Darren Purse says Friday’s game with Shelbourne will afford further opportunities to both his younger and fringe players to put themselves in with a chance of being part of his Sligo Rovers squad for next season. 

The Bit O’Red travel to Tolka Park, kick-off 7.45pm, eleven points off the rest of the league with four games to go, meaning Rovers will more than likely play First Division football in 2027. 

But whilst attempting to see out what’s been a challenging 2026 in as positive a fashion as is possible, Purse is already planning for next season regardless of division status. 

“If you look at the teams I’ve put out the last few games, you’ll see we’re looking at next season”, he tells sligorovers.com. 

“For me, it’s all about the performances. You look at the St Pat’s game where we ran them close. It was a game of two chances with Jack (Shorrock) and Aidan Keena and they took theirs. But that’s the story of the season when you look at the number of goals we’ve scored. 

“Players have to back themselves and put themselves in the picture to earn a contract for 2027 and go and be involved in a side that gets us back up.”

Purse says there has been a steady build up to Friday’s game, with the players afforded a small break after the Pat’s game, before returning to a ‘mini pre-season’. 

There were a few less experienced players who were unable to attend the full course of training such as Aidan Gabbidon, Charlie McGarvey and Jamie O’Donnell who were all on international duty with Ireland at their respective age grades. 

Purse was delighted to see the talent from our Abbvie Academy be recognised on an international stage, all which bodes well for the future. While he is hopeful that a few players will return from injury in time for Friday night. “We didn’t have a few of the boys because they were off on international duty and that’s a great thing in this context”, he continues. 

“It’s great that they’ve got recognition for how well they’ve done for the 20s and you’ve seen a few of them stepping up around the first team. From that point of view, it’s been pleasing. 

“I’ve watched a lot of those lads with the 20s and they’ve been in with the first team too. It was great to see that when I put them in, they back up your decision with performances. They’re somewhat learning on the job but they’re learning quickly. 

“We gave the lads a few days off as we’ve been struggling a bit with injuries. We’ve been trying to get one or two back fit and then we’ve had a bit of a mini pre-season which has been fantastic for the players. There’s been plenty of hard work put into the players. 

“We’ll have a few back. Seb Quirk is a possibility and he’s back in training which is great news for us. We’re hopeful he’ll be available.”

Purse also confirmed that midfielder Trey George’s time at the club has been cut short due to injury. 

The 20-year-old Welshman has returned to parent club Cardiff City having appeared six times for the club since coming in on loan in the late summer. 

“Trey’s hamstring injury was a big one and he was never going to be right between now and the end of our season”, Purse outlines. 

“It was the right thing to do, to let him go back to Cardiff and do his rehab there.”

 The Rovers boss also hinted that goalkeeper Liam Hughes will see out the rest of the year as first choice stopper, both to test him out and allow regular ‘keeper Sam Sargeant recover from a knock. 

“Liam’s really stepped up”, he says. 

“Sam has had a niggly shoulder which he was playing with but he’s taken himself out as he wants to get it right as the season comes to the close. That’s also why we have Charlie (McGarvey) on the bench recently. He’s another good, young promising player. 

“We needed to have a look at Liam. The position we’re in right now, it gives us a chance to look at him. There’s a little rustiness in him, as before I came in, he hadn’t kicked a ball. He’s slowly building in stature in training and games and he’ll only grow in the games he plays in in the next few weeks.”

Looking ahead to what is Rovers’ penultimate fixture away from the Showgrounds for 2026, Purse is expecting a tough tussle by the Tolka as Shels look for a second league win under former Sligo boss John Russell. 

He says: “John probably hasn’t got the results that their performances have warranted.

“But they look to play and play forward. It’s going to be tough but you look at the money some of the clubs in this division spend and you’ll see it was always going to be tough for us. But we’ll go to Dublin and give our best account of ourselves.” 

David Goulden

BY CONALL COLLIER 

Missed opportunities were key as a second-half goal from Gracie Dunaway for Sligo Rovers was cancelled by Treaty’s Emma Oliphant in a 1-1 Women’s Premier Division draw at the Showgrounds on Saturday.

The point sustains an outside chance of a top four finish for the Bit O’Red with a must-win assignment at Tallaght Stadium on Saturday 17th October next on the agenda before the final game of the season against Peamount Utd a week later.

Bit O’Red boss Gavin Hughes made one change to the starting line up from the 2-2 draw against Wexford a fortnight ago with Leah Kelly starting in place of Sabrina Hillyer.

There was also a return to action for Keeva Flynn for the first time since she sustained a serious injury against Wexford at the Showgrounds in July 2025. The talented defender replaced Leah Kelly with 15 minutes remaining.
Treaty made three changes from the 1-0 win against Peamount with Fiona Doherty, Aine Walsh and Madison McGuane all starting.

This was a disappointing result for a Sligo Rovers side that dominated for the majority of the 90 minutes, but were unable to convert some excellent chances into goals and could have lost the game if Bonnie McKiernan hadn’t produced an excellent save a minute from time.

Gracie Dunaway had the Bit O’Red on the front foot as early as the fourth minute, but dragged her shot wide of the far post. Emma Duffy was next to test the Treaty ‘keeper with a good effort and Dunaway peppered the visitor’s goalmouth for the remainder of the half.

Treaty relied on the counter attack and Eva Loftus was denied by a smart Bonnie McKiernan as the teams went in scoreless at the break.

Cara Jordan went close for Sligo Rovers on two occasions early in the second-half before Gracie Dunaway eventually found the net in the 50th minute after Gio Dionicio did the spadework.

Treaty raised the tempo briefly and were back on terms 16 minutes later from a solid Emma Oliphant strike, but the hosts had plenty of chances subsequently to seal the victory.

There was a penalty claim waved away on 77 minutes and soon after Gracie Dunaway was denied in a one-on-one with Treaty ‘keeper Emma Jones while Gio Dionicio also had a chance, but it was that smart Bonnie McKiernan save a minute from time that was crucial.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie, Leah Kelly, Alana Doherty, Ella Karolak, Cara Jordan, Emma Duffy, Gracie Dunaway, Olivia Rush, Gio Dionicio, Anna McDaniel. Subs – Keeva Flynn for Kelly and Sarah McCaffrey for McDaniel both 75 mins.

Treaty Utd – Emma Jones; Grace McInerney, Kyah Coady, Emma Oliphant, Kate Jones, Madison McGuane, Katie Lawlee, Aibhlinn Cotter, Eva Loftus, Fiona Doherty, Áine Walsh. Sub – Ciara Breslin for Walsh 55 mins

Referee – Michael Connolly.
Assistant-referees – Paudie Hayes, Oisin Walsh.
Fourth official – Mark Patchell.

The Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust will host a special Masked Singer fundraiser this Saturday evening, with the event getting underway at 6.30pm.

The fundraiser will bring together Sligo Rovers supporters and members of the wider community for an evening of music, entertainment and mystery.

A number of performers will take to the stage behind masks, with those in attendance challenged to identify the people behind the disguises. The identities of the performers are being kept secret, ensuring plenty of intrigue throughout the evening.

Hosted by the Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust, the event will also raise valuable funds while providing an opportunity for supporters and friends of Sligo Rovers to come together and enjoy what promises to be a memorable night.

With the mystery performers set to take centre stage, attendees will have the chance to put their detective skills to the test and see if they can correctly identify who is behind each mask.

The Masked Singer fundraiser takes place this Saturday at 6.30pm, with supporters encouraged to come along and support the Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust and Sligo Rovers.

Tickets are available here

Sligo Rovers held a Special General Meeting (SGM) at the Clayton Hotel this evening, where well in excess of 200 members voted on a proposal to restructure the club.

Members voted near-unanimously in favour of the proposed restructuring.

A second SGM will take place on 14 October, when members will be asked to confirm approval of the proposal.

The club thanks all members who attended and participated in this important process.

Two superb Cara Jordan equalisers earned Sligo Rovers a fully‑deserved point on Saturday evening as the Bit O’Red drew 2–2 with Wexford at Ferrycarrig Park. It was a performance built on resilience, character and no shortage of quality, even if manager Gavin Hughes will feel his side did enough to take all three points.

Wexford struck early, capitalising on a sluggish Sligo start. After just four minutes, Emma Bucci found space at the back post and headed home unmarked to give the hosts the lead. It was a disappointing concession, but Rovers responded well and gradually took control of the first half.

Their best spell came around the half‑hour mark when Gio Dionicio went close, and moments before the interval she was denied by the crossbar after a brilliant effort that had the goalkeeper beaten. Sligo’s pressure was growing, and the equaliser felt inevitable.

Wexford began the second half brightly, with Leah McGrath denied by Bonnie McKiernan and Courtney Chochol firing narrowly wide. At the other end, Sligo created a golden chance on 66 minutes when Gracie Dunaway found herself through on goal, but she couldn’t convert.

The breakthrough finally arrived on 73 minutes. A determined run down the wing from Alice Lillie opened space inside the box, and Cara Jordan finished superbly to level the game. It was no more than Sligo deserved.

Parity, however, lasted less than four minutes. A bout of penalty‑area pinball ended with Chochol reacting quickest to restore Wexford’s lead, punishing some slack defending.

But Sligo’s response was immediate. Just three minutes later, Jordan stepped up again – this time from the penalty spot – and calmly slotted home her second of the evening to make it 2–2. Two goals, two moments of composure, and a reminder of her growing influence in the side.

Wexford pushed late on, but McKiernan produced another excellent save to deny Chochol with two minutes remaining. The game was paused in the 90th minute when Sabrina Hillyer suffered an injury in a collision and had to be assisted off, but seven minutes of added time produced no further goals.

It was a battling, spirited display from Sligo Rovers – one built on teamwork, hard work and the refusal to fold under pressure. Jordan’s brace rightly takes the headlines, but the collective effort was just as important.

Wexford: O’Sullivan; Carson, Bucci, Dwyer, McGrath; Rossiter, Smyth‑Lynch, Olive, Roche, De Mange; Chochol.
Subs: Gray (60), Whelan (73), Fleming (73).

Sligo Rovers: McKiernan; Lillie, Duffy, Hillyer, Karolak; Rush, Dunaway (Hallinan 73), E. Duffy (Hansberry 82); Jordan, Dionicio, McDaniel (McCaffrey 82).
Sub: Glynn (90).

Referee: Oisín Walsh.

Annual Draw raises €152,330 for Sligo Rovers

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that our 2026 Annual Draw has raised an incredible €152,330, with all funds raised going directly towards running the club.

The draw took place at half-time during our match against St Patrick’s Athletic at the Showgrounds. Congratulations to Laura McManus from Leitrim Village, who won the top prize of €5,000, and to all our prize winners listed below.

A special thank you goes to our dedicated volunteers, who spent the summer travelling throughout the North West, knocking on doors and selling tickets. The time and effort they put into the Annual Draw is invaluable, and this total would not have been possible without their commitment.

We would also like to thank everyone who purchased a ticket. Your support makes a real difference to the day-to-day running of Sligo Rovers, and this response once again reflects the generosity of our supporters and the wider community.

2026 Annual Draw winners

1. Laura McManus, Leitrim Village, Co. Leitrim
   €5,000 cash prize.
2. Sean Gallagher, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim
   €1,000 cash prize.
3. Patrick Leonard, Carney, Co. Sligo
   Two nights’ bed and breakfast with an evening meal for two at Breaffy House Resort, Castlebar.
4. Brendan Queenan, Castletown, Easkey, Co. Sligo
   Two nights’ bed and breakfast for two at the Wyatt Hotel, Westport.
5. Freddie Brennan, Achonry, Co. Sligo
   One night’s bed and breakfast for two at the Clayton Hotel, Liffey Valley.
6. Dolores Marren, c/o Michael Toolin
   One night’s bed and breakfast for two at the Waterford Marina Hotel.
7. Rose Horan, Cummeen, Strandhill Road, Sligo
   A 52-inch Walker TV, sponsored by Broderick’s Electrical, Castlebar/Westport.
8. Donald McDonagh, St Edward’s Terrace, Sligo
   A €200 Kate’s Kitchen voucher.
9. Kevin Deerage, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo
   A €200 Elverys voucher.
10. Enda Scanlon, Ballincar, Rosses Point, Co. Sligo
    A €200 Ticketmaster voucher.

Thank you to our prize sponsors and to everyone who helped make this year’s Annual Draw such a success.

Sligo Rovers were narrowly beaten by title chasers and league leaders St Patrick’s Athletic at the Showgrounds, although the result could have swung in the opposite direction with a little more luck on Darren Purse’s team’s side. 

Aidan Keena found the game’s only goal as a star-studded Saints returned to the Premier Division summit. The former Rovers striker making the most of a rare blot on Liam Hughes’ copy-book when the stand-in goalkeeper spilled an Anthony Olusanya shot into the path of Keena who couldn’t miss from close range. 

The Bit O’Red did have opportunities in this one and defended well against the Dubliners. The aforementioned Hughes pulled out really impressive stops to deny both Sean Hoare and match-winner Keena in the first half. 

While this game was decided within the space of a short moment in the second half. 

Joey Anang’s reactions saw him divert a Jack Shorrock effort onto his crossbar on 74, a chance which could have won the game for Sligo, seconds before Keena’s goal at the far end. 

Rovers now have a three week break before our trip to Tolka Park to face Shelbourne on October 9th. 

Sligo Rovers: Liam Hughes; Aidan Gabbidon, Gareth McElroy, Carl McHugh (Ollie Denham 79), Sean Stewart (Kevin Zefi 79); Rueben Gillespie, James McManus (Kaiyne Woolery 62), Luke Young; Archie Meekison, Jack Shorrock (Kyle McDonagh 79), Cian Kavanagh (Luke Pearse 70). 

St Patrick’s Athletic: Joe Anang; Luke Turner, Sean Hoare (Sean McHale 77), Joe Redmond, Anto Breslin (Jay McClelland 59); Barry Bagley (Chris Forrester 66), Jamie Lennon; Zach Elbouzedi, Ryan Sheridan (Darragh Nugent 77); Aidan Keena, Ryan Edmondson (Anthony Olusanya 59).  

Referee: Arnie Hunter.

Attendance: 2,189. 

Match day sponsor: Foley’s Bar, Sligo. 

Match ball sponsor: Sligo branch of the Manchester United Supporters Club. 

Darren Purse has outlined how important it is for him to take a look at both fringe and younger players within his squad as title chasing St Patrick’s Athletic come to town this Saturday, kick-off at the Showgrounds is 7.45pm. 

Eleven points adrift with five games to go, Purse has reiterated his desire for his side to keep plugging away in the search for points. 

Maintaining our Premier Division status looks a challenge unlikely to be succeeded at this point and with a nod to next season, Purse says it’s important to take a look at the likes of recent debutants Liam Hughes, Aidan Gabbidon and Reuben Gillespie. 

Ballina man Gillespie didn’t look out of place in midfield on his first senior appearance in Drogheda. 

While Hughes and Gabbidon also had a taste of first team action, on Monday against Galway. 

“If we’re going to prep for next season, whatever league we’re in, I need to look at players and give them opportunities”, Purse explains. 

“You won’t know unless you give them the chance. 

“With the likes of three boys, we have a good idea of where they are at now and blooding young lads shows me where I need to look recruitment wise for next season. 

“We have a few players out for Saturday so it gives us a chance to see the fringe players and as I say, it helps to plan for next year in terms of who we want to stay on and where we need to strengthen. 

“I had hoped to have a few back last week but for one reason or other, they’re not quite ready.

“That’s just where we’re at. But I don’t think we’ll have too many back for Pat’s.”

Stephen Kenny’s Saints go into this weekend’s game top of the league following a trouncing of Dundalk at Oriel Park on Monday. 

They have one game extra played in comparison to fellow hopefuls Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians and Purse knows what his players are up against as the Dubliners look to keep ahead of their neighbours and rivals. 

“They’re similar to someone like Bohs, where they are very good in possession and can really hurt you with their quality and we need to be alive to that. 

“If we perform to the levels that we performed at on Monday, then we give ourselves a chance. 

“We have five games left now so I just want us to give it a go. 

“The levels need to be maintained and I think we get the rub of the green, we’ll win games. 

“If penalty decisions go our way at either end of the field on Monday, then you’re looking at a different game.”

After Saturday’s game comes a three week break which also encompasses the international break. 

“It gives us time to recover and for players to show they’re fit and willing to fight to get into the team”, Purse continues. 

“We’ll asses where we are after Saturday and I think the players will have some time off. 

“You look at how small our squad is, players need it. But it also gives us a chance to put in some good work and try and make a real fist of the last few games.” 

David Goulden 

Quotes courtesy of Ryan Davey. 

BY CONALL COLLIER

Gracie Dunaway’s 21^st minute goal was sufficient to give Sligo Rovers a hard-earned 1-0 Women’s Premier Division victory against Shelbourne in front of the TG4 cameras at the Showgrounds on Saturday.

Gio Dionicio picked up the player-of-the-match award, but it was a real determined team effort over the 90 minutes with Bonnie McKiernan, Sabrina Hillyer, Olivia Rush and Ella Karolak driving the team forward.

Bit O’Red boss Gavin Hughes made one change from the team that defeated Cork City last weekend with Alice Lillie returning to the starting 11 for Ava Hallinan.

Shelbourne made three changes to the team that got the better of DLR Waves with Mya Sanchez returning between the posts for Jenna Willoughby while Alex Kavanagh and Jess Gargan also started for Nia Hannon and Halle Harcourt.

Sligo Rovers dictated the early exchanges with chances for both Gio Dionicio and Gracie Dunaway, but Shelbourne absorbed the pressure, settled into the game and appeared happy to contain the hosts.

That plan unravelled in the 21^st minute when Gracie Dunaway gained possession and her shot from outside the Shelbourne penalty area dropped under the crossbar at the far post for a merited lead goal.

Soon after Anna McDaniel had a chance to extend the lead, but from close range she fired into the side netting.

The Bit O’Red continued to push forward, but Shelbourne finished the half on the front foot without finding an equaliser.

Shelbourne the. resumed the second-half smartly with Maeve Wollmer going close twice on 54 and 56 minutes, but  Cara Jordan kept the Dublin women alert when narrowly wide on the hour at the other end.

Shelbourne continued to chase an equaliser and Bonnie McKiernan saved smartly again from Wollmer on 73 minutes and for the remainder, the Bit O’Red stood strong holding on for a victory that moved them into fourth place.  

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie, Ella Karolak, Alana Doherty, Sabrina Hillyer, Emma Duffy, Cara Jordan, Gracie Dunaway, Olivia Rush, Gio Dionicio, Anna McDaniel.

Subs – Mairead McIntyre for McDaniel 72 mins, Rachel McGoldrick for Dionicio 92m.

Shelbourne – Mya Sanchez; Leah Doyle, Pearl Slattery, Alex Kavanagh, Kate Mooney, Kate Mooney, Isabella Flocchini, Maeve Wollmer, Jessica Gargan, Aoife Kelly, Maggie Pierce, Olivia Damico. 

Subs – Brianne Severns for Mooney 72 mins, Nia Hannon for Damico 80m. 

Referee – Robert Dowling.

Assistant-referees – Richard Storey, Eric Eaton.

Fourth official – Arnold Hunter. 

Darren Purse says the belief he and his staff have in his squad is unwavering ahead of what is a pivotal four days in Sligo Rovers’ season.

Five points adrift at the foot of the Premier Division table, Rovers face second from bottom Drogheda United at Sullivan and Lambe Park on Friday at 7.45pm. While Galway United are the visitors to the Showgrounds on Monday night, for what will be the fourth and final Connacht derby of 2026. 

Seven games remain as Purse looks to maintain Rovers’ presence in the top flight, a run stretching back two decades. Only the never relegated St Pat’s and Bohs have a better current run in the division. 

Friday’s trip to Louth will also be our fourth meeting with Kevin Doherty’s side and a second for Purse who took charge at the Showgrounds for the first time against United back in July. That game ended in late heartbreak as Drogs snatched a late equaliser to deny Sligo a much needed win.

But Purse says he sees it in his team, the chance of a big weekend. He’s also hopeful that he’ll have a few players back, after there were some forced absentees for the cup defeat to Waterford last Friday. 

“We’ll prepare for these two games the same as any game gone by”, he tells sligorovers.com. 

“We’ll be looking to go and win both games, the way we have done in every other game since I’ve been here. 

“Until it’s mathematically impossible for us to get out of it, then I will never say it’s over. 

“But starting Friday, that is such a big game for us and we need to come out with three points. Not a game has gone by that the players haven’t given me everything they have. They haven’t finished a game where they haven’t battled, haven’t tried. 

“Some of the teams we’ve played against have had that bit more quality, yes. But from an endeavour and intensity point of view, I think my players have been fantastic pros.  

“I think there’ll be one or two who missed out recently who should be back. We certainly should have a stronger bench than last week to change the game should we need to. So this week was about trying to manage the players’ work loads ahead of what’s going to be a hectic weekend. 

“We have two games now in four days and it’s about trying to put out the best possible side for both those games.”

The former Millwall and West Brom defender is under little illusion in terms of what is needed for a side who are without a league win since May, to go and win twice in four days. But Purse’s motivation to prove the doubters wrong and achieve something truly remarkable is driving him and his players on.  

“It’s going to take a lot of hard work, grit, determination and intensity but I believe we’ve got it in us”, he booms. 

“The players are in good form. I know the results don’t say it, but performance wise, they have shown what they can do but they need to produce starting Friday night. 

“Drogheda would be happy walking out of the ground with a draw Friday. That doesn’t mean they’ll look to play for it, I’m sure they’ll look to win and extend their lead. 

“So we need to be on it and I believe if our players play to the levels they can, we have enough in this squad that can win in Drogheda and do the same against Galway. If we can do that, then by Monday night, we’ll be looking at a different scenario than the one we’re in right now.

“If I’m lucky enough to keep us in the Premier Division, it’d be up there with some of my best achievements. I’ve been lucky enough to have some really great experiences in football. But that career is done and if I can pass on my experiences to these players and give them the best possible chance to achieve something, then that would be incredible. 

“But I always back myself, my staff and my players and I really do believe that we have enough in this group to get us out of it and hopefully that starts this weekend.” 

David Goulden