By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers will host bottom-of-the-table Cork City in what is likely to produce an intense Women’s Premier Division (WPD) encounter at the Showgrounds on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

Maximum points will be the target for both teams, and eight previous WPD meetings have produced 26 goals, with the Bit O’Red winning on four occasions with only one draw, and that produced six goals.

The Bit O’Red leapfrogged Cork last Saturday with a first away win of the season, while the Munster side lost at Turner’s Cross against a title-chasing Shelbourne side that moved to the top of the table on goal difference ahead of Athlone Town.

Understandably, the main focus for the remainder of the season will be on the battle for the 2025 WPD title, but the contest at the foot of the table will be even more intense for the bottom four with just eight games remaining for the quartet of Sligo Rovers, Cork City, Waterford and DLR Waves.

Those four teams are separated by only three points, and the remaining results between them could determine the finishing positions at the foot of the table.

The Sligo Rovers players will take lots of positives into Saturday’s game following that 2-0 first away win of the season last weekend against a Waterford side that finished with 10 players following a first-half red card, with goals from Emma Hansberry and Alana Doherty.

Leading at the interval through Emma Hansberry, Sligo Rovers were reasonably comfortable in the second half. Substitutes Paula McGrory and Bernie Ferreira both made solid contributions, and Alana Doherty added the crucial second goal with about 25 minutes remaining.

The Wehrly Bros player-of-the-month for July, Kya McKenna, could have added a third goal near the end, but the Waterford ‘keeper blocked her effort; however, she will be eager to find the net this weekend if she gets the chance.

Scoring has been a challenge for the Bit O’Red until recent weeks, but they got two goals against Galway for a 2-0 advantage only to concede in the second half at Eamon Deacy Park, but two more goals last Saturday.

The tally now stands at 12 goals in all competitions this season, with six goals in the last four outings and also four clean sheets.

Players returning from injury gave manager Steve Feeney extra options, and that was evident last Saturday as Rachel McGoldrick and Leah Kelly made the starting 11.

McGoldrick returned for the first time since she sustained an injury at the end of April, and Leah Kelly had missed the previous two outings but was influential on her return. Katie Melly was also on the injured list earlier in the season but has now slotted effectively into a more defensive role.

However, Cork City will take plenty of positives from last Saturday’s performance against Shelbourne, where they were certainly worthy of taking at least a point but ended up on the wrong side of a 2-0 scoreline.

Áine Walsh was denied by the post, while Amy McCarthy, Eva Mangan and Ellie O’Brien all had chances against Shelbourne, but the ball just wouldn’t go into the net. The Dublin side scored midway through the first half but had to wait until the 88th minute for a second goal that came from the penalty spot.

Despite a sequence of 13 games without a win, the Cork City players have produced some encouraging performances and enjoyed a 4-0 victory against the Bit O’red at Turner’s Cross last March.

On that occasion, two goals in each half gave Cork City an opening win of the season at the expense of a Sligo Rovers side that also missed a 94th-minute penalty.

Two goals from Christina Dring and one each by Aoibhin Donnelly and Ciara Fitzpatrick sealed the win.

Despite that scoreline, the Bit O’Red created numerous opportunities, but it was one of those days when nothing went right. Paula McGrory had a chance on 36 minutes, but her effort on the turn went wide, while Rachel McGoldrick and Muireann Devaney both went close.

Katie Melly was denied in the 75th minute when her free kick from 30 yards thundered off the Cork City crossbar, while Alana Doherty and Keeva Flynn also had chances.

End-to-end action is anticipated with the game live on LOITV, kick-off at 3pm.

By Conall Collier

First goals of the season from Emma Hansberry and Alana Doherty gave Sligo Rovers a first Women’s Premier Division (WPD) away win of the season against Waterford on a first visit to the RSC.

There was also another first in the closing stages when ‘keeper Bonnie McKiernan was penalised by referee David Dunne, who awarded Waterford a corner as he deemed the Bit O’Red netminder didn’t release the ball within the eight seconds time allocated. It seemed like a harsh decision, as a Waterford player was blocking. McKiernan was at the edge of the penalty area and raised her foot as the keeper attempted to kick the ball.

That incident aside, this was a solid performance from Steve Feeney’s side as Rachel McGoldrick returned to the starting 11 for the first time since she sustained an injury against Bohemian FC in the All-Island Cup at the end of April. Leah Kelly also made the starting lineup after missing the last two outings due to an injury she sustained in the WFAI Cup against DLR Waves.

The opening exchanges were tight, with the Sligo Rovers defence curtailing Fiana Bradley on her first home start for the hosts, and Waterford went close through Jessica Lawler midway through the opening half. However, it got tougher for the Munster women as they were reduced to 10 players in the 29th minute when the referee issued a red card to Stephenie Dumevi after she impeded Muireann Devaney, who was through on goal.

That forced Waterford boss Gary Hunt into a change and Danielle Griffin replaced Olivia Shannon, but soon after, the Bit O’Red capitalised and hit the front when Emma Hansberry fired her side into the lead with a good finish.

Waterford still threatened on the counter and had a couple of opportunities before the interval, and Bonnie McKiernan produced a smart save on the stroke of halftime when she fingertipped a well-struck Bradley effort to safety at the expense of a corner.

Sligo Rovers were reasonably comfortable in the second half with substitutes Paula McGrory and Bernie Ferreira making a solid contribution, and Alana Doherty adding a crucial second goal in the 64th minute. Emma Hansberry’s free wasn’t dealt with by the Waterford defence, and Doherty applied the finishing touch to ease the Bit O’Red into the comfort zone.

Waterford kept pushing forward, but Sligo Rovers could have had a third goal two minutes from time when substitute Kya McKenna raced clear, but Waterford’s Maeve Williams was equal to the task and averted the danger.

Waterford – Maeve Williams, Jessica Lawler, Lauren Walsh, Danielle Burke, Chloe Atkinson, Fiana Bradley, Sophie Slattery, Olivia Shannon, Erin O’Brien, Stephanie Dumevi, I. Walsh.
Subs – Danielle Griffin for Shannon (29 mins), Orla Hickey for O’Brien (halftime), C. Kearney for Atkinson (85 mins).

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan, Alice Lillie, Leah Kelly, Annie McKinley, Alana Doherty, Katie Melly, Emma Hansberry, Muireann Devaney, Rachel McGoldrick, Mairead McIntyre, Anna McDaniel.
Subs – Paula McGrory for McGoldrick and Bernie Ferreira for McIntyre (58 mins), Kya McKenna for McDaniel and Cara King for Lillie (76 mins), Lauren Devaney for McKinley (80 mins).

Referee – David Dunne
Assistant referees – Chris Campbell, David Connolly
Fourth official – Kevin O’Sullivan

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers return to action on Saturday with a trip to the RSC in Waterford for the first time in the Women’s Premier Division (WPD), with the focus firmly on reversing the result at the Showgrounds last March.

On that occasion two Olivia Shannon goals paved the way for what was a historic first win for Waterford in their debut season in front of the TG4 cameras at the Showgrounds for the newest team in the WPD.

The current challenge facing Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney is reflected in the fact that of the 16 players that featured against Waterford last March, between the starting 11 and five second-half substitutes, seven are currently on the doubtful list due to injuries.

Injuries have been the standout statistic for the Bit O’Red this season, and the dressing room could sometimes be mistaken for something resembling a casualty department, with defender Keeva Flynn the latest addition to that list after she was stretchered off in the last outing against Wexford a fortnight ago.

However, recent signings Annie McKinley, with two goals to her credit in two outings, and Bernie Ferreira have made solid contributions, and this week another recruit, Laura McGuinn, will be in contention to make her debut for the Bit O’Red.

“I’m really looking forward to playing; all the girls have been so welcoming,” commented Laura.

“I’ve supported the club my whole life, helping with mascots on match days, coaching at summer camps, and now coaching the under-17 girls.

“It has always been a dream of mine to wear the Rovers jersey,” she added.

From Steve Feeney’s perspective, the trip to Waterford will give his players an opportunity to deliver a positive performance and pick up three points that will close the gap on the Munster women, who are four points ahead of the Bit O’Red at the moment.

There isn’t much to separate the teams in terms of statistics, with Waterford conceding 34 goals in the WPD compared to 32 for the Bit O’Red.

Waterford has one clean sheet, achieved against Sligo Rovers, while the Bit O’Red has three to their credit—Bohemian FC, Shamrock Rovers, and Peamount Utd.

Waterford played last Tuesday night in a rearranged game at Tallaght Stadium, where hosts Shamrock Rovers won by 7-1, and the Munster side will complete a hectic schedule of three games in eight days when they host Bohemian FC at the RSC next Tuesday night.

Prior to last Tuesday night’s defeat, the Waterford women lost by the only goal of the game against Bohemian FC at Dalymount Park, and they recorded an impressive 3-1 victory against Cork City in their last home game at the beginning of July with goals from Chloe Atkinson, Mia Lenihan, and Lauren Walsh.

Both sides will be eager to deliver a winning performance, and a tight and competitive encounter is anticipated.

Waterford v Sligo Rovers will be live on LOITV with a 3pm kick-off at the RSC on Saturday.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), in partnership with Sligo Rovers, are launching a new Football & Education Programme (QQI Level 5 – 5M5146) in Sligo this October.

Dual Pathway: Train Like a Pro While Earning Recognised Qualifications

This full-time course offers a dual pathway for school leavers, aspiring footballers, and mature learners to pursue professional football training while earning nationally and internationally recognised qualifications. Based at the Showgrounds and Sligo Regional Sports Complex, the programme combines expert coaching with structured education in a fully supportive environment.

Academic and Industry-Recognised Learning

Participants will attend academic classes each morning and work towards a QQI Level 5 Major Award in Sport, Recreation, and Exercise. Modules include:

• Exercise & Fitness
• Sports Anatomy
• Nutrition
• Leisure Facility Administration
• And more

Additional certifications include:

• ITEC Level 2 Gym Instructor Diploma
• FAI Coaching Badges
• Lifeguard Certification

These qualifications create clear progression pathways to employment or further education.

Professional Football Development

Afternoons are dedicated to football development, with training five days a week delivered by UEFA-qualified coaches including Mickey Feeney and Leo Tierney. Sessions cover all technical, tactical, and physical elements of the modern game. Learners will also represent the programme in competitive fixtures across Ireland.

What They Said

“After 20 years of success with our training course in Mayo, we now have a brilliant opportunity, in partnership with Sligo Rovers FC and the MSLETB, to deliver the FAI Football and Education Programme in the north-west region. Having witnessed the development of young people through this pathway over the years—both in life and in their career choices, on and off the pitch—we’re excited to see what the future holds with this new beginning. Being able to help and support both female and male learners to reach their potential is incredibly rewarding for us, and we look forward to continuing the journey with a new generation of players.”
— Leo Tierney, FAI Course Coordinator

“Moving our Football and Education Programme to Sligo Rovers FC gives us a fantastic opportunity to grow and develop. The programme is open to both males and females, and it will provide all participants with the chance to further both their education and football development.”
— Michael Feeney, Assistant Coordinator

“Sligo Rovers are delighted that the ETB programme is moving to the Showgrounds. This marks the result of years of hard work. We strongly believe in combining football and education for all our players. This move allows more boys and girls within our academy to pursue both. It’s another positive step forward as the club continues to build and grow across all areas.”
— Conor O’Grady, Head of Academy, Sligo Rovers

Elite Facilities and Full Support

Sligo Rovers are providing elite-level training facilities including:

• Showgrounds pitches
• On-site gym
• Video analysis suites

Students also gain access to the Sligo Sports Complex gym and swimming pool.

Course Information

• Start Date: 13 October
• Location: The Showgrounds & Sligo Regional Sports Complex
• Entry Requirements: Minimum NFQ Level 4 + interview & evaluation
• Fees: No course fees for eligible full-time learners
• Supports: Accommodation or travel allowance, career guidance, progression to third-level

How to Apply

For full course details and to apply, visit:
www.fetchcourses.ie/course/finder?sfcw-courseId=481708

Midfielder Ciaron Harkin is the latest player to join Sligo Rovers, signing from fellow League of Ireland Premier Division side Derry City, the club is delighted to confirm.

Harkin signs with Rovers until the end of the 2025 season, with the club retaining an option for the 2026 season.

The 29-year-old is the sixth signing of the summer transfer window, with John Russell already adding Patrick McClean, Seb Quirk, Ryan O’Kane, James McManus and Sean Stewart this month.

The Derry native began his senior career with the Candystripes, having joined the club’s Under 19s from local side Trojans in 2014.

Harkin, who is known as ‘Jackie’, left Derry City in the summer of 2015 when he moved to NIFL side Institute.

He spent a year and a half with Institute, before moving on to Coleraine in 2017, making a Derry City return ahead of the 2019 season.

Harkin was a regular for Derry City from 2019-2021, but suffered devastating back-to-back ACL ruptures which kept him sidelined for almost two years.

He made a return to action in 2024, and went out on loan to Coleraine at the end of the year to get game time under his belt.

Now back to full fitness and with his injury troubles long behind him, Harkin is keen to push on with a ‘new challenge’ at Sligo Rovers, have only played six times for Tiarnan Lynch’s side this year.

Harkin said: “There was talk of me maybe leaving a month or two ago and it wasn’t something I wanted to do at the time but when John Russell contacted me, straight away I was excited and it was something I wanted to do. I’m delighted it happened and excited to get going.  

“This year hasn’t gone the way I wanted it to go, I haven’t been playing much but I’ve been staying fit and waiting for my opportunity.”

With Rovers in a good run of form at present, unbeaten in their last five league games – six in all competitions – Harkin didn’t need much convincing to make the move to the Bit O’Red.

“It wasn’t that long ago Derry City were down here, and lost 2-0 down here. I saw it with my own two eyes how well Sligo Rovers play, the attacking football that they have. 

“It’s something that excited me. That did help sway my decision, I’m delighted to get going and hopefully I can bring something else to it.”

Harkin grew up with Rovers centre-back Paddy McClean, and also played alongside both Will Fitzgerald and Cian Kavanagh while at Derry City, so settling in will not be an issue.

On what the Rovers fans can expect to see from him, Harkin said: “Hard work and honesty, hopefully we can keep that winning mentality.”

With plenty of competition across the squad for places, it doesn’t faze Harkin whatsoever.

“You want a bit of competition, it makes it better then when you do get your spot because you have people behind you pushing you, hopefully I can push others and they can push me.”

Speaking about the addition of Harkin, Sligo Rovers manager John Russell said: “Brilliant signing. A player I’ve always admired. He’s a midfielder who can do a bit of everything. He’s tenacious, good on the ball, legs, energy, he’s coming to us at the stage of his career for a fresh challenge. 

“He’s a Derry boy, he’s had his injuries in the past but he’s over those now. He’s hungry to play, sitting on the bench is not easy for any player but especially at his age, he’s in the prime of his career, at 29. 

“That’s when you’re at your best, he’s experienced an awful lot. For him to come down here, in the dressing room he’ll be brilliant and on the pitch he’ll be brilliant. I want to try and build a squad that can continue to help us win matches and challenge the so-called bigger resourced clubs and bigger clubs in the league. 

“Competition for places is good. He’s a quality addition to the group, it gives everyone a lift. We’ve brought in a few players in this window and it’s definitely helped us.

“He brings quality on the ball and into the team. But also that know-how, game management. Also to help the young players. That’s one thing we pride ourselves on in Sligo, bringing lads through the academy and signing the best young talent  and developing them but you need that sprinkle of experience around the group and that was something I identified in the first half of the season, we were probably too young. 

“As a manager you have to be constantly looking at improving the group and the players you bring in, are they going to make you better? 

“And this signing makes us better, it’s as simple as that. I want to win and the players that we have want to win, we want to have a strong end to the season.”

Jessica Farry

Sligo Rovers are delighted to confirm that the club have reached a deal with NIFL side Cliftonville for the transfer of full back Sean Stewart to the Showgrounds on an 18 month deal. 

The left-sided Northern Ireland underage international arrives at the Showgrounds for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance and is manager John Russell’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window. 

The 22-year-old joins up at Rovers following spells with Norwich City and Belfast side Cliftonville who he won an Irish Cup with in 2024.

A former St Oliver Plunkett youth, Stewart played with the Belfast boys’ side until under 16 level when he moved across to Norwich for the next five years. A successful loan spell with hometown club Cliftonville resulted in the full back signing for the Reds on a full-time basis in summer 2024. 

He took part in Rovers’ recent friendly with Mansfield Town and has represented Northern Ireland at various levels all the way to the 21s.

“The international experience has hugely helped my development as you are constantly playing against the best young players from the countries you go up against”, he tells sligorovers.com.

“So I’m coming to Rovers with plenty of experience of playing at a high level and I’m looking forward to using that experience to further improve the squad.”

Stewart has already experienced match night having been in attendance for Rovers’ impressive win over in-form Derry City on Saturday at the Showgrounds. He is keen to get going in what he describes as an “attractive” league to play his football.

“John had been chasing me for a while and once I knew the clubs were happy to come to a deal and I spoke to him, I wanted to come here straight away”, he continues. 

“He is hugely ambitious for the club’s future and I want to be part of that.

“I’ve always had a big interest in the league here and followed the teams and results. It has grown enormously over the last few years and is further becoming such an attractive league to play in for young players. I couldn’t turn down the chance to play here. 

“It has developed so many players recently and Sligo is one of those clubs that realises the importance of giving younger players an opportunity. You only have to look at the average age of the current squad. The manager puts trust in his players, a young squad and it’s paid off the last few weeks when you look at the results we’re starting to pick up.”

“I was really impressed with the team against Derry and it was great to get the runout against Mansfield. The crowd really got behind the boys, the atmosphere around the club is great. 

“I will have to work so hard to earn a place in the team and that’s been obvious to me even before I arrived. We play with aggression and always try to be on the front foot and that’s how I want the teams I play in to operate. I cannot wait to get started here.” 

Welcoming his latest addition, Russell tells sligorovers.com: “Sean is a hugely promising talent who already has a lot of experience in senior football and has represented Northern Ireland at underage level. 

“I have signed him as we feel his physical profile and attributes certainly match what we already have here at Rovers. 

“He is strong defensively and is a player who really likes to get involved in attacking phases of play, which suits our style. I have had plenty of conversations with Sean before I signed him and he’s highly 

motivated to come here. He knows what we want from him and I feel he matches the type of player we need.

“We feel he has a really high ceiling and we have done very well to get him here.”

David Goulden

By Conall Collier

Wexford took the Women’s Premier Division (WPD) points at the Showgrounds on Saturday and Sligo Rovers added another player to a lengthy injury-list when Keeva Flynn was stretchered-off with about 15 minutes remaining.

Keeva sustained the injury in front of the Sligo Rovers technical area and the play was held up for about four minutes as she received attention before she was removed from the pitch on a stretcher.

Sligo Rovers trailed by two goals, one in each half, at that stage from Della Doherty and Ciara Rossiter and the Wexford women added a third through Leah McGrath near the end.

Wexford dominated for the most part in the opening half and had a chance from Orlaith Conlon that was narrowly wide after only 52 seconds.

Ciara Rossiter had a good effort saved by Bonnie McKiernan in the 10th minute with Becky Cassin’s long-range effort flying over the crossbar in the 20th minute.

Midway through the half Kylie Murphy was wide, but that was down to pressure from Rovers recent arrival Annie McKinley while Keeva Flynn, Katie Melly and Alice Lillie were also prominent in defence.

Making her home debut, Bernie Ferreira was creative around the middle, but lacked sufficient support to punish a Wexford rearguard that was comfortable.

However, Alice Lillie’s run on the half-hour created an opening for Mairead McIntyre, but her shot was finger-tipped away for a corner by a relieved Wexford ‘keeper Maria O’Sullivan.

Soon after Wexford were awarded what looked like a free of the soft variety on the edge of the centre circle and the Bit O’Red switched off long enough for Della Doherty to capitalise for a lead goal on 37 minutes.

Wexford’s Ciara Rossiter gave her side a two-goal advantage on 54 minutes when she pounced after Bonnie McKiernan spilled the ball from what was a needless corner.

McKiernan had been forced into a smart save to concede the corner after Wexford’s Aoife Kelly dispossessed Emma Hansberry and unleashed a fine shot.

Hansberry almost made amends 10 minutes later when her long-range effort bounced off the Wexford crossbar with ‘keeper Maria O’Sullivan scrambling in vain for a touch.

Keeva Flynn was stretchered-off with about 15 minutes remaining and Wexford substitute Leah McGrath scored the goal-of-the-game near the end to wrap up what was a comfortable afternoon for her side.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie, Keeva Flynn, Annie McKInley, Katie Melly, Emma Hansberry, Muireann Devaney, Kya McKenna, Bernie Fereira, Mairead McIntyre, Anna McDaniel.

Subs – Eve Caprani for McDaniel 55 mins, Lauren Devaney for Hansberry and Louise Masterson for Ferreira both 68m, Amy McCarthy for Flynn 73m.

Wexford – Maria O’Sullivan; Aisling Roche, Orlaith Conlon, Della Doherty, Lauren Dwyer, Kylie Murphy, Becky Cassin, Aoife Kelly, Ellen Molloy, Ciara Rossiter, Freya De Mange.

Subs – L McGrath for Rossiter 55 mins, M Daly for Roche and C Maher for Conlon both 70m, M Kirwan for Kelly 88m.

Referee – David Dunne.

Assistant-referees – Conor Fitzgibbon, Oisin Walsh.

Fourth official – Shane O’Brien.

Harvey Norman Sligo Rovers player-of-the-match – Katie Melly.

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers will continue the quest for Women’s Premier Division (WPD) points on Saturday when they host fourth-placed Wexford at the Showgrounds, kick-off at 3pm.

Wexford last visited the Showgrounds in October and had to settle for a 2-2 draw as the Bit O’Red produced a typical battling performance in what was the final game of the 2024 season.

More recently, Sligo Rovers endured a torrid afternoon at Ferrycarrig Park last March, where Wexford recorded a flattering 5-1 victory against the Bit O’Red, who had goalkeeper Amber Hardy red-carded in the second half.

There was a key moment in the space of a second-half minute when Sligo Rovers reduced the 2-0 interval deficit through Mairead McIntyre in the 62nd minute, but Wexford found an instant response as Ellen Molloy netted at the other end to make it 3-1.

It’s tough going for Sligo Rovers at the moment with two players doubtful for Saturday, Alana Doherty and Rachel McGoldrick. There are also 10 players on the injured list – Leah Kelly, Amber Hardy, Cara King, Ava Hallinan, Kate Nugent, Jess Casey, Ciara Henry, Eimear Lafferty, Keela Scanlon and Sarah Kiernan.

However, the addition of Annie McKinley, Bernie Ferreira and Louise Masteson will definitely strengthen an injury-ravaged side.

McKinley made her debut last week against Galway and rocketed two headers to the net in the opening half when she got on the end of crosses from Emma Hansberry, a corner and a free.

She will be aiming for more goals against a Wexford side that also lost last weekend when Athlone Town took the points home from Ferrycarrig Park.

Wexford also lost the previous weekend against Bohemians in the WFAI Cup, and while they will be targeting a victory on Saturday, they will adopt a cautious approach.

“We didn’t make a good start; Wexford were on top and had a couple of early chances before they scored,” commented Bit O’Red boss Steve Feeney after the game at Ferrycarrig Park last March, and that is something he will be aiming to avoid on Saturday. Sligo Rovers v Wexford is live on LOITV, kick-off at 3pm.

GALWAY UTD 4, SLIGO ROVERS 2

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers surrendered a two-goal interval advantage on Saturday evening in the Women’s Premier Division (WPD) against title-chasing Galway Utd who replied with four second-half goals.

New signing Annie McKinley made her debut for the Bit O’Red and Sarah McDaniel also started with both players making a big contribution.

Two more new faces appeared for the Bit O’Red in the second-half with Bernie Ferreira and Louise Masterson sent into the fray by manager Steve Feeney.

McKinley arrived from California where she played College football for the last four years and concluded her final season with a League Championship success.

She made an instant impact for the Bit O’Red as she rocketed a header to the net on 13 minutes from an Emma Hansberry corner and 20 minutes later the duo struck again.

Goal number two was similar to the opener and that gave the Bit O’Red the platform for a 2-0 interval advantage.

Galway’s only real chance in the opening half was a Celoa Bergin effort that went narrowly wide.

However, Galway upped the tempo for the second half with early goals from Emma Doherty and Isabella Beletic for parity by the 50th minute.

Then, the former Sligo Rovers striker headed Galway in front on the hour as the hosts showed a more positive disposition in the second half.

That attitude produced a fourth goal for Galway with six minutes remaining.

Rovers lost possession around midfield, and Galway substitute Amanda Smith capitalised to make it 4-2, sealing a hard-earned victory for the hosts in sweltering conditions.

Galway Utd – Nicole Nix; Aoibheann Costello, Lucy Grant, Isabella Beletic, Kate Thompson, Therese Kinnevey, Ceola Bergin, Ava Mullins, Eve Dossen, Emma Doherty, Niamh Farrelly. 

Subs – A Smith for Mullins 62 mins, R Olusola for Bergin 76 mins, K Coady for Doherty and A Donnelly for Thompson, both 88 mins.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Sarah McDaniel, Keeva Flynn, Annie McKinley, Alice Lillie, Emma Hansberry, Paula McGrory, Katie Melly, Kya McKenna, Alana Doherty, Cara King. 

Subs – Bernie Ferreira for Hansberry and Louise Masterson for McGrory, both 74 mins; Eve Caprani for McDaniel and Amy McCarthy for King, both 85 mins.

Referee – Kate O’Brien.

Assistant referees – Conor Fitzgibbon, Paudie Hayes.

Fourth official – Declan Toland.

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers return to action in the Women’s Premier Division (WPD) with a trip to Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday to tackle title-chasing Galway Utd at 5pm.

Galway took the points home from the Showgrounds last time on Easter Saturday with what was a hard-earned 3-1 victory.

That was a costly outing for the Bit O’Red, as separate second-half injuries to Katie Melly and Jessica Casey disrupted the team’s fluency.

Rachel McGoldrick scored for the Bit O’Red as Galway added two late goals to seal the 3-1 victory.

Boss Steve Feeney has struggled to get a consistent starting 11 so far, due mainly to a lengthy injury list, and it will be a similar story for Saturday’s trip to Galway.

However, he is hopeful that former Peamount Utd player Louise Masterson will be able to make an overdue debut for the Bit O’red.

Louise was recruited for the start of the season, but a registration issue left her ineligible until now, and she should be a good addition to the side. 

Bernie Ferreria and Annie McKinley have also signed up for the Bit O’Red and should be available for the weekend action.

Ferreira has played with a number of clubs, including Crusaders and Linfield, and also featured for Northern Ireland at under-17 and under-19 levels. 

Last February she scored against Albania in stage two of the UEFA WU19 Euro 2025 qualifiers as N Ireland won by 5-0. 

McKinley arrives from California after playing college football for the last four years and finished her last season with a league championship success.

“Hopefully, the registrations for Louise, Bernie and Annie will be okay for Saturday, and I’ll be able to include them in the squad for the game against Galway,” commented the Bit O’Red boss.

“Apart from the players on the injured list, we will be without Muireann and Lauren Devaney while Alanna Doherty, Eimear Lafferty and Anna McDaniel are on the doubtful list at the moment,” he added.

Looking at the last outing in the WFAI Cup against DLR Waves, Steve was disappointed with the result, although he couldn’t fault the overall effort of the players. 

“We could have won the game against DLR Waves a fortnight ago, but we just couldn’t get over the line,” he said.

“We didn’t capitalise on some early chances, but even after going two goals down, we displayed great character to get back into contention.

“I was disappointed with the decision to award a penalty, apparently for a push in the back. I couldn’t see it even after watching it a few times after the game, but that’s the way it goes, and you just have to get on with it.

“Going to Galway on Saturday, one of the strongest teams in the league, will be another big challenge for us.

“However, we know that we can be competitive, that we create chances, and that we can defend well.

“If we can do all that with a little bit more consistency and finish some of the chances that we create, then we will make it difficult for Galway and hopefully take something home from the game,” he concluded.

GALWAY UTD

Currently sitting in fourth place, some nine points adrift of leaders Athlone Town with a back match away to Peamount from a postponement in March, Galway cannot afford any more slip-ups with three defeats already clocked up.

May was a bad month on that front with defeats against Athlone Town, Shelbourne and Treaty Utd, but since then they have beaten Cork and Waterford to get the drive for a WPD title back on track.

Apart from chasing a first WPD title after going close last season, the Galway women are also chasing a third successive All-Island Cup and will face Wexford in the semi-final at the end of July.

They exited the WFAI Cup at the first hurdle, losing to Shelbourne at the end of June, but bounced back to winning ways in the All-Island Cup last weekend with a 3-1 quarter-final victory against Shamrock Rovers.

Ceola Bergin scored twice in the opening half for Phil Trill’s side, and an early second-half own goal sealed the verdict in front of a good-sized crowd of almost 400 at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Galway Utd v Sligo Rovers live on LOITV on Saturday at 5pm.