Sligo Rovers return to the Showgrounds tomorrow evening as they host Cork City in Round 8 of the Women’s Premier Division, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00.

The Bit O’ Red come into the game in strong form following last weekend’s impressive 2-1 victory away to Waterford, where goals from Cara Jordan and Sydney Stephens secured all three points.

Rovers now sit eighth in the league on eight points, level with seventh-placed Peamount United but behind on goal difference, and will be aiming to head into the mid-season break unbeaten in four matches with another positive result on home soil.

There will also be confidence from Rovers’ last outing at the Showgrounds, when they recorded the biggest home win in the club’s history with a 5-1 victory over Bohemians, inspired by a Sydney Stephens hat-trick. The striker has continued that form into the current campaign and now has six goals in her last four appearances.

Preparations have gone well throughout the week according to manager Gavin Hughes, who says the squad are focused on maintaining their recent consistency heading into the break.

“Preparations have been going really well. The girls are in good form both on and off the pitch, so it’s about continuing that consistency in our performances,” Hughes said.

“We’re looking to go into the break unbeaten in four and in a good league position.”

While Cork currently sit bottom of the Women’s Premier Division with one point from their opening seven matches, recent performances suggest signs of improvement under new manager Derek Coughlan.

The Rebels followed up a scoreless draw against Treaty United in the All-Island Cup with another point away to DLR Waves in Dublin last weekend and now arrive in Sligo unbeaten in their last two matches.

Hughes is expecting another difficult challenge at the Showgrounds this weekend.

“Cork are coming into the game unbeaten in their last two games,” he said.

“Naturally, with a change in management, you often see a response from the group and they’ll be hoping to build on last week’s draw in Dublin.”

The last league meeting between the sides at the Showgrounds came on August 9th, 2025, when Rovers secured a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Paula McGrory and Muireann Devaney. However, both squads have undergone significant changes since then heading into tomorrow’s encounter.

There was further positive news for Rovers this week with Ella Karolak returning to the squad ahead of tomorrow’s clash.

“We’re delighted to welcome Ella Karolak back into the squad,” Hughes confirmed.

“We’re carrying a couple of knocks as well, but the players have come through the week well.”

Defender Ava Hallinan will be unavailable this weekend as she links up with the Republic of Ireland WU16 squad for a UEFA Development Tournament in Finland.

Tickets for tomorrow’s clash are available online and at the gate, while supporters unable to attend can watch the game live on LOITV, with kick-off at 17:00 from the Showgrounds.

Match Officials

Referee: Eric Eaton

Assistant Referees: Shane O’Donoghue and Oisin Walsh

Fourth Official: Richard Storey

Referee Observer: John Duffy

Delegate: Danny Meenan

Michał Kuras

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that the club has tied down the services of centre half Gareth McElroy for the next two-and-a-half-years.  

This new deal extends Gareth’s current contract with the Bit O’Red to the end of the 2028 season. 

The 21-year-old joined Rovers’ Abbvie Academy when he signed up with the club three years ago. A native of Burnfoot in County Donegal, McElroy made his first team debut in a win over Waterford at the Showgrounds in August 2024 and has since established himself as a valued member of John Russell’s squad. 

The powerful defender has to date made 41 senior appearances for Rovers, scoring twice. This is McElroy’s second senior professional contract. 

He signed his first one with Rovers at the end of the 2024 season having impressed at both first team and U20s level that year. 

A recipient of a scholarship as part of the link up between Sligo Rovers and ATU Sligo, McElroy has been involved in each of our 17 league games to date. He says he is looking forward to furthering his career at the Showgrounds and with the likes of Ollie Denham and Sean McHale competing with him for places, he’s thriving being kept on his toes.

“It’s been a huge pleasure representing the club and the Sligo area over the past three years”, Gareth tells sligorovers.com. 

“It was an easy decision when the club approached me about extending my stay. It’s a real buzz for me to get this settled.

“I feel a lot more established now. I feel as if I’ve grown a lot in such a short time. But I know I still have a long way to go and a lot more to learn from the players and coaches here. 

“It does feel like Rovers is the best place for me at this stage of my career.

“That’s because there’s huge competition for places. But it’s great because it pushes you on to improve further. It’s tough to get into this team and even harder to stay in it but the competitiveness is healthy.”

McElroy has been present for every minute of every game bar one since the beginning of the second series of Premier Division games, in which Rovers have won 12 points from eight games, the division’s third best record. 

Speaking about his ambitions for the rest of the year, McElroy is only looking up. He also focused in on the input of the current management team and is looking forward to pushing on with vital games against Shamrock Rovers and Bohs to come before the summer break. 

“We had a slow start but I feel as if in this section of the season, we’re showing the quality we have”, he continues. 

“The league is so tight, even one win and the three points can move you up a few positions. We definitely have a squad good enough to finish a lot higher up the table than where we are. 

“I just want to keep going and keep learning. I want to keep gaining experience here and a goal or two would be a boost. 

“John (Russell) and Ryan (Casey) have been so influential for me and the other young lads that are here. They gave me my chance to play senior football and they are so keen on seeing everyone improve and standards rising. 

“They squeeze everything they can out of themselves and the players. I love that. They have huge hunger and ambition and I want to be part of that.” 

Describing McElroy as ‘one of the best young defenders in the country’, first team boss Russell welcomed the former Derry youth’s decision to commit his future to Rovers.

“Gareth is still very young but has learned so much and developed so much in a short space of time”, he says.

“He has shown real leadership qualities, even during his first few games. It was very noticeable.

“For me it was very important that we got him signed and committed to Rovers for the near future as I believe he has massive potential to develop further.

“He’s nearly hitting 50 senior appearances and that bodes very well for a lad who hasn’t hit 22 yet. We’re looking forward to working with him over the next few years.”  

David Goulden

Ahead of this weekend’s clash against Cork City, Sydney Stephens spoke about her recent goalscoring form, the growing chemistry within the squad and adapting to life in Ireland following her move to Sligo Rovers.

Reflecting on her recent run of form

“I’m definitely proud of it. Definitely some of the individual efforts I’m really proud of, but I think the team efforts are really what I’m kind of more focused on.

I think the more that we can kind of put together team goals and just team moments where we’re really connecting a lot of passes and kind of getting in behind and finishing our chances, the better. And I’ve just been fortunate to be on the back end of some of that.

I think you also see a lot of set-piece goals coming out. Whether it’s me that scored or CJ or somebody else that has scored, there’s been a lot of restarts and set-piece goals that we’ve been able to capitalise on.

So I am proud of some of those individual efforts, but at the end of the day, I might just be the person tapping it in at the back post. People have teed it up for me. So yeah, just the more that we can kind of keep creating that chemistry on the field, the better.”

Building momentum after a difficult start to the season

“Yeah, for sure. I think with so many new faces on our team, we weren’t sure what to expect.

We hadn’t settled into this league early on. We had the good result against Athlone, but there were still certainly some points left for us that we didn’t get right.

I think we knew that going into the last three or four matches. There’s definitely still points on the table for us to take.

I think we go into every game knowing and feeling that we can win. It’s just about putting it all together on the day.

I think it’s coming together slowly but surely. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. We know this is a long season. We want to be in our best form towards the end of that and that’s what we’re building towards.”

Adapting to life in Ireland and building relationships within the squad

“Anytime you are making a transition and adjustment to a new team, a new system and a new programme, I think it takes a little bit to kind of build that trust and earn that trust and that goes both ways.

That goes from them as managers to us and then us to them as managers. So I do think that there was a little bit of a learning curve coming over here and understanding maybe a little bit of a different style of play.

European football and football in Ireland is a little bit different than what we’re used to.

So I think for them letting us take the reins when they see fit and obviously us letting them kind of do their thing and coach has been a huge bonus there.

As Americans, we bring a different kind of mentality to the game that is really helpful in moments. But at the same time, I think we do have to dial back some of that mentality and really understand what the game calls for.

As far as our relationship, I think we’re really creating a good one and continuing to build that trust.”

Differences between football in the USA and Ireland

“A lot of people have asked me that question and a lot of people have said that the League of Ireland is really physical.

I think it’s certainly physical, but I also think the NCAA is equally as physical. The thing about the NCAA is that it’s extremely athletic.

Girls are in the gym three times a week in the spring and twice a week during the season.

I think from a resource standpoint the NCAA is much further along in terms of development. The money that’s involved in college sports in the United States is insane.

That’s not to say the League of Ireland isn’t good. I think it’s just really different.”

Looking ahead to Cork City and the weeks ahead

“I think for us as a team, every single game we look at on the weekend we’re going, ‘Hey, that’s three points that we can win.’

We’re definitely looking ahead saying this is another opportunity for three points.

We want to keep getting results before the mid-season break and then hopefully really hit our stride after that.

Cara Jordan has had an impeccable impact, Emma Duffy has had an impeccable impact and I think you’re going to see some of our injuries come back around the mid-season break as well.

There’s been a little inconsistency from us, but all those ups and downs are learning moments for us.

I think now we’re hitting that point where we can start getting a little more consistency in our performances and results.”

Thoughts on the Golden Boot race

“It’s been on my mind since day one.

I’ve actually never considered myself a scorer or even a goalscorer before, so stepping into that role here has been a different part of my game and something that I’m really growing into as a player.

I think I also look at the fact that I’ve scored in the last four games and now I want to make it five games. I want to make it six games. I want to keep that streak going.

Statistics are important, but it also depends on the performances I’m putting out for 90 minutes.

The more that we can develop towards playing a full 90-minute game that’s tactically sound, technically sound and dominant, the better I think we’ll feel.

Kudos to Dana Scheriff as well, who has been absolutely brilliant at the top of the Golden Boot race right now.

There’s definitely been a lot said about it, which is a blessing and a curse because it adds pressure, but recognition doesn’t hurt either.

At the end of the day, the pitch is where it all happens and it depends on what I’m willing to do week to week to put myself in positions where I feel confident to score goals.”

Interview conducted by Ben Dorgan.

It was a challenging week for the academy sides as they came up against strong opposition across both the male and female fixtures. However, a number of players produced strong individual displays and showed great character and quality, certainly giving the coaches plenty to think about moving forward.

U15 | Longford Town 2 – 1 Sligo Rovers

Two classy goals from Coughlan undid the lads as we suffered a narrow defeat on Saturday in the opening round of the Michael Hayes Cup. A late consolation goal from substitute Wiktor Dabrowski in the 87th minute was not enough to spark a comeback at Bishopsgate. Despite the result, the lads showed great determination and competed well throughout, creating plenty of chances and battling right until the end.

WU17 | Sligo Rovers 0 – 2 Treaty United

A tough result for the girls on Saturday as we exited the cup against an impressive Treaty United side. Two first-half goals proved decisive, leaving the girls with too much to do in the second half as our cup hopes came to an end. Regardless of the scoreline, the girls put in a strong performance and battled well against a high-flying Treaty United side at the Showgrounds.

WU23 | Athlone Town 6 – 1 Sligo Rovers

Table-toppers Athlone Town proved too strong for the 23s in Sunday’s clash in Athlone. A blistering start from the hosts saw them score four goals inside the opening 20 minutes, leaving the Rovers girls with a mountain to climb. U17 player Erin Farry coolly slotted home a penalty, but it proved to be only a consolation as Athlone ran out comfortable winners. The girls will now look to bounce back in ten days’ time when they welcome second-placed Bohemians to the Showgrounds.

Tom Lavery

Ahead of Saturday’s Connacht Derby against Galway United, Ben Dorgan sat down with Jeannot Esua to discuss the challenge ahead, facing his former club and the atmosphere building around the Showgrounds.

Looking ahead to the Connacht Derby

“It’s always a massive game when you’re preparing to play the derby. But we kind of prepare for the game in the same way as we prepare for the other games.

Obviously, you’re always going to get a little bit of an edge as a footballer going into those games because it’s going to be a vital game for both clubs.

Galway is not an easy team knowing them from my time playing for them. It’s going to be a tough game, it’s going to be a physical game. But we just need to show up and do our jobs and hopefully get the three points.”

On the importance of Saturday’s clash

“Like I said earlier, it’s a massive game for both clubs. Obviously we lost down there in Galway because it’s not always an easy place to go.

But now they are coming to the Showgrounds, so we need to show up and put on a show for the fans and hopefully the fans get behind us as well so together we can push to get the points.

And just like you said, it’s a very important game for both clubs. A win here is going to see either club go ahead of each other. So we just want to push to get the win and hopefully shoot up the table.”

On facing his former club

“To be fair for me, it’s always a normal game. Like I kind of prepare for my games the same way. It doesn’t matter what team I play.

Obviously I’m playing against my old club. It’s going to come with pros and cons, but I always just prepare my game the same way, play the game the same way.

At the end of the day, I am a believer that when I go into every game I already know that God has already prepared the outcome of the game ahead of me. So I just go into the game and try to use my talent and just enjoy and have fun.

At the end of the day, it’s the same game as every other game.”

On the Showgrounds becoming a fortress

“I think right now the team is really syncing well with the fans. The fans are getting behind the team pretty much as well and the lads are putting in a good shift.

So I think if we keep putting on a good shift, then the Showgrounds is going to be a very tough place to come.

Also if you compare now to the start of the season, we just needed things to really gel because we had a lot of new players and very good players as well.

So now everything is coming along pretty well. So I think going forward the Showgrounds is going to be a tough place. So we just need to keep that energy going, show up every game, work hard, push and the fans are going to get behind us and that’s going to make it even more difficult for the opponents to come play here.”

Interview conducted by Ben Dorgan.

A solid week for the academy teams this weekend with various wins right across the board. The girls set the standard with some really strong results and performances. There were positives right across all squads, with some players continuing to develop and push closer to first-team involvement.

U20 | Sligo Rovers 1 – 0 Galway United
Our U20s bounced back from a frustrating result last week to edge past Galway United by a goal to nil in the Connacht derby. It was a cagey affair, with Guilherme Priosti scoring the only goal of the game in an enjoyable win for the Rovers.

U17 | Shelbourne 5 – 2 Sligo Rovers
It was a tough afternoon on the road for the Rovers against title-chasing Shelbourne at the AUL Complex. A slow start allowed Shels to go two goals up inside the opening half an hour, leaving the lads with it all to do. Dillon Doherty pulled one back before the break, taking his tally to four for the season. However, the hosts proved too strong on the day, with their dangerous forward line helping them run out 5-2 winners, despite a late consolation goal from Scott Williams.

U15 | Galway United 6 – 1 Sligo Rovers
A strong first-half display wasn’t enough for our U15s as they were ultimately undone after the interval in Galway. We went into the break 1-0 up after Aaron Brehony played through the in-form Ryan Tuffy, who made no mistake in finishing, making it his fifth goal in two games. However, six second-half goals from the league leaders saw United turn the game around and secure all three points. A special mention also to Jack Ivers Brehony and Daniel Mate from our U14s, who both lined out for the U15s over the weekend. An opportunity for the lads to bounce back next week with an away trip to Longford in the cup.

WU23 | Sligo Rovers 4 – 1 Drogheda United
Our WU23s got back to winning ways on Sunday with a huge result at home to Drogheda. We went in at half-time 1-0 down and frustrated, but whatever was said at half-time sparked a brilliant response as the girls came out to score four times in a dominant display. Mairead McIntyre equalised in the 52nd minute, followed by a Sophie Quinn goal to deservedly put the girls ahead. The introduction of Arlin Barrett proved crucial, with the forward coming off the bench to score a late brace to secure the 4-1 win. This result puts our WU23s 7th in the table, with the aim of continuing to climb in the weeks ahead.

WU17 | Sligo Rovers 1 – 0 Mayo
Our WU17s got off the mark for the year at the Showgrounds with a fantastic result against Mayo. The only goal of the game came through centre midfielder Caragh Guckian in the 49th minute. A great performance across the pitch meant that goal was enough to secure the first three points of the season for the Rovers. The girls will look to continue this form next week as they face Treaty United in the cup on Saturday.

Tom Lavery

Sligo Football and Sports Development Society LTD (Sligo Rovers Football Club) will hold its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, April 28th at 7.30pm in the Clayton Hotel, Sligo.

The AGM will include the election of the Committee of Management for 2026, along with reports from the Chairman, Secretary and General Manager, and a presentation of the club’s financial statements.

Attendance at the AGM is confined to fully paid-up members, or those entitled to the privileges of membership in accordance with the Society’s rules.

Members wishing to attend the AGM online are asked to email shane@sligorovers.com at least 48 hours in advance.

Members wishing to stand for election to the Committee of Management must complete a nomination form and return it to the Secretary by Monday, April 21st.

Agenda:

1. Chairman’s Address
2. Minutes of Previous AGM
3. Matters Arising
4. Secretary’s Report
5. General Manager’s Report
6. Treasurer’s Report, Adoption of Statement of Accounts and Balance Sheet
7. Appointment of Auditors
8. Election of Committee of Management
9. Development Update
10. Any Other Business

Showgrounds, 14 March 2026

Sligo Rovers began their 2026 Women’s Premier Division campaign with a draw against reigning champions Athlone Town at the Showgrounds, in a game where the hosts were unlucky not to come away with all three points. After falling behind in the second half, Rovers responded well and were rewarded when captain Emma Hansberry’s free kick found its way through to the net to bring the sides level.

Line-ups

Sligo Rovers:
Bonnie McKiernan, Leah Kelly, Ava Hallinan, Emma Hansberry (C) (Manu Baptista Filipe 78), Cara Jordan, Paula McGrory (Rachel McGoldrick 90), Ella Karolak, Sabrina Hillyer (Abby Rooney 90), Kelsey McQuillan (Mairead McIntyre 73), Alice Lillie, Sydney Stephens

Substitutes: Ivana McMahon, Alana Doherty, Emma Duffy, Abby Rooney, Katie Melly, Manu Baptista Filipe, Natalie Yoo, Rachel McGoldrick, Mairead McIntyre

Athlone Town:
Maria Matthaiou, Kellie Brennan, Kayleigh Shine, Shauna Brennan, Natalie McNally, Hannah Waesch (C), Dana Scheriff, Roisin Molloy, Isabel Ryan (Alexis Strickland 65), Emma Mooney, Melissa O’Kane (Hazel Donegan 65)

Substitutes: Courtney Maguire, Chloe Singleton, Kerryanne Brown, Alexis Strickland, Niamh Dundon, Hazel Donegan, Danielle O’Neill, Muireann Daly, Michaela Hand

Referee: Arnold Hunter

Rovers started brightly and forced two early corners as they looked to take the initiative. In the 17th minute, Cara Jordan came close to opening the scoring when she struck a powerful effort that forced Maria Matthaiou to palm the ball away for a corner. Two minutes later, Ella Karolak had a chance from a well-delivered free kick as Rovers created the better of the early opportunities.

Jordan continued to cause problems down the wing and was one of the standout performers in the early stages as the home side searched for the opening goal.

Athlone eventually broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Melissa O’Kane combined with Isabel Ryan before the ball found Dana Scheriff, who finished past Bonnie McKiernan, despite the Rovers goalkeeper having performed strongly throughout the game.

The goal briefly shifted momentum in Athlone’s favour as the visitors enjoyed a short spell of possession following the opener.

Rovers responded positively and pushed forward, with Cara Jordan’s persistence down the flank forcing Kayleigh Shine into a yellow card as she drove towards goal.

The equaliser arrived in the 69th minute when captain Emma Hansberry stepped up to take a free kick from distance. Her effort travelled through the players and beyond the goalkeeper to bring Rovers level.

Both sides made changes as the game entered its final stages. Mairead McIntyre replaced Kelsey McQuillan in the 73rd minute, while Manu Baptista Filipe came on to make her debut for Rovers shortly after, replacing Hansberry after the captain suffered an injury following a challenge from Athlone captain Hannah Waesch.

Rovers nearly found a late winner in the 86th minute when Cara Jordan delivered an excellent cross that was met by Paula McGrory, but the Athlone goalkeeper produced a fine save to keep the scores level.

Further late substitutions saw Rachel McGoldrick replace McGrory and Abby Rooney come on for Sabrina Hillyer in the closing moments as Rovers pushed for a winner.

Despite late pressure, the sides could not be separated and both teams settled for a point to begin the new campaign.

Sligo Rovers travel to Eamonn Deacy Park next Saturday, 21 March, where they will face Galway United.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers begin their 2026 Women’s Premier Division campaign this Saturday as Athlone Town visit the Showgrounds for a 17:00 kick-off. It is the first league outing of the season and a strong early test for Rovers, who take on the reigning Women’s Premier Division and WFAI Cup champions.

There is a fresh feel around Rovers heading into the new campaign, with a new manager in charge and several new faces added to the squad during the off-season. Athlone arrive in Sligo in strong form after lifting the Women’s President’s Cup last weekend, setting the stage for a competitive opening fixture.

Rovers wrapped up their pre-season preparations last weekend with a 2–1 victory over Peamount United at Greenogue Park. Despite several new additions joining the team, it was familiar faces on the scoresheet as Anna McDaniel and Cara King found the back of the net in the first half. Mia McGonnell pulled one back with 15 minutes to go, but Hughes’ side saw out the game to round off a successful pre-season.

Manager Gavin Hughes has been pleased with how preparations have gone in the lead-up to the start of the season.

“We’ve had a good pre-season. Training has been good, the girls are in good form and they’re excited for the game on Saturday. It’s been a long pre-season but the girls are nearly there and we’re all set for Saturday.

“The game against Peamount was a good test for the girls. We got minutes into a lot of the girls’ legs which was positive and we liked what we saw in the game.”

Athlone Town arrive at the Showgrounds once again as the team to beat in the Women’s Premier Division. The Midlands side enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season, securing the league title and the WFAI Cup, while losing just one league match throughout the entire campaign.

They have already started the new season on a high note after lifting the Women’s President’s Cup last weekend, underlining the quality within their squad.

Hughes is well aware of the challenge that awaits, but is focused on his side executing their own game plan.

“We’ve tough opposition, we know that. But we have to take care of our own business and hopefully the fans can be proud of the performance from the girls.

“I was at the game and they’re a quality team. We’ll give them loads of respect but at the same time we have to stick to our own game plan.”

The two sides last met on the final day of the 2025 Women’s Premier Division season, with Athlone coming away with the points on that occasion. Saturday’s meeting therefore marks the beginning of a new chapter for Rovers as they face the champions once again at the start of a new campaign.

Athlone have also made a number of notable changes during the off-season. Golden Boot winner Kelly Brady, who found the net in that last meeting between the sides, has since moved to Crystal Palace.

Head coach John Sullivan has strengthened his squad in a bid to become the first team to win three Women’s Premier Division titles in a row, bringing in Noelle Murray from Shelbourne while also welcoming back former Golden Boot winner Dana Scheriff, who came off the bench to score the winner in last week’s President’s Cup.

Rovers head into the opening fixture in relatively strong shape after coming through pre-season without any new injury concerns.

“Thankfully we’ve gotten through pre-season with no fresh concerns,” Hughes said.

“Keela Scanlon and Ciara Henry are both working their way back to fitness, while Jessica Casey and Keeva Flynn are unfortunately out for a longer period of time. Other than that we’re all good heading into the game.”

The game kicks off at 17:00 this Saturday at the Showgrounds as Sligo Rovers begin their 2026 Women’s Premier Division campaign against Athlone Town. Supporters can purchase tickets online or at the ground on matchday, and the team will be hoping for strong support as the new season gets underway in Sligo.

Jack Dempsey

Following the departure of Steve Feeney, the club wishes to place on record its sincere thanks to Steve and his backroom team for their service and commitment.

First-team assistant coach Jay McCartney, Head Goalkeeping Coach Jerome Carleton, Sports Therapist Ciara Mulrooney, Strength and Conditioning Coach Conor Rushe and Player Liaison Officer Elaine Crossan have also departed the club. Significant work was carried out behind the scenes to support the continued development of the Women’s team, and the club acknowledges the professionalism and dedication shown by each member of staff during their time at the Showgrounds.

Gavin Hughes was appointed manager of the Women’s team following a successful spell in charge of the Bohemians U19 side. He guided the group through a successful 2025 campaign, culminating in FAI Cup success after a 2–0 victory over Treaty United in the final. His work at underage level was marked by strong player development, structure and consistency, with several players progressing into senior football.

Hughes now steps into senior management focused on building a competitive and organised side while continuing to develop emerging talent within the club’s pathway. Joining him are Ciaran Fadden and Tom Donovan, who also arrive from the Bohemians U19 setup as first-team coaches after being part of last season’s cup-winning backroom team. Both will support match preparation, tactical planning and player development. Richard Brush has been appointed goalkeeping coach, while Ben Houston takes on the role of strength and conditioning coach.

Following the conclusion of the 2025 Women’s Premier Division season, a number of players departed the club. Goalkeeper Amber Hardy completed a move to Treaty United, while midfielder Eimear Lafferty joined Bohemians FC. The club thanks both players for their commitment and contribution.

Bernie Ferreira, Louise Masterson, Lauren Devaney and Muireann Devaney have also left the club. Each played their part during their spell in Sligo, and the club extends its appreciation for their efforts and wishes them well in the next stage of their careers.

Kate Nugent also departs the club after several years within the Sligo Rovers pathway. She was part of the inaugural squad that represented the club in the Women’s National Under-17 League in the summer of 2018 before progressing through the U19 ranks. Nugent was first included in the senior matchday squad against Peamount United in March 2023 and made her official debut a week later in a 2–1 defeat to Treaty United at the Showgrounds. Across three seasons she made 45 senior appearances and was an important presence both on and off the pitch. The club thanks Kate for her contribution and wishes her every success in the future.

It has been a busy winter transfer window, with several additions confirmed ahead of the 2026 season. Midfielder Abby Rooney joined from the Bohemians U19 FAI Cup-winning side, while defender Kelsey McQuillan also arrives from the same squad. Former academy player Emma Duffy returns after a successful spell with Galway United, where she was part of the All-Island Cup-winning teams in 2023 and 2024. Six overseas players have also been added, with Sydney Stephens, Manu Baptista Filipe, Cara Jordan, Natalie Yoo, Ella Karolak and Sabrina Hillyer all moving from the United States to join the squad.

With just over a week to go before the season starts, the squad stands at 26 players for the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season:

Goalkeepers
Bonnie McKiernan, Ivana McMahon

Defenders
Alana Doherty, Alice Lillie, Ava Hallinan, Ella Karolak, Jessica Casey, Katie Melly, Keela Scanlon, Keeva Flynn, Kelsey McQuillan, Leah Kelly, Sabrina Hillyer

Midfielders
Abby Rooney, Cara King, Ciara Henry, Emma Duffy, Emma Hansberry, Manu Baptista Filipe, Natalie Yoo, Rachel McGoldrick

Forwards
Anna McDaniel, Cara Jordan, Mairead McIntyre, Paula McGrory, Sydney Stephens

Emma Hansberry will once again serve as club captain for the 2026 season, with Leah Kelly appointed vice-captain.

In injury news, Jessica Casey is recovering from a knee injury, while Keeva Flynn continues her rehabilitation from an ACL injury and will be sidelined for an extended period. Keela Scanlon and Ciara Henry are also making progress in their return from ACL injuries, though neither will be fit for the opening fixture.

Pre-season preparations have progressed positively under Hughes, with the squad returning to training on January 13. The team have played two fixtures under the new management, recording victories over Linfield and Derry City. Their final pre-season outing takes place on Saturday, 7 March, as they travel to Greenogue Park in Dublin to face Peamount United.

The 2026 Women’s Premier Division season gets underway on Saturday, 14 March, as Sligo Rovers welcome reigning champions Athlone Town to the Showgrounds, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00.

Jack Dempsey