Match Report: V Treaty United

TREATY UTD 0 SLIGO ROVERS 0

BY CONALL COLLIER

Sligo Rovers earned a Women’s Premier Division point on Saturday evening in Limerick when they produced a battling performance in a scoreless draw against unbeaten Treaty Utd at the Markets Field.

Zoe McGlynn, Eimear Lafferty and Sarah Kiernan were named in the Sligo Rovers starting 11 in place of Jodie Loughrey, Keeva Flynn and Amy Roddy from the previous outing against Galway.

However, Flynn was brought in just before kick-off and gave a solid performance after Kelly Crompton picked up a knock in the warm-up.

The opening exchanges were somewhat frantic at each end as the wind and rain dictated, but Sligo Rovers defended resolutely against both the elements and the persistence of a sometimes over-exuberant Yasmine Saidi for Treaty Utd.

The best chance of the opening half was for Treaty in the 31st minute when the Bit O’Red gifted possession to the hosts, but the danger was averted.

Treaty returned the favour five minutes later through goalkeeper Ann Marie Ulliac, but once more, the danger was averted.

Soon after, there was another moment of danger for Treaty when Ulliac ventured outside her penalty area and almost lost possession as she tried to get the ball back into the penalty area.

On the stroke of half-time Katie Lawlee was denied from close range when Keeva Flynn intervened while at the other end Treaty once more almost gifted a lead goal to the Bit O’Red, but escaped with the concession of a corner.

Sunshine greeted the players for the second-half and Treaty were fast out of the traps with an early chance before they also forced a couple of corners without any reward.

Wind-assisted Sligo Rovers dominated the remainder and pressed forward in search of a lead goal.

Paul McGrory missed the proverbial ‘sitter’ in the 66th minute when Emma Doherty headed a centre back across the Treaty six-yard box.

Sligo Rovers also had a ‘goal’ ruled out for offside, but will take plenty of positives from this game as they remain unbeaten away from home and also have clean sheets from those two away games.

The attendance at the game was 506.

Treaty Utd – Ann Marie Ulliac; Grace McInerney, Erin Van Dolder, Talia White, Kayla Kyle, Cara Griffin, Delana Friesen, Yasmine Saidi, Leah Martin, Jillian Tegan O’Toole, Katie Lawlee. Subs – Kate O’Donovan for Van Dolder half-time, Fiana Bradley for Saidi 79m.

Sligo Rovers – Amber Hardy; Kelsey Munroe, Sarah Kiernan, Keeva Flynn, Eimear Lafferty, Emma Hansberry, Muireann Devaney, Emma Doherty, Zoe McGlynn, Paula McGrory, Keri Loughrey. Subs – Jodie Loughrey for Kiernan 56 mins, Cara King for McGrory 77m.

Referee – Thomas Joyce.

Match Report: v Shamrock Rovers

Sligo Rovers will look to return to winning ways next weekend as the Bit O’Red look to recover from successive defeats on the road against Shamrock Rovers and St Pat’s, Rovers taking on both Dundalk and Galway United at the Showgrounds on Friday and Monday respectively.

A well hit finish from Graham Burke, followed by an Aaron Greene double saw Rovers beaten at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night.

John Russell’s side started this game on the front foot, with Will Fitzgerald capitalising on a Roberto Lopes error. The winger supplying the roaming Reece Hutchinson who forced a decent stop from Shams goalkeeper Leon Pohls.

Ed McGinty first denied Burke at the opposite end, then Markus Poom before another Burke effort flew past the Rovers post.

McGinty pulled off the save of the game before the Hoops went ahead. The loanee reaching high into the top corner of the frame of his goal to bat away Gary O’Neill’s goalward header.

The hosts’ pressure told nine minutes from the break when Burke unleashed an unstoppable drive into the corner of the net.

The Dubliners’ had their second five minutes after half-time.

Greene’s effort took a wicked deflection off Ollie Denham, leaving McGinty with little option. 
Shams decided the game late on when Greene had his second, running on to a quick counter ball courtesy of Poom.

Rovers are back in action this Friday night against Dundalk at the Showgrounds, kick-off 7.45pm. While Galway are the visitors the following Monday for our re-arranged league fixture, kick-off also 7.45pm. Tickets for both games can be purchased below.

https://srfcdirect.com/match-tickets/

Shamrock Rovers: Leon Pohls; Dan Cleary, Roberto Lopes, Josh Honohan (Cian Barrett 79); Dylan Watts (Conan Noonan 70), Gary O’Neill (Trevor Clarke 67); Darragh Burns, Graham Burke (Richie Towell 67), Darragh Nugent (Johnny Kenny 67), Markus Poom; Aaron Greene.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; John Ross Wilson, Oliver Denham, Charlie Wiggett, Reece Hutchinson; Niall Morahan, Connor Malley; Fabrice Hartmann (Owen Elding 75), Ellis Chapman (Kailin Barlow 75), Will Fitzgerald (Rein Smit 75); Max Mata (Wilson Waweru 75).

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan (Cork).

Team News: v Shamrock Rovers

Sligo Rovers return to Premier Division action this Friday at Tallaght Stadium as we travel to Dublin to take on Shamrock Rovers, kick-off 8pm.

The Bit O’Red are back on the pitch, following the postponement of last weekend’s home game with Galway United. That game is rescheduled for Monday, 22nd April after the original date was called-off due to the effects of Storm Kathleen.

There is good news for manager John Russell who has both full back JR Wilson and goalkeeper Ed McGinty available. Wilson missed the last handful of games due to a hamstring issue, while goalkeeper McGinty has recovered from a knock sustained against St Patrick’s Athletic recently. 

Simon Power will miss the game through suspension, while Nando Pijnaker and John Mahon continue to recover from long-term knocks. 

Speaking ahead of the game, Russell said: “It’s disappointing to lose two key players but it opens the door for other players to grab the shirt.”

“It’s important we continue to focus on ourselves and keep improving our performances.”

“We know playing Shamrock Rovers away is always a difficult fixture but we’ve picked up some good results away from home this season so we will show no fear coming into the game.”

“We will be backed again by another large traveling support which has been huge for us this season.”

500 Club Winners January-March 2024

The 500 Club members draw for January, February and March was made recently by the 500 Club Committee.

These monthly draws see ten members drawn each month for cash prizes, with the top prize being €500.

The 500 Club continues to be one of the club’s most important Fundraisers and we wish to thank all members, and the 500 Club committee for their continued hard work.

January 2024

  • €500 Cathal Stevenson – Knocknahur, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Pauric Casey – Ransboro, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Kevin Fitzsimons – Cairns Hill, Sligo
  • €100 Dr. Joseph Murphy – Killester, Dublin 5
  • €100 Tom Brooks – Walsall, England
  • €100 Michael Leonard – Carysfort Downs, Dublin
  • €100 Kieran Murphy – Calry, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Michael Dwyer – Tonaphubble, Sligo
  • €100 Adrian Eames – Skerries, Co. Dublin
  • €100 Joe Scanion – Drumiskabole, Co. Sligo

February 2024

  • €500 John Harte – Cois Inbhear, Sligo
  • €100 Gerard Foley – Glencar, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Jack Hegarty – Strandhill Rd, Sligo
  • €100 Sinead McGee – Ballinfull, Sligo
  • €100 Kieran Murphy – Calry, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Andy Dodd – Old Cartron, Sligo
  • €100 Caroline Catering – Carraroe, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Donal Kearns – New York, USA
  • €100 John Monaghan – Carney, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Conor Lynch – Maugheraboy, Sligo

March 2024

  • €500 Denis Gorevan – Kevinsfort Heath, Sligo
  • €100 Amanda Kelly – Cartron Village, Sligo
  • €100 Oisin Foley – Malmo, Sweden
  • €100 Senan Quinn – Cliffoney, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Phillip Carty – Rathmines Lower, Dublin 6
  • €100 Ciaran Quinn – Pearse Rd, Sligo
  • €100 Seamus O Collooney – Gleann, Collooney, Co. Sligo
  • €100 David Gaule – Carney, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Brian Boland – Glasnevin, Dublin 9
  • €100 Ronnie Hanney – Dromahaire, Co. Leitrim

Sligo Rovers partner with Pieta House

On Thursday April 25th Sligo Rovers will partner with Pieta House to host a fundraising coffee morning and registration session for the Darkness Into Light walk which take place on Saturday May 11th. Darkness Into Light is a 5k walk and is the annual fundraising event for Pieta supported by Electric Ireland. The walk is a vital source of income that allows Pieta House to provide critical and free mental health and suicide prevention supports across the country. The coffee and registration morning will take place at the Showgrounds from 10.30am – 2pm and everyone is encouraged to support.

Susan Dunbar, Chairperson of Pieta House Sligo said “Events like Darkness Into Light are so important in helping Pieta House do the vital work it does in Sligo, the north-west and across the country. Pieta operates a free 24 hour crisis helpline and text number and all calls and texts are answered by a qualified therapist. Pieta also offers one to one therapy on the phone, on video or in person in 24 nationwide locations. This simply wouldn’t be possible without events like this so we are hoping to see a great turnout at the Showgrounds.”

Sligo Rovers FSR officer Jamie Murphy said “The issue of mental health and suicide prevention is something which impacts all families and communities. As a community club, it is an issue we are acutely aware of and we are delighted to support Pieta House. A key part of what the club does is promoting positive physical and mental health and we hope to see as many people as possible on April 25th to support the coffee morning and register for Darkness Into Light. If you are struggling in any way with your mental health or are concerned about a friend or family member, no matter how small or big the problem might feel, please reach out for support.”

If you are not in a position to attend the registration and coffee morning at the Showgrounds you can also register on darknessintolight.ie

For more informations please contact fsr@sligorovers.com.

Notice of AGM (Annual General Meeting)

SLIGO FOOTBALL AND SPORT DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY LTD

(Sligo Rovers Football Club)

Sligo Rovers will hold their AGM on Tuesday, April 23rd at 7.30pm at the Clayton Hotel, Sligo.

The AGM will see the election of the 2024 Management Committee, a presentation of 12 months of club finances from the club’s Treasurer and the Chairman and Secretary’s report.

Please note only full paid up members or those enjoying the privileges of membership in accordance with the society rules are eligible to attend the AGM

AGENDA

1. Chairman’s Address

2. Minutes of Previous 2023 AGM

3. Matters Arising

4. Secretary’s Report

5. CEO Report

6. Treasure’s Report, Adoption of Statement of Accounts and Balance Sheet.

7. Appointment of Auditors

8. Election of Committee of Management

9. Any Other Business

The Management Committee Nomination form is available for those interested in joining the committee by emailing administrator@sligorovers.com.

Team News: v Galway United

Sligo Rovers return to the Showgrounds this Saturday for a first competitive Connacht derby with Galway United since 2018, kick-off 7.45pm.

Rovers come into this game in good form, with three wins from our last five games after a Good Friday win over Waterford which was followed up by defeat in Dublin to St Patrick’s Athletic three days later.  

The Bit O’Red will be without long-term injury victim John Mahon, while fellow centre half Nando Pijnaker now faces a sustained period on the sidelines too, having broken ribs in Easter Monday’s defeat to Pat’s. 

Simon Power serves the second of a three game ban following his red card during that defeat of Waterford. 

Although JR Wilson is making progress in his bid to recover from a hamstring injury, it is unlikely he will be fit in time to face Galway. It is hoped the full-back will be fit in time to be involved in next week’s visit to Shamrock Rovers.  

Goalkeeper Ed McGinty faces a late fitness test on Saturday after he picked up an injury in that collision with Pijnaker at Richmond Park. 

Speaking ahead of the Bit O’Red’s first top flight clash with the Tribesmen since 2017, manager John Russell is expecting a competitive game as he takes charge against his hometown club for the first time. 

“We’re delighted to be back in the Showgrounds in front of our own fans on Saturday for what will be a massive game”, he said. 

“Galway have started the season well which is no surprise. They kept the core group that ran away with the First Division and added good quality in the off season. 

“As always, we must focus on ourselves and play to our strengths. It’s a home game and we’re expecting an electric atmosphere given it’s the first Connacht derby since our EA Sports Cup win down there in 2018. I know the players are relishing the challenge ahead and hopefully we can put in a top performance.”

Match Report: v St Patrick’s Athletic

St Patrick’s Athletic 3 – 0 Sligo Rovers

A Luke Turner double and along with a late goal from Mason Melia saw Sligo Rovers beaten for the first time in five games as St Patrick’s Athletic got the better of the Bit O’Red at Richmond Park.

The defeat was compounded by the loss of both Nando Pijnaker and Ed McGinty to injury following a nasty collision between the pair in the second period. Pijnaker was stretchered off to be assessed for a chest injury, while McGinty did manage to play on for a short time but was subsequently substituted with a neck issue.

Manager John Russell made one change, albeit enforced, from the win over Waterford just three days earlier. Will Fitzgerald deputising out wide for the suspended Simon Power.

Pat’s Joe Redmond went close early on but was well marshalled by the Rovers defence, but the Dubliners did find their opener on ten minutes.

Conor Neely heading Jake Mulraney’s corner back for Turner who fired home for the opener. 
Undeterred, Sligo forced saves from Danny Rogers in the Pat’s goal. Both Conor Malley and Ellis Chapman producing efforts as Rovers sought to bring the game back level.

McGinty went full stretch to push Alex Nolan’s angled effort on to his post, before the goalkeeper did enough to put off Ruairi Keating in a one-on-one situation close to the half hour.

Keating’s chance coming after the Inchicore men had doubled the lead on 43 minutes when Turner forced Brandon Kavanagh’s corner past McGinty at the far post. 

Rovers were forced into a defensive switch on 72 when Pijnaker and McGinty crashed into each other as they both bravely came for the same ball.

Fabrice Hartmann almost halved the lead with twelve to go but his placed shot was well held by Rogers. Pat’s then putting the game to bed on 80 minutes, Melia with the Dubliner’s third. 

St Patrick’s Athletic: Danny Rogers; Luke Turner, Joe Redmond, Conor Keeley, Anto Breslin; Jamie Lennon, Aaron Bolger (Jay McClelland 90), Alex Nolan (Mason Melia 77); Kian Leavy (Chris Forrester 77), Ruairi Keating (Cian Kavanagh 90), Jake Mulraney (Brandon Kavanagh 29).

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty (Richard Brush 82); Charlie Wiggett (Wilson Waweru 46), Oliver Denham, Nando Pijnaker (Conor Reynolds 72), Reece Hutchinson; Conor Malley, Niall Morahan; Fabrice Hartmann (Stefan Radosavljevic 82), Ellis Chapman, Will Fitzgerald; Max Mata (Smit 60).

Team News: v St Patrick’s Athletic

Sligo Rovers are back on the road this Easter Monday as we look to maintain our good recent form, St Patrick’s Athletic the opposition at Richmond Park, kick-off 5pm.

Rovers will be again without JR Wilson due to a hamstring injury. While manager John Russell will also have to plan without winger Simon Power who is suspended having been sent off in last Friday’s win over Waterford at the RSC.

Unbeaten in four outings and having kept clean sheets in three of those games, Rovers look to continue that form against the FAI Cup holders.

Looking ahead to Monday’s game, Russell says: “It’s a quick turnaround for us this weekend with back-to-back away fixtures. After a good result on Friday and after a long trip home we are back on the road again where we now face a tough test when we travel to play a talented St Pat’s team.

 “Richmond Park is always a difficult venue but I have a lot of faith in this group of players. They understand the importance of playing for Sligo Rovers and leaving everything on the pitch. We will need to show that again on Monday to come away with a result.”

 Rovers had the backing of 150 or so supporters in Waterford last Friday, despite the 600km or so round trip from Sligo, for some of those fans. Russell is hoping for more of the same as the Bit O’Red take to the road once more this bank holiday weekend.

He says: “Our supporters continue to play a huge role in our performances so far this season both home and away. The players feed off that energy from the stands so we will need them right behind us again.”

Match Report: v Waterford

Waterford 0 – 1 Sligo Rovers

Sligo Rovers occupy second spot in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division after Ellis Chapman’s wonderful strike from range settled the game at the RSC on Friday, as the in-form Bit O’Red beat Waterford.

Rovers extended their unbeaten run to four in the process and kept their third clean sheet in their last four games despite playing the last twenty minutes of this game with ten men, after Simon Power was somewhat harshly sent off.

John Russell’s side were to bring to an end, the Blues’ unbeaten record this season but there were chances for both camps in the opening period.

Malaeace Asamoah’s header landed on the roof of Ed McGinty’s goal early on, while the reliable Sligo goalkeeper palmed away a Ryan Burke effort from the angle shortly after.

For Rovers, Fabrice Hartmann and Nando Pijnaker both worked Sam Sargeant in the Waterford nets. 
Chapman struck for his third league goal of the season five minutes into the second half. The former Cheltenham man firing home from distance to the delight of the 150 or so travelling supporters.

 There were chances for Rovers to double their lead. Max Mata denied by Sargeant after a loose pass in the host’s rearguard while Pijnaker found a way to goal but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Rovers were then reduced to ten with thirteen minutes of normal time to play when referee Marc Lynch decided to show the winger red after a challenge on a Waterford player. Much to the bemusement of both the visiting bench and support.

Rovers smothered any hope of a Waterford revival, limiting Keith Long’s charges to half chances. Former Rovers striker Padraig Amond mustered a late opportunity but McGinty held the effort as he claimed his fourth clean sheet of the season. Rovers doing enough to hold on for a first victory in Waterford since 2021.

Waterford FC: Sam Sargeant; Darragh Power, Ryan Burke, Niall O’Keeffe (Ben McCormack 70), Grant Horton, Rowan McDonald, Padraig Amond, Conor Parsons, Maleace Asamoah (Dean McMenamy 70), Darragh Leahy (Connor Evans 85), Kacper Radkowski (Christie Pattison 70).

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Reece Hutchinson, Ellis Chapman (Kailin Barlow 65), Charlie Wiggett, Niall Morahan, Fabrice Hartmann (William Fitzgerald 65), Oliver Denham, Max Mata (Wilson Waweru 65), Simon Power, Conor Malley, Nando Pijnaker.

Referee: Marc Lynch.