Sligo Rovers are delighted to welcome Horan’s Pharmacy, Castle Street, Sligo, as the club’s Official Healthcare Partner.

The partnership will see Horan’s Pharmacy provide a range of healthcare products to support the health, recovery and wellbeing of the club’s players and staff throughout the season.

The agreement reflects Horan’s Pharmacy’s continued commitment to supporting local sport and the wider Sligo community.

Enda Horan said:

“We are proud to become the Official Healthcare Partner of Sligo Rovers FC. As a local business, serving the public since 1953, we recognise the important role the club plays in our community, both on and off the pitch.

“Supporting the health and wellbeing of the players and staff is a natural extension of our commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to the people of Sligo.

“We look forward to developing a strong and lasting partnership with the club.”

Donagh Oates, speaking on behalf of Sligo Rovers, added:

“We are delighted to welcome Horan’s Pharmacy as our Official Healthcare Partner.

“Access to high-quality healthcare products is an important part of supporting our players throughout the season, and we greatly appreciate the commitment shown by Enda and the team.

“Partnerships with local businesses are hugely important to Sligo Rovers, and we look forward to working together over the coming season.”

Based on Castle Street in the heart of Sligo town, Horan’s Pharmacy has served the local community since 1953.

The club would like to thank Enda Horan and everyone at Horan’s Pharmacy for their valued support and looks forward to working with them throughout the season.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce North West Credit Union as the main sponsor of our 2026 Summer Camps programme.

The partnership will see North West Credit Union support one of the club’s largest community initiatives, with camps taking place across the region and giving young players the chance to enjoy football, stay active, develop their skills and make lasting memories.

Sligo Rovers Summer Camps continue to be a hugely important part of the club’s connection with families and communities across the North West. Each year, the programme gives children of all abilities the opportunity to take part in a fun, inclusive and positive football environment, led by Sligo Rovers coaches.

As part of the 2026 programme, camps will take place in Sligo and across a number of regional locations, helping bring the club closer to communities throughout the wider North West region.

Yasmina Rahmoune, Marketing Officer with North West Credit Union, said:

“We’re delighted to support the Sligo Rovers Summer Camps this year. These camps provide a fantastic opportunity for young people to stay active, build confidence, develop new skills, and make lasting friendships. At NWCU, we believe that positive habits formed at a young age can help create brighter futures. We’re especially looking forward to seeing the camps extend into our common bond areas in Roscommon and engaging with even more young athletes this summer.”

Donagh Oates, Commercial Manager at Sligo Rovers, added:

“We are delighted to welcome North West Credit Union as the main sponsor of our 2026 Summer Camps programme.

“This is a brilliant partnership for the club and one that supports a hugely important part of what Sligo Rovers does in the community.

“Our Summer Camps are about much more than football. They give young people the chance to stay active, meet new friends, build confidence and enjoy being part of the club.

“To have the backing of North West Credit Union, an organisation with such strong community values, is a great fit for Sligo Rovers. Their support will help us continue to grow the programme and bring it to more families across the region.

“We would like to thank Yasmina and everyone at North West Credit Union for their support, and we look forward to working together throughout what promises to be another brilliant summer of football.”

The club would like to thank North West Credit Union for their support and commitment to the 2026 Summer Camps programme.

Further details on upcoming Sligo Rovers Summer Camps, including locations and booking information, are available through the club’s official channels.

Sligo Rovers are excited to confirm that Republic of Ireland underage striker Jamie O’Donnell has today joined the Bit O’Red, signing a long-term contract.

Rated as one of the top young talents in the region, this will be 16-year-old O’Donnell’s first professional contract. 

A native of Buncrana in County Donegal, O’Donnell started out with local club Cockhill Celtic with whom he spent ten years. 

After those years at Cockhill, he then moved on to Derry City’s academy, featuring at several underage levels for the Candystripes. 

The teen has also represented Ireland at under 15 and 16s, making his international debut in Portugal and most recently featured in a game with Netherlands. He netted twice in a game with Greece and recently scored a late winner against Hungary. He also featured for Derry’s first team against Rovers in a friendly at the start of this year. 

O’Donnell’s eye for a goal and huge potential means his progress has been closely tracked by Rovers boss John Russell who is thrilled to get this move over the line. 

“It’s important that we try to attract the best young talent to Sligo Rovers so I’m delighted that we’ve secured this signing”, Russell tells sligorovers.com. 

“He has represented Ireland at underage level and he has all the attributes to become a top centre forward.

“From chatting to Jamie and his parents, I was really struck by his mentality. A lot of young players have talent but you also need to have the mindset to work hard and push yourself. We feel that this is the right environment for Jamie to develop and progress and we’re all looking forward to working with him.”

O’Donnell is already familiar with some of his new team-mates having played in the same Irish side as fellow Donegal man and Rovers goalkeeper Charlie McGarvey. While centre half Gareth McElroy is from just down the road. 

“Sligo’s such a nice area and would already know a few players at the club which of course, helps a lot”, Jamie says. 

“I know Charlie quite well and he’s a team mate with Ireland. Gareth would be from my area too and I’m looking forward to having the chance to maybe go up against both of them in training when I can and of course playing alongside them.” 

Describing his style of play as similar to World Cup stars Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, O’Donnell is keen to make his mark at the Showgrounds and continue to progress on the international stage.

“I’d see myself as a number nine as I’ve consistently scored goals in that position at all levels. But I am also comfortable anywhere across the front three and in the ten.

“I really like Kane and Haaland as they are both top class nines.They have different styles but I like to take characteristics from both of them.

“I really enjoyed (being with Ireland) and hopefully I’ll continue to be involved with Ireland during my time at Rovers.”

Citing Rovers’ Abbvie Academy’s record of producing young players ready for the first team, Jamie is keen to follow the same lines as the likes of current first team players McElroy and Daire Patton. Both of whom are graduates of our youth system. 

“There’s definitely a pathway here”, Jamie states. 

“Johnny Kenny and Owen Elding’s journeys have certainly highlighted that. Daire and Gareth are thriving in the first team at the moment. 

“What’s best for me and my future was important in deciding to come here and the opportunity to one day play first team football, hopefully in the near future played a massive part in me coming to Sligo. The plan is to work hard and get my chance at senior level and make the most of it. My dream is to become a first-team regular here. 

David Goulden 

It was another successful weekend for the academy, with our sides enjoying an excellent second round of fixtures and producing a number of impressive performances. Across the age groups, there were plenty of positives to take, from dramatic late winners and valuable league points to encouraging displays full of quality.

U20 | Sligo Rovers 2-1 Athlone Town

It was a well-rounded display at The Showgrounds as our U20s picked up their first points of the season.

Rovers started brightly, putting together some excellent passages of play and creating several goalscoring opportunities. The lads’ positive start was rewarded in the 22nd minute when David Jonathan broke the deadlock. The boys continued to apply the pressure until the break, with Callum Lynch playing Corey Lavery-McCay through on goal to double the lead five minutes before half-time.

However, the boys soon discovered it was not going to be a walk in the park, as Athlone pulled a goal back shortly after the restart. A resilient defensive display ensured the two first-half goals proved enough, as Rovers held on to claim all three points against a strong Athlone side.

The lads will look to build on the result next week when they travel north to face Derry, with the aim of climbing further up the table.

U17 | Sligo Rovers 3-2 Finn Harps

It was an enthralling contest between two evenly matched sides as our U17s picked up all three points in dramatic fashion on Sunday.

After the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser away to Drogheda last week, the lads were determined to go one better, and they made the perfect start when the in-form Ryan Quinn opened the scoring in the 19th minute, following on from his brace the previous week.

After a cagey first half, the second period was anything but, with Finn Harps levelling the game shortly after the restart. Rovers responded well, as full-back Ethan O’Neill restored the lead with a fine finish.

Both sides continued to threaten for the remainder of the half, and it looked like déjà vu for the boys when Finn Harps grabbed a late equaliser, leaving Rovers on the verge of dropping points late for a second consecutive week.

However, super-sub Dillon Doherty had other ideas. Introduced just four minutes earlier, Doherty fired home a dramatic 93rd-minute winner to spark wild celebrations and secure all three points for Rovers at the death.

The win leaves Rovers second in the table ahead of next weekend’s away trip to Longford Town, where they will be aiming for another victory.

U14 Development Weekend

Rovers had three U14 sides in action at the FAI National Training Centre on Saturday, with all three teams producing committed and hard-working performances throughout the day.

Two of the sides were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Wexford and Waterford in closely contested games. Despite the results, there were plenty of encouraging displays, with several players stepping up and showing great quality both on and off the ball.

It proved to be a more difficult afternoon for the third U14 side, who came up against a strong Klub Kildare outfit. While the scoreline did not reflect the effort shown by the boys, the game provided another valuable learning experience as they continue their development.

WU17 | Sligo Rovers 2-2 Longford Town

A solid display from the WU17s saw the girls earn a valuable point against an impressive Longford Town side.

Coming into the game on the back of a 3-2 victory away to Drogheda last week, confidence was high, and the girls made the perfect start when Farry opened the scoring with a fine finish in the ninth minute.

Both teams continued to create chances, with Longford responding through a well-worked equaliser before taking the lead just before half-time.

Rovers responded well after the break, with the in-form Farry grabbing her second of the game to level the scores once again. The remainder of the match was a closely contested affair, with both defences standing firm against some dangerous attacking play as the sides ultimately had to settle for a share of the spoils.

The point leaves the girls joint top of the table ahead of next Saturday’s away trip to Finn Harps, where they will be hoping to continue their strong start to the season.

Tom Lavery

Sligo Rovers are delighted to confirm the appointment of Niall Harrison as the Club’s new Head of Academy Coaching, with the Sligo native set to take up the role in early July 2026.

Harrison arrives at the Showgrounds with a wealth of experience at the very top level of player and coach development in Ireland. His appointment represents a major step forward as the Bit O’ Red continue to strengthen their academy structures and long-term vision.

A UEFA Pro Licence coach with decades of experience in the game, Niall has played a central role in shaping Ireland’s elite underage pathway. Most recently, he served as Boys Emerging Talent National Coordinator with the FAI from 2006 to 2025, leading one of the most important development programmes in Irish football.

During that time, he worked with and supported the progression of a host of players who have gone on to perform at the highest levels of the game, including Caoimhín Kelleher, Dara O’Shea, Evan Ferguson and Robbie Brady.

Just as importantly, Harrison is widely respected for his work in coach education, having tutored on UEFA Pro Licence and Elite Youth A Licence courses while mentoring many of the League of Ireland’s leading coaches — including current Sligo Rovers manager John Russell.

That blend of experience, personality and proven ability to develop both players and coaches makes him an ideal fit for a club that places academy football at the heart of everything it does.

This is a significant moment for Sligo Rovers. With the stadium redevelopment, the club’s centenary on the horizon and an ambition to cement its place as the leading player-development club in the region, the strengthening of the academy has never been more important. The appointment of a figure of Harrison’s standing underlines that intent.

Welcoming Niall to the Showgrounds, Sligo Rovers Academy Director Conor O’Grady said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to bring someone of Niall’s calibre into the club. His experience speaks for itself but, just as importantly, his values and his approach to developing players and coaches are exactly what we’re about at Sligo Rovers.

As we continue to develop the Showgrounds and look ahead to the club’s centenary, building a strong, sustainable academy is crucial. Niall will play a huge role in that, helping us to create the best possible environment for young players in the region.”

The role is supported through the League of Ireland Academy Investment Programme, which is designed to help clubs build sustainable, high-quality academy structures and player pathways.

Speaking on his appointment, Harrison said:

“It’s a huge honour for me to come back to Sligo and take on this role with my home club.

There’s a real sense of ambition around the place at the moment, from the work being done on facilities to the focus on developing players through the academy. That’s something that really excited me. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in, working with the coaches and players, and helping to build on the strong foundations that are already there.”

Harrison will formally take up his role in July and everyone at the club looks forward to welcoming him to the Showgrounds as he begins this exciting new chapter with the Bit O’ Red.

This role is funded through the League of Ireland Academy Investment Programme, supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and Sport Ireland. Sligo Rovers FC would like to thank Minister Patrick O’Donovan and Minister Charlie McConalogue for their support in helping the club secure this invaluable appointment.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that bookings are now open for our 2026 Regional Summer Camps.

Our camps provide young players with the opportunity to develop their football skills in a fun, safe and professional environment alongside Sligo Rovers coaches. Each camp focuses on improving technical ability, confidence, teamwork and enjoyment of the game, while also giving young supporters the chance to represent the Bit O’ Red in their local community.

With camps taking place across the region throughout the summer, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Camp Dates & Locations

Enniscrone | Monday 29 June – Friday 3 July

https://hub.klubfunder.com/KilglassEnniscroneUnitedFC/payit/eventregistration/keufc—sligo-rovers-camp—29th-june-2026/detail

Ballaghaderreen | Monday 6 July – Friday 10 July

https://ballaghaderreenfc.clubforce.com/products/membership

Ballyvary | Monday 13 July – Friday 17 July

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ballyvarybluebombers/2268934

Gurteen | Monday 27 July – Friday 31 July

https://gurteenceltic.clubforce.com/products/membership

Swinford | Monday 3 August – Friday 7 August

https://hub.klubfunder.com/SwinfordfootballClub/payit/eventregistration/swinford-fc-sligo-rovers-summer-camp-2026/detail

Boyle | Monday 10 August – Friday 14 August

https://boylecelticfc.clubforce.com/products/membership

Enniscrone | Monday 17 August – Friday 21 August

https://hub.klubfunder.com/KilglassEnniscroneUnitedFC/payit/eventregistration/keufc—sligo-rovers-camp—17th-august-2026/detail

Spaces are limited across all camps and early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Following investigations into incidents at recent fixtures, Sligo Rovers Football Club has issued stadium banning orders to three individuals.

These decisions were taken following a review of the available evidence and consultation with the relevant authorities.

Sligo Rovers is committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming and enjoyable matchday environment for supporters, players, staff, volunteers and visitors to The Showgrounds. While the vast majority of supporters continue to represent the club with passion and pride, behaviour that falls short of expected standards will be addressed accordingly.

The club recognises the important role that supporters play in creating the atmosphere that makes The Showgrounds a special place on matchdays. Equally, all supporters have a responsibility to contribute positively to the matchday experience and to respect fellow supporters, club personnel and visiting guests.

Sligo Rovers will continue to work with An Garda Síochána, the FAI and stadium security personnel to ensure that The Showgrounds remains a safe venue for all.

As this matter concerns specific individuals, the club will be making no further comment.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that young goalkeeper Charlie McGarvey has signed his first professional contract with the club, effective from July 1st. 

The long term deal ties the future of one of the brightest young talents in the country to the Showgrounds as the Bit O’Red continue to graduate our underage stars from our Abbvie Academy to pro-level. 

16-year-old McGarvey is a native of Letterkenny in County Donegal and joined Rovers in early 2023 following time at local side Illistrin FC, Finn Harps and Sligo/Leitrim schoolboy outfit Yeats United. 

The Summerhill College student has represented the Republic of Ireland at various schoolboy levels and travelled with the under 16 side to Holland in February of this year. He recently took part in a training camp in Dublin ahead of the FIFA Under 17 World Cup due to take place in Qatar this winter. 

McGarvey has been a regular face at training with John Russell’s first team squad and the teen shot-stopper was named on the bench for our Premier Division game with Bohemians at the Showgrounds last month. 

Speaking to in-house meda, McGarvey says he is honoured to sign his first deal with the Bit O’Red and is looking forward to developing further under Russell and goalkeeping coach Richard Brush.

“I’m really proud to be signing my first deal and for it to be with Sligo Rovers, a club I’ve always dreamed of signing with. I’m hugely grateful to everyone who made it possible”, he tells sligorovers.com.

“I know I wouldn’t be in this position without the support of my parents and their guidance over the years. I’d also like to thank my previous clubs Illistrin and Yeats and all the coaches who have helped me develop over the years, particularly those here at the Abbvie Academy.

“As a keeper, I think I’m comfortable on the ball, with good distribution skills. I can get down quickly, make saves and am confident when it comes to taking high balls. 

“At the same time, I know there’s much to further improve on and the Showgrounds is the ideal place for me to do this.

“I’m really looking forward to continuing working with John and his staff. Especially Richard, who has helped me so much already. 

“I am so lucky to be part of this club. I’m excited to see what the future brings!”.  

First team boss Russell praised Charlie’s input to date, the Rovers manager says having the goalkeeper take part in first team sessions is vital in terms of how McGarvey develops. 

 “He’s a lad who has come through our academy and has shown excellent commitment and professionalism throughout his time so far”, Russell says. 

“He has trained regularly with the first team under the guidance of Richard. 

“Although Charlie hasn’t made his first team debut yet, we believe he has real potential and this is an important step in his development. 

“At Rovers, we’re proud of creating opportunities for our young players, and we’re looking forward to helping Charlie continue his progression over the coming years.”

Head of Academy Conor O’Grady said there was little surprise on his part to see the Donegal man progress to the professional stage.

“Any conversation you have with others about the best young players in the country, Charlie is never too far away”, O’Grady says.

“He’s got a very bright future ahead of him and we’re looking forward to seeing how he develops. 

“Everyone at the academy is delighted to see Charlie has taken the next step in his career. He has a really good attitude, along with a lot of talent. 

“I feel that hard working persona comes from the way he was brought up. His family are always great to deal with.

“It again shows that there’s a clear pathway from academy to the first team. It’s also a testament to the work being put into his progression here by our coaches.”

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to confirm that Republic of Ireland underage international Kevin Zefi has joined the club on a deal which will run until the end of the current season.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has agreed a contract having spent the last few weeks training with John Russell’s first team squad.

It is hoped that the former Inter Milan and Roma player will be eligible in time for Friday’s Premier Division clash with Bohemians at the Showgrounds, but this is subject to international clearance.

The Clonsilla man has represented the Republic of Ireland all the way to under 21 level. He made his U21 debut in a friendly match with Sweden in 2024, replacing his new teammate Jad Hakiki in the second half of that game.

Making his breakthrough in 2020, Zefi, who can operate behind the striker or on both sides of the attack, made his League of Ireland debut at just 15 for Shamrock Rovers’ ‘B’ side and became the league’s youngest goal-scorer at the same age.

In August 2021, he made the move to Italy and to Inter where he scored twice and assisted in three goals on his U17s debut. After three years in Milan, he moved to Rome where he spent a year with Roma’s academy before moving on last summer.

He also qualifies for Albania through his family heritage and was called up to the Albanian U21 squad last year but withdrew due to injury.

Rovers fans will remember Zefi from his stand-out performance as a trialist in a mid-season friendly with Mansfield Town at the Showgrounds last July in which he found the net.

Zefi says both the homely feel of the Showgrounds and his ambition to make an impact at senior level, played a big part in his decision to choose Rovers.

“John gave me a huge opportunity to come up here and train with the team”, he tells sligorovers.com.

“This place feels like home straight away and I feel I’m settling in already. Once the offer was there, signing wasn’t really a question.

“The conversations I’ve had with the people at the club swayed me. The players, staff, volunteers. There was such a welcome for me from the first day and that was important both for myself and my family.

“The lads here have a huge hunger and the ambition here both on and off the pitch is huge. That was a big attraction for me and it’s a massive opportunity for me to make a difference.

“We work hard and we have some really top lads who can play football. I’m looking forward to adding to that in games. I’m hoping to bring a lot of creativity in the final third here and chip in with assists and goals.”

Kevin was hugely encouraged by Rovers latest outing, a dramatic late win over his former club Shamrock Rovers as Sligo became the first club this season to beat the Hoops on their own turf.

“I was at the game and it was a really good performance, particularly in the second half when we were calm and took our chances”, he says.

“The three points were hugely deserved. Taking three points from Shams in Tallaght is a big deal, nobody else has managed it this year. But looking forward, we’re taking it game by game. We have a great group here and we’re looking to push on now with the Bohs game and then we’ll look into the break and beyond. I’m working hard to get up to speed with things and hopefully get going against Bohs.”

The move was some time coming given that Russell has kept the Dubliner on his radar for almost a year. The Rovers boss is over the moon to get his man and says he feels Sligo is the ideal place for Zefi to get his career back on track following an extended period out of the game.

“Kevin has been with us for training recently which has allowed me to have some conversations with him about his next step”, Russell says.

“We both feel the Showgrounds and Sligo Rovers provides the ideal environment for him to progress his career.

“I’m always looking to add quality to what we have here, especially in the final third. Kevin is a player who would add creativity to any side so we’re delighted he’s opted to come in and be part of what we’re building in Sligo.”

David Goulden

It was a very positive week for all of our teams involved in cup action this weekend, with impressive performances across the board against strong opposition. Two of the three teams progressed to the next round of their respective competitions, while all of our sides can be pleased with their performances and the valuable experience gained in high-level cup matches. Hopefully, there will be many more big occasions to come for these lads in red in the future.

That concludes the first series of games for all Academy teams. A big thank you goes to the players, coaches, parents, and everyone working behind the scenes for their hard work, support, and dedication over the past few months.

U20 | Sligo Rovers 1 – 0 Bray Wanderers

A late goal from Corey Lavery McCay was enough to see the Rovers progress to the second round of the Enda McGuill Cup on Saturday. It was a cagey affair in Ray MacSharry Park against a strong Wanderers side, with chances few and far between throughout. As the game went on, it felt like either a mistake or a moment of magic would decide the outcome, and it was a moment of magic that done so. In the 86th minute, Lavery McCay produced the decisive finish to put the Rovers ahead. A strong defensive showing continued for the remaining minutes to hang on until the final whistle. The lads will now await the draw to discover their opponents for the next round.

U17 | Sligo Rovers 2 – 1 Galway

It was a strong performance in scorching conditions on Sunday as the U17s progressed to Round 3 of the Mark Farren Cup. An entertaining contest at the Showgrounds produced three goals, with the Rovers eventually coming out on top thanks to a late winner. Ryan Quinn opened the scoring in the 19th minute to give the lads the lead, but Galway responded with an equaliser around the half-hour mark. The sides remained level for much of the game before substitute Shane Filan struck the winner in the 82nd minute, just ten minutes after being introduced. The lads managed the closing stages well to secure their place in the next round.

U14 | Sligo Rovers 3-5 Waterford

A brilliant first-half display was not enough as the U14s exited the cup at the first-round stage on a sunny Sunday at the Showgrounds. Centre-half Luke O’Connor opened the scoring for the lads before Ryleigh Healy added a second. Just before the half-time whistle, substitute Walkowski combined well to set up number eight Maye, sending the boys in 3-1 ahead at the break. However, despite an excellent opening half, the lads were unable to hold on as a resilient second-half performance from Waterford saw them complete the comeback and run out 5-3 winners in the end.

Tom Lavery