Under 19 goalkeeper Conor Walsh and Under 17 defender Daniel Kelly are both representing Ireland Under 17’s this week in Cork as part of a double header of International friendlies against Mexico at Turner’s Cross.

Walsh, who signed his first professional contract with the club last week, played 90 minutes for Colin O’ Brien’s side in a 2-1 victory last night. Kelly was an unused substitute.

The pair from Mayo will once again be part of the squad tomorrow afternoon as the two countries meet at 12 Noon at the same venue before returning to the club for training this week ahead of games this coming weekend.

You can follow updates from the game on The FAI’s social media platforms and we will also have information on our Academy social media pages.

Sligo Rovers can confirm a capacity of 2,100 will be in operation for Friday’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match with St Patrick’s Athletic at The Showgrounds.

Season Ticket holders can use their 13 digit barcode, which was emailed to them on August 11th to gain access to our ticketing system on this link.

Season Pack holders have until Wednesday morning (September 8th) to claim their tickets.

Our stadium seating plan will be in operation and supporters must use their assigned seats as per your E-Ticket. Season Pack holders must also bring one ticket from your season pack booklet and present it on the turnstiles.

While E-Tickets can be used digitally on a smart phone, we encourage fans to print them out where possible as this makes it easier for our scanning team and fastens up the entrance process for everyone.

All other home fans can gain entry by paying cash at turnstiles. Please respect seating arrangements.

St Pats will receive an allocation of 10% – which will go on sale Wednesday. Away fans will be situated in the usual away section, in sections T, U and V of the Jinks Avenue Stand. Pat’s supporters can only enter through online sales with no tickets available at the stadium.

We look forward to welcoming our supporters back on Friday night.

Sligo Rovers return to league action on Friday night as the Bit O’ Red face Drogheda United at Head in the Game Park.

Rovers were last in action against Derry City as a late Ronan Boyce goal won it for the Candystripes.

Rovers sit in third place in the league and will stay there this weekend as the two sides below in the table will not play due to a postponed fixture.

Away supporters will be present for the first time this season with Drogheda allocating some of the stadium for Bit O’ Red fans. Tickets can be purchased on their website.

New signings Andre Wright and Melvyn Lorenzen are eligible to make their first appearances, while Jordan Gibson was sold to Carlisle United earlier this week.

In team news, Shane Blaney is the only confirmed absentee with a foot problem.

Manager Liam Buckley said: “It’s certainly a game we’re looking forward to. We’ve trained well the last two weeks and we’ve adapted the two new players into the group. It was good to have that time but mostly we’ve been looking to play a game again.

“I think we will be judged at the end of the season. We’re in the top three and we have to scrap it out for the next couple of months to stay there. We have a strong squad and we’re in that mix to finish the season well and finish high up the table. With the way the table is, every side is looking to get into the top three of four and it will take a fair share of points to be in there, we’re not under any illusions.

“Drogheda have had a tremendous year so far. We drew and were beaten against them so that shows you the difficulty of the game. That said, we are keen to play and it’s going to be a real test for us so we’ll dig in and look for a performance to win the game. That is what we’re looking for.

“We have the two new players who have been with us in the build-up this week. They will only make us stronger for the next 13 games.”  

Four home games brought three wins and a draw for the academy this weekend, including progression in the cup for the U14s and a winning start for the U17 and U19W in their respective Shield campaigns.

Conor Langan scored the only goal of the game as the U14s defeated Galway United 1-0 at the Showgrounds on Saturday lunchtime. Galway came into the match unbeaten in 9 games this season, winning 7 of those, scoring 37 times and conceding just 8. However, they were kept scoreless for just the second time this season as Rovers made it back-to-back wins, adding to the terrific 4-0 win over Cavan/Monaghan last weekend.

Concurrently, at the Sean Fallon Centre, the U17s were starting their Shield campaign with a victory over Athlone Town. Rovers were beaten 3-2 in extra time by the same opposition in the Mark Farren Cup just a week prior so revenge was sought and, 90 minutes later, procured, as the home side ran out 3-0 winners. Adam Nugent scored for the second week running to put us 1-0 up with Darragh Reilly and Niall Holohan ensuring there was no way back for the visitors. Rovers travel to Longford next Saturday hoping to make it two wins out of two.

The regular season ended for the U17W (barring a rearranged Athlone Town fixture) on Saturday evening at home to Bohemians. Rebecca Doddy continued her stunning goal scoring run as she fired her 7^th goal in the last 6 games to earn Rovers a 1-1 draw as we await the start of the Shield. Rovers will be among the favourites to win the competition having finished 4^th in the league.

Finally, on Sunday afternoon our U19W picked up 3 points in an entertaining game at home to Donegal. Eimear McIntyre and Kate Nugent scored for Rovers and we saw the game out despite a Donegal consolation. We have a fantastic home record this season, winning all but one game (a late 1-0 defeat to DLR after injury left us down to 10 women) and will be confident of topping the league come the end of October. Up next for our women is a trip to Carlow next Sunday for our 2^nd of 6 games.

Richard Mullan

Conor Walsh has signed his first professional contract with Sligo Rovers, penning a three-year-deal.

The 16-year-old from Westport is a Republic of Ireland underage international and is currently part of the Ireland Under-17 group having progressed through Under-15 and Under-16 level. He was also selected for a recent Under-18 squad.

He joined Rovers as a 15-year-old from Westport United where he excelled in the high-quality academy set-up at the Mayo club and was already an Irish underage international.

He has also progressed through the age groups in the Rovers academy, having passed Under-15 and Under-17 level and is now the Under-19 goalkeeper.

Walsh has been part of first-team training this year and was on the bench for one game.

He previously attended Rice College in Westport where he was coached by Gearoid Duffy and Brendan Clarke, as well as Joe Kelly, Kieran O’Hora, Michael Gibbons and Padraic Burns at Westport. 

Conor Walsh said: “I’m very proud to sign my first professional contract today.

“It’s been a dream of mine to become a professional footballer. I’d like to thank everyone at Westport United for their help during my years there and all of the coaches at Sligo Rovers I’ve worked with so far, as well as my family. 

“I’ve loved every minute here in The Showgrounds and I’m just very excited to be here as a pro now. 

“I know that this is only the beginning and I’ll keep working hard both with Rovers and Ireland.”

Sligo Rovers head of academy Conor O’Grady said: “We’re very pleased for
Conor and his family as he signs his first professional deal.

“The length of the deal reflects the talent and dedication Conor has shown in his time at the club.

“Conor is a year ahead at Republic of Ireland grade and two years within our academy. At Under-17 level we felt he needed to be tested further and that has been vindicated as he is more than comfortable with the Under-19s.

“Conor’s former club Westport and his school Rice College have developed his talent and that has been carried on by Brian Morahan and Ultan McKenna here with us at the moment.”

O’Grady added that Walsh will follow a path taken by current Rovers goalkeepers, as well a new development in local education. 

“Conor will now attend Summerhill College in Sligo now as part of our partnership with them. He has to ensure his academic future remains a key part of his life, even as a professional, and this is a pathway we wish to extend to more players. I’d like to thank the Summerhill Principal Paul Keogh for his support. 

“His footballing development will continue within our academy and in time we hope he progresses to the senior team. Ed McGinty and Luke McNicholas have led the way and I have to say the young goalkeepers at the club are fantastic people as well as players. Conor certainly fits that description. 

“We’re extremely fortunate as we also have Richard Brush there as someone all of the lads can learn and benefit from and Leo Tierney as senior coach. The future for Conor is laid out and knowing him for the last two years, he’ll work hard and keep showing the great application and attitude which has earned him this opportunity.”

Sligo Rovers manager Liam Buckley said: “Conor has a very bright future ahead of him. 

“As we have shown, if we feel the time is right, academy players will get their chance at first-team level. Conor has experienced the environment and I have no doubt he will become more involved over these three years. 

“We have outstanding goalkeepers on our books and the likes of Ed and Luke have come from within the club which is brilliant. For now Conor will continue to play academy football to develop his game. The hard work by players, coaches and parents is hugely appreciated because the club is seeing the benefit in so many top quality young footballers being produced. I congratulate Conor on an important day in his career and hope there are many more great days to come.”

Sligo Rovers can confirm Jordan Gibson has joined EFL side Carlisle United for an undisclosed fee. 

Gibson joined Rovers for the 2021 season from Patrick’s Athletic and played 25 games in all competitions, scoring seven goals.

Sligo Rovers manager Liam Buckley said: “Jordan has made a good contribution since coming to the club. 

“At the end of last season with St Pat’s, he wanted to return to England and we did convince him to stay in the league and move here with us.

“As we look back, that was a good move for both Jordan and Sligo Rovers. 

“We did say at the time we would help him to get that move home if something arose and a suitable offer came in. 

“Jordan has that desire to go back to England and from our point of view the deal with Carlisle was a good one for all parties. 

“We’re preparing for a real fight over the next three months to finish the season as well we can and push on. It’s going to be a battle over the coming games and it’s important that it is our total focus without any distractions. 

“We have added to the squad with four players in the window and I do feel we are quite strong for the remainder of the season. 

“We wish Jordan well back in the Football League and thank him for his contribution at the club.”

Our 2021 Summer Camps, which were sponsored by The Sligo Champion, have concluded after nine sell out weeks.

The camps, which kicked off at the end of June, proved to be a big hit as the first eight weeks sold out in a matter of days when the booking system opened in May.

Due to the popularity of the camps, the club added an extra week which also sold out shortly after going on sale.

The club would like to put on record our thanks to the coaches, children and families who made this year’s camps such a success.

Camp Coordinator, Shane Crossan spoke of this delight at the success of the Summer Camps and added “It’s been a fantastic nine weeks for everyone involved and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the camps. A special mention must go to The Sligo Champion for their kind sponsorship yet again. Every participant on the camp received an official Sligo Rovers training top and its fantastic to see so many children wearing club merchandise with pride”.

Lorraine Mc Donnell, General Manager of The Sligo Champion added “It has been a challenging year for everyone and we, at The Sligo Champion, were delighted to see the Summer Camps back up and running in The Showgrounds. It is our pleasure to sponsor an event which attracts so many participants from our community. We are delighted to be associated with Sligo Rovers and we are already looking forward to next year. Huge credit to everyone involved in making the camps so enjoyable for everyone”.

The next camp in The Showgrounds will take place at Halloween, from October 25^th until the 29^th.

Details of the booking system will be announced in the coming weeks.

Our 500 Club monthly draw took place recently, with July’s winners announced by The 500 Club Committee.

The winner of the top prize of €500 was Conal Cassidy, Lucan, Co. Dublin.

The 500 Club continues to be one of the club’s most important fundraisers since it was founded in 2003. Over 500 members contribute €20 per month which can be paid via standing order or an up front annual payment.

The full list of winners can be found below:

1st: €500 – Conal Cassidy, Lucan, Co Dublin.

2nd: €100 – Mark Keane, Treacy Avenue, Sligo

3rd: €100 – Dermot Mannion, Circular Road, Sligo

4th: €100 – Susan Brennan, Benbulben Terrace, Sligo

5th: €100 – Aidan Meehan, Blue Lagoon, Sligo

6th: €100 – Colm Feeney, Circular Road, Sligo

7th: €100 – Caroline Carr, Knocknahur, Sligo

8th: €100 – Brendan McIntyre, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.

9th: €100 – Roddy Murphy, Goatstown, Dublin

10th: €100 – Damien Sherlock – Mullingar Co Westmeath

Congratulations to all our winners and thanks to all our 500 Club members for their continued support.

To join our 500 Club, visit https://srfcdirect.com/500-club-membership-1-year/ or contact michaelclancy04@gmail.com

Sligo Rovers have completed the signing of Ugandan international Melvyn Lorenzen for the remainder of the 2021 season.

Lorenzen, formerly of Werder Bremen, ADO Den Haag and Karpaty Lyiv, joins subject to international clearance.

The attacking player could make his debut in the next game for the Bit O’ Red against Drogheda United.

The 26-year-old played over 50 games between the German and Dutch top flights earlier in his career.

Born in London and having grown up in Germany, Lorenzen has been seeking an opportunity in the UK or Ireland after leaving Ukraine and having a short spell in Indonesia which was curtailed by Covid-19 restrictions cancelling the season.

New signing Lorenzen said: “It feels great to officially sign today. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for, to be in a professional environment and play games.

“Things did not work out with the disrupted season in Indonesia and I have had time to consider my future. I wanted to come to a club where I could make a difference.

“I know the team did very well for the first half of the year and this last while has not been so good. I’m here to help the team and to show my ability.

“The welcome I have received is the best I’ve had at a new club, all of the players and the people here are very friendly.

“In the two weeks I’ve been here, training in a group has already made a difference to my fitness. As a player I’m physically strong, I like to attack the channels and help the team with assists and goals.

“When the offer came from Sligo, I have always been a person who loves to travel and experience something new. I hope this works out for all parties and I really am excited to play for the club.”

Rovers boss Liam Buckley said: “Melvyn has a very good pedigree. He’s played in the Bundesliga and in the Dutch league. He’s been with us for a couple of weeks in training and he’s done well. He can play across the front three in any position and strengthens us further.

“He’s big, quick and technically good on the ball. In the time he’s been with us we can see he’s fit and just needs games from that perspective.

“We have a couple of weeks for our next game and both he and Andre Wright will be part of that preparation.

“It’s important we stay calm in regards to the rest of the season. Robbie McCourt and Greg Bolger are on the way back and overall we look strong when you look at our group.  

“It’s going to be an extremely competitive race for the top four. We feel we can get there despite the run we’ve been on. We’re going to win games and we want it to come in the next one.

“With the commitment we showed on Saturday, it will turn for us. When you put in that effort, luck will change. We’re determined to make it happen, Melvyn is another addition to us and the next 10 days or so will be all about gearing up for the Drogheda game.”

Sligo Rovers host Derry City at the Showgrounds in the SSE Airtricity League on Saturday night, kick-off 7.45pm

The SSE Airtricity Premier Division encounter between the sides in third and fifth place is a third meeting of a season.

Derry claimed the points in Ruaidhri Higgins’ first match in charge Derry earlier in the season, while there was 1-1 draw at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Rovers have endured their worst run of the season in recent weeks but continue to sit in third place and will remain there regardless of the weekend’s results.

With 11 wins from 22 matches so far, Rovers remain in their best league position since the middle of the last decade.

However, the chasing pack are closing in the race for Europe with 14 matches to play in the league campaign.

In team news, Greg Bolger and Robbie McCourt are out. Bolger has a knee injury and this game will come too soon.

McCourt is set to come into contention for Rovers’ next game against Drogheda United on 3 September after over two months out with a wrist injury.

Shane Blaney is doubtful and will be checked pre-game.

New signing Andre Wright will not be available this weekend. He will also come into consideration for the game in Drogheda.

Manager Liam Buckley said: “Looking back on the Bohemians game, there’s not a lot in it again. For the best part of 65 minutes we were competing well and had chances. We didn’t take them and Bohemians got the goal.

“Overall we didn’t too badly but we didn’t score and it has cost us. It is difficult as we have shown we can find form and win any match in this league and back it up again. We know we can create chances, score goals and when you’re on a run like we are it affects confidence. You have to keep working as hard as you can.

“We know it will turn for us by giving it our all and each game we face brings its own importance. We’re in a strong position to finish the season well. There are six or seven sides with an eye on Europe for next season. We showed last season that you can charge up the table and get in there.

“Derry have had a few good results so we know how hard it is each week in the league. That said, it has to be a case of bring it on now and we face it head on.

“We have had high points and low points in the season and there is no doubt this is a difficult one. We have to face the next 14 games with a mindset that there is a lot to achieve in the season because there certainly is that.”

Once again 800 fans will be in The Showgrounds for the game.

Buckley said: “Throughout the pandemic our supporters have been fantastic and it was greatly appreciated by everyone. We wanted them to come back to a situation where they really had something to shout about.

“Unfortunately that hasn’t happened and it’s coincided with the run we’ve been on. We really want to give them something and for them to stick with us. They’ve done it before and we are all in this together. We’d love to be able to give them a good night on Saturday, a win can turn things for us and the harder you work the more chance that will happen. We’ll be doing our utmost to get it on Saturday night.”