Rovers’ striker Rory Gaffney has today joined National League newcomers Salford City FC for an undisclosed fee.
Rory, who joined Rovers, initially in a one month loan deal from Cambridge United on 26th November 2015, leaves having scored 24 goals in 110 appearances in all competitions.
Having made his League of Ireland First Division bow with Mervue United in a 1-0 home defeat against Athlone Town March 2009, he had registered braces against Salthill Devon, Finn Harps and Wexford Youths before a high profile move to Limerick, whom he helped secure promotion to the Irish Premier League in 2012, a season in which he was First Division Player of the Year.
Gaffney’s spell at Limerick included a hat trick in a 4-1 home victory over Bray Wanderers in August 2014, amongst his 19 goals in 44 (+6) Premier League appearances. He was Limerick’s top scorer in the 2014 season with 14 goals.
A foot injury prefaced his time at Cambridge and his League début came in September 2015 at the Abbey Stadium when, despite only playing the last nine minutes, he set up the only goal of the game against Stevenage.
The following month, his first full start enabled him to score two first half goals as Yeovil Town were defeated 3-2 at Huish Park and he played the final 20 minutes against Rovers the following weekend.
Having made his Rovers debut against Exeter City on 28th November 2015 Rory scored his first Rovers goal in the 3-0 win against Dagenham & Redbridge on 19th December 2015.
He returned to Cambridge on 3rd January 2016 and played for them in their match against Crawley Town on 9th January. However he returned to The Memorial Stadium in a permanent deal on 14th January.
Speaking about Rory’s deal to join Salford, Manager Darrell Clarke added, “We would like to thank Rory for his services and effort during his time with us.
“He’s a player that always gave his best for the club and we wish him every success in the future.”
“We would also like to extend our thanks to Salford for the way in which they conducted the transfer.”