Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior side returned from the summer break with a harrowing four goal defeat to Waterford at the RSC on Friday last.

Former Sligo striker Padraig Amond netted a hat-trick across both halves, while substitute Jorgen Voilas netted the Blues’ second. 

Hampered by the loss of eight players through injury, John Russell’s side finished this game with ten men after centre half Ollie Denham was sent off having picked up a second yellow in the 69th minute.

Focus now shifts to Rovers’ next Premier Division game which is against St Pat’s at Richmond Park next Friday, June 19th. 

Waterford FC: McMullan; Houston, Cann, Mahon (Barrett 82), Long, Couto; Heeney (Glenfield 63), Johnson, McMenamy (Noonan 63); Amond, Lonergan (Voilas 66).

Sligo Rovers: Sargeant; Denham, McHale, McElroy; Esua, Patton, McManus, Nolan (Zefi 68), O’Kane; Kavanagh (Traore 68), Fitzgerald.

Referee: Declan Toland 

Attendance: 1,856

Kevin Zefi is in line to make his Sligo Rovers debut at the RSC tonight as the Bit O’Red’s men’s senior team make their return to Premier Division action away to Waterford.

Rovers make the almost 700 kilometre round journey looking to put further points between ourselves and the Blues, as John Russell’s men look to make a positive start to the second portion of 2026.

This will be Sligo’s second trip to Waterford this season and this outing will be the third such meeting between the sides. The teams played out a stalemate at the RSC back in February, while Rovers overcame what was then John Daly’s charges at the Showgrounds in April. Archie Meekison and Will Fitzgerald on target that evening.

This will also be Russell’s first game against new Waterford boss Graham Coughlan who took over in May and has gone on to win five points in as many of his first games in charge. 

Without defeat in the south east in our last three visits, Rovers head for Munster without several players due to injury.

Zefi is available for his first appearance following his arrival last month, while James McManus returns to contention after he was forced to sit out the pre-break defeat to his parent club Bohemians due to the terms of his loan. 

Rovers go into this game in matching form with Waterford and Russell is aware of how big this game is with the opportunity to wedge an eleven point gap between the clubs, on offer. 

“We’re down bodies again but not for the first time this season we’ve gone into these big games without players”, Russell tells sligorovers.com.

“We may have to do a bit of switching around, depending on who’s available, to make up for lost numbers but we have a lot of faith in our squad, even if we do go down there with smaller numbers. 

“Those players will know what’s expected of them and we have a big boost with Kevin now available and James back in the squad.

“We know Friday is a huge chance to move up the table if results go our way and obviously we’d put a few more points between ourselves and Waterford. 

“They’ve been in very steady form since Graham took over and they’re continuously improving, which you’d expect them to given they’ve a very squad with plenty of experience.

“They’re scoring goals and have one of the league’s top scorers in their squad in Tommy Lonergan. So we’re expecting danger from them and a really competitive game.” 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers’ Sydney Stephens has won the May SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division Player of the Month award after an outstanding four-week period which saw the Sligo Rovers forward coup seven goals and three assists across three games in May. 

Stephens currently sits second in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division scoring charts, just two behind Athlone Town star Dana Scheriff and has been instrumental in Sligo Rovers’ recent run of form – who currently sit mid-table in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division.

Sligo Rovers manager Gavin Hughes said: “I’m delighted that Sydney has been awarded the Women’s Player of the Month for May. This recognition reflects Sydney’s exceptional work ethic, dedication, and consistently outstanding performances on the pitch. 

“Her commitment to improving both herself and the team has been a pleasure to witness. Sydney is enjoying a fantastic season overall, but her form throughout the past month has been nothing short of exceptional.”

Player of the Month Stephens said: “I’m really proud to receive the Player of the Month for May but it reflects the work the whole team has been putting in. We’re building real chemistry on the pitch, and I’ve just been fortunate to finish the chances created around me. It’s been a big adjustment coming into a new league, but the group has helped me settle quickly. 

“We’re growing more consistent every week and go into every game believing we can take three points. I’m really grateful for the recognition and excited to keep pushing and contributing to the team.”

Match Day Sponsor:  Nathaniel Lacy and Partners Solicitors, Sligo. 

Match Ball Sponsor: Sligo Branch of the Liverpool Supporters Club.

Sligo Rovers go into the short summer break on the back of a disappointing defeat to Bohemians at the Showgrounds. 

Without a number of first team players due to injury and ineligibility, Rovers were second best to the Dubliners in this one and fell behind to a first half Douglas James-Taylor goal before Colm Whelan doubled the lead just before the 50th minute.

Rovers were already without Jad Hakiki, Archie Meekison, Seb Quirk, Conor Reynolds and Sean Stewart due to injury. While Bohs lonaee James McManus was ineligible due to the rules of his loan. Ciaron Harkin and new signing Kevin Zefi also missed out, with the latter’s transfer clearance yet to come through. 

There was always fight in the Bit O’Red and Ryan O’Kane emphasised this on 54 minutes with an excellent finish past Kacper Chorazka after he created space for the shot with a neatly executed dummy.

But sub Conor Parsons secured the points with seven to go when he tucked home the insurance goal for the Dubliners’ second win in Sligo this season.

Rovers’ next league game is at the RSC as we face Waterford on June 12th. 

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeannot Esua, Ollie Denham (Alex Nolan 66), Gareth McElroy, Shane Blaney; Carl McHugh, Sean McHale; Will Fitzgerald (Kyle McDonagh 91), Daire Patton, Ryan O’Kane; Cian Kavanagh (Mai Traore HT). 

Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka; Sam Todd, Cian Byrne, Patrick Hickey; Darragh Power (Adam McDonnell 87), Dayle Rooney (Jordan Flores HT); Dawson Devoy, Sadou Diallo (Niall Morahan 77); Harry Vaughan (Conor Parsons 69), Douglas James-Taylor (Colm Whelan HT), Ross Tierney. 

Referee: Alan Patchell.

Attendance: 2,754. 

The Showgrounds hosts Sligo Rovers’ final Premier Division game before the short summer break as Bohemians visit Church Hill for the second time this season, this Friday evening, kick-off 7.45pm.

Match Day Sponsor for this huge fixture is Nathaniel Lacy and Partners Solicitors, Sligo. 

Match Ball Sponsor is the Sligo branch of the Liverpool Supporters’ Club.

Buoyed by last week’s late win at Tallaght Stadium, the Bit O’Red will look to go into the break on a positive note against a Bohs side who were unbeaten in their last five before their own late drama against Shamrock Rovers on Monday night. 

This will be the third meeting between Rovers and Bohs this year, with one win each for either side. The Dubliners trounced Rovers by four goals to nil back in February at the Showgrounds, while goals from captain Will Fitzgerald and Sean McHale inflicted on the Gypsies, their first defeat of the season last month. 

In team news and as of Thursday evening, Rovers will again be without Jad Hakiki who looks set to likely miss the remainder of the season after he underwent surgery on a foot injury this week.

Archie Meekison will miss approximately the next eight weeks with a knee injury. While Seb Quirk’s return date is set for mid-to late July following a hamstring tear. 

Defenders Conor Reynolds and Sean Stewart also miss out. As does midfielder James McManus who cannot play, owing to the terms of his loan deal from the Dalymount side. 

New signing Kevin Zefi will be in contention should his international transfer clearance come through in time.

“It’s looking like Seb and Archie have a bit to go yet and we wish Jad all the best in his recovery”, manager John Russell updates sligorovers.com.

“We know Jad will come back even stronger. He went for surgery Thursday. It’s a shame to have him out for so long as he is one of the stand-out players in the league on his day. But as always, it has given and will give our squad players the chance to show us what they can do.

“We’re not sure on Kevin but fingers crossed, the paper work will be through in time for him to play some part.”

Russell hopes his players can follow on from last Friday’s heroics against Shams and is looking to go into the break with a good result. 

“Last week was special because we showed a lot of character and determination to pull ourselves out of a situation and turn it into a positive”, he continues. 

“Shams hadn’t been beaten at home until then, we went behind, then we lose Ciaron Harkin having only brought him on. We had to make a few changes and switch things around and that tested us. 

“But the players were fearless and reacted so well to the situation. The game plan was carried out to perfection and that’s what you need to do in this league to be successful week in, week out. We kept going to the very last whistle.

“We’ll need to do it again on Friday. Bohs will sting from Monday night and we know they’ll come here looking for a reaction from themselves. They’ve a big squad, plenty of depth and they have some of the best players in the league. We saw it in Sligo at the start of the season, they will punish you if your guard is down.”

Hoping for a big attendance this evening, Russell signs off: “We can’t wait. The boys have had a good bounce off last week and we know we’re a match for anyone at the Showgrounds.

“It’s our last game for a few weeks here and we’re looking to sign off on the first half of the year on a high. Bohs always travel well and bring big numbers so hopefully there’ll be a proper big game atmosphere.” 

David Goulden 

David Goulden

John Russell has lauded his players for showing ‘no fear’ at Tallaght Stadium following Sligo Rovers’ late winner in Dublin on Friday night.

Carl McHugh smacked a 97th minute winner past Shams goalkeeper Ed McGinty as Rovers became the first team this season to beat the Hoops on their own patch.

Last year’s league winners had led at the break courtesy of an Aaron Greene shot which took a deflection off two Rovers defenders on its way in, during a first half in which the Bit O’Red struggled to settle. 

However and having made changes at the break and during the second half, Russell masterminded Rovers’ plot back into this tie. Jeannot Esua stabbing a Cian Kavanagh knock-on from a Will Fitzgerald cross past McGinty on 66 minutes for his first goal for the club.

While midfielder McHugh made it a memorable night for the few hundred travelling fans when he rammed a well-placed drive from the edge of the area beyond the stunned McGinty following trojan effort from substitutes Mai Traore and Ryan O’Kane. This was also McHugh’s maiden goal in red. 

The results lifts Rovers to within two points of sixth place and opens up a gap of nine between ourselves and bottom side Waterford. 

 Speaking to LOITV post-win, a delighted Russell admired his players’ toil and praised their ability to recover from a chastening defeat in last week’s Connacht derby. 

“It’s a special moment to get a last minute winner like that”, he said. 

“Especially at such a tough venue, it’s a big task to play and win here. We’re always up against it. We brought Ciaron (Harkin) on and he had to come back off and the players were tiring against the calibre of players Shamrock Rovers have. But it’s a huge three points for us. 

“We were in a dark place for a while after the Galway game but we moved on quickly from it. Monday, we had a look at the game, used it as a reference for what we expect going forward and learned a lot from it.” 

“We were behind at the break but I thought we were still very good in the first half. We were brave when we had the ball, but maybe our passing let us down. 

“We were on the back foot going into the second half but to get ourselves back in the game like we did was superb. We defended really well when he had to and I don’t think Sam (Sargeant) has a huge amount to do.

“We showed no fear and you have to do that to win in Tallaght. The game-plan was carried out so well, even with all the changes we had to make.” 

Russell also acknowledged the input of his captain and April’s Player of the Month, Will Fitzgerald who was involved in Esua’s leveller and put in another tireless performance on the left side.

One of the highlights of a magnificent evening arrived minutes before McHugh’s winner when Fitzgerald executed an incredible late challenge on Shams’ John McGovern inside his own area. The Rovers skipper keeping McGovern’s powder dry just as the striker looked to pull the trigger for what likely would have been a winner had the strike beaten Sargeant. 

“That recovery tackle was incredible”, Russell says. 

“For me, he’s the best player in the league this year. It was such a captain’s performance. The tacke in the 92nd minute played a big part in us going and getting that winner. It’s an unbelievable finish from Carl to win it.” 

Rovers are back at the Showgrounds this Friday night as we host Bohs in Premier Divsion action for what will be our last game before the summer break, kick-off 7.45pm.

Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty; Oluwatunmise Sobowale, Adam Mathrews, Lee Grace ©; Jake Mulraney (Danny Grant 38) , Adam Brennan, Dylan Watts (Graham Burke 65) Matt Healy (John O’Sullivan 45), Jack Byrne; Aaron Geene (Victor Ozhianvuna 65); Michael Noonan (John McGovern 65)

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeannot Esua, Shane Blaney, Gareth McElroy, Ollie Denham, Sean McHale; Will Fitzgerald ©; James McManus (Ciaran Hakin 52-Mai Traore 72), Alex Nolan (Ryan O’Kane 45), Daire Patton; Cian Kavanagh (Carl McHugh 81).

Referee: Paul Norton

Tallaght Stadium hosts the second round of the Battle of the Rovers as the Bit O’Red head to the capital to take on Shamrock Rovers this evening, kick-off 8pm.

This will be our final away day before the season’s summer break in two weeks as Rovers head to the home of the champions for the first time since the concluding game of last season. 

John Russell’s side head to Dublin looking for a first win in five and certainly face a challenge against a Hoops team who have only dropped points on home ground once this year. Stephen Bradley’s charges were also the victors when these sides first met at the Showgrounds back in March. 

Rovers head up the N4 on Friday without the full quota of players. As of this morning, Seb Quirk, Conor Reynolds and Jad Hakiki are yet to recover from knocks. While Archie Meekison will miss out having been withdrawn against Galway. Winger Ryan O’Kane returned to action in that defeat to Galway last weekend and is expected to be part of the match-day squad once again on Friday. 

Trips to Tallaght Stadium over recent years haven’t been overly successful for Rovers bar the odd outing. Sligo have only won once at the Dublin 24 venue since 2021, that being the final game of last season.

Previewing the game, Russell is aware of the size of the task ahead for his players but wants his squad to embrace the challenge of facing the table toppers.

“We all know the performance against Galway just wasn’t good enough”, he reflects. 

“The dressing room was really hurt after it. We gift-wrapped the goals and our levels were nowhere near where they should have been. To lose to a local rival in that manner really stung but we’ve moved on. 

“We’re heading to Tallaght Friday and at the moment, there’s no harder place to go. But it’s also a great opportunity for us to make up, in some way, for what happened last weekend. To show what we can do. 

“It will be a huge test for us. They have the strongest squad in the league, some of the best young talent and some proven winners. So what better test for us? We’re looking forward to getting out there. 

“We won’t be going there as favourites, but it was the same at the end of last season. Circumstances are of course different this time around but I don’t think many outside of Sligo would have backed us to beat them on the last day of last season and we did. There was big pressure on the game and we came through it. We’ll see what happens this time around.”

David Goulden

Match Day Sponsor: Sligo Value Centre 

Three former Sligo Rovers players netted at the Showgrounds on Saturday night as the Bit O’Red endured a Connacht derby to forget.

Wasiri Williams opened the scoring early on but Rovers battled back to level the game before the break. Substitute Alex Nolan netting from the spot after Cian Kavanagh was fouled in the area. 

Rovers did have chances in the second period, but coughed up easy opportunities to Galway. Jimmy Keohane scored from a close-range set-piece to push the Tribesmen ahead before Kris Twardek and Francely Lomboto added a third and fourth.

John Russell’s charges did have late opportunities through Sean McHale who struck Watts’ crossbar. Shane Blaney sent a free-kick into the side netting on full-time, while Watts pulled off an impressive stop to deny the returning Ryan O’Kane.

We head to Tallaght Stadium to take on Shamrock Rovers this Friday, kick-off in Dublin is 8pm.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeannot Esua (Shane Blaney 85), Gareth McElroy, Ollie Denham, Sean McHale; Will Fitzgerald; James McManus (Ciaron Harkin 85), Carl McHugh (Mai Traore 65), Archie Meekison (Alex Nolan 13); Daire Patton (Ryan O’Kane 64); Cian Kavanagh. 

Galway United: Evan Watts; Killian Brouder, Conor McCormack (Kris Twardek 63), Wasiri Williams; Connor Baratt (Axel Piesold HT), Ed McCarthy; Aaron Bolger, Jimmy Keohane; David Hurley (James Morahan 90); Stephen Walsh (Francely Lomboto 63), Frantz Pierrot (Lee Devitt 56). 

Referee: Aaron O’Dowd. 

Attendance: 2,677

 The 101st Connacht derby takes centre stage this evening as Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior team host Galway United at the Showgrounds, kick-off 7.45pm.

Match Day Sponsor for this crucial Premier Division clash is Sligo Value Centre. 

This will be the second game between the sides this season, with the Bit O’Red driven to make up for February’s defeat to the Tribesmen at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Rovers are certainly the form of the teams with two wins and two draws from our previous five, while Galway have failed to win any of their last five, but they have picked up three draws along the way. 

This derby represents a huge opportunity for Rovers who would leap-frog Galway in the table and move closer to the top half with a win.

John Russell prepares for this game without a few long-term absentees, although he is hopeful Ryan O’Kane may make the match-day squad having missed the last nine outings with a broken arm.

Sean Stewart was subbed off in the second half against Shelbourne last Friday but should be fine to take part today. 

Rovers have only suffered one defeat in the second round of fixtures to date, conceding just three goals in those seven. Russell is delighted with recent form and wants to maintain this run heading towards the mid-season break in three weeks. 

“I can’t praise the players highly enough”, he says. 

“But we have to demand it from them again and ask for even more on Saturday. 

“We are second to none in terms of work-rate in this league, the players have been giving everything for us and they will need to show it again. 

“Galway will come up here knowing how important this game is and we have to be ready to go toe-to-toe. Our lads know what it was like coming back from our last derby, on the bus and the feelings we had after it. 

“They’re direct and physical and have an ability to harm you, particularly on set-plays. But they can also switch their style and have the players to bring from the bench to do this. 

“But we’ve been creating chances in games and that’s the way we want to do it. We want to win games and play good football. That’s why we’re here. 

Russell was disappointed with refereeing decisions last week against Shels, but takes positives from a well earned point at Tolka Park. He says it shows that Rovers can dig in and then harm the opposition when opportunity presents.

He’s also keen to see his team start on the front foot in what is set to be a huge game between two provincial rivals. 

“We would have won the game in Dublin last week if we’d got the decision”, he states. 

“It was frustrating, of course. But we see it as proof of our ability to defend when we have to and to hit teams when we have the chance. We’re developing our game all the time. 

“But I think the Galway game will be different. The focus will be on us to attack. It’s a derby game and we’re the home team so we’ll be going for it.” 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers are unbeaten in all but one of our last seven games after a resolute Bit O’Red picked up a much deserved point from Tolka Park on Friday evening. 

Both sides had chances in this game, with Rovers goalkeeper Sam Sargeant putting in another stellar performance to keep Shelbourne scoreless as he claimed his third clean sheet in his last five appearances. 

Rovers may have taken the full quota of points from this one with a little more luck.

Archie Meekison looked like he had put Rovers in the lead in the second half, but the linesman somewhat controversially ruled out the goal for offside. While Ollie Denham went close at the death as Rovers moved to within five points of the top four.

John Russell welcomed back Daire Patton and Sean McHale for this one and it was the Rovers rearguard who were the busier in the opening half. 

Net minder Sargeant reacted quickly to palm away a John Martin header low down on eleven minutes, while the Londonder denied Ali Coote and Harry Wood. While Rovers’ Carl McHugh tested Wessell Speel in the Shels nets with a header from a cross from April’s player of the month Will Fitzgerald.

The second half was 12 minutes old when Rovers were denied what looked like a legitimate goal.

The superb Gareth McElroy headed a Fitzgerald corner into the air for Meekison to nod past Speel from 3 yards for what looked like the opener. Rovers’ celebrations were cut short however when the referee’s assistant on the far side decided that the former Bohs man was offside despite a Shels player standing at the back post. 

Joey O’Brien’s outfit had a couple of chances in the second half but couldn’t find a way past that steadfast Rovers rearguard. 

Sligo almost scored a late winner when centre half Denham found himself in unfamiliar territory in front of goal. The defender smartly laid a Shels man on his back as he executed a turn to make the angle for himself before firing narrowly wide of Speel’s goal. 

Rovers’ next game is a huge provincial derby with Galway United at the Showgrounds on Saturday, May 16th. Kick-off 7.45pm. 

Shelbourne: Wessel Speel; Sam Bone, Paddy Barrett, Kameron Ledwidge;JJ Lunney, Kerr McInroy (Ellis Chapman 77); Evan Caffrey (Sean Moore 77), Jack Henry-Francis (Ali Coote 23), Harry Wood, Will Jarvis (Maill Lundgren 64); John Martin (Sean Boyd 64).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sergeant; Ollie Denham, Gareth McElroy, Sean McHale; Will Fitzgerald, James McManus, Carl McHugh (Shane Blaney 63), Sean Stewart (Kyle McDonagh 72); Archie Meekison (Alex Nolan 90), Daire Patton; Cian Kavanagh.

Referee: Oliver Moran (Dublin).

Attendance: 3,610.

David Goulden