Fiachra McArdle

Who is Fiachra McArdle?

Fiachra McArdle is a professional footballer in the League of Ireland.

The midfield player joined English outfit Derby County F.C. as a 15 year old in 1998. He progressed through the clubs academy and won a reserve premier league medal in 2001. He was promoted to Derbys first team squad, however he failed to make an appearance returning home in 2002.

On his return to Ireland he was signed by then Shamrock Rovers manager Liam Buckley and played for Rovers in the Eircom Premier league before suffering a bad knee injury. He made a total of nine appearances. His debut was at Bray on the 10th of May 2004 in a League Cup clash. His League of Ireland debut was against Drogheda United on the 4th of June.

McArdle linked up with hometown club Dundalk F.C. and had two spells there sandwiched by a six month spell at Athlone Town F.C. McArdle represented Ireland at U18, U19 and at U21 level and was part of the squad which competed in the Japan Cup in 2001.

McArdle made only 17 appearances for Kildare County during the 2007 season due to a broken collarbone which he sustained in his first match for the club against midland Athlone Town F.C.. Fiachra signed a new contract with Kildare County during the 2007 close season keeping him at the club for the 2008 season. However he still departed the club for Sporting Fingal just before the 2008 season. In 2009 Fiachra helped Sporting Fingal to win the FAI cup and promotion to the Premier Division of the League of Ireland.