David Goulden at the Showgrounds 

Paddy McClean scored against his hometown club as Sligo Rovers extended the buffer between themselves and bottom side Cork City to eight points in almost tropic conditions at the Showgrounds in Sligo.

Wilson Waweru scored the Bit O’Red’s other goal as Rovers deservedly handed Derry their first defeat in six league outings. The result means the Candystripes remain nine points off leaders Shamrock Rovers with one game extra to play.  

Looking to maintain their unbeaten home run since the summer break, Rovers boss John Russell stuck with the same eleven that drew with Shamrock Rovers seven nights previous. Midfielder Ronan Manning recovered from injury in time to make the bench. 

On return to the scene of where their 2023 title challenge came to an end, City boss Tiernan Lynch made one change from his side’s trouncing of Waterford last week. Full back Shane Ferguson came in for Kevin Holt, who is understood to be close to a move away, as Derry looked to extend their winning run to five. New signing Dipo Ankinyemi’s international clearance didn’t arrive in time for the former York City striker to take part.

The Brandywell side have had the better of the recent meetings between these two sides with eight points taken from the previous five meetings, while Sligo only managed just the one win over City in that same period.

In the sizzling Sligo heat, it was the hosts who were the more impressive from the off. 

Loanee Ryan O’Kane fired over from 25 yards eleven minutes in, while Rovers should have taken the lead six minutes later, but centre half Ollie Denham nodded Elding’s cross from the left past Brian Maher’s post from two yard out. 

Sligo did make the most of their next visit to the well as Derry switched off at a 19th minute corner. Jake Doyle-Hayes’ set piece landing on the foot of Derryman McClean who unmarked, finished past Maher for his first goal since his return to the Showgrounds last month. 

Elding kept his side ahead on 23 minutes when the young attacker swept Hayden McCann’s header from Michael Duffy’s corner off his own line moments before the water break.  

The visitors again went close eleven minutes from the break as Derry looked like they might wrestle control of this contest back in their favour. Carl Winchester’s header towards the back post bounced in front of goal before trickling beyond Sam Sargeant’s goal.

Rovers managed two first half goals last week against the Hoops and did it again here courtesy of another defensive mishap when Maher spilled Ryan O’Kane’s cross at the foot of Waweru who was left with a simple finish into an open net. 

Sligo called on goalkeeper Sam Sargeant early in the second period. The club’s player of the month for June, Sargeant met Duffy’s low drive with a strong left fist after the in-form Duffy’s run brought him all the way into the opposing penalty area, having robbed Denham on the half way line.

Lynch’s men went at Rovers in waves but robust defending from a young Rovers outfit kept last year’s FAI cup finalists at arm’s lenght. 

Denham again went close with a headed effort from another Elding assist on 64 minutes while Elding himself pulled a simple save from Maher 90 seconds later.  

Derry had introduced some of the league’s best attacking talents with the likes of Adam O’Reilly, Danny Mullen and Robbie Benson sent on throughout the second half. But a Mullen effort on the turn which Sargeant tipped over, was the closest they came to a consolation. 

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Conor Reynolds (Daire Patton 90), Ollie Denham, Paddy McClean, Will Fitzgerald; James McManus, Jake Doyle-Hayes; Owen Elding, Jad Hakiki, Ryan O’Kane (Kyle McDonagh 76); Wilson Waweru (Francely Lomboto 61). 

Derry City: Brian Maher; Hayden Cann, Mark Connolly, Sam Todd; Ronan Boyce (Sean Patton 84), Shane Ferguson (Danny Mullen 61); Sadou Diallo (Robbie Benson 72), Carl Winchester; Gavin Whyte (Adam O’Reilly HT), Michael Duffy; Liam Boyce (Alex Bannon 61). 

Referee: Rob Hennessy. 

Attendance: 2,877

GALWAY UTD 4, SLIGO ROVERS 2

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers surrendered a two-goal interval advantage on Saturday evening in the Women’s Premier Division (WPD) against title-chasing Galway Utd who replied with four second-half goals.

New signing Annie McKinley made her debut for the Bit O’Red and Sarah McDaniel also started with both players making a big contribution.

Two more new faces appeared for the Bit O’Red in the second-half with Bernie Ferreira and Louise Masterson sent into the fray by manager Steve Feeney.

McKinley arrived from California where she played College football for the last four years and concluded her final season with a League Championship success.

She made an instant impact for the Bit O’Red as she rocketed a header to the net on 13 minutes from an Emma Hansberry corner and 20 minutes later the duo struck again.

Goal number two was similar to the opener and that gave the Bit O’Red the platform for a 2-0 interval advantage.

Galway’s only real chance in the opening half was a Celoa Bergin effort that went narrowly wide.

However, Galway upped the tempo for the second half with early goals from Emma Doherty and Isabella Beletic for parity by the 50th minute.

Then, the former Sligo Rovers striker headed Galway in front on the hour as the hosts showed a more positive disposition in the second half.

That attitude produced a fourth goal for Galway with six minutes remaining.

Rovers lost possession around midfield, and Galway substitute Amanda Smith capitalised to make it 4-2, sealing a hard-earned victory for the hosts in sweltering conditions.

Galway Utd – Nicole Nix; Aoibheann Costello, Lucy Grant, Isabella Beletic, Kate Thompson, Therese Kinnevey, Ceola Bergin, Ava Mullins, Eve Dossen, Emma Doherty, Niamh Farrelly. 

Subs – A Smith for Mullins 62 mins, R Olusola for Bergin 76 mins, K Coady for Doherty and A Donnelly for Thompson, both 88 mins.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Sarah McDaniel, Keeva Flynn, Annie McKinley, Alice Lillie, Emma Hansberry, Paula McGrory, Katie Melly, Kya McKenna, Alana Doherty, Cara King. 

Subs – Bernie Ferreira for Hansberry and Louise Masterson for McGrory, both 74 mins; Eve Caprani for McDaniel and Amy McCarthy for King, both 85 mins.

Referee – Kate O’Brien.

Assistant referees – Conor Fitzgibbon, Paudie Hayes.

Fourth official – Declan Toland.

Sligo Rovers host one of the Premier Division’s form teams this Saturday evening as Derry City visit the Showgrounds for the second time this season.

The Candystripes are on a blistering run of form with four wins and a draw from their last five games as Tiernan Lynch’s outfit take on a Bit O’Red side on a decent run of their own.

With eight points from their last five games, Rovers will look to further close the gap between themselves and eighth place Waterford who sit seven points above Rovers before the weekend. 

In team news, Rovers will again be without the suspended John Mahon for the third game running. The captain has two of a four game suspension yet to serve. 

Ronan Manning and Oskar Van Hattum returned to training this week after sustaining injuries recently, but both are doubtful to make Saturday’s game. 

John Russell has an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from.

Saturday sees Rovers attempt to pick up their first points against City this year. In form Michael Duffy scored the only goal of the game in Sligo in the first of the meetings between the clubs back in March. While City were the winners at the Brandywell in April, running out winners by three goals to nil. 

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Russell says he is delighted with recent form but has urged his squad to keep improving as the important games, in both league and cup continue. 

“Like our recent game against Shamrock Rovers, we are facing a team in Derry who are in form and extremely strong”, he says. 

“They too can change any game with a substitution given the strength of their bench and the resources they have available. They put seven past Waterford last week so we’re facing a side in red hot form and no doubt they’ll come to Sligo looking for a win. 

“But we know our own strengths and again we’ll look to maximise them and impose our own ideas on things. I’ve been very happy with how things have gone since the break but we’re also looking for further improvement and the players know that. 

“The football we played against Shams in the first half was some of the best we’ve played all season and we’ll look to do that again on Saturday. Supporters are getting their money’s worth here in Sligo and we’re enjoying our football and we’re pushing ourselves to improve even more. We were disappointed to draw against, for me, the best team in the league so that says something. 

“We’re in a good place at the moment but we want to raise our levels even more and that’s the challenge we’ve posed to the players. We have to keep moving forward.”

Russell haso also praised his new signings, saying:  

“They’ve all been brilliant and they all made an impact against Shams. 

“As with the rest of the squad, we want them to raise their levels too. 

“They all slotted in very well and a lot of that is down to the condition they’ve come here in. Seb Quirk has been training with us for a while so he’s getting up to speed. He’s shown his physicality against one of the best midfields in the country last weekend and matched the pace of the game straight away.

“James McManus and Ryan O’Kane have half a season in them and come here in top shape. While Paddy McClean is out of season, but didn’t look tired after 90 minutes plus against Shams.”

David Goulden  

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers return to action in the Women’s Premier Division (WPD) with a trip to Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday to tackle title-chasing Galway Utd at 5pm.

Galway took the points home from the Showgrounds last time on Easter Saturday with what was a hard-earned 3-1 victory.

That was a costly outing for the Bit O’Red, as separate second-half injuries to Katie Melly and Jessica Casey disrupted the team’s fluency.

Rachel McGoldrick scored for the Bit O’Red as Galway added two late goals to seal the 3-1 victory.

Boss Steve Feeney has struggled to get a consistent starting 11 so far, due mainly to a lengthy injury list, and it will be a similar story for Saturday’s trip to Galway.

However, he is hopeful that former Peamount Utd player Louise Masterson will be able to make an overdue debut for the Bit O’red.

Louise was recruited for the start of the season, but a registration issue left her ineligible until now, and she should be a good addition to the side. 

Bernie Ferreria and Annie McKinley have also signed up for the Bit O’Red and should be available for the weekend action.

Ferreira has played with a number of clubs, including Crusaders and Linfield, and also featured for Northern Ireland at under-17 and under-19 levels. 

Last February she scored against Albania in stage two of the UEFA WU19 Euro 2025 qualifiers as N Ireland won by 5-0. 

McKinley arrives from California after playing college football for the last four years and finished her last season with a league championship success.

“Hopefully, the registrations for Louise, Bernie and Annie will be okay for Saturday, and I’ll be able to include them in the squad for the game against Galway,” commented the Bit O’Red boss.

“Apart from the players on the injured list, we will be without Muireann and Lauren Devaney while Alanna Doherty, Eimear Lafferty and Anna McDaniel are on the doubtful list at the moment,” he added.

Looking at the last outing in the WFAI Cup against DLR Waves, Steve was disappointed with the result, although he couldn’t fault the overall effort of the players. 

“We could have won the game against DLR Waves a fortnight ago, but we just couldn’t get over the line,” he said.

“We didn’t capitalise on some early chances, but even after going two goals down, we displayed great character to get back into contention.

“I was disappointed with the decision to award a penalty, apparently for a push in the back. I couldn’t see it even after watching it a few times after the game, but that’s the way it goes, and you just have to get on with it.

“Going to Galway on Saturday, one of the strongest teams in the league, will be another big challenge for us.

“However, we know that we can be competitive, that we create chances, and that we can defend well.

“If we can do all that with a little bit more consistency and finish some of the chances that we create, then we will make it difficult for Galway and hopefully take something home from the game,” he concluded.

GALWAY UTD

Currently sitting in fourth place, some nine points adrift of leaders Athlone Town with a back match away to Peamount from a postponement in March, Galway cannot afford any more slip-ups with three defeats already clocked up.

May was a bad month on that front with defeats against Athlone Town, Shelbourne and Treaty Utd, but since then they have beaten Cork and Waterford to get the drive for a WPD title back on track.

Apart from chasing a first WPD title after going close last season, the Galway women are also chasing a third successive All-Island Cup and will face Wexford in the semi-final at the end of July.

They exited the WFAI Cup at the first hurdle, losing to Shelbourne at the end of June, but bounced back to winning ways in the All-Island Cup last weekend with a 3-1 quarter-final victory against Shamrock Rovers.

Ceola Bergin scored twice in the opening half for Phil Trill’s side, and an early second-half own goal sealed the verdict in front of a good-sized crowd of almost 400 at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Galway Utd v Sligo Rovers live on LOITV on Saturday at 5pm.

David Goulden at the Showgrounds 

Shamrock Rovers recovered from two goals down to claim a draw with Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds as their winless streak at the Showgrounds stretched to four. 

A Jad Hakiki double was halved by a Dan Cleary goal on 33 minutes, Sligo leading at the break. 

Josh Honahan then equalised just past the hour as the Dubliners were expected to push on and extend their lead at the summit of the Premier Division. But impressive defending from the home side saw Sligo claim a valuable point in their mission to avoid the drop, extending their unbeaten home run to three games. 

The hosts could have won this tie late on, but Francely Lomboto could only fire over in a one-on-one with Ed McGinty. 

Armed with four new signings, Sligo boss John Russell gave club debuts to two of his recent acquisitions.  

Loanees Ryan O’Kane and James McManus were included in a Sligo eleven for the first time. While the returning Paddy McClean, whose last game for Sligo was against this same opposition back on the final day of the 2018 season, started his second second stint in the north west at the heart of the defence. Former Everton youth Seb Quirk was named on the bench.

Trying to extend their lead at the top to eleven points, the visitors made just the one change. Striker Rory Gaffney was rewarded for his match winning goal against Waterford, coming in for Michael Noonan. Striker John McGovern, who was signed from Dungannon back in May started from the bench.  

Chasing a first win at the Showgrounds since summer 2023, it was the Dubliners who created the early openings. Some wonderful one-touch football from both sides owed to a breathless opening half of football with both Matt Healy and Graham Burke going close for the Hoops. 

But it was a rampant Bit O’Red who opened the scoring here. Will Fitzgerald unsettled the Shamrock Rovers rearguard with a clever short corner, finding Jake Doyle-Hayes. The Cavan man in turn picked out the late arrival of Hakiki to the front post, the former Dundalk man unmarked, nodding past McGinty. 

The impressive Danny Grant looked set to level this game on 22 but lost control of the ball in front of the Sligo goal, following a sublime crossfield ball from Mandroiu.

Stephen Bradley’s charges were made to regret the error two minutes later. 

Golden boy Owen Elding, who has been reportedly tracking interest from clubs all over Europe added to his value with a skillful through ball to Hakiki. Turning inside and instead of using Wilson Waweru who found himself in ample space, Hakiki elected to instead go himself and was rewarded for backing himself as he slotted past McGinty for his brace. 

The Tallaght men had a shout for a spot-kick turned down when Honohan and Conor Reynolds tangled on Sligo’s end line, while Burke pulled a sharp, two-handed stop from Sam Sargeant 60 seconds later.

The 2023 champions found a way back into the game 12 minutes from the break. Burke’s initial free-kick was recycled back into the Sligo box by Mandroiu and on to the head of Cleary who headed past Sargeant from close-range. 

Sligo were almost caught out by a short corner themselves early in the second period. Sargeant got down in time to get in front of a Healy drive from 20 yards after Mandroiu and Dylan Watts combined. 

Sargeant then pulled off a superb double save, first from Mandroiu and then Grant as the visitors applied the pressure after the re-start.  

The visitors; pressing told on 63 minutes when the on-coming Honohan smashed home Watt’s curling cross from the right, beyond Sargeant at the back post.  

Momentum with them, Shamrock Rovers failed to test Sargeant who was well protected by a determined Sligo defence. 

In fact, it was the hosts who could have won this three minutes from time. 

Substitute Lomboto lacked composure as he attempted to chip ex-Sligo net minder McGinty. Lomboto’s rushed finish saw him sky his effort well over goal at the old Shed End instead. 

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Conor Reynolds, Paddy McClean, Ollie Denham, Will Fitzgerald; James McManus (Seb Quirk 60), Jake Doyle-Hayes; Jad Hakiki; Owen Elding (Cian Kavanagh 85), Ryan O’Kane (Kyle McDonagh 91); Wilson Waweru (Francely Lomboto 60). 

Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty; Lee Grace, Roberto Lopes, Dan Cleary; Danny Grant, Josh Honohan (Maxim Kovalevskis 76); Matt Healy, Dylan Watts (Jack Byrne 63), Danny Mandroiu (Aaron McEneff 87); Rory Gaffney (John McGovern 76), Graham Burke (Michael Noonan 64). 

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.  

Attendance: 3,359.

Sligo Rovers will look to make it three home wins in the spin as the Bit O’Red take on league leaders Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds this Saturday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Rovers are in good form following the summer break with seven points won from a possible twelve since then, with wins on home turf over Waterford and Galway United supplemented by a point picked up away to Bohs at Dalymount Park last Friday.

There are four new faces in line for their Rovers debuts. Loanees James McManus and Ryan O’Kane are eligible as are fellow recent signings Paddy McClean and Seb Quirk, all of whom have joined in the current window. Gareth McElroy is expected to be fit for the game having missed the last few outings as a precaution following a head injury sustained a number of weeks back in Drogheda. 

Reece Hutchinson and Stephen Mallon have moved on, while prospects David Jonathan and Guilly Priosti have been loaned out to Ballinamallard United. Harvey Lintott’s loan spell has also come to an end.

Skipper John Mahon serves the first of an additional three game ban handed to him following his red card against Galway. Ronan Manning and Oskar Van Hattum will also miss Saturday’s tie due to injury. 

Rovers’ recent home form against the Hoops is steady. Stephen Bradley’s side have been beaten in their last two visits to Sligo, while their last win in the north west was in June 2023.

Both sides have already recorded victories over the other in 2025. Mahon scored the winner twelve minutes from the end at the Showgrounds in March, while goals from Graham Burke and Aaron Greene saw Shams take the three points in Tallaght in May, despite the visitors’ impressive showing in the second period that particular evening. 

Speaking to sligorovers.com ahead of this ‘Clash of the Rovers’, Sligo boss John Russell says he is aware of the challenge posed by Saturday’s game and has urged the Sligo public to get out and get behind his men for what is traditionally a very competitive fixture. 

“We’re playing against the strongest squad in the league this Saturday, the league leaders and every player we send out knows they must be on top of their game if we’re to do well”, he says. 

“Shams’ main strength is their strength in depth and their ability to change a game with a substitution. Against Waterford, they had Jack Byrne, Rory Gaffney and Gary O’Neill on the bench. Household names when it comes to domestic football so that tells you a story.

“Our form at home recently has been very good and our recent home form against Shamrock Rovers has been decent so they’ll know to expect a game. But we have to show up again and play with the same intensity and organisation we have been for the last few weeks.

“I’m really pleased with the players’ attitude recently. There’s such a huge togetherness in this group and it feels we can take anything on together. We were so unlucky against Bohs last week, but the players gave that game absolutely everything, particularly in the second half. Every man put their body on the line for their team mate and you could see at the end how much it took out of them. They were desperately disappointed and annoyed to concede so late on, but we were proud of the resolve we showed. 

“But we’ve trained this week with pace on the ball and a real purpose, especially with the four new boys in. They’ll give us further competition and that is always a good thing. We’re really looking forward to getting them settled on the field and getting them playing in our rhythm. 

“Our supporters were incredible against Galway and last week in Dublin. The noise they made really helped the players along so I’m looking for a big, big crowd this weekend and we’ll get all four sides of the ground bouncing because we will need them.”

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to confirm that the club have reached a deal with Shelbourne which will see exciting young winger Ryan O’Kane spend the rest of the current season at the Showgrounds. 

O’Kane, 21, arrives at Rovers on a loan deal and will be eligible for Saturday’s clash with Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds. The Louth native is the fourth new addition to John Russell’s squad, after Seb Quirk, Paddy McClean and fellow loanee James McManus all agreed individual deals. 

Predominately a left sided attacker, O’Kane can also operate on the right side and will be a valuable asset for Russell as Rovers face into the remainder of the season. 

The Dundalk man began his career at Irish League side Warrenpoint having been brought up through the local leagues with Glenmuir, Rock Celtic and Bellurgan. A notable talent from a young age, O’Kane made his Irish League debut for Warrenpoint against Larne at just 15. 

He went on to sign for his hometown club, arriving at Oriel Park in 2021 and spent four seasons with the Lilywhites before being snapped up by current Premier Division champions Shels last November. 

“I heard Rovers were interested at the start of June and I spoke to John and was really excited about what he had to say and what his plans were”, he tells sligorovers.com. 

“Both for myself and the club. It was a no-brainer for me to come here.

“I’ve kept an eye on things here and I have been impressed with what I’ve seen. The football Rovers play suits me as it’s an attacking style. The fans can expect to see a lot of direct, attacking football when I get on the ball. I always want to take players on and get shots and crosses off when I can. I want to excite the supporters. 

“We’re going to try and gain as much ground on the teams above us as possible. There are plenty of games and time left and of course we have the FAI Cup to look forward to in Dundalk in a few weeks.”

Bit O’Red boss Russell is delighted to add O’Kane to the roster. He says: “I love Ryan’s mentality, just from speaking to him. He is hungry to come up here to Rovers and show people how good he is. I’m sure our fans will be excited to see what he brings.

“Ryan is an exciting player. He offers pace, trickery and directness to the team. We’ve added one of the best young talents in the league and we’re delighted with this bit of business. 

“We also have to thank Shels and in particular Luke Byrne, their technical director for his assistance. They trust us with his development and the move certainly suits both parties at the moment.”    

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers can confirm that defender Reece Hutchinson has agreed a move to EFL League Two outfit Crewe Alexandra, effective from tomorrow, July 1st for an undisclosed fee. 

Hutchinson makes the move to the Mornflake Stadium following a two-and-a-half year stint at the Showgrounds. 

The talented full back initially signed on loan from Cheltenham Town in the lead up to the 2023 League of Ireland season. That move was made permanent later that year with Hutchinson going on to make 88 appearances for the Bit O’Red, scoring six times for the club. 

The Birmingham native played in all 36 league games last season and has featured in each of Rovers’ 22 games so far this year, scoring against Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne and Galway United. 

The club wishes Reece all the best in his future career and thanks him for his contribution to the club. 

Sligo Rovers are delighted to confirm that we will host EFL League One side Mansfield Town at the Showgrounds on Tuesday, July 15th at 7.30pm.

This mid-season friendly takes place as part of Nigel Clough’s side’s preparations for the upcoming EFL season, which gets underway in early August and is part of the Stags’ four day visit to Ireland ahead of a planned training camp in Galway. The game between Mansfield and Rovers will be the English side’s only game in Ireland during the trip. 

The outing will provide John Russell’s side with game time in the lead up to our FAI Cup clash with Dundalk at Oriel Park on July 18th. 

Clough’s charges finished last season in 17th position and will look to push on in the coming year having achieved promotion to League One at the end of the 2023/24 season. Their squad features Irish goalkeeper Owen Mason, who is an underage international and Donegal born defender Stephen McLaughlin who is a former Derry City and Finn Harps attacking midfielder. 

Also plying their trade at Mansfield, is former England underage international Louis Reed, striker Will Evans and goalkeeper Liam Roberts who signed for the club in recent weeks. 

Looking ahead to hosting Mansfield, who are based out of the ‘One Call’ Stadium, Rovers boss Russell says the friendly will provide his players with the experience of pitting themselves against a team preparing for a season in a league with some big names.

“We’re looking forward to hosting Mansfield here”, Russell says. “We’ll be careful to choose the squad wisely as it’s between two big games against Derry and Dundalk but both sides will give the other a good game, I am sure. 

“Mansfield will be facing some really recognisable names like Bolton, Cardiff, Wigan, Barnsley and Bradford in League One in their upcoming season, so we’re pleased that they’ve chosen Sligo Rovers as an opponent. As with Celtic and Everton last year, it’s a testament to the players and indeed our facilities and what we can offer here in Sligo that they feel the Showgrounds is an ideal spot to prepare for competitive action.”

Tickets are on sale at https://t.co/FQquBLO5B7

Admission prices: Adult – €15. Concessions and children – €10. 

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to confirm that the club have secured the services of midfielder and Republic of Ireland underage international James McManus until the end of the current season. 

The 20-year-old joins on loan from fellow Premier Division club Bohemians and is manager John Russell’s third new signing of the window following the arrivals of Seb Quirk and Paddy McClean last week. 

All three players are eligible for first-team duties from this Saturday when the Bit O’Red take on Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds. 

McManus arrives in Sligo having featured twelve times for Bohs this season, scoring the winner against Cork City back in April. He was on the bench for the Dubliners’ games against Rovers both in May and last Friday, but did feature for 90 minutes for Alan Reynolds’ side’s win over Rovers at Dalymount Park in April.

A product of St Kevin’s Boys, McManus signed for the Phibsboro outfit progressing through the under 15, 17 and 19 levels before making his first-team debut against UCD in 2022. He has gone on to appear for Bohs just short of 70 times and has been capped for the Republic of Ireland at underage level, appearing at every level from under 15 to 19s, captaining the 19s two years ago. 

Although the newest face in the door at the Showgrounds, McManus will find himself in familiar company in the Rovers dressing room having represented his country alongside Conor Walsh and Jad Hakiki, while he also played in the same Bohs team as winger Stephen Mallon. 

The Dubliner is excited about his opportunity at Rovers. 

Speaking to sligorovers.com, he says: “I’ve been in and out of the team at Bohs and haven’t played as much as I feel I need to and want to. I spoke to Bohs about letting me go for a short while and once that was agreed, John (Russell) was straight in touch. 

“It didn’t take long for me to be convinced that Sligo was the place for me. There were a few clubs that showed interest but once I knew Rovers were interested, I jumped at the chance. 

“I have seen how many young players have flourished under John at the Showgrounds. He puts trust in young players and gives you a platform to show people that young players are good enough to play at this level. 

“I’ve been impressed with Rovers this season. We play a really attractive brand of football and caused Bohs a lot of problems in the games we’ve played against each other. So I want to add to that. 

“Last Friday, nothing was actually finalised so I didn’t know where I’d be today but I was impressed with Sligo. The Bohs lads would have really been on form considering recent results. 

“Looking back now as a Sligo Rovers player, it was a really good result to go there and take a point. 

“I know Jad and Conor well from Ireland squads and I spoke to Niall Morahan and he told me all about the setup here. I would have played with Stephen Mallon at Bohs too so knowing some lads will help me settle very quickly I hope. 

“I want to play as much as possible here. We want to catch the teams above us and pull away from the bottom of the league as it’s not where this football club belongs.”  

Satisfied with his latest addition, Russell says: “James is an intelligent midfielder who can dictate the tempo of any game. He can do a bit of everything, which I love in a player. 

“I feel he will fit in well with what we have here and the way we play. We are all excited to start working with him. I have always admired what he can do ever since he broke into the Bohs team. I’d like to thank both Pat Fenlon and Alan Reynolds for their help in getting this deal done.” 

David Goulden