Drogheda FAI Cup hero says goodbye to the club due to work commitments

Drogheda Cup hero Adam Foley has left the Boynesiders as he says that due to work commitments he can no longer play in the Premier Division.

Foley scored a FAI Cup semi-final brace against Wexford before Drogheda triumphed in the decider against Derry City at the Aviva Stadium in November.

The 35-year-old's final appearance came for the club the following weekend, when he came off the bench in their promotion/relegation play-off win over Bray Wanderers.

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But with his current contract up and the club moving to a full-time model, Foley is moving on after three years and after his most productive season for Kevin Doherty's side with 10 goals in 40 appearances.

In total, the ex-Finn Harps marksman played 97 times for Drogheda and scored 22 goals. “Unfortunately due to the change in schedule and work commitments I’m unable to continue playing in the Premier Division," Foley said.

"I am gutted it has to end but it is the right time for the club to go into full time football, especially after the success of last season & European football on the way. It has been the best years of my life being a Drogheda United player and I can now go watch and support the lads on Fridays.

"I can’t thank Kev enough, he has been a huge influence on my career and someone I know I can pick up the phone to at any time. With him and Daire (Doyle) there, the club will continue going in the right direction.

“The dressing rooms over the years are the best ones I’ve been a part of. Hard working honest lads and lunatics all at the same time, just the way I like it! I am lucky I can call most of them friends. Thanks for helping me along the way. We have had some special nights together.

Drogheda United's Adam Foley in action against Derry City in the 2024 Sports Direct FAI Cup final
(Image: ©INPHO/Bryan Keane)

“Huge thanks to the people many don’t see during my time there, Barry, Brendan (god rest him), Dr Kandan, Andrew and for me in particular Niamh who has looked after not just me, but all of my family and friends since I arrived.

“What can I say about the fans, they took to me straight away and supported us like no other. The effort they go to with travel, displays and the connection not only on the pitch but off it between us players and them is something I don’t think many teams have with their own fans & that makes us hard to beat.

“Many people mention ‘The 12th man’ in football but they have dragged us over the line in games throughout my time there and I'll be forever grateful to them for that support.

"I’m lucky to live in the town and meet some of them in some establishments like Foley's and The Railway over a coffee and croissant! I will miss playing in front of them.

“To do what we have done over the last three seasons as a part time team is special, but to finish it all off with winning the FAI cup in the Aviva & securing European football is not a bad way to bow out. Thanks for giving me the best years of my career. See you soon.”

Drogheda boss Doherty thanked Foley for the effort he had put into the club. "From day one when I met him, I knew he was the right signing for us," said Doherty.

“He has made a massive impact on and off the pitch at Drogheda United. He’s a fantastic player, but more importantly, he’s also a fantastic person, and was integral to our success over the last three seasons.

“Adam and his family are welcome at Drogheda United any time, and I wish them nothing but the best in the future."

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