Our Academy teams started competitive action this weekend with all teams in action across Saturday and Sunday.

It was a busy day at The Showgrounds on Saturday with both our Under 17 teams kicking off one after the other. At 1pm, Darragh O’ Reilly’s first competitive game in charge of the team ended in victory with goals from Michael Clifford, Reid Kelly and Kyle McDonagh sealing a 3-2 win over Cavan/Monaghan.

At 3:30pm, Aaron O’ Connor and his Women’s Under 17 side took on Shelbourne at The Sean Fallon Centre. The game ended 3-0 to the visitors but the Bit O’ Red created some chances and will welcome back a number of players for next weekend’s fixture following injury and illness ruling them out this week.

Alan Farry and his Under 14 side hosted Drogheda United at IT Sligo at 2pm and defeated The Drogs 5-2 in an entertaining encounter with goals from Cathair Tighe (2), Liam McLaughlin, Daire McCabe and an OG. It was an impressive performance from the team with some good football played by the opposition as well.

Sunday saw both Under 19 teams in action as our Under 19 men’s team defeated Longford Town 3-2 at The Sean Fallon Centre. Bridel Bosakani scored twice and Kailin Barlow added a third to give Rovers a healthy lead. De Town rallied and scored two late goals to cut the deficit but Declan Boyle’s men held on for the victory.

Darragh Healy’s Women’s Under 19’s travelled to Greystones in Wicklow to take on Bray Wanderers/Greystones at Woodlands. Pixie O’ Hara put in a Player of The Match performance and grabbed an impressive hat-trick to help her side to a 3-1 win to make it a perfect start to the season for the team.

Our Under 15 side defeated Cavan/Monaghan in Cootehill yesterday afternoon with goals from Callum Lynch and Conor Langan to give Paul Masterson’s side an impressive opening day win away from home. Both sides played out an entertaining game with Rovers winning out in the end.

Next weekend’s fixtures:

Under 14 Vs Derry City (A), Saturday

Under 15 Vs Longford Town (H), Sunday

Under 17 Women Vs Peamount United (A), Saturday

Under 17 Men Vs Galway United (A), Saturday

Under 19 Women Vs DLR Waves (A), Sunday

Under 19 Men Vs Drogheda United (A), Sunday

Admission to all Academy games is free of charge with exact kick off times and venues confirmed via social media later in the week. Follow @sligoroversacad to find out more.

Striker Paula McGrory and goalkeeper Amy Mahon have joined Sligo Rovers.

McGrory, a native of Donegal signs having spent 2021 playing with Derry City.

The 25-year-old began her career with Aileach FC before she moved Illies FC where she played for 14 years.

McGrory played in the Inishowen League and Donegal Super League where she played alongside her current team-mate Emma Doherty. She then moved to Derry City for the 2021 season. “I wouldn’t be where I am now without Illies FC. I moved to Derry FC last year for the season and enjoyed my time there it was great standard in that league. I loved playing every minute in the Ryan McBride Brandywell,  it was just an unreal place to play football,” McGrory said. 

Having received contact in recent weeks from Bit O’Red manager Steve Feeney, McGrory felt it was too good an opportunity to turn down. “I was contacted by Steve only two weeks ago and thought it would be a good opportunity to play in the Women’s National League”.

Having previously played GAA, McGrory says she wants to prioritise her football now as she joins the Bit O’Red.

“I’m excited about the season ahead and playing alongside Gemma McGuiness as we always battled against each other in between Illies FC vans Greencastle. 

“We have a big challenge ahead but we are going in as an unknown team so hope we can have a few surprising results.”

Paula made her debut yesterday against Peamount.

Goalkeeper Mahon joins having previously been with the Rovers Under-17 team in 2020 before the season was halted due to Covid-19. 

The 17-year-old is familiar with Rovers having first joined training sessions when she was 14. 

The Mayo native first played for her local side Charlestown Athletic before she signed for Castlebar Celtic. 

Mahon, a goalkeeper, spent last season with Galway WFC’s under 17s. She was part of the Connacht team that won the interpros in 2017 and received her first Irish cap in 2019 when  she represented the Ireland U15’s at the Bob Docherty Cup in Spain. 

Mahon is also an established GAA player for Mayo. 

The 17-year-old had long wanted to sign for Rovers, and finally got that chance in 2020 when she joined the U17 side. Covid stopped the season, meaning that Mahon didn’t get the opportunity she had hoped for. 

She said: “I’ve now come back and joined the senior team and I’m really excited for the season ahead as it’s my first time competing at senior level in the Women’s National League. 

“The squad is full of young talent and experienced players which makes training really enjoyable and there is always a great atmosphere. 

“Steve, the coaches and all the girls have all been really welcoming since joining and I’m excited to see how the season goes for us.”

Sligo Rovers created a little piece of history on Saturday evening in west Dublin when the club fielded a senior team for the first time in the Women’s National League.

The outcome was somewhat predictable, a 6-0 victory for hosts and seasoned campaigners Peamount Utd, but after the initial disappointment of conceding six goals, the players and management of the Bit O’Red can take plenty of positives from the encounter.

There was, as there usually is on occasions like this, a Sligo Rovers connection with Peamount.

The Dublin club’s manager is James O’Callaghan who graced the Showgrounds during the final part of Dermot Keeley era back in the 1992 /’93 season.

“I went on loan to Sligo Rovers from Shelbourne, I just missed the team that went on to win the FAI Cup the following season under Willie McStay,

maybe that’s why they won it,” he quipped when questioned on Saturday about his links with the club.

From O’Callaghan’s perspective, it was a good way to start the season.

Four first-half goals was just about what Peamount deserved against a hard-working and tenacious Sligo Rovers side that was playing a first competitive senior women’s game in the almost 100-year history of the club.

And it almost started with a sensational first minute goal for Sligo Rovers when a cross from the left wing by Amy Hyndman was spilled by

Peamount ‘keeper Niamh Reid-Burke, but she recovered quickly and the danger was averted.

At the other end, Kristen Sample displayed her goalkeeping ability with some fine saves, but despite some determined defending against wave after wave of Peamount pressure, the opening goal arrived with a fine Dora Gorman drive after 21 minutes.

Erin McLaughlin added a second goal soon after and the talented Stephanie Roche eased the hosts into the comfort zone with a two-goal salvo close to the interval.

The Rovers were more competitive after the resumption and while a revival was never on the cards, they made Peamount work extremely hard for two more goals which arrived from Aine O’Gorman on the hour and with 10 minutes remaining.

Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney expressed satisfaction with the way his team showed marked improvement in the second-half.

“Some of the goals we conceded were down to mistakes, but Peamount scored a couple of very good goals also, we will benefit from the game we can now look forward to our first home game of the season next weekend,” commented Feeney.

Peamount Utd – Niamh Reid Burke; Lauryn O’Callaghan, Chloe Moloney, Tiegan Ruddy, Erin McLaughlin, Karen Duggan, Sadhbh Doyle, Dora Gorman,

Alannah McEvoy, Stephanie Roche, Aine O’Gorman. Subs – Tara O’Hanlom for McEvoy, Jetta Berrill for McLaughlin and Lauren Kelly for Doyle all 65 mins, Sarah Duke Power for Moloney 73m, Michelle Doonan for Roche 81m

Sligo Rovers – Kristen Sample; Amy Hyndman, Ruth Monaghan, Orna O’Dowd, Helen Monaghan, Lauren Boles, Amy Roddy, Katie Melly, Gemma McGuinness, Aoife Brennan, Fiona Doherty. Subs – Erin Coyle for H Monaghan and Paula McGrory for Brennan both 65 mins, Lauren McLellan for Doherty 76m,  Ciara Henry for Hyndham 83m.

Referee – Daryl Carolan; assistant-referees Wayne McDonnell, Chris Campbell, fourth official – Sarah Dyas.

DAY ONE RESULTS

Peamount 6, Sligo Rovers 0; Shelbourne 1, Bohemain FC 0; DLR Waves 5, Treaty Utd 0; Cork City 0, Galway 3; Athlone Town 1, Wexford 2.

NEXT UP

Saturday 12^th March – Sligo Rovers v DLR Waves; Bohemian FC v Athlone Town; Treaty v Cork City; Galway v Peamount; Wexford v Shelbourne.

Report: Conall Collier

The Minister for Community and Rural Development, Heather Humphreys, was briefed on Sligo Rovers Development Plan when she visited The Showgrounds on Friday evening.

She met some of the girls’ teams playing on the all-weather pitch at the Sean Fallon Centre.

She said she was impressed by the positive role the club is playing in community life.

The Sligo Rovers chairman, Tommy Higgins, briefed the minister on the proposals to upgrade the facilities in time for the Sligo Rovers centenary in 2028.  The club will submit a detailed planning application, outlining its plans to Sligo County Council, during the summer. 

Minister for Community and Rural Development, Heather Humphreys and Frank Feighan TD, and Sligo Rovers representatives during a visit to the Showgrounds on Friday as well as youth teams on the pitch.

Our dedicated programme team have been busy getting ready for the new season and they have once again produced a fabulous match programme for our game against Dundalk this evening (7.45pm).

Our match sponsors are Sligo HGV Training and our match ball sponsor is Derek Duffy Painting. We wish to thank both businesses for their kind sponsorship. They will be our guests this evening and we look forward to greeting them.

Our after match reception is, as always, at Foleys Bar on Castle Street.

Our programme will include a message from Bit O’ Red manager Liam Buckley and Chairman Tommy Higgins as we reflect on our opening two games and look ahead to our 2022 season.

We have local youth club St Johns FC as our special guests this evening and they will provide ball kids and take part in half time mini games on the pitch. The programme will have a feature on the club as well as their Under 11 team photo.

Conall Collier is back once again this season with his article ‘Capitalizing on New-Found Enthusiasm Is The Challenge’.

Skipper David Cawley recently reached a landmark 250 games for Rovers after Monday night’s game with Derry City and Keith O’ Dwyer caught up with the Ballina man for a feature in this evening edition.

Stephen McLaughlin writes about Sligo Rovers and The SSE Airtricity League and we also have some fun features such as ‘Where Are They Now’ with Joe Molloy and a rack your brains quiz.

James Fallon captured the action shots from our opening two fixtures this past week and we get to know our new Bit O’ Red squad with our player profiles as well as learning about our opposition Dundalk FC who have a much changed squad this season but have made a positive start to their campaign under new manager Stephen O’ Donnell.

The programme costs €4 and is available inside the turnstiles.

There is a free 2022 mini fixture list card handed out with each programme. which is a handy must have for all supporters.

Sligo Rovers face Dublin side Peamount United tomorrow evening at 5pm at PLR Park in Greenogue.

The game will be streamed live on LOITV and broadcast on Ocean FM Sport.

The Bit O’ Red have enjoyed a busy pre-season with five fixtures over the course of January and February. Manager Steve Feeney has been just as busy in the background getting his squad together. 25 players are now registered for the squad, with some of those coming through from our Under 19 squad to add some strength in depth.

Feeney knows the threat Peamount will post but has belief in his squad:

”

We are looking forward to getting the league games started after all the work put in during pre-season. We know it will be a very tough test on Saturday but we are looking forward to the challenges this league will provide us on a weekly basis and are excited to face each one head on. Peamount have proven over a number of seasons how strong they are and have some full Internationals

 in their squad so our players are looking forward to testing themselves against a top team with top players.”

The hosts narrowly missed out on a League Title in 2021 with a heartbreaking defeat on the final day of the season against Galway FC but with the re-signings of International players such as Stephanie Roche and Aine O’ Gorman, they’ll hope to go one better in 2022.

Feeney explains his squad will embrace the challenges that face them this season:

”While Saturday is only one game and our season won’t be defined by it, we will be looking to show what we hope we can bring to the league this season. We need to focus on ourselves and do all we can to give a good performance in each game.  It’s an exciting time for all involved with the club and the players have given so much over a number of weeks that it will be great to see them start their journey in the national league for Rovers this Saturday.”

In team news, Emma Hansberry, Emma Doherty (both Hamstring) will face late fitness tests along with Yasmin Connolly who is recovering from a quad strain., Leah Kelly (Shoulder) Jessica Casey (Ear) and Kerri O’Hara (Ill) are all out.

The game will be streamed live on LOITV.IE and you can listen in on Ocean FM who will be doing live match commentary with Jessica Farry and Alan Cawley.

We wish the squad and staff all the very best as we kickstart our first ever season an WNL Senior level.

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Following recent incidents at home and away games, we would like to remind a small minority of fans that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated by the club.

These incidents have put players, officials, stewards, and other fans at risk and have resulted heavy fines being issued to the club. 

One supporter has been issued with a ban from Sligo Rovers matches following Friday night’s game against St Patrick’s Athletic, and the club will continue to investigate all incidents and issue bans to those who can’t behave responsibly. It is a last resort to issue any supporter with any ban. However we must act on unsatisfactory behaviour.

We are extremely proud of our fans and encourage passionate, respectful support, but we need to ensure our games are a safe, pleasant environment for everyone to enjoy.

To help ensure a safe, entertaining atmosphere at all Bit O’ Red matches, please be reminded that unacceptable conduct whilst at any match – from home or away supporters – will not be tolerated.

Unacceptable conduct covers conduct which is violent and/or disorderly and includes:

• Any sort of sectarian, homophobic, racist or sexist behaviour
• Aggressiveness or violent behaviour, including damage to the ground
• Drunkenness
• Threatening and/or abusive behaviour

Any individual who participates in unacceptable conduct at home or away matches will be ejected and subject to investigation by Gardai. The club reserves the right to take further sanctions, including exclusion from the stadium, for a period of time or permanently.

Pyrotechnics:

The use of pyrotechnics (smoke flares and noise percussion) is an unwanted feature at football grounds. Please note discharging such items is extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury if not used in the correct manner. Supporters seen to be using pyrotechnics will be ejected from the ground and banned permanently. They may also be subject to criminal proceedings by An Garda Siochana. Unfortunately, the club simply cannot afford to pay out fines from our already stretched resources for things such as pyrotechnics and will take actions to prevent us having to do so. As you will read below, we have taken additional measures to identify supporters who use pyrotechnics in order to enforce punishments on those who use them.

Pitch Incursions

Any person who encroaches onto the pitch, for whatever reason, will be ejected by security staff and also banned from the stadium. In particular, at the final game of the 2021 season against Bohemians, some behaviour from our own supporters was simply not good enough and extremely disappointing for our players, staff and volunteers on what should have been an enjoyable night to celebrate the end of the season.

CCTV System:

The installation of further state of the art CCTV has taken place again in the off-season.

Power Right Fire, Energy and Security are the leading business in Sligo for fire, energy and security services. 

A pan–tilt–zoom camera has been installed by Power Right to monitor three sides of the stadium. It will be used throughout match night and monitored by An Garda Siochana.

This measure is being taken to increase safety and care to all fans in the ground and is part of the terms of entering The Showgrounds. 

The new CCTV is also a preventive measure to identify those that use pyrotechnics, engage in threatening and abusive behaviour or other activities and anyone found doing so will be removed from the ground and banned from future games.

Sligo Rovers can today announce the continuation of the community initiative which sees every baby born in Sligo University Hospital this year offered a Rovers jersey on the day they enter the world.

The project, headed by the club and The Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust in conjunction with Sligo University Hospital, saw 1,200 Rovers jerseys donated to families of newborns in Sligo and parts of Leitrim, Donegal, Roscommon, Cavan and Mayo.

This season Sligo Rovers have maintained the use of JOMA Sport home and away jerseys for the 2022 season as part of our commitment to make football affordable for all and sustainability in our community.

This year even more jerseys will be produced free of charge for families during their stay in Sligo University Hospital.

The move comes ahead of the new Sligo Rovers Women’s National League team playing their first competitive game on Saturday as well as the men’s team playing their opening league match at home in The Showgrounds on the same day against Dundalk at 7.45pm.

Sligo Rovers chief executive Colin Feehily said: “We’ve received so many messages of gratitude from families and stories of new generations of Sligo Rovers fans being born and proudly wearing their first jersey within hours of coming into the world.

“For over 90 years we’ve built an inclusive club where the tradition of following the club – and maintaining its roots in the community – is passed down in families.

“It is one of our greatest strengths and giving back to the long-time supporters of the club – and welcoming new families and supporters with a gift from the Bit O’ Red – was one of the highlights of last season.

“Together with the Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust, we’re delighted to continue this programme. Our merchandise sales are at an all-time high and we continue to receive the financial backing from the public who allow us to field the eight Sligo Rovers team week-to-week from men’s senior to academy and now our new WNL side. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who contributes and give back in this way as a token of appreciation. 

“I’d like to thank our sponsors for being very supportive in allowing us to make it logistically possible and financially viable again and most of all the staff at Sligo University Hospital. They’ve supported so many families particularly in the last two years. We hope the sight of newborns and the Bit O’ Red brought them some joy along the way.”

Gerard O’Connor of the Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust said: “Over the last year, the positivity the baby jerseys have created within the region has been immeasurable and priceless.

“We are delighted to play our part in this wonderful initiative. It has been a tough time for everyone and this is our small way of thanking the people of the region for their unwavering support.”

Sligo Rovers jerseys, both home and away, are on sale here.

Pictured at Sligo University Hospital are Will Fitzgerlad, Karl O’Sullivan and Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust members Susan Brennan and Brenda Kearins along with staff

Fiona Doherty is the latest player to commit to Sligo Rovers ahead of the new Women’s National League season.

History will be made this Saturday as the Bit O’Red play their first ever game in the national league, taking on three time champions Peamount in Dublin at 5pm.

Doherty, a native of Foxford, is well known in GAA circles and joins Rovers having rediscovered her love for football in recent years.

The 25-year-old is a forward, and signs having impressed manager Steve Feeney during a pre-season friendly during which she played against Rovers for Conn Rangers.

Doherty has played GAA for as long as she can remember, and is a senior player for Mayo.

As a youth, she played football for Ballyvary Blue Bombers, before she left that aside to concentrate on GAA.

Doherty, who is a member of An Garda Síochana based in Letterkenny, has played for Connacht representative sides in the past.

She returned to football last year, and won silverware with Conn Rangers.

“Last year I joined Conn Rangers after breaking my thumb which withdrew me from Gaelic earlier than I wanted. 

“But it brought back the love for soccer I’ve always had but pushed aside when I was younger.”

Feeney approached Doherty following the pre-season friendly at The Showgrounds, and talks started from there. “I trained a few weeks later and I’m delighted to be signing for Sligo Rovers as a result of it all.

“Pre-season has been great, I’m learning so much from all the girls on the team and also Steve and his management team.”

Doherty is stepping away from GAA for a period, and is planning to return later in the year.

For now, her focus is on Rovers and the new season.

She is honoured to be given the opportunity to be a part of the first ever Rovers Women’s National League side.

She said: “Being given the chance to play in the WNL is an absolute honour as I know there are lots of soccer players that would give anything to be in my shoes.  “It’s all a new experience to me and I’m taking nothing for granted. I’m taking it all in and really looking forward to the year ahead in the Bit O’Red.”

Doherty studied at IT Sligo and knows a number of the players from her time there, along with a few familiar faces from Mayo.

“I’m fortunate to know a few of the girls in the squad from IT Sligo and also there’s a few Mayo girls within the panel who I’ve played GAA with and against. Having those familiar faces there made it easier for me to walk into the first session as I felt like I was always a part of the team.”

With the season getting underway this Saturday, Doherty hopes Rovers can surprise a few people this year.

“To be part of the first Sligo Rovers WNL side is a great feeling, I’m delighted to be a part of it and look forward to the season ahead. 

“We have been doing very well in training and there is such talent within the group. I don’t think there will be too much expected of us as a team just starting out but hopefully we will surprise a few people.

“Steve and his management team have been phenomenal so far, they are super professional and really know their stuff.”