defensive form, having conceded just 28 goals in 32 games, a key factor in their position.
His final contribution on the pitch will come as Cork City lift the First Division trophy after Friday's game, before their season concludes away to Kerry FC the following week. Fans can look back on the careers of Bolger and his contemporaries in the comprehensive stats section.
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