Our under 17 men’s team faced a tough test in Tralee this evening against Kerry FC in the final of the under 17 Shield.

The game began with a fast pace throughout the first half, with Cillian Heaney going close early on, after some good play from The Bit O’ Red in midfield.

The home side created chances of their own, most notably when Cian Brosnan’s shot from close range was saved by Tommy Scahill in the Rovers’ goal.

Colin Walsh went close for the home side on 35 minutes but his shot was again saved by Scahill.

One minute later however, Rovers were in front. Mayo men Aidan McHale and Heaney combined with the latter finishing well from close range.

It was enough to see Rovers lead at half time after an entertaining first 45 minutes.

The reds started off where they left off as just three minutes into the second half, it was 2-0. Ciaran Jennings was sharpest in the box when he got on the end of another McHale assist to double the lead.

Kerry were not going to give up and when Nathan Gleeson’s shot narrowly missed, they could sense their chance. A minute later, they got their goal when a corner was deflected in off a Rovers defender past Scahill to give the home side some life.

Darragh Reilly cleared off the line to deny an equaliser, and Rossa McAllister almost doubled Rovers’ lead when his shot had the goalkeeper beaten only to rebound off the post.

Kerry finished strong but some calm, assured defending saw The Bit O Red see the game out and claim the under 17 Shield title.

Well done to both sides on such an entertaining 90 minutes, and commiserations to our opponents Kerry who were impressive on the day.

Congratulations to manager Ryan Casey, assistant Packie Lynch and goalkeeping coach Ultan McKenna and all the squad on a fantastic achievement.

We also want to put on record our thanks to the player’s families for their continued time, effort and support in getting the players to and from the football club so regularly each week.

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Sligo Rovers finished off the 2019 season with defeat to Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

The Bit O’Red took the lead 31 minutes in when Daryl Fordyce pounced on Kris Twardek’s cross, poking the ball past James Talbot for Rovers’ opener.

The visitors were impressive throughout but Bohs leveled the game after both Fordyce and Lewis Banks had chances to double Rovers’ lead.

Danny Mandroiu’s free-kick knocking the post before sneaking past Luke McNicholas just before the hour.

Bohs had their winner on 81 minutes when Derek Pender converted from the spot.

Rovers: Luke McNicholas; Johnny Dunleavy, Danny Kane, John Mahon, Lewis Banks; Kyle McFadden, Niall Morahan; Kris Twardek, Ronan Murray (Niall Watson 63), Regan Donelon; Daryl Fordyce.

Sligo Rovers play their final game of 2019 on Friday night as we travel to Dublin to face Bohemians in Dalymount Park.

The Bit O’ Red currently stand in sixth place in the SSE Airtricity League and know it’s likely they’ll need a win to stay there, with Waterford a spot below going into the game.

The teams have had one win each this season in the fixture, as well as 1-1 draw in The Showgrounds.

In team news, Ronan Murray returns from suspension. Romeo Parkes is out for the season with a medial ligament injury.

Liam Buckley has stressed to his players that finishing outside of the bottom four in the table is very important.

Incidentally, in prize money terms, it is a €1,000 difference, with sixth and seventh €19,500 or €18,500 for their league finish.

But for the Rovers boss, it has a saying in the overall context of the season that is far greater than the meager prize difference.

Liam Buckley said: “Last week’s performance was below par. It was a fair outcome for Derry to win the game. I was really disappointed to finish off the home season like that because we’ve had some good nights in The Showgrounds. It was a four out of 10 display.

“We have this game to try to end the year on a bright note. We are taking the progress we’ve made this year into 2020 and a second win away to Bohs would be something to add to that.

“More importantly, I really want us to keep hold of that sixth place. It’ll also determine how many points we finish off the top three, so we’ve been reminding the players all week about the importance of doing well in this game.

“When the season started we anticipated there would be the top three of Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers and Cork City and the rest of us would be battling it out for that fourth place.

“It didn’t transpire and two places emerged with Bohs and another club set to benefit. Any team that gets there should be commended. Next season it’s going to become even more competitive.

“I’m sure Bohs will want to put on a show for their fans with the big crowd as they celebrate but that doesn’t really interest us.

“The notion that we go there and have nothing to play for couldn’t be further from the truth. I expect the players to respond to the occasion, to the loyal away support we’ve had all season and to the chance to clinch that sixth place in the table.”

Sligo Rovers can confirm that Kyle Callan-McFadden has signed a new contract with the club for the 2020 season.

The 24-year-old will begin a fourth season at The Showgrounds. The Ramelton man has captained the Bit O’Red and featured in several positions, including right-back, midfield but primarily centre-half.

He becomes the 13^th player to sign for 2020.

Callan-McFadden said: “Liam has been a breath of fresh air and ‘Russ’ too. I think the respect we have for Liam has been evident in the effort and application all year. You can see why he has won things with clubs and how determined he is to do it here.

“It’s been good to not battle against relegation because the last couple of years have been a dogfight.

“I don’t think that’ll be good enough next year. We’re trying to achieve something and losing the Cup semi-final was hard to take. It has to drive us on next year.

“I feel some of my performances recently have been the best in my time here. Last season wasn’t at that standard. In 2020 I want to lead this club to achieve something and be at the forefront of that. It’s a simple target on paper and the hard work starts from here.

“I love it here, you see what is going on around the club in terms of the fundraising and the passion around the place. There’s a massive desire to move up a level in terms of the league. We can talk about it now but we’ve got to be ready from the first kick of a ball next season.”  

Liam Buckley said: “Kyle is a really solid defender who tackles really well, he’s strong in the air and he’s a good leader. We’ve got some proper defenders here. He has shown form recently that demands he is in the team. That’s what I want from every player going forward.

“We have some versatile defenders as well and I put Kyle in the middle of midfield at times this year because he has range of passing.  

“I want all of the players to understand how we are going to develop our style of play here. I hope that he and all of the lads get even better next year in relation to how we are trying to play.  

“We want to link the ball in and have a passing style and that starts from the back. There is buckets of ability in the group to become that passing team.

“We still have some business to do and there will be one or two new faces coming in. I’d sooner we have a smaller squad and get the best possible quality. We don’t want big numbers for the sake of it. It’ll be a tight squad but every player will be contributing massively.”

Sligo Rovers squad 2020

Goalkeepers:

Ed McGinty

Luke McNicholas (2021)

Defenders:

John Mahon

Danny Kane

Lewis Banks

Johnny Dunleavy

Regan Donelon

Kyle Callan-McFadden

Midfielders:

David Cawley

Niall Morahan (2021)

Strikers:

Romeo Parkes

Ronan Coughlan

Ronan Murray

Sligo Rovers will honour Vincent Nally at the upcoming 2019 Awards and 1994 Reunion night in the Clayton Hotel in Sligo on Friday 1 November.

Each year at our awards one recipient receives the “Spirit of Sligo Rovers Award” to recognise a contribution of a lifetime of work to Sligo Rovers.

In over two decades Vincent Nally has become a pivotal figure in the fundraising and development of Sligo Rovers, as well as improvements to The Showgrounds.

Buy tickets for the Sligo Rovers 1994 Reunion and 2019 Awards Night on Friday 1 November

Club chairman Martin Heraghty said Vincent Nally has written his name into the history of the club.

He said: “Vincent’s contributions are endless. He plays a fundamental role as chairperson of the 500 club which to this day has raised €1.5m for the club.

“He established the Sligo Rovers golf classic which over the years has totaled hundreds of thousands of euro. Recently we have seen bingo events as major fund raising, led by Vincent.

“There were days when it looked like Sligo Rovers had a bleak future but it was people like Vincent Nally that changed that outlook. There were syndicates, legends matches, rallying around Rovers; all which involved Vincent Nally.

“This year, when the seating at The Showgrounds needed improvement, Vincent took on the project and raised an astounding amount of money. It didn’t stop when the funds came in, the next stage was getting out the paint brush and finding the team to install them.

“It’s a remarkable story for a remarkable individual. His energy and commitment have been invaluable. But I think the biggest thing Vincent gave us too was his reputation in those tricky years. For Sligo Rovers to be associated with such a respected figure was key. 

“We are thrilled to award this honour to someone who will go down as one of the great people associated with the club. I look forward to presenting the award to Vincent on what will be a special night.”

Bookings for the 2019 Halloween Camp are coming in very fast, with the camp kicking off on Monday morning.

The optional breakfast club which opens from 8.30am each morning is set to sell out, with less than 10 spaces remaining.

Anyone who wishes to attend the camp next week are urged to pre book, to avoid delays and long queues at the ground on Monday.

For more information on the Halloween Camp or to make a booking, you can contact Shane at the club on 071-9171212 or email shane@sligorovers.com

Alternatively you can reserve your place on the camp here.

Sligo Rovers will host a 25th anniversary celebration for the 1994 FAI Cup winning side on Friday 1st November in the Clayton Hotel.

Willie McStay and members of the 1994 team will be guests at the dinner dance event which will include a complimentary drinks reception, two course meal with tea/coffee, music and more.

The 1994 side will all be present except two players who are based in Australia.

The night will also coincide with the Player of the Year awards for this season, from senior to underage and women’s team.

The awards will be presented on the night.

Tickets for the event are on sale in The Showgrounds or buy here https://srfcdirect.com/25th-anniversary-treble-celebration-reunion/

Voting for senior player has now closed

Vote for Young Player of the Year

Chris Rutherford and Tony Stenson will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame on the night as well as honouring a volunteer who has made a massive mark on the club.

Tickets for the event are limited and on sale at the Showgrounds.

Tables of 10 are also available for corporate, please e-mail administrator@sligorovers.com

The 1994 team will also be honoured by the FAI at the FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday 3 November.

Sligo Rovers Under-15s will travel to Germany this week for two high-quality fixtures.

Rovers will travel to Nuremberg to play the first choice selections of FC Nurnberg and Greuther Fürth, with the latter a leading club for academy players that has produced a host of stars.  

The team will travel with coaches Conor O’Grady, Marcel Gordon. Paul Masterson and Alan Farry along with a number of parents.

The Rovers team will be hosted by Aubrey Dolan, former Sligo Rovers player, who is Category Manager for Football with Adidas and will give the young Rovers players a tour of Addias headquarters as well as bringing them to a Nurnberg senior league game.

Sligo native Tom Carty is proprietor of two premises in Nuremberg, O’Shea’s and Finnegans, and will provide meals for the team in the city as he supports his hometown club.

A number of sponsors have helped fund the cost of the trip.

They are:

• Arrotek
• Kilglass/Enniscrone Utd
• Abbott
• Cllr Rosealeen O’Grady,
• Anthony Gray – Eala Bhan
• Shuttercraft
• Muddy Burns
• Moy Transport
• Financial Control.

Sligo Rovers Under-15 manager Conor O’Grady said:  “This will be an experience that will stand to the players and one they will always look back upon fondly.

“Last year we had games away to Derby County and it was a major help in the development of the players.

“It showed them how good they are and the level they are at. It gave them self-belief and confidence and rewarded their hard work all year.

“The experience of a trip away together is also invaluable and thanks to Aubrey and Tom they will be treated very well off the field as well.

“I want to offer my gratitude to them, the sponsors and the parents for facilitating the weekend.

“We’re going over to test ourselves against these sides and the games are going to be very well contested.”  

Former Rovers Manager Billy Sinclair was guest of honour at the official launch of the new outdoor museum at the Showgrounds.

Other speakers at the launch were the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Cĺlr Tom MacSharry, the Chair of Sligo’s Local Community Development Committee, (LCDC),  Cllr Chris MacManus, and the Chair of Sligo Rovers Heritage Group, Aidan Mannion. The event was compered by Austin O’Callaghan.

Others in attendance included former players Tony Fagan, Chris Rutherford, Gavin Dykes, Anthony Elding and Mayor Cllr Gino O’Boyle, Deputy Eamon Scanlon, Councillors Declan Bree and Thomas Walsh. Rovers Vice-President Paddy Gilmartin was also in attendance, along with Peace IV Programme Manager Martin McAndrew.

Billy Sinclair recalled his first days as Manager of Rovers, from the first meeting with the players in the Imperial Hotel to their first training session in the Showgrounds  He said he was fortunate to work with outstanding people during his time in Sligo, players like Tony Fagan, Chris Rutherford, Mick Leonard and Paul McGee.

He fondly remembered the trojan work of the many club volunteers he befriended over the years, including late Dermot McCullagh and his brother Club President Eddie.  He spoke of the cross-border friendships developed over the years, particularly with Glentoran, where he had two spells as a player before joining Rover

The Cathaoirleach Cllr MacSharry  said ‘The landscape of this fascinating display is much broader than the 90 years of Rovers, it is, in effect, the social history of Sligo from the time  the club was established in 1928. Sligo Rovers was always a welcoming club, it embraced people from all countries and backgrounds, and in doing so reflected the cultural diversity of Sligo over the 20^th Century. A walk through the museum will show the ethos and culture of the club  have always been consistent with this ideal, many who came to spend time with Rovers would make Sligo their home, where they were  welcomed and often celebrated by the local community.

The Chair of Sligo’s LCDC Cllr Chris MacManus described  the Showgrounds Museum  as ‘an initiative instigated by the Heritage Group as a unique feature unequalled at any other League of Ireland ground.’ He said their committee believed the project ‘is  an outstanding way of highlighting how Sligo Rovers – an integral part of the fabric of our town and county – has been promoting social inclusion over many decades.  From our perspective when we consider the ideals and objectives of the Peace IV programme, they are consistent with the history of this ground and this club.

The Chair of Sligo Rovers Heritage Group Aidan Mannion outlined the background to the project and gave a snapshot of some the characters exhibited in the museum, including Dixie Dean, Johnny Chadda and Charley Courtney. Right throughout the club’s history, it was a welcoming place for players, managers and volunteers who travelled to make Sligo their home. He outlined other projects the Group has instigated, including the publication of  two histories and the hosting of  a number of exhibitions. He thanked the local Peace staff of Martin McAndrew and Karen Gallaher for their advice and support over the course of the project, and commended the project team of Daragh Stewart (Design) and Ballast Signs (production).

After the formalities the guests visited the various exhibits in the museum located at the back of the main stand. Over the coming weeks, the remaining exhibits will be erected in other areas of the ground.1