Author: Ryan Davey

Sligo Rovers launches a stadium fundraising appeal, and all donations can qualify for income tax relief.

As the detailed design work on the new Showgrounds stadium continues, Sligo Rovers are launching a new fundraising appeal to complete the funding for the project.

We have secured a major grant award of €16.4 million from the Government’s Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund and the club must raise the balance of €7.1 million in funding costs. We have made considerable progress to date in sourcing €6.35 million of this.

The Showgrounds redevelopment project has been designated as an Approved Sports Project which means that donations of €250 or more to the project can attract income tax and corporation tax relief.

We are now launching a capital fundraising appeal for €750,000 and are seeking donations from individual taxpayers and companies to help us achieve this target.

In addition to making a direct donation, the taxpayer can also choose to donate the tax relief to the club, which means a donation goes even further.

As always we gratefully appreciate the support of the communities of the north-west and beyond and we hope that you can help us on our mission to create a high quality venue in the Sligo Showgrounds which will serve the region for the next 100 years.

All amounts donated will be used in the construction and fit out of the new stadium.

For further information, including details on how to donate here

To see progress updates on the new stadium here

Please see our fundraising brochure below:

STADIUM DEVELOPMENT – PROGRESS UPDATE – NOVEMBER 2025

The Club has set out a clear plan to transform the Showgrounds into a UEFA Category 3 compliant venue, the second highest standard under UEFA guidelines. The project will deliver an all-seated capacity of 6,035 together with a comprehensive modernisation of facilities, with construction planned to conclude by September 2028 in time to celebrate the Club’s centenary. The current scope and timeline are detailed below.

The proposals set out a comprehensive upgrade of the spectator experience. A new main entrance plaza is planned, together with new turnstiles and a dedicated fan zone. Improved pedestrian access and new spectator turnstiles will streamline movement on matchdays and enhance safety. Inside the stadium, a new South (Churchill) Stand and a new East (Jinks Avenue) Stand are proposed. The North (Railway End) and West (Treacy Avenue) Stands will receive lesser upgrades so that the whole ground benefits from the redevelopment. Provision for visiting supporters will be strengthened with new visiting supporter turnstiles and a separate fan zone, reinforcing the commitment to a welcoming and well managed matchday for all.

Player, official and media operations will be upgraded significantly. New Players and Officials changing areas will be delivered alongside new medical and anti-doping rooms. Media facilities will be expanded to contemporary standards, with broadcast stations, reporter and photographer seating and working areas, a TV studio, press conference and interview areas, and 10 camera positions throughout the stadium. These measures are designed to support high quality coverage and a professional working environment at every fixture.

On the field, a new grass based, hybrid pitch to international standards will be installed. The design accommodates other sports, especially rugby, and will also support important junior and youth games, ATU and Secondary Schools matches, Sligo RFC, and local and regional community games soccer finals. Replacement and upgrading of floodlighting to UEFA infrastructure standards will improve scheduling resilience and broadcast presentation. Together, these works will broaden the use of the ground and raise the standard of play throughout the year.


Supporter amenities will be substantially improved. Enhanced spectator hospitality will include a 7 day Café, large hospitality open plan areas, Group Boxes and food concession outlets or vans. Rooms will also be available for meetings and conferences and for small parties and family events. This multi use approach opens the stadium to community and business activity beyond matchdays, allowing the venue to serve supporters and local groups throughout the week. A new Club Merchandise Shop will further strengthen the supporter experience.


Specific improvements for visiting supporters are planned in the new Jinks Avenue Stand, where new and improved seating for up to 800 will include spaces for wheelchair users and their companions. This area will have its own entrance off Church Hill and will be served by a designated hot food and beverage unit and new WCs. Additional visitor, coach and outside broadcast vehicle parking is also included. The emphasis on access, comfort and clear segregation underlines a careful approach to safety and the matchday experience.


Along Churchill, a new income generating Pavilion Building will be available for long term office lease. Within this building, a new Club Museum will house the Heritage Group’s treasure of club memorabilia and celebrate 100 years of rich heritage. The combination of office space and a museum presence provides a focal point for supporters and the wider community, while creating opportunities for activity on non matchdays.


Current work is focused on detailed design and statutory approvals. The Design Team comprising the Architect, Structural Engineers, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, and Fire Safety and Health and Safety consultants is preparing detailed design specifications and drawings, with the current plan for detailed design to be complete by February 2026. Fire Safety Certificate and Disabled Access Certificate applications for the new stadium have been submitted. A planning application for the new main spectator entrance plaza to the stadium off Churchill and for the new Pavilion Building will be submitted imminently. The methodical sequencing of design and approvals is intended to keep the programme on track.


Funding and governance are progressing positively. The Club is finalising discussions with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport on its Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) grant award and hopes to proceed to the legal stage shortly. Favourable tax status for donations has been secured, and a capital fundraising campaign is being launched to meet the balance of EUR 750,000 of the matching funding condition to secure the LSSIF award. Operational planning is also under way. Preliminary discussions have been held with the FAI regarding interim arrangements while the new stadium is being constructed, covering stadium capacity, including capacity for visiting supporters, spectator access, security and health and safety. The Club is liaising with the Heritage Group on the detailed design of the new Museum. Taken together, these strands show preparation on finance, operations and heritage in parallel with design.


The next steps are clearly defined. By March 2026, the Club expects to have agreed the legal documents with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport for the LSSIF grant award. In March 2026, the Club will submit the final design and updated cost plan to the Department requesting approval to proceed to tender. By April 2026, the Club expects to be authorised to proceed to tender, a phase likely to take five months. In September 2026, the Club expects to be in a position to submit a tender recommendation to the Department requesting approval to appoint a main contractor for the project. By October or November 2026, the Club expects to be authorised to proceed to construction. 


Matchday continuity has been planned carefully. Once Department approval is received to proceed to construction, the Club will engage with the main contractor to ensure that the existing facilities at the Showgrounds can operate to the maximum extent possible while building works are being carried out. Construction is expected to start in November 2026 and is planned to be completed by September 2028. It is expected that there will be no interruption for the Club’s home fixtures during the 2026 season. For the 2027 season, home fixtures will be played at the Showgrounds with a reduced spectator capacity of around 3,200, with only the Treacy Avenue and Railway End stands remaining open. This reduced capacity will also have to accommodate a reduced visiting supporter capacity. In Spring 2028, the new pitch will be installed. During this period, expected to be March to June 2028, there will be no football played in the Showgrounds and the Club will make alternative arrangements, with further details to follow. By September 2028, all new facilities in the stadium will be complete and our new era will begin.

Sligo Rovers Confirm Appointment of Shane Crossan as New General Manager

Sligo Rovers confirm the appointment of Shane Crossan as the club’s new General Manager.

Crossan has held several key roles within the organisation in recent years, including Media and Marketing Officer and, most recently, Head of Operations. His appointment represents a natural progression and acknowledges his significant contribution to the club’s ongoing development.

This appointment coincides with Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Feakins, who will leave his position following a planned transition in the coming months. During his tenure, Feakins placed a strong emphasis on enhancing the club’s commercial performance, expanding sponsorship and partnership opportunities, and supporting the growth of the club’s business activities. The club extends its sincere thanks to him for his professionalism, commitment, and valued contribution.

The appointment of Crossan marks an important step in Sligo Rovers’ continued evolution. His leadership and experience will ensure strong continuity across the club’s day-to-day operations, while the ongoing recruitment of a Commercial Manager will focus on driving sponsorship and partnership growth as part of the club’s wider development plans.

Sligo Rovers now turn their focus to preparations for the upcoming season, approaching the future with confidence and ambition as the club continues to grow and strengthen on and off the pitch

Now Recruiting: Women’s First Team Manager

Sligo Rovers Football Club invites applications for the position of Manager of our Women’s Premier Division first team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a senior side competing at the highest level of the women’s domestic game in Ireland and to play a key role in developing the next generation of elite female players in the North West.

Sligo Rovers is a community-based club with a proud heritage in the League of Ireland. Our women’s football pathway extends from academy to senior level and is built on a commitment to player welfare, and high performance on and off the pitch. The successful candidate will work closely with club leadership, performance staff, and academy coaches to deliver a clear and progressive football philosophy across all age groups.

The Role

The Women’s Team Manager will lead all aspects of the team’s sporting direction, daily operations, and performance management. The role calls for a forward-thinking coach who can combine strong leadership with a genuine passion for developing players and growing the women’s game in the region.

Key Responsibilities

  • Plan, deliver, and review training sessions to enhance individual and team performance.
  • Oversee match preparation, opposition analysis, team selection, and in-game strategy.
  • Design and implement long-term player development programmes focused on technical, tactical, physical, and mental growth.
  • Collaborate with the Sligo Rovers Academy to identify and nurture emerging talent.
  • Communicate effectively with players, staff, and club management.
  • Work with the club’s performance and medical teams to monitor player welfare, conditioning, and recovery.
  • Represent Sligo Rovers professionally in media engagements, community events, and league activities.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance environment consistent with the club’s values.

Essential Criteria

  • A valid UEFA A Licence.
  • Demonstrable experience in senior coaching or football management.
  • Comprehensive understanding of the Women’s Premier Division and the wider Irish football landscape.
  • Proven leadership, communication, and organisational skills.

Desirable Criteria

  • Experience developing and integrating academy players into senior football.
  • Previous involvement in elite women’s football environments.
  • Strong administrative, reporting, and IT skills.

How to Apply

Applications should include:

  1. A detailed curriculum vitae (including all relevant coaching qualifications).
  2. A short cover letter outlining your coaching philosophy, leadership style, and relevant experience.

Please email applications to academy@sligorovers.com

All applications will be handled in the strictest confidence.

Russell Urges Players to Use Cup Setback as Fuel for Final League Games

Sligo Rovers boss John Russell admitted his side’s shock cup defeat to First Division side Kerry FC was ‘unforgivable’ after the Bit O’Red threw away a three goal lead to be dumped out of the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup at the quarter-final stage.

Owen Elding’s hat-trick had Russell’s men well on course for a first FAI Cup semi-final spot since 2020, with just 30 minutes left of the tie.

But an impressive Kerry, managed by Colin Healy, showed real grit and determination to force extra-time, and deservedly slow.

The hosts were by far the better team in the second-half, and Elding’s third was certainly against the run of play.

Cian Brosnan’s first goal on 66 minutes gave Kerry, in their first ever quarter-final, real belief that this tie was there for them.

Healy’s changes in the second-half were a help, with Daniel Okwute proving a real problem for the Rovers defence.

He won a penalty after he was clattered by Seb Quirk in the box, with Joe Adams making it 3-2 on 77 minutes.

It was all Kerry, and Rovers were desperately clinging on their narrow lead.

Then two minutes into added time at the end of the 90, Brosnan’s second forced extra-time, and it was nothing less than Kerry deserved.

Russell made changes of his own, but still they couldn’t contain Kerry, and Okwute found the winner with two minutes to go at the end of extra-time, amidst incredible scenes in Mounthawk Park.

But the manner of the defeat, at least from a Sligo Rovers perspective, will go down as one of the most embarrassing defeats in recent memory.

A stunned John Russell admitted he was ‘in a bit of shock’ afterwards, and was left reeling as his side ‘couldn’t manage the chaos’, with ‘horrendous defending’ leaving him furious.

“It’s unforgivable to be 3-0 up with 30 minutes left and the way the game transpired. The first goal is poor to give away, the second goal, there’s no need to commit the foul in the box. There’s no danger.

“You give momentum when it goes to 3-2. But even still, we didn’t weather that storm and you see the board going up. It’s the 90th minute. There’s four minutes added on. You just need to see the game out and you’re into the next round. And we don’t. It’s horrendous defending.

“It’s come across the six yard box and it’s a tap in. We just have to mark it. It’s schoolboy defending. I’m, to be honest, in a bit of shock. We played well in the first half, in complete control.

“In the second half, we didn’t start great, to get the goal and go 3-0 up. It’s unforgiveable to be knocked out of the tie after being in such a commanding lead. It goes to extra-time, we had chances, they had chances.

“The goal we’ve given away again is crazy. It’s so bad. I have to give credit to Kerry. They beat us. Good young players, they deserve to be in the semi-final, we didn’t manage the game.”

On paper, this is a game that Rovers should have won comfortably, and it was seen as being a favourable tie.

Russell warned all week about the threat that Kerry posed, particularly with Healy at the helm, but even still, few would have predicted this result, although those at Kerry would tell you they were quietly confident in the lead up.

But even still, at 3-0 down, it looked as though the game was dead and buried, and that’s probably the hardest pill for Russell to swallow.

“It’s a crazy result. Especially the way the game went. We were in complete control. We’ve thrown away an unbelievable opportunity to get to a cup final. I said that to he players in there. We are in good form, lads are training well, we’re 3-0 up, we’ve dominated the game, we put ourselves in a commanding position.

“Football’s crazy. We’ve seen that over the years at different levels. Tonight we couldn’t manage the chaos when the game swung on us. I came in after the game and I see that Shamrock Rovers won on penalties, we didn’t even get to penalties, last year Bohs went to extra-time and penalties as well, we just lost the run of it.

“We’ve missed a massive opportunity. I’m gutted for our supporters, gutted for the players and for the staff I have around me because I know everyone is working extremely hard. It’s a shocking result.”

But, why couldn’t Russell’s charges ‘manage the chaos’?

“I don’t understand it. It was just direct play and long balls, and Ollie (Denham) and Paddy (McClean) have been unbelievable for us, and Sean (Stewart) and Edwin (Agbaje), (Sam) Sargeant, they’ve built up a really good understanding.

“Those long balls up top, we just didn’t defend those moments well. The penalty as well, Seb doesn’t need to dive in. Defending the moments, being dialled in all the time, we spoke before the game, you can do all the talking it’s action on the pitch and we didn’t manage it.

“That one is going to sting for a long, long time. There’s no getting away from it. The importance of the game, what was at stake, and the position that we found ourselves in. In complete control for 60 minutes, moments of madness have cost us the game.”

On another night, the post match analysis would focus on 19-year-old Elding, who bagged a hat-trick on the night, although the third may well still go down as an own goal.

The much sought after Rovers attacker was visibly distraught at full-time on Friday, with his team-mates consoling him after the game had ended.

“He’s been amazing for us,” Russell added. “From minute one until the end, he ran his guts out for us. He got a hat-trick for us and he was devastated.

“The likes of Will Fitzgerald who was suspended tonight, we wanted to get to a semi-final for him. he’s devastated. Everyone is devastated. What an opportunity we’ve thrown away.

“It’s going to be a hard one to take because I know the group, it’s not that we played poorly, I’ve never experienced a game like it. It’s going to be a hard one to take.”

But Premier Division survival now becomes the sole focus for the remainder of the season, with a double game weekend next weekend when Rovers take on Drogheda United on Friday night before travelling to Galway the following Monday.

And Russell wants his players to use Friday’s shock as fuel for the remainder of the season.

“That’s the focus. We’ve missed the opportunity. It’s gone, it’s done. We have to move into next week. Full focus on the league. Seven games to go, we have to win as many as possible to get ourselves out of ninth.

“We can’t let the disappointment of tonight affect us for the next game, we’ve got to use it as fuel and try and get a win.”

Jessica Farry

Sligo Rovers Annual Draw 2025 Raises Record €153,360

Sligo Rovers Football Club is pleased to confirm that its 2025 Annual Draw, held at The Showgrounds during half-time of the home Premier Division fixture against Bohemians on 30 August 2025, has raised a record-breaking total of EUR 153,360 in support of the club. This figure marks the highest amount ever generated by the fundraiser, surpassing the previous record of EUR 130,300 in 2024. That total had itself exceeded EUR 108,300 in 2023, EUR 106,970 in 2022, and EUR 49,660 in 2021. Taken together, this year’s achievement represents an overall increase of approximately 208.82 percent across the past four years.

The winner of the first prize, Jane Gamble (Carndonagh), is pictured above receiving her cheque from ticket seller Gerry Kilbride.

As one of the few clubs competing in the top tier of professional football across Europe that remain wholly supporter-owned, Sligo Rovers relies upon the loyalty and generosity of its fanbase through initiatives such as the Annual Draw to sustain its day-to-day operations.

Each year, dedicated teams of Sligo Rovers volunteers visit homes and businesses across County Sligo and neighbouring areas, selling EUR 10 tickets door-to-door as part of the Annual Draw. Their efforts are vital to the club’s success, not only in raising essential funds but also in strengthening the connection between the club and the wider community. This commitment from volunteers ensures the continuation of a tradition that plays a central role in sustaining the club and supporting its future ambitions.

Club Chairman Tommy Higgins praised the remarkable level of support demonstrated by the community. He stated: “I would like to thank our sponsors who contributed prizes, our wonderful volunteers especially our Development Officer Mark Cummins who drove us on and lastly, you our supporters for being so generous”.

The club is delighted to announce the full list of prize winners from the 2025 Annual Draw:


EUR 5,000 Cash – Jane Gamble (Carndonagh)
EUR 1,000 Cash – Pat McDonald (Ballisodare)
Clayton Hotels – Two Nights B&B – Eddie Grimes (Ballisodare)
Breaffy House Resort – Two Nights Stay – Norman Pugh (Kilmacowen)
Broadhaven Bay Hotel – One Night B&B – Siobhan Loftus (Tubbercurry)
Waterford Marina Hotel – One Night B&B – Dale (Swagman Bar)
EUR 200 Empire Hair Voucher – Con Cullen
EUR 200 Kate’s Kitchen Voucher – Micheal Healy (Ballisodare)
EUR 200 Elverys Voucher – M Dunleavy
EUR 200 Ticketmaster Voucher – Sinead McGee

Sligo Rovers extends its sincere gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the 2025 Annual Draw, from those who purchased tickets to the volunteers who travelled across the north west region and further afield to sell them. The club recognises the commitment and dedication of everyone involved and acknowledges the vital role their efforts have played in achieving this record-breaking total. This support will deliver a lasting positive impact on club operations and sporting ambitions, while further reinforcing the unique bond between Sligo Rovers and its loyal community of supporters.

Club Statement: Kerry FC vs Sligo Rovers – Ticket Sales Information

Sligo Rovers can confirm ticketing arrangements for our Quarter Final Sports Direct FAI Cup away fixture against Kerry at Mounthawk Park on Friday 12 September at 7:45 PM.

Our club has received an allocation of 270 tickets. Owing to the anticipated demand, a one-ticket-per-Member/Season-Ticket-holder rule will apply. This policy will be strictly enforced. Season Tickets will be scanned at the point of purchase to verify eligibility and to ensure one-time use only. The Member or Season Ticket holder must be present in person to purchase; tickets cannot be obtained on behalf of another Member or Season Ticket holder.

Tickets will be on sale at the Showgrounds Reception from 4:30 PM on Saturday 30 August. Sales are limited to the allocation available and will conclude once sold out.

Supporters are reminded that canvassing for tickets outside of the official sales process will not be permitted. Tickets are non-transferable and sales will be conducted in person only, in line with the procedures detailed above.

We thank supporters for their cooperation and understanding.

FAI Upholds Sligo Rovers Appeal Over Sargeant Red Card

Sligo Rovers FC acknowledges the decision of the Independent Appeal Committee of the FAI to uphold the club’s appeal against the red card issued to goalkeeper Sam Sargeant during last Friday’s SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division fixture against Shelbourne FC.

Sargeant was dismissed in the second half after being adjudged by referee Rob Harvey to have handled the ball outside his penalty area and denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.

The club welcomes the Appeal Committee’s decision and confirms that Sam Sargeant will be available for selection for our next SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division fixture against St Patrick’s Athletic FC on Sunday 10 August.

Rovers fall to Shels at the Showgrounds

Ali Coote and Sean Boyd were the goalscorers as Joey O’Brien’s side moved to within three points of Drogheda United in fourth.

A bad night for Rovers was made worse with six minutes to go when goalkeeper Sam Sargeant was sent off as he was judged to have handled the ball outside the box by referee Rob Harvey, although replays suggest it may have been on the line.

Unbeaten in their last five league games, the Bit O’Red were one of the league’s form sides coming into this tie.

A win against the 2024 Premier Division champions would have brought Russell’s men level on points with Galway United who were beaten on Friday by the league’s bottom side Cork City.

Russell lost both Jake Doyle-Hayes and Francely Lomboto this week, with both players departing the club, while Ciaron Harkin joined from Derry City and was named on the bench for this game.

Shels, who had a gruelling trip home from Kazakhstan mid-week where they were in European action, named Milan Mbeng in the starting 11 after the French man signed from Cork City.

Cian Kavanagh’s miss on ten minutes was the talking point in an otherwise uneventful first-half, with neither side bringing the entertainment that may have been expected.

The former St Patrick’s Athletic striker just needed a slight touch to divert the ball past Speel in the Shels goals after Will Fitzgerald’s free-kick was knocked on in the direction of Kavanagh in front of goal.


That was as close as either side would come to opening the scoring in the first-half, but Shels found the net two minutes into the second-half.

Coote gained possession in the middle and pushed his way past a couple of Rovers players before driving the ball into the top corner of Sam Sargeant’s goal

Paddy McClean almost had Rovers back on level terms but the Derry man couldn’t keep his header down from Owen Elding’s cross as Rovers battled hard to find an equaliser.

As the home side failed to clear the ball from their defence, John Martin picked out the free Boyd in front of goal, and all he needed to do was poke it in past Sargeant for 2-0.

There was further controversy, though, as the home side were reduced to ten when referee Rob Harvey gave Sargeant a straight red card for handling the ball outside the box, but replays show that Sargeant looked to be on the line as he handled the ball.

That result leaves Rovers in ninth place, three points off Galway in eighth, while Shels are just three points off Drogheda United who occupy fourth spot.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant, Conor Reynolds (Wilson Waweru, 67), Paddy McClean, Ollie Denham, Kyle McDonagh (John Mahon, 67), James McManus, Seb Quirk, Jad Hakiki, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh (Conor Walsh, 85), Will Fitzgerald

Shelbourne: Wessel Speel, Milan Mbeng (Sean Gannon, 68), Lewis Temple, Paddy Barrett, Kameron Ledwidge, Kerr McInroy, JJ Lunney, James Norris (Sean Moore, 82), Ali Coote (John Martin, 68), Harry Wood (Ellis Chapman, 82), Mipo Odubeko (Sean Boyd, 59)

Referee: Rob Harvey

Attendance: 3,167

Report courtasy of RTÉ

Team News: Shelbourne, the Showgrounds, Saturday August 2nd, 7.45pm

New signing Ciaron Harkin is in line for his Sligo Rovers debut as Shelbourne are the visitors to the Showgrounds, this Saturday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Midfielder Harkin joined Rovers this week and is manager John Russell’s sixth new addition of the window.

In team news, Rovers are without Ryan O’Kane who is ineligible due to the terms of his loan from Saturday’s opponents.

Ronan Manning faces a late fitness test.

Both Francely Lomboto and Jake Doyle-Hayes have left the club.

Speaking to sligorovers.com ahead of the weekend’s clash, Russell says the dressing room is focused on picking up a fourth win on the spin following on from recent victories over Derry City Dundalk and most recently, Cork City last Friday night.

“We’ve had a bit of movement within the squad with both Jake and Francely moving on but that’s happened here before and we move on also.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how Ciaron settles in and we’ve no doubt he’ll be a big player for us.

“It’s going to be a tough game for us against Shels. We’re playing the current champions and that always means a big test but we’re all looking forward to another game in front of our fans.”

Shels were knocked out of the Champions League qualifying stages by Qarabag this week, travelling back from Azerbaijan mid-week. Russell feels Rovers will face an injured animal in the shape of the Dubliners.

“They had a tough two games against Qarabag, but I’m sure they learned loads. Yes, they had to travel but they have a big squad that’s more than capable of dealing with the rotation required.

“They’ll look to come here and get back on track but again, we’re in good form and we have our eyes on a good result here on Saturday.

“We were nowhere near our standards in the first half against Cork last week. Second half, we woke up and applied ourselves really well. We’re looking for those high levels again against Shels.”

David Goulden