Sligo Rovers boss John Russell has moved quickly in making his first new signing ahead of the 2026 season with the acquisition of midfielder Archie Meekison, the club are thrilled to confirm.  

News of the arrival of the 23-year-old arrives just days after Rovers secured Premier Division football for next year, following a decisive win over champions Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium. 

The Scot will officially link up with Rovers on December 1st having signed a pre-contract, just a few weeks ahead of pre-season training at the Showgrounds. 

A native of Edinburgh, Meekison honed his skills at Fife’s Kennoway United before moving to Dundee United at just six. He signed his first pro-deal in 2019 before spending time on loan at Cove Rangers, Spartans and Falkirk. He made his first team debut for Dundee at 18 in April 2021, scoring his first senior goal for the club just a few weeks later. 

After a 16 year stint with United, Meekison departed home in the summer of 2024 when he joined Bohs. He went on to make 29 league and two cup appearances for Alan Reynolds’ side, netting four times for the Dalymount outfit. 

His signature brings to 12, the number of players contracted for 2026.   

“There was interest from Rovers last year but I wanted to try and prove myself at Bohs”, Archie reveals. 

“But since this summer, myself, my agent and John have all kept in touch and I really appreciated how much John wanted to sign me. It’s always great to be wanted.

“When I had to make a decision as to where I was going in 2026, Sligo was always the answer.

“John seems confident and assured of how he wants his teams to play. He wants pace and excitement and I love that.” 

Meekison made his Bohs debut against Rovers in a two goal win for the Bit O’Red at Dalymount in July 2024, as a second half substitute. Almost 18 months in Irish football, he says he’s enjoying the fare so far. 

“It’s really high paced, intense and frantic at times. It’s very unpredictable. The fact that any team can beat any adds to it. It’s great for a player like me to be the difference maker. I’ve only been here a year and a half and have only lived in Dublin but Sligo seems more community focused and calmer. I hope to create really good relationships here with both fans and my team mates.” 

Talking about where he feels he can make the biggest impact on the pitch, Meekison says he’s at Rovers to bring goals and create chances for others.

“I’m at my best in the middle, picking up the ball in tight spaces and going at defenders with pace. I can also play off the wing too but I’m happy to go wherever I’m asked. I want to bring goals and assists and excite everyone.” 

When it comes to his ambition for 2026, Archie keeps it simple.

“I think our goal should be to win something! I think it’s important we get back to playing in Europe so targeting a European place would be the minimum expectation for me.” 

Speaking to sligorovers.com regarding his first new signing, Rovers boss Russell believes he’s secured the services of an extremely exciting talent. 

“Archie arrives here at the perfect time in his career”, Russell says. 

“He was excellent for Bohs when he got the chance but he probably didn’t get enough game time there to show his true potential. We believe the Showgrounds is the place where that potential is realised.

“He’s a creative player who I think will fit in well here. We require the type of player who can make things happen in the last third and Archie has the attributes we’re looking for to score goals and provide assists. 

“I’m delighted he’s decided to choose Sligo Rovers and we’re looking forward to working with him when we return for pre-season.” 

David Goulden 

The 2025 season had it all: excitement, emotion, and a finish that will live long in the memory. After months of challenge and drama, Sligo Rovers showed true character, securing safety on the final day. It was a reminder of what makes this club unique – the passion, belief, and loyalty of everyone connected to the Bit O’ Red.

Now the focus turns to 2026. A new season, a fresh start, and another chance to push forward together.

Why Choose a 2026 Season Ticket

Stand With Rovers: Every Season Ticket directly supports the team’s preparation for 2026. Your commitment helps the club plan, strengthen, and continue building both on and off the pitch.

Simple, Fair Pricing for 2026 (Men’s Team)

Adult: €300
OAP: €220
Third Level Student: €220
Second Level Student: €180
Super Reds: €100
Family Bundle A (1 Adults + 2 Children): €450
Family Bundle B (2 Adult + 2 Children): €720

Women’s Team Season Ticket

€50 standalone
€25 add-on for existing Men’s Season Ticket holders

Early Access and Matchday Benefits

• Priority access to high-demand fixtures including friendlies and cup ties
• Direct support for club operations during the off-season
• Priority access if capacity is reduced during stadium redevelopment in the 2027 season

Gold Season Ticket – Your Seat, Your Space

For supporters seeking added comfort, the Gold Season Ticket (€70 add-on) guarantees your chosen seat for every home League match. Make the Showgrounds your own every weekend.

A Club That Belongs to Its Community

Sligo Rovers is more than a football club. Every Season Ticket helps sustain projects that keep the club connected to its roots in the North West:

• Academy: Developing local talent and future stars
• DS Futsal Team: Promoting inclusion and opportunity
• Walking Football: Keeping older adults active and involved
• Rovers Integration Team: Bringing communities together through football

Where to Buy

Available online and from:

Showgrounds Megastore: Monday to Saturday, 11am–5pm

Barton Smiths, Sligo
Lavin’s Menswear, Ballymote
Collery’s Shop, Beltra
Jerry Kenny Sport, Ballina
John Lowe, Carrick-on-Shannon
Kelly Centra, Gurteen

Supporting the Club Beyond the Season Ticket

500 Club

• Membership from €20 per month (€240 annually)
• Monthly prize draws including €500 for the top winner
• Over €2 million raised since 2003 and reinvested directly into the club

Club Lotto

• Weekly draws every Monday night
• Cash prizes up to €30,000 plus runner-up rewards

Annual Voluntary Donation
A €100 voluntary donation helps sustain the club and fund community programmes during the off-season.

Every ticket, every draw, every contribution keeps Sligo Rovers strong.
Our club. Our history. Our future.

Buy your 2026 Season Ticket here: (Link)

Location: Sligo
Reporting to: Chairman
Travel Requirements: Travel as required for business needs
Date: October 2025

About Sligo Rovers FC

Sligo Rovers Football Club is a community-based club with a rich history and tradition. Founded in 1928, it is the largest football club in the North-West of Ireland, boasting a loyal supporter base. With ambitious growth plans and recent government funding approval, the club is on track to open a state-of-the-art stadium in 2028.

Role Overview

The Commercial Manager will:

• Take ownership of the club’s commercial income and activities
• Manage relationships with all commercial partners and sponsors
• Grow commercial income and sponsorship year-on-year
• Coordinate sponsor-related activities, including meetings, match-day involvement, and marketing campaigns
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure optimal pricing and service
• Support the management committee and club staff in administrative tasks
• Assist with match-day preparation and operational duties
• Undertake ad hoc projects as required

Key Contacts

• Management Committee
• General Manager
• Operations teams and office staff
• Club employees and volunteers

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare an annual plan including profit and loss forecasts for Management Committee approval
• Agree on annual, quarterly, and monthly targets with the Management Committee
• Manage existing sponsors to ensure ongoing support and additional sponsorship revenue
• Conduct business development activities to source new sponsorship opportunities
• Develop a sponsorship tiering model to maximise opportunities
• Secure new business and sponsorship contracts to grow commercial income
• Execute sponsor engagement plans, including quarterly meetings with key sponsors
• Manage supplier relationships and coordinate tasks with sponsors, suppliers, operations, and social media teams
• Oversee invoicing and follow-up on sponsorship and commercial income
• Track income and costs, providing variance explanations and reports
• Maintain a database of sponsors, partners, and suppliers
• Take responsibility for assigned match-day and operational tasks
• Perform people management duties including KPIs, performance reviews, and administrative support
• Conduct ad hoc analysis for profit improvement and negotiate with sponsors and suppliers

Qualifications & Competencies

Education:

• Bachelor’s honours degree in business or a related field preferred but not essential

Skills & Experience:

• Extensive business development track record
• Previous sales experience
• Strong networking and relationship-building abilities
• Proven ability to win new business
• Motivated to exceed sales targets
• Disciplined in administrative tasks and time management
• Ability to work cross-functionally within the organisation and with volunteers
• Strong work ethic

Application

Interested candidates should send their CV to treasurer@sligorovers.com

Sligo Rovers can confirm that Steve Feeney has stepped down from his role as Women’s First Team Manager. 

Feeney leaves the Showgrounds following his second stint as boss, guiding Rovers to a tenth placed finish in this year’s Women’s Premier Division. Feeney’s final game in charge was Saturday’s defeat to Athlone Town, the last game of the 2025 season. 

Initially appointed ahead of the Bit O’Red’s first season in competitive senior football back in December 2021, Feeney led Rovers for the next two years, guiding the club to an unprecedented first-ever Women’s FAI Cup semi-final in 2023. 

The Sligo native stepped down from his role a few weeks later, but was re-appointed last winter ahead of the current season. 

Citing family commitments as the main reason for his departure, the former Rovers midfielder told sligorovers.com of his pride having both played and managed at the club. He also mentioned how tough it was for him to step away. 

“I am at a point in my life where I get greater fulfillment and joy being present and my children’s games and activities than being at my own games and missing theirs”, he outlines.

“The season before this, when I wasn’t involved with Rovers, it gave me much more of a chance to be present with them at a lot more. Coming back to Rovers this season, it made me realise how much more I want to be there watching my kids enjoy their sports and their activities. As a manager of a Premier Division side, it just doesn’t allow you the time to do that unfortunately. 

“But it’s been a huge privilege for me to represent Rovers again. I loved playing for the club and loved managing at the club too. It’s always so hard not to stay involved but I will be supporting Rovers at all levels in 2026 and beyond. 

“I’m so grateful for the support I’ve always had from the club, the players, my staff and of course my family. It’s a massive undertaking managing a group of players and a backroom team on top of family life. I also have a full-time job too so it’s been so important for me that my family gives me so much support in everything I do. 

“The club has been fantastic too, throughout both my stints as manager. There are so many good people who work behind the scenes, unbeknownst to the public. Without them, we wouldn’t have Sligo Rovers and the people of Sligo wouldn’t have the great times and memories this club gives them.”

Noted for bringing through a host of players from Rovers’ Abbvie Academy to first team level, Feeney continued in his tireless efforts in further developing local talent this season. 

“There’s so much work done locally here in Sligo and the north west by a lot of really good people who give their time to the game”, Feeney continued. 

“The standard is improving all the time, especially at Rovers. The work the underage coaches do is phenomenal and you can see by how many girls the club has brought through from underage to senior level. 

“There’s a lot going on behind the scenes at the Showgrounds at both men’s and women’s level. If it all works out and with the right people involved, I know the women’s team will continue to grow and thrive. It will not and has not been easy as the league is so tough. But if the right people are backing them, these girls and this club have more than enough in them to have more success at all levels.” 

A player with the club from 2000 to 2010, Feeney was part of the men’s side who achieved promotion from the First Division twenty years ago. He went on to play four more years with the club, featuring in European and cup winning squads. He also played with Monaghan, Galway, Athlone and Ballinamallard. 

“Working with the players, the staff and the club as a whole has been a great joy for me”, Feeney says. 

“It hasn’t happened for us every weekend, but seeing the players show on occasion what they are capable of has been hugely satisfying and I really hope whoever comes in after me can take them on to the next level as they are definitely good enough. 

“The girls have been such a pleasure to work with. I am really looking forward to seeing those girls who broke through this season going on and becoming important, senior players for our club. 

“Geographically, we don’t have the biggest pool of players to pick from that other teams may have. So it’s so vital that the work that’s been done at underage and local league level keeps up as it’s important that these young girls play to a high level locally and then have the belief that they are good enough to play with Rovers when the time comes. This will help us hugely when it comes to competing in the League of Ireland.” 

Acknowledging Feeney’s contribution, Sligo Rovers Chairperson Tommy Higgins said: “We would like to thank Steve for his trojan work throughout the last year and stretching back to when the club joined the women’s Premier Division. Steve has played a huge part in the establishment and development of Sligo Rovers within women’s football across all levels and the club is forever grateful for his input. We wish him and his family all the best going forward.” 

The process of appointing a new women’s first team manager will soon get underway and the club will update supporters in due course. 

David Goulden 

Athlone Town Stadium, 11 October 2025

Sligo Rovers faced a tough outing at Athlone Town, conceding four first-half goals despite strong resistance from goalkeeper Bonnie McKiernan. Early strikes from Madie Gibson and Kelly Brady set the tone, with Hannah Waesch and Gibson adding to the tally before half-time. Rovers showed resilience after the break, with McKiernan producing a series of crucial saves to keep the scoreline from rising further. Substitutions refreshed the side, but Athlone maintained control, securing the WPD trophy as Rovers finish 10th in the league.

Line-ups

Athlone Town: Megan Plaschko, Kellie Brennan, Kayleigh Shine, Shauna Brennan (Israela Groves 65, Natalie McNally, Hannah Waesch (C), Kelly Brady, Roisin Molloy (Chloe Singleton 80), Emma Mooney, Madison Gibson, Kate Slevin (Sarah Rice 65)

Substitutes: Maria Matthaiou, Chloe Singleton, Israela Groves, Kerryane Brown, Alexis Strickland, Aoife O’Connor, Hazel Donegan, Lucy Fitzgerald, Sarah Rice

Sligo Rovers: Bonnie McKiernan, Sarah Kiernan, Emma Hansberry (C) (Cara King 46), Paula McGrory, Eimear Lafferty (Louise Masterson 90), Alana Doherty, Bernie Ferreira (Anna McDaniel 46), Alice Lillie (Sarah McDaniel 46), Kate Nugent, Rachel McGoldrick (Ciara Henry 87), Ava Hallinan

Substitutes: Louise Masterson, Ciara Henry, Eve Caprani, Amy McCarthy, Mairead McIntyre, Natasha Kelly, Cara King, Sarah McDaniel, Anna McDaniel

Referee: Ryan Maher | Attendance: 708

Sligo Rovers endured a difficult afternoon at Athlone Town, falling behind within the first minute when Gurteen native Roisin Molloy’s precise cross found Madie Gibson, who finished confidently to give the hosts an early lead after 44 seconds. Just seven minutes later, Kelly Brady scored an impressive finish, outpacing Kate Nugent to chip Bonnie McKiernan and double Athlone’s advantage.

Rovers began to settle but struggled to create clear openings. Molloy’s 15th-minute cross was comfortably caught by McKiernan, who was soon called into action again, making two close-range saves from Brady and Emma Mooney in the 19th minute. Athlone continued to dominate, with Hannah Waesch, recently named Women’s Player of the Month, firing a 30-yard strike under the bar in the 26th minute to make it 3–0. A further blow followed in the 32nd minute as Gibson scored directly from a corner.

Athlone Town looked to stretch their league advantage even further, with Molloy narrowly missing from a yard out in the 40th minute, and Mooney and Brady both hitting the bar seconds later. The first half ended with Athlone firmly in control, 4–0 up at the break.

The second half saw a triple substitution at the break, with Anna McDaniel, Sarah McDaniel, and Cara King coming on to refresh the side. Katie Slevin had a clear chance in the 54th minute, but Bonnie McKiernan was in outstanding form, producing a series of crucial saves, including multiple stops from leading scorer Kelly Brady, keeping the scoreline from worsening. McKiernan’s performance was the standout feature of the second half, repeatedly denying Athlone.

Ciara Henry made her first appearance since May 2024, returning to action off the bench in the 87th minute after a long-term injury layoff, receiving a warm reception as she rejoined the squad on the pitch.

Sligo Rovers finish 10th in the WPD. Athlone Town now focus on next week’s FAI Sports Direct Cup final against Bohemian FC, and congratulations to them on winning the WPD title for the 2025 season.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers travel to Athlone Town Stadium on Saturday, 11 October, to take on newly crowned champions Athlone Town in their final Women’s Premier Division fixture of the season. The match is one of five kicking off at 16:30 and will be broadcast live on TG4.

Both sides come into the game on the back of defeats. Peamount United’s Eleanor Ryan Doyle came off the bench to score the only goal in the 87th minute during a 1-0 win at Greenogue Park. Rovers, meanwhile, were edged out 3-2 by DLR Waves in a closely contested game at the Showgrounds, played in testing rainy conditions.

Despite suffering similar results last weekend, the circumstances are quite different for both sides heading into this fixture. With the league campaign drawing to a close, both teams will be playing for pride. Last Saturday’s defeat to DLR Waves all but confirms a 10th-place finish for Sligo Rovers. Athlone Town, in contrast, will celebrate lifting the Women’s Premier Division trophy at full-time. They will also have one eye on next weekend’s Women’s FAI Cup final against Bohemian FC at Tallaght Stadium.

Steve Feeney’s side will be without defender Katie Melly, who is suspended following a straight red card for a challenge outside the box, despite cover from her teammates. On a positive note, Sarah Kiernan made her return to the squad last weekend, providing a boost ahead of the season finale.

Rovers will also debut their pink Breast Cancer Awareness kit for Saturday’s fixture. The jerseys, along with exclusive merchandise, are being sold by the club throughout October to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with all proceeds going directly to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

Kick-off is at 16:30 on Saturday at Athlone Town Stadium. Watch all the action live on TG4.

Jack Dempsey

Showgrounds, 4 October 2025

Sligo Rovers fell to a narrow 3–2 defeat at home to DLR Waves in a match full of intensity, key moments, and a red card that ultimately swung the game against the hosts.

Line-ups

Sligo Rovers:
Bonnie McKiernan, Emma Hansberry (C), Muireann Devaney, Paula McGrory, Katie Melly, Eimear Lafferty, Alana Doherty (Sarah Kiernan 90), Alice Lillie (Mairead McIntyre 83), Kate Nugent, Rachel McGoldrick (Cara King 83), Ava Hallinan (Anna McDaniel 58)
Substitutes: Sarah Kiernan, Louise Masterson, Bernie Ferreira, Lauren Devaney, Cara King, Sarah McDaniel, Anna McDaniel, Mairead McIntyre

DLR Waves:
Niamh Richardson, Leah Donnelly, Chloe McCarthy, Keelin Dodd, Bronagh Kane, Neema Nyangasi, Amber Cosgrove (C) (Abbie Brophy 55), Cliodhna Donnelly (Rebecca McMahon 46), Nadine Clare (Eve Conheady 55), Michelle Doonan, Siun Murdiff (Amber Cullen 71)
Substitutes: Eve Badana, Rachel Doyle, Rebecca McMahon, Abbie Brophy, Shauna Peare, Eve Conheady, Lauren Strong, Amber Cullen

Referee: Darragh White

DLR Waves struck early, taking the lead inside four minutes when Michelle Doonan played a precise low pass into Neema Nyangasi, who finished confidently past Bonnie McKiernan. Rovers responded well, with Eimear Lafferty testing Richardson from distance, while McKiernan was called into action at the other end to deny Doonan.

Rovers had a golden chance to level in the 20th minute when Rachel McGoldrick drove into the box and was brought down by Bronagh Kane. Paula McGrory stepped up to take the resulting penalty, but Richardson produced a fine save to keep DLR ahead.

McGrory made amends just after the half-hour mark. From a Kate Nugent free-kick delivered deep from halfway, McGrory controlled the ball expertly before squaring it to Emma Hansberry, who finished neatly to make it 1–1.

DLR threatened again before the break, with Doonan twice finding herself through on goal, but McKiernan stood firm—first saving with her foot, then watching the second strike drift wide.

Rovers came out strongly in the second half and deservedly took the lead. McGoldrick’s dangerous cross forced Richardson to parry the ball onto the crossbar, and McGrory reacted quickest to turn home from close range, putting Rovers 2–1 ahead.

The advantage was short-lived. Within minutes, Doonan struck again for DLR, firing a crisp, low effort into the corner to bring the game level at 2–2.

In the 58th minute, 15-year-old Ava Hallinan received a warm ovation as she was substituted for Anna McDaniel after an impressive first senior start for the club.

Rovers’ task became much harder just after the hour mark when Katie Melly was controversially shown a straight red card for a challenge outside the area, despite cover being present. Muireann Devaney was also cautioned in the aftermath for dissent.

Even with ten players, Rovers continued to battle. McDaniel forced Richardson into a smart low save, while Alana Doherty’s close-range effort from a corner was cleared off the line.

However, DLR reclaimed the lead in the 79th minute when Doonan pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the box to grab her second of the game and restore the visitors’ advantage.

Rovers pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages but couldn’t break through a packed DLR defence. Late on, there was an emotional moment as Sarah Kiernan made her return to action for the first time since the passing of her mother, met with warm applause from the home support.

The result keeps DLR Waves in ninth place ahead of the final weekend, while Sligo Rovers remain in tenth.

Sligo Rovers travel to the Athlone Town Stadium next Saturday to face newly crowned champions Athlone Town in their final fixture of the 2025 season.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers return to the Showgrounds on 4 October for their final Women’s Premier Division home game of 2025, welcoming DLR Waves in a 15:00 kick-off. Entry is free. A decisive fixture for both sides, with ninth place in the table within reach for the winner.

Rovers arrive after a narrow 3-2 defeat to Bohemians at Dalymount Park, decided by an Alannah McEvoy penalty in stoppage time. Steve Feeney’s side twice came from behind in a performance full of fight and quality, including two well-taken goals.

“I was heartbroken for the girls at full-time. They gave so much and to lose so late was tough, but there were so many positives. They showed great character to come from behind twice. Anna’s touch and finish for her goal was excellent. Even the small details we worked on at half-time improved in the second half. Despite the loss, there was plenty to be proud of.”

DLR Waves also enter off the back of defeat, last playing almost two weeks ago when they lost 3-1 to newly crowned champions Athlone Town. Cliodhna Donnelly scored her first goal of the season in that game.

The sides have met twice already this season. DLR won the reverse league fixture 1-0 at the Carlisle Grounds in June before edging a 3-2 win at the Showgrounds in the FAI Cup last 16. That result avenged their 3-1 quarter-final defeat to Rovers in last year’s competition.

There are no new injury concerns for Rovers, though no players are expected to return in time for this weekend’s squad.

Manager Steve Feeney is braced for another competitive meeting:
“DLR are ahead of us in the league and knocked us out of the cup. We’ve faced them twice already this season, so both teams know what to expect. With it being our last home game, we want to put in a strong performance and get a result to match.”

The occasion will also highlight Sligo Rovers’ latest charity initiative, run in partnership with Umbro. Two limited-edition jerseys have been launched in aid of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute, with all proceeds going directly to the charity. Match programmes, raffles, fan-zone activities, entertainment, and merchandise sales will also contribute.

“The work that has gone into this initiative for breast cancer awareness is fantastic. It will be an emotional day for many people affected by cancer. Football is about more than results, but hopefully we can produce one fitting for the occasion.”

Kick-off is at 15:00 on Saturday at the Showgrounds. Admission is free.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers are proud to team up with Umbro and the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) to launch a special limited-edition pink jersey in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This one-off kit has been designed with elements of the NBCRI logo, and 100% of proceeds will go directly to breast cancer research. Both Sligo Rovers and Umbro are covering production costs so that every purchase supports the charity.

Standing Together

Club captain Emma Hansberry said:
“Wearing this jersey is about more than football. It’s about standing with those affected by breast cancer and supporting vital research in Ireland. We’re proud to play our part in this campaign.”

How to Get Involved

The kit and matching merchandise will be available for pre-sale online from Friday at midday. Supporters can also purchase limited edition match programmes at the final home game of the senior women’s season on Saturday, 4 October, with all proceeds going to NBCRI.

Entry to the match is free. The day will also include a raffle and entertainment, making it a family-friendly event for all ages.

Supporting Research

Professor Michael Kerin, Director of Research at NBCRI, welcomed the campaign:
“We are absolutely delighted to have the Sligo Rovers Women’s Team supporting our research efforts. Their commitment to raising both funds and awareness for our charity is deeply appreciated. The support of Sligo Rovers and Umbro through this initiative will significantly contribute to our mission, helping us improve treatment and survival for women across Ireland and beyond.”

Join the Campaign

• Purchase the limited-edition kit and merchandise online from Friday at midday
• Attend the senior women’s final home game on 4 October (free entry)
• Support the fundraising raffle and matchday activities, with all proceeds to NBCRI

Together, we can raise awareness and vital funds for breast cancer research.

Dalymount Park, 27 September 2025

Sligo Rovers fell 3–2 to a young Bohemian side in the final league game of the season at Dalymount Park. Rovers twice came from behind to level the game, but a late penalty in added time allowed the hosts to clinch the win. Despite the defeat, Rovers showed resilience and created numerous chances against a team with one eye on the FAI Cup final.

Line-ups

Bohemian:
Racheal Kelly (C); Roisin McGovern, Fiona Donnelly, Aoibhe Brennan, Katie Malone (Alannah McEvoy 62); Savannah Kane, Robin Baird (Sarah Power 46), Emma Gaughran (Katie Lovely 46), Leiagh Glennon (Katie McCarn 73); Hannah O’Brien (Sarah McKevitt 62), Michelle Muddiman

Substitutes: Jenna Willoughby, Alannah McEvoy, Sarah McKevitt, Sarah Power, Abby Rooney, Katie Lovely, Katie McCarn, Lillian Rusher, Alex Devoy

Sligo Rovers:
Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie (Louise Masterson 90), Eimear Lafferty, Kate Nugent, Katie Melly; Muireann Devaney, Emma Hansberry (C), Alana Doherty, Mairead McIntyre (Rachel McGoldrick 69); Paula McGrory, Anna McDaniel (Bernie Ferreira 85)

Substitutes: Louise Masterson, Bernie Ferreira, Rachel McGoldrick, Ava Hallinan, Lauren Devaney, Sarah McDaniel

Referee: Arnold Hunter | Attendance: 467

The hosts started strongly and pinned Rovers in their box, with Katie Malone opening the scoring from a near-post header off a corner in the third minute. Bohemian continued to press and keep Rovers under pressure during the opening stages. Bonnie McKiernan was especially busy between the sticks, making numerous saves to keep the scoreline close despite the sustained pressure.

The match soon became an end-to-end contest. Rovers responded positively, with Emma Hansberry’s diagonal ball setting up Anna McDaniel, who controlled it brilliantly with her left before calmly slotting past Racheal Kelly with her right to level the score. Chances flowed at both ends, with Bonnie McKiernan continuing to make key interventions, including a show-reel save from Leiagh Glennon and a vital block from Aoibhe Brennan. Rovers’ defence, led by Eimear Lafferty and Alana Doherty, remained disciplined, containing the hosts’ attacks.

Just after the half-hour mark, Bonnie McKiernan was exposed on the edge of her box, allowing Katie Malone to pounce on a loose ball. The forward calmly slotted it past her and into the empty net for her second of the day, restoring the hosts’ 2–1 advantage.

In added time before half-time, Mairead McIntyre fired a shot at Racheal Kelly, who parried it, but the rebound fell to Paula McGrory, who slotted home a well-deserved equaliser, reflecting Rovers’ persistence. Steve Feeney went into the changing rooms content with what he had seen.

The second half saw the hosts drive for a decisive breakthrough. Katie Malone came close to completing her hat-trick, her effort narrowly missing the target, before an added-time penalty following Alana Doherty’s challenge allowed Alannah McEvoy to slot home and re-establish Bohemian’s lead. Rovers brought on Bernie Ferreira and Rachel McGoldrick, who created opportunities, while Bonnie McKiernan produced crucial saves to keep their hopes alive. Despite their efforts, the hosts held firm to secure a 3–2 win.

Sligo Rovers return to the Showgrounds for their final home game of the year as they host DLR Waves next Saturday, 4 October.

Jack Dempsey