James Bolger(Image: INPHO/Ben Brady)

Galway United FAI Cup legend’s message of support to well-travelled Drogheda United hopeful

07 Nov 2024, 23:00 by Mark McCadden · Irish Mirror

A text message early this week brought James Bolger back to the start of a journey that took him from Galway to Drogheda - via the USA and Sweden.

Galway United’s 1991 FAI Cup winning captain and goalscorer Johnny Glynn coached Bolger in the Tribesmen’s Under-19s before the defender moved to the USA in 2019.

Glynn, whose heroics saw off favourites Shamrock Rovers 33 years ago, reached out to his former player, who is now in a similar position as a Cup final underdog.

“He texted me good luck for the final and said we’d meet if I was down in Galway,” revealed Bolger, ahead of Sunday’s decider against favourites Derry City.

The Roscommon native and former Boyle Celtic man has taken a scenic route to this weekend’s showpiece at the Aviva Stadium.

First there was his hometown club, where he made a handful of senior appearances, and then it was onto Galway United, where he lined out for the Under-19s under Glynn.

In 2019 he jumped at the opportunity to move to the USA, where he spent four years at Northwestern University.

“I was there for four years and made a connection over there to coach in a D1 school in Virginia (Longwood University) so transferred there for my fifth year in a masters,” he said.

Sweden was his next stop.

“I went to a Combine for this agency, we went on a European tour with them to Malta and England, and on the last day they said they had an offer in Sweden for me,” said Bolger.

“I packed all my stuff and moved to Sweden and was there for three-and-a-half months.

“We had a mid-season break and I was coming home for Christmas anyway, then the agency offered me to train with Drogheda for a week.

“So I did that, got extended for another week and then I signed.”

Bolger was also a promising young Gaelic footballer, who played with top Roscommon side Padraig Pearses.

But when it boiled down to it, and a decision had to be made between Galway United and a county trial, he opted for the 11-a-side code.

And he doesn’t regret it one bit, given the opportunities he has enjoyed and his globe-trotting adventures.

He became a quicker, stronger player in America, and took those skills with him to Sweden and now to Drogheda.

“I think they really focus on your athleticism and your strength in the US whereas in Europe it’s more about your technical skills first,” he said.

“It’s a completely different game I feel, very fast and physical. If you can do that and develop your skills it will work out well for you.”

In Sweden, with Bodens BK, he arrived just after future Drogheda United teammate Zishim Bawa left for Ireland.

“Zishim came through their system to Sweden and then Drogheda, so I don’t think I’d be here only for him,” he explained.

“He left and I came in and so the lads on the team were facetiming him and we ended up being teammates.”

And now he has an FAI Cup final to look forward to.

“I loved it in Sweden but this was a step up and I always wanted to play in the League of Ireland,” said Bolger.

“I had to go to America and Sweden to break into the League of Ireland.”

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The town of Boyle is best known for its contribution to television and Hollywood, in actor Chris O’Dowd. Bolger wants to add a bit of FAI Cup glamour to its roll of honour.

“There were a load of people from my school who were extras in the background of (Mooney Boy). It’s funny seeing your home place on TV, it was unreal,” he said.

“You might never be in a Cup final again and it’s unbelievable to be part of it. You feel like you’re in the big time – it’s hilarious.

“I wouldn’t have dreamt this last year when I was in Virginia.”

How does he rate Drogheda’s prospects?

“The way we’ve been playing it suits us. Derry are a possession team whereas we’re counterattacking. We’d fancy ourselves against anyone once we’re on it,” he replied.

“I went to three (Ireland) games (at the Aviva) but stopped because they lost them all. I was bad luck, so I ended up watching from home and they reached Euro 2016.

“We got to walk the pitch last Sunday and that was without fans.

“It will be mental. I can’t stop smiling… 40,000 on Sunday will be mental.”

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