By Conall Collier

Two goals in each half gave Cork City an opening win of the Women’s Premier Division season at the expense of a disjointed Sligo Rovers side that missed a 94th-minute penalty at Turner’s Cross on Saturday evening.

Manager Steve Feeney made one change to the starting lineup from the opening weekend draw against Bohemians, with Paula McGrory coming in for Mairead McIntyre, who dropped to the bench.

Sligo Rovers enjoyed a positive start and created a number of chances, but hosts Cork City made the all-important breakthrough in the 19th minute with a swift counterattack and capitalised on a defensive lapse as Christina Dring finished well.

And it got worse for the Bit O’Red five minutes later when Dring again capitalised on a lapse by Sligo Rovers as she won possession around the centre circle and held off a number of challenges before claiming her second goal of the afternoon.

Sligo Rovers went in search of a goal, and Paula McGrory had a chance on 36 minutes, but her effort on the turn went wide, and no further openings were created at either end as it remained 2-0 at the interval for Cork City.

There was a fragmented start to the second half as each side had players that required attention, but it was the Bit O’Red who went close in the 51st minute when Rachel McGoldrick was denied from close range.

Muireann Devaney then had an effort narrowly over, and play was again stopped for attention to the Cork City goalkeeper.

Cork added a third goal in the 63rd minute when Aoibhin Donnelly scrambled to the net after more hesitant defending from the Bit O’Red, and it was 4-0 in the 66th minute when Ciara Fitzpatrick also capitalised on generosity from the visitors.

Katie Melly was denied in the 75th minute when her free kick from 30 yards thundered off the Cork City crossbar, while Alana Doherty and Keeva Flynn also went close before a penalty was awarded in the 94th minute.

Muireann Devaney’s spot kick hit the post, and while the Bit O’Red finished with a surge, it was a disappointing result for Steve Feeney’s side.

Cork City—Una Foyle, Shaunagh McCarthy, Ciara McNamara, Heidi Macken, Niamh Cotter, Kiera Senna, Christina Dring, Eva Mangan, Aoibhin Donnelly, Heidi O’Sullivan, Ciara Fitzpatrick. 

Subs: Ellie O’Brien for Sullivan at half-time, Cathranne Fitzgerald for Dring at 75 mins, Zoe Finnerty for Cotter at 79 mins, and Lauren Homan for Donnelly at 82 mins.

Sligo Rovers—Bonnie McKiernan, Kate Nugent, Cara King, Keeva Flynn, Alana Doherty, Katie Melly, Paula McGrory, Muireann Devaney, Emma Hansberry, Eimear Lafferty, Rachel McGoldrick. 

Subs: Mairead McIntyre for McGoldrick 60 mins, Anna McDaniel for McGrory and Kya McKenna for King both 70 mins, Alice Lillie for Melly, Morgan Burnap for Nugent, and Jessica Casey for Hansberry all 85 mins.

Referee: Sean Grant.

Assistant referees: Ricky Crean, Christopher Braganza.

Fourth official—Eoin Harte.

Sligo Rovers are excited to confirm that midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes has agreed to join the club. The former Republic of Ireland underage international has signed a one year deal and is available to go straight into the squad for Saturday’s season opener against Waterford at the Showgrounds.

The 26-year-old began his career at Aston Villa at 16 before enjoying successful loan spells with both Cheltenham Town and Cambridge United. 

The Cavan man then moved to the Scottish Premiership and to St Mirren in 2020 before Hibs made a play for him one year later where he became an established first team player. 

Doyle-Hayes departed the Edinburgh club last month having played just short of 70 times for the Easter Road outfit. Having attracted interest from a multitude of clubs both domestically and abroad in recent weeks, the Ballyjamesduff native has now elected to choose the Bit O’Red for the coming year. 

“There was obviously a lot of interest in Jake given his quality and experience”, Rovers boss John Russell tells sligorovers.com, having clinched the deal.  

“The level he has played at is extremely high and he brings a lot of experience to the group, so I’m delighted to bring him to the club. 

“Jake brings real energy and aggression to our midfield. He is very comfortable on the ball and I think he will fit in perfectly with the way we want to play. 

“It was important we added some experience to our group in the window and I feel Jake can make a big impact with us.” 

Looking forward to his first year in Irish football, Doyle-Hayes says he is excited to get involved in what is shaping up to be a big year for Rovers. 

“After the manager got in contact, I spoke to people who I consider to have a good knowledge of the League of Ireland”, he says. 

“They all mentioned how competitive it was last year and how that’s not likely to change this year. So that’s exciting for me as I know I can make a difference in big moments. 

 “A few lads I would have played with have played here at home too and they all had great things to say about the league. I also know a few who played here with Rovers and everything they told me was positive. There’s a big fan base here and I can’t wait to get out there in front of them. 

“I was impressed with what John had to tell me about his plans and how he wants the team to play. I’m looking forward now to getting to know the club and my new teammates and getting the season started.  

The past year has thrown up both physical and mental challenges for Jake with a persistent ankle injury plaguing his 2024. But the midfielder believes he is over the worst and is ready to focus on what’s ahead of him on the pitch. 

Even at 26, he is also ready to step up as one of the leaders in what is a young squad given his experience in the UK.

“I’ve had ten great years over there. I moved over quite young but had a lot of exposure to some great coaches from a young age. I’ve also played with some top players and have gathered knowledge from them and by being in some really experienced changing rooms. It’s been a tough couple of years for me recently but I’m looking forward to playing as many games as I can for Rovers and getting back to my best. 

“I’ll do my best to add to what we already have here. I think this squad is more than capable of finishing high up the league table.”

David Goulden

Full back Harvey Lintott has joined Sligo Rovers on a half-season loan deal from EFL League One side Northampton Town, the club are delighted to announce.

Lintott, who turns 22 in February, joins following an agreement between the clubs which sees the right back link up with the Bit O’Red until the end of June. 

A native of Kent in England, Harvey made his professional debut for Gillingham in August 2021 having been brought up through the youth ranks at the club. He moved on to Northampton a year later and achieved promotion to League One with the Shoe Army at the end of the 2022/23 campaign where he has made over 50 first team appearances. 

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Lintott outlined his excitement to get going with his new teammates. He says he is ready to put in the work ahead of the commencement of the 2025 season in just under one month’s time. 

“I was really impressed with what John (Russell) had to say and his ideas during our discussions regarding the project here”, he says. 

“I’m very much looking forward to getting going at Rovers.

“I knew a little bit about the League of Ireland and Sligo Rovers before I came over so I know what to expect here. There’s a history here with a passionate fan base and I hope to be able to help the club push on. I’m looking to play as many games as I can while I’m here and help the club achieve as much as it can.

“I think European football has to be the target and we’ll be doing all we can as a group to achieve this. 

“I’m here with an open mind and I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do. It’s a huge opportunity for me and I’m fully focused on working hard and bringing everything I can to the role.” 

Right back was a top issue for Russell following the departure of JR Wilson at the end of last season. The Rovers boss is extremely happy with his latest bit of business in the current transfer window. 

“Right full was a priority for us in this window and I feel we’ve brought in a player with real quality in Harvey”, Russell tells sligorovers.com. 

“He’s played in League One and League Two and already has a lot of experience for a player so young. 

“We are really impressed with his attributes which will further add to what we have here. He is strong, powerful and impressive in one v ones. He’s fond of breaking forward too and playing his part in attacks which suits our game here.”

Rovers began their pre-season preparations with an impressive five goal win over Athlone last weekend. The work continues both on and off the pitch as Russell continues to search for the players he feels will fit in at the Showgrounds ahead of a big year for the club. 

Providing an update, he says: “When you bring in players it’s important that they improve the group and make you better as a team. I’m hoping to add more players before the start of the season. We have to be patient and make sure we get the correct people in. I want players who are hungry to achieve for this club.”

David Goulden

Goalkeeper Conor Walsh has put pen to paper on a further one year deal at the Showgrounds, Sligo Rovers are delighted to confirm.

The highly-rated 19-year-old joined the Bit O’Red’s academy from home town club Westport United in 2020 when he was 15, featuring at both under 17 and 19 levels before signing his first professional deal just one year later.

The Mayo man made his first team debut on the final day of the 2022 season against Bohemians at Dalymount Park and appeared five times the following year. 

2024 was a big year for the former Rice College and Summerhill student who spent time on loan at both Finn Harps and Wexford. He appeared six times for Harps’ first team before helping Wexford achieve a promotion play-off position and an FAI Cup semi-final berth, playing 14 games for the Ferrycarrig Park side. 

Walsh also starred in Rovers’ memorable mid-season game with Everton in July last, the teen keeping a famous first-half clean sheet against a Toffees side brimming with both Premier League and international experience.  

The talented shot-stopper has represented the Republic of Ireland at various underage levels and was rewarded for his fine form whilst on loan at Wexford back in November when he was selected for the Irish under 21s squad for games against Sweden in Spain.  

“I’m really happy to get the deal done”, Walsh says.

“I have learned so much in my time here at Rovers and am lucky to be working with the coaches both in the academy and at first team level. Last year at Harps and Wexford, the time was another learning curve for me as I had some great first team experience and I’m looking to build on that again this year. The time with the international team was brilliant too and has given me a lot of self-confidence knowing I’m being tracked by Irish coaches. 

“The manager is assembling a very solid team and he knows what he wants. That’s evident by the fact that so many are signed up already. 2025 looks like it’s going to be a really exciting year at the Showgrounds.” 

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Rovers boss John Russell says he is looking forward to seeing how far Walsh can go. 

“Conor has huge potential so I’m delighted he’s signed again”, he says. 

“He had a really successful loan spell at Wexford where he produced some top class performances. It was so important for him to get out on loan and get some senior game time. It’s certainly helped his development and growth. 

“I was delighted to see his inclusion in the recent U21s side. This shows how far he’s come in the last 12 months or so. 

“Sligo Rovers has a history of producing top class goalkeepers so we’re really excited to see what Conor can do here.” 

David Goulden 

The 500 Club members draw for October, November and December was made recently by the 500 Club Committee.

These monthly draws see ten members drawn each month for cash prizes, with the top prize being €500.

The 500 Club continues to be one of the club’s most important Fundraisers and we wish to thank all members, and the 500 Club committee for their continued hard work.

October 2024

• €500 Conor Heagney – Blackrock, Co. Dublin
• €100 Ken Farrell – Ballisodare, Co. Sligo
• €100 Barry Rafter – Castletroy, Limerick
• €100 Stephen Taylor – Ballisodare, Co. Sligo
• €100 Gerry McGowan Sir – Pearse Rd, Sligo
• €100 John Kennedy – Strandhill Rd, Sligo
• €100 Noella McGloat – Smithfield Market, Dublin 7
• €100 Michael McDonnell – Knocknarea, Co. Sligo 
• €100 Paul keogh – Lyndale, Maugheraboy, Sligo
• €100 Michael Lynott – Cleveragh, Sligo

November 2024

• €500 – Jack Swinburne, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
• €100 – Padraig McKeon, Howth Rd, Dublin
• €100 – Gerry Monaghan, Riverside Drive, Sligo
• €100 – Justin Clarke, Burnsville, USA
• €100 – Owen Duffy, Ballymote, Co. Sligo
• €100 – Niamh Connolly, Naul, Co. Dublin
• €100 – Thomas Kelly, Shannon Eighter, Sligo
• €100 – Kenneth Farrell, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo
• €100 – Joseph Gilmartin, Church Hill, Sligo
• €100 – John Horan, Ballinode, Sligo

December 2024

• €500 – Ramon Chadda, Rosses Point, Sligo
• €100 – Jim Garvey, Lucan, Co. Dublin
• €100 – Celtic Supporters, Maugheraboy, Sligo
• €100 – Stephen Gilroy, Tonaphubble, Sligo
• €100 – Paddy Houze, Chapel St, Sligo
• €100 – Colin Parkes, Ardaghowen, Sligo
• €100 – Conor Nally, Sandyford, Dublin 18
• €100 – Michael Carty, Ballinfull, Co. Sligo
• €100 – Ciara Maye, Rathcormac, Co. Sligo
• €100 – Seamus Callaghy, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

Francely Lomboto is Sligo Rovers manager John Russell’s first new signing ahead of the 2025 League of Ireland season, the club can confirm.

The 24-year-old winger joins from Galway United having spent the last four seasons with the Tribesmen’s first team and has signed a one year deal at the Showgrounds. Lomoboto has agreed a pre-contract and will officially join the club on December 1st.

Lomboto, who can also play as a striker, arrived at Eamonn Deacy Park having joined the club from local junior side Galway Hibernians. He starred at both under 17 and under 19 levels before making his first team debut against Cabinteely in July 2020. In all, Lomboto played 93 times for Galway, scoring 13 times.

Speaking about the move, Rovers’ latest acquisition mentions how conversations between himself and Russell left him with little doubt as to where his future lay. While the promising attacker also spoke of his pride of playing with a club whose links are so deeply set within the local community.    

“The connection with the supporters and the style of play were the two biggest attractions. John was very honest in our conversations, which I admire”, he says. 

“He told me exactly where I can improve and improve whilst also complimenting my strengths. He understands what it’s like to be a player and play for Rovers so he could relate with me.

“Rovers are one of those clubs which is all about the fans. It’s fan owned so there’s a strong community connection. You can see that support goes further than just match night. The locals live and breathe the football club and there’s a lot of history here. The sense of pride and tradition really stands out and I cannot wait to represent that.

“I’ve been wanting a new challenge and after talking with John, it just felt right. He’s got a real vision for the club and you can sense the ambition. I’m excited as I feel I’ll be part of something special for 2025.

“I feel like in 2024 at Galway, I only showed glimpses of what I can do. I know I can accomplish something great at the Showgrounds.”  

Lomboto joins up with former Galway team mate Wilson Waweru and Russell is hoping that Lomboto can have the same impact top-scorer Waweru had in his first season at the club.

“We are delighted that Francely has agreed to join us”, Russell says.

“He is a player with a lot of pace and power and we feel he can really improve his game and he will become a very important player for us. I know from our conversations that Francely is very motivated and is ready for a new challenge here at Rovers.

“We are really looking forward to working with him.”

Lomboto is the eleventh player to commit to the Showgrounds for 2025. He joins Ollie Denham, Connor Malley, Wilson Waweru, Conor Reynolds, Gareth McElroy, Daire Patton, Kyle McDonagh, Stephen Mallon, Owen Elding and Kailin Barlow as part of next year’s first team squad. 

David Goulden