Sligo Rovers will be on the road once again in the Club Orange Women’s FAI Cup, with an away quarter‑final tie against Galway United confirmed following last yesterday’s draw. It will be the Bit O’Red’s second successive away fixture in this year’s competition, coming on the back of the impressive second‑round victory over Waterford at the RSC last Saturday.

This upcoming clash will also mark Sligo Rovers’ 10th appearance in the Women’s FAI Cup since entering the competition in 2022 — a journey that has already produced memorable moments, milestones, and a growing Cup pedigree.

The club’s first scheduled FAI Cup match was set for July 2022 against Douglas Hall of Cork, but the visitors did not travel to the Showgrounds, resulting in a walkover. That meant Rovers’ first actual Cup outing came a month later in a quarter‑final at Dalymount Park, where Bohemians emerged 3–1 winners.

The breakthrough Cup victory arrived in 2023, and it came in emphatic fashion — an 11–0 win over Donegal side Bonagee United. That result propelled Sligo Rovers into the semi‑finals for the first time, where they were defeated by Athlone Town. Remarkably, the Bit O’Red repeated that achievement in 2024, once again reaching the last four and once again falling to Athlone Town.

Last season brought a setback, with DLR Waves eliminating Rovers in the opening round. But across their nine Cup games to date, Sligo Rovers have recorded five wins, demonstrating steady progress and a growing ability to compete deep into the competition.

The draw for this year’s quarter‑finals was conducted by FAI Head of Women’s and Girls’ Football Lizzy Kent and FAI President Paul Cooke, setting up an exciting weekend of fixtures scheduled for Saturday 1st / Sunday 2nd August.

Alongside Sligo Rovers’ trip to Galway, the remaining ties promise plenty of intrigue:

• Douglas Hall v Cork City
• Athlone Town v Shamrock Rovers
• Bohemians v Shelbourne

For Sligo Rovers, the challenge is clear — a difficult away day against a strong Galway United side. But Cup football has its own rhythm, its own energy, and its own possibilities. With momentum from the Waterford win and a history of rising to the occasion in knockout competitions, the Bit O’Red will travel with belief, determination, and the ambition to reach yet another semi‑final.

The academy enjoyed another hugely positive weekend, with every squad giving a strong account of themselves in the latest round of fixtures. There were standout performances across the board, as the teams showed resilience, quality and determination to secure important results. From hard-earned victories to encouraging displays, it was another weekend that highlighted the progress being made throughout the academy.

U20 | Derry City 2–3 Sligo Rovers

It was another impressive afternoon for the U20s as a Callum Lynch hat-trick inspired Rovers to a deserved victory away to Derry City on Saturday.

Buoyed by last week’s first win of the season, the lads travelled full of confidence and made a bright start, creating plenty of positive attacking opportunities.

The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute when 18-year-old Callum Lynch found the net. Just ten minutes later, Lynch doubled both his tally and Rovers’ lead with a composed finish beyond the City goalkeeper.

The hosts responded quickly, pulling a goal back from the penalty spot just four minutes later, but Rovers were soon handed a penalty of their own. There was only ever going to be one taker, and Lynch calmly converted to complete a first-half hat-trick right on the stroke of half-time.

The second half was a much tighter affair, with both sides defending far better than they had before the break. Aside from a Derry City consolation goal, chances were few and far between as Rovers stood firm to secure all three points.

The result lifts the boys into fourth place in the table, just one point off the top, as they continue their strong start to the campaign.

U17 | Longford Town 0–4 Sligo Rovers

It was an enjoyable Sunday afternoon at Bishopsgate for the boys as they produced one of their best performances of the season to move to the top of the league.

The lads were determined to make it back-to-back wins and made the perfect start when Ryan Cunningham opened the scoring in the eighth minute. Donnacha Malone soon added a second to put Rovers firmly in control.

The boys continued to dominate, creating chance after chance and keeping the pressure on the hosts. Their efforts were rewarded before the break with an own goal, before Gibbons added a fourth to send Rovers into half-time with a commanding 4-0 lead.

While the first half was full of attacking football, the second period was a much tighter contest. Both sides were more organised defensively, limiting the number of chances as the score remained unchanged.

The result sees the boys climb to the top of the table, where they remain unbeaten and full of confidence heading into the next round of fixtures.

U14 | Finn Harps 3–3 Sligo Rovers

The U14s travelled to Killygordon Academy Grounds on Sunday and continued the recent trend of entertaining games across the academy.

The boys made a bright start and took the lead when striker Gethins finished calmly past the Finn Harps goalkeeper. Ivers-Brehony doubled the advantage ten minutes later to put Rovers 2-0 up inside the opening 20 minutes.

The lads defended brilliantly for the remainder of the first half and went into the break with a deserved two-goal lead.

The second half, however, didn’t quite go to plan. Finn Harps fought their way back into the game with two well-taken goals to level the scores with 15 minutes remaining.

It never looked like finishing 2-2, with both teams throwing everything at it in search of a winner. Substitute Maye looked to have won it for Rovers when he powered home a header with just ten minutes to play.

Unfortunately, the hosts were awarded a penalty with only two minutes remaining, and it was calmly converted by the Harps striker to make it 3-3. The boys can be very pleased with a hard-earned point away from home after another committed performance.

WU17 | Finn Harps 3–0 Sligo Rovers

It wasn’t the result the girls were hoping for on a frustrating afternoon in Donegal.

After taking four points from their opening two games, the girls went into the match full of confidence but found themselves two goals behind at the break after the hosts struck twice in the first half.

Despite creating some good opportunities and producing some nice passages of play after the interval, the girls were unable to find a way back into the game as the hosts held on for the three points.

The result leaves Rovers sitting third in the table, just one point off top spot, with plenty still to play for in the weeks ahead.

Tom Lavery

BY CONALL COLLIER

Sligo Rovers enjoyed a visit to the RSC on Saturday for the second round of the Women’s FAI Cup where they recorded a a hard-earned victory 2-1 victory against hosts Waterford.

On the back of a six-game Women’s Premier Division unbeaten sequence, the Bit O’Red went into this encounter with new signing Sarah McCaffrey handed her first start.

First-half goals from Sydney Stephens and Anna McDaniel in the opening 15 minutes gave the Bit O’Red a 2-0 interval advantage, but Lauren Egbuloniu pulled one back for Waterford three minutes into the second-half.

Sligo Rovers started well and Sarah McCaffrey had a good effort saved by Maeve Williams in the sixth minute, but the Waterford net-minder was beaten three minutes later when Sydnay Stephens raced clear and placed the ball in the corner.

Anna McDaniel extended the lead with a well-taken goal on 15 minutes and it could have been three on 28 minutes when Cara Jordan brought a good save out of Williams.

Waterford never really threatened for the remainder of the half, but were quickly out of the traps for the second-half with Egbuloniu reducing the deficit when she pounced on a rebound from Mia Lenihan’s corner.

Neither side created any clear-cut chances subsequently until added time when Waterford went close, but the Bit O’Red weathered the late storm.

Waterford – Maeve Williams; Kiara Burke, Meadhbh Doherty, Danielle Burke, Chloe Atkinson, Olivia Shannon, Lauren Egbuloniu, Mia Lenehan, Izzy Walsh, Caroline Carley, Ruby Norris. 

Subs – Kaytlin Conroy for K Burke and Stephanie Dumevi both half-time, Fiana Bradley for Shannon 67 mins, Cliodhna Malone for Carley and Aisling Mahony for D Burke 87m.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie, Sabrina Hillyer, Alana Doherty, Ella Karolak, Emma Duffy, Sarah McCaffrey, Cara Jordan, Sydney Stephens, Anna McDaniel, Cara King. Subs – Ava Hallinan for Hillyer and Paula McGrory for McCaffrey both 66 mins, Rachel McGoldrick for McDaniel 89m

Referee – Ryan Maher.

Assistant – referees – Simon Drislande, Paul Braganza.

John Russell has added to his attacking options ahead of an important few weeks for Sligo Rovers, with the arrival of striker Jamie McGonigle to the Showgrounds from NIFL Premiership side Coleraine.

The experienced centre-forward joins on loan until the end of the current season, subject to international transfer clearance. This is Russell’s second acquisition of the summer following the signing of Jamie O’Donnell last week.

McGonigle’s move comes at a pivotal time for the Bit O’Red who face into a busy few weeks of both Premier Division and FAI Cup action, beginning with Saturday’s Connacht derby at Pearse Stadium in Galway.

The 30-year-old will add firepower to Rovers’ front line and is a proven goal-scorer having netted over 70 times in the Premiership over two spells with Coleraine and one with Belfast side Crusaders.

A native of Dungiven in County Derry, McGonigle will be familiar to Rovers fans for his time at the Brandywell where he spent three years.

There, he won an FAI Cup with Derry City in 2022, netting 24 Premier Division goals and four in the cup. He scored four times against Sligo during that period, including a brace in a defeat to the Candystripes at the Brandywell at the end of the 2021 season.

The former Northern Ireland U21 international is hoping to be available for Saturday’s clash with Galway United and is ready for the challenge of competing in the Premier Division once again. With a big cup tie with Janesboro to come the following week and crucial league meetings against Drogheda, Dundalk, Derry and Waterford to follow, Jamie is keen to impress straight away.

“I’m hoping to be able to hit the ground running and get up to speed with things as quickly as I can”, he tells sligorovers.com.

“I’ve been able to do it quite quickly the last few times I’ve switched clubs so I’ll be aiming to do the same again.

“I know the league already so hopefully that will help me settle. I loved my time with Derry playing in this division and it really appealed to me to come back to the league and challenge myself here again.

“I’ve been following the league since I’ve left Derry and it’s constantly evolving.

“There are more top players being added to the squads every year. Even the teams at the bottom have really quality players who would get into the teams at the top. It’s a lot more competitive than it was a decade or so ago.

“Everyone beats everyone and it’s down to the match night and how well prepared you are, really. It’s up to us now to make sure we’re coming out on top in games.”

Rovers have struggled somewhat for goals this term. But with the likes of Will Fitzgerald, Kevin Zefi and Ryan O’Kane on site, Jamie believes he can thrive in what is a side brimming with creativity.

“It’s exactly what you’re looking for as a striker”, Jamie continues.

“When you’re in a team with the talent that we have going forward, it’s really exciting. I’ve seen a few Rovers games this season and you can see the talent and the will to win and to play football in an attractive manner is there. It’s just about getting in the right places at the right times and I’m hoping to be able to finish off a few moves.

“The squad is there to succeed.

“There’s youth and experience.

“Sligo have a wonderful goalkeeper in Sam Sargeant, one of the best in the country. Outfield, we have the likes of Jeannot Esua, Ollie Denham and Will Fitzgerald who I know from Derry. These are players who have been around the league a while and know what it takes.

“Sean McHale and Gareth McElroy are two of the best young defenders in the country. Ryan O’Kane causes issues for everyone he plays against and I know how highly regarded Jamie O’Donnell is.”

McGonigle’s endeavour on the pitch, his years in the game at this level and his record in front of goal was central to Russell’s reason for bringing him back to the League of Ireland.

“He’s worked hard for every team he’s played for and it stands out”, the Rovers boss says.

“He’s a player of real quality, a proven goal-scorer and brings a lot of experience to our group which is always huge.

“He knows where the goal is and his record proves it.

“He really fits the type of character we want in our dressing room. It’s a great opportunity for Jamie to get games and for us, we are adding another attacking option. We can’t wait to see him get going for us.”

David Goulden

The 500 Club members draw for 500 Club Winners was made recently by the 500 Club Committee.

These monthly draws see ten members drawn each month for cash prizes, with the top prize being €500.

The 500 Club continues to be one of the club’s most important Fundraisers and we wish to thank all members, and the 500 Club committee for their continued hard work.

May 2026

€500 Michael Leonard – Blackrock, Co. Dublin
€100 Alan Banks – Ballisodare, Co. Sligo
€100 Joe Toolan – Tallaght, Co. Dublin
€100 Seamus McGowan – Co. Westmeath
€100 Ronan Conboy – Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin
€100 Christopher Davey – Spiddal, Co. Galway
€100 Gerard Hardgadon – Rosses Point, Co. Sligo
€100 Ryan Quinn – Tonaphubble, Co. Sligo
€100 Jonathan Lynch – Greenfort, Co. Sligo
€100 Majella Byrne – Ballina, Co. Mayo

June 2026

€500 Shauna Kelly – Ballintrillick, Co. Sligo
€100 Anthony Quinn – Cliffoney, Co. Sligo
€100 John McHugh – Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo
€100 Mark Keane – Tracy Ave, Co. Sligo
€100 Keith Patterson – Carney, Co. Sligo
€100 Alberto Conz – Strandhill, Co. Sligo
€100 Eoghan Sweeney – Berlin, Germany
€100 Eileen Rossiter – Collooney, Co. Sligo
€100 Gerard Toolan – Collaney, Co. Sligo
€100 Trevor Brennan – Tunaphubble, Co. Sligo

David Goulden at the Showgrounds 

Match Day Sponsor: Vintage Reds.

Match Ball Sponsor: Amcor Flexibles, Finisklin. 

Shamrock Rovers displayed their strength in depth as they emptied their bench at half-time to turn the tide against Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds on Friday.

One down at half-time courtesy of Will Fitzgerald’s fifth goal of the season, Stephen Bradley introduced four changes at the break including Irish internationals Jack Byrne and Graham Burke, both of whom netted one each to secure the points for Shams.

However, another huge talking point in this game and arguably the pivotal moment was referee Paul McLaughlin’s decision to dismiss Rovers midfielder Daire Patton early in the second half. McLaughlin decided that the Sligo native had denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity when he tangled with Dylan Watts as he looked to take control of a pass from goalkeeper Sam Sargeant. 

The decision was heavily criticised by Rovers boss John Russell post-match with numerical miss-match certainly playing its part as the visitors created the majority of the chances from here on in. 

Russell made two adjustments in personnel from our draw with Shelbourne the week previous.  

Archie Meekison, recently recovered from knee surgery, took his place in a starting eleven for the first time since mid-May. While Cian Kavanagh made his first start in three. Recent acquisition, 16-year-old striker Jamie O’Donnell was named on the bench. 

Departing for Malta for their Champions League clash with Floriana on Monday morning, Stephen Bradley made two switches from the Dubliners’ comfortable victory over Galway last week. Defender Adam Matthews and Dylan Watts coming in as they aimed to push further ahead in their bid for a sixth title in seven seasons. 

Their goalkeeper and former Sligo net minder Ed McGinty had to bat away a Sean McHale header from a Ryan O’Kane corner on six minutes following a brief period of chaos in front of the Republic of Ireland underage international. While Adam Brennan, a star feature of the win over Galway, went close for the away side shortly before Sligo went in front. 

Meekison’s endeavour on the right wing won possession back for Rovers as the Hoops again failed to impress defensively. His cross was allowed to bounce by Fitzgerald who had time and space to meet the ball on the half volley before blasting past a sprawled McGinty and into the corner of the net for the Limerick man’s fifth goal of the year. 

One of three full Irish internationals in the Shamrock Rovers match day squad, Enda Stevens tested Sargeant with a drive from 18 yards without success. While Brennan skied his next chance when John McGovern laid Jake Mulraney’s cross into the path of the starlet. 

McGovern should have restored parity on the half-time whistle but the Newry man allowed Brennan’s cross creep through his legs with the goal at his mercy.

Frustrated by what they saw, the Hoops made no less than four substitutions at the break and the move paid dividends straight away. 

Sargeant had repelled substitute Burke’s initial effort but couldn’t keep out fellow change Byrne’s resulting shot. 

The evening took a further turn for the worse for John Russell’s men on 52 when Patton was controversially red carded for a challenge on Watts. McLaughlin went straight to his back pocket to issue Patton’s red, but replays suggest the official may have been hasty in his decision making.  

Shams’ Matt Healy lashed a shot off the crossbar, Michael Noonan headed wide at the back post, while Sargeant’s superb reactions saw him fist away a Brennan header moments later as last year’s FAI Cup winners continued to knock on the door. 

Cruelly for Rovers, it didn’t take anything special from their opponents to find the combination for the winner which arrived with eight left. 

Sargeant, one of Rovers’ top performers this term, made a hugely uncharacteristic mistake as he allowed Burke’s innocuous looking shot slip through his grasp.

The hosts did push for an equaliser with the hard working Carl McHugh going close with two headed efforts towards the end of the game. 

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeannot Esua (Kyle McDonagh 88), Gareth McElroy, Sean McHale, Sean Stewart; Carl McHugh, Daire Patton; Will Fitzgerald, Archie Meekison (Seb Quirk 67), Ryan O’Kane; Cian Kavanagh (Jamie O’Donnell 78). 

Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty; Adam Matthews, Enda Stevens (Cory O’Sullivan HT), Lee Grace; Jake Mulraney, Adam Brennan; Connor Malley (Jack Byrne HT), Matt Healy; Dylan Watts (Maleace Asamoah 59); John McGovern (Michael Noonan HT), Aaron Greene (Graham Burke 45).  

Referee: Paul McLaughlin. 

Attendance: 2,451.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to welcome Horan’s Pharmacy, Castle Street, Sligo, as the club’s Official Healthcare Partner.

The partnership will see Horan’s Pharmacy provide a range of healthcare products to support the health, recovery and wellbeing of the club’s players and staff throughout the season.

The agreement reflects Horan’s Pharmacy’s continued commitment to supporting local sport and the wider Sligo community.

Enda Horan said:

“We are proud to become the Official Healthcare Partner of Sligo Rovers FC. As a local business, serving the public since 1953, we recognise the important role the club plays in our community, both on and off the pitch.

“Supporting the health and wellbeing of the players and staff is a natural extension of our commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to the people of Sligo.

“We look forward to developing a strong and lasting partnership with the club.”

Donagh Oates, speaking on behalf of Sligo Rovers, added:

“We are delighted to welcome Horan’s Pharmacy as our Official Healthcare Partner.

“Access to high-quality healthcare products is an important part of supporting our players throughout the season, and we greatly appreciate the commitment shown by Enda and the team.

“Partnerships with local businesses are hugely important to Sligo Rovers, and we look forward to working together over the coming season.”

Based on Castle Street in the heart of Sligo town, Horan’s Pharmacy has served the local community since 1953.

The club would like to thank Enda Horan and everyone at Horan’s Pharmacy for their valued support and looks forward to working with them throughout the season.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce North West Credit Union as the main sponsor of our 2026 Summer Camps programme.

The partnership will see North West Credit Union support one of the club’s largest community initiatives, with camps taking place across the region and giving young players the chance to enjoy football, stay active, develop their skills and make lasting memories.

Sligo Rovers Summer Camps continue to be a hugely important part of the club’s connection with families and communities across the North West. Each year, the programme gives children of all abilities the opportunity to take part in a fun, inclusive and positive football environment, led by Sligo Rovers coaches.

As part of the 2026 programme, camps will take place in Sligo and across a number of regional locations, helping bring the club closer to communities throughout the wider North West region.

Yasmina Rahmoune, Marketing Officer with North West Credit Union, said:

“We’re delighted to support the Sligo Rovers Summer Camps this year. These camps provide a fantastic opportunity for young people to stay active, build confidence, develop new skills, and make lasting friendships. At NWCU, we believe that positive habits formed at a young age can help create brighter futures. We’re especially looking forward to seeing the camps extend into our common bond areas in Roscommon and engaging with even more young athletes this summer.”

Donagh Oates, Commercial Manager at Sligo Rovers, added:

“We are delighted to welcome North West Credit Union as the main sponsor of our 2026 Summer Camps programme.

“This is a brilliant partnership for the club and one that supports a hugely important part of what Sligo Rovers does in the community.

“Our Summer Camps are about much more than football. They give young people the chance to stay active, meet new friends, build confidence and enjoy being part of the club.

“To have the backing of North West Credit Union, an organisation with such strong community values, is a great fit for Sligo Rovers. Their support will help us continue to grow the programme and bring it to more families across the region.

“We would like to thank Yasmina and everyone at North West Credit Union for their support, and we look forward to working together throughout what promises to be another brilliant summer of football.”

The club would like to thank North West Credit Union for their support and commitment to the 2026 Summer Camps programme.

Further details on upcoming Sligo Rovers Summer Camps, including locations and booking information, are available through the club’s official channels.

Shamrock Rovers are tonight’s visitors to the Showgrounds as Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior team take on last year’s Premier Division champions, this evening, Friday at 7.45pm.

Supporters are asked to note the change of game day. This game was moved from Saturday due to Rovers facilitating the Hoops’ Champions League qualifier against Floriana on Tuesday next. 

Match day sponsor for tonight’s ‘clash of the Rovers’ are supporters group Vintage Reds, while the match ball is kindly sponsored by Amcor Flexibles, Finisklin. 

This will be the third game between the sides this season as Rovers seek a first win in five, the last of which came against the Tallaght side in late May. 

Stephen Bradley’s outfit beat Sligo at the Showgrounds back in March. While that late win in Dublin last month arrived courtesy of a memorable late strike from Carl McHugh after Jeannot Esua (pictured) had levelled things following a Sean McHale own goal, which opened Shams’ lead early on. 

In team news, and as of Friday morning, Rovers remain without long term injured Jad Hakiki and Conor Reynolds. 

Ciaron Harkin is also injured. 

Kevin Zefi is likely to miss out for the same reason, while James McManus faces a late fitness test although John Russell is confident the Bohs loanee will make it.

Seb Quirk should be fit to take part in this game if so required after he made the bench against Shelbourne last week. Midfielder Quirk hasn’t featured since picking up a hamstring injury in a stalemate with Derry two months ago. 

Archie Meekison was brought in late on in last week’s game, as he continues his recovery from knee surgery, another boost for Russell.

“Seb was one of the best players in the league before he picked up his injury”, Russell tells sligorovers.com.

“He was consistently putting in great performances for us in the middle and we’re delighted he’s back ahead of schedule. Initially, we’d feared it’d be late July before he came back so it’s a big addition to our group to have him back. It’ll take him a little while to get back up to speed but we’re a stronger side now he’s back again.”

Shamrock Rovers come to Sligo on the back of just one defeat in their last five, having seen off Galway in Tallaght last week.

Russell knows to expect a big test against the league leaders and current title favourites and doesn’t expect their focus to be anywhere else on Friday night.

“You would imagine they’ll have a few games in Europe coming up given that they should have enough to beat Floriana”, he continues. 

“But no matter the team they’ll put out, they’ll be looking to maintain their points difference at the top. Even if they were to rest a few, they’re still formidable.

“But I’ve seen enough from us particularly in stages against Pat’s and Shels that proves we have it in us to get something Friday night.” 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers are excited to confirm that Republic of Ireland underage striker Jamie O’Donnell has today joined the Bit O’Red, signing a long-term contract.

Rated as one of the top young talents in the region, this will be 16-year-old O’Donnell’s first professional contract. 

A native of Buncrana in County Donegal, O’Donnell started out with local club Cockhill Celtic with whom he spent ten years. 

After those years at Cockhill, he then moved on to Derry City’s academy, featuring at several underage levels for the Candystripes. 

The teen has also represented Ireland at under 15 and 16s, making his international debut in Portugal and most recently featured in a game with Netherlands. He netted twice in a game with Greece and recently scored a late winner against Hungary. He also featured for Derry’s first team against Rovers in a friendly at the start of this year. 

O’Donnell’s eye for a goal and huge potential means his progress has been closely tracked by Rovers boss John Russell who is thrilled to get this move over the line. 

“It’s important that we try to attract the best young talent to Sligo Rovers so I’m delighted that we’ve secured this signing”, Russell tells sligorovers.com. 

“He has represented Ireland at underage level and he has all the attributes to become a top centre forward.

“From chatting to Jamie and his parents, I was really struck by his mentality. A lot of young players have talent but you also need to have the mindset to work hard and push yourself. We feel that this is the right environment for Jamie to develop and progress and we’re all looking forward to working with him.”

O’Donnell is already familiar with some of his new team-mates having played in the same Irish side as fellow Donegal man and Rovers goalkeeper Charlie McGarvey. While centre half Gareth McElroy is from just down the road. 

“Sligo’s such a nice area and would already know a few players at the club which of course, helps a lot”, Jamie says. 

“I know Charlie quite well and he’s a team mate with Ireland. Gareth would be from my area too and I’m looking forward to having the chance to maybe go up against both of them in training when I can and of course playing alongside them.” 

Describing his style of play as similar to World Cup stars Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, O’Donnell is keen to make his mark at the Showgrounds and continue to progress on the international stage.

“I’d see myself as a number nine as I’ve consistently scored goals in that position at all levels. But I am also comfortable anywhere across the front three and in the ten.

“I really like Kane and Haaland as they are both top class nines.They have different styles but I like to take characteristics from both of them.

“I really enjoyed (being with Ireland) and hopefully I’ll continue to be involved with Ireland during my time at Rovers.”

Citing Rovers’ Abbvie Academy’s record of producing young players ready for the first team, Jamie is keen to follow the same lines as the likes of current first team players McElroy and Daire Patton. Both of whom are graduates of our youth system. 

“There’s definitely a pathway here”, Jamie states. 

“Johnny Kenny and Owen Elding’s journeys have certainly highlighted that. Daire and Gareth are thriving in the first team at the moment. 

“What’s best for me and my future was important in deciding to come here and the opportunity to one day play first team football, hopefully in the near future played a massive part in me coming to Sligo. The plan is to work hard and get my chance at senior level and make the most of it. My dream is to become a first-team regular here. 

David Goulden