Robbie McCourt is the latest player to commit his future to Sligo Rovers, the club are delighted to announce this evening.

The defender has signed a two-year contract after a hugely impressive debut season at the Showgrounds.         

The Dubliner played 25 league matches, despite breaking his wrist in the summer time, and has been a very influential player for the Bit O’ Red.

Rovers secured a top three finish in the league with two matches to play and remain in contention for second place.

McCourt said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far. It’s gone great. When I signed Liam laid out his expectations and we achieved exactly what he wanted. That was for us to become a better team and qualify for Europe again.

“I was very happy to sign a two-year contract when the offer came. We have to keep getting better and I believe we will. The club really looked after me and this is a great place to play football and to live. I think that’s helped me in how the season went this year.

“We started off very well and I was playing week-in week-out and more often than not we were winning. The injury knocked me out for 14 weeks. It was a break and I had just had to bide my time.

“I feel I came back strongly and the win last weekend ensured the top three and we want to finish if off well now and see how many points we can get.”

McCourt emerged as first-choice left-back this year following pre-season but he has paid tribute to his team-mates in helping him make his first season in Sligo an impressive one.

“It helps when you have the players around you.

“I played most of last season with Waterford as a centre-back. It wasn’t certain where I was going to be playing this year. The gaffer said left-back when I came in and I’ve played there most most of my career so I was happy with it.

“We’ve got top players in the team but as well as that I’ve had Regan Donelon pushing me for my position all season. I think he had an injury at the start of the year and he’s been driving me on since that. It’s a strong group and it makes you a better player.

“The defensive record has been the second best in the league and we’ve been very solid as a group.”

As McCourt signs for 2022 and 2023, he said the move to Sligo has paid off and a result committing for two seasons required little thought.

“I really enjoy the lifestyle and the place. It’s great for being totally focused on football and I’m really happy with the decision I made to come here. The next two seasons can be big ones for the club. The league here is tight and we’ve shown we can compete and be up the top of the table.

“We want to challenge and I know the gaffer will add to the squad again and with even more quality players.”

The three and-a-half months McCourt spent on the sidelines coincided with the most difficult part of the year for the Bit O’ Red, including exiting the Europa Conference League.

McCourt left his former club Bohemians after helping them qualify for Europe in 2019, while in Waterford it was Rovers who pipped them on the final day, meaning he missed out for 2021.

He was set to play after moving to Sligo but the injury scuppered hopes of a European bow last July.

After helping the Bit O’ Red qualify for the 2022 competition, he is keen to finally experience the European stage.

“I feel like I’ve missed out three times so it’s something I really want for next season. Europe didn’t go how we wanted as a team this year and that will be something to target. We were unfortunate that we had a lot of players out at the time.

“I want to play and I want us to win one round, two rounds or more, so when that comes around I’ll be very keen to play and this time to do ourselves justice.”

Liam Buckley said: “Robbie has been a fantastic signing for the club. He’s been brilliant all year and that period he was out we badly missed him for what he brings.

“He jumped straight back in after his injury and once again he’s been excellent. For me he is one of the best left-backs in the league without doubt. I like to think he can be even better next year.

“Robbie signing for two years is terrific business from the club’s point of view. From my experience when we bring players to Sligo Rovers, they love it here and Robbie is another.

“He’s settled in extremely well and I know he has a desire within him to keep pushing on. We’ve got two games left in the season and there’ll be no let-up. We want to finish the season as strong as we possibly can.”

Sligo Rovers are lending our support to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland after they announced plans for a new sensory garden for people living with dementia at Sligo Day Care Centre.

The project will be completed by October 2022.

The ASIis also making a public callout to members of the public to support the project – either volunteers with key skill sets or people who might be interested in sponsorship and other funding opportunities.

If people are interested in lending your support or are looking more information, please contact The ASI’s Cathryn O’Leary (085 856 6478) and Clair Culkin (085 872 0043) via sligogardenproject@alzheimer.ie

The ASI provides supports and services in the Sligo area including Dementia Adviser, Home Care and Day Care at Home and also the Aughamore Day Care Centre, which provides dementia-specific, person-centred care to meet the needs of the person with dementia in a warm, welcoming and safe environment while providing support and stimulation.

They work with each person to ensure they feel comfortable and supported and their individual needs are meet as far as possible. They also offer a wide range of activities including reminiscence therapy, music sessions, gentle exercises, arts and crafts and personal care.

The ASI is Sligo Rovers’ charity partner for the 2021 season. Each year the Bit O’ Red partner with one charity or cause and provide support in terms of fundraising and awareness to assist their work.

This year, Sligo Rovers will commit to a number of initiatives to support The ASI’s Sligo supports and services. This year The ASI has been chosen by Sligo Rovers, with all funds raised during the partnership being ring-fenced for dementia-specific supports and services in Sligo. Earlier this year it was confirmed that former Sligo Rovers manager Billy Sinclair, who led the club to the 1977 league title, has been diagnosed with dementia.

A sensory garden of this nature allows people with dementia the opportunity to be outdoors and have meaningful interaction with others while enjoying the outdoors.

A sensory garden for people with dementia is an environment that is specifically designed to stimulate all five senses and can help reduce depression and stress and provide individuals with dementia a sense of well-being. The safety features incorporated in the dementia garden, no steep gradients/ steps, wheelchair accessibility, smooth pathways, wall and fencing features etc allow the person freedom of movement and decision making in that setting.

Clair Culkin, Nurse Manager, The ASI’s Aughamore Day Care Centre said: “We are really excited about working on this exciting new sensory garden project at the centre.

“This project will promote the importance of physical health and physical activity by increasing the opportunity for people living with dementia to be able to enjoy meaningful activity hence improving physical health and mobility.

“All gardening activities involve using the hands, so getting people with dementia out in the garden can particularly improve hand strength.

“The garden will offer people with dementia an opportunity to come together. Engaging with others in a meaningful environment is likely to spur conversations between people living dementia and will give them the opportunity to meet likeminded individuals, while developing new knowledge and skills.

“There is great support and goodwill towards this project in the community; we just can’t wait to get started.”

Rovers chairman Tommy Higgins added: “As a community based club, Sligo Rovers are delighted to be associated with our charity partner The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and the Aughamore Day Care in this worthy project.

“We look forward in bringing this project to fruition. The great strength of Sligo Rovers is our volunteers. They value our club but equally they value our locality and the importance that we care for everyone within our home place.

“We are sure some of our supporters would be happy to volunteer for a few hours over a period for this very worthy cause.”

Just two of our Academy teams remain in action in The 2021 season, with our Women’s Under 17 and Men’s Under 19 teams both playing in Dublin this weekend.

It’s League Semi-Final day for our Women’s team tomorrow at AUL Complex against Shelbourne. Aaron O’ Connor’s side face The Dubliners having finished second in the initial group phase of the competition.

The girls have enjoyed a brilliant season and will be confident going into the game that they can reach the final.

On Sunday, Our Men’s Under 19’s travel to Tallaght Stadium to take on Shamrock Rovers at 3pm. This is the final game of the season for the lads, who can be proud of their efforts in 2021. A win could see Rovers finish as high as second in the table whereas the hosts can win the league with a victory.

Best of luck to both teams

Sligo Rovers meet St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday night as third meets second in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division at Richmond Park.

The Bit O’Red recorded back-to-back wins in the last seven days to remain in third spot, with the aim of a highest finish since the 2013 campaign.

The teams have faced off three times this season with one win each and a draw in the Showgrounds ahead of this final game.

Johnny Kenny and Ryan De Vries were on target in the last meeting of the teams.

The match will be live on RTE2 and RTE Player.

In injury news, Shane Blaney and Colm Horgan are available again.

Regan Donelon will have a late fitness test. Danny Kane is ruled out for the rest of the season.

Liam Buckley said: “We’ve had four days in between the Longford game and this one so we’ve had enough time to recover. We had a few players to assess afterwards and they’ve come through it in the main.

“It was important to pick up the two wins in the last week. It’s extremely difficult to win any game in this league and we’ve stuck at it. They were hard fought which isn’t a surprise and it’s going to take another big shift on Friday.

“We’ve scored late goals recently and in truth it doesn’t matter when we score as long as the goals come. Late goals have gone against us earlier in the season – including when Ian Bermingham did so in one of these games – so it was good to be on the right side of it.

“We did well in the recent game in Sligo and when you look back overall it shows the teams are well-matched.

“It is one game at a time for ourselves. We’re trying to put as many points on the board as possible and a win would certainly help us in the race that we’re in.

“St Pat’s have done well, they play a good brand of football and they’re up there in second place with the FAI Cup final to come. I think they’ve won 12 out of 16 at home, they could have had more goals against Bohemians in the first half the other night when they went 2-0 up.

“But we’ve done alright ourselves and we’ve been in the top three for a long time. It’ll be tight and we go there looking for another good result.”

Johnny Kenny has signed a new three-year contract with Sligo Rovers, the club are thrilled to announce today.

The 18-year-old has enjoying a stunning debut season as a professional, scoring nine goals in 21 league starts for his hometown club.

He also netted one goal in the Europa Conference League.

Having scored 23 goals at academy level last season, Kenny signed his first pro deal in January and joined Liam Buckley’s first-team squad.

He was on target in nearly all of the pre-season games and such was the impression he made, he started the opening game of the season against Dundalk.

The Riverstown teenager scored his first goal for the club in a 1-0 win over Finn Harps and has scored five in his last eight starts.

The new deal runs until the end of the 2024 season.

Johnny Kenny said: “When I signed my first contract 10 months ago, I was just hoping to get a chance and to start 21 games and score nine goals has been unreal. I really couldn’t have imagined how things have gone.

“I’ve loved it, being in the team and scoring goals, but I can’t play well if the team doesn’t play well.

“There’s been a lot of learn on how to finish games and fitness wise and as the season has gone on, I’ve picked up these things I like to think.

“The lads have been brilliant with me. The likes of Dave Cawley, Greg Bolger and Garry Buckley, they’ve done it all in the league and they’ve been giving me guidance. I also owe a lot to John Mahon as he really helped me this year. He was a big part of me starting off so well and I couldn’t have done it without him.

“I can’t thank Liam Buckley and John Russell enough. Liam has been teaching me every day, he has so much experience that he passes on and has put a lot of faith in me. John is giving me video clips on things I can improve on and that’s what I want. I’ll keep learning from them and listening to Liam and John.

“The season started off so well and we’ve come through a tough time and we just want to push on for the rest of the season. We know what we need to do to finish third and if we could do that, it’s another step forward for the club. In the first games I played they were behind closed doors and now the crowds are back it’s all the more special.

“The goal last Friday against Drogheda in front of 2,000 of our fans was unreal and I just want to keep doing it and keep helping the team in whatever way I can.

“I’ve signed a three-year contract as I know this is my club and I love being here. I want to achieve a lot here if I can and I’m delighted to know that commitment is in place.”

Liam Buckley said: “Johnny has been a fantastic addition to our squad this year. He has so many attributes as a player and a person and I’ve been delighted with his progress.

“He’s quick, strong, he has a desire to be successful in his own career and for this club and the group of players. He loves playing for Sligo Rovers. I said when he signed that we knew he would have a League of Ireland career and whether that would go elsewhere remained to be seen. Now we’ve seen his League of Ireland career has begun in a brilliant manner and the future is bright for him.

“He came in for the entire of pre-season and I have to give great credit to the coaches and underage set-up at the club because we could see what he had. If you can do it in training you can do it in games and it was clear he was ready.

“The most pleasing aspect is he has embraced it all. There is a high expectation here and what we’ve seen is a player of real character, someone you can rely on, and with buckets of ability. There has been pressure this season through different aspects and we’ve seen Johnny’s personality shine through, helping the team and scoring important goals. ”

Buckley feels the long-term nature of the deal speaks volumes how the academy players feel about the environment they are in.

The Rovers boss is pleased to know Kenny is tied down.

Buckley added: “By signing a three-year contract it’s a great testament to the club in the faith to get the best out of him and we will do our utmost to do so. There is a such array of young talent here and they’re all doing well.

“I feel Johnny will get better as we improve the team and the squad each season. It’s up to us to ensure we get stronger and stronger, that we’re competing at the top level, and he will be the jewel in our crown. We’re determined to bring this club forward and bring some big nights to the Showgrounds and he is made for those occasions.

“I’m delighted too because his position is a very difficult one to fill. Johnny is a natural finisher and a goalscorer. At underage international level he is highly-regarded and that is something he can look forward to as well.

“I know the supporters will be delighted today. Johnny comes from a great family with a Sligo Rovers tradition and they’ve loved seeing him do so well this season. I see Johnny improving for next season and having an important role in the squad.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work and effort to get to this point and Johnny knows he has to continue with that and we will guide it. He has all the attributes to continue the fantastic start he’s made this year.”

Sligo Rovers fans can purchase tickets for Friday’s match with St Patrick’s Athletic here.

Fans must buy in advance so please click here.

Our Under 19 men’s hopes of winning the Elite League were ended on Sunday afternoon at home to Derry City. Having led the league since the opening day, two defeats on the spin had seen us slip from first to third in recent weeks. It meant this game became a must-win before a final day trip to leaders Shamrock Rovers next Sunday. Derry sat one place and one point behind us after defeat to Cork last weekend but arrived in celebratory mood following their EA Sports cup final win over Bohemians on Thursday night. Like Rovers however, defeat would have signaled the end of their campaign before a final day reunion with the side they just beat on penalties.

It was a predictably cagey opening ten minutes only made notable for how often the referee’s whistle was blowing despite a couple of fairly innocuous challenges. One such decision on 12 minutes led to a free kick 40 yards from goal wide on the left. With the City defence expecting a cross, Kailan Barlow cheekily aimed a shot at the near post that bounced a foot wide and had the Derry keeper scrambling. That buoyed Rovers and moments later Barlow threaded a perfect pass to Josh Mulrennan, inside the right back, but his shot was dragged wide of the far post. We were clearly on top now as Cillian Heaney broke at speed down the right. He beat two players before crossing for Barlow unmarked in the centre but the ball was just half an inch too high as it skidded off the playmakers head and out for a goal kick.

The game came to a standstill just after the quarter hour when Derry midfielder (No.35) landed awkwardly high on his shoulder and neck. Thankfully though, he was up and walking around shortly after being substituted. The long delay meant the game receded back to how it began with no real chances created until the stroke of half time. Rovers had two corners and a succession of throws before losing possession and allowing the away side to break. Derry worked it well out wide to (No.2) who squared for Michael Harris to roll home the opener. Barlow incredibly smacked the crossbar straight from kick off as Rovers sought an instant response but went in 0-1 at the interval.

One goal five minutes before the break was followed by another five minutes afterwards. A ball through the middle of the pitch was cleverly flicked forward by (No.33) and immediately released Orrin McLaughlin. He was already on the turn and raced in on the home goal before smashing it off the inside of the far post and doubling City’s lead.

Mulrennan and Sean McAteer were replaced by Aidan McHale and Jason Devaney as Rovers pushed forward and Derry began to retreat. A wonderful pass from Peter Maguire over the top fell right in the path of the marauding left back Darragh Ellison, he got a touch to the ball before being wiped out just inside the area and the referee took no time to correctly award a penalty. Barlow scored to make it 1-2 with 20 minutes still to play.

It was all Rovers now as we forced several corners that caused panic in the City defence. Eanna Clancy had several shots blocked as did substitute Ciaran Jennings. The best chance though, fell to Barlow four minutes from time. The ball wasn’t cleared properly from a corner, and it fell to the Rovers’ number 10 who found himself through on goal just a few yards out and at a slight angle. Derry waited on an offside flag that wasn’t coming as Barlow shot low but without much power and the keeper managed to get across and push it wide. More corners and free kicks followed but to no avail while Derry twice broke and amazingly hit the crossbar with a shot from distance on each occasion. City effectively wasted time near the home goal as added time ticked away and the game came to an end. Bohemians 2-1 victory over St. Patrick’s Athletic moved them to the top of the league and four points clear of the Bit O’ Red with just one game to play.

Richard Mullan

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Kailin Barlow has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The 18-year old has spent the last four years in the club’s academy after joining from Merville United and his former side Benbulben FC.

Barlow has represented the Republic of Ireland underage side at several age groups, from Under-15 to Under-17 and was recently on standby for the Under-18s.

Early in his career he played alongside Johnny Kenny and Peter Maguire in the Sligo-Leitrim side which reached the final of the Kennedy Cup and has been a leading talent in the Rovers academy.

He was just 14 when moving to Rovers and spent two seasons at Under-15 level, before moving to the Under-17s and this season was an impressive player for the Under-19 side.

A skilful attacking player, he can be utilised in a number of positions, including on the left side of midfield, as a number 10, and was also used up front earlier in some academy matches.

He will still be eligible to play for the Under-19s next season and has been training with the Rovers first-team intermittently this year.

Barlow is a student of Summerhill College in Sligo and will complete his Leaving Cert next summer.

Kailin Barlow said: “It’s every kid’s dream to sign for their local club as a professional and that’s how it feels for me.

“Earlier in the season Conor said there’d be a chance that a contract could materialise. I’ve been in with the first-team and then Liam Buckley met me one day about turning professional and offered me the deal. I was just over the moon and it was a really proud moment.

“As a player I like to have an attacking threat, play between the lines and make things happen. I’ve seen all the players come through to play for the club and get that chance and in that time it was my goal to emulate them.

“I think I had a decent season with the Under-19s this year. I’ve always felt my record was good in every team but I’ve been lucky with the great coaches I’ve had here and with Ireland. I’ve loved playing for the club and being part of each team so I’m just really excited to continue that as a professional.”

Barlow has watched on as his team-mate Johnny Kenny has flourished this season. The duo made their mark from the 15s to the 19s with Rovers, becoming a dymanic duo in those three teams, and they will now train together again next season.

“Johnny and I have had a great understanding and we struck up a great partnership. Between us there were a lot of assists and goals in those teams. It’s brilliant to see him do so well and I hope we can strike it up in another team now.

“I’ll be looking forward to pre-season and I know I have to keep fit and do my gym work before that all starts. I want to show people what I’m about and when the time comes I feel I will.

“There’ll be a balance of school and football next year which the club have spoken to me about and I know it’ll be a lot of hard work but I’m ready for it.”

Sligo Rovers head of academy Conor O’Grady said: “Kailin has been with us for a number of years and his ability is clear to see.

“He’s been one of the standout player in every side he’s played in and received international recognition as well with Ireland through every age group. This is an opportunity he has earned and I think we will see him continue to progress now as a professional.

“He’s a natural footballer, he plays off the cuff and in time I think the supporters here could really appreciate him because he’s an exciting player.

“Kailin is eligible to play with the Under-19s and has the Leaving Cert next summer which is the most important aspect of 2022 for him. He has been in with the first-team and the pre-season next year with the senior team will bring him on further.

“He has the potential and it’ll take some time and patience. This is a great day for Kailin, his family, and his former coaches from Merville and Benbulben and I’m delighted for everyone.”

Last night six academy graduates played in the match against Longford Town, with five of those finishing the game.

Sligo Rovers boss Liam Buckley has welcomed another graduate today: “Kailin is a talented player and his progress over the time he has been here has been great. We’ve introduced him to the first-team environment at various points so he can get a feel for it.

“It’s wonderful for him to earn this opportunity now over the next two years. He’ll be part of the group next season and as we continue to show, the chance is there for any player in the academy.  Again I have to congratulate the coaches at the club who have worked with Kailin to help him build towards signing as a professional.

“We will work with Kailin to help develop his game further and he can certainly go on to make an impact at first-team level in time as well as being eligible to play underage next year.”

Sligo Rovers host Longford Town on Monday night in the Showgrounds as the Bit O’ Red play their penultimate home game of the SSE Airtricity League season.

Rovers recorded a 2-0 success over Drogheda United last Friday in what was the seventh home league win over the year.

One of those victories was a 2-0 win against Longford earlier in the year, while Liam Buckley’s side earned 1-0 victories at Bishopsgate.

Rovers sit in third place in a congested league table. Last week’s win brought up the 50-point mark for the Bit O’ Red – the first time this total has been reached since 2013.

Johnny Kenny scored his ninth goal of the league season on Friday, now top scorer for the club this season.

In team news, Shane Blaney is back in training after his foot injury. Regan Donelon, Colm Horgan and Danny Kane are doubts with injury, with Donelon the most likely to be available.

Liam Buckley said: “I feel over the last two matches we have dominated for nearly all of the 90 minutes. We were a bit more composed last Friday and in our general play we kept the ball better.

“We had numerous chances on the night, scored two goals again, and I felt we were well worthy of the three points.

“We had to put a shift in. Drogheda were organised and worked hard. We know it won’t be easy on the run-in, it was just one result, but we’re well in the mix.

“We know this race has four matches to go in what is a difficult, difficult league. The effort was terrific last week and last Friday. The lads will be eager to get back on the pitch.

“We’ve done our best to recover. Every club is in the same boat with the Friday-Monday scenario, including Longford, and you just get on it with it.  

“Longford have been a difficult opponent all year and for me their points total doesn’t reflect just how well they have competed. They’ve given us several tough games so we know what to expect.”

There will be no capacity restriction at The Showgrounds on Monday night as Sligo Rovers face Longford Town in SSE Airtricity Premier Division. Kick-off is 7.45pm.

Pre-booking seats in the main stand is not necessary.

The stadium will be open seating. Away fans will be in the Jinks Avenue Stand as normal.

Fixture:

• Monday 1 November, Sligo Rovers v Longford Town, The Showgrounds, 7.45pm

SEASON PACK HOLDERS

Season Pack holders must bring your season pack booklet and present one ticket at the turnstiles.

If your season pack has expired with no vouchers remaining, you can pay cash at turnstiles. The main stand will be open for all fans on a first come basis.

These is the penultimate home game of the season. If you still have tickets remaining in your pack, any remaining match passes can be used in 2022.

Tickets can be removed from the pack and given to friends or family for the game if desired.

GENERAL SALE FOR HOME FANS

All other home fans can gain entry by paying cash at turnstiles. There will be no online sale prior to the game for home supporters – they can purchase tickets at turnstiles with cash.

AWAY FANS

Longford Town fans can buy tickets at the away entrance.

Longford fans will be situated in the usual away section, in sections T, U and V of the Jinks Avenue Stand.