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

Cork City coughed up a two-goal lead to fall to a costly defeat, which leaves them 11 points adrift of Sligo Rovers in their Premier Division relegation struggle.

The hosts showed signs of life as Evan McLaughlin and Seani Maguire goals put them on the brink of a first league victory in 14 attempts.

But manager Ger Nash was denied an overdue triumph by Owen Elding and Patrick McClean’s strikes.

City came close to a late winner only for Alex Nolan’s wonderstrike to cannon off the crossbar. Rovers countered as Ryan O’Keane buried the 89th-minute winner.

Despite the 11 remaining games, those goals may have all but condemned City to the drop in front of a 2,673 crowd, which included Roy Keane.

They were booed off by the Shed End at the final whistle.

Nash opted for three changes, headlined by the return of Maguire up top for Charlie Lutz. Harry Nevin made his first start in two months at right-back, while McLaughlin was recalled to the midfield.

They were without five possible starters in keeper David Odumosu, suspended captain Charlie Lyons, Milan Mbeng, Seán Murray, and St Mirren-bound winger Malik Dijksteel.

Rovers’ recent success has been built on early goals. Here, they were under the cosh from the start.

City got behind them down the flanks to force a couple of quickfire corners. Maguire got under his header, while Cathal O’Sullivan had a shot blocked.

However, City regained possession from the latter opportunity and sliced Rovers open.

Maguire switched to Kitt Nelson in space, and the Preston loanee zipped a quality ball into McLaughlin’s feet. He jinked onto his left and deceived Sam Sargeant by whipping the ball inside the near post for his second of the season.

That seventh-minute strike was City’s earliest goal in almost three months.

The hosts weren’t used to holding such an early lead, but they made life difficult for their opponents by defending in a determined low block, led by the aerial ability of Fiacre Kelleher.

A couple of Rory Feely long throws further highlighted City’s intent to make life as awkward as possible for the visitors, resulting in a Nelson shot down the keeper’s throat.

Maguire’s hold-up play provided a key outlet for Brann’s route-one balls. But when the keeper launched him straight through the middle, the 11-cap Ireland international delayed too long and fluffed his shot.

O’Sullivan was an early casualty as he was helped off, worryingly, rubbing his left knee after attempting to contest a high ball.

Matthew Kiernan’s driving runs on the counter kept Rovers unsettled. One forced a corner, which saw Kelleher retreat with his head in his hands after nodding wide. Then, Nelson twisted onto his right, but shot straight at Sargeant.

Brann was alert to make a flying save on the resumption as Will Fitzgerald’s hit looked destined for the top corner. He added a follow-up save from McClean from the corner. Fitzgerald headed their next chance over.

From that goal kick, Nelson and Alex Nolan combined down the right to drag the ball back for Maguire. His first shot was saved by Sargeant, but Maguire latched onto the rebound to bury his fourth goal of the season, and first in two months.

The two-goal cushion lasted just four minutes. Rovers exploited the vast tracts of empty space around the tiring City defence as Hakiki fed Elding, who finished at the second attempt after a fine Brann save.

Fitzpatrick blazed wide before Rovers switched to two up front. Elding almost profited from a Feely slip, but Brann foiled the opportunity and Nevin cleared.Brann again came up trumps to push around the post from Hakiki, but from Fitzgerald’s corner, McClean directed a bullet header into the far corner.

New signings Kaedyn Kamara and Brody Lee made late debuts, but once Nolan’s effort bounced away from danger, Rovers came up with a late dagger through O’Kane.

Cork City: Conor Brann; Harry Nevin, Rory Feely, Fiacre Kelleher, Matthew Kiernan (Benny Couto 82); Darragh Crowley, Evan McLaughlin; Cathal O’Sullivan (Alex Nolan 20), Kitt Nelson (Kaedyn Kamara 83), Josh Fitzpatrick (Brody Lee 82); Seani Maguire (Charlie Lutz 75).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Conor Reynolds (Francely Lomboto 70), Ollie Denham, Patrick McClean, Seán Stewart; James McManus, Seb Quirk; Will Fitzgerald, Jad Hakiki, Ryan O’Kane; Owen Elding.

Referee: Paul Norton (Dublin).

Report courtasy of RTÉ

Sligo Rovers and Glentoran have agreed terms for the transfer of defender Patrick McClean, who will join the club on July 1st subject to international clearance.

It’s a Rovers return for the 28-year-old who made 27 league appearances for the Bit O’Red in 2018, scoring once.

The defender joins on an 18 month contract, and is the second summer signing to be announced this week after the signing of Seb Quirk.

McClean started his League of Ireland career with Derry City, before going on to play for Waterford prior to joining Rovers.

He joined his hometown club Derry City in 2019 after departing the Bit O’Red, going to join NIFL Premiership side Glentoran in the summer of 2019.

McClean announced his shock retirement from football in February 2023 at the age of 26, but made a return five months later.

The Derry native is primarily a centre-back but can also operate at left-back.

Speaking about the decision to re-join Sligo Rovers, McClean said his previous spell at the Bit O’Red played a part in his decision to return.

He told sligorovers.com: “It happened quite quickly, really. I spoke to John about a month ago on the phone and he said he was interested and I took some time to think about it after everything.

“With leaving Glentoran, I didn’t know where I was going to be, and I think my mind was sort of made up as soon as John rang me and talked me through his plans. I was delighted to get it done then.

“I loved my time here previously. I always say I wish I never left Sligo, because I really enjoyed my first spell here.

“I think when I was here before, I had a good season myself, but it was like a roller coaster of a season. We were up and down and we didn’t do too well, but I just feel like, obviously the club is looking to kick on after a tough start and, you know, I’m just looking to come in and help as much as I can.”

McClean will yet again link-up with centre-back John Mahon, with the duo forming a partnership at the back of the Rovers defence in 2018.

“Me and John played together a good few times. I think me and him did well together in a lot of games. Some big results, so hopefully we can do that again.”

Rovers moved off bottom spot in the Premier Division table last Saturday thanks to that 1-0 win over Waterford at The Showgrounds.

And McClean says he wants to help bring Rovers back to where they belong, starting with helping Rovers move away from the bottom end of the table.

“Everybody wants to go on, win trophies and whatever, but I think at the minute, it’s just important to get a run together and obviously stay in this division and then just see what the future holds.

“All I can do is come in and work as hard as I can to help the team. I don’t want to put any pressure on myself or anyone else.

“But I feel like this club is definitely underachieving at the minute, and, you know, Sligo Rovers from whenever I was growing up were challenging and winning things and I would love to see it back there. “

Coming into a squad in the middle of the season doesn’t daunt McClean in the slightest, and he is more than happy to fight for his place in the team.

“There’s obviously a group of lads that are talented and results just probably haven’t been going their way, but I know I’m coming here to do a job and I would love to strike connections along the way and have a good relationship with people, but I think the ultimate goal is to go get three points.”

McClean will not be eligible for Rovers until July 1st, and the first game he will be available for will be Rovers’ meeting with Shamrock Rovers at The Showgrounds on Saturday, July 5th.

Having missed a chunk of the NIFL Premiership season through injury, McClean says he’s worked hard to get back to full fitness, keeping himself fit throughout the off-season.

“I’ve just been doing a lot of running but I just can’t wait to get a ball at my feet again.

“I don’t like sitting about for too long. I probably take a week off if anything. And I’m always doing something, so there’s no problem staying fit.”

Jessica Farry

Sligo Rovers are pleased to confirm the addition of two further Summer Camps for 2025, both taking place at Summerhill College, Sligo. These camps complement our existing summer programme and reflect our continued commitment to delivering enjoyable and inclusive football opportunities for young players in the local community.

Both camps are open to children aged 7 to 13 and will run Monday to Friday, from 10am to 1pm. The cost is €85 per child. Participants will take part in football activities including skill-based drills, small-sided games, and will receive a complimentary Sligo Rovers training top.

Summerhill College (All Gender Camp)

Date: Week of Monday, 21 July

Reserve Your Child’s Place

Summerhill College (Girls Only Camp)

Date: Week of Monday, 11 August

Reserve Your Child’s Place

The girls-only camp offers a focused environment to support participation and development in the women’s game, and forms part of our ongoing efforts to promote equality and inclusion in football.

We look forward to welcoming children from Sligo and surrounding areas to these additional camps as part of another exciting summer of football.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce the return of our Regional Summer Camps for 2025, taking place across the region in partnership with local clubs. These much-loved camps are open to boys and girls aged 7 to 13, offering a week of football fun, skill development, and games.

Each camp will run Monday to Friday, from 10am to 1pm, and costs €85 per child. Along with coaching, fun drills, and small-sided games, all participants will receive a complimentary Sligo Rovers training top as part of their camp experience.

Regional Camp Schedule 2025

Swinford

Location: James McEvaddy Park

Date: Week of Monday, 28 July

Reserve Your Child’s Place

Boyle

Location: Celtic Park

Date: Week of Monday, 4 August

Reserve Your Child’s Place

Westport

Location: AbbVie United Park

Date: Week of Monday, 11 August

Reserve Your Child’s Place

Enniscrone

Location: Michael McGowan Park

Date: Week of Monday, 18 August

SOLD OUT

We extend our sincere thanks to our host clubs — Gurteen Celtic, Swinford FC, Boyle Celtic, Westport United, and Kilglass Enniscrone United — for their continued support in making these camps possible. We look forward to welcoming young footballers from across the region for another exciting summer of football.

Wilson Waweru scored a crucial goal on his first start of the season for Sligo Rovers as they picked up a big three points in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division with a 1-0 win over Waterford FC at the Showgrounds.

The centre-forward struck for the only goal on 20 minutes as the home side defended resolutely to get the better for the Blues for a second time in a row after winning 4-0 in the RSC before the break.

This latest victory lifts John Russell’s side off the foot of the table.

Padraig Amond did have the ball in the back of the Sligo net inside two minutes after a clearance broke into his path, but after referee Oliver Moran initially awarded the goal, the flag of assistant referee Wayne McDonnell was then raised for offside.

The Blues had another good chance on ten minutes when Conan Noonan set up James Olayinka, but defender John Mahon got in a vital block before Amond flashed a left-footed effort from the top of the area sixty seconds later.

Waweru nearly scored a stunning opener for the hosts on 15 minutes. Will Fitzgerald and Reece Hutchinson combined down the left before the latter crossed for the attacker, but his spectacular overhead kick flashed wide of the far post.

Sligo were celebrating the lead goal five minutes later when Hutchinson sent the ball into the area for Jad Hakiki and after keeper Stephen McMullan diverted the ball into Waweru, he swept a left-footed close-range effort to the back of an empty net.

Noonan had a first-time volley blocked by the Sligo defence on 27 minutes before Olayinka burst into the penalty area a minute later only for his low shot to be saved by Sam Sargeant. Tommy Lonergan had a free-kick on 35 minutes comfortably saved by the former Blues netminder eight minutes later.

After a tentative opening to the second-half with both teams giving away possession of the ball, there was a big chance for the Blues on 65 minutes. Conan Noonan laid the ball off into the feet of James Olayinka just outside the area, but keeper Sam Sargeant parried the ball away inside a crowded area.

A Waterford move yielded a chance for Tommy Lonergan six minutes when he spread the ball out to the left for Kyle White to put the ball back into the centre, but the header from the centre forward was well held by Sargeant as the Blues pressed for an equaliser.

Waterford had a strong penalty appeal turned down when referee Oliver Moran judged that John Mahon didn’t handle a Ryan Burke cross.

A quick move down the left from the Blues on 82 minutes when Jesse Dempsey’s throw sent Ben McCormack in the clear down the left before he set up Conan Noonan, but he blazed over Sargeant’s crossbar.

Sligo Rovers: Sargeant; Reynolds (McDonagh 58), Mahon, Hutchinson; Hakiki (Mallon 58), Fitzgerald, Manning (Patton 6), McElroy, Doyle-Hayes; Elding, Waweru (Lomboto 79).

Waterford FC: McMullan; Horton, Leahy, Burke, Dempsey; White (Keane 79), Olayinka (McCormack 69), Glenfield (McMenamy 69); Lonergan, Amond, Noonan.

Referee: Oliver Moran (Dublin).

Report courtesy of rte.ie.

Sligo Rovers FC wishes to address a recent and regrettable rise in antisocial behaviour taking place at and around our club grounds. This includes acts of trespass, littering, loitering, and, most concerningly, the theft and damage of club property.

Such behaviour undermines the safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers, and visitors. It also places an additional burden on both club resources and An Garda Síochána, who are already stretched in their efforts to support the broader community.

As a community-based organisation, Sligo Rovers has always taken great pride in serving as a welcoming space for all members of the community. It is deeply disappointing that the actions of a few individuals threaten that environment. The club is for all; it must not be diminished by the reckless behaviour of a few. We ask for the support of our wider community in protecting the club and discouraging conduct that has no place in or around our grounds.

We are liaising closely with local Gardaí and will be implementing additional security measures in and around the Showgrounds to ensure the safety and integrity of our facilities.

Last season saw the largest average attendance and best run of form in recent years, highlighting the incredible energy and support from our fans. The league season was a thrilling campaign that came down to the final game to determine a winner, with Sligo Rovers only being ruled out of title contention in the closing matches. Let’s carry that momentum into 2025 for another unforgettable season!

Why Choose a 2025 Season Ticket?

• Savings: Save over €70 compared to buying tickets match-by-match as an adult.
• Early Access: Season Ticket holders enjoy early access to high-demand special games, including friendlies and cup matches.
• Support the Club: Your Season Ticket helps sustain the club during the off-season when income is limited.

Gold Season Ticket: Elevate Your Matchday Experience

Take your experience to the next level with our Gold Season Ticket add-on. For just €60, you’ll have your name on your chosen seat for the entire season. Enjoy the convenience of having your spot reserved for all League and Cup matches at The Showgrounds. This premium option allows you to show your dedication in style and ensures a stress-free matchday experience.

A Club for the Community

Sligo Rovers is more than just a football club—it’s a cornerstone of our community. By purchasing a Season Ticket, you’re not just supporting the first teams; you’re helping us continue our work with:

• Our Academy: Training and nurturing future stars from across the North West.
• Football Social Responsibility Programmes:
  • DS Futsal Team: Promoting inclusion and providing opportunities for individuals with Down Syndrome.
  • Walking Football Team: Encouraging physical activity and social interaction for senior members of our community.
  • Rovers Integration Team: Supporting integration and inclusion through football.

Where to Buy

Season Tickets are available both online and at the following local outlets:

• The Showgrounds Megastore Open Monday – Saturday 11am to 5pm
• Barton Smiths, Sligo
• Lavin’s Menswear, Ballymote
• Collery’s Shop, Beltra
• Jerry Kenny Sport, Ballina
• John Lowe, Carrick-on-Shannon
• Kelly Centra, Gurteen

Other Ways to Support the Club

Sligo Rovers offers several ways for fans and supporters to contribute to the success and sustainability of the club beyond purchasing Season Tickets. Your involvement makes a huge difference, both on and off the pitch. Here are some ways you can get involved:

• Annual Voluntary Donation:

  Make a lasting impact by contributing an annual voluntary donation of €100. These donations play a crucial role in sustaining the club during the off-season, ensuring our programmes and community initiatives continue to thrive.

• 500 Club:
  • Membership: Become a member of the lifeblood of Sligo Rovers for just €20 a month or €240 annually. Your support contributes directly to the club’s success both on and off the pitch.
  • Draw Prizes: Gain entry to monthly draws with amazing prizes, including €500 for first prize, five runner-up prizes of €100 each, and four prizes of €50 each.
  • Legacy: Since 2003, the 500 Club has raised over €2 million, all reinvested into Sligo Rovers.
  • Join the 500 Club!

• Club Lotto:

• • Weekly Draw: Held every Monday night, the Lotto provides crucial funds for Sligo Rovers’ activities.
  • Prizes: Win cash awards of up to €30,000. A weekly runner-up prize, such as a Tesco voucher worth €200, is awarded to one supporter matching three out of four numbers drawn.
  • Join the Club Lotto!

Sligo Rovers recently conducted a comprehensive survey among supporters to understand their views on climate change, its impacts on the community, and how the club can play a role in driving sustainable action. With the support of the European Football for Development Network (EFDN) and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), the survey saw over 600 fans sharing their insights and concerns.

We are delighted to share the full results, analysed by the EFDN, which demonstrate the commitment of the Rovers community to tackling climate challenges. The findings reveal that fans are not only concerned about climate change but also recognise the unique role Sligo Rovers can play in promoting sustainable practices.

The Rovers community is not immune from the real impacts of the climate emergency, and we all have a role to play in helping create a sustainable future for this and future generations of supporters. We will keep everyone informed of the next steps in this process.

Key Findings and Next Steps:

Survey responses highlighted barriers such as cost and awareness in adopting climate-friendly solutions, with nearly 90% of fans expressing that affordability is essential for broader climate action. The results also underscore a strong desire for Sligo Rovers to lead by example, with over 75% of fans advocating for the club’s active involvement in sustainability efforts.

Jamie Murphy, Football and Social Responsibility Officer at Sligo Rovers, commented:
“We are absolutely delighted with the levels of engagement we received on our Community Climate Captains survey. It demonstrates that a large majority of supporters recognise the serious threat posed by climate change while also acknowledging the role we as a club have to play in helping tackle those issues. The results of the survey strongly support the fact that Rovers, like other parts of society, have a responsibility to act and we are looking forward to doing that”

In response to these findings, Sligo Rovers is exploring a range of initiatives to support sustainable action.

We invite all fans to read the complete report and learn more about our ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Please see the full report below.

For further information, please contact fsr@sligorovers.com.