Sligo Rovers begin their 2026 Women’s Premier Division campaign this Saturday as Athlone Town visit the Showgrounds for a 17:00 kick-off. It is the first league outing of the season and a strong early test for Rovers, who take on the reigning Women’s Premier Division and WFAI Cup champions.
There is a fresh feel around Rovers heading into the new campaign, with a new manager in charge and several new faces added to the squad during the off-season. Athlone arrive in Sligo in strong form after lifting the Women’s President’s Cup last weekend, setting the stage for a competitive opening fixture.
Rovers wrapped up their pre-season preparations last weekend with a 2–1 victory over Peamount United at Greenogue Park. Despite several new additions joining the team, it was familiar faces on the scoresheet as Anna McDaniel and Cara King found the back of the net in the first half. Mia McGonnell pulled one back with 15 minutes to go, but Hughes’ side saw out the game to round off a successful pre-season.
Manager Gavin Hughes has been pleased with how preparations have gone in the lead-up to the start of the season.
“We’ve had a good pre-season. Training has been good, the girls are in good form and they’re excited for the game on Saturday. It’s been a long pre-season but the girls are nearly there and we’re all set for Saturday.
“The game against Peamount was a good test for the girls. We got minutes into a lot of the girls’ legs which was positive and we liked what we saw in the game.”
Athlone Town arrive at the Showgrounds once again as the team to beat in the Women’s Premier Division. The Midlands side enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season, securing the league title and the WFAI Cup, while losing just one league match throughout the entire campaign.
They have already started the new season on a high note after lifting the Women’s President’s Cup last weekend, underlining the quality within their squad.
Hughes is well aware of the challenge that awaits, but is focused on his side executing their own game plan.
“We’ve tough opposition, we know that. But we have to take care of our own business and hopefully the fans can be proud of the performance from the girls.
“I was at the game and they’re a quality team. We’ll give them loads of respect but at the same time we have to stick to our own game plan.”
The two sides last met on the final day of the 2025 Women’s Premier Division season, with Athlone coming away with the points on that occasion. Saturday’s meeting therefore marks the beginning of a new chapter for Rovers as they face the champions once again at the start of a new campaign.
Athlone have also made a number of notable changes during the off-season. Golden Boot winner Kelly Brady, who found the net in that last meeting between the sides, has since moved to Crystal Palace.
Head coach John Sullivan has strengthened his squad in a bid to become the first team to win three Women’s Premier Division titles in a row, bringing in Noelle Murray from Shelbourne while also welcoming back former Golden Boot winner Dana Scheriff, who came off the bench to score the winner in last week’s President’s Cup.
Rovers head into the opening fixture in relatively strong shape after coming through pre-season without any new injury concerns.
“Thankfully we’ve gotten through pre-season with no fresh concerns,” Hughes said.
“Keela Scanlon and Ciara Henry are both working their way back to fitness, while Jessica Casey and Keeva Flynn are unfortunately out for a longer period of time. Other than that we’re all good heading into the game.”
The game kicks off at 17:00 this Saturday at the Showgrounds as Sligo Rovers begin their 2026 Women’s Premier Division campaign against Athlone Town. Supporters can purchase tickets online or at the ground on matchday, and the team will be hoping for strong support as the new season gets underway in Sligo.
Jack Dempsey