Sligo Rovers are back at home this Saturday evening as the Bit O’Red go in search of a first win of the season, against Drogheda United. 

Kick-off at the Showgrounds is 7.45pm and match sponsor this weekend is Paul Gallagher. 

The game will be Rovers’ senior men’s fifth outing of the season, following last week’s defeat to Galway at Eamonn Deacy Park. John Russell’s men currently sit tenth in the Premier Division table, six points off this weekend’s opponents who have two wins from their opening four. 

Sligo’s recent record against Drogs has been patchy, with no win over the Boynesiders in the last five attempts. Although Rovers’ home record against the 2024 FAI Cup winners has been solid, being unbeaten against Kevin Doherty’s team at the Showgrounds in nine games. 

Rovers will be without a number of players for this tie. 

As of Friday morning, Shane Blaney, Conor Reynolds, Jad Hakiki and Sean Stewart look set to miss out with injuries. 

Centre half Ollie Denham will face a fitness assessment pre-match. While Carl McHugh serves the first of a two game ban following his late red card against Galway. The Donegal man misses this weekend and next week’s visit of Shamrock Rovers to Sligo. 

“We have to step up on Saturday”, manager Russell tells sligorovers.com previewing Saturday’s clash.

“We were disappointed with last week’s result particularly as we did ourselves no justice given the standards we set ourselves.

“We were nowhere near satisfied with how we’ve started and the results we’ve seen. But the good thing is that we are very much in control of our own destiny and we will decide how we react to the defeat in Galway. We have a lot of faith in this group of players. 

“We’re only four games in and we’ve plenty of time to improve and kick-on, but we need to show improvement this weekend. Everyone involved knows that.”

Saturday’s game will take place in novel circumstances given that no away tickets have been sold due to action taken against Drogheda by the league following events at Oriel Park a few weeks ago.

“I don’t think it’ll affect them too much”, Russell continues. 

“They’re very well drilled and will all know their jobs regardless. They’re disciplined, well organised and will cause a lot of hassle for teams again this year. 

“But we’re looking forward to showing what we can do. There was a lot of hurt after last week and we can use that as fuel to fire us on.”

Match sponsor: Paul Gallagher

Match ball sponsor: IPM Draper Financial Brokers (Adrian McHale). 

David Goulden 

Following the departure of Steve Feeney, the club wishes to place on record its sincere thanks to Steve and his backroom team for their service and commitment.

First-team assistant coach Jay McCartney, Head Goalkeeping Coach Jerome Carleton, Sports Therapist Ciara Mulrooney, Strength and Conditioning Coach Conor Rushe and Player Liaison Officer Elaine Crossan have also departed the club. Significant work was carried out behind the scenes to support the continued development of the Women’s team, and the club acknowledges the professionalism and dedication shown by each member of staff during their time at the Showgrounds.

Gavin Hughes was appointed manager of the Women’s team following a successful spell in charge of the Bohemians U19 side. He guided the group through a successful 2025 campaign, culminating in FAI Cup success after a 2–0 victory over Treaty United in the final. His work at underage level was marked by strong player development, structure and consistency, with several players progressing into senior football.

Hughes now steps into senior management focused on building a competitive and organised side while continuing to develop emerging talent within the club’s pathway. Joining him are Ciaran Fadden and Tom Donovan, who also arrive from the Bohemians U19 setup as first-team coaches after being part of last season’s cup-winning backroom team. Both will support match preparation, tactical planning and player development. Richard Brush has been appointed goalkeeping coach, while Ben Houston takes on the role of strength and conditioning coach.

Following the conclusion of the 2025 Women’s Premier Division season, a number of players departed the club. Goalkeeper Amber Hardy completed a move to Treaty United, while midfielder Eimear Lafferty joined Bohemians FC. The club thanks both players for their commitment and contribution.

Bernie Ferreira, Louise Masterson, Lauren Devaney and Muireann Devaney have also left the club. Each played their part during their spell in Sligo, and the club extends its appreciation for their efforts and wishes them well in the next stage of their careers.

Kate Nugent also departs the club after several years within the Sligo Rovers pathway. She was part of the inaugural squad that represented the club in the Women’s National Under-17 League in the summer of 2018 before progressing through the U19 ranks. Nugent was first included in the senior matchday squad against Peamount United in March 2023 and made her official debut a week later in a 2–1 defeat to Treaty United at the Showgrounds. Across three seasons she made 45 senior appearances and was an important presence both on and off the pitch. The club thanks Kate for her contribution and wishes her every success in the future.

It has been a busy winter transfer window, with several additions confirmed ahead of the 2026 season. Midfielder Abby Rooney joined from the Bohemians U19 FAI Cup-winning side, while defender Kelsey McQuillan also arrives from the same squad. Former academy player Emma Duffy returns after a successful spell with Galway United, where she was part of the All-Island Cup-winning teams in 2023 and 2024. Six overseas players have also been added, with Sydney Stephens, Manu Baptista Filipe, Cara Jordan, Natalie Yoo, Ella Karolak and Sabrina Hillyer all moving from the United States to join the squad.

With just over a week to go before the season starts, the squad stands at 26 players for the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season:

Goalkeepers
Bonnie McKiernan, Ivana McMahon

Defenders
Alana Doherty, Alice Lillie, Ava Hallinan, Ella Karolak, Jessica Casey, Katie Melly, Keela Scanlon, Keeva Flynn, Kelsey McQuillan, Leah Kelly, Sabrina Hillyer

Midfielders
Abby Rooney, Cara King, Ciara Henry, Emma Duffy, Emma Hansberry, Manu Baptista Filipe, Natalie Yoo, Rachel McGoldrick

Forwards
Anna McDaniel, Cara Jordan, Mairead McIntyre, Paula McGrory, Sydney Stephens

Emma Hansberry will once again serve as club captain for the 2026 season, with Leah Kelly appointed vice-captain.

In injury news, Jessica Casey is recovering from a knee injury, while Keeva Flynn continues her rehabilitation from an ACL injury and will be sidelined for an extended period. Keela Scanlon and Ciara Henry are also making progress in their return from ACL injuries, though neither will be fit for the opening fixture.

Pre-season preparations have progressed positively under Hughes, with the squad returning to training on January 13. The team have played two fixtures under the new management, recording victories over Linfield and Derry City. Their final pre-season outing takes place on Saturday, 7 March, as they travel to Greenogue Park in Dublin to face Peamount United.

The 2026 Women’s Premier Division season gets underway on Saturday, 14 March, as Sligo Rovers welcome reigning champions Athlone Town to the Showgrounds, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00.

Jack Dempsey

The 500 Club members draw for 500 Club Winners 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.

January 2026

€500 Roe Finnegan – Woodville, Sligo
€100 Seamus McGowan – Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
€100 Arthur O’Dean – Stoneybatter, Dublin 7
€100 Gerard Heraghty – Maynooth, Co. Kildare
€100 Aillish Murphy – Pearse Rd, Sligo
€100 Brian McMorrow – St. Josephs Tce, Sligo
€100 Frank Carr – Cedar Drive, Sligo
€100 Catherine Egan – Martin Savage Tce, Sligo
€100 Bernie Maye – Old Mill, Union St, Co. Sligo
€100 Ciaran Coleman – Collooney, Co. Sligo

February 2026

€500 Pat McDaniel – Spiddal, Co. Galway
€100 Pat Devaney – Ballincar, Co. Sligo
€100 Olivia Leonard – Blackrock, Dublin
€100 Donal Ryan – Adare, Co. Limerick
€100 Gerard Heraghty – Maynooth, Co. Kildare
€100 Robert Sweeney – Straid-na-Mara, Sligo
€100 John Burns – Dromard, Co. Sligo
€100 Peter Meagher – Lwr Baggot St, Dublin
€100 Michael Gallagher – Crossmolina, co. Mayo
€100 Kieran Crowne – Pearse Rd, Sligo

Easter Camps are now on general sale.

Bookings are open and available to everyone, with strong demand expected across all age groups. We encourage early registration to avoid disappointment.

For future camps, Super Reds members will continue to receive priority access before general release. Super Red membership can still be purchased, giving families the opportunity to secure early access and enjoy additional club benefits.

You can secure your Easter Camp place below.
To purchase Super Red membership, please click here.

Sligo Rovers came out second best in the first Connacht derby of the season as Galway United overcame the Bit O’Red by a narrow margin at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Former Rovers man Jimmy Keohane netted this tie’s only goal, the one hundredth such meeting between the clubs on a cold night in the mid-west.

The visitors finished the game with ten men after stand-in centre half Carl McHugh was sent off for a late challenge late on. 

Sligo goalkeeper Sam Sargeant pulled off an early save from a nonchalant effort from David Hurley, before United struck for the game’s only goal.

Aaron Bolger making the most of some loose defending from Rovers before the ball finally fell to Keohane who lashed home from just inside the area. 

Ed McCarthy blazed over a wonderful chance from close range to double Galway’s lead before half-time.

Rovers began the second period the better of the sides, with Ryan O’Kane testing Evan Watts in the United goal straight after the re-starting whistle. Striker Mai Traore nodding over on the rebound. 

O’Kane caused problems down Galway’s right side during the second period and he pulled another save out of Watts on the hour.

Gareth McElroy saw a late header whipped off the Tribesmen’s goal-line in the second minute of added time, leaving Rovers to ponderwhat was our third defeat of the season.

Rovers return home this coming Saturday, March 7th. Drogheda United are the visitors to the Showgrounds. Kick-off 7.45pm. 

Galway United: Watts; Devitt, Parker (Williams 90), Brouder, Facchineri; Bolger (Wolfe 77), Barratt, McCarthy (Twardek 61), Keohane; Hurley (Piesold 90), Walsh.

Sligo Rovers: Sargeant; Stewart (Nolan 59), Esua, McElroy, McHugh; Quirk, McManus (Kavanagh 80), Fitzgerald, O’Kane; Meekison (Hakiki 46) (Patton 70), Traoré.

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to confirm the signing of defender Sabrina Hillyer ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season. The American joins from the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she completed her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences and a master’s degree in Business, alongside gaining extensive collegiate experience.

Originally from Texas, Hillyer was a key figure for the Roadrunners across her time at UTSA. She made 62 career starts, playing a total of 4,689 minutes, and started all 22 games during the 2022 season, playing every minute of the C-USA Tournament semi-final and final. She contributed four assists that season. A two-time team captain, she helped guide UTSA to an NCAA Tournament appearance and was named Team MVP. She also earned multiple C-USA Academic Honour Roll selections, received All-District and All-State honours, and was named to the American Athletic Conference Watch List, underlining her consistency on and off the pitch.

Reflecting on her move to Rovers, Hillyer said:

“It’s really exciting to sign for the club. I love the ambition here and the support around the team. Coming to a new country and learning a new culture is a challenge, but it’s an opportunity to grow and compete at a high level. The girls have been welcoming, and it already feels like a place I can make an impact.”

On what she brings to the squad, Hillyer added:

“I’m comfortable across defence, whether it’s full back, wing back or centre back. I like to contribute going forward, deliver strong crosses, and I enjoy the 1v1 battles. I’m gritty, determined, and always look to help the team both defensively and in attack. I want to push myself and my teammates to improve every game.”

Discussing her ambitions for the season, Hillyer said:

“I know the league is competitive, and I’m joining a team with real ambition. My goal is to help Sligo Rovers challenge at the top, grow as a team, and make a statement in the league. Personally, I want to lead by example, contribute wherever needed, and bring the experience I’ve gained from my time in the US to the squad.”

Rovers manager Gavin Hughes highlighted Hillyer’s qualities and why she is a strong addition at this stage of the season:

“Sabrina is a proper full-back, aggressive, very strong in 1v1s and brave going forward. She is very clever in her defending and intelligent with her positioning and timing. She communicates constantly and brings more leadership to the back line, which will be huge for us.

With Sabrina in the team, we feel our defensive unit is much stronger, more connected and more secure.”

With Sabrina Hillyer joining, the squad now stands at twenty-four players ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season, joining earlier signings Abby Rooney, Ava Hallinan, Alice Lillie, Bonnie McKiernan, Emma Duffy, Leah Kelly, Anna McDaniel, Kelsey McQuillan, Rachel McGoldrick, Katie Melly, Emma Hansberry, Keela Scanlon, Ciara Henry, Cara King, Jessica Casey, Alana Doherty, Keeva Flynn, Ivana McMahon, Sydney Stephens, Manu Baptista Filipe, Cara Jordan, Natalie Yoo, and Ella Karolak.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce the signing of defender Ella Karolak ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season. The 23-year-old centre back joins the Bit O’Red from the University of Illinois, where she developed into a composed and reliable defender, recognised for her leadership, communication, and consistency in defensive duels.

Karolak spent four seasons with the Illini as a Division I athlete, making 52 starts and accumulating 4,620 minutes of competitive action. She was a three-time Defensive MVP (2022, 2023, 2024), twice named Big Ten Player To Watch, and served on the team’s leadership committee throughout her career. Ella gained experience in the USL W League, helping Detroit City FC claim the Great Lakes Division title in 2025 and being named Defensive Player of the Year with FC Olympia in 2024. Off the pitch, she achieved multiple academic honours, including Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection.

Reflecting on her move to the Showgrounds, Karolak said:

“It’s really exciting to sign for the club. I admire the history on the men’s side, and I want to help create history for the women’s team as well. The league is highly competitive, but I believe our squad can compete at the top level. Sligo is a beautiful town, and the community has been incredibly welcoming.”

On her playing style and what she brings to the team:

“I like to be involved in every phase of play and always want the ball. I’m comfortable on both feet, enjoy dictating play from the back, and am defensively strong. I like to be vocal on the pitch, organising the team and communicating with my teammates. I want to ensure we’re solid at the back while supporting the attack whenever possible.”

Looking ahead to the season and settling in with the squad, she added:

“I’ve seen teams in situations similar to Rovers, where growth and evolution are needed. Many of the club’s objectives align with my own, and I want to help the team make a real impact this season. Off the pitch, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the squad. Everyone has been welcoming, which has made joining a new environment much easier.”

Rovers manager Gavin Hughes said Karolak immediately stood out for her composure, leadership, and defensive awareness.

“Ella has already, in this short time, led by example and brought real physical presence to our defensive unit. She plays comfortably off either foot and has an excellent range of passing. She sees things and executes them very well, whether short or long.

She is always positive and proactive, and her leadership skillset will be huge for us this season. She is the kind of player who sets the tone for the whole team, particularly within the defensive line.”

With Ella Karolak joining, the squad now stands at twenty-three players ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season, joining earlier signings Abby Rooney, Ava Hallinan, Alice Lillie, Bonnie McKiernan, Emma Duffy, Leah Kelly, Anna McDaniel, Kelsey McQuillan, Rachel McGoldrick, Katie Melly, Emma Hansberry, Keela Scanlon, Ciara Henry, Cara King, Jessica Casey, Alana Doherty, Keeva Flynn, Ivana McMahon, Sydney Stephens, Manu Baptista Filipe, Cara Jordan, and Natalie Yoo.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Natalie Yoo ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season. The 24-year-old joins the Bit O’Red after spending three seasons as a Division 1 athlete with the Texas A&M Aggies, advancing to the NCAA Elite Eight and making regular contributions over multiple campaigns. She also played her final graduate year at the University of San Diego, where she was team captain and part of the programme’s rebuild under a new coaching staff.

Yoo completed her bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing before adding a graduate qualification, demonstrating her commitment and discipline both on and off the pitch. Born in Southern California, Yoo holds dual nationality and has Korean heritage, and she was invited to join a South Korean national development squad, highlighting her recognition at international level.

Reflecting on her move to Rovers, Yoo said:

“It feels really exciting and is a dream of mine to play at this level. I spoke with Ciaran Fadden, assistant manager, about what I can bring to the team. I’m hungry to do well, and I’ve heard a lot about the league. It felt like the right environment to push myself.”

Describing her playing style, she added:

“I’d describe myself as competitive and someone who likes to be centre of the action in midfield, whether dropping deeper or supporting the attack. I’m creative and technical, enjoy taking on players, making forward runs into the box, and playing incisive passes. I’m comfortable on both feet and always look to make an impact for my team.”

On settling in with the squad, Yoo said:

“It’s been a bit of a culture shock, but everyone has been really welcoming. The dressing room has been great, which has made settling in much easier.”

Looking ahead to the season, Yoo explained:

“I want to help the team win games and compete at the top end of the table. Personally, I want to keep improving every week and contribute with goals and assists.”

Rovers manager Gavin Hughes believes Yoo adds balance and drive to the midfield.

“Natalie is technically very strong and fearless in possession. She loves getting on the ball, drives at defences, and brings creativity to everything she does. She has a great mentality and great energy, and we are excited to see her in the league.”

On why she is the right fit at this stage of the season, Hughes added:

“We trust that her attitude and desire to make things happen will give us another dynamic in the final third. She wants responsibility and thrives in competitive environments, which is exactly what we need.”

Regarding her impact off the pitch, he said:

“She is focused, professional, and eager to learn. Those standards raise the level within the group, and that is important for us as we continue to build.”

With Natalie Yoo joining, the squad now stands at twenty-two players strong ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season, joining earlier signings Abby Rooney, Ava Hallinan, Alice Lillie, Bonnie McKiernan, Emma Duffy, Leah Kelly, Anna McDaniel, Kelsey McQuillan, Rachel McGoldrick, Katie Melly, Emma Hansberry, Keela Scanlon, Ciara Henry, Cara King, Jessica Casey, Alana Doherty, Keeva Flynn, Ivana McMahon, Sydney Stephens, Manu Baptista Filipe, and Cara Jordan.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior team make the relatively short trip south to Galway this Friday as the one hundredth Connacht Derby takes place at Eamonn Deacy Park, kick-off 7.45pm.

This will be the Bit O’Red’s fourth game of the season as John Russell’s men go in search of a fourth straight win over Galway United, who have won one and drawn one of their first two games.

A win for Rovers by Corribside could potentially see us climb the table after defeats to Derry City and Bohemians in the opening weeks. While last week’s draw away to Waterford saw Sligo take a well deserved point from a long trip to the RSC.

Games involving Galway this year have been close with Drogheda coming away with a narrow one goal win on the first day of the season. United saw their clash with St Patrick’s Athletic rained off the following week, days before John Caulfield’s side took an impressive draw from the home of the 2024 champions, Shelbourne. 

In team news, and as per Thursday morning, Rovers will be without Shane Blaney who picked up a hamstring injury in that game in the south east. 

Cian Kavanagh, who headed the winner on our last visit to EDP in September 2025 returns following a short illness. While new signings Sean McHale and James McManus will be available. A few players will undergo late fitness tests to determine their ability to take part. 

“It’s going to be a huge Connacht derby and given the time of year we’re at, it’ll be under the lights and in front of what I expect will be a big crowd and a big atmosphere”, Russell tells sligorovers.com, previewing the game.

“I was pleased with the result in Waterford last week and it was an ideal and much improved reaction from the defeat to Bohs the week before. We were a lot more solid, first to second balls and defended our box really well. We asked for a reaction and we got it.

“We now go to Galway and it’s a massive game for both sides.

“They’ve added a lot of bodies in the winter. Some we know, some we don’t. So in that way, they’re somewhat of an unknown but I’m happy that we’ve analysed them well. 

“They’ve got a very experienced manager in John. 

“He knows how to get results from his players. He’s a cup and league winner and we know the way he likes his teams to play. They can smother you if you let them so we have to be ready. They’ll be looking to play off a big home crowd and we may have to quieten things down early on. 

“But we’re going there to get a result as we do every game. We had to shuffle things around a bit last week and we’re hopeful we’ll have as many bodies available as possible. 

“We know there’s a big Rovers crowd coming down to pack out the away end once more and the players are really looking forward to getting going on Friday night.”

David Goulden

New Sligo Rovers loanee Sean McHale says he isn’t here to just make up the numbers after the Meath native was confirmed as Bit O’Red player on Sunday afternoon.

The 20-year-old Dunboyne native sealed a deal which has been a while in the making, after the centre-half moved on loan from St Patrick’s Athletic until the end of the current season.

McHale, an Irish underage international, arrives at the Showgrounds seeking top flight experience after two years on loan in the First Division.

He’ll be playing under new manager John Russell, a long time fan of the former Shelbourne, Wexford and Dundalk player who is also a talented gaelic footballer. 

“I’ve met with John a few times and we’ve had some great conversations. I’m delighted to be here now and am ready to get playing”, Sean tells sligorovers.com.

“I’ve been on loan the last two seasons so when Rovers came in for me, I thought this is the ideal place to go, to develop and play. It’s important to choose which club you go to so Sligo for me, was the ideal place to go.

“I spoke to a few lads who were here over the last few years and they told me enough good things about Rovers and Sligo and that was all I needed. I’m moving to Sligo now and it’s a new experience for me and I can’t wait to get going with it.” 

A serious ankle injury curtailed Sean’s time at Dundalk last season in an FAI Cup game against Rovers at Oriel Park last July. Two months later, McHale underwent surgery on several ruptured ligaments but is now excited about getting back on the pitch under the tutelage of Russell. 

“John has a proven track record of bringing players through, especially young ones”, he continues. 

“He gives them game time and trusts them and that makes it a really attractive proposition for me. You cannot beat gaining first team experience. It’s invaluable. 

“I’m here to get game time but also get results for Sligo Rovers. We need to aim for European football at the end of the year and we’re good enough to do that. 

“In the First Division, it feels like there’s a lot of defending to do in games so as a centre back it was great for me. It was all about gaining experience and going through different types of experiences in games. Even with the injury, I learned a lot in terms of what I need to do to be a professional football player.” 

Rovers had aimed to bring McHale in on a full-time basis over the past number of months, but an agreement could not be reached with his parent club. However, Russell is happy to get his man as he prepares for the one hundredth edition of the Connacht derby against Galway, this coming Friday.

“He’s been on my radar for a while”, Russell reveals. 

“We tried to get Sean in permanently over the winter but we couldn’t get a deal done unfortunately. 

“We’ve had an injury at centre half so the move to get Sean in was accelerated slightly by that. 

“He’s a big boy, a natural defender with a left foot and I feel he’s one of the best young defenders in the country. I saw a lot of him when he was at Wexford and Dundalk before he got injured and he’s got huge potential. We’re glad that he’ll hopefully realise that potential here at the Showgrounds.”  

David Goulden