6 days Ago By Colm Kinsella
LIMERICK winger Will Fitzgerald has signed a new two year deal with SSE Airtricity League Premier Division Sligo Rovers, the club has announced. The deal will extend the winger’s stay at the Showgrounds into his fourth year at the club having signed for the Bit O’Red back in December 2021. The Raheen native becomes the twelfth player to commit to Rovers for 2025 just a few weeks after his 100th appearance for the club.
Twenty five-year-old Fitzgerald, who played his schoolboy football with Mungret Regional, went on represent the Limerick District Schoolboy League at Kennedy Cup level, under the management of Jason O’Connor. He later played League of Ireland U17 football with Mervue United, in Galway, before coming to Limerick FC in January 2016. Then Blues boss Neil McDonald handed winger Fitzgerald his league debut in their Premier Division fixture with Drogheda Utd at the Markets Field in October 2017, with his first team bow coming in a FAI Cup last 16 victory over Finn Harps earlier in the season.
Fitzgerald joined Sligo in December 2021 having previously played with Derry City and Waterford FC. Speaking about his new deal, Fitzgerald told the Sligo Rovers website that he is continuing to relish his time at Sligo Rovers, playing under John Russell. He is also fully aware of the strides the club is making off the pitch including the recent news of the LSSIF money confirmed for the development of the Showgrounds.
“This is a club I have the utmost respect and admiration for, especially the supporters and those who keep the club thriving”, Fitzgerald said. “I feel I’m a valued member of the squad and I really want to play my part in what hopefully will be a successful future. “When you play under John, you know you’re playing under someone who knows how to lead the club in the right direction.
I’m one of the senior players now, even at 25. I enjoy that responsibility and helping the younger lads. It’s good to show them the type of professionalism that is required to play at this level.
“We were disappointed last season not to get Europe. But the signs are clear, this club is going in the right direction. We have a new kit deal and wheels are now in motion for the new stadium.
It’s such an exciting time to be at Rovers and I want to be part of all that.” Describing Fitzgerald as a ‘great professional’, Russell welcomed the news of the contract extension when speaking to the Sligo Rovers website. “The way Will trains, plays and conducts himself both on and off the pitch is a great example to any player no matter their age”, the Rovers boss says.
“He is someone who brings tons of energy, aggression and quality. He’s heading towards his fourth season here and his performances keep getting better. “He will play a big part in 2025 both on and off the pitch and I know he’s a player the fans love to watch.
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