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Tuam soccer star’s rich vein of form lights up English league
Tuam’s footballing hot shot has just had a month to remember – banging in five goals in a month-long loan at English side Bristol Rovers.
So much so that the League Two outfit wanted to keep the Rory Gaffney on a permanent basis – only for his parent club Cambridge United to insist on his return on the back of his rich scoring form.
The twenty six year old has been in stunning form in the latter part of 2015 during his loan term, helping Bristol Rovers to fifth in the table.
But as a result of these recent performances, Gaffney will be returning to the club he signed for in early 2015.
The Tuam native previously played League of Ireland soccer with Limerick City, having also lined out with Mervue United.
The son of James and Kathleen Gaffney from The Meadows, Milltown Road, Tuam also played football with Tuam Stars whose members are also keeping an eye on his progress.
“He just wants to play football,” said proud dad James. “He was thrilled when he was loaned out to Bristol and got regular games for the month. It was the icing on the cake when he scored five goals with four of these coming in two matches”.
James added: “Obviously Cambridge have been keeping a close eye on his performances while he was on loan and this is probably one of the reasons they want him to see out his contract”.
Rory Gaffney admitted to his club website that his immediate future was out of his control as Cambridge United and Bristol Rovers engaged in talks. It was eventually decided that he would be returning to Cambridge
The former Limerick striker joined Rovers on loan from Cambridge at the end of November and scored five goals in seven appearances, concluding his spell with a double in their 2-0 win against Luton Town.
It was always Rory’s dream to play football in England – he actually lined out with Tuam Celtic in his earlier years – and was just anxious to get games.
After joining Cambridge, he made just five league appearances before going out on loan to the Bristol club – but it is now likely that the striker will command a more permanent role for his club.