Gary Dempsey (Irish footballer)

Gary Dempsey (born 23 January 1981) is an Irish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Dempsey began his career in the youth ranks of Home Farm before moving to England to join Everton as a trainee in 1997. He failed to break into the first team at Goodison Park and was released in 2002.

He then returned to Ireland and signed for Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Premier League. After a brief spell there, he moved back to Ireland and joined St Patrick's Athletic. He quickly became a key player for the Saints and was known for his energetic performances in midfield.

Dempsey subsequently played for several other League of Ireland clubs, including Shelbourne, Sporting Fingal, Bray Wanderers, and UCD. He was part of the Sporting Fingal team that won the FAI Cup in 2009.

He has also represented the Republic of Ireland at U-21 level.

Dempsey's career was marked by spells at numerous clubs within the League of Ireland. He was known as a hard-working and combative midfielder.