Sligo Rovers and Bohemians picked up a point a piece at the Showgrounds, although both sides will feel they could have taken all three points following a thrilling scoreless draw. 

The result likely does more for the Bit O’Red than the Gypsies, with Rovers moving level with eighth placed Galway United in their bid to climb the league ladder.

While for Bohs, the point places them to within six of champions-elect Shamrock Rovers, who have two games more to play than their Dublin rivals. 

Plotting a way out of the league’s bottom two spots for the first time since March, a resurgent Rovers, with three wins in their last five on all fronts, made just one change from their win in Waterford last Friday. The move was enforced given the terms of on-loan midfielder James McManus, who is ineligible to face his parent club. McManus was replaced in the heart of the Rovers XI by Ciaron Harkin, the former Derry man’s third start since signing last month.

Sighting a second win on the bounce against a relegation threatened side following their win over Cork eight nights previous, Bohs boss Alan Reynolds brought duo Rob Cornwall and James Clarke back into the starting eleven in place of the recently departed Liam Smith and the benched Connor Parsons.

Only Derry City have amassed more points (19) than Sligo since the summer break and it was the hosts who fashioned the first opportunity of this encounter. 

Elding set upon a poor backpass from Jordan Flores towards Cornwall, winning possession before cutting inside and rifling an effort which was tipped over by an acrobatic stop from Kacper Chorazka. 

Both sides had chances shortly after, during an open and entertaining first half.

Flores almost capitalised but could only nod a free-header from a Dayle Rooney corner over Sam Sargeant’s crossbar. While Ross Tierney headed a Rooney set piece over six minutes later. 

Rovers did have the ball in the Bohs net on 26 minutes but the slipping Jad Hakiki was adjudged offside as he scrambled Sean Stewart’s cross past Chorazka. While the Bohs net minder had to use both fists to keep another Elding stinger out just before the half hour. 

There were chances at both ends as the interval approached.

The lively Elding pounced on a poor pass from a struggling Cornwall, but the much-scouted teen striker could only blast over from the edge of the area. 

The Dubliners might have led at the break, only for Clarke to stab his effort wide as Rovers looked loose at the back. 

Sargeant kept the scores even eight minutes into the second half as he pulled off a stunning one handed stop to keep out Flores’ drive at goal from a Devoy assist. 

The Rovers ‘keeper was again alert on 58 minutes to tip a Rooney header from a Clarke cross, on to the frame of his goal as the visitors pushed for an opener. 

Both Will Fitzgerald and Clarke went close for their sides as this contest somehow remained deadlocked. 

The Phibsboro outfit switched their approach with the introduction from the bench of Connor Parson and Colm Whelan to their attack. While Rovers moved Elding to the wing in an effort to stretch the Bohs rearguard, with Wilson Waweru brought on to occupy the centre forward role. 

Waweru went close late on, while Bohs had plenty of play around the Rovers penalty area but couldn’t breach Sargeant’s goal-line. 

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Edwin Agbaje (Daire Pattom 77), Ollie Denham, Paddy McClean, Sean Stewart; Seb Quirk, Ciaron Harkin (Wilson Waweru 83); Will Fitzgerald, Jad Hakiki, Ryan O’Kane (Matty Wolfe 64); Owen Elding.

Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka; Niall Morahan, Rob Cornwall, Cian Byrne, Jordan Flores; Dawson Devoy, Adam McDonnell (Keith Buckley 75); Ross Tierney (Connor Parsons 75), James Clarke, Dayle Rooney (Archie Meekison 82); Douglas James-Taylor (Colm Whelan 75). 

Referee: Paul Norton. 

Attendance: 2,754. 

David Goulden

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers gave another battling Women’s Premier Division (WPD) performance but ended up on the wrong end of an 8-0 scoreline against title-chasing Shelbourne at Tolka Park on Saturday evening.

Both teams went into this encounter on the back of defeats, but the Dublin women were focused on regaining a place at the top of the table at the expense of Athlone Town who were in winning European action on Saturday.

Emma Hansberry was named in the starting 11, but was replaced by Mairead McIntyre before kick-off while Sarah McDaniel and Eimear Lafferty replaced the departed Annie McKinley and Katie Melly.

Shelbourne created the more clearcut chances in the opening half, but Sligo Rovers also had some good opportunities and finished the first 45 minutes with a tally of six corners.

The main difference on the scoreboard was that Shelbourne finished three of those opportunities to the net whereas the Bit O’Red didn’t and had to be content with going close on at least three occasions, all through Paula McGrory.

Muireann Devaney’s ability to play defence-splitting passes was a highlight of the first-half, but all the plaudits went to the hosts after they were gifted a 23rd minute lead.

Bit O’Red ‘keeper Bonnie McKiernan, who made a series of excellent saves, lost possession of the ball from a centre and Noelle Murray capitalised instantly for the opening goal.

Further goals from Mackenzie Anthony and Megan Smyth-Lynch eased the Dublin side into a 3-0 interval advantage.

Shelbourne upped the tempo for the second-half and the Bit O’Red simply had no response.

Anthony added three more goals and there was one apiece from Smyth-Lynch and substitute Halle Murphy Harcourt.

Before kick-off there was a minute’s silence in memory of the late Ollie Horgan.

Shelbourne – Amanda McQuillan; Pearl Slattery, Leah Doyle, Alex Kavanagh, Megan Smyth-Lynch, Noelle Murray, Jess Gargan, Aoibheaqnn Clancy, Lucy O’Rourke, Mackenzie Anthony, Maeve Wollmer.

Subs – Rachel Graham for Clancy and Gabriella Del Pico for Kavanagh both 62 mins; Sarah McCaffrey for Murray and Madeline McKInley for Gargan both 70m
Halle Murphy Harcourt for Anthony 81m

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie, Alana Doherty, Eimear Lafferty, Leah Kelly, Muireann Devaney, Paula McGrory, Rachel McGoldrick, Sarah McDaniel, Anna McDaniel, Mairead McIntyre.

Subs – Kya McKenna for McGoldrick, Emma Hansberry for McGrory and Bernie Ferreira for M McIntyre all 62 minutes, Lauren Devaney for Doherty and Cara King for A McDaniel both 84m,

Referee – Mark Moynihan.
Assistant-referees – Ruben Collins, Christopher Daly.
Fourth official – Wayne McDonnell.

Sligo Rovers’ men’s team are in action at the Showgrounds for the first time in almost a month, this Saturday evening as we take on Bohemians, kick-off 7.45pm. 

This Premier Division clash will be the Bit O’Red’s fifth and final meeting with the Dubliners this season, just weeks after our FAI Cup win over Bohs at Dalymount Park on August 15th. 

Rovers’ last home game was a two goal defeat to Shelbourne on August 2nd, winning two of our three games on the road since.

Rovers are yet to beat Bohs in the league this season. Alan Reynolds’ side have twice taken the points, while the teams drew 1-1 in Phibsboro back in June. 

In team news, Russell waits on confirmation over both Conor Reynolds’ and Ronan Manning’s fitness. 

While James McManus misses out due to the terms of his loan deal with Saturday’s opponents. 

Oskar Van Hattum has this week departed the club to continue his career in Canada. 

Speaking to sligorovers.com ahead of Saturday, Russell is looking for his side to bounce into the weekend’s game after recent wins over Waterford and Saturday’s opponents.

“We showed a lot of character and spirit to come back into games this season and no more than in Waterford. I felt we were the better team throughout and really deserved our win down there.

“It was a win over a team we’re chasing and it gave us a lot of confidence and a big boost going into Saturday, which is going to be a really tough game for us. But we’re looking for the players to again raise their levels. The games between ourselves and Bohs this year really have had little in them so I think you can expect more of the same come Saturday. 

“We’re hopeful on Ronan and Conor who are two important players for us. We knew James would be out for this one and we’re happy we have a plan to deal with his absence.

“We beat Bohs a few weeks ago and they’ll be coming here looking to get one over us again, we know they will. They’re still chasing Shamrock Rovers and are so dangerous from all positions.

“Saying that, we are at home and it is up to us to set the pace and that’s what we want to do. We are aware of what a win would do for us in terms of the league table so we’ll look to start well, do the basic things in a correct manner and see where that takes us. 

“It’s been a while since we’ve played at the Showgrounds so we’re hoping our supporters missed it as much as we have.

“We’re hoping for big numbers and noise from all ends as Bohs will travel in big numbers and get behind their team. Our fans have been brilliant to us all season and have travelled in big numbers to follow us around the country recently. 

“I think they’re enjoying watching this team and backing them as they’re a really likeable bunch of lads who are giving everything for Rovers. They’re enjoying their football and our supporters are enjoying that too.

“There’s not just a togetherness within the squad, but also between our players and supporters and it’s wonderful to see.”

Sligo Rovers’ 2025 Annual Draw takes place at half-time on Saturday. Tickets remain on sale on sligorovers.com. 

David Goulden

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers will travel to Tolka Park on Saturday for a crucial Women’s Premier Division game against title-chasing Shelbourne with kick-off at the Dublin venue is set for 4pm.

Sligo Rovers will go into this encounter without Annie McKinley, who has departed following a short stay, and her absence will provide manager Steve Feeney with a selection headache at the heart of the defence.

There are also doubts about Katie Melly, Kate Nugent and Lauren Devaney, but the Bit O’Red has posed problems for the Dublin side in the past, usually when it was least expected.

Both teams will go into this encounter on the back of defeats last weekend, but the Dublin women will be focused on regaining a place at the top of the table at the expense of Athlone Town, who will be in European action.

A victory for Shelbourne will give them a two-point margin at the summit, although Athlone will have a game in hand.

However, Shelbourne lost to Athlone last Saturday and also finished the game with 10 players following the dismissal of Jemma Quinn. Prior to that they exited the FAI Cup on home turf when they were beaten by Shamrock Rovers.

The last two victories for Shelbourne were achieved against Waterford (2-1) and Cork City (2-0), similar to the last two wins for the Bit O’Red, although Steve Feeney’s side won by 2-0 on each occasion.

Using that as a form guide suggests that there won’t be much between the sides on Saturday, but Shelbourne have already won twice against the Rovers, including a hard-earned 3-1 WPD victory last June where Kate Mooney claimed a hat-trick. There was also a 5-0 win in the final qualifying round of the All-Island Cup.

However, the Bit O’Red players will relish the challenge of tackling Shelbourne, with the prospect of causing an upset a major motivator.

Players of the calibre of Paula McGrory, Emma Hansberry, Muireann Devaney and Leah Kelly have the experience to provide the inspiration that could frustrate a Shelbourne side that will be expecting to record a comfortable victory.

Shelbourne v Sligo Rovers is live on LOITV with kick-off at 4pm.

The 500 Club members draw for 500 Club Winners July & August 2025 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.

July 2025

€500 Kate Lawlor – Dalkey, Co. Dublin
€100 Manus Bree – Nephin Road, Dublin
€100 William Gaffney – Ardaghowen, Sligo
€100 John Kavanagh – Hazlewood Demense, Sligo
€100 Mark Harrigan – Oakfield Park, Sligo
€100 Conor Lynch – Maugheraboy, Sligo
€100 Brian Kenny – Sandymount, Dublin
€1.00 Jason McGuinness – Dromore West, Sligo
€100 Roe Finnegan – Woodville, Sligo
€100 Brendan Tolan – Stillogran, Dublin

August 2025

€500 Gavin Dykes – Ballydoogan, Sligo
€100 Kenneth Gilmartin – Aberdeen, Scotland
€100 Oisin Rynn – Bohernabreena, Dublin
€1.00 Clan Scanion – Drumiskabole, Sligo
€100 Rian Fahy – Cairns Hill, Sligo
€100 William Costello – Pearse Cresent, Sligo
€100 Carolan Catering – Molly Fultons, Sligo
€100 Jim Melly – Devins Drive, Sligo
€100 Peter Henry – Pearse Rd, Sligo
€100 David Conway – Rosses Point, Sligo

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.

Job Opportunity – Programme Coordinator Join Sligo Rovers Football Club – Programme Coordinator (Sligo) Location: Sligo Hours: Part-time, 25 hours per week Contract: Fixed-term (3 years) Application Deadline: Wednesday September 3rd Job Opportunity – Programme Coordinator

Sligo Rovers FC is recruiting a committed and experienced Programme Coordinator to lead the delivery of the PEACE Academy programme in Sligo delivered in partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. 

The PEACE Academy programme is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) https://www.seupb.eu/’ . A three-year youth development initiative designed to empower young people across Catholic/Nationalist/Republican (CNR), Protestant/Unionist/Loyalist (PUL), and newcomer communities, as well as on a cross-border basis’ working in partnership with Glentoran FC Through shared experiences rooted in sport, music, creative arts, and digital media, the programme supports personal growth, social action, learning, and employability—building a positive, shared future for Sligo and beyond. 

About the Role: 

As Programme Coordinator (Sligo), you will: 

· Lead the implementation of a vibrant, inclusive programme that brings together young people from all community backgrounds in Sligo. 

· Work with Sligo Rovers FC, the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and Glentoran FC, grassroots organisations, and key stakeholders to ensure cross-community engagement is embedded in every aspect of delivery. 

· Coordinate a team of sessional staff delivering twice-weekly mentoring and youth development sessions. 

· Collaborate with cross-border colleagues to ensure the programme is connected across both regions. 

· Support young people to co-design and lead social action projects that directly tackle division, racism, and hate. 

· Plan and deliver workshops, training, and community events that promote inclusion, aspiration, and connection. 

· Ensure accurate monitoring and reporting against PEACEPLUS targets and outcomes in collaboration with support staff. 

What We’re Looking For: 

We’re looking for someone who brings: 

· A relevant qualification in youth work, sport, arts, digital media, or community development. 

· At least three years’ experience working with young people, including experience engaging diverse or marginalised groups. 

· At least two years’ experience coordinating youth or community programmes, ideally in a cross-community or peacebuilding context. 

· A deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing young people in Belfast, especially in relation to division and inclusion. 

· Confidence in managing staff, building partnerships, and delivering impactful community-focused projects. 

· Strong communication, problem-solving and organisational skills. 

· Experience with SEUPB-funded or similar programmes (desirable). 

Additional Information: 

· Some evening and weekend work will be required. 

· An Enhanced Access NI check is required prior to appointment. 

· The role is based in Sligo and reports to the PEACE Academy Programme Manager at the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. 

· A strong commitment to peacebuilding, inclusion, and the values of Sligo Rovers Football Club and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation is essential. 

Why Join Us? This is a unique opportunity to join Sligo Rovers FC and contribute to a cross-community, cross-border initiative that uses culture, sport and creativity to transform lives. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking team, helping young people from all backgrounds shape a more inclusive and hopeful Belfast. 

How to Apply: Please send your CV with a covering letter to fsr@sligorovers.com by Wednesday September 3rd

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers marked a 100th competitive game when Dublin side Shamrock Rovers visited the Showgrounds on Saturday evening for a Women’s Premier Division (WPD) encounter.

Shamrock Rovers dictated the opening half and grabbed an early Melissa O’Kane goal with Emily Corbett making it a two-goal advantage for the Dublin side in the 18th minute.

The hosts were mostly on the backfoot during that initial 45 minutes with Anna McDaniel posing an occasional threat.

Referee Arnold awarded the first of two penalties in the 38th minute when he pointed to the spot in favour of the Dublin side and Áine O’Gorman duly converted.

Five minutes later he pointed to the spot at the other end following a handball and Paula McGrory converted confidently to give the Bit O’Red a lifeline.

However, the benefit was undone 60 seconds later when O’Gorman ghosted into the home penalty area and steered the ball past Bonnie McKiernan, with the help of a deflection, to give her side a substantial 4-1 interval advantage.

There was nothing of note during the second-half as the Dublin side continued to dictate and the Bit O’Red tried to get back into contention with counter-attacks.

Neither side managed to make a breakthrough although substitute Katie O’Reilly went close on two occasions in the closing stages for the Dublin side.

Alice Lillie was the Harvey Norman Sligo Rovers player-of-the-match while the game also marked the last appearance for central defender Annie McKinley who concluded her short stint with the Bit O’Red with two goals to her credit.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie, Katie Melly, Alana Doherty, Annie McKinley, Leah Kelly, Emma Hansberry, Muireann Devaney, Paula McGrory, Rachel McGoldrick, Anna McDaniel.

Subs – Mairead McIntyre for McGoldrick and Sarah McDaniel for Melly both 68 mins, Cara King for Hansberry and Eimear Lafferty for McGrory both 78m, Laura McGuinn for McKinley 88m.

Shamrock Rovers – Summer Lawless; Fiona Owens, Aimee Neal, Scarlett Herron, Melissa O’Kane, Emily Corbett, Ella Kelly, Áine O’Gorman,Aoife Brophy, Jaime Thompson, Claire O’Reilly.

Subs – T White for O’Reilly 55 mins, A Butler for O’Kane and K O’Reilly for Corbett both 72m, H Martin for Neal 78m.

Referee – Arnold Hunter

Assistant-referees – Dylan Redmond, Eric Eaton.

Fourth official – Richard Storey.

John Russell has called on Sligo Rovers supporters to continue to back his team as the Bit O’Red face into a crucial few weeks with just eight league games remaining. 

Rovers face Bohemians on Saturday next, August 30th at the Showgrounds and Russell has called on the Sligo sporting public to arrive on Church Hill in droves to back their team once again. 

Three wins in the last five outings in all competitions sees Rovers just one point off Galway United in eighth following Friday night’s results. While Rovers fans are also looking forward to a first ever visit to Kerry to take the home side in a much-anticipated FAI Cup quarter-final next month. 

“Our supporters have been amazing this year, both home and away”, Russell told LOITV after Friday’s spirited defeat of Waterford at the RSC. 

“At home, the crowds are getting bigger and I think they really believe in this group and want to back them as much as they can. As a supporter and for a community club like Sligo Rovers, you want your players giving everything and that’s what they’re doing. We need them now for the last eight games. 

“There’s so much ball to be played yet. We’re still ninth and we cannot forget that. We’ve put a lot of points on the board recently but there’s such a long way to go yet, so we need to stay focused.”

Conan Noonan had given John Coleman and Danny Ventre’s lads the lead in Waterford. But second half goals from the energetic Jad Hakiki and the ever-impressive Owen Elding moved Rovers ten points clear of basement side Cork City heading into a tough game with Bohs this weekend.

“They have players everywhere that can hurt you and I’m sure there will be a backlash after us beating them in the cup”, Russell said of next weekend’s visitors. 

“We have to re-group now but we’re already looking forward to the game.” 

On the win at the RSC, Russell praised the work-rate of his team having fallen behind to that Noonan strike. 

“It’s a massive three points”, he continued. 

“I thought we caused Waterford a lot of problems early on but couldn’t get that goal when we were on top. 

“But when you’re away from home against a team like Waterford, with threat from the likes of Padraig Amond, Conan Noonan and Tommy Lonergan, you expect them to have spells and they did. 

“But the pleasing thing for me and we showed this in Cork when we were behind, was that we stayed calm and we played the way we are built to play. We controlled the game in the second half and we grew as the game went on.

“Jad gets us level and we were in the ascendancy after that. 

“Our front four, they weren’t just about the goals. They worked so hard all night on and off the ball. Look at Owen, he’s scored the goal and then he’s back defending in our box with two minutes to go and that’s because he wants to win!”

David Goulden 

Owen Elding hit the winner three minutes from time as Sligo Rovers came from one goal down to beat Waterford at the RSC. 

Conan Noonan had handed the hosts the lead eight minutes before the break, but an equaliser from Jad Hakiki followed by Elding’s late winner gave Rovers a deserved win as the Bit O’Red cut the gap to Galway in eighth to just one point. 

Boss John Russell made two changes from the FAI Cup win over Bohs a week before. Edwin Agbaje made his first start for Sligo, while James McManus returned having missed that cup win in Dublin. 

Rovers didn’t enjoy the best of first halves although Elding did strike the top of the crossbar with a well-met header from a Will Fitzgerald cross on 4 minutes.

Muhammadu Faal had an early chance before Noonan opened the scoring with a well taken finish following a ball over the top from Sam Glenfield on 37 minutes. 

The visitors did have two chances in the same move before the break.

Paddy McClean saw an effort scrambled away by Waterford goalkeeper Stephen McMullan, while Hakiki had a follow up swept off the goal-line.

Rovers were a totally different proposition in the second period, with Sam Sargeant in goal almost an on-looker for the majority. 

Patient build up play the key as Hakiki, Elding and Fitzgerald were all involved for Rovers’ leveller on 73.

Fitzgerald’s attempt from the edge of the box took a deflection off a Blues defender, Hakiki reacting the quickest to strike past McMullan for his fifth of the season, courtesy of a deflection off former Sligo striker Padraig Amond. 

Rovers continued to press and were rewarded three minutes from time when sub Ciaron Harkin weighed up his options before delivering a sumptuous through ball for Elding. The Riverstown man timed his run perfectly before keeping his cool and slotting his shot beyond McMullan. 

There was to be one last act as McClean got in front of a Kacper Radkowski goalward header in the 95th minute. 

Waterford: McMullan; Horton, Boyle, Mansfield, Burke; Rossiter, Olayinka (McMenamy 77), Glenfield (McDonald 72); Faal (Lonergan 72), Amond (Radkowski 85), Noonan

Sligo Rovers: Sargeant; Agbaje (Harkin 78), Quirk, Denham, McClean, Stewart; Fitzgerald, Hakiki (Manning 90), McManus, O’Kane (Waweru 68); Elding

Referee: Aaron O’Dowd

David Goulden