The #bitored send our condolences to the family of supporter Ray Cawley following his passing on Friday.
There was many smiles on the Railway Terrace with friends and fans that are in the thoughts of all at Sligo Rovers at this sad time.
May he rest in peace 🔴⚪️
Sligo Rovers recorded a 3-0 win over Galway United on Saturday in Castlebar.
Dante Leverock opened the scoring from a tap-in from a free-kick.
Regan Donelon doubled the lead with a fine strike from a free-kick.
Donelon made it three with an even more impressive set-piece, curling the ball into the net from 25 yards
Leverock went off injured in the final minute with a minor ankle injury.
Next up is Ballinamallard on Tuesday in Ferney Park.
Liam Buckley interview: https://audioboom.com/boos/7155267
Sligo Rovers and Connolly’s Volkswagen mark the start of 2019 season
Sligo Rovers and Connolly’s Volkswagen today celebrate the eighth year of our partnership at an event in The Showgrounds, acknowledging one of the longest standing main sponsors of a club in Ireland.
Connolly’s Volkswagen became a fundamental part of Rovers in 2012, maintaining a valued loyalty to all in The Showgrounds and sharing the core values of the Bit O’Red.
Connolly Motor Group is a family-run company that is grounded in tradition and a passion for cars while operating a very modern business from state-of-the-art showrooms in Sligo, Ballina and Galway.
Connolly’s strive to make long-term relationships with their customers by creating special, positive experiences that customers have come to expect from the Connolly Motor Group – and that has been utilised in their work with Sligo Rovers for which we are extremely grateful.
Rovers players Ronan Murray, David Cawley, Dante Leverock, Kyle Callan-McFadden and Johnny Dunleavy were present today with club officials and representatives of Connolly’s Volkswagen as they spoke to the media to look to the year ahead.
Sligo Rovers chairman Martin Heraghty: “We place a huge value on the support we receive from Connolly’s Volkswagen as one of the most thriving businesses in the province.
“Neil, Kevin and Volkswagen are consistently generous to all at Sligo Rovers and are very much part of the club. As we look ahead to a new season together, I want to thank Neil, Kevin and all the staff for their assistance. It is very much appreciated.”
Neil Connolly of Connolly’s Volkswagen said: “We’re excited about another season with Sligo Rovers, we’ll be kicking every ball with them and on behalf of all at Connolly’s, we wish Liam Buckley and the players the very best for the year ahead. “
Visit www.connollys.ie for the latest from Connolly’s Volkswagen
For more e-mail media@sligorovers.com. Issued 24/1/19 for release at 1pm
Join us for our annual Race Night in Furey’s Pub Sligo on Saturday February 2nd.
Last year’s Race Night provided a huge night of fun and laughter for all supporters, with a big night anticipated once again this year.
The first race takes place at 9.30pm sharp, with horses available to buy for €20 and race sponsorship available for €100 from any committee member.
Alternatively you can purchase a horse or sponsorship a race here: https://www.sligorovers.com/product-category/fundraising/
All support is greatly appreciated by everyone at the club.
Sligo Rovers will face Longford Town in the final pre-season friendly of 2019.
Rovers will take on Neale Fenn’s side in City Calling Stadium on Saturday 9 February.
The scheduled is
Tuesday 22nd January
Sligo Rovers 11-0 Sure Sports FC, Milebush Park
Saturday 26th January
Sligo Rovers v Galway United, Milebush Park, 2pm
Tuesday 29th January
Ballinamallard v Sligo Rovers, Ferney Park, 7:30pm
Saturday 2nd February
Athlone Town v Sligo Rovers, Athlone Town Stadium, 4pm
Saturday 9th February
Longfor Town v Sligo Rovers, City Calling Stadium, 7:30pm
Sligo Rovers won their opening pre-season friendly of the year on Tuesday, defeating Sure Sports FC 11-0 in Solar 21 Park in Castlebar.
Kris Twardek and Liam Kerrigan scored hat-tricks, while Ronan Murray bagged his first goals for the club with a brace.
Regan Donelon (two) and Kyle Callan-McFadden completed the scoring.
Two trialists also featured in game.
Rovers are back in action on Saturday in the same venue at 2pm against Galway United.
#bitored team to face Sure Sports. McGinty, Keaney, Murray, Kerrigan, Dunleavy, McFadden, Morahan, Twardek, Donelon, Leverock, Mahon
Sligo Rovers can confirm our pre-season fixture list following confirmation of our first game next Tuesday.
Read Liam Buckley’s thoughts here
Pre-season fixtures:
Tuesday 22nd January
Sligo Rovers v Sure Sports FC, Milebush Park, 2pm
Saturday 26th January
Sligo Rovers v Galway United, Milebush Park, 2pm
Tuesday 29th January
Ballinamallard v Sligo Rovers, Ferney Park, 7:30pm
Saturday 2nd February
Athlone Town v Sligo Rovers, Athlone Town Stadium, 4pm
Saturday 9th February
TBC v Sligo Rovers, Venue TBC, kick-off TBC
Liam Buckley has revealed that consultation with key figures in maintaining The Showgrounds pitch has led to a decision not to play any pre-season matches on the surface.
The Sligo Rovers manager had been planning on taking charge of the team for the first time in the ground next Tuesday against Sure Sports FC from America.
However, that game has since been moved to Milebush in Castlebar following necessary work on the surface during the off-season.
Buckley said: “I did want to have the players get a feel of a match on The Showgrounds pitch, like any manager does ahead of the new season. We didn’t announce the game because of the choice of venue still up in the air.
“As you know I’m keen to get the team playing the ball on the ground and develop a passing style that I’ve had with previous clubs, and key to that is a good surface.
“Obviously it makes it a lot more difficult if the pitch isn’t conducive to it.
“I’ve been speaking with George Mullen; we couldn’t really ask for for more when it comes to knowledge on this matter.
“Over the last number of weeks there has been investment, time and financial, in the playing surface here. It’s fair to say George has really done all he can to have the pitch in the best condition possible for the start of the league season.
“At this time of year, a match wouldn’t be advisable given the work that has been done. We want to respect that and let it have the best effect it can because playing a game could jeapardise it.
“Therefore the decision has been made to play on pitches away from The Showgrounds. A lot of them will be on grass, rather than astro, which is what I’m looking for overall.
“I know it might be a bit disappointing for the fans who want to see the players as soon as possible. Equally I’m sure there’ll be an understanding that it’s important to prioritise the surface.
“The club would probably like a game as well to bring in spectators given we are away in our first match, but they also know the pitch has an entire season of games ahead and this is a time of year where you can do some work on it.
“I’m very thankful to George and indeed all the staff here who maintain the ground.
“We’re excited to be out there in front of our fans and look forward to 22nd February to the game against St Pat’s.”
The work on The Showgrounds pitch includes on the goalmouths, re-seeding and more.
The club would also like to express our gratitude to George, we are enormously thankful for his commitment to the Bit O’ Red.
The pre-season schedule will have two more matches added shortly.
Tuesday, 22nd January
Friendly :
Sligo Rovers v Sure Sports FC, Milebush Park, 2pm
Sligo Rovers can confirm that our Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday 5th February at 7:45pm in the Clayton Hotel.
The AGM will see the election of the 2019 management committee, a presentation of 12 months of club finances and the chairman and secretary’s report.
Notices will be posted to members in the next week, including nomination forms to join the committee.
Meanwhile the Annual Voluntary Member Contribution of €100 can be made on the night if desired or here for members or non-members.
For more, email administrator@sligorovers.com
Sligo Rovers are very pleased to announce the signing of attacking player Romeo Parkes subject to international clearance.
The 28-year-old Jamaican international joins Rovers from Pittsburgh Riverhounds in America.
He has also had spells in the top flight in El Salvador where he helped Isidro Metapán to a league title, as well as playing in his home nation.
He was in the Jamaica squad for the previous to last Copa America and scored for his country in a friendly with Cuba.
Liam Buckley said: “Romeo can play on the either wing or up front. He is technically very good and I have to say I’m quite excited about him.
“He has over a decade in the game which is important and international experience. I think it’s a signing that could be really beneficial to us and a big attacking threat.
“He likes to take players on and make things happen with a goal in him. I know Romeo is thrilled with the opportunity to come over and play the game here.
“The deal was in theory done quite a while. He came across our radar and we feel he can be a good player in this league. We’ve secured a work permit this evening and it’s the first of what will be a number of signings.
“The Irish market is not like England or wherever else. It is a small pool of players and we’re still looking here, while working in a number of different markets to bring in other quality players.
“I have to stress patience, it’s isn’t going to happen straight away because as I’ve said before we are bringing in players to try to take the club to a higher level and not just for the sake of it.
“I’ve been at the club for a couple of months and I try to keep our transfer dealings very much low key until the deal is done. I can assure our fans that the committee, Dave Campbell and I are making progress. It takes time but we’re getting there.
“Romeo is going to be a player to bring something new to The Showgrounds and the league and we can’t wait for him to join us.”
