The 2019 Sligo Rovers Easter camps concluded on Friday last which marked the end of two incredible weeks of fun, football and laughter for everyone involved.

Over 300 children descended on The Showgrounds for the camps, which ensured The showgrounds was a hive of activity over the Easter holidays.

The Breakfast Club sold out for both weeks for the first time in its history, while the camp itself was attended by over 300 participants over the two weeks.

Camp coordinator Shane Crossan spoke of his delight and appreciation on how well the Easter Camps went and is very much looking forward to the Summer Camps already. He added:

“I would like to thank the coaches, parents and most importantly the children for making the 2019 Easter Camps such a success. Without their support, hard work and good will the camps would not have been as successful”.

One parent in particular summed up the Sligo Rovers camps on the last day by stating:

“as a club Sligo Rovers are making it affordable for children in the North-West to play football and the positive atmosphere here at the camp itself is a credit to everyone involved. We live in Kildare but we will most certainly be back here for the Summer”

Sligo Rovers would like to wish all of the children that attended the very best of luck in their final term of school and we look forward to welcoming them all to the Summer Camps in eight weeks time. Details of the clubs Summer Camps will be available in the next two weeks.

We would like to thank both the Match Sponsor and the Match Ball Sponsor from last Fridays home league game against Finn Harps.

The Match Sponsor on the night was Nathaniel Lacy & Partners while the Match Ball was sponsored by the Sligo Super Cup.

Our thanks to both Nathaniel Lacy and the Sligo Super Cup for their kind sponsorship and continued support of the club as a whole.

Sligo Super Cup 2019, played over three days at the Showgrounds last weekend, proved to be an outstanding success, with 16 top class games, 55 goals, and a fairy tale ending.

Huge crowds marvelled at the high standard of attractive and creative football as elite academies from across Ireland and the UK battled it out for the prestigious title.

In the end, the honours rested with the courageous Donegal Schoolboys League, who defied all the odds to defeat hotly fancied reigning champions, Dublin District Schoolboys League, in a thrilling final.

On their way to the final, Donegal had claimed the scalps of top rated academies Derby County and Aberdeen to justify their place as worthy Sligo Super Cup champions.

The local Sligo/Leitrim Schoolboys League also enjoyed an excellent tournament. They were unfortunate to go down by the only goal of the game to the DDSL before facing Leeds United in one of the best games of the weekend.

A highly impressive Leeds team raced into a three goal lead at the break, but the local lads produced a stunning second half revival, scoring twice late on and just narrowly missing out on securing a draw.

They had much better luck in their final group game, romping to a 3-0 win over Glenavon and then beating the Mayo League on penalties in the play-offs to secure a very creditable fifth place finish.

Among the stand-out games was the meeting of the DDSL and Leeds United, both knowing that victory would guarantee a place in the final. A terrifically entertaining game ended with the Dubs winning through by the odd goal in three.

In the other group, Aberdeen were favourites to advance after rattling in nine goals in victories over Derby County and Mayo, but they met their match against Donegal, with the Ulstermen coming from behind to record a shock 2-1 victory for a place in the final.

It left Leeds and Aberdeen playing off for 3rd and 4th place, with the Scottish side edging a tense contest by 2-1.

And so to the marvellous final showdown. With terrific atmosphere generated by the enthusiastic followers of both teams, the DDSL looked set for a three-in-a-row victory when they took a 1-0 half time lead. But Donegal refused to yield, equalising early in the second half and then surviving a massive onslaught from the Dubs as the game went into extra time.

With the sides still locked at the end of a breathtaking contest, a penalty shoot-out was required to seal the deal. The Donegal lads held their nerve to win 3-1 and so record a famous victory.

There was some consolation for the Dublin team when their multi-talented midfield player, Christopher Conlon was named player of the tournament.

A big innovation this year was the live streaming of eight of the matches on the Sligo Super Cup Facebook page by Full Time Productions, with big audiences tuning in all weekend.

Another unexpected treat for the young lads (and many of their parents!!) was the attendance of Westlife star, Nicky Byrne, who was there to support his son, Rocco, who played in goals for the DDSL.

Nicky kindly agreed to present the coveted trophy and medals to winners and runners-up, thus adding another feather in the cap for what proved to be an outstanding weekend of youth football.

Tournament Director, Packie Lynch, thanked all who helped to make the tournament such a huge successs.

“This was our third year and it proved to be the best tournament yet, with record attendances and positive feedback all round. We started with only a logo three years ago and now we have a brand. We are already planning for next year’s tournament and look forward to seeing the Sligo Super Cup continuing to grow in the years ahead,” he said.

Sligo Rovers put six points between themselves and the relegation play-off spot with a valuable win over a flat UCD at the Bowl.

Dante Leverock’s second league goal of the season and David Cawley’s goal straight from a corner, helped Rovers towards their fourth victory of the season.

Sligo, with just one win in their last five, started the brighter and had half chances through both Cawley and Ronan Coughlan.

UCD’s first sight at goal arrived 18 minutes in to a first half which lacked cutting edge in front of goal.

Conor Davis’ whipped free kick from distance forcing Rovers goalkeeper Mitchell Beeney to palm the ball over his crossbar.

Romeo Parkes seemed like the away side’s beacon of hope in what was a frustrating opening period for Liam Buckley’s men.

He could only head straight at Conor Kearns mid-way through however after latching on to Regan Donelon’s swerving cross.

Beeney was again tested before the break.

The ex-Chelsea man looked uncomfortable in dealing with Davis’ next go at goal. But did just enough to scramble the low drive around his post.

The Westerners should have gone ahead after the re-start.

Parkes’ through ball teeing up Coughlan just yards from goal, but there was too little intent in the effort as Kearns easily gathered.

The opener did arrive on Sligo’s next visit to the UCD goalmouth.

Coughlan returning Donelon’s corner, which was only half cleared, back into the area for the imposing Leverock to head home for his third goal in all competitions.

The lively Parkes fired over from the angle on 73 after his deft touch took him into space on the Students’ right side.

Sligo had their insurance goal ten minutes from time.

Cawley’s corner caught the UCD backline sleeping as the set-piece drifted all the way to the back post before sneaking in.

Collie O’Neill’s under-par charges did have the chance to cut Rovers’ lead three minutes from time.

But Richie O’Farrell, in space, could only slice his half-volley wide of the target as the Dubliners continue to sit second from bottom.

UCD: Conor Kearns; Evan Farrell (Sean McDonald 80), Liam Scales, Josh Collins, Mark Dignam; Paul Doyle, Richie O’Farrell; Neil Farrugia, Timmy Molloy (Gary O’Neill 66), Kevin Coffey (Yoyo Mahdy 70); Conor Davis.  

Sligo Rovers: Mitchell Beeney; Johnny Dunleavy, Dante Leverock, John Mahon, Lewis Banks; Kris Twardek (Liam Kerrigan 87), Jack Keaney, David Cawley, Regan Donelon; Ronan Coughlan (Ronan Murray 58), Romeo Parkes.  

Referee: Sean Grant.

The White Hag Brewery will be main sponsor of the Sligo Rovers Dublin Supporters Club race night as part of a partnership with the Bit O’ Red which was announced today.  

The White Hag is an award-winning craft brewery from Sligo. 

Based in Ballymote, The White Hag have grown considerably since launch five years ago and now employ 10 people in a rapidly expanding local business, exporting to eight markets from their South Sligo base. 

The White Hag bring other breweries from all over the world to Ireland for their annual beer festival, as well as representing the Irish beer culture across the globe, continually putting Sligo on the map. 

Today they have agreed a sponsorship with Rovers, starting with being the main sponsor of the Dublin Race Night which takes place in Toners this Thursday. 

Two more collaborations will be announced later in the year. 

Sligo Rovers chairman Martin Heraghty said: “It’s always pleasing to welcome another local company on board with the club. The White Hag are an expanding business in their field and are putting Sligo on the map in the craft industry as a result. We’re delighted with their support of Sligo Rovers and all of our sponsors because it helps run the club on a day to day basis.”

Dublin Supporters Club chairman Rory Houston said: “We’re thrilled to secure a main sponsor for the race night which we hope will be a great event for all Rovers fans in Dublin. 

“With The White Hag’s support, it’s another Sligo link for the fundraiser and their sponsorship has provided a financial lift in terms of what will be generated from the race night, all of which is going to Sligo Rovers.” 

Bob Coggins of The White Hag, said: 

“We’re very proud of our Sligo heritage and base, and we are delighted to be in a position to support the Bit O’ Red at home and away. We’ve grown up supporting the Rovers, and all of us have spent time away from Sligo so we know how important it is to create that sense of community that keeps just us in touch with our roots. That community is essential to the success of Sligo Rovers, and we’re proud to be a small part of it”

More information on the agreement will be announced shortly. 

Sligo Rovers are back on the road on Monday as they take on UCD in the UCD Bowl.

The sides meet for the second time this season with the Bit O’ Red winning 1-0 in The Showgrounds last time out.

Rovers drew 1-1 with Finn Harps last Friday and sit three points clear of the Students going into this game.

In team news, Kyle Callan-McFadden is doubtful with a hand injury. Rovers have a few knocks but are likely to have an unchanged squad.

Liam Buckley said: “The first half was very disappointing so we made a few changes and had enough chances to win the game in the end. We’ve spoken about starting matches and how important it is but we never got going in those 45 minutes.  

“We played fundamentally better in the second period but need to be a lot better over the course of 90 minutes to win matches or we’ll constantly be chasing games. We can’t afford to play like that and be forced to then battle to get a result.  

“UCD were fantastic when they were in The Showgrounds, so I have no doubt they will be up for this one again.

“That is the result that separates the team in the table so there is nothing between us really at the moment.

“We’ve a couple of niggles but overall the lads have recovered well and we go there looking to get a much better performance.”

A Ronan Coughlan penalty in added-time rescued a point for Sligo Rovers against Finn Harps at the Showgrounds.

The Ballybofey men were value for their lead when Sean Boyd’s header had them in the ascendancy before the break in this scrappy north west derby.

Rovers failed to capitalise on a number of chances to turn the game in the second half, until their determination finally paid off in the first minute of added time.

Danny O’Reilly was shown a second yellow when he floored Coughlan. The latter stepping up to slot home from twelve yards.

Having picked up just two points from their opening games, it was Harps who had the better of the opening exchanges against a rusty start from the home team.

Both O’Reilly and Tony McNamee sent warning shots across the Sligo bows in the opening 20 minutes.

Sam Warde was fortunate to remain on the field when referee Ben Connolly showed him yellow for a dangerous tackle on Raff Cretaro.

Ex-Rovers winger Caolan McAleer flashed his first-time effort past Mitchell Beeney’s post before the half-hour as Harps continued to grow in confidence.

Liam Buckley’s side produced their first chance of the game with ten minutes of the first half remaining.

Ronan Murray guiding Romeo Parkes’ pass as far as Coughlan who skied his effort from the edge of the area.

Murray, who was withdrawn at half-time, was involved again five minutes later. His dinked effort slipping wide of the far post as he sought out the opposite corner.

The Donegal men’s only win this season came against the same opposition in the EA Sports Cup earlier this month.

Ollie Horgan’s charges were again enjoying the better of their neighbours and deservedly hit the lead three minutes before the break.

Rovers twice conceded possession down their left side with both Parkes and Coughlan caught lapsing.

John Kavanagh making the most of Coughlan’s mistake as his floated ball landed on the head of Boyd, who beat Dante Leverock to the ball before nodding past Beeney.

Coughlan’s set piece from 30 yards caressed the Harps crossbar on the hour, before Cawley’s quick free eventually allowed Coughlan cross for Parkes who fired wide while under scrutiny from Niall Logue.

Parkes had the ball in the Harps net on 65 minutes but the Jamaican was adjudged to have mis-timed his run by the referee’s assistant.

While Harps net minder Peter Burke pulled off a magnificent reaction save to push away Johnny Dunleavy’s header moments later.

Burke emerged the hero again on 79. Instead of squaring for a team mate, Parkes decided to try and round Burke who dived at the feet of the striker to pluck the ball from his custody.

Sligo continued to push for the equaliser and came close on 85 when Harps failed to deal with Regan Donelon’s swinging free-kick.

The ball taking a touch off one of a forest of players before emerging, only to bounce back off the foot of the post.

Sligo’s perseverance was finally rewarded when O’Reilly felled Coughlan inside the area as the Limerick native pulled the trigger inside the box.

The same man stepped up to send Burke the wrong way for his first goal for the club.

Sligo Rovers: Mitchell Beeney; Johnny Dunleavy, John Mahon, Dante Leverock, Lewis Banks; Sam Warde (Kris Twardek 76); Niall Morahan (Daryl Fordyce 55), David Cawley; Ronan Murray (Regan Donelon HT); Ronan Coughlan, Romeo Parkes.

Finn Harps: Peter Burke; Sam Todd, Niall Logue, Danny O’Reilly; John Kavanagh, Mark Russell (Keith Cowan 66); Mark Coyle, Raff Cretaro (Nathan Boyle 71), Tony McNamee (Jacob Borg 83); Caolan McAleer; Sean Boyd.

Referee: Ben Connolly.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2019 Annual Draw – the key fundraiser for Sligo Rovers in the season.

This year any business that buys a book of tickets (€100) will be entered into a separate draw for a signage space in The Showgrounds – pitchside – to the value of €1,000.

E-mail shane@sligorovers.com for more details on how to enter or just buy tickets from any committee member or seller

There is €5,000 to be won among a host of prizes in this year’s draw. 6,400 tickets were sold last year in the most successful staging of the draw since it began.

Tickets are priced €10 and are available online here , home games and from members of our committee.

The prizes:

1st prize: €5,000

2nd prize: One Night B&B for two people at the 5 Star Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin

3rd prize: Two tickets for Rod Stewart for his 4th December Concert plus One Night B&B and Evening Meal in The Croke Park Hotel.

Buy tickets here

4th prize: One Night B&B and Evening Meal for two people at the Titanic Hotel in Belfast

5th prize: One Night B&B for two people in Hotel Westport, Co Mayo

6th prize: €200 voucher for 4 Star Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, Co Clare

7th prize: €150 Gift Voucher for The Cat and The Moon

8th prize: Sligo Rovers season ticket for 2020

9th prize: 2 Premier Level Tickets for the Republic of Ireland versus Switzerland on 5th September in Aviva Stadium Euro 2020 qualifer

10th prize: Signed Sligo Rovers jersey

The draw takes place on Monday 1st July

Sligo Rovers are giving a FREE Tony Fagan poster with every programme bought at the Finn Harps game on Friday night.

In tonight’s programme:

44 pages

Liam Buckley – his thoughts on tonights game

Conall Collier – any dream will do

Interview with Sligo Rovers supporter David Walsh

Sligo Rovers U15’s in action

Where are they now by Joe Molloy

20 Questions with Ronan Coughlan

Red Icon – Paddy Morahan

Sligo Super Cup

You Reds – some nice photos

Sligo Rovers  meet Finn Harps on Friday night as the Bit O’ Red return to action in The Showgrounds.

Rovers face Harps on the back of Monday’s 0-0 draw with Cork City. The previous league meeting of the teams was a 2-1 win for Liam Buckley’s men in Ballybofey thanks to goals from Kris Twardek and Romeo Parkes.

Ahead of the game, Romeo Parkes and Dante Leverock have trained following injuries picked up at the weekend but will be tested pre-game. Daryl Fordyce has recovered from illness. Kyle Callan-McFadden has a hand injury and is also doubtful.

Ronan Murray returns following a four-game ban.

Buckley said: “We were happier with the performance on Monday. We put a few things right in terms of not giving away poor goals. I’d like to us to be better in other parts of the game but there is a tremendous honesty in the group and there is more to come in terms of what they can produce. We have had to cope with a lot of absentees and to be honest I had used every available fully fit outfield player by the time that game was finished. We had some decent moments and could have got the goal but the point was a fair result overall.

“We should have some players back on Friday although there are a couple of doubts that will need to be checked. Ronan Murray returns which is a boost for us. It says something about the fixtures at the moment that you can have a four-game ban and return in two weeks. That was one positive that he didn’t have to sit on the sidelines for a long period. It’s behind us now and Ronan can make a big impact for us.

“The game in Ballybofey could have gone a different way, Harps pushed us right to the wire like they have done against Derry and Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers up there. There was only a goal in all of those four games and we’re under no illusions, especially after the defeat in the League Cup. I risk repeating myself in saying that in each game you play in this league you have to be up for it because if you are not you will come unstuck. We’d love to get three points and get up that table. It’s a derby game, it’ll be extremely hard-fought and we’ll be giving it our all to get the win.”