Sligo Rovers can today confirm the signing of midfielder Adam McDonnell.

McDonnell began his career at Shelbourne before moving to Ipswich Town under Mick McCarthy.

Two successful spells at Aldershot Town saw McDonnell play some of the best football of his career before a switch to Boreham Wood for the last two campaigns.

The 24-year-old officially joined the club last weekend and has completed Covid-19 protocols so he trained with the first-team squad this morning.

He is already eligible to play in the league and European action.

Speaking to www.sligorovers.com, McDonnell said: “It’s brilliant to get it over the line. In the last few weeks my agent and the club were in conversation and for me it was a no-brainer to sign for Sligo Rovers.  

“I know what Liam Buckley teams are like, I remember it from playing against St Patrick’s Athletic at the start of my career and I didn’t forget it. I was up against Greg Bolger that day actually and the style of football will be a great fit for me.

“I’m a ball-playing midfielder who can play six or 10. I think defending matters when it comes to midfield so if I play six I like to get on the ball and protect the defence, and if playing further up the pitch create chances or score goals.

“I absolutely loved my time in England. The last year or so was not as enjoyable with lockdown and it was right time to come back to Ireland.

“I’m in Sligo so I’ll be able to travel home to Dublin at times and see my family which I wasn’t able to do in England. I know Robbie McCourt and Danny Kane so I spoke to them about the club and when you just hear good things, it made me want to come here.  I can see the positive mindset here and a winning mentality and it’s fantastic to be part of that. Even after one session I can see that positivity.

“There’s so much to play for in terms of the league and obviously there’s Europe on Thursday. I trained today, I’ve been ticking over since I left England and while I may need match sharpness, I want to play as soon as I can.”

Liam Buckley said: “We’re very pleased to bring Adam in.

“I’ve known of Adam since he was a young kid starting out at Shels with a lot of potential, he’s gone over to England and done very well for the last six or seven years.

“He brings experience and he’ll be a help to us over the season. We are only at the midway point so between the league, the Cup and the rest of the European season, there’s a lot of football to be played.

“Adam can play in a couple of midfield roles, he’s got a lot of quality and he’ll get a chance here.

“We’re working off a very good squad here but a tight squad on numbers so we will need everyone.

“Every player we bring in will get the opportunity and Adam comes into the mix now. With this move being in the offing for a while, Adam has kept fit and from training today he looked good. We’ll see how things go for when he makes a debut but it’s another good addition to us.”

Buckley added: “We’re still in the mix with the window still open. As I said we don’t have the biggest of squads so if something does materialise we will assess it as we continue to do on an ongoing basis.”

                                                          U19 – Sligo Rovers 0 DLR Waves 1

Sligo Rovers Women were unlucky to be beaten by DLR Waves at The Sean Fallon Centre on Sunday, an 87^th minute Robyn Bolger strike was all that separated the teams. A draw would probably have been a fair result in a game between two very evenly matched sides, although the weather was determined to take centre stage as the heavens opened wide and remained ajar for all but the first 10 minutes of this contest.

Sligo were looking to build on the 1-1 draw with Bohemians in the opening round of games but were on the backfoot early as Zoe Leonard created space on the right for the visitors, her ball inside found Ella Maree but the DLR midfielder shot high over the bar from just outside the penalty area. Perhaps the ball struck a low flying cloud as that was the queue for the rain to appear and suddenly cascade upon the Showgrounds for the majority of the first half. Both sides deserve credit for playing some neat stuff in midfield in such trying conditions, however, the newly slick surface frequently saw the final pass elude a teammate and zip away for a goal kick. DLR probably just shaded the first half as far as attempts went, Lucy Edwards playing just behind Bolger started to find some space and it was her attempt on 26 minutes that brought the first save from Farrah McDonagh in the home goal. Rovers did force the first corner of the game a few moments before half-time but the out-swinging cross sailed just above the head of Sarah Kiernan as she broke free at the near post.

Centre back Keela Scanlon, who was having a very impressive game for Sligo, was unfortunately forced from the pitch with a facial injury and replaced by midfielder Nola Eivers within two minutes of the restart. Eivers went into central midfield to partner Alison Langdon-Long as Kate Nugent dropped back into defence alongside Nadine Hargadon. Sligo slowly gained the upper hand as the half progressed with Eivers growing into the game and it was her strike from distance on the hour mark that just flew over the crossbar. She was at it again sixty seconds later from an identical position but this time her shot was blocked by an increasingly worried looking DLR backline. The rain had eased somewhat but continued to fall as Rovers began to grow in confidence. Left back Kiernan had started to push further forward and it was her run on 73 minutes that almost brought the first goal. She raced into the DLR half, slalomed past two challenges on the edge of the box, cut in on her right foot and curled an effort towards the bottom right corner that was well saved by Rugile Auskalnyte. It was a good stop by the goalkeeper recently called up to the Republic of Ireland U19 side.

Ella Vahey replaced Rebecca Doddy up front for Rovers and the pressure increased, Vahey involved in Rovers best chance on 81 minutes. All four Sligo subs combined brilliantly as Erin Somers picked out Alicia Hogge who threaded through for Vahey, her strike was firm but brilliantly saved by Auskalnyte who somehow got up to block the rebound as well. That scare seemed to rouse DLR who began finding space behind the full backs, their fresh legs on both wings stretching a tired Rovers backline. Holly Rutherford combined with Nicole O’Neill to pick out Bulger who rattled the crossbar with a strike from 20 yards. The Waves pinned Rovers back from the resulting throw in forcing a mistake from Eivers, her under hit pass was leapt on by Bolger who sped towards goal and fired home off the left post. It was cruel on Sligo who had been the better side in the second half and on Eivers especially who was terrific after a tough start. Moments later, the excellent Kerri O’Hara came off injured leaving the home side down to 10 women and their hopes of finding a late equaliser quashed.  Overall it was a tremendous performance from a clearly well coached and talented side who play good football even in biblical conditions, the future for Sligo Rovers women looks very bright indeed.

Report: Richard Mullan

Sligo Rovers must overturn a one-goal deficit if they are to progress in the Europa Conference League after they were beaten by Icelandic side FH Hafnarfjordur at Kaplakriki.

The Bit O’Red, who created the better of the chances, had Greg Bolger dismissed seven minutes before reigning Icelandic player of the year Steven Lennon netted the Urvalsdeild side’s winner.

Despite defeat and with the away goal rule no longer in play, Sligo will feel they have a chance of advancing from this first round tie, when the teams face each other again at the Showgrounds in a week’s time.

This was Sligo’s first European game in six years and the Bit O’Red looked comfortable against their Icelandic opponents in the opening exchanges.

The only change from the weekend’s win over Longford, goalkeeper Luke McNicholas easily claimed Bjorn Sverrisson’s effort early on.

Both sides struggled to manufacture chances and it took until the 35th minute for Rovers to test FH goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen. The Faroe Islands international was content to see Bolger’s volley from 20 yards fired straight at him following work from Romeo Parkes and Colm Horgan.

There were chances at both ends later in the opening half.

Former Dundalk man Lennon saw his header clip the post from an Ingi Gunnarsson cross on 38 minutes, before both players combined again as the latter fired wide off the outside of his left boot.

Rovers then had their best opportunity of the half in added time, but leading scorer Jordan Gibson was unable to get his shot away after a magnificent scooped pass from Parkes found the former St Patrick’s Athletic winger three yards out from goal.

Gibson flashed a speculative effort across the face of the FH goal on the hour as both camps took their time to settle back into the game after the interval.

Liam Buckley’s charges then squandered two golden opportunities to take the lead mid-way through the half.

Parkes inadvertently blocked Gibson’s goal-bound shot after wonderful work from substitute Walter Figueira, moments before Shane Blaney headed straight at Nielsen from a Bolger set-piece.

The visitors were reduced to ten on 77 minutes when Bolger was shown a second yellow card after Maltese referee Ishmael Barbara adjudged the Rovers skipper to have dived inside the FH penalty area.

Rovers were further punished on 85 minutes, with Lennon latching on to the end of substitute Vok Dimitrijevic’s cross as he steered his header into the far corner and beyond the reach of McNicholas.

FH Hafnarfjordur: Nielsen; Kristjansson, Vidarsson, Thorisson, Gunnarsson, Sverrisson, E Jonsson, J Jonsson (Gudlaugsson 93), Helgason (Dimitrijevic 82), Lennon (Hreidarsson 93), Vilhjalmsson.

Sligo Rovers: McNicholas, Banks, Buckley, Blaney, Horgan, Bolger, Morahan, Byrne (Cawley 64), Gibson, Parkes, De Vries (Figueira 64).

Referee: Ishmael Barbara (Malta).

FH Hafnarfjarðar will be providing the stream for the game in Iceland on Thursday.

You can sign up here or https://www.skjaskot.is/fh?fbclid=IwAR3LnWCb1zTE5B3WTnfRO7KniXVADc3m8KutAG–RX70HxO4Z2QAY4YYUdA

Kick-off is 7pm Irish time.

Please note this is organised and priced by FH at €16 with home commentary

Sligo Rovers have no control on the broadcast or cost of the stream.

The #bitored are undergoing regular Covid-19 testing ahead of the Europa Conference League first round first leg game with FH on Thursday.

Two separate instances have occurred this weekend.

One player has tested positive for Covid-19. The case has been traced to outside of the football club. The player has no contacts within the football club.

A second player continues to test negative for Covid-19. However he has been deemed a close contact of a case outside of the football club and will self-isolate this week as per protocols. 

Both players have complied fully with Covid-19 guidelines throughout.

All other players are negative and are not impacted. The squad were tested again this morning which is part of standard protocols. Results will arrive before departure for Iceland.

The squad will also undergo testing in Iceland before returning to Ireland as per protocols.

Sligo Rovers can today confirm a capacity of 400 spectators and updated ticketing arrangements for the UEFA Europa Conference League first qualifying round second leg against FH of Iceland at the Showgrounds on Thursday July 15^th.

This new capacity has been set after the match was upgraded to a test event for the return of spectators to sport.

The Bit O’ Red will distribute the 400 tickets to season pass holders. All will be chosen at random and given a time to take up and pay for their ticket. Supporters will be contacted if successful in the ballot via e-mail by Wednesday evening and have a 48 hour window to buy

All details will be in emails and please check spam/junk folder.

Sligo Rovers chief executive Colin Feehily said: “We’re very pleased that we’ll have our biggest attendance in well over a year for this fixture. 

“We’d like to thank the FAI, Mark Scanlon and all of the relevant bodies for facilitating the increased attendance. 

“In recent days we have begun to work on a plan to ensure that the event will take place in line with the strictest guidelines. We are increasing our matchday operation services even further to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone. 

“We can’t wait to see 400 fans in the stadium and already the uptake of our virtual ticket has been excellent so we encourage all of our fans to buy as soon as possible in order to stream the game.”

Virtual tickets can be purchased now from https://srfcdirect.com/european-virtual-ticket-europa-conference-league-qualifier-round-1/

Sligo Rovers meet Longford Town at Bishopsgate on Saturday evening in the SSE Airtricity League.

The Bit O’ Red face Longford for the third time this season.

The previous games ended in 1-0 and 2-0 wins for Rovers, although Town threatened on both occasions in games both teams had good chances. 

Rovers sit third in the table ahead of the remaining teams playing on Friday night. 

Last Saturday saw the next display of the season by Rovers, earning a 4-0 success over Bohemians. 

In team news, Robbie McCourt (wrist) is definitely out. Regan Donelon and Richard Brush are doubtful with hamstring and thigh injuries respectively.

Garry Buckley has now recovered from a muscle complaint and returns to the squad.

New signing Seamas Keogh is awaiting international clearance and it should come in time for this fixture. 

Luke McNicholas is back in training with Rovers after the conclusion of his loan spell with Finn Harps.

Liam Buckley: “We were delighted with the manner of the win last week. We created a number of opportunities and while Bohs were chasing the game in the second half which obviously made it more open, we moved the ball and linked it well throughout. Overall it was a very good performance and we also took some of those chances very well. 

“As I said to the players, it’s just three points and it’s the same three points on offer as in every game you play in this league. We got the result last week and we earned it. We’re going to have to do that again and that’s how we approach it. 

“We know how difficult it is in Longford from the first game. They’ve taken Shamrock Rovers to injury-time on a couple of occasions and both games were tricky for us. 

“We have a couple of knocks so we’ll assess them and we’ll also have the likes of Luke and Seamas too we hope which is great.”

Kick-off is 7.30pm with coverage on LOI TV and Ocean FM.

All six academy teams are in action again this coming weekend after a busy opening three days of the 2021 season.

Our opening games saw 1 win, 3 draws and 2 defeats across all age groups with all players finding their feet on opening day.

Friday night sees Alan Farry’s Under 14 team host Mayo League at The Sean Fallon Centre. Kick off is 7.30pm.

Saturday sees two games with our Under 17’s travelling to Aileach in Donegal to face Derry City. Ryan Casey & Packie Lynch’s men drew 1-1 with Dundalk last weekend after going ahead in the game late on, only to concede an injury time equaliser.

Aaron O’ Connor takes his Under 17 Womens squad to Roadstone to take on Shamrock Rovers at 3pm. They’ll be hoping to make it two wins from two after a successful opening day over Donegal.

Three games take place on Sunday with our Under 15 team making the short journey to Milebush Park to play Mayo at 2pm. The team are managed by Paul Masterson & Marcel Gordon who have been busy in pre-season preparing the squad for the campaign ahead.

Declan Boyle takes charge of our Men’s Under 19 team as we host Dundalk at 2pm at The Sean Fallon Centre. A 1-1 draw against Derry City last weekend got the lads off the mark in 2021.

Our Under 19 Womens team host DLR Waves on Sunday afternoon at 4.30pm in their first ever meeting. The game also takes place at The Sean Fallon Centre. Darragh Healy overseen his side draw 1-1 last Sunday at home to Bohemian FC.

As always we thank our Academy Sponsors for their support.

All updates and news will be over on our new academy Twitter page: @sligoroversacad

Sligo Rovers have completed the signing of former Republic of Ireland underage captain Seamas Keogh from Southampton on a contract until the end of the 2022 season.

The 19-year-old spent the last three years with the Premier League side.

Keogh is a decorated Irish underage international and was with the Under-23 Saints side and previously the Under-18s.

He moved from Benbulben FC to the Rovers Under-15 side where he was a team-mate with the likes of current first-team squad members Niall Morahan, Mark Byrne, Darren Collins and Scott Lynch.

He signed as a professional with Southampton in 2019 and rejoins Rovers today on an 18-month deal.

Keogh has been training with Rovers this month and is available for this weekend’s match with Longford Town pending international clearance.

He said: “I grew up going to The Showgrounds every week so to be able to say I’m a first-team player is a fantastic feeling and a dream come true. It brings a lot of pride to me and my family so I’m delighted.

“It’s a great group as you can see by the results. Everyone has been very welcoming. Liam Buckley and the staff have been very good to me. It has made me feel like I’m back at home and made playing football again even better. For me going into a group which is pushing to win every game and play in big competitions is fantastic. It is what every player wants.

“Southampton was brilliant. I gained massive experience being over there at such a young age and played with some brilliant players. I really enjoyed my time there. I’m back now and I’m here to focus every day in training to make myself and the team better.”

The attacking midfielder has said he is looking forward to making an impact with the club.

The last year has been a disrupted one after illness and injury.

He is also enjoying being back with his former colleagues. Last weekend six academy graduates started the 4-0 win over Bohemians, while nine were in the matchday squad.

Keogh could soon bring that number into double figures.

He added: “I like to play football, I’m a ball-player. Any way I can help the team by getting the ball down and creating chances I will do. 

“I had Covid-19 last January. That took a hit on me for a few months. I tore my calf as well which was another setback. But I’m fully recovered now thankfully. The last few weeks of training have gone well. This is the fittest I have been in the last 12 months so I’m really happy. I’m ready to play.

“The lads I used to play with in the Under-15s, the likes of Niall Morahan, Mark Byrne, Darren Collins, Scott Lynch, are all in the first-team squad for a while. Jason Devaney has been part of the squad this year too.

“There’s some older and younger lads too who were above and below me. It’s good to see of course and it speaks a lot for the team we had back then. It shows Sligo Rovers and the area is producing good players.

“I want to train as hard as possible. That’s my goal. From a team point of view of course there are trophies and European football on offer but I just want to focus on giving everything I have and contributing in whichever way I can to make the team better.”

Liam Buckley said: “Seamas has a very bright future in the game. He is very good technically and really clever on the ball. We’ve had him in with us in training and we can see he is going to be a very good addition.

“He is just 19 and at the start of his career. He had a choice of whether to stay in England but he’s made the decision to come home. He has family, friends and a familiar club where he knows the opportunity is there for him. As well as that, he knows the ambition of the club and the team is going well which he can be part of and add to. I think he has that ambition as well.

“We see him as an offensive player, a great passer and a real ‘baller. He comes straight into contention. He has been part of things for a while and he’s ready to go.

“As I mentioned, the players here have been doing well so it’s up to Seamas to grab the chance and I think the move is a great one for all concerned.

“It’s not easy to bring in players because we want ones who will add to the group and fit into the environment here. We’re still looking to strengthen if we can.”

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce a sponsorship deal with Irish super supplement company Revive Active.

Revive Active will be supporting the squad by providing both product and nutritional advice for the remainder of the season. 

Commenting on the partnership with Revive Active, Sligo Rovers manager Liam Buckley said: “This is another great addition to our preparation for important games when off-the-field.

“Due to the age demographic of our squad, most of the team takes Zest Active from the Revive Active range.

“It provides all the necessary nutrients to support them throughout their busy schedule. Having Zest Active as an additional support to the player’s food intake gives them that extra reassurance they need. They like the taste of the product as well as how easy it is to use.”

Sligo Rovers CEO Colin Feehily added: “Zest Active is an Informed Sports Approved product, and it ensures that the players can include it in their strict regimes with confidence.  Aside from the efficacy of the product, the Revive Active team have the knowledge and expertise to discuss all things nutrition with the players through regular nutritional talks.”

Zest Active is an everyday nutritional super supplement with 25 active ingredients, including 12 Vitamins, 7 Minerals, Amino Acids and Wellmune®, a beta glucan supplied by the Kerry Group. 

Containing no caffeine, binders, fillers or artificial colours or flavours, the refreshing orange flavoured vitamin, mineral and amino acid blend will supplement your daily nutrient intake. Best taken first thing in the morning, Zest Active is a great start to every day.

For those who like to keep active, whether it’s going for a run or training with teammates outdoors, this super supplement contains a carefully selected range of B Vitamins (Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), B6, Folic Acid(B9), B12) which contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism. This B Vitamin matrix also contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Zest Active contains natural sweetener steviol glycosides and is suitable for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets as well as being Informed Sports approved.

Revive Active has nine products in its portfolio which provide joint care, brain and skin support. Available from  www.reviveactive.com with free international shipping when purchased directly.