GARRY BUCKLEY HAS left hometown club Cork City to join Sligo Rovers for the 2020 League of Ireland season.

Buckley, who came through City’s youth ranks, was a member of the club’s double-winning side in 2017. He won the first of two FAI Cup medals the previous season.

“I’m really excited,” said the 26-year-old midfielder. “It’s a fresh start, a new challenge. It wasn’t something I did lightly. I had to consider many things.

“I could have stayed at Cork and been comfortable. But I wanted to challenge myself and hopefully win another trophy. I’ve won a few but I don’t just want to look back at that. I know Sligo are looking to move towards winning trophies and I’ve bought into that.

“The word Liam [Buckley, Sligo Rovers manager] gave to me was ‘potential’. I can see it. I know from being in the league that the support the club gets, particularly when doing well, is very good. It’s a bit like Cork the way it’s an entire community and the fans drive it.

“You can’t describe the feeling of winning things. I think winning makes you even more hungry. I want it again, and I’ve come here to get it.

“I’ve had a knack of scoring a goal and I’ll certainly be looking to bring that here. My personal target is playing well here firstly. That’s my own target, be at my best. We’ll see as a group what we can achieve, I think it’s clear I’ve signed today with a particular target overall.”

In addition to the silverware that Buckley won during his time at Turner’s Cross, he also made 18 appearances for the club in European competitions.

“It’s a fantastic signing for us,” Sligo boss Liam Buckley said. “He’s won everything with Cork and brings a great deal of experience. I’m really looking forward to working with him.

“He brings height, physicality and I think he’ll be a very positive influence in our dressing room. His overall game will be a major asset to us. Garry is a great lad and a great player that will relish being at this club. It’s a really important signing for us.” 

Earlier today, Sligo also announced the signing of 22-year-old midfielder Darragh Noone, who was a member of Shelbourne’s First Division title-winning squad this year.

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