The 500 Club members draw for January and February was made recently by the 500 Club Committee.

These monthly draws see ten members drawn each month for cash prizes, with the top prize being €500.

The 500 Club continues to be one of the club’s most important Fundraisers and we wish to thank all members, and the 500 Club committee for their continued hard work.

January 2024

• €500 Norman Ashe – Strandhill, Co. Sligo
• €100 Seamus Gallagher – Crossmolina, Co. Mayo
• €100 Patrick Lynch – Calry, Co Sligo
• €100 Catrina Oates – Maugheraboy , Co Sligo
• €100 Ian Shovlin – Ballybofey , Co Donegal
• €100 Michael Forde – Ennisecrone, Co Sligo
• €100 Bertie Davey – Carraroe, Co Sligo
• €100 Niamh Connolly – Maul, Co Dublin
• €100 Gordon McDermott – Drumcliffe, Co Sligo
• €100 Thomas Kelly – Kellystown Sligo

February 2024

• €500 Brendon Mullen – Bundoran Rd, Co Sligo
• €100 Enda O Brien – Tracy Ave, Co Sligo
• €100 Martin Carr – Ballina, Co Mayo
• €100 Michael Mchugh – Cliffoney, Co Sligo
• €100 Kiara Killerane – Caltragh, Co Sligo
• €100 Paul Gilliece – Circular Rd, Co Sligo
• €100 Michael Clancy – Glencar, Co Sligo
• €100 Brian McDonagh – Strandhill, Co Sligo
• €100 David Kielty– Rathgar, Co Dublin
• €100 Joe Gannon – Rosses Point, Co Sligo

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers will kick-off a fourth season in the League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division (WPD) at the Showgrounds on Saturday, 3pm, against Dublin side Bohemian FC on International Women’s Day.

The Bit O’Red will be aiming to find some improvement on a disappointing 2024 campaign that was highlighted by a well-deserved FAI Cup semi-final appearance against WPD champions Athlone Town.

Both teams completed pre-season last Saturday. The Dublin women had a 2-0 win against Linfield with goals from Katie Malone and Mia Dodd while Sligo Rovers had a 2-2 draw against Galway Utd at the Showgrounds with goals from Cara King and Rachel McGoldrick. Galway equalised in the 91st minute.

Steve Feeney returns to the sideline in a managerial role after taking a break last season.

“I feel we have a nice blend of experience and youth in the squad this season,” stated Steve who will have Enda Scanlon in the role of assistant-manager.

“Alana Doherty has returned to the club from a scholarship in the USA and Louise Masterson has joined us also, she was previously with Peamount Utd.

“Louise spent a couple of months playing full-time in Italy at the end of last season, the family has links with Sligo Rovers so that’s how the contact materialised.

“She has featured in some of the pre-season friendlies and has travelled from Dublin for training as well, she could be a good addition to the squad.

“Another new face is Morgan Burnap from the USA (New Hampshire), she contacted the club initially, has shown up well in the pre-season friendlies and could be a big addition once she gets to the fitness level required, she played College Football in the USA,

“Lauren Devaney, a cousin of Muireann, has also joined the squad from the under-19s and will be pushing for a pace in the starting 11,” he added.

Looking at last season and the fact that Sligo Rovers finished bottom of the League, Steve suggested that the performances weren’t as bad as the results indicated.

“I didn’t see all the games, but from what I did see, it was encouraging, despite the results,” he said.

“The team had some good spells in games and they were certainly worth more than the one win, but what was really evident was the battling qualities and that’s hugely beneficial.

“A lot of younger players also came in, Mairead McIntyre, Anna McDaniel, Cara King, Rachel McGoldrick, all capable of kicking-on and going to another level this season in terms of performance.

“If you look at the second half of last season, lots of positives, the draw in Tallaght where they were pushing to win the game, the FAI Cup win in Dublin against DLR Waves, they finished the season strongly,” he commented.

Regarding the pressure and demands to play other sports, Steve said that he had given the matter serious consideration.

“I had a chance to look at that particular issue last season, whether it’s the GAA or the basketball, it’s difficult for everyone and probably the fairest approach is to try to accomodate the various demands as much as possible,” he said.

“The break last year gave me a chance to look at the broader picture, on and off the pitch, and while I enjoyed it (the break) I also missed the involvement and the goal now is to grow the Sligo Rovers brand in the Women’s Premier Division.

“We can build a team here over this season and next that will be capable of challenging the ‘big guns’ as I’ll call them.

“Firstly, we have to get the players believing in themselves, then we can push on and expect more

consistent performances on a weekly basis. That will help us to pick up points that they probably deserved, but didn’t get, last season.

“We have a core of players who have been together now in the League for two or three seasons, that

will benefit the rest and will boost team spirit as well.

“The standard in the League continues to improve and we will have to deal with that challenge, but we have some very talented young players coming through from the under-age teams.

“It might sound a bit boring, but it will be one game at a time, that will be the focus, the next game is the most important one and that’s the visit of Bohemians on Saturday, all we need is lots of support,” he concluded.

Bohemians endured a disappointing 2024 with an eighth place finish.

A new manager is in position as Alban Hysa, who previously managed Treaty Utd, steps up to this role from the Dublin club’s under-17 team.

Key players for Bohemians this season will be shot-stopper Rachael Kelly, the long-serving Katie Lovely plus Savannah Kane, Sarah McKevitt and Katie Malone.

Add in the former Shelbourne duo of Mia Dodd and Hannah Healy as well as Roisin McGovern who has returned after a five-year stint in the USA and there will be lots of optimism.

All the ingredients for an exciting opener to the season at the Showgrounds, live on LOITV, kick-off 3pm.

Sligo Rovers face Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds on Monday night in the second of what is a three game run over the space of a busy seven days for the Bit O’Red. 

Rovers were narrowly beaten by St Patrick’s Athletic in a thrilling seven goal affair at Richmond Park on Friday night, while the Hoops provide the opposition on Monday evening before Sligo make the long trip to Cork on Friday. 

Rovers were unbeaten against Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds last season, beating Stephen Bradley’s side in June having played out a scoreless draw against the Dubliners at home in March. While the Tallaght outfit twice beat Rovers in Dublin, in both April and September.

Both clubs go into this tie occupying the bottom two spots with Sligo having played three, while the visitors have played just twice following the postponement of last week’s clash with Cork. 

Sligo remain the only team in the Premier Division yet to pick up a point after Shamrock Rovers drew with Shels at Tolka Park on Friday night, getting off the mark following a 1-1 draw. 

Rovers were beaten by the single goal in seven in Inchicore on Friday during a crazy game. Two behind, Rovers pulled themselves back into contention courtesy of an own goal and Cian Kavanagh’s first for the club. The same player then missed a penalty against his old side after Chris Forrester had made it 3-1, only for Kavanagh to return to level the tie shortly after his miss. 

It wasn’t to be Rovers’ night as ex-striker Aidan Keena netted the winner with eleven minutes to play. 

Manager John Russell will again be without Wilson Waweru for this one. Ollie Denham, a late withdrawal ahead of the Pat’s clash, faces a late fitness test. 

Offering his thoughts on a frustrating night, Russell says he acknowledges aspects of the performance weren’t up to scratch but sees a lot of positives heading into the Shamrock Rovers game. 

“Last Friday I’m sure was a smashing game to watch for the neutral. But for us it was disappointing not to come away with at least a point”, Russell told sligorovers.com. 

“To go to Dublin and score three against one of the best teams in the league is an achievement but then to concede four, all of which were avoidable isn’t acceptable from our point of view. But, we created plenty, missed a penalty and then might have had another one late on when Oskar (Van Hattum) was taken down inside the box.

“The Waterford and Pat’s games came down to such tight margins and big moments and if you have a bit of luck behind you, which you sometimes need, then that can be the difference between a decent start to the year and sitting bottom with no points. 

“But we must cut out the individual errors and that’s been well broadcasted to the players since the opening game. You can’t go and score goals and then concede sloppy goals at the same time. 

“We are trying to improve defensively but going forward, we’ve already scored five goals in our first three games and should have had more, so for me that’s a positive. 

“If we can manage to improve ourselves defensively and that’s the whole team included, then we give ourselves a good base to start from. 

“Yes, it’s been a disappointing start to the year. But it is vital we stay focused, keep working and understand that we have more than enough quality in this squad to start picking up points soon.”

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers face into a busy few days of Premier Division football as the Bit O’Red face two title challengers in quick succession. Rovers travel east for the second time in a week as St Patrick’s Athletic offer opposition at Richmond Park this Friday, before John Russell’s side welcome Shamrock Rovers to the Showgrounds on Monday.

Last weekend’s defeat to Drogheda United sees Rovers go into week three propping up the league table. But it’s early days yet as Sligo go to Pat’s in search of their first points of the season.

Rovers will be without Wilson Waweru who continues his rehab on a long-term injury. While Stephen Mallon will be assessed in the lead up to Friday’s game and is pushing to be involved following a knock picked up in a late pre-season fixture. 

Looking ahead to the Saints game, manager Russell has acknowledged what has been a less than ideal opening fortnight to 2025. But the Rovers boss believes his squad have more than enough about them to turn the tide sooner rather than later. 

“It’s been a tough start to the year but we’re only two games in and I have a lot of belief in this group of players”, Russell tells sligorovers.com. 

“Everyone is working extremely hard each and every day and no less is allowed. We know there are areas we need to and must improve in, especially from the Drogheda game. We didn’t deserve anything from that game but we learned from it and move on to the next one.

“We’re still a new group and we’re learning about each other more and more as the days go on. 

“We’ve a big weekend coming now with Pat’s and then Shams right after that. But we’re really looking forward to the challenge.” 

On his old club Pat’s, Russell continues: “They have a squad capable of winning a league and that’s what they’re chasing. They’ve had what many would consider a tough start too. They’ll be dangerous. They have the players more than able to turn you over if you let them and have a manager with league and cup winning experience so it’s going to be tough for us and we need to be on our game as soon as that first whistle goes.”

One player who has stood out since his arrival in the winter and will look to make an impact again this weekend is attacking midfielder Jad Hakiki. The ex-Shels and Dundalk man was in stellar form in pre-season and scored on his competitive debut against Waterford at the Showgrounds two weeks ago.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, he acknowledges the team’s unsteady start but says the players are all confident of taking points from the upcoming games.

“Of course it takes time with so many new lads coming in”, he states.

“Yes the results weren’t the ones we wanted from the first two games but we haven’t let that put us off track. 

“It takes time to gel no matter who you are but it’s up to us the players to build those connections now. The games are coming fast now so we know we need to get familiar with each other quickly. We know how good we can be, for example against Waterford in the second half, there were periods where they struggled to deal with us. We need to find that form again now.

“Pat’s obviously have a really strong squad and we all know it’ll be a tough one. But if we can reach the levels we and the fans expect from us, then there’s no doubt that we can pick up a positive result.” 

David Goulden

By Conall Collier

The countdown continues for Sligo Rovers to the 2025 League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division, with Bohemian FC set to visit the Showgrounds for the opening game of the season on Saturday, 8th March.

Steve Feeney will return to the sideline in the role of manager after taking
a year out in 2024 following the first two seasons at the helm in 2022 and 2023.

Tommy Hewitt took the reins for 2024, and the former Athlone Town manager
endured a challenging season as the Bit O’Red saw a number of experienced players depart.

However, that gave a number of players who came through the Sligo Rovers Academy an opportunity to gain regular first-team experience, none more so than Keeva Flynn, who scooped the club’s young player of the year award for 2024 and was also recognised with an FAI accolade.

Another player, Lauren Devaney, was the club’s under-19 player of the year, and along with Alice Lillie, Rachel McGoldrick, Mairead McIntyre, and Jessica Casey, they will all be eager to make an impact in 2025.

Looking forward to resuming his place in the dugout, where he will have Enda Scanlon as assistant manager, Steve Feeney said that he was pleased with preparations so far.

“We have had three friendlies against Treaty Utd, Athlone Town, and Bohemians, and a good run out last week against an Academy selection,” he
commented.

“The friendlies gave us a chance to give everyone some game time, and that was important, as was the opportunity for some of the younger players.

“We have made good progress on finalising a squad for the new season, and we have a few new players and some returning players.

“We will have another game this weekend, then we will start to concentrate on
preparations for the opening game against Bohemians.

“Hopefully, the supporters will turn up in big numbers for the first game on
Saturday week, and that will help us to make home advantage count before the trip to Cork the following week,” he added.

This Friday sees the Bit O’Red on the road for the first time this season as Sligo Rovers travel to Sullivan and Lambe Park to take on Drogheda United, kick-off 7.45pm.

Following a narrow defeat to Waterford on the opening night last weekend, Rovers will look to kick-start our Premier Division season at a venue which John Russell’s side haven’t won since 2022. 

Drogheda for their part, began 2025 with defeat to Shels in the President’s Cup. They recovered from that loss to pick up a valuable point against title-chasing St Pat’s in Inchicore on the first night of the league calendar. 

In team news, Rovers will be again without Wilson Waweru and Stephen Mallon. Otherwise, Russell has a full squad to choose from. 

Russell was unhappy with Rovers’ first half showing against Waterford at the Showgrounds on Saturday. But was hugely enthused by a second half performance in which the home side were extremely unlucky not to take at least a point. The Rovers boss believes his side showed more than enough to suggest things are heading in the right direction.

“We asked for a reaction at half-time and we certainly got it. We started with great speed in the second half and deservedly got the goal back through Owen Elding. I think if we score that penalty then we go on and win that game. 

“But it shows how tight this league is and how games are decided in those pivotal moments. Waterford go up the other end then and scored what ended up being the winner. But the momentum stayed with us and we kept creating, so we are really encouraged by that despite not taking anything from the game.

“The energy was there in abundance and we kept knocking on the door, so we’ve plenty to look forward to.”

Looking ahead to the Drogs game, Russell envisages another tight affair. 

“They’re at home for the first time since they won the cup and they’ve already sold out their gate and that’s great to see”, he says.

“They’ll be full of life and backed by a big and loud crowd coming off the back of an impressive draw with Pat’s. It’s a tough ground to go to. Our record could be better up there recently and we’re looking to change that. It’s a tight ground, compact and everyone’s on top of each other so it’s important not to get overwhelmed and enjoy what you’re doing. 

“But we back ourselves against anybody and we know we have to be at it from the first touch. We know what we can do and what we need to do to come away with a good result. We’ll certainly be going there looking for the win.” 

Now in his fourth year at the Showgrounds, Rovers’ recently appointed vice-captain Will Fitzgerald is full of optimism going into the trip to Louth. Always a determined performer, Fitzgerald was one of Rovers’ outstanding players against Waterford last week.

“We were disappointed to not come away with at least a point”, he reflects.  

“The nature of the goals we conceded was hugely frustrating for us. But there was enough from us to show that we’re on the right track here. There’s quality in this group and it shows when you look at the amount of chances we created. 

“We know what we are capable of and we’ll be giving it absolutely everything to try and pick up three points up there.

“We know what Drogheda will bring. They’ll be hungry, energetic, well drilled and organised. They are one of those teams that play to these strengths and get some deserving results because of it. 

“It’s up to us now to match all that. We need to play to our own maximum capabilities and it’s hugely important that we put in a 90 minute performance.”

The Limerick native appeared for the 100th time for Sligo towards the end of last season having signed three years ago. One of the first names on the team-sheet, the 25-year-old is thriving as one of the more experienced members of the first-team squad and was selected as vice-skipper in pre-season.  

“It’s an honour and privilege to have that role”, he continues. 

“I took on a bigger role in terms of responsibility last season and it’s something I am really enjoying doing. I’ve played in this league for a few years and this is my fourth year under John and his guidance. If I can use my experience gained through those few years and set an example to help get the team to where we want to get to, that’s something I’ll be very proud of.” 

David Goulden 

Competitive football returns to the Showgrounds this Saturday night as Sligo Rovers host Waterford, kick-off 7.45pm. 

Premier Division action resumes on Church Hill Road for the 20th consecutive season as John Russell’s Bit O’Red take on Keith Long’s Blues.

A number of new Rovers signings are in line for debuts including goalkeeper Sam Sargeant, defender Harvey Lintott and midfielders Ronan Manning, Matty Wolfe, Jad Hakiki and Oskar Van Hattum. While Jake Doyle-Hayes’ international transfer clearance has arrived in time for the club’s latest addition to feature on Saturday night. 

Strikers Cian Kavanagh and Francely Lomboto are also hoping for a first competitive appearance for Rovers. 

In team news, Rovers will be without forward Wilson Waweru who isn’t expected to return until summer time as he continues his rehab following a serious achilles injury picked up last season. Winger Stephen Mallon also misses out. 

This will be manager John Russell’s third opening night in charge of Rovers. 2023 saw his side pick up a valuable point at home to then reigning and eventual league winners Shamrock Rovers. While last season, a 94th minute equaliser denied Sligo all the points away to Bohs. 

Excited to get the season underway, Russell is also hoping for a positive start to the new campaign. Last year saw Rovers perform well beyond the expectations of many, competing for a European spot right up until the final weeks. 

“Like last season, it’s going to be tough. 2024 was extremely competitive but this year I can see it being more-so. So it’s important we get off to a good start”, he says. 

“We’re maybe going into the unknown a little with Waterford given that they’ve made so many signings. 

“They possibly feel the same way about us. But we have them as well researched as we can and we are well prepared. After being on the road for our first game last year, it’s a big boost for us to be able to play in front of our own fans and on familiar turf on Saturday. 

“There’s a real buzz around the area for the opening game and I really hope we get a big crowd in to match that expectation and appetite. 

“We’re happy with the changes we have made both on and off the pitch in pre-season. There is a nice mix of youth and experience here. There’s plenty of competition for places which is vital as it was something we identified last season that needed to change. Players maybe knew they’d play every week regardless, but now we can mix it up.” 

Saturday will also mark John Mahon’s first game as club captain. Having grown up just a few short miles from the Showgrounds, this will be the Collooney native’s tenth season at the club having joined in 2015 from local side Ballisodare United. 

Mahon was a stand-out throughout his time in the AbbVie academy before making his first team debut in an EA Sports Cup win at Finn Harps in 2017. 

Establishing himself as one of the top centre halves in the country, Mahon’s form earned him a move to Scotland in early 2022 with the now 25-year-old returning to Rovers ahead of the 2023 season. 

2024 was a frustrating year for the former Coola Post Primary student as he missed the majority of the year with an achilles injury he picked up in pre-season. Long months of rehab resulted in John’s return on the final away day of the season in Galway. 

“It will be a hugely proud day not just for me as a supporter of the club but also for my family as we’re all Rovers fans”, Mahon says. 

“Since I was a boy, I’ve been coming here (Showgrounds) and now being captain of the club means everything to me. It’ll be a special day for me, but we’ll be hoping to make it even more special with a good result.

“The atmosphere within the squad has been great all pre-season and we’re looking forward to getting going. There’s a real feeling of excitement around the Showgrounds heading into the game.

“Waterford are obviously a really good side but we’ve studied them well and we’ll be going into Saturday looking to beat them.”

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers have been handed a timely boost on the eve of the 2025 season with the news that Owen Elding has signed a new deal with the club. The attacker, who turns 19 in March, has agreed to extend his current deal to the end of the 2027 season.

A product of the Bit O’Red’s AbbVie academy, Elding followed in the footsteps of his father and FAI Cup winner Anthony when he signed his first professional deal with the club before the start of last season. Having played 29 times in two seasons for the first team, Owen’s journey at Rovers goes back to his childhood when he joined the club’s under 13 side when he was twelve. He has gone on to progress and impress in each of the following years and regularly finished as top scorer at the end of the year. 

Elding’s contract extension further rubber-stamps Rovers’ commitment to bringing our own young talent all the way through the academy to first team level.  

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Elding, who can also operate out wide or as a striker, spoke of his own personal pride having risen through the ranks to become a familiar face to the Showgrounds faithful.   “Signing my first pro deal last year was a proud moment but to add two years on to it is just very special”, he beams. 

“It’s nice to feel that the manager and club has the trust in me to offer me two more years. 

“Last year was a huge progression in my career. In 2023, I got a few minutes from the bench just to get used to first team football but last season, John Russell gave me a lot more minutes. I think both John and Ryan Casey have improved me as a player so much by working with them. I think when a young lad like myself signs on a two year deal, it shows what the club is trying to do in terms of bringing players through and trusting the youth in being good enough to progress. It’s becoming more and more the way here and it’s great to see. 

“Starting at Rovers when I was twelve and working my way through to the first team is something that makes me very proud. It’s a special feeling to be training day in, day out with the likes of Kyle McDonagh and Daire Patton who have come through the system with me and signed professional deals also. It shows Sligo Rovers is trying to produce its own and huge credit has to go to the coaches and Conor O’Grady as head of the academy.”

Elding has been in flying form throughout the 2025 pre-season campaign, scoring five times in six games. He is yet to mark a first senior goal off his card, but Owen knows that duck isn’t far off being broken.  

“I feel like a new player”, he continues. “I’m playing with a lot of confidence. I know I’m still chasing that competitive goal but I feel I’m in a great shape to do so now. I’ve managed five goals in pre-season so I’m hoping I’ll start strong in 2025 and be in the manager’s plans to start games.

 “I want to open my account as quickly as I can because once I do that, I feel my game can go to the next level.” 

As for 2025. Elding wants his team to look as high as possible ahead of this weekend’s Premier Division kick-off. 

“As a team we know we’re good enough to be challenging up towards the top of the table. The fans are desperate to see us back in Europe and we’re desperate to give them that. We’ve all come back in top shape and we’re buzzing now for Waterford on Saturday.” 

Speaking following the agreement between player and club, Rovers boss Russell says 2025 can be a big year for Riverstown native Elding.

Russell said: “Owen has progressed really well over the last 12 months and we’re delighted to reward him with a new deal. Along with the likes of Conor Walsh, Daire Patton, Kyle McDonagh, Conor Reynolds and Gareth McElroy, he is another product of our academy. Owen being signed up to a long term deal having progressed through our youth ranks shows that this club is serious about sustainability and bringing through our own. Huge credit must go to his coaches at all levels. 

“We feel Owen has more than enough potential to make a big impact in the coming season. He has all the attributes you want to see in a forward. He has pace, power, intelligent movement and a real eye for goal.” 

“We’re very excited to see how he develops over the coming years.” 

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers is pleased to announce that the 2025 Super Reds Open Day will take place on Sunday, 9 February, at The Showgrounds.

Schedule for the day:

• Registration: From 1pm in the clubhouse
• Activities: 2pm – 3pm on the Astro pitch
• Autograph session: 3pm – 3:30pm with first-team players and John Russell

All attendees are asked to enter via the Astroturf car park.

This event is exclusive to 2025 Super Red members. However, there is still time to join by purchasing a Super Red Season Ticket through the link below:

🔗 https://www.sligorovers.com/season-tickets/

Super Reds will receive their 2025 Season Ticket and training top on the day, provided their application is submitted before 7 February. New members are encouraged to sign up and take part in this exciting event.

As part of the day’s activities, Super Reds will have the chance to meet first-team players, take part in football activities, and enjoy a memorable experience at The Showgrounds.

A parent or guardian must accompany each child on the day.

The club shop will be open from 1:30pm for those wishing to purchase official merchandise.

For those interested in joining the Super Reds for 2025, applications are still open via the link below:

🔗 https://www.sligorovers.com/season-tickets/