David Goulden at the Showgrounds 

Shamrock Rovers recovered from two goals down to claim a draw with Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds as their winless streak at the Showgrounds stretched to four. 

A Jad Hakiki double was halved by a Dan Cleary goal on 33 minutes, Sligo leading at the break. 

Josh Honahan then equalised just past the hour as the Dubliners were expected to push on and extend their lead at the summit of the Premier Division. But impressive defending from the home side saw Sligo claim a valuable point in their mission to avoid the drop, extending their unbeaten home run to three games. 

The hosts could have won this tie late on, but Francely Lomboto could only fire over in a one-on-one with Ed McGinty. 

Armed with four new signings, Sligo boss John Russell gave club debuts to two of his recent acquisitions.  

Loanees Ryan O’Kane and James McManus were included in a Sligo eleven for the first time. While the returning Paddy McClean, whose last game for Sligo was against this same opposition back on the final day of the 2018 season, started his second second stint in the north west at the heart of the defence. Former Everton youth Seb Quirk was named on the bench.

Trying to extend their lead at the top to eleven points, the visitors made just the one change. Striker Rory Gaffney was rewarded for his match winning goal against Waterford, coming in for Michael Noonan. Striker John McGovern, who was signed from Dungannon back in May started from the bench.  

Chasing a first win at the Showgrounds since summer 2023, it was the Dubliners who created the early openings. Some wonderful one-touch football from both sides owed to a breathless opening half of football with both Matt Healy and Graham Burke going close for the Hoops. 

But it was a rampant Bit O’Red who opened the scoring here. Will Fitzgerald unsettled the Shamrock Rovers rearguard with a clever short corner, finding Jake Doyle-Hayes. The Cavan man in turn picked out the late arrival of Hakiki to the front post, the former Dundalk man unmarked, nodding past McGinty. 

The impressive Danny Grant looked set to level this game on 22 but lost control of the ball in front of the Sligo goal, following a sublime crossfield ball from Mandroiu.

Stephen Bradley’s charges were made to regret the error two minutes later. 

Golden boy Owen Elding, who has been reportedly tracking interest from clubs all over Europe added to his value with a skillful through ball to Hakiki. Turning inside and instead of using Wilson Waweru who found himself in ample space, Hakiki elected to instead go himself and was rewarded for backing himself as he slotted past McGinty for his brace. 

The Tallaght men had a shout for a spot-kick turned down when Honohan and Conor Reynolds tangled on Sligo’s end line, while Burke pulled a sharp, two-handed stop from Sam Sargeant 60 seconds later.

The 2023 champions found a way back into the game 12 minutes from the break. Burke’s initial free-kick was recycled back into the Sligo box by Mandroiu and on to the head of Cleary who headed past Sargeant from close-range. 

Sligo were almost caught out by a short corner themselves early in the second period. Sargeant got down in time to get in front of a Healy drive from 20 yards after Mandroiu and Dylan Watts combined. 

Sargeant then pulled off a superb double save, first from Mandroiu and then Grant as the visitors applied the pressure after the re-start.  

The visitors; pressing told on 63 minutes when the on-coming Honohan smashed home Watt’s curling cross from the right, beyond Sargeant at the back post.  

Momentum with them, Shamrock Rovers failed to test Sargeant who was well protected by a determined Sligo defence. 

In fact, it was the hosts who could have won this three minutes from time. 

Substitute Lomboto lacked composure as he attempted to chip ex-Sligo net minder McGinty. Lomboto’s rushed finish saw him sky his effort well over goal at the old Shed End instead. 

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Conor Reynolds, Paddy McClean, Ollie Denham, Will Fitzgerald; James McManus (Seb Quirk 60), Jake Doyle-Hayes; Jad Hakiki; Owen Elding (Cian Kavanagh 85), Ryan O’Kane (Kyle McDonagh 91); Wilson Waweru (Francely Lomboto 60). 

Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty; Lee Grace, Roberto Lopes, Dan Cleary; Danny Grant, Josh Honohan (Maxim Kovalevskis 76); Matt Healy, Dylan Watts (Jack Byrne 63), Danny Mandroiu (Aaron McEneff 87); Rory Gaffney (John McGovern 76), Graham Burke (Michael Noonan 64). 

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.  

Attendance: 3,359.

Sligo Rovers will look to make it three home wins in the spin as the Bit O’Red take on league leaders Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds this Saturday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Rovers are in good form following the summer break with seven points won from a possible twelve since then, with wins on home turf over Waterford and Galway United supplemented by a point picked up away to Bohs at Dalymount Park last Friday.

There are four new faces in line for their Rovers debuts. Loanees James McManus and Ryan O’Kane are eligible as are fellow recent signings Paddy McClean and Seb Quirk, all of whom have joined in the current window. Gareth McElroy is expected to be fit for the game having missed the last few outings as a precaution following a head injury sustained a number of weeks back in Drogheda. 

Reece Hutchinson and Stephen Mallon have moved on, while prospects David Jonathan and Guilly Priosti have been loaned out to Ballinamallard United. Harvey Lintott’s loan spell has also come to an end.

Skipper John Mahon serves the first of an additional three game ban handed to him following his red card against Galway. Ronan Manning and Oskar Van Hattum will also miss Saturday’s tie due to injury. 

Rovers’ recent home form against the Hoops is steady. Stephen Bradley’s side have been beaten in their last two visits to Sligo, while their last win in the north west was in June 2023.

Both sides have already recorded victories over the other in 2025. Mahon scored the winner twelve minutes from the end at the Showgrounds in March, while goals from Graham Burke and Aaron Greene saw Shams take the three points in Tallaght in May, despite the visitors’ impressive showing in the second period that particular evening. 

Speaking to sligorovers.com ahead of this ‘Clash of the Rovers’, Sligo boss John Russell says he is aware of the challenge posed by Saturday’s game and has urged the Sligo public to get out and get behind his men for what is traditionally a very competitive fixture. 

“We’re playing against the strongest squad in the league this Saturday, the league leaders and every player we send out knows they must be on top of their game if we’re to do well”, he says. 

“Shams’ main strength is their strength in depth and their ability to change a game with a substitution. Against Waterford, they had Jack Byrne, Rory Gaffney and Gary O’Neill on the bench. Household names when it comes to domestic football so that tells you a story.

“Our form at home recently has been very good and our recent home form against Shamrock Rovers has been decent so they’ll know to expect a game. But we have to show up again and play with the same intensity and organisation we have been for the last few weeks.

“I’m really pleased with the players’ attitude recently. There’s such a huge togetherness in this group and it feels we can take anything on together. We were so unlucky against Bohs last week, but the players gave that game absolutely everything, particularly in the second half. Every man put their body on the line for their team mate and you could see at the end how much it took out of them. They were desperately disappointed and annoyed to concede so late on, but we were proud of the resolve we showed. 

“But we’ve trained this week with pace on the ball and a real purpose, especially with the four new boys in. They’ll give us further competition and that is always a good thing. We’re really looking forward to getting them settled on the field and getting them playing in our rhythm. 

“Our supporters were incredible against Galway and last week in Dublin. The noise they made really helped the players along so I’m looking for a big, big crowd this weekend and we’ll get all four sides of the ground bouncing because we will need them.”

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to confirm that the club have reached a deal with Shelbourne which will see exciting young winger Ryan O’Kane spend the rest of the current season at the Showgrounds. 

O’Kane, 21, arrives at Rovers on a loan deal and will be eligible for Saturday’s clash with Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds. The Louth native is the fourth new addition to John Russell’s squad, after Seb Quirk, Paddy McClean and fellow loanee James McManus all agreed individual deals. 

Predominately a left sided attacker, O’Kane can also operate on the right side and will be a valuable asset for Russell as Rovers face into the remainder of the season. 

The Dundalk man began his career at Irish League side Warrenpoint having been brought up through the local leagues with Glenmuir, Rock Celtic and Bellurgan. A notable talent from a young age, O’Kane made his Irish League debut for Warrenpoint against Larne at just 15. 

He went on to sign for his hometown club, arriving at Oriel Park in 2021 and spent four seasons with the Lilywhites before being snapped up by current Premier Division champions Shels last November. 

“I heard Rovers were interested at the start of June and I spoke to John and was really excited about what he had to say and what his plans were”, he tells sligorovers.com. 

“Both for myself and the club. It was a no-brainer for me to come here.

“I’ve kept an eye on things here and I have been impressed with what I’ve seen. The football Rovers play suits me as it’s an attacking style. The fans can expect to see a lot of direct, attacking football when I get on the ball. I always want to take players on and get shots and crosses off when I can. I want to excite the supporters. 

“We’re going to try and gain as much ground on the teams above us as possible. There are plenty of games and time left and of course we have the FAI Cup to look forward to in Dundalk in a few weeks.”

Bit O’Red boss Russell is delighted to add O’Kane to the roster. He says: “I love Ryan’s mentality, just from speaking to him. He is hungry to come up here to Rovers and show people how good he is. I’m sure our fans will be excited to see what he brings.

“Ryan is an exciting player. He offers pace, trickery and directness to the team. We’ve added one of the best young talents in the league and we’re delighted with this bit of business. 

“We also have to thank Shels and in particular Luke Byrne, their technical director for his assistance. They trust us with his development and the move certainly suits both parties at the moment.”    

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers can confirm that defender Reece Hutchinson has agreed a move to EFL League Two outfit Crewe Alexandra, effective from tomorrow, July 1st for an undisclosed fee. 

Hutchinson makes the move to the Mornflake Stadium following a two-and-a-half year stint at the Showgrounds. 

The talented full back initially signed on loan from Cheltenham Town in the lead up to the 2023 League of Ireland season. That move was made permanent later that year with Hutchinson going on to make 88 appearances for the Bit O’Red, scoring six times for the club. 

The Birmingham native played in all 36 league games last season and has featured in each of Rovers’ 22 games so far this year, scoring against Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne and Galway United. 

The club wishes Reece all the best in his future career and thanks him for his contribution to the club. 

Sligo Rovers are delighted to confirm that we will host EFL League One side Mansfield Town at the Showgrounds on Tuesday, July 15th at 7.30pm.

This mid-season friendly takes place as part of Nigel Clough’s side’s preparations for the upcoming EFL season, which gets underway in early August and is part of the Stags’ four day visit to Ireland ahead of a planned training camp in Galway. The game between Mansfield and Rovers will be the English side’s only game in Ireland during the trip. 

The outing will provide John Russell’s side with game time in the lead up to our FAI Cup clash with Dundalk at Oriel Park on July 18th. 

Clough’s charges finished last season in 17th position and will look to push on in the coming year having achieved promotion to League One at the end of the 2023/24 season. Their squad features Irish goalkeeper Owen Mason, who is an underage international and Donegal born defender Stephen McLaughlin who is a former Derry City and Finn Harps attacking midfielder. 

Also plying their trade at Mansfield, is former England underage international Louis Reed, striker Will Evans and goalkeeper Liam Roberts who signed for the club in recent weeks. 

Looking ahead to hosting Mansfield, who are based out of the ‘One Call’ Stadium, Rovers boss Russell says the friendly will provide his players with the experience of pitting themselves against a team preparing for a season in a league with some big names.

“We’re looking forward to hosting Mansfield here”, Russell says. “We’ll be careful to choose the squad wisely as it’s between two big games against Derry and Dundalk but both sides will give the other a good game, I am sure. 

“Mansfield will be facing some really recognisable names like Bolton, Cardiff, Wigan, Barnsley and Bradford in League One in their upcoming season, so we’re pleased that they’ve chosen Sligo Rovers as an opponent. As with Celtic and Everton last year, it’s a testament to the players and indeed our facilities and what we can offer here in Sligo that they feel the Showgrounds is an ideal spot to prepare for competitive action.”

Tickets are on sale at https://t.co/FQquBLO5B7

Admission prices: Adult – €15. Concessions and children – €10. 

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to confirm that the club have secured the services of midfielder and Republic of Ireland underage international James McManus until the end of the current season. 

The 20-year-old joins on loan from fellow Premier Division club Bohemians and is manager John Russell’s third new signing of the window following the arrivals of Seb Quirk and Paddy McClean last week. 

All three players are eligible for first-team duties from this Saturday when the Bit O’Red take on Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds. 

McManus arrives in Sligo having featured twelve times for Bohs this season, scoring the winner against Cork City back in April. He was on the bench for the Dubliners’ games against Rovers both in May and last Friday, but did feature for 90 minutes for Alan Reynolds’ side’s win over Rovers at Dalymount Park in April.

A product of St Kevin’s Boys, McManus signed for the Phibsboro outfit progressing through the under 15, 17 and 19 levels before making his first-team debut against UCD in 2022. He has gone on to appear for Bohs just short of 70 times and has been capped for the Republic of Ireland at underage level, appearing at every level from under 15 to 19s, captaining the 19s two years ago. 

Although the newest face in the door at the Showgrounds, McManus will find himself in familiar company in the Rovers dressing room having represented his country alongside Conor Walsh and Jad Hakiki, while he also played in the same Bohs team as winger Stephen Mallon. 

The Dubliner is excited about his opportunity at Rovers. 

Speaking to sligorovers.com, he says: “I’ve been in and out of the team at Bohs and haven’t played as much as I feel I need to and want to. I spoke to Bohs about letting me go for a short while and once that was agreed, John (Russell) was straight in touch. 

“It didn’t take long for me to be convinced that Sligo was the place for me. There were a few clubs that showed interest but once I knew Rovers were interested, I jumped at the chance. 

“I have seen how many young players have flourished under John at the Showgrounds. He puts trust in young players and gives you a platform to show people that young players are good enough to play at this level. 

“I’ve been impressed with Rovers this season. We play a really attractive brand of football and caused Bohs a lot of problems in the games we’ve played against each other. So I want to add to that. 

“Last Friday, nothing was actually finalised so I didn’t know where I’d be today but I was impressed with Sligo. The Bohs lads would have really been on form considering recent results. 

“Looking back now as a Sligo Rovers player, it was a really good result to go there and take a point. 

“I know Jad and Conor well from Ireland squads and I spoke to Niall Morahan and he told me all about the setup here. I would have played with Stephen Mallon at Bohs too so knowing some lads will help me settle very quickly I hope. 

“I want to play as much as possible here. We want to catch the teams above us and pull away from the bottom of the league as it’s not where this football club belongs.”  

Satisfied with his latest addition, Russell says: “James is an intelligent midfielder who can dictate the tempo of any game. He can do a bit of everything, which I love in a player. 

“I feel he will fit in well with what we have here and the way we play. We are all excited to start working with him. I have always admired what he can do ever since he broke into the Bohs team. I’d like to thank both Pat Fenlon and Alan Reynolds for their help in getting this deal done.” 

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers were denied a third win in four games on Friday night at Dalymount Park as an injury time goal from Bohemians’ James Clarke rescued a point for the Gypsies after another stunning Owen Elding rocket had given the Bit O’Red the lead in the opening 45. 

A draw was likely a fair result after a 90 minutes in which Bohs hit man-of-the-match Sam Sargeant’s woodwork, while the goalkeeper himself pulled off a string of world-class stops to deny the home side.

Alan Reynolds’ charges did create chances in the first half, but found themselves out of form in front of goal. Ross Tierney scuppered a few early opportunities, while Colm Whelan pulled a shot wide of Sargeant’s post shortly after. 

The Rovers net minder kept an eye on an Adam McDonnell drive from the edge of the area to acrobatically push the ex-Sligo midfielder’s effort around his goal 20 minutes in, while Elding lit up Phibsboro with another awesome strike from distance seven minutes later.

35-yards out, the talented teen unleashed an unstoppable left footed drive, which didn’t give Bohs keeper Kacper Chorazka even the time to move or react as the ball arrowed into the top corner of the Bohs net. 

It was mostly Bohs in the second period and another catalogue of fine saves from Sargeant kept a battling Rovers ahead. 

The visitors ended this contest with a make-shift back four due to the withdrawal of Ollie Denham and Conor Reynolds and significant pressure from the Dubliners took its toll in injury time. 

In the fifth of seven added minutes, referee Declan Toland seemed to award Rovers a goal-kick only to change his mind and give a corner from which Clarke scored. 

Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka; Niall Morahan (Markuss Strods 85), Rob Cornwall (Leigh Kavanagh 90+1), Jordan Flores, John Mountney (Liam Smith h-t); Dawson Devoy; Dayle Rooney, Adam McDonnell (Keith Buckley h-t), James Clarke, Ross Tierney; Collie Whelan (Rhys Brennan 60).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Kyle McDonagh, Ollie Denham (Matt Wolfe 61), Conor Reynolds (Stephen mallon 86), Reece Hutchison; Daire Patton (Oskar van Hattum 86), Jake Doyle-Hayes; Owen Elding, Jad Hakiki, Will Fitzgerald; Wilson Waweru (Francely Lomboto 67).

Referee: Declan Toland

Bohemians are the opposition and Dalymount Park the destination for Sligo Rovers this Friday as the Bit O’Red head to Phibsboro to take on one of the Premier Division’s form teams.

This will be Rovers’ second trip to the same ground and their third game with Alan Reynolds’ men this season, with Bohs coming out on top in both of the previous games between the sides.

John Russell brings his team to the capital without captain John Mahon who serves a ban having been sent off in Monday’s dramatic Connacht derby win over Galway United. 

Gareth McElroy and Ronan Manning will also watch from the stands as they are yet to recover from recent knocks. 

New signings Seb Quirk and Paddy McClean will be unavailable for Friday but will be eligible for the game with Shamrock Rovers on July 5th. 

With three wins in their last five outings, the Gypsies’ recent league form is only bettered by table toppers Shamrock Rovers, who Bohs beat on Monday. While Rovers have shown steady form since the summer international break, beating Waterford and Galway at home and narrowly losing out to Drogheda last week.

Ahead of the game, Russell tells sligorovers.com how big of a challenge heading to Phibsboro is. However, he feels the players are in good stead on the back of those two home wins since the break.   

“I was really happy with how Monday went given that we had to switch things around in the second half after John was sent off. We asked our subs to do specific jobs and each one of them did exactly what we told them”, he says.

“It was a really chaotic game. It was end-to-end, with red cards, goal-line clearances, plenty of chances, both teams hit the post more than once and the players gave absolutely everything for us so a lot of energy was expended. But we’re happy with the fitness levels and we were delighted that our subs were able to rejuvenate us when they did. 

“We’re in the middle of a busy period and the players’ levels are good. Our form helps but the players can’t wait to get up to Dublin now and take on what is going to be a really tough game for us. 

“Every game and every ground has its own challenges. But at the moment, I think Dalymount is probably the toughest place to go given Bohs’ recent form. They’ve been very good, particularly at Dalymount but we’ve spoken since Tuesday morning about our game plan and we’re happy the players are well prepared. 

“We’re happy with our form since the break but it stands for nothing if we can’t keep it up and the challenge now is to do exactly that.”

David Goulden 

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers will face DLR Waves for the second time in a fortnight when the Dublin side travel to the Showgrounds this Saturday for a first-round Women’s FAI Cup encounter.

Two weeks ago, DLR Waves shaded a fiercely competitive Women’s Premier Division (WPD) encounter with a 60th-minute Amber Cullen goal that gave her side a first win of the season.

Last August, however, Sligo Rovers knocked the Waves out of the Cup with a 3-1 quarter-final victory at the Belfield Bowl. On that occasion, goals from Anna McDaniel, Kelsey Munroe and Paula McGrory sealed the victory against the hosts, who found the net through Robyn Bolger.

The action on Saturday will be end-to-end as both teams will be eager to advance, but in terms of the formbook, it would appear that Sligo Rovers have the better credentials with semi-final appearances over the past two seasons. DLR Waves have exited at the quarter-final stage of the competition in each of the last three seasons but will be confident of success based on that victory a fortnight ago.

Nevertheless, Sligo Rovers can also approach the tie with an equal amount of belief based on the evidence from last week’s outing against title-chasing Shelbourne. Although Shelbourne won by 3-1, it was an uncomfortable 90 minutes for the Dublin side, who had to rely on a first-half penalty for the lead before adding a second soon after.

However, they were rocked when Anna McDaniel scored for the Bit O’Red following a superb Muireann Devaney pass to leave it 2-1 at the interval, and that set up a nervy second half for the Dubliners.

A positive in every game this season for the Sligo Rovers players is the fact that they continue to create chances, and they will do so again on Saturday. Finishing is the real challenge.

According to manager Steve Feeney, Paula McGrory will be available and could return to the starting lineup.

“Cara King looks like she will be out with an ankle injury, and we will assess Alana Doherty ahead of Saturday’s game,” commented the Bit O’Red boss.

Both Alana Doherty and Cara King were replaced in the second half last weekend against Shelbourne. Katie Melly and Ava Hallinan may not be available, but Alice Lillie, who missed the last couple of games, will return to the squad.

“The players have been giving so much in terms of effort and have shown improved form in every outing; hopefully they will get the reward they deserve on Saturday, a victory and a place in the quarter-finals,” added Steve.

WFAI Cup Stats 2022 – 2025

2022
First Round
Sligo Rovers w.o., Douglas Hall scr.
DLR Waves 5, Treaty Utd 0

Quarter-Finals
Bohemian FC 3, Sligo Rovers 1
Wexford 3, DLR Waves 1

2023
First Round
Sligo Rovers 11, Bonagee Utd 0
DLR Waves 3, Wexford 3 (DLR Waves won 4-3 on pens)

Quarter-Finals
Bohemian FC 0, Sligo Rovers 1
Shelbourne 2, DLR Waves 1

Semi-Final
Sligo Rovers 0, Athlone Town 4

2024
First Round
Sligo Rovers 5, Terenure Rangers 0
DLR Waves 4, Whitehall Rangers 0

Quarter-Final
DLR Waves 1, Sligo Rovers 3

Semi-Final
Sligo Rovers 0, Athlone Town 1

2025
First Round
Saturday 28th June – Sligo Rovers v DLR Waves, kick-off 3pm, live on LOITV.