There was plenty to be proud of across the academy this weekend, as every squad put in committed performances in their latest league fixtures. Several excellent results, along with plenty of determined displays, reflected the hard work being done by the players and coaches throughout the academy. Attention now turns to another busy weekend of fixtures, with all of the squads hoping to build on this week’s performances and continue their positive progress.

U20 | Sligo Rovers 2–0 Klub Kildare

It was back to winning ways for our U20s on Sunday as they welcomed a strong Klub Kildare side to the Showgrounds. Following last week’s disappointing 2-1 cup defeat to Drogheda United, the lads were eager to get back on track and continue their impressive league form.

The game got off to a quiet start, with neither side creating many clear-cut chances or really testing the opposition goalkeeper. That changed on the half-hour mark when Ross Dalton-Ruane broke the deadlock, finishing well to give Rovers a deserved lead.

The game opened up after the goal, with both goalkeepers called into action as the visitors pushed for an equaliser. However, Charlie McGarvey, making his U20 debut at just 16 years of age, produced a composed performance between the posts and dealt well with everything that came his way.

With Klub Kildare piling on the pressure late on and the three points still in the balance, Stoskus sealed the victory with a well-taken goal in the 80th minute.

It was a brilliant all-round performance from the lads, who claimed a deserved clean sheet and all three points. The result leaves them sitting third in the league, just one point off top spot.

U17 | Sligo Rovers 4–2 Athlone Town

The excellent start to the second round of fixtures continued for our U17s on Sunday as they maintained their impressive run of form.

Although the lads went into the game as league leaders, they knew they were in for a tough test against Athlone Town, and that certainly proved to be the case.

Rovers made the perfect start when David Newman finished neatly after just 12 minutes to give the lads an early lead. However, Athlone responded well and found an equaliser on the half-hour mark. Just before the break, Stephen Gibbons played Ryan Quinn through on goal, and he made no mistake to restore Rovers’ advantage and send the lads in 2-1 ahead at half-time.

The topsy-turvy contest continued early in the second half when Duffy grabbed Athlone’s second goal to level the game once again. Both sides continued to push for a winner, and if it hadn’t been for a number of outstanding saves from 14-year-old Donagh Oates between the posts, the scoreline could have looked very different.

Thankfully, centre-back Scott Williams stepped up to restore Rovers’ lead with a well-taken third goal. Then, just as it looked as though the game would finish 3-2, Ryan Quinn grabbed his second of the afternoon in the 91st minute to wrap up all three points for the lads.

The late goal took Quinn’s tally to six league goals in six games since the start of the second round of fixtures, while the victory sees Rovers strengthen their position at the top of the league table.

U15 | Sligo Rovers 1–4 Derry City

After last week’s emphatic 4-1 win over Klub Kildare, it was always going to be a tougher afternoon for the lads as they welcomed league leaders Derry City to the Showgrounds on Saturday.

A slow start against a side boasting a 100% league record was always going to be punished, and Derry raced into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 15 minutes.

To their credit, the lads responded well and pulled one back before the break when Sean Monaghan showed great composure to finish neatly and make it 2-1 at half-time.

Despite many brave and impressive performances from the Rovers lads, it wasn’t to be, as Derry produced another strong second-half performance and ran out comfortable winners in the end.

The lads will look to improve in their next outing at home to Finn Harps.

U14 | Sligo Rovers 3–3 Longford Town

Our U14s showed great character on Sunday afternoon as they came from two goals down to earn a draw in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Longford Town on The Showgrounds AstroTurf.

It was the visitors who made the brighter start, with Oisin O’Donnell striking twice inside the opening five minutes to give Longford a commanding 2-0 lead.

The lads responded well and gradually worked their way back into the game. Their pressure paid off in the 25th minute when Daniel Maye picked out Jack Ivers-Brehony, who finished well to halve the deficit.

Rovers carried that momentum into the second half and were back on level terms almost immediately after the restart. Jayce Murray did well down the wing before setting up Ivers-Brehony for his second goal of the afternoon to make it 2-2.

The game continued to swing from end to end, and Longford regained the lead in the 76th minute when Oisin O’Donnell completed his hat-trick.

However, the lads never gave up and were rewarded late on when a goalmouth scramble ended with the ball finding the back of the net to rescue a deserved draw for Rovers.

WU17 | Sligo Rovers 1–4 Mayo FC

The deficit proved too much for the WU17s to overcome after an uncharacteristically slow start left them 3-0 down inside the opening 13 minutes. To their credit, the girls showed plenty of fight and determination throughout the game, but the early lead ultimately proved too much to recover from.

Substitute Freya Fitzpatrick pulled a goal back in the 88th minute, but it wasn’t enough as Mayo ran out comfortable winners.

The girls will now turn their attention to their next outing away to Klub Kildare, where they’ll be looking to bounce back with an improved performance.

Tom Lavery

Sligo Rovers will be included in Tuesday’s draw for the third round of this year’s Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup, after the Bit O’Red comfortably saw off junior side Janesboro at Pearse Stadium on the outskirts of Limerick City on Saturday evening. 

Luke Pearse hit a brace, his first goals since returning to Sligo recently, while Sean McHale and Archie Meekison also got on the scoresheet for thre run-away victors. 

Rovers now join the likes of Shamrock Rovers, St Pat’s and Bohs in the hat for the third round draw which takes place live on RTE Radio One on Tuesday evening. 

The five time cup winners hit the lead after less than two minutes in this one. Jeannot Esua and Archie Meekison combining as the Cameroonian full back delivered the perfect ball for Pearse to dive onto and nod past Aaron O’Sullivan in the Janesboro goal. 

Sam Sargeant performed a small miracle when he somehow kept out an opportunity for the hosts a few minutes later. The Londoner stretching into the top corner of his goal to push away a header from a set piece which looked like it would beat the Rovers number one. 

One became two on the half hour as Rovers, marshalled from the sideline by Ryan Casey, effectively put the game to bed.

A Janesboro defender managed to clear an Esua cross from under his crossbar, but the home side were unable to manage as Meekison arrived to volley into the bottom corner. 

Half-time sub Jamie McGonigle struck the crossbar early in the second period in the sunshine, before Sean McHale made it three with his second goal for the club.

Pearse rounded off a good afternoon for Sligo when he grabbed his second of the day just after the hour. 

Rovers’ next game is a crucial Premier Division clash with Drogheda United at the Showgrounds this Saturday, kick-off 7.45pm. 

Rovers: Sargeant; Esua (McDonagh 58), Denham, McHale (McGonigle HT), Stewart (Harkin 58); Quirk, McHugh (McManus HT); Meekison, O’Kane (Nolan HT); Pearce; Kavanagh.

David Goulden

Photo: Donal Egan 

Sligo Rovers’ FAI Cup journey begins this Saturday as our men’s side travel to Pearse Stadium in Limerick to take on local district league side Janesboro in the second round of this year’s men’s competition.

Kick-off at the Colbert Avenue venue is 4.30pm as the Bit O’Red hope to make a mark on the 106th edition of a competition the club has proudly won five times. 

The sides were paired together in the draw, which was conducted earlier this month, after Janesboro overcame Tipperary town side St Michael’s after extra-time at Cooke Park.

Rovers will be managed on the day by Ryan Casey following John Russell’s exit from the club earlier this week. 

In team news and as of Friday morning, Jad Hakiki, Kevin Zefi and Conor Reynolds are injured and therefore miss out. 

Midfield pair Daire Patton and Ciaron Harkin will be given late fitness tests. 

Seb Quirk will be available but will miss next week’s league meeting with Drogheda having been sent off in Galway last week. 

Rovers face the novelty of playing two games in as many weeks at different grounds with the same name but in different locations.

Casey knows that being the League of Ireland side places Sligo as natural favourites for this game and says the players have shown a ‘business as usual’ attitude following recent developments. 

“It’s been a week of a few changes but we move on. The players have prepped well and we’re looking forward to going to Limerick and hopefully getting through to the next round”, he tells sligorovers.com. 

“Everyone knows how close the FAI Cup is historically to the club and we’d love to get the ball rolling on another good run.

“I’d expect Janesboro to have a nothing to lose attitude. Limerick junior football is traditionally strong and we expect a test, certainly.

“It’s a Saturday afternoon kick-off, a huge game and we hope that we have plenty travelling with us to see us through.” 

David Goulden

Following the departure of John Russell to Shelbourne FC, Sligo Rovers can confirm that the club has begun a recruitment process to appoint a new Men’s First Team Manager.

Suitably qualified candidates who wish to express an interest in the position are invited to contact the Club Secretary, Brendan Lacken, at secretary@sligorovers.com.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s Club Orange FAI Cup second round tie away to Janesboro FC, Ryan Casey will lead the team’s preparations and take charge of first team matters for this fixture. The club would like to thank Ryan for his commitment, and we ask all supporters to get behind the team in Limerick.

Further updates on the recruitment process will be provided in due course.

BY CONALL COLLIER

Sligo Rovers delivered a battling performance for a 1-0 Women’s Premier Division win against a Wexford side that will be wondering how they failed to score at least one goal at the Showgrounds on Saturday evening.

Anna McDaniel had Sligo Rovers ahead inside six minutes when she finished confidently after a smart pass from Sydney Stephens.

From there to the end, it was a determined team effort that earned the points with Cara Jordan the outstanding player.

Soon after the opening goal a cross from Stephens was scrambled away by a relieved Wexford rearguard as the Bit O’Red continued to press.

Wexford settled into the game and were denied by the woodwork on 20 minutes when a speculative Leah McGrath cross rebounded to Ciara Rossiter who had her effort saved by an alert Bonnie McKiernan.

That was as much as Wexford had to offer in the opening half due mainly to some solid defending by Sabrina Hillyer who kept a tight rein on Rossiter throughout the opening 45 minutes.

Cara Jordan was a constant threat going forward with great support from Anna McDaniel as the hosts took a well-deserved 1-0 interval lead.

Wexford were smartly out of the traps for the second-half and Megan Smyth-Lynch thundered a 47th minute free off the post and then Rossiter did well to keep the ball in play and got in a good cross that was scrambled clear.

Wexford went close on 75 minutes, but a relieved Sligo Rovers scrambled the ball clear before Wexford’s Courtney Chochol was unlucky following another scramble in the penalty area.  

However, with Cara Jordan driving the team forward, the Bit O’Red survived and were denied a spectacular Sydney Stephens 91st minute goal when her effort from close to the centre circle was finger-tipped away by Wexford’s Maria O’Sullivan.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Ava Hallinan, Alana Doherty, Ella Karolak, Sabrina Hillyer,Cara Jordan, Emma Duffy, Sydney Stephens, Sarah McCaffrey, Cara King, Anna McDaniel.

Subs – Emma Hansberry for McCaffrey 66 mins, Alice Lillie for Hillyer and Paula McGrory for King both 74m.

Wexford – Maria O’Sullivan; Emma Bucci, Lauren Dwyer, Kayla Concalves, Leah McGrath, Ciara Rossiter, Megan Smyth – Lynch, Devon Olive, Lauren Walsh, Courtney Chochol, Anna Carson.

Subs – Christie Gray for McGrath 57 mins, Molly Kirwan for Olive and Katie McCann for Rossiter both 70m. Freya de Mange for Dwyer and Maia Stokes for Goncalves both 82m.

Referee – Shane O’Donoghue.
Assistant-referees – Endrit Malaveci, Richard Storey.
Fourth official – Darren Corcoran
Sent from my iPhone

Sligo Rovers can confirm the departure of Men’s First Team Manager John Russell, who has accepted the position of First Team Manager with Shelbourne FC.

John has had a long association with Sligo Rovers, having represented the club as a player across two spells before returning as Assistant Manager in late 2018. He was appointed Men’s First Team Manager in June 2022.

During his time as manager, John played an important role in developing a young squad and promoting a positive, attacking style of football. His commitment to player development helped to establish a group of talented young players and provided the club with a solid foundation for the future.

Sligo Rovers Chairperson Tommy Higgins said:

“John has given tremendous service to Sligo Rovers over many years, both as a player and as manager. On behalf of the Management Committee, I would like to thank him for his commitment, professionalism and contribution to the club during his time in charge.

“While we are disappointed to see him leave, we respect his decision and wish him every success in his new role. John will always be welcome at The Showgrounds.”

Everyone at Sligo Rovers FC would like to thank John for his service and dedication, and wish him well for the future.

New signings Jamie McGonigle and Luke Pearce are eligible for the Bit O’Red as Sligo Rovers head to what is the unfamiliar surroundings of Pearse Stadium in Salthill, for this evening’s meeting with Galway United.

Kick-off at the home of Galway GAA is 5pm.

This vital Premier Division game will be staged in Salthill due to work being undertaken by the Galway FA on the Eamonn Deacy Park pitch.

Striker McGonigle is in line for his debut, while Pearce is available for selection following his return to the club after both players’ international clearances were granted. News that will come as a huge boost to Rovers boss John Russell.

Today’s tie will be the third meeting of the clubs in 2026 and this will be the 102nd Connacht derby.

John Caulfield’s men have the better of the results between us this term, with two wins from two as the Bit O’Red go in search of a victory which would close the gap to Galway to a single point. 

Long term injured duo Jad Hakiki and Conor Reynolds again miss out, as does Kevin Zefi as of Friday morning.

Ciaron Harkin has returned to fitness and should be available, although Daire Patton misses out due to suspension.

“We still have two or three lads unavailable, but we’re certainly heading to Galway with a few more options than we’ve had for the majority of the season”, Russell told sligorovers.com earlier in the week.

“Ciaron is back in contention. Seb Quirk, Archie Meekison are all getting stronger and we will hopefully have both Jamie (McGonigle) and Luke with us too. I was really impressed with Jamie O’Donnell’s debut last week too, so it’s great to have more options.”

This clash has the added intrigue of being played on a surface unfamiliar to League of Ireland football. 

Russell is looking forward to the occasion against his home town club. However, he is fully familiar with the type of test his team will face as Rovers look for a first win in six against a United side searching for their fifth ‘home’ win of the campaign. 

“It will be interesting going there. We’ll see what the crowd is like, the atmosphere, the quality of the pitch”, he continues.  

“But regardless of where the game’s played, we have a job to do.” 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers supporters travelling to Pearse Stadium for Saturday’s fixture against Galway are advised to read the following matchday information.

The game takes place at Pearse Stadium, Salthill, H91 PX30, on Saturday, 11 July 2026, with kick-off at 5pm. Gates will open from 4pm.

Away Supporters

Away supporters should enter the stadium via Rockbarton Road, between Dr Mannix Road and the main entrance to the stadium.

The designated away turnstiles are 23 and 24.

Sligo Rovers supporters will be located in the North Terrace, in the pitch-centre standing area.

Tickets

Away tickets are available online only at:

www.galwayunitedfc.ie/tickets-away

There will be no away supporter tickets available to purchase at the stadium on matchday, so supporters are advised to buy their tickets in advance.

Parking

Supporter parking will be available at Coláiste Éinde Secondary School, H91 X798, from two hours before kick-off.

The car park has over 540 spaces available on a first come, first served basis. Please note that this is paid parking, with a fee of €5. The car park will close shortly after the game.

From Coláiste Éinde, it is approximately a 700-metre walk to the away turnstiles at Pearse Stadium.

Away Supporter Bus Parking

Buses organised by the visiting club may be able to arrange parking at St Enda’s Primary School, H91 Y725, by contacting Galway United through the club secretary.

Spaces are limited and must be booked through the club secretary in advance. This parking area is approximately 200 metres from the away turnstiles.

Disability Parking

There are four disability parking spaces located at the back of the main stand. If these spaces are full, St Enda’s Primary School, H91 Y725, can be used.

Safe Travels

We wish all Sligo Rovers supporters travelling to Galway a safe journey and thank you, as always, for your continued support.

John Russell has moved again to further strengthen his side with the return of striker Luke Pearce to the club on an 18 month deal subject to international transfer clearance.

Pearce, 22, spent the second half of the 2024 season on loan at the Showgrounds from Cardiff City. A spell which saw the Republic of Ireland underage international score twice in 13 appearances, netting in games against Galway United both at the Showgrounds and in Eamonn Deacy Park.

Pearce’s addition brings to three the number of signings Russell has made in the current window following the arrival of fellow attackers Jamie O’Donnell and Jamie McGonigle.

The former Walsall and Southampton man returned to Cardiff at the end of the 2024 season and went on to make his first team debut for the Bluebirds in an FA Cup win over Sheffield United the following January.

He spent the last few months of his time under contract at the Welsh club on loan at Finnish club IFK Mariehamn.

“I’m buzzing to be back and to have the opportunity to play here again”, he tells sligorovers.com.

“To be back playing under John is huge for me. He’s told me how much he believes in me and the faith that he has in what we’re doing here.

“It’s time now for me to repay that faith by getting in the team, scoring goals and winning games.

“I believe I did well when I was here first and now I want to build on that.”

Even after his initial stint in Sligo came to an end, family ties to the north west always drew Luke’s attention back to Rovers given that his mother was born in Sligo.

And with six players including Ollie Denham and Gareth McElroy still plying a trade at the Showgrounds from Luke’s previous time here, he says the intrinsic desire to build something special remains.

“Myself and my family have always kept an eye out for Rovers and how we’ve been doing”, Luke continues.

“It’s great now to be able to have the chance to affect those results again.

“I’ve kept in touch with a few of the lads who were here when I was here first and they always speak so positively about the club and the vision that management have. The hunger to press on even against the odds is certainly still here.

“It’s about building momentum now. Picking up a few good results and building on that. I think the last two or three games, I’ve watched them and we haven’t picked up the results we’ve deserved so it’s time now that we started to collect a few good results and that starts on Saturday hopefully.”

Pearce’s 13 game stay definitely made an impression on his manager who was keen to get the striker back to Sligo as soon as his contract in Wales expired.

“We believe we have the right environment here to push Luke on to the next level and continue his development”, Russell says.

“We’re excited to see what he can achieve here and it’s a big opportunity for him.

“Luke and his family know Sligo, he knows Rovers, our supporters and what they expect of him and the club.

“He made a really positive impression here during his last spell here. He’s young, hungry and has similar characteristics to his new team mates in that he works hard for the team. He has the ability of scoring all different types of goals and we’re looking forward to seeing him out there.”

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers will be on the road once again in the Club Orange Women’s FAI Cup, with an away quarter‑final tie against Galway United confirmed following last yesterday’s draw. It will be the Bit O’Red’s second successive away fixture in this year’s competition, coming on the back of the impressive second‑round victory over Waterford at the RSC last Saturday.

This upcoming clash will also mark Sligo Rovers’ 10th appearance in the Women’s FAI Cup since entering the competition in 2022 — a journey that has already produced memorable moments, milestones, and a growing Cup pedigree.

The club’s first scheduled FAI Cup match was set for July 2022 against Douglas Hall of Cork, but the visitors did not travel to the Showgrounds, resulting in a walkover. That meant Rovers’ first actual Cup outing came a month later in a quarter‑final at Dalymount Park, where Bohemians emerged 3–1 winners.

The breakthrough Cup victory arrived in 2023, and it came in emphatic fashion — an 11–0 win over Donegal side Bonagee United. That result propelled Sligo Rovers into the semi‑finals for the first time, where they were defeated by Athlone Town. Remarkably, the Bit O’Red repeated that achievement in 2024, once again reaching the last four and once again falling to Athlone Town.

Last season brought a setback, with DLR Waves eliminating Rovers in the opening round. But across their nine Cup games to date, Sligo Rovers have recorded five wins, demonstrating steady progress and a growing ability to compete deep into the competition.

The draw for this year’s quarter‑finals was conducted by FAI Head of Women’s and Girls’ Football Lizzy Kent and FAI President Paul Cooke, setting up an exciting weekend of fixtures scheduled for Saturday 1st / Sunday 2nd August.

Alongside Sligo Rovers’ trip to Galway, the remaining ties promise plenty of intrigue:

• Douglas Hall v Cork City
• Athlone Town v Shamrock Rovers
• Bohemians v Shelbourne

For Sligo Rovers, the challenge is clear — a difficult away day against a strong Galway United side. But Cup football has its own rhythm, its own energy, and its own possibilities. With momentum from the Waterford win and a history of rising to the occasion in knockout competitions, the Bit O’Red will travel with belief, determination, and the ambition to reach yet another semi‑final.