Player with County Roscommon roots signs first professional football contract in England
Christy Grogan (centre) signs his first professional contract with Stoke City FC. Pictured also includes the club's Academy Director and former Republic of Ireland international, Jon Walters (back).
A footballer with County Roscommon roots has signed his first professional contract with a club in England.
Christy Grogan joined five other Stoke City youngsters who put pen to paper at a special celebration at the bet365 Stadium earlier this month.
The players and their families were treated to a day of celebration to mark the occasion.
Christy’s mother, Bonnie, is a niece of Christy Grogan Snr, who lives in Roscommon Town. Bonnie’s late father John was Christy Snr’s brother.
Christy Snr was sub goalkeeper on the Roscommon senior football team that were beaten by Kerry, 1-12 to 1-6, in the 1962 All-Ireland final.
His son, Chris, has also played for the Rossies and was a stalwart on successful Roscommon Gaels teams in the 90s and the early part of the new Millennium.
The new Stoke City recruit has visited County Roscommon on numerous occasions and has been capped for the Republic of Ireland U-18 team.
Stoke City are currently in Fota Island, Cork, on a pre-season training camp.
