BY CONALL COLLIER

Sligo Rovers created all the chances, but Waterford got early and late goals for a 2-1 Women’s Premier Division (WPD) victory at the Showgrounds on Saturday evening.

After conceding in the 13^th minute to Waterford’s Fiana Bradley, Sligo Rovers dominated and piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser that eventually arrived from Gio Dionicio in the 86^th minute.

However, Waterford got in for a 93^rd minute winning goal when Jessica Lawler gained possession after Alice Lillie slipped on the wet surface as she went to clear the ball outside her own penalty area.

It was a harsh verdict on what was a wholehearted Sligo Rovers performance, but a number of gilt-edged goal chances were missed, especially in the second-half and that ultimately proved costly.

Waterford goalkeeper Maeve Williams made a series of excellent saves throughout and denied Paula McGrory as early as the 10^th minute as the Bit O’Red made a positive start in the wet conditions.

Waterford then capitalised on some defensive hesitancy by the Bit O’Red for an opportunist lead goal from Bradley on 13 minutes and from there until the end, it was mainly a rearguard action from the Munster women.

Gio Dionicio had the best chances for Sligo Rovers in the opening half and as the intensity increased after the resumption, Gracie Dunaway, Olivia Rush, Sabrina Hillyer and Cara Jordan all went close.

Dionicio was denied by Williams in a one-on-one after 78 minutes, but she was eventually rewarded after Dunaway’s determination created the opening for that 86^th minute equaliser.

That goal was scant reward for the overall team effort, but it counted for nothing when Waterford did that ‘smash and grab’ in the 93^rd minute for a first WPD victory since the end of April.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie, Alana Doherty, Sabrina Hillyer, Ella Karolak, Cara Jordan, Olivia Rush, Paula McGrory, Sarah McCaffrey, Gio Dionicio, Anna McDaniel. 

Subs – Emma Duffy for McGrory and Gracie Dunaway for McCaffrey both 58 mins, Mairead McIntyre for McDaniel and Ava Hallinan for Hillyer both 84m.

Waterford – Maeve Williams; Kiera Burke, Jessica Lawler, M Doherty, Danielle Burke, Leah O’Donoghue, Chloe Atkinson, Mia Lenihan, Fiana Bradley, I sabel Walsh, Kaytlin Conroy. 

Subs – Cliodhna Malone for O’Donoghue 40 mins, Eva O’Gorman for Walsh 74m, Lauren Egbuloniu for Bradley 92m

Referee – Michael Connolly.

Assistant-referees – Sahin Yasar, Klaudia Pawula.

Fourth official – Richard Storey.

Three first half goals from the home side were more than enough to win this game as Bohemians easily beat an underpar Sligo Rovers at Dalymount Park.

In what was likely our last visit to Phibsboro before redevelopment works get underway, it was a night of disappointment for the Bit O’Red, who were second best at all levels. 

Dawson Devoy had the hosts ahead after eight minutes when he finished from the angle following some neat one touch football from Bohs. 

Sam Sargeant pulled off a great save from a Douglas James-Taylor header from immediate range, while Connor Parsons fired over from the angle having easily skipped past two Rovers challenges at the end line. 

The Dubliners had their second on 28 minutes when Harry Vaughan’s ferociously struck effort proved too much for Sargent to hold. No defender was quick enough off their toes, as James-Taylor nipped in to capitalise on more poor defending.

Rovers conceded a third before half-time when Jordan Flores converted a direct set piece. 

It was mostly Bohs in the second half bar a Jack Shorrock effort from a tight angle which drifted wide. 

Darren Purse’s side will look to quickly move on from this one as he prepares his side for Friday’s Club Orange FAI Cup quarter-final against Waterford at the RSC. 

Bohemians: Paul Walters; Darragh Power, Patrick Hickey, Cian Byrne, Senan Mullen; Dawson Devoy (Niall Morahan 82), Jordan Flores (Adam McDonnell 70); Ross Tierney, Harry Vaughan (Markuss Strods 70), Connor Parsons (Zane Myers 70); Douglas James-Taylor (Colm Whelan 60)

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Gareth McElroy, Carl McHugh (Ollie Denham 57), Sean Stewart; Alex Nolan (Ryan O’Kane 57), Luke Young (Kyle McDonagh 78), Seb Quirk, Jack Shorrock (Callum Lynch 78); Archie Meekison; Luke Pearce, Kaiyne Woolery (Trey George 33).

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan.

Sligo Rovers supporters will visit Dalymount Park in its current guise for possibly the final time before its redevelopment takes place, as the Bit O’Red go up against Bohemians this Friday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Works are due to begin at the historic Phibsboro venue next year, a stadium at which Rovers are unbeaten in five of our last six games.

This will be manager Darren Purse’s first game in charge at the old ground and in Dublin. He goes there without midfielder James McManus who misses out due to the terms of his loan from the Gypsies. 

Rovers were without Jeannot Esua for last week’s draw with Waterford, while Ollie Denham was taken off at half-time after both players suffered slight knee injuries. Purse is hopeful both will be available for Friday.

Conor Reynolds and Jad Hakiki are unavailable. 

This will be the fourth league meeting of Rovers and Bohs this year. Both have won at the other’s ground, with Alan Reynolds’ charges twice seeing off Rovers at the Showgrounds. While Dalymount was the scene of a memorable win for Rovers back in April, when goals from former players Will Fitzgerald and Sean McHale overturned Zane Myers’ early opener. 

Bohs currently sit third, seven points off their bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers at the summit and have claimed three wins and a draw from their last five league outings. 

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Purse says he is expecting a different game following more ‘physical’ encounters with Kerry and Waterford at the Showgrounds.  

He says: “One thing you can say about our lads since I’ve come in is that they’ve been really resolute. They put their bodies on the line and play with heart and that’s a huge thing for me. 

“They’ll have to do the same again Friday in Dublin. It’s probably not going to be as physical as the last few games. 

“Bohs will look to play through the lines and they’ll want to play football. But we have to be as resolute as we have been the last few weeks, again. Hopefully we can add that bit quality in the final third to that and that will give us an opportunity, we hope, to win the match. 

“The number of goals Bohs have scored recently shows that they’ve got quality. They look to get the ball forward and it’ll be tough and they’ll be a bit different to what we played recently.”

Purse was pleased with the backing his team received from the stands back home at the Showgrounds last Friday in that tense stalemate with Waterford. 

At what will be a sold out Dalymount, he’s hoping for the usual noise from the ‘Mono’ Stand when and says his boys will need vocal backing throughout the tie. 

“Wherever we go, it’s important to hear our fans. It’s big for the players. 

“Sometimes, you go away from home and you’re under the cosh and that’s when we need them to come together.

“Also for the players and from our point of view, we need to give our supporters something to get excited about. We want to give them a club to be proud of. We’ve got eight massive games to come now so hopefully, we can give them something to sing for on Friday.”  

David Goulden

David Goulden at the Showgrounds

Match day sponsor: Sligo Junction, Collooney.

Match ball sponsor: DPD Logistics, Sligo. 

Darren Purse believes his Sligo Rovers side have what it takes to still avoid the drop following Friday’s stalemate with Waterford at the Showgrounds.

The point, coupled with Drogheda’s loss to St Pat’s, means Rovers cut the gap to second bottom to five, with eight crucial games to go until the end of the season.

In what was an entertaining contest against the in-form team in the Premier Division, Rovers carved out chances in the first half and had to be defensively resolute in the second. 

Rovers’ main threat Jack Shorrock was foiled by a last ditch tackle from Hayden Cann early on after he was played through by skipper Carl McHugh. While Waterford’s experienced centre half Kevin Long charged down a Cian Kavanagh volley after Shorrock’s searching cross just evaded Rovers’ leaping Luke Pearse. 

Shorrock was at it again on 25 minutes when he found space behind Jordan Houston. The Port Vale loanee’s cross this time laid down by Kavanagh and onto the foot of Pearce. But the former Cardiff striker’s full volley was batted away by Blues’ net-minder Stephen McMullan. 

Suffering just two defeats in their last ten following an atrocious start to the season, Graham Coughlan’s men have picked up eleven points from their last five outings with the Munster side gathering wins recently against Bohs, Shels and Derry. 

They had their first sight at goal on the half hour when Conan Noonan fired over after some defensive hesitation from the hosts. While Padraig Amond’s header lacked the power of Benny Couto’s cross on the stroke of half-time as the former Sligo striker headed into the hands of Sam Sargeant. 

Former blue Sargeant kept the game scoreless when he palmed over a Noonan snapshot on the hour. 

Eight minutes later, McMullan pulled off a wonderful stop on his left hand at the far end, when he pushed away a swerving set-piece from Sligo sub Archie Meekison. 

The RSC side then had late chances courtesy of Couto, Lonergan and Noonan in a late dash for the winner.

Speaking after the game, Purse said he’s seen enough from his squad to suggest they have it in them to close further, that gap to Drogheda in ninth. 

“The Derry game’s the only game since I’ve been here that we haven’t been at the races”, he says. 

“But the boys deserve huge credit for this evening. It could have easily gone our way, sometimes we just lack that bit of quality in the final third. I said that to the lads, our final third is what wins us games. Intensity, drive and dropping on second balls, that’s what keeps you in a game. We just need to add that bit of quality in the final third. 

“If we play like that for the rest of the season, we’ve got a right chance. I said before the game that tonight was a ‘must-win’ game. I still back that because if we’d won, we’d be in a much better position. 

“We have tonight’s game, Bohs and Drogheda and if we go and get seven points from those game, we’ll be looking up. 

“It’s a point gained tonight, especially with the Drogheda result and that game in a few weeks which again will be a ‘must-win’.”

Enthused by a crowd of almost two and a half thousand despite the game being televised and its staging on a non-traditional week-night, Purse reminded the Sligo sporting public how crucial their role is in the coming weeks as the squad continues to press on. 

“At times they were really good, up on their feet supporting the team and getting behind us and we need that”, the Londonder stated. 

“Other times, I think there was pressure and they felt it. And when the players feel pressure that’s when the players need the fans the most. To feel that support rather than be peeved with a poor pass or poor decision. But we need that support now for the last few games.” 

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Seb Quirk, Ollie Denham (Archie Meekison HT), Gareth McElroy, Sean Stewart; Luke Young, Carl McHugh; Jack Shorrock (Trey George 79), Alex Nolan; Luke Pearce (Kaiyne Woolery 62), Cian Kavanagh. 

Waterford: Stephen McMullan; Kevin Long, Hayden Cann (Blair McKenize 71), John Mahon; Jordan Houston, Beny Couto; Noah Mawane (Dean McMenamy 75), Evan McLaughlin; Conan Noonan, Padraig Amond, Tommy Lonergan. 

Referee: Neil Doyle. 

Attendance: 2,456.

Sligo Rovers boss Darren Purse says his team will give everything they can in their efforts to take three points from Friday night’s crucial game with Waterford, in what is to date, the biggest night of the season for the Bit O’Red.

Match night sponsor for this game, moved to Friday at 8pm for coverage on Virgin Media TV is Sligo Junction, Collooney. Match ball sponsor is DPD Logistics, Sligo.

Purse’s Rovers host one of the country’s in-form sides at the Showgrounds, sitting six points off Graham Coughlan’s men who have taken 18 points from their last ten games.

Rovers currently sit six points adrift with nine games to go as Purse looks to plot a course for survival. 

Form against the Blues this season has been reasonable, with Rovers collecting four points from a possible nine from the Munster outfit in 2026. 

Honest in his assessment of the game to come, Purse is aware that Rovers likely require the full quota of points on Friday. He says his side will ‘know what to do’ in front of what should be a big Showgrounds crowd. 

“My first game in charge against Drogheda was probably a ‘must not lose’ game, for me”, he tells sligorovers.com. 

“This one is probably ‘must win’. At some point in the next few weeks, we need to pick up three points and then back-to-back three points. 

“The gap has grown over the last few weeks because of the form of Waterford, which has been exceptional. It’s a game we have to go and try and get maximum points from. If you don’t, then you’re still well behind and it’s another game ticked off. 

“But we know what we need to do. We’ve nine games left and our home games will be pivotal in terms of whether or not we stay in the division.” 

The Londoner, barely a month in the top job, has refuted suggestions that Waterford would be happy to come away from Sligo with a draw which would maintain that six point gap between ourselves and Waterford.

He says a win, which would be Rovers’ first league victory since May, is very much the target. 

“You’ve got to prepare for each game as if you’re looking to win it”, Purse continues. 

“It won’t be any different to any other game so far in that we’ll put as much attention to details in as we can. 

“Hopefully the hard work we will put in is rewarded with three points at the end. But the prep will be the exact same as what we’ve done in the past few games and that’s all geared to try and win.

“They’re coming to win the game, not to try and not get beat. Sometimes when you approach games thinking you’ll be alright with a draw, you tend not to perform. You look at the way Waterford have played recently, Graham’s done an exceptional job to turn things round. I know him and he won’t come looking for a draw.

“They won’t play for a point, they’ll come to win. And we need to be ready for it and match them with the quality we have.”   

In team news, Jad Hakiki and Conor Reynolds are out. Daire Patton continues to recover from illness. 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers have been paired with Waterford in the Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup quarter-final, at the draw which took place at FAI headquarters in Dublin on Tuesday.

Rovers will be the away team and will travel the lengthy journey to the RSC for the third time this season to face the Blues, who we take on in a league game this Friday at the Showgrounds. 

The cup game will take place on the week-ending September 6th with full details to be announced.

Reacting to the draw, Bit O’Red boss Darren Purse says he believes that to win the FAI Cup, you have to beat the best teams in the country. And with an all Premier Division line-up in the last eight for the first time, every possible fixture posed its own challenges. 

“We’re in the quarter-final of a national competition”, he says. 

“So we’re going to have a tough game no matter who we draw. 

“Every club in the competition is from the top division so it’s always going to be tough. Would I have liked a home game? Yes. But we’ve been drawn away and no we’ve to go and give our best in that game.

“We want a good cup run, it’s a way into Europe. The final is a long way off, but we can dream.” 

Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup quarter-final draw in full:

Waterford v Sligo Rovers
Drogheda United v Galway United
Derry City v Dundalk
St Patrick’s Athletic v Bohemians

David Goulden at the Showgrounds

Match day sponsor: Alert Fire Protection, Sligo. 

Match ball sponsor: Kilfree, Sligo. 

Sligo Rovers will be part of next week’s Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup quarter-final draw after the Bit O’Red put four past a fearless Kerry at the Showgrounds.  

Cian Kavanagh hit the opener in this last 16 tie, while Alex Nolan converted a penalty before the break as Rovers picked up a first win at home since April and a first win under Darren Purse. 

The scoreline was somewhat harsh on Kerry, who threatened throughout, particularly in the second half, as a reel of superb Sam Sargeant stops kept the visitors scoreless before Carl McHugh and debutant Kaiyne Woolery settled the tie with late goals. 

Rovers join Dundalk, Drogheda, Galway, Derry, Waterford and two of St Pats, Shamrock Rovers, Longford and Bohs in the hat for Tuesday’s draw.  

New signing Luke Young was one of four Rovers changes from our defeat in Derry. Fellow new boy Woolery made the bench. Left full Sean Stewart, winger Nolan and striker Jamie McGonigle were the other alterations in personnel. 

On a superb run of four wins from their last five league games, Kingdom boss Colin Healy stuck with the same starting team which led Cork City at Turner’s Cross last week, only to be beaten by three late strikes. 

Last year’s dramatic cup quarter final between these sides is remembered more fondly in one camp than the other. Three ahead after an hour courtesy of an Owen Elding hat-trick, Rovers somehow managed to be knocked out by Kerry, who hit four before the end of extra-time, almost one year ago. 

The visitors lost winger Daniel Okwute, a goal-scorer that night, to what seemed to be a pulled muscle after seven minutes in this one, shortly after McGonigle landed an attempted chip onto the roof of Matthew Connor’s net. 

The Munster men did have plenty of the ball in this game, particularly in the early minutes. However, it was the hosts who did more with it and they went ahead on 14 minutes when McHugh’s through ball was collected by Nolan, who from the end line, squared for Kavanagh to tap home for his sixth of the season.

Both Young and McHugh had chances for Rovers, but Kerry were finding holes through the Sligo middle.

Cian Bargary beat Young in a foot-race but the finish from the angle didn’t match the intention. While Kerry captain Sean McGrath twisted his way through the Rovers challenges before firing narrowly wide of Sargeant’s goal as Purse’s men were served further warning.

Rovers maintained their composure in this tie however and doubled their advantage on 34 minutes when Nolan dispatched his spot-kick after Niall Brookwell tangled with Kavanagh as the former tried to shepherd the ball over his own end line. 

Kavanagh missed the chance to maybe settle this one early on when he missed an open goal after work from McHugh and the stand-out Jack Shorrock who squared for the former Derry striker. 

Sargeant had to pull off a trio of top saves to deny McGrath, Murphy and Bargary as the First Division play-off hopefuls continued to ask questions. 

This second period started as the first ended as the Premier Division outfit had to deal with waves of Kerry surge. 

Both McGrath and Ryan Perez fluffed opportunities after the re-start, while Bargary missed the ball while unmarked four yards from goal as the Sligo goal continued to live a hugely charmed life. 

Sargeant again had to perform miracles to keep Kerry out as the away side dominated. A huge double save from close range frustrated Murphy and Ewan Lee from a Sean O’Connell set-piece as Sligo kept riding their luck.

Mercifully for Rovers, skipper McHugh released that pressure valve when he took the ball on his chest before unleashing a wonderful, arrowed volley into the corner of the Kerry net from 20 yards, with ten left. 

While Woolery’s goal in added time was the height of nonchalance as the former Tranmere winger calmly guided Luke Pearse’s late assist past the diving Connor.  

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeannot Esua, Ollie Denham, Gareth McElroy, Sean Stewart; Luke Young (Seb Quirk 71), Carl McHugh; Jack Shorrock (Archie Meekison 65), Alex Nolan; Jamie McGonigle (Kaiyne Woolery 64), Cian Kavanagh (Luke Pearce 83). 

Kerry: Matthew Connor; Sam Aladesanusi, Sean O’Connell, Niall Brookwell, Jonas Hakkinen; Vincent Borden (Cian Brosnan 79), Ewan Lee; Cian Bargary, Daniel Okwute (Ryan Perez 7) (Matt Britton 68); Sean McGrath (Luke Palmer 68), Cian Murphy. 

Referee: Rob Harvey. 

Attendance: 1,879.

The need for change

According to Tommy Higgins, club chairman, ‘Sligo Rovers status as a community club is a valued element of our history and tradition. The club has survived some very difficult times due to the relentless commitment of our dedicated volunteers. These people contribute enormously to the funding and operation of our club.

The League of Ireland is now a different place. Clubs have adopted new commercial models and are benefiting from significant external investment. Success in the League of Ireland leads to European competition and the substantial financial benefits that brings. The gap is widening every year.

I think our ambition as a proud club must not be limited to survival, every supporter wants to see their beloved Rovers compete, thrive and prosper.

The model we have has served this club well for almost a hundred years. But the football environment we find ourselves in has changed around us. The Society must ensure that its structures are fit for the challenges Sligo Rovers faces, and can attract the resources we need to compete at the highest levels.

Thankfully, when we are looking at potential structure and funding models, it is not an ‘either/or’ scenario. It is not a binary choice between a rigid membership structure and an openly commercial arrangement.

Since our last AGM in April we have been researching the legal, financial and administrative issues to increase funding for the Club. We are heartened and encouraged to discover that viable funding and investment opportunities do not have to undermine the role and benefits of member ownership. The members can remain in control, and can determine the opportunities to be taken.’

The Sligo Rovers restructuring proposals

It is envisaged that the Sligo Football and Sport Development Society – Sligo Rovers – will establish a new company to manage the football operations of the Club, including the men’s and women’s senior teams and the Academy.

The Society will own 100% of the shares in the new company and will appoint its directors. The Society itself will continue to hold the lease on Sligo Showgrounds, which runs until June 2064, and will remain responsible for operating the physical facilities at the grounds and for delivering the new stadium.

Showgrounds secure

It is important to note that the legal status of the Showgrounds is not affected in any way by this proposal, the Society is the tenant under the lease with the Trustees of Sligo Showgrounds until June 2064, this will not change, The Trustees are fully supportive of the proposed restructuring.

Additionally, the development plan for the new stadium is fully funded and external funding is not required. The €16.4 million Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund grant awarded to the Society, and the €6 million in Immigrant Investor Programme funding for facilities at the new stadium, are unaffected by the proposals.

New era

Tommy concluded ‘We are embarking on a process that is open and transparent. Our members will make a fully informed decision based on our engagement with them

The Club is at a pivotal juncture, the next few weeks are critical.

This is about modernising how the club is run and securing what we hold for the generations coming after us.

We urge all the members of our Society to participate in these vital decisions on the future of the club.’

What happens next

As a member owned co-operative, the decision on the restructuring rests entirely with the Society’s shareholders, who will consider the proposals at upcoming special general meetings.

The Society has written to shareholders to inform them that proposals for the modernisation of the Society’s structure will be brought before general meetings in September and October.

In the coming days the Society will also write to long-term contributors to the Friends of Sligo Rovers 500 Club who may be entitled under the Society’s Rules to apply for membership. These important supporters of the club will be invited to complete applications so that they can attend and vote at the general meetings.

Formal notice of the general meetings will be issued by post to members in early September. The frequently asked questions below set out the proposals in more detail. Questions may be directed to the Membership Team by email at membership@sligorovers.com, or by telephone on 071 9171212, selecting option 8, which allows the caller to leave a message.

The Society & the Club
Who owns Sligo Rovers?
Sligo Rovers is owned and operated by the Sligo Football and Sport Development Society, a community-based, member-owned co-operative governed by the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts. The Society oversees the club’s men’s and women’s senior teams and Academy, develops sporting and recreational facilities, and delivers community football responsibility programmes for all ages, including Easter and summer camps for children.

Who owns Sligo Showgrounds?
The 12 acre Sligo Showgrounds is held in trust forever for the benefit of the public, particularly the people of County Sligo. The Trustees lease the grounds to the Society and the current lease runs until June 2064. The restructuring proposal will not affect this lease.

What is Being Proposed
Is Sligo Rovers being sold?
No the club is not being sold. The changes proposed will modernise our club, strengthen our football and property management operations, improve on-field performance and create new commercial opportunities to grow and sustain Sligo Rovers into the future.

What changes are proposed?
It is proposed that the Society establish a new company to manage and operate Sligo Rovers’ football activities, with the aim of competing at the highest possible level in Ireland and Europe. The Society will own 100 per cent of the new company and appoint its directors.

What stays with the Society?
The Society will continue to manage the Showgrounds, including its community and football social responsibility activities. It will also oversee the development of the new stadium and manage its facilities once completed. The new company will be licensed as the football club to use the facilities it needs for matches, training and Academy activities at the Showgrounds.

Will members own shares in the new company, and what happens to existing shareholders?
No. The Society will own 100 per cent of the shares in the new company, while members will continue to own shares in the Society. Nothing changes for existing shareholders. The Society will continue to hold the lease on the Showgrounds, the club’s public funding grant awards and the Sligo Rovers identity.

Do the members benefit financially from the proposed restructuring?
No – the shares in the Society are essentially proof of membership, have no financial value and cannot be traded. The shares in the new company will have only a small nominal value and will be owned collectively by the Society.

Will assets transfer from the Society to the new company?
Yes. Those assets needed to operate the football activities will transfer to the new company, including cash resources, ticketing, merchandise, employment and supplier contracts, and equipment. Other assets, including the use of the stadium facilities and the club’s identity, will be licensed to the new company rather than transferred. Resources will be reallocated to ensure both the Society and the new company remain viable, with all arrangements made in accordance with legal and tax advice, and will be legally binding.

How will the club’s heritage be protected?
The club has played at the Showgrounds since 1928 and means a great deal to supporters across Sligo and the north-west as the spiritual home of the club. The club’s identity and its ongoing base at the Showgrounds will be protected through legally binding agreements between the Society and the new company. Sligo Rovers will always be the Bit O’Red, and the club’s heritage will have a prominent place in the new stadium, including a club museum and heritage displays in supporter hospitality areas.

I volunteer for Sligo Rovers – will the proposed changes affect this?
Most certainly not. Volunteerism is the lifeblood of our club and will continue to be so. Your help will still be needed and valued to sustain our community club.

The Need for Change
Why are these changes needed?
The League of Ireland has become increasingly competitive, particularly for member-owned regional clubs like Sligo Rovers. Privately funded clubs, especially those in larger population centres, have greater access to revenue streams, resources and players, and have reduced travel overheads.Sligo Rovers’ operating budget and operating costs have doubled in the past five years, while volunteer fundraising and existing commercial income are increasingly stretched. Borrowing to fund the club is neither sensible nor sustainable. The current financial model is no longer sustainable and the changes proposed will help us generate the resources and investment needed for our teams and academy to be competitive at the elite level of soccer in Ireland. The proposed structure will allow the club to modernise, grow its revenues and create the option to attract minority investment in the new company in the future.

Is this because of the club’s current league position?
No. These are long-term changes designed to secure the club’s future as it approaches its second century. They are not a response to the results of any one season. The stadium development and proposed restructuring will proceed as planned. The restructuring process will not detract from the club’s football operations. Everyone at Sligo Rovers remains fully committed to retaining our Premier Division status this season.

How the Decisions Will be Made
How will these changes be decided?
The Society is a member co-operative and operates on the principle of one member, one vote. Any changes to the Society and Sligo Rovers will be decided by its members. The Society Committee, chaired by Tommy Higgins, will present the proposals at two special general meetings, in September and October, with members expected to make a final decision at the October meeting.

How many members are in the Society?
The Society currently has just under 400 members. A further 600 people approximately are long-term contributors to the Friends of Sligo Rovers 500 Club and may be entitled, under the Society Rules, to apply for membership. All of these prospective members are being written to by the 500 Club in mid-August, advising them of their potential entitlement to membership and providing details of how to apply to the Society.

Why are new members being admitted now, shortly before an important vote?
This is the culmination of a long-running process to update the Society’s share register. Before a vote of this significance takes place, it is important that the Society’s membership register is as accurate and complete as possible, and that everyone entitled to participate has the opportunity to do so.

Who can attend the general meetings?
Attendance is limited to Society shareholders and those entitled to membership privileges under the Society’s Rules. Notices will be issued to everyone eligible ahead of the meetings. Eligibility to attend will be strictly observed, and a copy of the meeting notice will be required for admission.

I think I may be entitled to membership. What should I do?
Prospective members will be written to in the coming days and will be given details on how to apply for membership of the society if they are interested. Applications can be completed online using the link provided in the letter, returned by post using the enclosed form or the form can be emailed to the club. Please apply promptly, no later than Friday, 4th September, to allow time for your application to be considered so that you can be sent a meeting notice. If you do not receive a letter and believe you may be entitled to membership, please contact us at membership@sligorovers.com or call 071 9171212, selecting option 8 to leave a message at any time. Membership enquiries are being handled by a dedicated volunteer team and not by staff at the Showgrounds. Any enquiries made at the Showgrounds will be referred to this team. Please allow a few days for a response. Every message will be answered. Applications are considered by the Committee. Those approved for membership will be entitled to attend the general meetings and have their say on the proposed changes, and will receive notice to attend at least 14 days before the scheduled meeting.

What are the voting thresholds at the two meetings?
Each meeting requires a quorum of 50 members. At the first meeting, each resolution requires 75 per cent approval to proceed to a final vote. At the second meeting, a simple majority of 50 per cent plus one will confirm approval of the resolutions.

What happens if members do not approve the proposals?
If the proposals are not approved, the Society will continue under its existing structure. The Committee believes the proposed changes are in the Society’s best interests, but the decision to approve the restructuring changes rests entirely with members.

Has legal advice been taken?
Yes. Legal advice has confirmed that the proposed changes comply with the Society’s Rules and the laws governing Industrial and Provident Societies.

Does the FAI have any say in the proposed changes?
The FAI has a pivotal role in the licencing of clubs for the competitions it organises. The club has consulted with the FAI, which has outlined the important licensing requirements that will apply. Licensing transfers are only considered by the FAI in the League of Ireland off season (mid-November to mid-February). If the proposed changes are approved by members, an application to transfer the club’s FAI licence to the new company will be made, with the hope that the transfer will be approved by the FAI before the 2027 season begins.

Could this cost Sligo Rovers a European place under UEFA’s rules on change of legal entity?
UEFA’s “three‑year rule” is designed to prevent clubs from artificially altering their legal or operational status to gain a competitive advantage. In our case the changes proposed are for genuine operational and commercial reasons and the club can seek a UEFA dispensation should it qualify for Europe in the 3 years after the changes take effect.

What is the timescale?
The immediate focus is on securing member approval at the special general meetings in September and October. If approved, the restructuring and FAI licensing process would then be completed during the close season, ahead of the new season in February 2027.

Sligo Showgrounds & the New Stadium
What happens to Sligo Showgrounds if the restructuring is approved?
Nothing changes. The Society will remain the tenant in the Showgrounds until June 2064, at which time a new lease can be sought. The Society will continue to manage the facilities and lead the development of the new stadium. The Trustees, custodians of the grounds, are supportive of the proposed restructuring. The new company providing football operations will license use of facilities at the stadium including the 2 pitches, changing rooms, officials rooms, medical and anti-doping rooms, gymnasium, broadcast facilities, ticketing facilities, merchandise shop and coach/staff parking. As the Society itself is remaining unchanged the €16.4 million Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund grant and the €6.0 million in funding approved through the Immigrant Investor Programme are unaffected. The Government grant also places long-term protections on the Showgrounds, including requirements to maintain the stadium and its continued use as a multi-sport facility for at least 25 years from its completion.

What is the status of the new stadium project?
The Committee is working to complete the final legal approvals with Government Departments. All local authority approvals, including planning, fire safety and disabled access, are in place, and the detailed pre-tender design is nearing completion.The Society expects to publish the stadium delivery programme by October, with the tender process to follow. The stadium remains on course for delivery in late 2028, Sligo Rovers’ centenary year.

Future External Investment
Is there a new investor coming into the Society or the club?
There is no current proposal to bring a new investor into Sligo Rovers.

How might an investor come into the club in future, and when?
The new company will provide a structure for a future strategic partnership and investment in Sligo Rovers, with the Society retaining majority control. Any investment proposal will be put to Society members for approval. There is no current plan to bring in an investor, but the Committee believes the process to assess investment opportunities could begin as early as 2027 if the proposed changes are approved.

Would the Showgrounds or the Society itself form any part of a future investment?
No. Any future external investment will be in the new company, not the Society or the Showgrounds. The new stadium development at the Showgrounds is fully funded and does not require external investment. The Society will remain a 100 per cent member-owned co-operative.

Match night sponsor: Alert Fire Protection, Sligo

Match ball sponsor: Kilfree Limited.

The Showgrounds hosts Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup football for the first time in two years this Saturday, as Sligo Rovers take on Kerry FC in a repeat of last year’s dramatic last eight tie at Mounthawk Park.

This third round tie will be the first time Rovers have been at home in four games in this competition after all of last year’s rounds and our 2024 defeat to Drogheda, were played away from home. 

A win for Rovers would put the Bit O’Red in the quarter-finals for the second year running. Last year’s cup run ended with a chastening night for Rovers in Kerry, the hosts reversing a three goal deficit to win the game by a goal. 

Colin Healy’s side are in superb form at the moment, with seven wins from their last ten games, including a penalty shoot-out victory over Shelbourne in the last round. The Kingdom currently sit in sixth in the First Division, lying just outside the play-offs. 

Archie Meekison returns to Rovers’ match-day squad having missed the last two games through suspension. Luke Pearce, a late withdrawal from the Derry game, will be assessed having picked up a muscle injury in the Drogheda game. As will Daire Patton who continues to recover from a bout of appendicitis.

New signings Kaiyne Woolery and Luke Young’s international transfer clearance was approved on Friday and both will be available for selection.

“If previous results affect you then you’re probably in the wrong game”, Darren Purse tells sligorovers.com when pressed on whether or not last year’s result will play on minds ahead of the game. 

“You have to put those bad results to the side. I don’t think that will affect our lads at all in their approach.

“Was it disappointing? Yes. But that’s well gone and now the players prepare for a game which will hopefully see us progress.”

Kerry come into this tie on the back of a defeat to runaway First Division leaders Cork City, a game which they led for 44 minutes until the Rebels equalised and scored two more before the end. 

Purse feels the Green and Gold won’t lack confidence or desire as they look to cause another FAI Cup shock, but is eager for his squad to progress at the weekend and use this game as a confidence booster for games ahead. 

“We watched the Cork game and they’re a good side on a good run”, he says. 

“They’ll come expecting to hit us with another upset but it’s up to us to put to bed what went on last year. 

“We need to build some sort of momentum as quick as we can because we have three really big league games coming up. Winning on Saturday can give us a springboard to go and pick up results in the league.

“When we play a system which sees us nick a couple of results, we’ll know that that is our system. So let’s see how the weekend goes and we’ll take it from there.

“We have more players within the group and that should bring competition and impetus with it to go and do well. If the game goes for us, then we’re on a run of losing just one game in five going into the last round of league fixtures.” 

Kick-off at the Showgrounds is 7.45pm.

David Goulden

Darren Purse has added experience and attacking power to his Sligo Rovers squad with the addition of both Luke Young and Kaiyne Woolery, both of whom have joined the club on deals until the end of the current season.

Young, 33, is an accomplished central midfielder and brings with him to the Bit O’Red, the experience of almost 600 senior career appearances in English football, including time with Wrexham, Plymouth and Cheltenham Town.

While winger Woolery, who can play up top is 31 and arrives at the Showgrounds following spells in the UK, Greece and Turkey.

Both players have signed subject to international transfer clearance and the club is hopeful both will be available for Saturday’s Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup tie with Kerry at the Showgrounds.

A former club captain at Wrexham, Young began his career alongside his new manager Purse and assistant Warren Feeney at Plymouth. Here, all three helped the Pilgrims survive relegation from the football league with two games to spare, despite being nine points adrift mid-way through the season.

Young was a regular feature in the Wexham side which won the National League in 2023 and finished runner-up in League Two a year later.

“He’s had an exceptional career and is someone myself and Warren know really well”, Purse tells sligorovers.com.

“Luke is in our position now when we were at Plymouth given that we were the elder statesmen. It’s not surprising to me how well he’s done in his career and hopefully he can help us do what he, myself and Warren did at Plymouth all those years ago and stay in the division.

“We’ve got some good young talent in our squad but they need some help. Both Luke and Kaiyne are that little but older. I think they’ll help not only the younger boys but also lads like Carl McHugh who is a lone voice a little bit and Gareth McElroy who’s an exceptional young leader and I feel the new boys can bring him on.

“We’ve had a lot of offers of younger players here but I don’t think that’s what we need at this moment. It’s taken a week or two longer to bring them in, but I wasn’t happy with just signing anyone. I want to sign the right ones that give us the best possible chance of getting out of the position we’re in.”

Six points off safety but with a full round of games yet to play, Plymouth native Young says he is keen to repay the trust shown in him by his former team-mates and is ready to go to battle as Rovers attempt to pull off a great escape of our own.

“I know the manager from playing with him at Plymouth when I was a young pro. I was in touch with him shortly after he became boss here and the move came from there”, Young says.

“It’s great to come to a club where you are wanted and Darren knows exactly what I’m like, both as a player and a person. He made it very clear to me that he wanted me at the club and now it’s time for me to prove I’m good enough to earn his trust and that of the fans and club.

“I’ve done my research into the league and the club. I won’t say I know too much about either but I do know it’s a tricky league to play in. It seems any team can beat any team really and to me that is part of the challenge, to be on top of your game every week. I’m looking forward to it.

“We’re obviously not in the best situation in terms of the league table. But we need to hit that challenge full on. I’ve had my experiences with relegation battles and have come out the right end of them. Hopefully my time at Rovers will be no different. Any little bit of help I can give, I will.

“I’ll do my best to squeeze every ounce of experience I have out of myself and drive up standards. I’m here to fight and to try and make sure this club is still in the Premier Division come the winter.”

Winger Woolery is a native of Hackney in London who most recently lined out for League Two side Tranmere Rovers who he assisted in avoiding the drop.

His career spans fifteen or so years and has brought him from England to Motherwell in Scotland and Sakaryaspor in Turkey to Ionikos in Greece.

“He was in a battle with Tranmere last year and we spoke with plenty of people around Tranmere”, Purse says.

“What kept coming back to me was the message that Kaiyne is the sort of person you’d go to war with. And that’s what you want when you’re fighting to stay in a division. He’s experienced, athletic and wants to run in behind. He brings versatility to our front line, which we maybe lack at the moment.”

“I like to play with power, be direct and carry the team up the pitch and play in behind or on the counter”, Woolery states.

“It only takes a few good results and you’re right back in amongst the other teams in the division and that’s what I’m here to help do.

“What’s exciting for me is that anything can happen. We have a full round of games still to go so there’s plenty of time for anything to happen and we’ve got the cup to look forward to.

“I’m delighted to work with Darren as he has so much experience in the game and plays football the way I like to play so I’m excited to see how we can implement his style on our own. Hopefully it works out now and we get back to winning ways.”

David Goulden