He may be a native of County Limerick, but Will Fitzgerald feels just at home in Yeats’ country these days. 

2026 will be the Raheen native’s fifth season with Sligo Rovers, his tenth as a League of Ireland player but his first as club captain.  

Initially brought to the Showgrounds in December 2021, the 26-year-old will very likely surpass his 150th appearance for the club in 2026. While he isn’t too far off his 250th senior League of Ireland appearance. 

Will spent a really impressive 2025 as vice-skipper to John Mahon. Injuries to and suspensions picked up by the Collooney man gave winger Fitzgerald plenty of opportunities to lead the team out and the former Derry attacker made the most of his elevated role, going on to be nominated for the player of the year. In this new season, being promoted to club captain is a source of great pride for Will. 

“I learned a lot from last season as vice”, he tells sligorovers.com

“John (Mahon) led the group impeccably and I tried to compliment that with my own style. When it was time for me to wear the armband it was such a huge honour and I really did cherish it. Leading the group and especially the younger lads was something that gave me a lot of pride. 

“It’s just a privilege. Sligo Rovers is a club steeped in rich history and success. You read about how it was built from nothing by the people of Sligo and the northwest and it’s totally sustained by its own supporters to this day. To not just represent that but to be club captain is something I hold dear. 

“There are so many great people behind the scenes who push the club on each week. I’ve seen it since I first came here, it’s incredible the community spirit and the love the area has for its football club. To represent those people, it’s something I am more than grateful for.”

Full of industry and physicality, Fitzgerald is also at the same time known for his penetrating, mazy runs and ability to create opportunity from out wide along with his ability to defend from the front. His versatility has been invaluable to Russell in recent years and is likely to be a key asset for the coming season. He’s just happy to fill in and play football.

“It really makes no difference where I play, I just want to play and perform.  

“I think once you reach a certain level in your career, your game begins to mature and fall into place. I know how John operates and wants his teams to perform and play. I just feel comfortable within that system and style.

“Second to that, my performances come down to being happy off the pitch. Sligo is a second home to me now and I’ve enjoyed every minute since coming here. Hopefully I can bring my 2025 form into this season, straight away.”

Rovers get down to business at the Brandywell on Friday night for what will be our 21st consecutive season in the top flight. A record only matched and bettered by both Pat’s and Bohs, both of whom are yet to be relegated. 

First up is one of the title favourites Derry City and Will is hoping Rovers can add points to the board early doors. 

“We were disappointed with our start last year”, he continues. 

“We had a run of results which almost ended up catching us out at the end. 

“But the first thing we did when we met up for pre-season, was talk about the importance of a good start and putting up from the get-go. That’s the aim and it starts in Derry on Friday night.

“John got his business done early this year and has brought in real quality and experience. I think in doing so, he’s allowed the new lads to get up to speed and familiar with how he wants to do things. You can see connections building with every passing day. It can only benefit the group, being around each other since early December. 

“It was difficult losing the likes of Paddy McClean, Owen Elding but that’s the nature of football. Compared to previous years, we’ve kept together the core of the team which is vital in creating a culture. We hope that’ll be a success as a result. 

“There’s a real optimism. It’s my tenth year in the league and the excitement for me is as big as ever. I believe we have a squad that can compete week in, week out. We’re keen to show the fans what we can do this year. 

“It’ll be a difficult start to the season. Derry have invested heavily with the sole purpose of winning the league. They’ve recruited some really big names.

“But we’re going into an electric atmosphere and that’s what we all want as players. We’re really looking forward to it as a group.” 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior team return to competitive action this Friday as the 105th edition of the League of Ireland gets underway across the country. Rovers head to title-challenging Derry City and to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, as the Bit O’Red get set to begin a 21st consecutive season of top flight football, a current record only bettered by St Pat’s and Bohs.

Kick-off in Derry will come almost one hundred days since Rovers memorably beat champions Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium in our last competitive game. There’s been plenty of transfer activity with key players such as Jeannot Esua, Carl McHugh, Mai Traore and Archie Meekison eligible for debuts.

Friday’s away end sold out almost immediately after tickets went on general sale last week and supporters will be keen to see defender Shane Blaney appear for the first time in Rovers gear since his return on loan. While star winger Ryan O’Kane gears up for his first game following his permanent transfer to the Showgrounds following a loan spell in 2025.

It’s been a busy pre-season for John Russell’s men, with friendly games against Finn Harps, Galway, Treaty and UCD all forming part of the club’s preparation for the coming season.

The fixture list has thrown up what will be one of the league’s toughest tests as our first game. Tiernan Lynch has again invested heavily in his squad as the Candystripes contnue the hunt for their first league crown since 1997.

Their most notable acquisition is of course Ireland international James McClean, who returns home after fifteen years in the UK. Derry have also recruited talent from within the League of Ireland such as Rob Slevin, Darragh Markey, James Clarke and Patrick McClean who spent a few months in Sligo last term.

The Brandywell has proven a challenging venue for Rovers over the past few seasons, however we have beaten City on a few occasions in the league on home turf. The most recent of these victories came last July courtesy of strikes from the aforementioned James McClean and Wilson Waweru.

In team news, Rovers will go north without goalkeeper Liam Hughes who is expected to miss out with a shoulder injury. But Russell does have a full squad to pick from as of Thursday evening, barring the net minder.

“It’s a new season and it’s one we’re so looking forward to”, Russell tells sligorovers.com.

“We went back to training in early December with the nucleus of our squad already formed. We got a lot of our business done before then and that was something we spoke about last season, that we’d hoped we could do.

“Hopefully having the players together from early on will stand to us.”

The fixture list has thrown up a tough start for Rovers, with three of our first four games taking place away from the Showgrounds.

Regardless, Russell isn’t fumbling for excuses and is instead focusing on a sharp return to competitive play.

“We’re looking for a fast start”, he says.

“We know what and where we needed to work on and we’ve honed in on that in pre-season, especially our start to the year and how important that is.

“We’re aiming to be competitive in the first round of games and we’re not looking any further than that. But we need to stay with the pack early on and assess things after that.

“Yes it’s going to be tough having a few away games at the start, but that’s the way it is. We have to play everyone at home and away twice, doesn’t matter in what order.

On Derry’s strength-in-depth, Russell believes the harder the task the more it will tell him about his side.

“I’m intrigued to see how it goes. It’s possibly the toughest test there is at the moment in the league. They’ve just beaten the double-winners.

“It’s going to be a sold-out, expectant Brandywell. They’re pushing to start well and will be challenging. But it’s going to be a crisp night under floodlights and a big, big atmosphere. What isn’t there to look forward to?”

Kick-off at the Brandywell is 7.45pm.

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers can confirm that Owen Elding has today completed a move to Scottish Premiership side Hibernian FC.

The transfer is worth an initial significant six-figure sum, which could potentially rise to seven figures over the duration of the contract as Elding departs the club he started out with as a boy.

The 19-year-old attacker, who turns 20 in March, initially joined Rovers when he was 12, featuring with the Abbvie Academy before breaking through to the first team.

He made his senior debut under current manager John Russell at the Showgrounds against Shelbourne in May 2023. Owen signed his first professional deal with Rovers at the start of the 2024 season before extending that agreement by another three seasons eleven months ago.

The Riverstown native enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2025, scoring 16 goals in 38 games and quickly became renowned and respected as one of the stand-out young talents in Irish football. He scored his first senior goal for the club on the opening night against Waterford.

His blistering form throughout last term was recognised both at home in Sligo and on the national stage as he scooped the club’s Mark Brindley Player of the Year award for 2025. He was also honoured by his fellow professionals, winning the PFAI Young Player of the Year award, the first Rovers player to do so since 1987.

These feats resulted in inevitable interest in Elding from clubs across the continent and Elding moves to Easter Road having featured over 60 times for the Bit O’Red.

Commenting on the departure, Russell says the player’s determination to prove himself day-in, day-out left the Rovers boss with little doubt that Owen’s career would go further than the League of Ireland.

“His outstanding talent combined with his mentality makes him a top player”, Russell tells sligorovers.com.

“He’s been a joy to work with. His character really shone through last year. Not only did he score important and spectacular goals, but he became a real leader at such a young age.

“Owen progressed through our academy and once he joined the first team he showed a real hunger and desire to improve every day. His success last season was no coincidence.

“We wish him the best of luck with this move to Hibs in Scotland and no doubt he has a big future ahead of him.

“We’re obviously disappointed to lose him so close to the start of the new season but he departs having left his mark at the club. We now move on to our opening game of the season next week in Derry.”

Elding is one of many Abbvie Academy graduates to be promoted to the first team in recent years. Head of Academy, Conor O’Grady praised the input of the club’s coaching staff in Elding’s development to date.

He said: “Owen’s an example for any player coming into our academy that there is a clear pathway to the first-team and beyond. If you show enough promise, you’ll be given a chance at Sligo Rovers and Owen’s further proof of that.

“This move is also confirmation of the fantastic work our coaches do at all levels. But Owen had a great attitude from the first day he came in the door at our academy. He was a player who was mentioned in the highest terms at all levels and the interest in him comes as no surprise.”

Rovers Chairperson Tommy Higgins wished Elding well on his move, acknowledging his goals last season which helped Rovers stay clear of relegation.

“It’s always a blow to lose someone as talented as Owen”, he comments.

“But as in any professional sport, if a player shines at a particular level, then it’s inevitable that another club at the next level will be interested in their talents.

“We thank Owen for his contribution to the club even at such a young age, particularly during last season. His goals at Tolka and Dalymount in particular will live long in the memory and his effort in a Rovers shirt was exemplary. We wish Owen and his family all the best in the next step of his career.

“The club are now looking forward to the beginning of the new season in a few days’ time as we finish off our pre-season work both on and off the pitch. Our management team and club volunteers at all levels have been working tirelessly since the end of last season to prepare to make 2026 as successful as possible.”

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to announce that defender Shane Blaney has returned to the club on a loan deal from parent club Livingston, until June 30th 2026, subject to international transfer clearance. 

The Letterkenny native re-joins Rovers following a three-year spell in the Scottish Premiership with both Motherwell and Livingston. The 26-year-old initially arrived at the Bit O’Red ahead of the 2021 season, following spells in England and played 45 times for the club before joining Motherwell in 2023. 

Blaney will be best remembered for his spectacular long-range set-piece strike against the Scottish side at the Showgrounds in 2022, when Rovers famously dumped the ‘Well out of the Europa Conference League. 

His performances over both legs of that tie earned him his move to Fir Park where he featured 54 times before he moved on to Almondvale Stadium and to ‘Livi’ last summer. 

With the league kick-off just two weeks away, Blaney’s signature brings to 21 the number of players signed ahead of the first game of the season in Derry on February 6th. 

Talking to sligorovers.com, Blaney says that the familiar surroundings of Sligo and the Showgrounds is the ideal place for him to be right now. He also hopes to bring the experience of playing at a higher level to the club, as Rovers face into a 21st consecutive season of Premier Division football. 

“I found out last week that there was a possibility of coming back”, Shane explains. 

“So I spoke to Livingston and obviously I’ve had a rough year in terms of injuries so it’s important that I get back playing and enjoying it. I spoke to a few clubs but John Russell was on the ball and to be honest, there’s no place better for me to be playing football so I jumped at the chance and I’m really looking forward to getting going.

“John played a huge part. We’ve stayed in contact all through the time I’ve been away. I have a great relationship with Casey, (Richard) Brush and John so it’s all very familiar to me. I loved their ideas and their enthusiasm in wanting to push the club to the next level. The squad is keen to get a good buzz going around the north-west and getting some good results and you can really feel that already. 

“I’ll be bringing experience back with me. Under John and Ryan (Casey), I got a lot of confidence back and that helped me when I was heading to the UK. I’ve played a lot of big games in the Scottish Premier, so hopefully it’ll stand to me. I want to leave Rovers in a good spot when it’s my time to head off again.”

Mentioning his ambitions for his loan spell back at Rovers, the centre half says he is keen to add to what was an enduring few years he spent in Sligo. 

“Playing here, we had a great changing room. It was so good”, he recalls. 

“The spell we had in Europe was brilliant and was a major highlight of my career. But that’s all in the past and I want to help my team achieve something similar now. 

“I’ve watched a good bit of the league since I left. The games are really exciting and the brand of football is very good. I’ve been back here a few times in the Scottish off-season to see some of my friends playing and the games are always good.”

First team boss Russell welcomed Blaney back to the fold, saying he always kept an eye on Shane’s progress throughout his time across the Irish Sea. 

“I’ve always kept in touch with Shane”, Russell reveals. 

“We have a really good relationship and when there was a chance to get him back, I was very keen to do so and I’m sure our fans will be thrilled to see him back.

“He plays with real aggression and he’s competitive but he’s also calm in possession. I love his attributes as a player and he knows how we work in Sligo and the league. So that will help him hit the ground running. 

“He will be a big influence both on and off the pitch and has played at a high level for a few years now. That experience will be invaluable to our current group.

“We need to manage him early on as he’s just back from an injury but there are so many games between now and the end of June so we’ll carefully manage that.” 

David Goulden 

*Players signed for 2026 season: Shane Blaney (loan until 30/6), Maï Traoré (loan until 30/6), Liam Hughes, Ryan O’Kane, Ciaron Harkin, Jeannot Esua, Daire Patton, Alex Nolan, Carl McHugh, Ollie Denham, Sam Sargeant, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Seb Quirk, Kyle McDonagh and Jad Hakiki. 

Sligo Rovers are pleased to confirm that the club have reached an agreement with EFL League Two side Notts County which will see striker Maï Traoré join the Bit O’Red on loan until June 30th 2026, subject to both work permit and international transfer clearance.

The 26-year-old Guinean centre forward links up with the Bit O’Red having starred in several leagues across the continent before joining County and has been capped at underage level for his country.

Traore started off in Congo with AC Ujana before signing up with Swedish side Vasalunds, scoring 23 times, contributing eight assists and winning Division One with them in 2020.

His exploits in front of goal didn’t go unnoticed and Mai was recruited by current Norwegian champions Viking for the following season.

Traoré’s name will be familiar to Rovers fans. His time at Viking included a goal against Sligo in the qualifying rounds of the Europa Conference League in 2022. He scored Viking’s third in their first leg win in Stavanger in August, before he played the first half of the second leg at the Showgrounds.

The Conakry native has also spent time on loan in Belgium and with Norwegian side Tromso before a spell with Fredrikstad, with whom he scooped the Norwegian Cup, saw him earn the move to England and to Nottingham one year ago.

“We wanted to bring in a centre forward who has pace and is direct in transitions and Mai matched those characteristics”, Rovers boss John Russell says of his latest signing as he explained why he feels the player will fit in well at the Showgrounds.

“He’s played at a really good level in his career so far. We obviously know him first hand from the Viking game a few years ago so we’ve seen just what he can do and how he can punish teams.

“He has excellent movement in the box and with the attacking talent we have within our team, we can create chances for him.

“I know there’s a great motivation within Maï to come here, make an impact and score goals. We’re really delighted that he’s joined us.”

Traoré will be the first Guinean to play for the club. He says he is keen to make the very most of the opportunities this loan deal will give him.

He is also excited to play in front of the Showgrounds faithful once again, with a mark having been left on him since his last visit almost four years ago.

“Rovers feels like the right club for me at the moment”, he says.

“I already knew the club from playing against them in Europe and that gave me a good understanding of the environment and what the club is like.

“We (Viking) obviously had a four-goal lead going into that second leg so it was so incredible to see the Showgrounds sold out, the noise was fantastic. It felt like the whole place had come out to support the club and the team certainly fed off that. I think we might have been lucky to come away with just the one goal defeat that day.

“I want to play in front of such an atmosphere and I cannot wait to make my debut.”

Traoré will bring the number of first-team players signed for the coming year back to twenty following the sale of Patrick McClean to Derry City.

The big striker says he’s keen to make the very most of his latest career move.

“I love the ideas the manager has and the way he wants this team to play”, he sparks.

“Of course, the opportunity to play regularly and be an important part of the team is a big factor for me. I want to repay the faith.

“It’s a tough, physical league. I expect intensity, but that will help me grow as a player. I love to be involved all the time, press and play. I want to attack space, combine with team mates and finish chances. I want to play as much as I can, score as many as I can and contribute both on and off the pitch.”

David Goulden

*Players signed for 2026 season: Maï Traoré (loan until 30/6), Liam Hughes, Ryan O’Kane, Ciaron Harkin, Jeannot Esua, Daire Patton, Alex Nolan, Carl McHugh, Ollie Denham, Sam Sargeant, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Seb Quirk, Kyle McDonagh and Jad Hakiki.

Sligo Rovers were delighted to welcome Uachtarán na hÉireann Catherine Connolly to the Showgrounds this week, marking a historic visit for the club. President Connolly first visited Rovers during her election campaign, where she met staff, volunteers and players from the club’s Football For All team.

Following her inauguration as the 10th Irish President, an open invitation was issued by the club to Áras an Uachtaráin, resulting in this week’s return visit.

Having been welcomed on arrival by Chairperson Tommy Higgins and Albert Higgins, the President met Rovers staff and volunteers, along with players from the club’s academy, Women’s First Team and the National Learning Network group. This was followed by a tour of the club’s outdoor museum with Kevin Colreavy and the Sligo Rovers Heritage Group.

In the hospitality area, President Connolly heard about the club’s ongoing community outreach and inclusion work from FSR Officer Jamie Murphy, while Tom Kelly presented an update on plans to redevelop the Showgrounds.

Proceedings concluded with presentations from Kornel Dabek and Jack Dempsey, who gifted the President a special-edition pink Sligo Rovers jersey from the recent fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute. The Organic Centre also presented a hamper of locally produced goods from Sligo and Leitrim.

Today’s visit was a privilege for everyone associated with the club. We sincerely thank President Connolly and her staff for taking the time to visit the Showgrounds once again and extend our best wishes to her for the remainder of her term.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Kelsey McQuillan has agreed to join the club ahead of the 2026 season. The Kildare native becomes the third new addition to the 2026 squad, signing her first senior contract after progressing through the Bohemians academy set-up.

A defender capable of playing at both centre-back and right-back, Kelsey makes the move to the North-West, having spent three years under Gavin Hughes at academy level with Bohemians before a two-year stint in Tallaght. Two years ago, she returned to Phibsborough, linking up with Hughes once more. Having known Gavin for seven years through her time in the Bohemians academy, she was drawn to reuniting with him at Sligo Rovers.

Kelsey made her senior debut for Bohemians last season, coming off the bench against Shelbourne in the All-Island Cup, and was also part of the Bohemians academy side that lifted the FAI Cup in 2025, playing a key role at underage level in last season’s 2–0 victory over Treaty United. She now links up with former teammate Abby Rooney, becoming the second player from that cup-winning squad to join the Bit O’Red.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Kelsey described signing her first senior contract as a major milestone in her career.

“I’m delighted to be signing my first senior contract with Sligo Rovers. Being able to play senior football on a weekly basis is a massive opportunity for me.”

On the chance to work with Gavin Hughes once again, the defender emphasised how influential he was on her decision.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Gav again. He spoke to me about his plans for the season and I really bought into them. From playing under him before, I know exactly what he can bring to a team.”

When asked about what she brings to the squad, Kelsey added:

“I’d say I’m a very physical and fast player. I’m also a good communicator on and off the pitch and can step up as a leader when needed.”

Rovers manager Gavin Hughes believes Kelsey’s development and mentality make her an important addition to the squad ahead of the new season.

“Over the last few years at academy level, Kelsey has shown real consistency in her personal development, both on and off the pitch. She’s positive, coachable, and consistently looking to improve. Her mindset is exactly what we are looking for at Rovers,” Hughes said.

“She has a strong desire to succeed and an equally strong commitment to the team’s success. On the pitch, she will show the fans her competitiveness, bravery, and willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team. Kelsey is a defender who can operate both as a centre-back and as a full-back. Her versatility and adaptability will be a real strength for us, and throughout the season we are likely to see her feature across the back line depending on team needs at any particular time.”

Kelsey McQuillan becomes the eighth signing announced for Sligo Rovers’ 2026 Women’s Premier Division squad, joining Abby Rooney, Ava Hallinan, Alice Lillie, Bonnie McKiernan, Emma Duffy, Leah Kelly, and Anna McDaniel.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Emma Duffy has returned to the club ahead of the 2026 season. The 18-year-old midfielder returns to the Showgrounds following her time with Galway United, having previously progressed through the Sligo Rovers AbbVie Academy.

Emma made the move to Galway United at academy level towards the start of the 2023 season, before earning a senior call-up and making her first-team debut in May that year against Peamount United at Greenogue Park. After being part of Galway United’s senior squads that won the All-Island Cup in 2023 and 2024, she returns to Rovers, bringing experience and technical quality to the squad. The Castlebar native has represented Ireland at multiple underage levels, including as captain.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Duffy described her return as an important step in her career:

“I’m delighted to return to Rovers after my time away and can’t wait to get going. After speaking with Gavin, I really liked his ambitions and goals for the year, which influenced my decision to come back.”

Reflecting on her development in Galway, she added:

“Playing first-team football in Galway really helped develop me as both a player and a person, as I was constantly competing against top players and learning different things from playing alongside quality teammates.”

On taking on a new challenge back at the Showgrounds, Duffy said:

“I’m really excited to take on a new challenge. After playing with Galway for the last few years, I feel now is the right time to push myself in a new environment. We have great ambitions for the year and it has always been a club I’ve admired. Playing in the Showgrounds has always been a really tough place to play, and I’m excited to be playing there week in, week out.”

Rovers boss Gavin Hughes highlighted Duffy’s qualities as a key reason for her return:

“Emma has a lot of standout qualities that make her a great addition to the team. She’s a very technical player who is always looking to get on the ball. She’s very comfortable in possession and likes to get the ball further up the pitch.”

He continued:

“She’s a very hard-working player who can play anywhere in the centre of the park. She can also step in at full-back if needed. She has a brilliant attitude and, despite her age, has shown a lot of experience at senior level. I’ve no doubt she’ll be a big addition to the group, both on and off the pitch.”

Emma Duffy becomes the fifth player announced by the club for 2026, following Abby Rooney, Ava Hallinan, Alice Lillie and Bonnie McKiernan.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Abby Rooney has agreed to join the club ahead of the 2026 season. The 19-year-old midfielder becomes the first player announced for the 2026 Women’s Premier Division campaign, signing her first senior contract after progressing through the Bohemians academy set-up.

Rooney makes the move to the Showgrounds alongside new manager Gavin Hughes, having worked under him at underage level with Bohs.

The Santry native impressed throughout her time in the Bohemians academy, where her technical ability and leadership qualities quickly stood out. Her development with the Bohemians U19s was highlighted by a standout 2025 campaign, captaining the side to FAI Cup success following a 2–0 victory over Treaty United in the final earlier this year. Rooney and Hughes have since reunited at the Showgrounds, where they will look to build on that success together.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Rooney described the move as a significant moment in her career.

“It means a lot to be able to sign my first senior deal. It’s a big honour for me and my family. I’ve worked under Gavin for the last seven years, so I know he’s delighted too.”

On her decision to join the club, the midfielder highlighted the role Hughes played in bringing her to Sligo.

“Gav was a big part of my decision to come to Rovers. I spoke to him on the phone recently and really bought into his vision for the team. Being able to play senior football on a weekly basis is a massive opportunity for me.”

Reflecting on her long-standing relationship with the new Rovers boss, Rooney added:

“Coming up through the ranks with Gavin has been amazing. I’ve grown a lot as a person, both on and off the pitch, so it’s great to be back working with him in a senior set-up. He knows how to get the best out of me, and I’m really looking forward to continuing my development under him.”

In addition to her underage success, Rooney also reached personal milestones at senior level during the 2025 season. She made her senior debut for Bohemians as a substitute in a 5–2 win over DLR Waves, before making a second appearance later in the campaign in a 3–0 away victory against Waterford.

Her involvement in senior matchday squads also included a league fixture against Rovers at Dalymount Park, where she was named among the substitutes as Alannah McEvoy converted a penalty in added time to secure a 3–2 win for the home side.

Looking ahead to her arrival, Rovers manager Gavin Hughes believes Rooney’s qualities make her an ideal first addition to the squad ahead of the 2026 campaign.

“Abby is a brilliant person and hugely dedicated. She brings real intensity to every training session and every game. She’s one of the fittest players on the pitch and sets high standards through her work rate and consistency. She’s two-footed and very technical, and her understanding of positioning is something she has always been very strong at.”

Hughes also highlighted Rooney’s influence off the pitch and her importance in shaping the group’s culture.

“She’s very mature and professional in everything she does. Abby leads by example and drives standards through her actions. She has the mentality we want, alongside the other leaders in the dressing room, as we continue to build our culture.”

Explaining the decision to make Rooney the club’s first signing of the new season, Hughes added:

“Abby is ready for the challenge and fully committed to the direction we want the group to go in. Making her our first signing was an easy decision. She represents the values, standards and ambition we want to set from day one. We’re really excited to have Abby at Sligo Rovers, and I have no doubt the people of Sligo will love her.”

Abby Rooney becomes the first signing for Sligo Rovers’ 2026 Women’s Premier Division squad, with further re-signings and new additions set to be announced in the coming days and weeks.

Jack Dempsey

Goalkeeper Liam Hughes has joined Sligo Rovers on a one year deal, the club is delighted to confirm.

The 24-year-old joined up with John Russell’s first team recently following the return to pre-season training two weeks ago.

Hughes signs on at the Showgrounds having agreed terms on a twelve-month deal, with the option of a further year.

Born in Craigavon, County Armagh, Hughes made his first team debut for his local side Portadown at the age of just 15 before moving on to Dungannon Swifts on a long-term deal shortly after.

He was signed by current Scottish Premiership Champions Glasgow Celtic in 2018, featuring in the Scottish Youth Cup Final for the Hoops, one year later.

In 2021, he joined last year’s Premier League winners Liverpool and went on to feature regularly at underage level before being called up to the first team for a game against Sheffield United the same year.

Hughes has also been capped at under 17 and 21 levels by Northern Ireland and was called into their senior squad by former Rovers boss and then NI manager Ian Baraclough four years ago.

In early 2024, Hughes moved on to Finland and to Rovers’ 1983 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup opponents FC Haka where he featured regularly in the Finnish top-tier. He is the twentieth player to commit to the Bit O’Red for 2026.

“It is very important we have strength and depth in all positions”, Russell tells sligorovers.com having sealed Hughes’ signature.

“Players must be pushing to get in the team and that includes a top goalkeeper who is able to push Sam Sargeant for a starting place.

“I was keen to bring in a goalkeeper who is ambitious to break through straight away and who has the attributes to impact our team and Liam fits the bill.

“We’re excited to bring Liam to the club. He is a goalkeeper with an excellent profile and someone who has good first team experience from his time in Finland.”

Hughes has already linked-up with his new team-mates and is settling in well with his new Rovers team-mates.

He’s also had a chance to see his fellow net minder in action and knows both himself and Sam (Sargeant) will have to be at the top of their respective games to keep each other on the bench.

Liam is also hoping for a memorable first season between the sticks in the north west.

“I was here just before Christmas to have a chat with John and people at the club and just to see the place”, he tells the club website.

“It’s a great set-up. I knew before coming here how tight-knit the club is within the community and you can feel it just being here. It’s always come across as a very well supported and well-run football club.

“I was really impressed with John from our first talks. He wants to play a certain style of football that suits me as a goalkeeper and both the training set-up and recruitment process is extremely professional.

“Sam’s an excellent ‘keeper. I’ve seen it first hand in training the last few days. We want to push each other as much as possible this season, it’s important for both of us and the team as a whole.

“It’s also huge that we have a settled squad. It’s a great help to have the time to get to know your team-mates well. You have to have that trust in the players in front of you and having these few weeks now to work with everyone is going to hopefully stand to us in the first few weeks of the season.

“It looks like there’s already a great team of players here and there’s strong belief amongst us already that this can be a successful season. I think we have to look at the European spots this season. We certainly have the ambition and are building a squad capable of getting there.”

David Goulden

*Players signed for 2026 season: Liam Hughes, Ryan O’Kane, Ciaron Harkin, Jeannot Esua, Daire Patton, Alex Nolan, Carl McHugh, Ollie Denham, Sam Sargeant, Paddy McClean, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Seb Quirk, Kyle McDonagh and Jad Hakiki.