Sligo Rovers were left disappointed at the Showgrounds despite coming from behind against Cork City at a wet and windy Showgrounds.

Alex Nolan had given Cork the lead just shy of the hour, but Rovers rallied and restored parity courtesy of Owen Elding’s fifteenth goal of the season.

The Bit O’Red pressed for the winner but were unable to unlock the City defence a second time.

The result means Rovers may need a result at Tallaght Stadium next Saturday to avoid the relegation play-off as ourselves, Waterford and Galway all sit level on points. Galway have a game in hand yet to play, against Shams. While both the Blues and the Tribesmen play each other on the final day. 

There was a sense of expectation amongst the three thousand strong in attendance for this one and Rovers began well.

City stopper Conor Brann was forced into an early save when Rovers’ top-scorer Elding ran on to a smart through ball from James McManus, Elding’s shot lacking the power to worry Brann.

O’Kane and Elding both fashioned further chances, Brann doing well to stop the latter’s bullet effort from the angle on eleven minutes. 

When they settled, the Leesiders did find joy down their right side courtesy of Joshua Fitzpatrick. Paddy McLean had to get in the way of Bolger and Alex Nolan shots after Fitzpatrick caused issues on his flank. While Hakiki’s header from an O’Kane cross was pushed into the air and caught at the first attempt by Brann. 

Elding went close from close range on 20 after trojan work from Will Fitzgerald allowed O’Kane swing a cross towards the young striker. Elding’s reaction said it all as his miss-hit shot from seven yards dribbled past the post. 

Elding’s header from another O’Kane cross then flew narrowly wide before the break as Rovers continued to apply pressure. 

Now craving that opener, Rovers did create the first chance of the second period. Ollie Denham’s header from a Fitzgerald assist dropped in front of the City post before bouncing out of bounds.

Cork however threw a major spanner in the Sligo works on 58 minutes when Nolan lashed his strike beyond the reach of Sam Sargeant after patient build-up play by sub Evan McLaughlin. 

The lead lasted just five minutes. 

Elding picking out the bottom corner from 12 yards for his fifteenth goal of the year after Irish underage international Hakiki was fouled inside the Cork area. 

The Showgrounds thought they had a glorious late winner when substitute Ciaron Harkin found the net, but their bubble was burst by referee Aaron O’Dowd after Cian Kavangh had fouled a Cork defender.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Edwin Agbaje, Ollie Denham, Paddy McClean, Sean Stewart (Ciaron Harkin 70); James McManus (Cian Kavanagh 60), Seb Quirk; Ryan O’Kane, Jad Hakiki, Will Fitzgerald; Owen Elding. 

Cork City: Conor Brann; Fiacre Kelleher, Matthew Kiernan, Freddie Anderson; Greg Bolger (Kaedyn Kamara 61), Sean Murray (Darragh Crowley 37); Joshua Fitzpatrick, Kitt Nelson, Conor Drinan (Charlie Lutz 73); Alex Nolan (Brody Lee 73); Sean Maguire (Evan McLaughlin HT). 

Referee: Aaron O’Dowd

Attendance: 3,060.

David Goulden

John Russell has described Saturday’s game with Cork City as the “biggest game in years” at the Showgrounds as the Bit O’Red host the Rebels in what is our final home game of the season. 

Rovers sit level on points with both Galway United and Waterford with Sligo and the Blues having two games left, while the Tribesmen have three to go. Galway face Drogheda at home on Friday night while Waterford travel to St Pat’s at the same time, 24 hours before Rovers face Cork in Sligo.

United then face Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght on October 29th, three days before the season finishes with Rovers heading to Tallaght and Waterford and Galway set to face off at the RSC at the same time. 

The stakes have never been higher this season and Rovers could give themselves a massive boost with a result against Ger Nash’s outfit on Saturday night, kick-off 7.45pm. 

In team news, John Mahon returns having missed the defeat to Shels in Tolka last week with a foot injury. Winger Ryan O’Kane was ineligible for that game given the terms of his loan deal but is back in contention this weekend. 

As of Friday afternoon, both Sean Stewart and Cian Kavanagh face late fitness tests after both were withdrawn with knocks in Dublin last week. 

Talking to sligorovers.com ahead of the visit of the FAI Cup finalists, manager Russell says his players have been treating this game as any despite the magnitude of the occasion. He knows the importance of a good result on the final night under the Showgrounds’ floodlights and what a big, boisterous crowd can do to aid that. 

“As staff and players, we are consistent in our actions”, he says. 

“We train each week with the view to win the game the weekend coming, be it home or away or against the team at the top or the one at the bottom. 

“We try to win the game and nothing changes this Saturday. 

“Every game we want to win, particularly at home. One thing I’ve noticed as the months have gone on, is that we’re excited about playing each and every week, especially in front of our own fans and with everyone right behind us. Call it a cliché or whatever you want to call it but genuinely, our fans have played such a big part in all our performances this year. 

“They’ve followed us in such big numbers from Tralee to Galway and Derry to Dalymount. Rovers have always had good numbers away from home but we’ve really noticed it this season. One more time, we’re asking that all our supporters come out to the Showgrounds and get behind our boys from the very start on Saturday night. This is the biggest game the club has been involved in, in years. 

“We want and need that noise that will help us perform to our maximum capabilities.” 

Cork will travel north west with a first FAI Cup final on their horizons since 2018. Their relegation is already confirmed, but Russell is expecting anything but a push-over. 

“They won’t be downing tools whatsoever”, he continues. 

“They have a cup final to look forward to, the biggest game of the season. Each and every one of their players will want to be involved at the Aviva and I expect them to come to Sligo all guns blazing. You don’t get many chances to play in a cup final so they’ll all want to impress Ger (Nash) and his staff. 

“I said it a while ago but the battle between ourselves, Waterford and Galway is going to go down to the wire. We haven’t been relying on other teams to pick up results yet this season and this round of games will be no different. We’ll play to win as always and we want to be in as good a place as possible heading into the Shamrock Rovers game.” 

David Goulden

The 500 Club members draw for 500 Club Winners September & October 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.

September 2025

€500 Colm Martin – Kevinsfort, Sligo
€100 Gerard Melly – St. John’s Terrace, Sligo
€100 Gerry Hargadon – Strandhill Road, Sligo
€100 Janet Benson – Strandhill, Sligo
€100 Paul Kivlehan – Ballymote, Sligo
€100 Vincent Nally – Lisnalurg, Sligo
€100 Derek Costello – Rathedmond Estate, Sligo
€100 Oisín Moran – Cook Street, Dublin
€100 Joe McDonagh – Chapel Street, Sligo
€100 Jim Gallagher – Kintogher, Sligo

October 2025

€500 Brian Mulvihill – Killiney, Co. Dublin
€100 Bernie Fowley – Templemore, Co. Tipperary
€100 Brian Drury – Calry, Co. Sligo
€100 Fionn Carty – Ballinfull, Co. Sligo
€100 Martin Finan – High Road, London
€100 Mickey Forde – Enniscrone, Co. Sligo
€100 Barry Rafter – Castletroy, Co. Limerick
€100 Fergal McHugh – Grange, Co. Sligo
€100 Seamus Gilmartin – Grange, Co. Sligo
€100 Eugene Gilgun – Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim

Location: Sligo
Reporting to: Chairman
Travel Requirements: Travel as required for business needs
Date: October 2025

About Sligo Rovers FC

Sligo Rovers Football Club is a community-based club with a rich history and tradition. Founded in 1928, it is the largest football club in the North-West of Ireland, boasting a loyal supporter base. With ambitious growth plans and recent government funding approval, the club is on track to open a state-of-the-art stadium in 2028.

Role Overview

The Commercial Manager will:

• Take ownership of the club’s commercial income and activities
• Manage relationships with all commercial partners and sponsors
• Grow commercial income and sponsorship year-on-year
• Coordinate sponsor-related activities, including meetings, match-day involvement, and marketing campaigns
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure optimal pricing and service
• Support the management committee and club staff in administrative tasks
• Assist with match-day preparation and operational duties
• Undertake ad hoc projects as required

Key Contacts

• Management Committee
• General Manager
• Operations teams and office staff
• Club employees and volunteers

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare an annual plan including profit and loss forecasts for Management Committee approval
• Agree on annual, quarterly, and monthly targets with the Management Committee
• Manage existing sponsors to ensure ongoing support and additional sponsorship revenue
• Conduct business development activities to source new sponsorship opportunities
• Develop a sponsorship tiering model to maximise opportunities
• Secure new business and sponsorship contracts to grow commercial income
• Execute sponsor engagement plans, including quarterly meetings with key sponsors
• Manage supplier relationships and coordinate tasks with sponsors, suppliers, operations, and social media teams
• Oversee invoicing and follow-up on sponsorship and commercial income
• Track income and costs, providing variance explanations and reports
• Maintain a database of sponsors, partners, and suppliers
• Take responsibility for assigned match-day and operational tasks
• Perform people management duties including KPIs, performance reviews, and administrative support
• Conduct ad hoc analysis for profit improvement and negotiate with sponsors and suppliers

Qualifications & Competencies

Education:

• Bachelor’s honours degree in business or a related field preferred but not essential

Skills & Experience:

• Extensive business development track record
• Previous sales experience
• Strong networking and relationship-building abilities
• Proven ability to win new business
• Motivated to exceed sales targets
• Disciplined in administrative tasks and time management
• Ability to work cross-functionally within the organisation and with volunteers
• Strong work ethic

Application

Interested candidates should send their CV to treasurer@sligorovers.com

There was a night of disappointment for Sligo Rovers at Tolka Park as champions Shelbourne overturned a one goal deficit to beat the Bit O’Red by three goals to one.

During a lively opening, it was John Russell’s visitors who deservedly struck for the lead on 19 minutes when Cian Kavanagh smashed a deflected Will Fitzgerald cross into the roof of the Shels net. 

Rovers goalkeeper Sam Sargeant pulled off a string of super saves to deny Shels on several occasions. But a Mipo goal on the half hour was followed by a Paddy McClean own goal and a John Martin insurance strike in added time at the end of the game. 

The result, coupled with Waterford’s defeat to Derry and a win for Galway over Bohs leaves Rovers level on 37 with both sides with Galway having a game in hand. 

Rovers’ final home game of the season takes place on Saturday, October 25th against Cork City at the Showgrounds, before we go to Tallght on the final day one week later. 

Shelbourne: Wessel Speel; Sean Gannon, Lewis Temple, Tyreke Wilson (Kameron Ledwidge h-t); Milan Mbeng (Evan Caffrey h-t), JJ Lunney (Harry Wood 58), Kerr McInroy, Daniel Kelly; Ali Coote (Sean Boyd 63), Jack Henry-Francis; Mipo Odubeko (John Martin 73).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Edwin Agbaje, Ollie Denham,Patrick McClean, Sean Stewart (Kyle McDonagh 80); James McManus (Wilson Waweru 90), Seb Quirk; Owen Elding, Jad Hakiki, Will Fitzgerald; Cian Kavanagh (Ronan Manning h-t).

Referee: Paul Norton.

Precious league points go on offer at Tolka Park this Friday evening as Sligo Rovers face Shelbourne in what is the Bit O’Red’s penultimate game away from home this season, kick-off 7.45pm. 

With three games to go, Rovers are level on points with Waterford and three ahead of Galway, who have one game in hand. 

The Blues host Derry at the RSC while United face Bohemians in Galway at the same time, as all three sides scrap to pick up enough points to avoid the relegation play-off. 

Cork City’s relegation was confirmed earlier this week following defeat to Shels. 

In team news, Rovers head to Dublin without club captain John Mahon who misses out with a foot injury. 

Winger Ryan O’Kane is ineligible due to the terms of his loan from last year’s league champions. 

Manager John Russell has an otherwise fit squad to choose from as of Thursday evening. 

Rovers are yet to pick up a point against Joey O’Brien’s charges this season. While the Drumcondra outfit are in good form ahead of this one following recent wins over champions elect Shamrock Rovers and struggling Cork. 

However, Rovers’ form has been solid recently with just one defeat in our last five. 

“This will be a tough one for us”, Russell says ahead of the game. 

“Shels have been excellent recently and like ourselves are doing all they can to pick up points to reach their targets and have hit some form. 

“Our form against them this season isn’t great but in all three games, we’ve either been level or ahead against them at half time. It’s about focus and concentration and I feel we have improved even further in that regard since we played them last in August. 

“We got caught with a late goal in Derry because we switched off. If we do that in Tolka, it won’t end well for us. 

“Everyone is fighting for points now and although we always want to entertain, it’s in our DNA, we know how critical it is to scrap and squeeze out results. We have huge belief in ourselves that we will be able to do that. 

“It feels a lot like it will all come down to the wire this season and we have to make sure we’re in with a chance of avoiding that playoff spot once the final day comes.”

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers Football Club invites applications for the position of Manager of our Women’s Premier Division first team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a senior side competing at the highest level of the women’s domestic game in Ireland and to play a key role in developing the next generation of elite female players in the North West.

Sligo Rovers is a community-based club with a proud heritage in the League of Ireland. Our women’s football pathway extends from academy to senior level and is built on a commitment to player welfare, and high performance on and off the pitch. The successful candidate will work closely with club leadership, performance staff, and academy coaches to deliver a clear and progressive football philosophy across all age groups.

The Role

The Women’s Team Manager will lead all aspects of the team’s sporting direction, daily operations, and performance management. The role calls for a forward-thinking coach who can combine strong leadership with a genuine passion for developing players and growing the women’s game in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, and review training sessions to enhance individual and team performance.
• Oversee match preparation, opposition analysis, team selection, and in-game strategy.
• Design and implement long-term player development programmes focused on technical, tactical, physical, and mental growth.
• Collaborate with the Sligo Rovers Academy to identify and nurture emerging talent.
• Communicate effectively with players, staff, and club management.
• Work with the club’s performance and medical teams to monitor player welfare, conditioning, and recovery.
• Represent Sligo Rovers professionally in media engagements, community events, and league activities.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance environment consistent with the club’s values.

Essential Criteria

• A valid UEFA A Licence.
• Demonstrable experience in senior coaching or football management.
• Comprehensive understanding of the Women’s Premier Division and the wider Irish football landscape.
• Proven leadership, communication, and organisational skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience developing and integrating academy players into senior football.
• Previous involvement in elite women’s football environments.
• Strong administrative, reporting, and IT skills.

How to Apply

Applications should include:

1. A detailed curriculum vitae (including all relevant coaching qualifications).
2. A short cover letter outlining your coaching philosophy, leadership style, and relevant experience.

Please email applications to academy@sligorovers.com

All applications will be handled in the strictest confidence.

Sligo Rovers can confirm that Steve Feeney has stepped down from his role as Women’s First Team Manager. 

Feeney leaves the Showgrounds following his second stint as boss, guiding Rovers to a tenth placed finish in this year’s Women’s Premier Division. Feeney’s final game in charge was Saturday’s defeat to Athlone Town, the last game of the 2025 season. 

Initially appointed ahead of the Bit O’Red’s first season in competitive senior football back in December 2021, Feeney led Rovers for the next two years, guiding the club to an unprecedented first-ever Women’s FAI Cup semi-final in 2023. 

The Sligo native stepped down from his role a few weeks later, but was re-appointed last winter ahead of the current season. 

Citing family commitments as the main reason for his departure, the former Rovers midfielder told sligorovers.com of his pride having both played and managed at the club. He also mentioned how tough it was for him to step away. 

“I am at a point in my life where I get greater fulfillment and joy being present and my children’s games and activities than being at my own games and missing theirs”, he outlines.

“The season before this, when I wasn’t involved with Rovers, it gave me much more of a chance to be present with them at a lot more. Coming back to Rovers this season, it made me realise how much more I want to be there watching my kids enjoy their sports and their activities. As a manager of a Premier Division side, it just doesn’t allow you the time to do that unfortunately. 

“But it’s been a huge privilege for me to represent Rovers again. I loved playing for the club and loved managing at the club too. It’s always so hard not to stay involved but I will be supporting Rovers at all levels in 2026 and beyond. 

“I’m so grateful for the support I’ve always had from the club, the players, my staff and of course my family. It’s a massive undertaking managing a group of players and a backroom team on top of family life. I also have a full-time job too so it’s been so important for me that my family gives me so much support in everything I do. 

“The club has been fantastic too, throughout both my stints as manager. There are so many good people who work behind the scenes, unbeknownst to the public. Without them, we wouldn’t have Sligo Rovers and the people of Sligo wouldn’t have the great times and memories this club gives them.”

Noted for bringing through a host of players from Rovers’ Abbvie Academy to first team level, Feeney continued in his tireless efforts in further developing local talent this season. 

“There’s so much work done locally here in Sligo and the north west by a lot of really good people who give their time to the game”, Feeney continued. 

“The standard is improving all the time, especially at Rovers. The work the underage coaches do is phenomenal and you can see by how many girls the club has brought through from underage to senior level. 

“There’s a lot going on behind the scenes at the Showgrounds at both men’s and women’s level. If it all works out and with the right people involved, I know the women’s team will continue to grow and thrive. It will not and has not been easy as the league is so tough. But if the right people are backing them, these girls and this club have more than enough in them to have more success at all levels.” 

A player with the club from 2000 to 2010, Feeney was part of the men’s side who achieved promotion from the First Division twenty years ago. He went on to play four more years with the club, featuring in European and cup winning squads. He also played with Monaghan, Galway, Athlone and Ballinamallard. 

“Working with the players, the staff and the club as a whole has been a great joy for me”, Feeney says. 

“It hasn’t happened for us every weekend, but seeing the players show on occasion what they are capable of has been hugely satisfying and I really hope whoever comes in after me can take them on to the next level as they are definitely good enough. 

“The girls have been such a pleasure to work with. I am really looking forward to seeing those girls who broke through this season going on and becoming important, senior players for our club. 

“Geographically, we don’t have the biggest pool of players to pick from that other teams may have. So it’s so vital that the work that’s been done at underage and local league level keeps up as it’s important that these young girls play to a high level locally and then have the belief that they are good enough to play with Rovers when the time comes. This will help us hugely when it comes to competing in the League of Ireland.” 

Acknowledging Feeney’s contribution, Sligo Rovers Chairperson Tommy Higgins said: “We would like to thank Steve for his trojan work throughout the last year and stretching back to when the club joined the women’s Premier Division. Steve has played a huge part in the establishment and development of Sligo Rovers within women’s football across all levels and the club is forever grateful for his input. We wish him and his family all the best going forward.” 

The process of appointing a new women’s first team manager will soon get underway and the club will update supporters in due course. 

David Goulden 

Athlone Town Stadium, 11 October 2025

Sligo Rovers faced a tough outing at Athlone Town, conceding four first-half goals despite strong resistance from goalkeeper Bonnie McKiernan. Early strikes from Madie Gibson and Kelly Brady set the tone, with Hannah Waesch and Gibson adding to the tally before half-time. Rovers showed resilience after the break, with McKiernan producing a series of crucial saves to keep the scoreline from rising further. Substitutions refreshed the side, but Athlone maintained control, securing the WPD trophy as Rovers finish 10th in the league.

Line-ups

Athlone Town: Megan Plaschko, Kellie Brennan, Kayleigh Shine, Shauna Brennan (Israela Groves 65, Natalie McNally, Hannah Waesch (C), Kelly Brady, Roisin Molloy (Chloe Singleton 80), Emma Mooney, Madison Gibson, Kate Slevin (Sarah Rice 65)

Substitutes: Maria Matthaiou, Chloe Singleton, Israela Groves, Kerryane Brown, Alexis Strickland, Aoife O’Connor, Hazel Donegan, Lucy Fitzgerald, Sarah Rice

Sligo Rovers: Bonnie McKiernan, Sarah Kiernan, Emma Hansberry (C) (Cara King 46), Paula McGrory, Eimear Lafferty (Louise Masterson 90), Alana Doherty, Bernie Ferreira (Anna McDaniel 46), Alice Lillie (Sarah McDaniel 46), Kate Nugent, Rachel McGoldrick (Ciara Henry 87), Ava Hallinan

Substitutes: Louise Masterson, Ciara Henry, Eve Caprani, Amy McCarthy, Mairead McIntyre, Natasha Kelly, Cara King, Sarah McDaniel, Anna McDaniel

Referee: Ryan Maher | Attendance: 708

Sligo Rovers endured a difficult afternoon at Athlone Town, falling behind within the first minute when Gurteen native Roisin Molloy’s precise cross found Madie Gibson, who finished confidently to give the hosts an early lead after 44 seconds. Just seven minutes later, Kelly Brady scored an impressive finish, outpacing Kate Nugent to chip Bonnie McKiernan and double Athlone’s advantage.

Rovers began to settle but struggled to create clear openings. Molloy’s 15th-minute cross was comfortably caught by McKiernan, who was soon called into action again, making two close-range saves from Brady and Emma Mooney in the 19th minute. Athlone continued to dominate, with Hannah Waesch, recently named Women’s Player of the Month, firing a 30-yard strike under the bar in the 26th minute to make it 3–0. A further blow followed in the 32nd minute as Gibson scored directly from a corner.

Athlone Town looked to stretch their league advantage even further, with Molloy narrowly missing from a yard out in the 40th minute, and Mooney and Brady both hitting the bar seconds later. The first half ended with Athlone firmly in control, 4–0 up at the break.

The second half saw a triple substitution at the break, with Anna McDaniel, Sarah McDaniel, and Cara King coming on to refresh the side. Katie Slevin had a clear chance in the 54th minute, but Bonnie McKiernan was in outstanding form, producing a series of crucial saves, including multiple stops from leading scorer Kelly Brady, keeping the scoreline from worsening. McKiernan’s performance was the standout feature of the second half, repeatedly denying Athlone.

Ciara Henry made her first appearance since May 2024, returning to action off the bench in the 87th minute after a long-term injury layoff, receiving a warm reception as she rejoined the squad on the pitch.

Sligo Rovers finish 10th in the WPD. Athlone Town now focus on next week’s FAI Sports Direct Cup final against Bohemian FC, and congratulations to them on winning the WPD title for the 2025 season.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers travel to Athlone Town Stadium on Saturday, 11 October, to take on newly crowned champions Athlone Town in their final Women’s Premier Division fixture of the season. The match is one of five kicking off at 16:30 and will be broadcast live on TG4.

Both sides come into the game on the back of defeats. Peamount United’s Eleanor Ryan Doyle came off the bench to score the only goal in the 87th minute during a 1-0 win at Greenogue Park. Rovers, meanwhile, were edged out 3-2 by DLR Waves in a closely contested game at the Showgrounds, played in testing rainy conditions.

Despite suffering similar results last weekend, the circumstances are quite different for both sides heading into this fixture. With the league campaign drawing to a close, both teams will be playing for pride. Last Saturday’s defeat to DLR Waves all but confirms a 10th-place finish for Sligo Rovers. Athlone Town, in contrast, will celebrate lifting the Women’s Premier Division trophy at full-time. They will also have one eye on next weekend’s Women’s FAI Cup final against Bohemian FC at Tallaght Stadium.

Steve Feeney’s side will be without defender Katie Melly, who is suspended following a straight red card for a challenge outside the box, despite cover from her teammates. On a positive note, Sarah Kiernan made her return to the squad last weekend, providing a boost ahead of the season finale.

Rovers will also debut their pink Breast Cancer Awareness kit for Saturday’s fixture. The jerseys, along with exclusive merchandise, are being sold by the club throughout October to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with all proceeds going directly to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

Kick-off is at 16:30 on Saturday at Athlone Town Stadium. Watch all the action live on TG4.

Jack Dempsey