Sligo Rovers are proud to confirm that Abbvie Academy graduate, midfielder Daire Patton has signed a new one year deal with the club. The 19-year-old Sligo town native has been with the club since the age of 12 and has lined out for the club at every level since then. 

Patton signed his first professional contract with the Bit O’Red last year, having made his competitive debut at the Showgrounds against Bohemians that summer. The former St John’s FC player and Summerhill College student has since played 18 times for the first team and was last year nominated for the FAI Schools U18 Boys’ International Player of the Year award. He was also an integral part of the Rovers side which reached the final of the 2024 edition of the Enda McGuill U20 Cup. 

A Rovers fan since childhood, Daire told sligorovers.com of his pride in having again put pen to paper with his local club.  

“It’s a massive deal for me to sign again with the club”, he beamed. 

“I’ve been coming to games since I was four and I’ve always wanted to play with the first team which I am fortunate to do so, so it’s a really proud day for me. I’ve only ever missed a handful of Rovers games at the Showgrounds.”

Patton featured in both of last year’s mid-season friendlies with Everton and Celtic and gave a good account of himself in front of the Rovers faithful. He made his senior competitive debut against Bohs in May 2024, Daire coming on in place of Stefan Radosavljevic. His next appearance came in Drogheda, a few weeks before he featured on the final day of the 2024 season against Pat’s.

2025 saw Patton feature 15 times, including in big wins over Waterford and Galway while his first start came in a draw against Bohs at Dalymount Park. 

He was also introduced early on in Tallaght in that final day win over Shamrock Rovers, a 31st minute replacement for the injured Seb Quirk. Patton is thankful to management for such an opportunity. 

“They’ve been brilliant”, he says of manager John Russell and assistant Ryan Casey. 

“I’ve only improved under them. Since I came into the first team, they have taught me so much about the game and are always pushing me to become a better player which I’m so grateful for. 

“It’s been a great step up. Getting minutes at first team level has only improved my game. I didn’t really expect to be on the pitch in Tallaght as early as I was but it goes to show that you always need to be ready. I was happy to make my contribution. The goal now is to kick on and gain more and more game time. 

“I’d now love to break into the first eleven. I just need to keep working and keep trying to improve. We know last season we found ourselves in a position we shouldn’t have been in. This season, we’re looking up and want to be challenging for Europe.”

Patton was one of four Abbvie Academy players who signed senior deals last October along with Conor Reynolds, Kyle McDonagh and Gareth McElroy. Each player would go on to play their part in the story of the 2025 campaign.    

“That was massive to go the journey through the academy with Conor and Kyle and obviously Gareth came in a bit later, Owen Elding too. We are all friends off the pitch which makes a big difference. To see what Owen and Gareth did last season only makes me more hungry to make my mark this season.” 

Patton’s signature brings to 16 the total number of players signed to pro-contracts for the 2026 season. Manager Russell outlined his delight at seeing an academy graduate, a local player and a supporter, sign a fresh deal with the club. 

“Daire’s new contract is yet another example of how important the Abbvie Academy is to this club”, Russell says. 

“We pride ourselves on being able to bring players through and it’s vital for the type of club we are that we keep that conveyor belt of talent rolling. 

“Daire’s a supporter first and foremost, you see it in him how proud he is to play for Rovers as a local lad and it’s wonderful to see. 

“He’s a really talented young man and has a lot to give this club. He’s played a few times for the seniors already and he’s not looked out of place. We’ve had to rely on him in a few games this season when maybe we’ve wanted to use him later in games than we’ve had to. But we have faith in every one of our younger players and Daire has excelled when he’s been called up. 

“We’re looking forward to seeing how he does this season and into the future.”

David Goulden