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Rovers complete dramatic comeback in Cork

Cork City coughed up a two-goal lead to fall to a costly defeat, which leaves them 11 points adrift of Sligo Rovers in their Premier Division relegation struggle.

The hosts showed signs of life as Evan McLaughlin and Seani Maguire goals put them on the brink of a first league victory in 14 attempts.

But manager Ger Nash was denied an overdue triumph by Owen Elding and Patrick McClean’s strikes.

City came close to a late winner only for Alex Nolan’s wonderstrike to cannon off the crossbar. Rovers countered as Ryan O’Keane buried the 89th-minute winner.

Despite the 11 remaining games, those goals may have all but condemned City to the drop in front of a 2,673 crowd, which included Roy Keane.

They were booed off by the Shed End at the final whistle.


Nash opted for three changes, headlined by the return of Maguire up top for Charlie Lutz. Harry Nevin made his first start in two months at right-back, while McLaughlin was recalled to the midfield.

They were without five possible starters in keeper David Odumosu, suspended captain Charlie Lyons, Milan Mbeng, Seán Murray, and St Mirren-bound winger Malik Dijksteel.

Rovers’ recent success has been built on early goals. Here, they were under the cosh from the start.

City got behind them down the flanks to force a couple of quickfire corners. Maguire got under his header, while Cathal O’Sullivan had a shot blocked.

However, City regained possession from the latter opportunity and sliced Rovers open.

Maguire switched to Kitt Nelson in space, and the Preston loanee zipped a quality ball into McLaughlin’s feet. He jinked onto his left and deceived Sam Sargeant by whipping the ball inside the near post for his second of the season.

That seventh-minute strike was City’s earliest goal in almost three months.

The hosts weren’t used to holding such an early lead, but they made life difficult for their opponents by defending in a determined low block, led by the aerial ability of Fiacre Kelleher.

A couple of Rory Feely long throws further highlighted City’s intent to make life as awkward as possible for the visitors, resulting in a Nelson shot down the keeper’s throat.

Maguire’s hold-up play provided a key outlet for Brann’s route-one balls. But when the keeper launched him straight through the middle, the 11-cap Ireland international delayed too long and fluffed his shot.

O’Sullivan was an early casualty as he was helped off, worryingly, rubbing his left knee after attempting to contest a high ball.

Matthew Kiernan’s driving runs on the counter kept Rovers unsettled. One forced a corner, which saw Kelleher retreat with his head in his hands after nodding wide. Then, Nelson twisted onto his right, but shot straight at Sargeant.

Brann was alert to make a flying save on the resumption as Will Fitzgerald’s hit looked destined for the top corner. He added a follow-up save from McClean from the corner. Fitzgerald headed their next chance over.

From that goal kick, Nelson and Alex Nolan combined down the right to drag the ball back for Maguire. His first shot was saved by Sargeant, but Maguire latched onto the rebound to bury his fourth goal of the season, and first in two months.

The two-goal cushion lasted just four minutes. Rovers exploited the vast tracts of empty space around the tiring City defence as Hakiki fed Elding, who finished at the second attempt after a fine Brann save.

Fitzpatrick blazed wide before Rovers switched to two up front. Elding almost profited from a Feely slip, but Brann foiled the opportunity and Nevin cleared.Brann again came up trumps to push around the post from Hakiki, but from Fitzgerald’s corner, McClean directed a bullet header into the far corner.

New signings Kaedyn Kamara and Brody Lee made late debuts, but once Nolan’s effort bounced away from danger, Rovers came up with a late dagger through O’Kane.

Cork City: Conor Brann; Harry Nevin, Rory Feely, Fiacre Kelleher, Matthew Kiernan (Benny Couto 82); Darragh Crowley, Evan McLaughlin; Cathal O’Sullivan (Alex Nolan 20), Kitt Nelson (Kaedyn Kamara 83), Josh Fitzpatrick (Brody Lee 82); Seani Maguire (Charlie Lutz 75).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Conor Reynolds (Francely Lomboto 70), Ollie Denham, Patrick McClean, Seán Stewart; James McManus, Seb Quirk; Will Fitzgerald, Jad Hakiki, Ryan O’Kane; Owen Elding.

Referee: Paul Norton (Dublin).

Report courtasy of RTÉ

WPD Match Preview: Rovers vs Wexford

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers will continue the quest for Women’s Premier Division (WPD) points on Saturday when they host fourth-placed Wexford at the Showgrounds, kick-off at 3pm.

Wexford last visited the Showgrounds in October and had to settle for a 2-2 draw as the Bit O’Red produced a typical battling performance in what was the final game of the 2024 season.

More recently, Sligo Rovers endured a torrid afternoon at Ferrycarrig Park last March, where Wexford recorded a flattering 5-1 victory against the Bit O’Red, who had goalkeeper Amber Hardy red-carded in the second half.

There was a key moment in the space of a second-half minute when Sligo Rovers reduced the 2-0 interval deficit through Mairead McIntyre in the 62nd minute, but Wexford found an instant response as Ellen Molloy netted at the other end to make it 3-1.

It’s tough going for Sligo Rovers at the moment with two players doubtful for Saturday, Alana Doherty and Rachel McGoldrick. There are also 10 players on the injured list – Leah Kelly, Amber Hardy, Cara King, Ava Hallinan, Kate Nugent, Jess Casey, Ciara Henry, Eimear Lafferty, Keela Scanlon and Sarah Kiernan.

However, the addition of Annie McKinley, Bernie Ferreira and Louise Masteson will definitely strengthen an injury-ravaged side.

McKinley made her debut last week against Galway and rocketed two headers to the net in the opening half when she got on the end of crosses from Emma Hansberry, a corner and a free.

She will be aiming for more goals against a Wexford side that also lost last weekend when Athlone Town took the points home from Ferrycarrig Park.

Wexford also lost the previous weekend against Bohemians in the WFAI Cup, and while they will be targeting a victory on Saturday, they will adopt a cautious approach.

“We didn’t make a good start; Wexford were on top and had a couple of early chances before they scored,” commented Bit O’Red boss Steve Feeney after the game at Ferrycarrig Park last March, and that is something he will be aiming to avoid on Saturday. Sligo Rovers v Wexford is live on LOITV, kick-off at 3pm.

WFAI Cup Report: ROVERS 2-3 DLR

By Conall Collier

Keelin Dodd’s 86th-minute Women’s FAI Cup first-round penalty goal ultimately proved crucial as DLR Waves edged out Sligo Rovers by the odd goal in five at the Showgrounds on Saturday evening.

The windy conditions made it difficult for the players, but a high-tempo encounter was delivered as a brave Bit O’Red revival in the closing 10 minutes was thwarted by a relieved DLR side.

Goals either side of the interval from Dodd and Amber Cosgrove gave DLR a platform for victory, but Mairead McIntyre pulled one back for the hosts on 82 minutes.

However, referee Michael Connolly awarded a penalty to DLR Waves in the 86th minute that Dodd converted, but Rovers displayed tremendous resolve with a 92nd-minute Anna McDaniel goal.

DLR ‘keeper Eve Badana then made a superb save to keep out an equaliser, but she collided with the post, and that halted play as she received attention, and that was sufficient to break the late Rovers momentum.

The Bit O’Red started the first half positively and dominated the opening exchanges with Sarah Kiernan thundering a sixth-minute header off the crossbar.

Anna McDaniel created an opening soon after, but the danger was averted at the expense of a corner, and then Emma Hansberry saw her effort fly over the bar.

After absorbing the early pressure, DLR Waves settled into the game and created a number of chances, with Cliodhna Donnelly twice going close before Keelin Dodd headed the Dublin women into a 42nd-minute lead for a 1-0 interval advantage.

Both teams gave 100 per cent in the second half as the play flowed from end to end, with Muireann Devaney going close for the hosts on a couple of occasions before the frantic final 10 minutes produced those three goals and a quarter-final ticket for the Dublin women.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Sarah Kiernan, Keeva Flynn, Alice Lillie, Alana Doherty, Leah Kelly, Emma Hansberry, Eimear Lafferty, Kya McKenna, Muireann Devaney, Anna McDaniel.
Subs – Mairead McIntyre for McKenna and Paula McGrory for Kelly both 63 mins, Cara King for Doherty and Roise Burke for Lafferty both 76 mins.

DLR Waves – Eve Badana; Leah Donnelly, Chloe McCarthy, Keelin Dodd, Jess Gleeson, Rachel Doyle, Neema Nyangasi, Amber Cosgrove, Cliodhna Donnelly, Michelle Doonan, Eve Conheady.
Subs – A Meehan for Nyangasi and A Brophy for Cosgrove both 61 mins, C Richardson for Doyle 73 mins, T White for Doonan 86 mins.

Referee – Michael Connolly.
Assistant referees – Thomas Joyce, Alan Dunne.
Fourth official – Darren Corcoran.

Additional Summer Camps at Summerhill College

Sligo Rovers are pleased to confirm the addition of two further Summer Camps for 2025, both taking place at Summerhill College, Sligo. These camps complement our existing summer programme and reflect our continued commitment to delivering enjoyable and inclusive football opportunities for young players in the local community.

Both camps are open to children aged 7 to 13 and will run Monday to Friday, from 10am to 1pm. The cost is €85 per child. Participants will take part in football activities including skill-based drills, small-sided games, and will receive a complimentary Sligo Rovers training top.

Summerhill College (All Gender Camp)

Date: Week of Monday, 21 July

Reserve Your Child’s Place

Summerhill College (Girls Only Camp)

Date: Week of Monday, 11 August

Reserve Your Child’s Place

The girls-only camp offers a focused environment to support participation and development in the women’s game, and forms part of our ongoing efforts to promote equality and inclusion in football.

We look forward to welcoming children from Sligo and surrounding areas to these additional camps as part of another exciting summer of football.

Club Statement

Sligo Rovers FC wishes to address a recent and regrettable rise in antisocial behaviour taking place at and around our club grounds. This includes acts of trespass, littering, loitering, and, most concerningly, the theft and damage of club property.

Such behaviour undermines the safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers, and visitors. It also places an additional burden on both club resources and An Garda Síochána, who are already stretched in their efforts to support the broader community.

As a community-based organisation, Sligo Rovers has always taken great pride in serving as a welcoming space for all members of the community. It is deeply disappointing that the actions of a few individuals threaten that environment. The club is for all; it must not be diminished by the reckless behaviour of a few. We ask for the support of our wider community in protecting the club and discouraging conduct that has no place in or around our grounds.

We are liaising closely with local Gardaí and will be implementing additional security measures in and around the Showgrounds to ensure the safety and integrity of our facilities.

Summer Camps 2025

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that our popular Summer Camps are now on general sale.

The camps had been exclusively available to Super Red members since Wednesday.

There will be eight consecutive weeks of Summer Camps, all taking place at The Showgrounds.

To book your child’s place, click here: https://www.sligorovers.com/tickets/

Team News – Drogheda United

Sligo Rovers get our May bank holiday weekend underway against league leaders Drogheda United this Friday evening at the Showgrounds, kick-off 7.45pm. Amid one of the busiest periods of the season, this will be the men’s senior team’s sixth game in four weeks and the first of two games in four days ahead of Monday’s trip to face Shamrock Rovers. 

Table-toppers Drogheda are the opposition on Friday night and the Bit O’Red are boosted by the return of striker Wilson Waweru who is available for selection for the first time since he sustained a serious achilles injury, last September. 

In further team news, manager John Russell will prepare for Drogs without centre half Ollie Denham and utility man Oskar Van Hattum, both of whom are injured. 

Rovers hold a strong record against United at the Showgrounds. You need to go back to summer 2021 to find the Louth side’s last win in Sligo. While Rovers twice beat Kevin Doherty’s charges at home in 2024. 

However, our visitors have already beaten Rovers this term. Goals from Josh Thomas, Darragh Markey and Luke Heeney saw the hosts overcome Rovers at the newly named Sullivan and Lambe Park back in February. Since then Drogheda have soared and are currently joint top of the Premier Division along with our Connacht neighbours Galway. 

Acknowledging their achievements so far this season, Rovers boss Russell says Friday’s encounter with the FAI Cup holders will be a test as tough as his team have come up against this year.

“Drogheda are on the up at the moment and will be our hardest opponent yet this season”, he says. “They’re really on form right now, despite their result against Galway last week.They have goals all over their team and we saw that up there back in February. 

“Kevin has done an amazing job and they’ll be looking to recapture that momentum they had straight away after last week. But we’ve had a very positive week in training and we’ve spoken about how we’ll deal with the game. 

“It was encouraging for us to be able to bring the likes of Stephen Mallon and Francely Lomboto from the bench last weekend and to see the impact they made. However, we don’t want to be in the position of having to chase a game and we’ve been working hard the last few days on being the team in control.”

Speaking on the impending return of goal-scorer Waweru, the Rovers boss had praise for his backroom staff given the early return of his fellow Galway native. 

“Our medical team did a great job getting Wilson back so early”, he said. “We had thought it might be a midsummer return for him but he was back running and striking a ball ahead of schedule and that’s down to both the work of the medical staff and the player.

“Wilson has all the ingredients of a top striker and we’re delighted to have him back. Of course, we won’t rush him but it does almost feel like having a new player in. He gives us something different and provides further competition with Francely, Cian Kavanagh and Owen Elding.” 

David Goulden

All Island Cup Match Report: Rovers 1-1 Bohemians

By Conall Collier


Sligo Rovers produced a battling display to earn an All-Island Cup point at the Showgrounds on Sunday against Bohemian FC as manager Steve Feeney saw his injury crisis worsen with both Rachel McGoldrick and Amber Hardy forced out of the action with what looked like serious injuries.

Rovers lost goalscorer McGoldrick 10 minutes into the second-half after she fell awkwardly and sustained an arm injury. She was replaced by Cara King while on the stroke of full-time Bonnie McKiernan replaced Amber Hardy.

Hardy was stretchered-off following a collision on the edge of the six-yard box with Aoife Brennan of Bohemians as both players went for the ball. Referee Daryl Carolan awarded a free-out.

Both teams made five changes from when they met in the  first outing in the Women’s Premier Division last month.

Bonnie McKiernan, Keeva Flynn and Cara King all started on the bench while Katie Melly (injured) and Muireann Devaney (unavailable) were also absent with Amber Hardy, Leah Kelly, Sarah Kiernan Alice Lillie and Anna McDaniel deputising.

Absent from the Bohs starting line up were Lisa Murphy, Katie Malone, Abbie O’Hara, Orlagh Fitzpatrick and Shauna Carroll with Fiona Donnelly, Sarah Power, Emma Gaughran, Leiagh Glennon and Hannah O’Brien starting

Bohs started on the front foot in pursuit of an early goal and that gave Amber Hardy an opportunity to display her ability as a shot-stopper on her return to the starting 11 after suspension.

She was in action in the third minute with a good save, but was picking the ball out of the net soon after when a Bohs corner deflected into the net off Kate Nugent in a crowded goalmouth.

Bohs surged forward in search of a second goal and Hardy saved smartly from Hannah O’Brien who was a constant threat and was narrowly off target with a couple of chances subsequently.

However, Rovers displayed all the battling qualities that is a hallmark of the team and got back on terms on 21 minutes when Rachel McGoldrick headed the equaliser from a Emma Hansberry corner.

Bohs reacted positively, but were kept at bay for the remainder of the half as the teams went in on level terms at the interval.

While Bohs were the dominant team in the second-half, very few clearcut chances were created and Rovers battled with the usual character and determination/

Sarah Kiernan and Eimear Lafferty were solid throughout while Leah Kelly
and Alanah Doherty also contributed significantly to what was an encouraging overall team display.

Next up in the All-Island Cup for Rovers is a trip to Belfast to tackle Linfield
while Bohs will host Shelbourne on weekend 24th and 25th May.

Next Saturday Rovers will host Peamount in the Women’s Premier Division while Bohs will travel to play Cork City.

Sligo Rovers – Amber Hardy; Leah Kelly, Alice Lillie, Kate Nugent, Sarah Kiernan, Alanah Doherty, Eimear Lafferty, Emma Hansberry, Mairead McIntyre, Rachel McGoldrick, Anna McDaniel. 

Subs – Cara King for McGoldrick 56 mins, Keeva Flynn for Doherty 80m, Morgan Burnap for McIntyre 87m, Bonnie McKiernan for Hardy 90m.

Bohemian FC – Rachael Kelly; Fiona Donnelly, Sarah Power, Roisin McGovern, Emma Gaughran, Mia Dodd, Hannah Healy, Aoibhe Brennan, Katie McCarn, Leiagh Glennon, Hannah O’Brien.

Subs – Savannah Kane for Healy and Lisa Murphy for Dodd both 68 mins, Alannah McEvoy for Glennon and Katie Malone for McCarn both 70m.

Referee – Daryl Carolan.
Assistant-referees – Niall McLoughlin, John Hanney.
Fourth official – Richard Storey.

Team News – Derry City

Sligo Rovers travel to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Tuesday evening as the busy Easter period continues for the Bit O’Red. Rovers make the journey to Derry for this rearranged fixture in good spirits following a superb overall showing against Waterford at the RSC last Friday evening. 

Ahead by two with just eleven minutes played thanks to early goals from Gareth McElory, his first for the club and an eleventh minute strike from the in-form Owen Elding, Rovers controlled the pace of this contest throughout the 90 minutes. Cian Kavanagh secured the victory against his old club just past the hour with the lively Francely Lomboto sprang from the bench to add gloss to the win with a well taken finish two minutes from time. 

The win lifted Rovers from the foot of the Premier Division table by virtue of a superior goal difference over Cork City, who visit Sligo this Saturday. The evening also ended with Rovers becoming the top scoring team in the division alongside St Patrick’s Athletic. 

Rovers go to Derry without the services of Connor Malley who is suspended having been issued his fifth yellow card of the season shortly after his introduction from the bench at the RSC. While Ollie Denham and Wilson Waweru miss out with injury. Full back Harvey Lintott faces a late fitness test.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, manager John Russell says everyone at the club is hugely enthused by a win in Waterford, the performance which he says was always close to surfacing following a frustrating few weeks in the lead up. He is expecting a tenacious test against the Candystripes on Tuesday.

“We performed really well down in Waterford. I thought we controlled the narrative of the game right from kick-off. But it was a performance that was coming and one that we know the players have had in them from the opening day. 

“From front to back it was the type of performance we wanted and needed to see from the players and I felt the few changes we made really freshened things up for us. But Waterford is done now and from Saturday morning, the focus is on Derry and the Brandywell. It’s going to be a big week for us, with Cork also coming here on Saturday. 

“Derry are a hugely experienced side, littered with talent all over. They have title ambitions and they will be in good form following a win in Galway last week. Not many teams have or will be able to do that this season so it shows the type of challenge we face on Tuesday. 

“But I really do feel that if we play with the same attitude that we did last Friday, it will bring us a long way towards achieving what we want to at the Brandywell.”

David Goulden 

WPD Match Report: Rovers 1-3 United

By Conall Collier

Emma Doherty’s early strike was crucial as Galway Utd took the Women’s Premier Division points at the expense of Sligo Rovers in a fiercely contested Easter Saturday Connacht derby at the Showgrounds.

Separate second-half injuries to Katie Melly and Jessica Casey held up the game as Galway added two late goals, but a battling Sligo Rovers side was rewarded with a fine 95th-minute strike from substitute Rachel McGoldrick.

Steve Feeney made three changes from the previous week, with Paula McGrory (injured), Alice Lillie and Kate Nugent making way in favour of Sarah Kiernan, Katie Melly and Mairead McIntyre.

Galway boss Phil Trill made five changes from seven days earlier, with Jayne Merren starting between the posts in place of Nicole Nix, while the quartet of Kate Thompson, Rola Olusola, Ava Mullins and Emily Fitzgerald also came into the side in place of Therese Kinevey, Abbie Callanan, Amanda Smith and Ceola Bergin.

However, this was a costly outing for the Bit O’Red, as both Melly and Casey sustained injuries that saw them carried from the pitch a couple of minutes either side of the hour mark.

Those enforced changes didn’t help the fluency of the side, and Galway capitalised to add those late goals from a Doherty header on 80 minutes and Emily Fitzgerald soon after.

Former Rovers striker Doherty had her side in front after only two minutes, but the hosts responded positively and settled into the game.

Solid defending was required to repel wave after wave of Galway pressure, with Katie Melly particularly effective in closing down the opposition.

Doherty was a constant threat, but she was well marshalled by Keeva Flynn, and on two occasions she was also denied by Bonnie McKiernan.

Rovers worked hard for limited chances but kept the Galway rearguard on its toes, with Cara King forcing a save from Jayne Merren in the 40th minute as the visitors enjoyed a 1-0 interval lead.

The early part of the second half was held up for the injuries to Melly and Casey, and the delay resulted in an extra 11 minutes of added time.

Doherty headed Galway’s second goal on 80 minutes, and Emily Fitzgerald rifled to the net in a crowded penalty area soon after while Rovers defender Keeva Flynn was down and waiting for attention.

Undaunted, the hosts continued to press forward, and Leah Kelly forced Merren into a fingertip save; from the resultant corner, Kate Nugent’s effort flashed past the post.

Determination played a big part in the Sligo Rovers goal, with McGoldrick racing down the wing and gaining possession before firing to the net from an acute angle.

While the quest continues for that elusive first win of the season, Steve Feeney will switch his attention to the All-Island Cup next weekend with the visit of Bohemian FC to the Showgrounds on Sunday (27th April).

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Sarah Kiernan, Keeva Flynn, Jessica Casey, Emma Hansberry, Muireann Devaney, Cara King, Katie Melly, Eimear Lafferty, Mairead McIntyre, Anna McDaniel.

Subs – Kate Nugent for Melly 57 mins, Leah Kelly for Casey 65 mins, Kya McKenna for McIntyre and Rachel McGoldrick for King, both 85 mins.

Galway Utd – Jayne Merren; Aoibheann Costello, Lucy Grant, Isobel Beletic, Kate Thompson, Jodie Griffin, Ava Mullins, Eve Dossen, Emily Fitzgerald, Rola Olusola, Emma Doherty.

Subs – Rachel Kearns for Griffin (75 mins), Abbie Callanan for Fitzgerald and Emma Duffy for Beletic (both 90 mins), and Therese Kinevey for Mullins and Heather Loomes for Olusola (both 94 mins).

Referee – Michael Connolly.

Assistant referees: Ciaran O’Reilly, Keenan Deering.

Fourth official – Arnold Hunter.