For the American politician, see T. Garry Buckley.
Garry Buckley
Birth date19 August 1993 (age 33)
Birth placeCork, Ireland
PositionDefender, midfielder
CurrentclubCobh Ramblers
Clubnumber26
Youthyears 1–2011
Youthclubs 1Leeds AFC
Youthyears 22011–2013
Youthclubs 2Cork City
Years 12012–2019
Clubs 1Cork City
Caps 1187
Goals 133
Years 22020–2023
Clubs 2Sligo Rovers
Caps 269
Goals 23
Years 32024–2025
Clubs 3Galway United
Caps 345
Goals 30
Years 42026–
Clubs 4Cobh Ramblers
Caps 40
Goals 40
Club-update08:44, 19 November 2025 (UTC)

Garry Buckley (born 19 August 1993) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender or midfielder for League of Ireland First Division club Cobh Ramblers. He previously played for Cork City, Sligo Rovers and Galway United.

Career

Youth career

Buckley grew up in Ballyvolane on the north side of Cork[1] and began playing schoolboy football with local club Leeds, before joining the Academy of League of Ireland club Cork City in 2011, becoming a part of their under-19 side that won the double two years in a row before joining the first team.[2]

Cork City

On 21 February 2012, Buckley made his first appearance in senior football for Cork City, in a 3–2 win away to Rockmount in the Munster Senior Cup.[3] His first appearance in the league came on 7 September 2012, when he played the full 90 minutes and scored the only goal of the game in a 1–0 victory away to Derry City.[4] In 2014, he scored a career best of 11 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions as his side went on an unexpected title charge, being beaten to the title in the final game of the season away to Dundalk.[5] In September 2014, he signed a new contract with the club to the end of 2015.[6] On 2 July 2015, he made his first appearance in European competition in a 1–1 draw at home to KR Reykjavik in the UEFA Europa League at Turners Cross.[7] He played at the Aviva Stadium for the first time on 8 November 2015, as his side were beaten 1–0 by Dundalk in the 2015 FAI Cup final.[8] On 26 November 2015, he signed a new 2 year contract with the club.[9] On 6 November 2016, he played in the 2016 FAI Cup final in a 1–0 win over Dundalk at the Aviva Stadium.[10] Buckley was part of the team that won the 2017 President of Ireland's Cup on 17 February 2017, beating Dundalk 3–0 at home.[11] On 12 June 2017, he scored in a 4–2 win over Wilton United in the final of the Munster Senior Cup.[12] On 29 June 2017, he scored his first European goal in a 2–0 win away to Estonian club Levadia Tallinn in the UEFA Europa League.[13] Buckley won his first league medal on 17 October 2017 after a 0–0 draw with Derry City was enough to confirm the 2017 League of Ireland Premier Division title, the club's first in 12 years.[14] On 5 November 2017, he was part of the side that won their fourth trophy of the year by beating Dundalk in the 2017 FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium after a penalty shootout.[15] In November 2017, he signed a new 2 year contract with the club, calling it a "no brainer" of a decision.[16] On 13 March he played in the 5–0 win over St Mary's in the final of the Munster Senior Cup.[17] On 4 November 2018, he faced Dundalk in the 2018 FAI Cup final for the fourth year running in the final, but was on the losing end of a 2–1 scoreline at the Aviva Stadium.[18] On 9 February 2019, he played in the 2019 President of Ireland's Cup as his side were again beaten 2–1 by Dundalk.[19] On 22 March 2019, he came off the bench late on in a 3–1 win over Midleton in the final of the Munster Senior Cup.[20] He left the club at the end of 2019 after scoring 46 goals in 257 appearances in all competitions during his 8 seasons there.[21]

Sligo Rovers

Buckley signed for fellow League of Ireland Premier Division club Sligo Rovers on a 1 year contract on 28 November 2019.[22][23] He made his debut for the club on 14 February 2020, in a 1–0 defeat to Finn Harps in the opening game of three season at Finn Park.[24] Having impressed in his new position of Centre back alongside partner John Mahon and helping the club to European football for the following year, he signed a new contract with the club for the 2021 season on 7 December 2020.[25] On 2 April 2021, he scored his first goal for the club in a 1–0 win over Longford Town at Bishopsgate.[26] On 27 October 2021, he signed a new 2 year contract with the club having helped them once again secure European football.[27][28] On 4 August 2022, he suffered an Anterior cruciate ligament injury away to Viking in a UEFA Europa Conference League game in Norway that ruled him out for just under a year.[29][30][31] He made his return to the side in a 2–1 loss to Drogheda United in the FAI Cup on 21 July 2023.[32] He left the club at the end of 2023, having scored 3 goals in 80 appearances over 4 seasons.[21]

Galway United

Buckley signed for newly promoted League of Ireland Premier Division club Galway United on 12 December 2023.[33][34] On 16 February 2024, he made his debut in the opening game of the season, a 1–0 defeat to St Patrick's Athletic at Eamonn Deacy Park, but had to be substituted off after he tore his quad, an injury that would keep him out of action for 3 months.[35] On 15 November 2024, he signed a new contract with the club.[36] On 15 August 2025 Buckley scored his only goal for the club in a 4–0 win over Salthill Devon in the FAI Cup.[37] On 14 November 2025 Buckley announced his departure from the club.[38]

Cobh Ramblers

On 18 November 2025 it was announced that Buckley had signed for League of Ireland First Division side Cobh Ramblers ahead of the 2026 season.[39]

Style of play

Buckley was originally an Attacking midfielder in his 8 seasons with Cork City, but was converted to a Centre back while with Sligo Rovers in 2020, playing there for the majority of the remainder of his career.[40][41]

Personal life

In 2023, while out injured from football through an Anterior cruciate ligament injury, Buckley donated his Bone marrow to his brother Michael who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, after discovering that his bone marrow was a 100% match.[42]

Career statistics

[43]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational Cup[a]League Cup[b]EuropeOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Cork City2012LOI Premier Division310000—2[c]051
20132211120—4[d]0292
20142992022—0[c]03311
201527263202[e]01[c]0385
201624541106[e]01[c]0366
201726642214[e]14[f]13611
201827940104[g]02[c]0389
201929020102[e]14[h]0381
Total1873323711318218125746
Sligo Rovers2020LOI Premier Division12020———140
202129110—2[i]0—321
202217210—4[i]0—222
202311010———120
Total69350—60—803
Galway United2024LOI Premier Division21020———230
202524021———261
Total45041———491
Cobh Ramblers2026LOI First Division0000———00
Career Total3013632811324218138650
  1. ^ Includes FAI Cup
  2. ^ Includes League of Ireland Cup
  3. ^ Appearance(s) in the Munster Senior Cup
  4. ^ 3 appearances in the Setanta Sports Cup; 1 appearance in the Munster Senior Cup
  5. ^ Appearance(s) in the UEFA Europa League
  6. ^ 1 appearance in the President of Ireland's Cup; 3 appearances, 1 goal in the Munster Senior Cup
  7. ^ 2 appearances in the UEFA Champions League; 2 appearances in the UEFA Europa League
  8. ^ 1 appearance in the President of Ireland's Cup; 3 appearances in the Munster Senior Cup
  9. ^ Appearance(s) in the UEFA Europa Conference League

Honours

Cork City

References

  1. ^ "Garry Buckley Interview – Sligo Rovers". March 15, 2023.
  2. ^ "Garry Buckley | Stats | History | Career Details | Images | extratime.com - The Home of Irish Football - Extratime.com". www.extratime.com
  3. ^ "Rockmount 2 - 3 Cork City - REPORT | 2012 Munster Senior Cup Quarter Finals | extratime.com - The Home of Irish Football". extratime.com
  4. ^ "Derry City 0 - 1 Cork City". extratime.com
  5. ^ "Dundalk crowned Premier Division champions". October 23, 2014. – via www.rte.ie.
  6. ^ Penrose, Gareth. "Buckley extends contract with Cork City". extratime.com
  7. ^ "Cork City six games without a win in Europe as they're held to draw in Turner's Cross". Irish Independent. July 2, 2015.
  8. ^ Leahy, Ed (November 8, 2015). "Dundalk do the double with extra-time FAI Cup win". – via www.rte.ie.
  9. ^ "Garry Buckley signs two year contract with Cork City FC". November 26, 2015.
  10. ^ Fennessy, Paul (November 6, 2016). "Maguire the hero as Cork stun Dundalk in FAI Cup final". The 42
  11. ^ "President's Cup Report: Cork City 3 - 0 Dundalk". extratime.com
  12. ^ "Munster Senior Cup Final Report: Cork City 4 - 2 Wilton United (AET)". extratime.com
  13. ^ "Cork City goal heroes Buckley and Beattie on a high after key strikes in Europa League". echo live. June 30, 2017.
  14. ^ Dollery, Paul (October 17, 2017). "Draw with Derry sees Cork City clinch first Premier Division title in 12 years". The 42
  15. ^ Blake, Ben (November 5, 2017). "Cork City claim a first-ever double after penalty drama in the FAI Cup final". The 42
  16. ^ Donnelly, Dave. "Garry Buckley: a 'no-brainer' to sign two year extension with Cork City". extratime.com
  17. ^ "City ease to 18th Munster Senior Cup title". echo live. March 23, 2018.
  18. ^ "Patrick McEleney puts the seal on Dundalk's double delight". Irish Examiner. November 5, 2018.
  19. ^ Cross, Keith Wallace, at Turner's (February 9, 2019). "Dundalk FC claim President's Cup after Leeside triumph over Cork City". www.dundalkdemocrat.ie
  20. ^ "Munster Senior Cup Final Report: Cork City 3 - 1 Midleton". extratime.com
  21. ^ "Republic of Ireland - G. Buckley - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". ie.soccerway.com
  22. ^ "Garry Buckley joins Rovers – Sligo Rovers". November 28, 2019.
  23. ^ Dollery, Paul (November 28, 2019). "Sligo Rovers snap up 2017 double winner Garry Buckley from Cork City". The 42
  24. ^ "Finn Harps win season-opening derby against Sligo Rovers". February 15, 2020.
  25. ^ "Garry Buckley signs for 2021 – Sligo Rovers". December 7, 2020.
  26. ^ "League Report: Longford Town 0 - 1 Sligo Rovers". extratime.com
  27. ^ "Garry Buckley signs two-year contract – Sligo Rovers". October 27, 2021.
  28. ^ "'Nowhere else I'd rather be' says Garry Buckley as he signs new Rovers deal". Irish Independent. October 28, 2021.
  29. ^ "Garry Buckley: Injury Update – Sligo Rovers". August 10, 2022.
  30. ^ Galvin, T. J. (August 10, 2022). "Sligo's Garry Buckley ruled out for rest of season with ACL injury". Irish Examiner
  31. ^ "Sligo Rovers confirm Garry Buckley injury". August 10, 2022.
  32. ^ "Sligo Rovers' Garry Buckley relieved to be back on the pitch following 'long road' to recovery a year after suffering ACL injury". www.independent.ie. August 2, 2023.
  33. ^ Team, Media (December 12, 2023). "Garry Buckley signs for United". Galway United
  34. ^ GBFM, Sport (December 12, 2023). "Galway United sign Garry Buckley from Sligo Rovers". GalwayBayFM
  35. ^ Kelly, Keith (June 21, 2024). "Buckley hopes injury nightmare is behind him as he looks forward to remainder of season". Connacht Tribune - Galway City Tribune
  36. ^ Team, Media (November 15, 2024). "Galway United confirm four players back for 2025 season". Galway United
  37. ^ Ward, Johnny (August 15, 2025). "Galway breeze past Salthill to progress to last eight". – via www.rte.ie.
  38. ^ https://x.com/LOIPDNews/status/1989405183579967873
  39. ^ Donovan, Shane (November 18, 2025). "Cork City sign midfielder O'Keeffe, Cobh Ramblers capture Buckley". Irish Examiner
  40. ^ "Garry Buckley revived his career with Sligo Rovers after moving to defence". echo live. July 28, 2022.
  41. ^ "Garry Buckley is thriving at the heart of the Sligo Rovers defence". echo live. January 25, 2022.
  42. ^ Fitton, Daire (February 16, 2023). "Fundraiser launched for Cork family as man helps older brother fight cancer". Cork Beo
  43. ^ "Republic of Ireland - G. Buckley - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com