Team news: Bohemians; the Showgrounds; Saturday, August 30th; 7.45pm.

Sligo Rovers’ men’s team are in action at the Showgrounds for the first time in almost a month, this Saturday evening as we take on Bohemians, kick-off 7.45pm. 

This Premier Division clash will be the Bit O’Red’s fifth and final meeting with the Dubliners this season, just weeks after our FAI Cup win over Bohs at Dalymount Park on August 15th. 

Rovers’ last home game was a two goal defeat to Shelbourne on August 2nd, winning two of our three games on the road since.

Rovers are yet to beat Bohs in the league this season. Alan Reynolds’ side have twice taken the points, while the teams drew 1-1 in Phibsboro back in June. 

In team news, Russell waits on confirmation over both Conor Reynolds’ and Ronan Manning’s fitness. 

While James McManus misses out due to the terms of his loan deal with Saturday’s opponents. 

Oskar Van Hattum has this week departed the club to continue his career in Canada. 

Speaking to sligorovers.com ahead of Saturday, Russell is looking for his side to bounce into the weekend’s game after recent wins over Waterford and Saturday’s opponents.

“We showed a lot of character and spirit to come back into games this season and no more than in Waterford. I felt we were the better team throughout and really deserved our win down there.

“It was a win over a team we’re chasing and it gave us a lot of confidence and a big boost going into Saturday, which is going to be a really tough game for us. But we’re looking for the players to again raise their levels. The games between ourselves and Bohs this year really have had little in them so I think you can expect more of the same come Saturday. 

“We’re hopeful on Ronan and Conor who are two important players for us. We knew James would be out for this one and we’re happy we have a plan to deal with his absence.

“We beat Bohs a few weeks ago and they’ll be coming here looking to get one over us again, we know they will. They’re still chasing Shamrock Rovers and are so dangerous from all positions.

“Saying that, we are at home and it is up to us to set the pace and that’s what we want to do. We are aware of what a win would do for us in terms of the league table so we’ll look to start well, do the basic things in a correct manner and see where that takes us. 

“It’s been a while since we’ve played at the Showgrounds so we’re hoping our supporters missed it as much as we have.

“We’re hoping for big numbers and noise from all ends as Bohs will travel in big numbers and get behind their team. Our fans have been brilliant to us all season and have travelled in big numbers to follow us around the country recently. 

“I think they’re enjoying watching this team and backing them as they’re a really likeable bunch of lads who are giving everything for Rovers. They’re enjoying their football and our supporters are enjoying that too.

“There’s not just a togetherness within the squad, but also between our players and supporters and it’s wonderful to see.”

Sligo Rovers’ 2025 Annual Draw takes place at half-time on Saturday. Tickets remain on sale on sligorovers.com

David Goulden

Match Preview: Shelbourne vs Rovers

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers will travel to Tolka Park on Saturday for a crucial Women’s Premier Division game against title-chasing Shelbourne with kick-off at the Dublin venue is set for 4pm.

Sligo Rovers will go into this encounter without Annie McKinley, who has departed following a short stay, and her absence will provide manager Steve Feeney with a selection headache at the heart of the defence.

There are also doubts about Katie Melly, Kate Nugent and Lauren Devaney, but the Bit O’Red has posed problems for the Dublin side in the past, usually when it was least expected.

Both teams will go into this encounter on the back of defeats last weekend, but the Dublin women will be focused on regaining a place at the top of the table at the expense of Athlone Town, who will be in European action.

A victory for Shelbourne will give them a two-point margin at the summit, although Athlone will have a game in hand.

However, Shelbourne lost to Athlone last Saturday and also finished the game with 10 players following the dismissal of Jemma Quinn. Prior to that they exited the FAI Cup on home turf when they were beaten by Shamrock Rovers.

The last two victories for Shelbourne were achieved against Waterford (2-1) and Cork City (2-0), similar to the last two wins for the Bit O’Red, although Steve Feeney’s side won by 2-0 on each occasion.

Using that as a form guide suggests that there won’t be much between the sides on Saturday, but Shelbourne have already won twice against the Rovers, including a hard-earned 3-1 WPD victory last June where Kate Mooney claimed a hat-trick. There was also a 5-0 win in the final qualifying round of the All-Island Cup.

However, the Bit O’Red players will relish the challenge of tackling Shelbourne, with the prospect of causing an upset a major motivator.

Players of the calibre of Paula McGrory, Emma Hansberry, Muireann Devaney and Leah Kelly have the experience to provide the inspiration that could frustrate a Shelbourne side that will be expecting to record a comfortable victory.

Shelbourne v Sligo Rovers is live on LOITV with kick-off at 4pm.

500 Club Winners July & August 2025

The 500 Club members draw for 500 Club Winners July & August 2025 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.

July 2025

€500 Kate Lawlor – Dalkey, Co. Dublin
€100 Manus Bree – Nephin Road, Dublin
€100 William Gaffney – Ardaghowen, Sligo
€100 John Kavanagh – Hazlewood Demense, Sligo
€100 Mark Harrigan – Oakfield Park, Sligo
€100 Conor Lynch – Maugheraboy, Sligo
€100 Brian Kenny – Sandymount, Dublin
€1.00 Jason McGuinness – Dromore West, Sligo
€100 Roe Finnegan – Woodville, Sligo
€100 Brendan Tolan – Stillogran, Dublin

August 2025

€500 Gavin Dykes – Ballydoogan, Sligo
€100 Kenneth Gilmartin – Aberdeen, Scotland
€100 Oisin Rynn – Bohernabreena, Dublin
€1.00 Clan Scanion – Drumiskabole, Sligo
€100 Rian Fahy – Cairns Hill, Sligo
€100 William Costello – Pearse Cresent, Sligo
€100 Carolan Catering – Molly Fultons, Sligo
€100 Jim Melly – Devins Drive, Sligo
€100 Peter Henry – Pearse Rd, Sligo
€100 David Conway – Rosses Point, Sligo

Club Statement: Kerry FC vs Sligo Rovers – Ticket Sales Information

Sligo Rovers can confirm ticketing arrangements for our Quarter Final Sports Direct FAI Cup away fixture against Kerry at Mounthawk Park on Friday 12 September at 7:45 PM.

Our club has received an allocation of 270 tickets. Owing to the anticipated demand, a one-ticket-per-Member/Season-Ticket-holder rule will apply. This policy will be strictly enforced. Season Tickets will be scanned at the point of purchase to verify eligibility and to ensure one-time use only. The Member or Season Ticket holder must be present in person to purchase; tickets cannot be obtained on behalf of another Member or Season Ticket holder.

Tickets will be on sale at the Showgrounds Reception from 4:30 PM on Saturday 30 August. Sales are limited to the allocation available and will conclude once sold out.

Supporters are reminded that canvassing for tickets outside of the official sales process will not be permitted. Tickets are non-transferable and sales will be conducted in person only, in line with the procedures detailed above.

We thank supporters for their cooperation and understanding.

Job Opportunity – Programme Coordinator

Job Opportunity – Programme Coordinator Join Sligo Rovers Football Club – Programme Coordinator (Sligo) Location: Sligo Hours: Part-time, 25 hours per week Contract: Fixed-term (3 years) Application Deadline: Wednesday September 3rd Job Opportunity – Programme Coordinator

Sligo Rovers FC is recruiting a committed and experienced Programme Coordinator to lead the delivery of the PEACE Academy programme in Sligo delivered in partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. 

The PEACE Academy programme is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) https://www.seupb.eu/’ . A three-year youth development initiative designed to empower young people across Catholic/Nationalist/Republican (CNR), Protestant/Unionist/Loyalist (PUL), and newcomer communities, as well as on a cross-border basis’ working in partnership with Glentoran FC Through shared experiences rooted in sport, music, creative arts, and digital media, the programme supports personal growth, social action, learning, and employability—building a positive, shared future for Sligo and beyond. 

About the Role: 

As Programme Coordinator (Sligo), you will: 

· Lead the implementation of a vibrant, inclusive programme that brings together young people from all community backgrounds in Sligo. 

· Work with Sligo Rovers FC, the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and Glentoran FC, grassroots organisations, and key stakeholders to ensure cross-community engagement is embedded in every aspect of delivery. 

· Coordinate a team of sessional staff delivering twice-weekly mentoring and youth development sessions. 

· Collaborate with cross-border colleagues to ensure the programme is connected across both regions. 

· Support young people to co-design and lead social action projects that directly tackle division, racism, and hate. 

· Plan and deliver workshops, training, and community events that promote inclusion, aspiration, and connection. 

· Ensure accurate monitoring and reporting against PEACEPLUS targets and outcomes in collaboration with support staff. 

What We’re Looking For: 

We’re looking for someone who brings: 

· A relevant qualification in youth work, sport, arts, digital media, or community development. 

· At least three years’ experience working with young people, including experience engaging diverse or marginalised groups. 

· At least two years’ experience coordinating youth or community programmes, ideally in a cross-community or peacebuilding context. 

· A deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing young people in Belfast, especially in relation to division and inclusion. 

· Confidence in managing staff, building partnerships, and delivering impactful community-focused projects. 

· Strong communication, problem-solving and organisational skills. 

· Experience with SEUPB-funded or similar programmes (desirable). 

Additional Information: 

· Some evening and weekend work will be required. 

· An Enhanced Access NI check is required prior to appointment. 

· The role is based in Sligo and reports to the PEACE Academy Programme Manager at the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. 

· A strong commitment to peacebuilding, inclusion, and the values of Sligo Rovers Football Club and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation is essential. 

Why Join Us? This is a unique opportunity to join Sligo Rovers FC and contribute to a cross-community, cross-border initiative that uses culture, sport and creativity to transform lives. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking team, helping young people from all backgrounds shape a more inclusive and hopeful Belfast. 

How to Apply: Please send your CV with a covering letter to fsr@sligorovers.com by Wednesday September 3rd

Women’s Premier Division Match Report

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers marked a 100th competitive game when Dublin side Shamrock Rovers visited the Showgrounds on Saturday evening for a Women’s Premier Division (WPD) encounter.

Shamrock Rovers dictated the opening half and grabbed an early Melissa O’Kane goal with Emily Corbett making it a two-goal advantage for the Dublin side in the 18th minute.

The hosts were mostly on the backfoot during that initial 45 minutes with Anna McDaniel posing an occasional threat.

Referee Arnold awarded the first of two penalties in the 38th minute when he pointed to the spot in favour of the Dublin side and Áine O’Gorman duly converted.

Five minutes later he pointed to the spot at the other end following a handball and Paula McGrory converted confidently to give the Bit O’Red a lifeline.

However, the benefit was undone 60 seconds later when O’Gorman ghosted into the home penalty area and steered the ball past Bonnie McKiernan, with the help of a deflection, to give her side a substantial 4-1 interval advantage.

There was nothing of note during the second-half as the Dublin side continued to dictate and the Bit O’Red tried to get back into contention with counter-attacks.

Neither side managed to make a breakthrough although substitute Katie O’Reilly went close on two occasions in the closing stages for the Dublin side.

Alice Lillie was the Harvey Norman Sligo Rovers player-of-the-match while the game also marked the last appearance for central defender Annie McKinley who concluded her short stint with the Bit O’Red with two goals to her credit.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie, Katie Melly, Alana Doherty, Annie McKinley, Leah Kelly, Emma Hansberry, Muireann Devaney, Paula McGrory, Rachel McGoldrick, Anna McDaniel.

Subs – Mairead McIntyre for McGoldrick and Sarah McDaniel for Melly both 68 mins, Cara King for Hansberry and Eimear Lafferty for McGrory both 78m, Laura McGuinn for McKinley 88m.

Shamrock Rovers – Summer Lawless; Fiona Owens, Aimee Neal, Scarlett Herron, Melissa O’Kane, Emily Corbett, Ella Kelly, Áine O’Gorman,Aoife Brophy, Jaime Thompson, Claire O’Reilly.

Subs – T White for O’Reilly 55 mins, A Butler for O’Kane and K O’Reilly for Corbett both 72m, H Martin for Neal 78m.

Referee – Arnold Hunter

Assistant-referees – Dylan Redmond, Eric Eaton.

Fourth official – Richard Storey.

Russell issues rallying cry to Bit O’Red supporters following crucial win in Waterford

John Russell has called on Sligo Rovers supporters to continue to back his team as the Bit O’Red face into a crucial few weeks with just eight league games remaining. 

Rovers face Bohemians on Saturday next, August 30th at the Showgrounds and Russell has called on the Sligo sporting public to arrive on Church Hill in droves to back their team once again. 

Three wins in the last five outings in all competitions sees Rovers just one point off Galway United in eighth following Friday night’s results. While Rovers fans are also looking forward to a first ever visit to Kerry to take the home side in a much-anticipated FAI Cup quarter-final next month. 

“Our supporters have been amazing this year, both home and away”, Russell told LOITV after Friday’s spirited defeat of Waterford at the RSC. 

“At home, the crowds are getting bigger and I think they really believe in this group and want to back them as much as they can. As a supporter and for a community club like Sligo Rovers, you want your players giving everything and that’s what they’re doing. We need them now for the last eight games. 

“There’s so much ball to be played yet. We’re still ninth and we cannot forget that. We’ve put a lot of points on the board recently but there’s such a long way to go yet, so we need to stay focused.”

Conan Noonan had given John Coleman and Danny Ventre’s lads the lead in Waterford. But second half goals from the energetic Jad Hakiki and the ever-impressive Owen Elding moved Rovers ten points clear of basement side Cork City heading into a tough game with Bohs this weekend.

“They have players everywhere that can hurt you and I’m sure there will be a backlash after us beating them in the cup”, Russell said of next weekend’s visitors. 

“We have to re-group now but we’re already looking forward to the game.” 

On the win at the RSC, Russell praised the work-rate of his team having fallen behind to that Noonan strike. 

“It’s a massive three points”, he continued. 

“I thought we caused Waterford a lot of problems early on but couldn’t get that goal when we were on top. 

“But when you’re away from home against a team like Waterford, with threat from the likes of Padraig Amond, Conan Noonan and Tommy Lonergan, you expect them to have spells and they did. 

“But the pleasing thing for me and we showed this in Cork when we were behind, was that we stayed calm and we played the way we are built to play. We controlled the game in the second half and we grew as the game went on.

“Jad gets us level and we were in the ascendancy after that. 

“Our front four, they weren’t just about the goals. They worked so hard all night on and off the ball. Look at Owen, he’s scored the goal and then he’s back defending in our box with two minutes to go and that’s because he wants to win!”

David Goulden 

Hakiki and Elding on the mark as Rovers win in Waterford

Owen Elding hit the winner three minutes from time as Sligo Rovers came from one goal down to beat Waterford at the RSC. 

Conan Noonan had handed the hosts the lead eight minutes before the break, but an equaliser from Jad Hakiki followed by Elding’s late winner gave Rovers a deserved win as the Bit O’Red cut the gap to Galway in eighth to just one point. 

Boss John Russell made two changes from the FAI Cup win over Bohs a week before. Edwin Agbaje made his first start for Sligo, while James McManus returned having missed that cup win in Dublin. 

Rovers didn’t enjoy the best of first halves although Elding did strike the top of the crossbar with a well-met header from a Will Fitzgerald cross on 4 minutes.

Muhammadu Faal had an early chance before Noonan opened the scoring with a well taken finish following a ball over the top from Sam Glenfield on 37 minutes. 

The visitors did have two chances in the same move before the break.

Paddy McClean saw an effort scrambled away by Waterford goalkeeper Stephen McMullan, while Hakiki had a follow up swept off the goal-line.

Rovers were a totally different proposition in the second period, with Sam Sargeant in goal almost an on-looker for the majority. 

Patient build up play the key as Hakiki, Elding and Fitzgerald were all involved for Rovers’ leveller on 73.

Fitzgerald’s attempt from the edge of the box took a deflection off a Blues defender, Hakiki reacting the quickest to strike past McMullan for his fifth of the season, courtesy of a deflection off former Sligo striker Padraig Amond. 

Rovers continued to press and were rewarded three minutes from time when sub Ciaron Harkin weighed up his options before delivering a sumptuous through ball for Elding. The Riverstown man timed his run perfectly before keeping his cool and slotting his shot beyond McMullan. 

There was to be one last act as McClean got in front of a Kacper Radkowski goalward header in the 95th minute. 

Waterford: McMullan; Horton, Boyle, Mansfield, Burke; Rossiter, Olayinka (McMenamy 77), Glenfield (McDonald 72); Faal (Lonergan 72), Amond (Radkowski 85), Noonan

Sligo Rovers: Sargeant; Agbaje (Harkin 78), Quirk, Denham, McClean, Stewart; Fitzgerald, Hakiki (Manning 90), McManus, O’Kane (Waweru 68); Elding

Referee: Aaron O’Dowd

David Goulden

WPD Match Preview

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers will mark a 100th competitive game in the Women’s Premier Division (WPD), previously Women’s National League, with the visit of Shamrock Rovers to the Showgrounds on Saturday, kick-off scheduled for 5pm.

The historic first game took place on Saturday 5th March 2022 against a Peamount Utd side that featured Republic of Ireland internationals Stephanie Roche and Áine O’Gorman who both scored against the Bit O’Red.

The duo will feature in Saturday’s encounter with Stephanie Roche (now Stephanie Zambra) patrolling the sideline and Áine O’Gorman bidding to add to her tally of five goals against the Bit O’Red.

However, recent results and form favours Sligo Rovers as the Dublin women will go into this encounter on the back of successive WPD defeats at home to Galway (1-2) and away to Wexford (1-2), Maria Reynolds and Ella Kelly scored for the Dublin side.

Last weekend they bounced back to winning ways with an impressive 2-1 WFAI Cup quarter-final victory against top-of-the-table Shelbourne despite conceding an early goal with Scarlett Herron and Anna Butler replying.

That result will certainly rule out any form of complacency from Steve Feeney’s side although the Rovers players will take positives from the 0-0 result they achieved at Tallaght Stadium last May and prior to that, a 1-1 draw at the same venue last September.

Add in the fact that the Bit O’Red will go into this 100th competitive game on the back of successive 2-0 wins against Waterford and Cork City where the goals were spread between Muireann Devaney, Paula McGrory, Alana Doherty and Emma Hansberry.

Another player who is well capable of hitting the target is central defender Annie McKinely and she is likely to deliver another solid performance in an effort for a third successive cleansheet for her team.

The challenge that his players will face is not lost on Steve Feeney, but speaking after the win against Cork City, he displayed a positive demeanour.

“That’s a couple of successive wins where we scored two goals in each game and kept cleansheets, the target now is to maintain that consistency,” he said.

“The girls deserve this, they stuck at it when things weren’t going their way and we have also moved up the table as well.

“We created lots of chances against Cork, especially in the first-half, but the ball just wouldn’t go into the net, we probably weren’t ruthless enough, but we have scored eight goals in our last five games and won the last two.

“I’m looking forward to the next game now, we are at home again after a break last week and Stephanie Zambra will definitely have her side playing nice football.

“We can play a bit as well, we got a draw last time out at Tallaght Stadium and the target now for us is to make it three wins-in-a-row to consolidate our current position,” he concluded.

The 100th competitive game – Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers – is live on LOITV with a 5pm kick-off at the Showgrounds

JOURNEY TO 100

2022 – 28 played: League 27; FAI Cup 1

(Does not include walkover received from Douglas Hall)

2023 – 26 played: League 20; FAI Cup 3; All-Island Cup 3

2024 – 26 played: League 20; FAI Cup 3; All-Island Cup 3

2025 – 19 played: League 15; FAI Cup 1; All-Island Cup 3

Total – 99 played: League 82; FAI Cup 8; All-Island Cup 9

PHOTO:

The Sligo Rovers players who started in the Women’s Premier Division victory against Cork City on Saturday 9th August (from left) were: back – Alana Doherty, AnnieMcKinley, Emma Hansberry, Bonnie McKiernan, Muireann Devaney, Paula McGrory; front – Anna McDaniel, Rachel McGoldrick, Alice Lillie, Katie Melly, Leah Kelly. Photo by: Conall Collier.

Team news: Waterford; RSC; Friday 20th August

Sligo Rovers are back in league action this Friday night as the Bit O’Red journey to the south east and to the RSC to take on Waterford, kick-off 7.45pm.

This will be the fourth and final time the sides will meet this season, with Rovers having the better of the Blues so far this term. Waterford won in Sligo on the opening night of the season, but Rovers returned the favour in April, trouncing our opponents by four goals to nil away from home and followed this up with a Wilson Waweru goal to nil win at the Showgrounds in June. 

A win for Rovers would close the gap to John Coleman’s side to five points as John Russell’s men go in search of a third win in five following recent away victories over Cork City in the league and Bohemians in the FAI Cup.

In team news, Russell approaches Friday with no injury concerns and welcomes back midfielder James McManus who missed the Bohs game due to the terms of his loan deal.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, the Rovers first team manager says his team are in a good place, ahead of the Waterford tie. 

“We asked the lads in Dalymount last week to just go out and enjoy what they’re paid to do”, he says. 

“Go out and enjoy themselves and that’s what they did. We want to do that again in Waterford on Friday. 

“I thought we were all over Bohs in the first half and were superb to a man. Second half, Sam Sargeant came up with that big stop from the penalty and we go and score shortly after. We showed a lot of grit and spirit to do that and probably should have gone on to score more. 

“We’ll take a lot of confidence from going to Bohs, the team sitting second in the league and beating them. It’s vital we bring that momentum into this game at the RSC. 

“Last week was a big confidence boost for the players. We have a lot of new lads here with the signings we made and they all looked very comfortable in their roles at Dalymount. That’s testament to the new players and how well they have taken to their new surroundings. But it also shows how well our current crop has adjusted to the changes. 

“It’s a long trip down there but we’ve prepared well and have a plan so we’re looking forward to it. We’re going to have to be at the top of our game as Waterford will make it hard for us. They’ll be wanting to pick up as many points as they can as quickly as they can and will see this game as ideal for putting further space between us and them.”

David Goulden