Sligo Rovers’ pre-season calendar was completed on Saturday afternoon as the Bit O’Red beat Finn Harps at Ray McSharry Park by one goal to nil.

Callum Lynch scored the game’s only goal early in the second half as Rovers completed our on-the-pitch preperation for Premier Division kick-off in one week’s time in Derry.

Initially set to take place at the Showgrounds, this game was moved to the home of the Sligo/Leitrim District League to protect the Showgrounds’ surface ahead of our first league home league game against Bohs on February 14th.

Rovers used the full match day squad which included the evergreen and ever-ready Richard Brush in the nets in his 42nd year. While Shane Blaney appeared in a Rovers kit for the first time since he returned on loan from Livingston. 

Lynch secured the win on 51 minutes when he got to the back post to finish off a Guilherme Priosti cross. 

Blaney almost marked his return in style when he headed another accurate Priosti cross over Lorenzo Barbarosa’s goal. 

With pre-season now complete, Rovers can look forward to Friday’s first league game of the season away to Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. A huge crowd is anticipated, with the away end already sold-out. 

Rovers XI: Brush, Reynolds, McElroy, Denham, Fitzgerald, Nolan, Harkin, Quirk, Hakiki, O’Kane, Traore. 

Subs used: Stewart, Blaney, Meekison, Kavanagh, McHugh, Lynch, Kelly, O’Malley, Cannon, Priosti, Patton.  

Sligo Rovers can confirm that Owen Elding has today completed a move to Scottish Premiership side Hibernian FC.

The transfer is worth an initial significant six-figure sum, which could potentially rise to seven figures over the duration of the contract as Elding departs the club he started out with as a boy.

The 19-year-old attacker, who turns 20 in March, initially joined Rovers when he was 12, featuring with the Abbvie Academy before breaking through to the first team.

He made his senior debut under current manager John Russell at the Showgrounds against Shelbourne in May 2023. Owen signed his first professional deal with Rovers at the start of the 2024 season before extending that agreement by another three seasons eleven months ago.

The Riverstown native enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2025, scoring 16 goals in 38 games and quickly became renowned and respected as one of the stand-out young talents in Irish football. He scored his first senior goal for the club on the opening night against Waterford.

His blistering form throughout last term was recognised both at home in Sligo and on the national stage as he scooped the club’s Mark Brindley Player of the Year award for 2025. He was also honoured by his fellow professionals, winning the PFAI Young Player of the Year award, the first Rovers player to do so since 1987.

These feats resulted in inevitable interest in Elding from clubs across the continent and Elding moves to Easter Road having featured over 60 times for the Bit O’Red.

Commenting on the departure, Russell says the player’s determination to prove himself day-in, day-out left the Rovers boss with little doubt that Owen’s career would go further than the League of Ireland.

“His outstanding talent combined with his mentality makes him a top player”, Russell tells sligorovers.com.

“He’s been a joy to work with. His character really shone through last year. Not only did he score important and spectacular goals, but he became a real leader at such a young age.

“Owen progressed through our academy and once he joined the first team he showed a real hunger and desire to improve every day. His success last season was no coincidence.

“We wish him the best of luck with this move to Hibs in Scotland and no doubt he has a big future ahead of him.

“We’re obviously disappointed to lose him so close to the start of the new season but he departs having left his mark at the club. We now move on to our opening game of the season next week in Derry.”

Elding is one of many Abbvie Academy graduates to be promoted to the first team in recent years. Head of Academy, Conor O’Grady praised the input of the club’s coaching staff in Elding’s development to date.

He said: “Owen’s an example for any player coming into our academy that there is a clear pathway to the first-team and beyond. If you show enough promise, you’ll be given a chance at Sligo Rovers and Owen’s further proof of that.

“This move is also confirmation of the fantastic work our coaches do at all levels. But Owen had a great attitude from the first day he came in the door at our academy. He was a player who was mentioned in the highest terms at all levels and the interest in him comes as no surprise.”

Rovers Chairperson Tommy Higgins wished Elding well on his move, acknowledging his goals last season which helped Rovers stay clear of relegation.

“It’s always a blow to lose someone as talented as Owen”, he comments.

“But as in any professional sport, if a player shines at a particular level, then it’s inevitable that another club at the next level will be interested in their talents.

“We thank Owen for his contribution to the club even at such a young age, particularly during last season. His goals at Tolka and Dalymount in particular will live long in the memory and his effort in a Rovers shirt was exemplary. We wish Owen and his family all the best in the next step of his career.

“The club are now looking forward to the beginning of the new season in a few days’ time as we finish off our pre-season work both on and off the pitch. Our management team and club volunteers at all levels have been working tirelessly since the end of last season to prepare to make 2026 as successful as possible.”

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers’ senior men’s team pre-season continued over the weekend with wins over UCD and Galway United at Abbvie United Park in Westport.

First up was a defeat of the Students on Friday.

Michael Raggett had put the Dubliners ahead just three minutes in. But Rovers replied before the break through PFAI Young Player of the Year Owen Elding, before youngster Callum Lynch hit Rovers’ second.

The Bit O’Red found a third goal with twenty to go when Elding had his brace.

Less than 24 hours later, Rovers put six past what was an under-strength Galway outfit at the same venue in what was our penultimate friendly in preparation for the season’s kick-off in two weeks. This game was also the third of three pre-season games hosted by Westport United.

Goals from Ryan O’Kane, Ollie Denham, Seb Quirk, Will Fitzgerald and a Jad Hakiki double saw a more experienced Rovers run out easy winners in the Adam Mulchrone Cup, a charity match in aid of ACT for Meningitis and played in memory of the former Westport player. 

Rovers’ final pre-season friendly of the season takes place this Saturday, January 31st as we return home for the first time in 2026 to face Finn Harps. Kick-off at the Showgrounds is 7.30pm. 

Sligo Rovers wish to thank Westport United, their management committee and club volunteers for the use of their superb facilities at Abbvie United Park in recent weeks and wishes them the best of luck in the upcoming Mayo League season at all levels. 

Rovers XI V UCD: Hughes, Reynolds, Jonathan, Stewart, McDonagh, Priosti, McHugh, Harkin, Kelly, Meekison, Elding.

Rovers XI V Galway: Sargeant, Esua, Denham, McElroy, Fitzgerald, Nolan, Patton, Quirk, O’Kane; Hakiki, Traore.

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to announce that defender Shane Blaney has returned to the club on a loan deal from parent club Livingston, until June 30th 2026, subject to international transfer clearance. 

The Letterkenny native re-joins Rovers following a three-year spell in the Scottish Premiership with both Motherwell and Livingston. The 26-year-old initially arrived at the Bit O’Red ahead of the 2021 season, following spells in England and played 45 times for the club before joining Motherwell in 2023. 

Blaney will be best remembered for his spectacular long-range set-piece strike against the Scottish side at the Showgrounds in 2022, when Rovers famously dumped the ‘Well out of the Europa Conference League. 

His performances over both legs of that tie earned him his move to Fir Park where he featured 54 times before he moved on to Almondvale Stadium and to ‘Livi’ last summer. 

With the league kick-off just two weeks away, Blaney’s signature brings to 21 the number of players signed ahead of the first game of the season in Derry on February 6th. 

Talking to sligorovers.com, Blaney says that the familiar surroundings of Sligo and the Showgrounds is the ideal place for him to be right now. He also hopes to bring the experience of playing at a higher level to the club, as Rovers face into a 21st consecutive season of Premier Division football. 

“I found out last week that there was a possibility of coming back”, Shane explains. 

“So I spoke to Livingston and obviously I’ve had a rough year in terms of injuries so it’s important that I get back playing and enjoying it. I spoke to a few clubs but John Russell was on the ball and to be honest, there’s no place better for me to be playing football so I jumped at the chance and I’m really looking forward to getting going.

“John played a huge part. We’ve stayed in contact all through the time I’ve been away. I have a great relationship with Casey, (Richard) Brush and John so it’s all very familiar to me. I loved their ideas and their enthusiasm in wanting to push the club to the next level. The squad is keen to get a good buzz going around the north-west and getting some good results and you can really feel that already. 

“I’ll be bringing experience back with me. Under John and Ryan (Casey), I got a lot of confidence back and that helped me when I was heading to the UK. I’ve played a lot of big games in the Scottish Premier, so hopefully it’ll stand to me. I want to leave Rovers in a good spot when it’s my time to head off again.”

Mentioning his ambitions for his loan spell back at Rovers, the centre half says he is keen to add to what was an enduring few years he spent in Sligo. 

“Playing here, we had a great changing room. It was so good”, he recalls. 

“The spell we had in Europe was brilliant and was a major highlight of my career. But that’s all in the past and I want to help my team achieve something similar now. 

“I’ve watched a good bit of the league since I left. The games are really exciting and the brand of football is very good. I’ve been back here a few times in the Scottish off-season to see some of my friends playing and the games are always good.”

First team boss Russell welcomed Blaney back to the fold, saying he always kept an eye on Shane’s progress throughout his time across the Irish Sea. 

“I’ve always kept in touch with Shane”, Russell reveals. 

“We have a really good relationship and when there was a chance to get him back, I was very keen to do so and I’m sure our fans will be thrilled to see him back.

“He plays with real aggression and he’s competitive but he’s also calm in possession. I love his attributes as a player and he knows how we work in Sligo and the league. So that will help him hit the ground running. 

“He will be a big influence both on and off the pitch and has played at a high level for a few years now. That experience will be invaluable to our current group.

“We need to manage him early on as he’s just back from an injury but there are so many games between now and the end of June so we’ll carefully manage that.” 

David Goulden 

*Players signed for 2026 season: Shane Blaney (loan until 30/6), Maï Traoré (loan until 30/6), Liam Hughes, Ryan O’Kane, Ciaron Harkin, Jeannot Esua, Daire Patton, Alex Nolan, Carl McHugh, Ollie Denham, Sam Sargeant, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Seb Quirk, Kyle McDonagh and Jad Hakiki. 

Sligo Rovers are pleased to confirm that the club have reached an agreement with EFL League Two side Notts County which will see striker Maï Traoré join the Bit O’Red on loan until June 30th 2026, subject to both work permit and international transfer clearance.

The 26-year-old Guinean centre forward links up with the Bit O’Red having starred in several leagues across the continent before joining County and has been capped at underage level for his country.

Traore started off in Congo with AC Ujana before signing up with Swedish side Vasalunds, scoring 23 times, contributing eight assists and winning Division One with them in 2020.

His exploits in front of goal didn’t go unnoticed and Mai was recruited by current Norwegian champions Viking for the following season.

Traoré’s name will be familiar to Rovers fans. His time at Viking included a goal against Sligo in the qualifying rounds of the Europa Conference League in 2022. He scored Viking’s third in their first leg win in Stavanger in August, before he played the first half of the second leg at the Showgrounds.

The Conakry native has also spent time on loan in Belgium and with Norwegian side Tromso before a spell with Fredrikstad, with whom he scooped the Norwegian Cup, saw him earn the move to England and to Nottingham one year ago.

“We wanted to bring in a centre forward who has pace and is direct in transitions and Mai matched those characteristics”, Rovers boss John Russell says of his latest signing as he explained why he feels the player will fit in well at the Showgrounds.

“He’s played at a really good level in his career so far. We obviously know him first hand from the Viking game a few years ago so we’ve seen just what he can do and how he can punish teams.

“He has excellent movement in the box and with the attacking talent we have within our team, we can create chances for him.

“I know there’s a great motivation within Maï to come here, make an impact and score goals. We’re really delighted that he’s joined us.”

Traoré will be the first Guinean to play for the club. He says he is keen to make the very most of the opportunities this loan deal will give him.

He is also excited to play in front of the Showgrounds faithful once again, with a mark having been left on him since his last visit almost four years ago.

“Rovers feels like the right club for me at the moment”, he says.

“I already knew the club from playing against them in Europe and that gave me a good understanding of the environment and what the club is like.

“We (Viking) obviously had a four-goal lead going into that second leg so it was so incredible to see the Showgrounds sold out, the noise was fantastic. It felt like the whole place had come out to support the club and the team certainly fed off that. I think we might have been lucky to come away with just the one goal defeat that day.

“I want to play in front of such an atmosphere and I cannot wait to make my debut.”

Traoré will bring the number of first-team players signed for the coming year back to twenty following the sale of Patrick McClean to Derry City.

The big striker says he’s keen to make the very most of his latest career move.

“I love the ideas the manager has and the way he wants this team to play”, he sparks.

“Of course, the opportunity to play regularly and be an important part of the team is a big factor for me. I want to repay the faith.

“It’s a tough, physical league. I expect intensity, but that will help me grow as a player. I love to be involved all the time, press and play. I want to attack space, combine with team mates and finish chances. I want to play as much as I can, score as many as I can and contribute both on and off the pitch.”

David Goulden

*Players signed for 2026 season: Maï Traoré (loan until 30/6), Liam Hughes, Ryan O’Kane, Ciaron Harkin, Jeannot Esua, Daire Patton, Alex Nolan, Carl McHugh, Ollie Denham, Sam Sargeant, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Seb Quirk, Kyle McDonagh and Jad Hakiki.

Seb Quirk scored the Bit O’Red’s goal as Sligo Rovers’ senior men’s team 2026 pre-season continued at Abbvie United Park in Westport on Saturday.

Three weeks from the commencement of the Premier Division season in Derry, Rovers used this third friendly as an opportunity to get more minutes in legs as John Russell’s side were narrowly beaten by Treaty United.

Sligo started with a strong eleven, with new signings Jeannot Esua and Alex Nolan featuring at kick-off. While a trialist led the line for Sligo.

United’s Cian Curtis gave the Limerick side the lead at the break, but Rovers deservedly leveled this workout courtesy of a Seb Quirk goal. 

A Treaty trialist had the First Division side ahead, while Rovers went close through Jad Hakiki, Cian Kavanagh and low-struck set piece from Sean Stewart which struck Jack Brady’s post.

Rovers’ next outing is also in county Mayo, at the same venue, as we take on UCD on Friday at 6.30pm. 

Rovers: Sargeant, Esua, Denham, McElroy, Fitzgerald, Quirk, Harkin, Hakiki, O’Kane, Nolan, Trialist

Subs used: Hughes, McDonagh, Patton, Meekison, Stewart, McHugh, Kavanagh, Lynch, Kelly, O’Malley.  

Sligo Rovers were delighted to welcome Uachtarán na hÉireann Catherine Connolly to the Showgrounds this week, marking a historic visit for the club. President Connolly first visited Rovers during her election campaign, where she met staff, volunteers and players from the club’s Football For All team.

Following her inauguration as the 10th Irish President, an open invitation was issued by the club to Áras an Uachtaráin, resulting in this week’s return visit.

Having been welcomed on arrival by Chairperson Tommy Higgins and Albert Higgins, the President met Rovers staff and volunteers, along with players from the club’s academy, Women’s First Team and the National Learning Network group. This was followed by a tour of the club’s outdoor museum with Kevin Colreavy and the Sligo Rovers Heritage Group.

In the hospitality area, President Connolly heard about the club’s ongoing community outreach and inclusion work from FSR Officer Jamie Murphy, while Tom Kelly presented an update on plans to redevelop the Showgrounds.

Proceedings concluded with presentations from Kornel Dabek and Jack Dempsey, who gifted the President a special-edition pink Sligo Rovers jersey from the recent fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute. The Organic Centre also presented a hamper of locally produced goods from Sligo and Leitrim.

Today’s visit was a privilege for everyone associated with the club. We sincerely thank President Connolly and her staff for taking the time to visit the Showgrounds once again and extend our best wishes to her for the remainder of her term.

Preparations for the 2026 League of Ireland Premier Division campaign continued at Finn Park on Tuesday evening, as Sligo Rovers men’s senior team were narrowly beaten by Finn Harps.

Following last week’s win over Derry in Dungannon, John Russell gave new goalkeeper Liam Hughes his first taste of football at Rovers. While Ollie Denham featured for the Bit O’Red for the first time since scoring the opener in the win over Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on the final day of last season. 

Midfielder Seb Quirk also lined out for the first time since that win in Dublin, as did Ciaron Harkin. 

Played in difficult conditions on a challenging surface, Harps took the lead through a trialist four minutes from the break. 

Cian Kavanagh saw his spot kick saved by Harps goalkeeper Barbosa on 54.

Rovers’ next pre-season friendly is the first of our three games at Westport’s Abbvie United Park where we face Treaty United, this Saturday, January 17th. Kick-off at the Mayo venue is 2pm. 

First half XI: Hughes, Esua, McElroy, Denham, Stewart, McHugh, Quirk, Meekison, Nolan, Fitzgerald, Elding. 

Second half XI: Sargeant, Reynolds, Jonathan, McElroy, McDonagh, Harkin, Patton, Priosti, O’Kane, Lynch, Kavanagh. 

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Kelsey McQuillan has agreed to join the club ahead of the 2026 season. The Kildare native becomes the third new addition to the 2026 squad, signing her first senior contract after progressing through the Bohemians academy set-up.

A defender capable of playing at both centre-back and right-back, Kelsey makes the move to the North-West, having spent three years under Gavin Hughes at academy level with Bohemians before a two-year stint in Tallaght. Two years ago, she returned to Phibsborough, linking up with Hughes once more. Having known Gavin for seven years through her time in the Bohemians academy, she was drawn to reuniting with him at Sligo Rovers.

Kelsey made her senior debut for Bohemians last season, coming off the bench against Shelbourne in the All-Island Cup, and was also part of the Bohemians academy side that lifted the FAI Cup in 2025, playing a key role at underage level in last season’s 2–0 victory over Treaty United. She now links up with former teammate Abby Rooney, becoming the second player from that cup-winning squad to join the Bit O’Red.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Kelsey described signing her first senior contract as a major milestone in her career.

“I’m delighted to be signing my first senior contract with Sligo Rovers. Being able to play senior football on a weekly basis is a massive opportunity for me.”

On the chance to work with Gavin Hughes once again, the defender emphasised how influential he was on her decision.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Gav again. He spoke to me about his plans for the season and I really bought into them. From playing under him before, I know exactly what he can bring to a team.”

When asked about what she brings to the squad, Kelsey added:

“I’d say I’m a very physical and fast player. I’m also a good communicator on and off the pitch and can step up as a leader when needed.”

Rovers manager Gavin Hughes believes Kelsey’s development and mentality make her an important addition to the squad ahead of the new season.

“Over the last few years at academy level, Kelsey has shown real consistency in her personal development, both on and off the pitch. She’s positive, coachable, and consistently looking to improve. Her mindset is exactly what we are looking for at Rovers,” Hughes said.

“She has a strong desire to succeed and an equally strong commitment to the team’s success. On the pitch, she will show the fans her competitiveness, bravery, and willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team. Kelsey is a defender who can operate both as a centre-back and as a full-back. Her versatility and adaptability will be a real strength for us, and throughout the season we are likely to see her feature across the back line depending on team needs at any particular time.”

Kelsey McQuillan becomes the eighth signing announced for Sligo Rovers’ 2026 Women’s Premier Division squad, joining Abby Rooney, Ava Hallinan, Alice Lillie, Bonnie McKiernan, Emma Duffy, Leah Kelly, and Anna McDaniel.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Emma Duffy has returned to the club ahead of the 2026 season. The 18-year-old midfielder returns to the Showgrounds following her time with Galway United, having previously progressed through the Sligo Rovers AbbVie Academy.

Emma made the move to Galway United at academy level towards the start of the 2023 season, before earning a senior call-up and making her first-team debut in May that year against Peamount United at Greenogue Park. After being part of Galway United’s senior squads that won the All-Island Cup in 2023 and 2024, she returns to Rovers, bringing experience and technical quality to the squad. The Castlebar native has represented Ireland at multiple underage levels, including as captain.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Duffy described her return as an important step in her career:

“I’m delighted to return to Rovers after my time away and can’t wait to get going. After speaking with Gavin, I really liked his ambitions and goals for the year, which influenced my decision to come back.”

Reflecting on her development in Galway, she added:

“Playing first-team football in Galway really helped develop me as both a player and a person, as I was constantly competing against top players and learning different things from playing alongside quality teammates.”

On taking on a new challenge back at the Showgrounds, Duffy said:

“I’m really excited to take on a new challenge. After playing with Galway for the last few years, I feel now is the right time to push myself in a new environment. We have great ambitions for the year and it has always been a club I’ve admired. Playing in the Showgrounds has always been a really tough place to play, and I’m excited to be playing there week in, week out.”

Rovers boss Gavin Hughes highlighted Duffy’s qualities as a key reason for her return:

“Emma has a lot of standout qualities that make her a great addition to the team. She’s a very technical player who is always looking to get on the ball. She’s very comfortable in possession and likes to get the ball further up the pitch.”

He continued:

“She’s a very hard-working player who can play anywhere in the centre of the park. She can also step in at full-back if needed. She has a brilliant attitude and, despite her age, has shown a lot of experience at senior level. I’ve no doubt she’ll be a big addition to the group, both on and off the pitch.”

Emma Duffy becomes the fifth player announced by the club for 2026, following Abby Rooney, Ava Hallinan, Alice Lillie and Bonnie McKiernan.

Jack Dempsey