John Russell has added to his attacking options ahead of an important few weeks for Sligo Rovers, with the arrival of striker Jamie McGonigle to the Showgrounds from NIFL Premiership side Coleraine.

The experienced centre-forward joins on loan until the end of the current season, subject to international transfer clearance. This is Russell’s second acquisition of the summer following the signing of Jamie O’Donnell last week.

McGonigle’s move comes at a pivotal time for the Bit O’Red who face into a busy few weeks of both Premier Division and FAI Cup action, beginning with Saturday’s Connacht derby at Pearse Stadium in Galway.

The 30-year-old will add firepower to Rovers’ front line and is a proven goal-scorer having netted over 70 times in the Premiership over two spells with Coleraine and one with Belfast side Crusaders.

A native of Dungiven in County Derry, McGonigle will be familiar to Rovers fans for his time at the Brandywell where he spent three years.

There, he won an FAI Cup with Derry City in 2022, netting 24 Premier Division goals and four in the cup. He scored four times against Sligo during that period, including a brace in a defeat to the Candystripes at the Brandywell at the end of the 2021 season.

The former Northern Ireland U21 international is hoping to be available for Saturday’s clash with Galway United and is ready for the challenge of competing in the Premier Division once again. With a big cup tie with Janesboro to come the following week and crucial league meetings against Drogheda, Dundalk, Derry and Waterford to follow, Jamie is keen to impress straight away.

“I’m hoping to be able to hit the ground running and get up to speed with things as quickly as I can”, he tells sligorovers.com.

“I’ve been able to do it quite quickly the last few times I’ve switched clubs so I’ll be aiming to do the same again.

“I know the league already so hopefully that will help me settle. I loved my time with Derry playing in this division and it really appealed to me to come back to the league and challenge myself here again.

“I’ve been following the league since I’ve left Derry and it’s constantly evolving.

“There are more top players being added to the squads every year. Even the teams at the bottom have really quality players who would get into the teams at the top. It’s a lot more competitive than it was a decade or so ago.

“Everyone beats everyone and it’s down to the match night and how well prepared you are, really. It’s up to us now to make sure we’re coming out on top in games.”

Rovers have struggled somewhat for goals this term. But with the likes of Will Fitzgerald, Kevin Zefi and Ryan O’Kane on site, Jamie believes he can thrive in what is a side brimming with creativity.

“It’s exactly what you’re looking for as a striker”, Jamie continues.

“When you’re in a team with the talent that we have going forward, it’s really exciting. I’ve seen a few Rovers games this season and you can see the talent and the will to win and to play football in an attractive manner is there. It’s just about getting in the right places at the right times and I’m hoping to be able to finish off a few moves.

“The squad is there to succeed.

“There’s youth and experience.

“Sligo have a wonderful goalkeeper in Sam Sargeant, one of the best in the country. Outfield, we have the likes of Jeannot Esua, Ollie Denham and Will Fitzgerald who I know from Derry. These are players who have been around the league a while and know what it takes.

“Sean McHale and Gareth McElroy are two of the best young defenders in the country. Ryan O’Kane causes issues for everyone he plays against and I know how highly regarded Jamie O’Donnell is.”

McGonigle’s endeavour on the pitch, his years in the game at this level and his record in front of goal was central to Russell’s reason for bringing him back to the League of Ireland.

“He’s worked hard for every team he’s played for and it stands out”, the Rovers boss says.

“He’s a player of real quality, a proven goal-scorer and brings a lot of experience to our group which is always huge.

“He knows where the goal is and his record proves it.

“He really fits the type of character we want in our dressing room. It’s a great opportunity for Jamie to get games and for us, we are adding another attacking option. We can’t wait to see him get going for us.”

David Goulden

The 500 Club members draw for 500 Club Winners 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.

May 2026

€500 Michael Leonard – Blackrock, Co. Dublin
€100 Alan Banks – Ballisodare, Co. Sligo
€100 Joe Toolan – Tallaght, Co. Dublin
€100 Seamus McGowan – Co. Westmeath
€100 Ronan Conboy – Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin
€100 Christopher Davey – Spiddal, Co. Galway
€100 Gerard Hardgadon – Rosses Point, Co. Sligo
€100 Ryan Quinn – Tonaphubble, Co. Sligo
€100 Jonathan Lynch – Greenfort, Co. Sligo
€100 Majella Byrne – Ballina, Co. Mayo

June 2026

€500 Shauna Kelly – Ballintrillick, Co. Sligo
€100 Anthony Quinn – Cliffoney, Co. Sligo
€100 John McHugh – Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo
€100 Mark Keane – Tracy Ave, Co. Sligo
€100 Keith Patterson – Carney, Co. Sligo
€100 Alberto Conz – Strandhill, Co. Sligo
€100 Eoghan Sweeney – Berlin, Germany
€100 Eileen Rossiter – Collooney, Co. Sligo
€100 Gerard Toolan – Collaney, Co. Sligo
€100 Trevor Brennan – Tunaphubble, Co. Sligo

David Goulden at the Showgrounds 

Match Day Sponsor: Vintage Reds.

Match Ball Sponsor: Amcor Flexibles, Finisklin. 

Shamrock Rovers displayed their strength in depth as they emptied their bench at half-time to turn the tide against Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds on Friday.

One down at half-time courtesy of Will Fitzgerald’s fifth goal of the season, Stephen Bradley introduced four changes at the break including Irish internationals Jack Byrne and Graham Burke, both of whom netted one each to secure the points for Shams.

However, another huge talking point in this game and arguably the pivotal moment was referee Paul McLaughlin’s decision to dismiss Rovers midfielder Daire Patton early in the second half. McLaughlin decided that the Sligo native had denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity when he tangled with Dylan Watts as he looked to take control of a pass from goalkeeper Sam Sargeant. 

The decision was heavily criticised by Rovers boss John Russell post-match with numerical miss-match certainly playing its part as the visitors created the majority of the chances from here on in. 

Russell made two adjustments in personnel from our draw with Shelbourne the week previous.  

Archie Meekison, recently recovered from knee surgery, took his place in a starting eleven for the first time since mid-May. While Cian Kavanagh made his first start in three. Recent acquisition, 16-year-old striker Jamie O’Donnell was named on the bench. 

Departing for Malta for their Champions League clash with Floriana on Monday morning, Stephen Bradley made two switches from the Dubliners’ comfortable victory over Galway last week. Defender Adam Matthews and Dylan Watts coming in as they aimed to push further ahead in their bid for a sixth title in seven seasons. 

Their goalkeeper and former Sligo net minder Ed McGinty had to bat away a Sean McHale header from a Ryan O’Kane corner on six minutes following a brief period of chaos in front of the Republic of Ireland underage international. While Adam Brennan, a star feature of the win over Galway, went close for the away side shortly before Sligo went in front. 

Meekison’s endeavour on the right wing won possession back for Rovers as the Hoops again failed to impress defensively. His cross was allowed to bounce by Fitzgerald who had time and space to meet the ball on the half volley before blasting past a sprawled McGinty and into the corner of the net for the Limerick man’s fifth goal of the year. 

One of three full Irish internationals in the Shamrock Rovers match day squad, Enda Stevens tested Sargeant with a drive from 18 yards without success. While Brennan skied his next chance when John McGovern laid Jake Mulraney’s cross into the path of the starlet. 

McGovern should have restored parity on the half-time whistle but the Newry man allowed Brennan’s cross creep through his legs with the goal at his mercy.

Frustrated by what they saw, the Hoops made no less than four substitutions at the break and the move paid dividends straight away. 

Sargeant had repelled substitute Burke’s initial effort but couldn’t keep out fellow change Byrne’s resulting shot. 

The evening took a further turn for the worse for John Russell’s men on 52 when Patton was controversially red carded for a challenge on Watts. McLaughlin went straight to his back pocket to issue Patton’s red, but replays suggest the official may have been hasty in his decision making.  

Shams’ Matt Healy lashed a shot off the crossbar, Michael Noonan headed wide at the back post, while Sargeant’s superb reactions saw him fist away a Brennan header moments later as last year’s FAI Cup winners continued to knock on the door. 

Cruelly for Rovers, it didn’t take anything special from their opponents to find the combination for the winner which arrived with eight left. 

Sargeant, one of Rovers’ top performers this term, made a hugely uncharacteristic mistake as he allowed Burke’s innocuous looking shot slip through his grasp.

The hosts did push for an equaliser with the hard working Carl McHugh going close with two headed efforts towards the end of the game. 

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeannot Esua (Kyle McDonagh 88), Gareth McElroy, Sean McHale, Sean Stewart; Carl McHugh, Daire Patton; Will Fitzgerald, Archie Meekison (Seb Quirk 67), Ryan O’Kane; Cian Kavanagh (Jamie O’Donnell 78). 

Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty; Adam Matthews, Enda Stevens (Cory O’Sullivan HT), Lee Grace; Jake Mulraney, Adam Brennan; Connor Malley (Jack Byrne HT), Matt Healy; Dylan Watts (Maleace Asamoah 59); John McGovern (Michael Noonan HT), Aaron Greene (Graham Burke 45).  

Referee: Paul McLaughlin. 

Attendance: 2,451.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to welcome Horan’s Pharmacy, Castle Street, Sligo, as the club’s Official Healthcare Partner.

The partnership will see Horan’s Pharmacy provide a range of healthcare products to support the health, recovery and wellbeing of the club’s players and staff throughout the season.

The agreement reflects Horan’s Pharmacy’s continued commitment to supporting local sport and the wider Sligo community.

Enda Horan said:

“We are proud to become the Official Healthcare Partner of Sligo Rovers FC. As a local business, serving the public since 1953, we recognise the important role the club plays in our community, both on and off the pitch.

“Supporting the health and wellbeing of the players and staff is a natural extension of our commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to the people of Sligo.

“We look forward to developing a strong and lasting partnership with the club.”

Donagh Oates, speaking on behalf of Sligo Rovers, added:

“We are delighted to welcome Horan’s Pharmacy as our Official Healthcare Partner.

“Access to high-quality healthcare products is an important part of supporting our players throughout the season, and we greatly appreciate the commitment shown by Enda and the team.

“Partnerships with local businesses are hugely important to Sligo Rovers, and we look forward to working together over the coming season.”

Based on Castle Street in the heart of Sligo town, Horan’s Pharmacy has served the local community since 1953.

The club would like to thank Enda Horan and everyone at Horan’s Pharmacy for their valued support and looks forward to working with them throughout the season.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce North West Credit Union as the main sponsor of our 2026 Summer Camps programme.

The partnership will see North West Credit Union support one of the club’s largest community initiatives, with camps taking place across the region and giving young players the chance to enjoy football, stay active, develop their skills and make lasting memories.

Sligo Rovers Summer Camps continue to be a hugely important part of the club’s connection with families and communities across the North West. Each year, the programme gives children of all abilities the opportunity to take part in a fun, inclusive and positive football environment, led by Sligo Rovers coaches.

As part of the 2026 programme, camps will take place in Sligo and across a number of regional locations, helping bring the club closer to communities throughout the wider North West region.

Yasmina Rahmoune, Marketing Officer with North West Credit Union, said:

“We’re delighted to support the Sligo Rovers Summer Camps this year. These camps provide a fantastic opportunity for young people to stay active, build confidence, develop new skills, and make lasting friendships. At NWCU, we believe that positive habits formed at a young age can help create brighter futures. We’re especially looking forward to seeing the camps extend into our common bond areas in Roscommon and engaging with even more young athletes this summer.”

Donagh Oates, Commercial Manager at Sligo Rovers, added:

“We are delighted to welcome North West Credit Union as the main sponsor of our 2026 Summer Camps programme.

“This is a brilliant partnership for the club and one that supports a hugely important part of what Sligo Rovers does in the community.

“Our Summer Camps are about much more than football. They give young people the chance to stay active, meet new friends, build confidence and enjoy being part of the club.

“To have the backing of North West Credit Union, an organisation with such strong community values, is a great fit for Sligo Rovers. Their support will help us continue to grow the programme and bring it to more families across the region.

“We would like to thank Yasmina and everyone at North West Credit Union for their support, and we look forward to working together throughout what promises to be another brilliant summer of football.”

The club would like to thank North West Credit Union for their support and commitment to the 2026 Summer Camps programme.

Further details on upcoming Sligo Rovers Summer Camps, including locations and booking information, are available through the club’s official channels.

Shamrock Rovers are tonight’s visitors to the Showgrounds as Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior team take on last year’s Premier Division champions, this evening, Friday at 7.45pm.

Supporters are asked to note the change of game day. This game was moved from Saturday due to Rovers facilitating the Hoops’ Champions League qualifier against Floriana on Tuesday next. 

Match day sponsor for tonight’s ‘clash of the Rovers’ are supporters group Vintage Reds, while the match ball is kindly sponsored by Amcor Flexibles, Finisklin. 

This will be the third game between the sides this season as Rovers seek a first win in five, the last of which came against the Tallaght side in late May. 

Stephen Bradley’s outfit beat Sligo at the Showgrounds back in March. While that late win in Dublin last month arrived courtesy of a memorable late strike from Carl McHugh after Jeannot Esua (pictured) had levelled things following a Sean McHale own goal, which opened Shams’ lead early on. 

In team news, and as of Friday morning, Rovers remain without long term injured Jad Hakiki and Conor Reynolds. 

Ciaron Harkin is also injured. 

Kevin Zefi is likely to miss out for the same reason, while James McManus faces a late fitness test although John Russell is confident the Bohs loanee will make it.

Seb Quirk should be fit to take part in this game if so required after he made the bench against Shelbourne last week. Midfielder Quirk hasn’t featured since picking up a hamstring injury in a stalemate with Derry two months ago. 

Archie Meekison was brought in late on in last week’s game, as he continues his recovery from knee surgery, another boost for Russell.

“Seb was one of the best players in the league before he picked up his injury”, Russell tells sligorovers.com.

“He was consistently putting in great performances for us in the middle and we’re delighted he’s back ahead of schedule. Initially, we’d feared it’d be late July before he came back so it’s a big addition to our group to have him back. It’ll take him a little while to get back up to speed but we’re a stronger side now he’s back again.”

Shamrock Rovers come to Sligo on the back of just one defeat in their last five, having seen off Galway in Tallaght last week.

Russell knows to expect a big test against the league leaders and current title favourites and doesn’t expect their focus to be anywhere else on Friday night.

“You would imagine they’ll have a few games in Europe coming up given that they should have enough to beat Floriana”, he continues. 

“But no matter the team they’ll put out, they’ll be looking to maintain their points difference at the top. Even if they were to rest a few, they’re still formidable.

“But I’ve seen enough from us particularly in stages against Pat’s and Shels that proves we have it in us to get something Friday night.” 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers are excited to confirm that Republic of Ireland underage striker Jamie O’Donnell has today joined the Bit O’Red, signing a long-term contract.

Rated as one of the top young talents in the region, this will be 16-year-old O’Donnell’s first professional contract. 

A native of Buncrana in County Donegal, O’Donnell started out with local club Cockhill Celtic with whom he spent ten years. 

After those years at Cockhill, he then moved on to Derry City’s academy, featuring at several underage levels for the Candystripes. 

The teen has also represented Ireland at under 15 and 16s, making his international debut in Portugal and most recently featured in a game with Netherlands. He netted twice in a game with Greece and recently scored a late winner against Hungary. He also featured for Derry’s first team against Rovers in a friendly at the start of this year. 

O’Donnell’s eye for a goal and huge potential means his progress has been closely tracked by Rovers boss John Russell who is thrilled to get this move over the line. 

“It’s important that we try to attract the best young talent to Sligo Rovers so I’m delighted that we’ve secured this signing”, Russell tells sligorovers.com. 

“He has represented Ireland at underage level and he has all the attributes to become a top centre forward.

“From chatting to Jamie and his parents, I was really struck by his mentality. A lot of young players have talent but you also need to have the mindset to work hard and push yourself. We feel that this is the right environment for Jamie to develop and progress and we’re all looking forward to working with him.”

O’Donnell is already familiar with some of his new team-mates having played in the same Irish side as fellow Donegal man and Rovers goalkeeper Charlie McGarvey. While centre half Gareth McElroy is from just down the road. 

“Sligo’s such a nice area and would already know a few players at the club which of course, helps a lot”, Jamie says. 

“I know Charlie quite well and he’s a team mate with Ireland. Gareth would be from my area too and I’m looking forward to having the chance to maybe go up against both of them in training when I can and of course playing alongside them.” 

Describing his style of play as similar to World Cup stars Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, O’Donnell is keen to make his mark at the Showgrounds and continue to progress on the international stage.

“I’d see myself as a number nine as I’ve consistently scored goals in that position at all levels. But I am also comfortable anywhere across the front three and in the ten.

“I really like Kane and Haaland as they are both top class nines.They have different styles but I like to take characteristics from both of them.

“I really enjoyed (being with Ireland) and hopefully I’ll continue to be involved with Ireland during my time at Rovers.”

Citing Rovers’ Abbvie Academy’s record of producing young players ready for the first team, Jamie is keen to follow the same lines as the likes of current first team players McElroy and Daire Patton. Both of whom are graduates of our youth system. 

“There’s definitely a pathway here”, Jamie states. 

“Johnny Kenny and Owen Elding’s journeys have certainly highlighted that. Daire and Gareth are thriving in the first team at the moment. 

“What’s best for me and my future was important in deciding to come here and the opportunity to one day play first team football, hopefully in the near future played a massive part in me coming to Sligo. The plan is to work hard and get my chance at senior level and make the most of it. My dream is to become a first-team regular here. 

David Goulden 

It was another successful weekend for the academy, with our sides enjoying an excellent second round of fixtures and producing a number of impressive performances. Across the age groups, there were plenty of positives to take, from dramatic late winners and valuable league points to encouraging displays full of quality.

U20 | Sligo Rovers 2-1 Athlone Town

It was a well-rounded display at The Showgrounds as our U20s picked up their first points of the season.

Rovers started brightly, putting together some excellent passages of play and creating several goalscoring opportunities. The lads’ positive start was rewarded in the 22nd minute when David Jonathan broke the deadlock. The boys continued to apply the pressure until the break, with Callum Lynch playing Corey Lavery-McCay through on goal to double the lead five minutes before half-time.

However, the boys soon discovered it was not going to be a walk in the park, as Athlone pulled a goal back shortly after the restart. A resilient defensive display ensured the two first-half goals proved enough, as Rovers held on to claim all three points against a strong Athlone side.

The lads will look to build on the result next week when they travel north to face Derry, with the aim of climbing further up the table.

U17 | Sligo Rovers 3-2 Finn Harps

It was an enthralling contest between two evenly matched sides as our U17s picked up all three points in dramatic fashion on Sunday.

After the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser away to Drogheda last week, the lads were determined to go one better, and they made the perfect start when the in-form Ryan Quinn opened the scoring in the 19th minute, following on from his brace the previous week.

After a cagey first half, the second period was anything but, with Finn Harps levelling the game shortly after the restart. Rovers responded well, as full-back Ethan O’Neill restored the lead with a fine finish.

Both sides continued to threaten for the remainder of the half, and it looked like déjà vu for the boys when Finn Harps grabbed a late equaliser, leaving Rovers on the verge of dropping points late for a second consecutive week.

However, super-sub Dillon Doherty had other ideas. Introduced just four minutes earlier, Doherty fired home a dramatic 93rd-minute winner to spark wild celebrations and secure all three points for Rovers at the death.

The win leaves Rovers second in the table ahead of next weekend’s away trip to Longford Town, where they will be aiming for another victory.

U14 Development Weekend

Rovers had three U14 sides in action at the FAI National Training Centre on Saturday, with all three teams producing committed and hard-working performances throughout the day.

Two of the sides were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Wexford and Waterford in closely contested games. Despite the results, there were plenty of encouraging displays, with several players stepping up and showing great quality both on and off the ball.

It proved to be a more difficult afternoon for the third U14 side, who came up against a strong Klub Kildare outfit. While the scoreline did not reflect the effort shown by the boys, the game provided another valuable learning experience as they continue their development.

WU17 | Sligo Rovers 2-2 Longford Town

A solid display from the WU17s saw the girls earn a valuable point against an impressive Longford Town side.

Coming into the game on the back of a 3-2 victory away to Drogheda last week, confidence was high, and the girls made the perfect start when Farry opened the scoring with a fine finish in the ninth minute.

Both teams continued to create chances, with Longford responding through a well-worked equaliser before taking the lead just before half-time.

Rovers responded well after the break, with the in-form Farry grabbing her second of the game to level the scores once again. The remainder of the match was a closely contested affair, with both defences standing firm against some dangerous attacking play as the sides ultimately had to settle for a share of the spoils.

The point leaves the girls joint top of the table ahead of next Saturday’s away trip to Finn Harps, where they will be hoping to continue their strong start to the season.

Tom Lavery

BY CONALL COLLIER

Bonnie McKiernan’s 92^nd minute finger-tip save earned Sligo Rovers a well-deserved Women’s Premier Division point following a thrilling 1-1 draw against hosts Treaty Utd in the live TG4 game on Saturday evening.

Last week at Tolka Park McKiernan made a finger-tip save to deny Shelbourne from the penalty spot and on this occasion she spectacularly tipped Madison McGuane’s goal-bound effort over the bar.

Both sides were disappointed not to win an encounter where the action flowed from end-to-end throughout the 90 minutes as a Cara Jordan-inspired Sligo Rovers hit the front through Emma Hansberry on 35 minutes, but the impressive Katie Lawlee levelled for Treaty six minutes later.

The Bit O’Red created the more clear-cut chances in that opening half although Treaty shaded the exchanges in terms of possession and Lawlee was a constant threat.

Treaty ‘keeper Katherine Hess made a smart save after only six minutes and was kept on her toes as Hansberry went close on 23 minutes and she then saved well from Anna McDaniel.

However, she had to pick the ball out of the net when Hansberry produced a composed finish after the chance was created by Jordan letting the ball run.

The lead was short-lived when Lawlee embarked on a solo raid that took her past a couple of challenges before she flashed her effort to the net to leave it level at the interval.

The pattern was similar in the second-half and Hess was relieved when Treaty scrambled a clearance after she dropped the ball from a Bit O’Red corner in the 52^nd minute.

The Bit O’Red continued to press and Jordan on two occasions and Cara King were unlucky not to score.

While Treaty enjoyed lots of possession, they didn’t cause any real problems for a hard-working Sligo Rovers side in which Ella Karolak was excellent although it took that 92^nd minute McKiernan save to deny McGuane a winner for Treaty.

Treaty Utd – Katherine Hess; Grace McInerney, Kyan Coady, Emma Oliphant, E Goggin, Katie Jones, Madison McGuane, Katie Lawlee, Jodie Griffin, Ciara Breslin, Sarah Rice. 

Sub – Áine Walsh for Griffin 70 mins.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Kelsey McQuillan, Alana Doherty, Sabrina Hillyer, Ella Karolak, Emma Hansberry, Cara Jordan, Sydney Stephens, Emma Duffy, Cara King, Anna McDaniel. 

Subs – Alice Lillie for McQuillan 63 mins, Paula McGrory for Hansberry 75m.

Referee – Eric Eaton.

Assistant-referees – Shane O’Donoghue, Oisin Walsh.

Fourth official – Wayne McDonnell.

David Goulden at the Showgrounds 

Match Day Sponsor: North West Credit Union.

Match Ball Sponsor: National Learning Network, Sligo.

Paddy Barrett struck a 95th minute leveller as Shelbourne denied Sligo Rovers what would have been a crucial three points following late drama at the Showgrounds.

Two up courtesy of first Rovers goals for Mai Traore and Daire Patton, the Bit O’Red saw Shels dig their way back into this one when Ali Coote sensationally halved Rovers’ lead nine minutes from time with a vicious strike from distance. 

Throwing everything at Rovers to the death, Shels pulled out their late equaliser when Barrett fired past Sam Sargeant in the fifth minute of added time, Rovers dropping points late on for the second week running. 

The result leaves Rovers three points ahead of bottom side Waterford and just two off Drogheda in eighth.

John Russell made just the one change from late defeat to Pat’s last week with Sean McHale returning in place of Kyle McDonagh. Striker Traore started for what was his last game for the club, with the Guinean due to report back to parent club Notts County next week. Midfielders Seb Quirk and Archie Meekison made the bench as they both continue their return to full fitness. 

Shels’ interim boss Lorcan Fitzgerald elected for three personnel switches from the derby defeat to Bohs on Monday. Rodrigo Freitas, Zeno Rossi and Coote coming in as Shels looked to pick up a first win in three. 

For what was their first game without the departed O’Brien in the dugout since the beginning of the 2021 season, the visitors did show early intention without anything to show for it. 

Freitas’ early effort which was easily dealt with by Sargeant, the closest they came before Rovers got settled. 

Traore was only inches off a Will Fitzgerald cross as Sligo began to question the Shels rearguard. 

The same man was involved again 90 seconds later when Traore inadvertently laid a Fitzgerald ball into the path of Patton, who was foiled by Wessell Speel in the Shels nets. 

Traore turned on the style as he finally found the net just short of the half hour. 

The impressive Carl McHugh did the hard work as he closed down a Barrett attempted clearance, the ball looping into the air. Traore trapped the ball as it fell from the sky, executing a superb placed effort, which sailed beyond Speel from the edge of the Shels area.  

Rattled by this, the Dubliners showed vulnerability at the back as Traore struck the bottom of Speel’s post amid unsure defending from a Fitzgerald corner. 

Talisman Harry Wood pulled a routine save from Sargeant in the late stages of the second period as Sligo continued to frustrate their guests.  

There was further grief for the Drumcondra outfit on 55 minutes when Patton arrived late to smuggle Sean Stewart’s drilled cross beyond Speel for his first goal for his boyhood club. 

Shels had Sligo pinned back for the majority of the remaining minutes. 

Sargeant was able to pluck a header from Wood from the air, while the Rovers net-minder somehow kept out a Frietas header from a Milan Mbeng assist from point blank range. 

The press paid off nine from time when Coote let rip from 25 yards, whipping an unstoppable drive past Sargeant and into the top corner for his second of the year. 

Shels fired the lot at Rovers late on. Sub Ollie Denham managed to head the ball away from under his own crossbar with seconds of normal time to go. While Cian Kavanagh took a Speel volley off his own line on 94, leading to the corner that resulted in Barrett’s climatic equaliser. 

Next up for Rovers is a league clash with Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds this coming Friday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeannot Esua, Sean McHale, Gareth McElroy, Sean Stewart (Ollie Denham 69); James McManus (Kevin Zefi 79), Carl McHugh; Will Fitzgerald, Daire Pattton, Ryan O’Kane (Archie Meekison 83); Mai Traore (Cian Kavanagh 69). 

Shelbourne: Wessel Speel;  Kameron Ledwidge, Paddy Barrett, Zeno Rossi (Odhran Casey 62);  Milan Mbeng (Sean Moore 75), Dan Kelly (Will Jarvis 75); Ellis Chapman (Jack Henry-Francis 62), Evan Caffrey, Harry Wood; Ali Coote (Joey Wuna 82); Rodrigo Freitas. 

Referee: Rob Hennessy. 

Attendance: 2,089.