Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior side go to Richmond Park this (Friday) evening as the Bit O’Red take on St Patrick’s Athletic looking to keep up our recent unbeaten record in Dublin. 

Kick-off in Inchicore is 7.45pm as Rovers seek to extend our run without defeat in the capital to four after wins this season at Dalymount Park and Tallaght Stadium, along with a draw at Tolka Park against Shels.

John Russell’s side are again without a number of first team players, although defender Sean Stewart and midfielder Carl McHugh are expected to return from injury. 

Ollie Denham is suspended having been sent off in Waterford last week. While Sean McHale, on loan from the Saints, is ineligible. 

Pat’s home form has been quite formidable this season, with seven wins from their ten games by the Camac. This includes a 4-1 win over Rovers back in early April.

“They’re a very tough side to play, particularly in front of their own fans, on their own patch”, Russell tells sligorovers.com.

“If you give them any space or chances, they’ll punish you so we need everyone on top form if we’re to have a chance in this one.

“We’re still short a few players and Sean and Ollie won’t be available so that means we need to shuffle the pack again. We’ve had time to prepare and set a game plan. We know it’ll be tough, they’re very strong and I’d expect them to be there or thereabouts come October. 

“We’re asking the players for a much better performance than last week. We need to show personality, apply our ideas to the game and take our opportunities when they arrive.”

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that bookings are now open for our 2026 Regional Summer Camps.

Our camps provide young players with the opportunity to develop their football skills in a fun, safe and professional environment alongside Sligo Rovers coaches. Each camp focuses on improving technical ability, confidence, teamwork and enjoyment of the game, while also giving young supporters the chance to represent the Bit O’ Red in their local community.

With camps taking place across the region throughout the summer, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Camp Dates & Locations

Enniscrone | Monday 29 June – Friday 3 July

https://hub.klubfunder.com/KilglassEnniscroneUnitedFC/payit/eventregistration/keufc—sligo-rovers-camp—29th-june-2026/detail

Ballaghaderreen | Monday 6 July – Friday 10 July

https://ballaghaderreenfc.clubforce.com/products/membership

Ballyvary | Monday 13 July – Friday 17 July

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ballyvarybluebombers/2268934

Gurteen | Monday 27 July – Friday 31 July

https://gurteenceltic.clubforce.com/products/membership

Swinford | Monday 3 August – Friday 7 August

https://hub.klubfunder.com/SwinfordfootballClub/payit/eventregistration/swinford-fc-sligo-rovers-summer-camp-2026/detail

Boyle | Monday 10 August – Friday 14 August

https://boylecelticfc.clubforce.com/products/membership

Enniscrone | Monday 17 August – Friday 21 August

https://hub.klubfunder.com/KilglassEnniscroneUnitedFC/payit/eventregistration/keufc—sligo-rovers-camp—17th-august-2026/detail

Spaces are limited across all camps and early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Following investigations into incidents at recent fixtures, Sligo Rovers Football Club has issued stadium banning orders to three individuals.

These decisions were taken following a review of the available evidence and consultation with the relevant authorities.

Sligo Rovers is committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming and enjoyable matchday environment for supporters, players, staff, volunteers and visitors to The Showgrounds. While the vast majority of supporters continue to represent the club with passion and pride, behaviour that falls short of expected standards will be addressed accordingly.

The club recognises the important role that supporters play in creating the atmosphere that makes The Showgrounds a special place on matchdays. Equally, all supporters have a responsibility to contribute positively to the matchday experience and to respect fellow supporters, club personnel and visiting guests.

Sligo Rovers will continue to work with An Garda Síochána, the FAI and stadium security personnel to ensure that The Showgrounds remains a safe venue for all.

As this matter concerns specific individuals, the club will be making no further comment.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that young goalkeeper Charlie McGarvey has signed his first professional contract with the club, effective from July 1st. 

The long term deal ties the future of one of the brightest young talents in the country to the Showgrounds as the Bit O’Red continue to graduate our underage stars from our Abbvie Academy to pro-level. 

16-year-old McGarvey is a native of Letterkenny in County Donegal and joined Rovers in early 2023 following time at local side Illistrin FC, Finn Harps and Sligo/Leitrim schoolboy outfit Yeats United. 

The Summerhill College student has represented the Republic of Ireland at various schoolboy levels and travelled with the under 16 side to Holland in February of this year. He recently took part in a training camp in Dublin ahead of the FIFA Under 17 World Cup due to take place in Qatar this winter. 

McGarvey has been a regular face at training with John Russell’s first team squad and the teen shot-stopper was named on the bench for our Premier Division game with Bohemians at the Showgrounds last month. 

Speaking to in-house meda, McGarvey says he is honoured to sign his first deal with the Bit O’Red and is looking forward to developing further under Russell and goalkeeping coach Richard Brush.

“I’m really proud to be signing my first deal and for it to be with Sligo Rovers, a club I’ve always dreamed of signing with. I’m hugely grateful to everyone who made it possible”, he tells sligorovers.com.

“I know I wouldn’t be in this position without the support of my parents and their guidance over the years. I’d also like to thank my previous clubs Illistrin and Yeats and all the coaches who have helped me develop over the years, particularly those here at the Abbvie Academy.

“As a keeper, I think I’m comfortable on the ball, with good distribution skills. I can get down quickly, make saves and am confident when it comes to taking high balls. 

“At the same time, I know there’s much to further improve on and the Showgrounds is the ideal place for me to do this.

“I’m really looking forward to continuing working with John and his staff. Especially Richard, who has helped me so much already. 

“I am so lucky to be part of this club. I’m excited to see what the future brings!”.  

First team boss Russell praised Charlie’s input to date, the Rovers manager says having the goalkeeper take part in first team sessions is vital in terms of how McGarvey develops. 

 “He’s a lad who has come through our academy and has shown excellent commitment and professionalism throughout his time so far”, Russell says. 

“He has trained regularly with the first team under the guidance of Richard. 

“Although Charlie hasn’t made his first team debut yet, we believe he has real potential and this is an important step in his development. 

“At Rovers, we’re proud of creating opportunities for our young players, and we’re looking forward to helping Charlie continue his progression over the coming years.”

Head of Academy Conor O’Grady said there was little surprise on his part to see the Donegal man progress to the professional stage.

“Any conversation you have with others about the best young players in the country, Charlie is never too far away”, O’Grady says.

“He’s got a very bright future ahead of him and we’re looking forward to seeing how he develops. 

“Everyone at the academy is delighted to see Charlie has taken the next step in his career. He has a really good attitude, along with a lot of talent. 

“I feel that hard working persona comes from the way he was brought up. His family are always great to deal with.

“It again shows that there’s a clear pathway from academy to the first team. It’s also a testament to the work being put into his progression here by our coaches.”

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior side returned from the summer break with a harrowing four goal defeat to Waterford at the RSC on Friday last.

Former Sligo striker Padraig Amond netted a hat-trick across both halves, while substitute Jorgen Voilas netted the Blues’ second. 

Hampered by the loss of eight players through injury, John Russell’s side finished this game with ten men after centre half Ollie Denham was sent off having picked up a second yellow in the 69th minute.

Focus now shifts to Rovers’ next Premier Division game which is against St Pat’s at Richmond Park next Friday, June 19th. 

Waterford FC: McMullan; Houston, Cann, Mahon (Barrett 82), Long, Couto; Heeney (Glenfield 63), Johnson, McMenamy (Noonan 63); Amond, Lonergan (Voilas 66).

Sligo Rovers: Sargeant; Denham, McHale, McElroy; Esua, Patton, McManus, Nolan (Zefi 68), O’Kane; Kavanagh (Traore 68), Fitzgerald.

Referee: Declan Toland 

Attendance: 1,856

Kevin Zefi is in line to make his Sligo Rovers debut at the RSC tonight as the Bit O’Red’s men’s senior team make their return to Premier Division action away to Waterford.

Rovers make the almost 700 kilometre round journey looking to put further points between ourselves and the Blues, as John Russell’s men look to make a positive start to the second portion of 2026.

This will be Sligo’s second trip to Waterford this season and this outing will be the third such meeting between the sides. The teams played out a stalemate at the RSC back in February, while Rovers overcame what was then John Daly’s charges at the Showgrounds in April. Archie Meekison and Will Fitzgerald on target that evening.

This will also be Russell’s first game against new Waterford boss Graham Coughlan who took over in May and has gone on to win five points in as many of his first games in charge. 

Without defeat in the south east in our last three visits, Rovers head for Munster without several players due to injury.

Zefi is available for his first appearance following his arrival last month, while James McManus returns to contention after he was forced to sit out the pre-break defeat to his parent club Bohemians due to the terms of his loan. 

Rovers go into this game in matching form with Waterford and Russell is aware of how big this game is with the opportunity to wedge an eleven point gap between the clubs, on offer. 

“We’re down bodies again but not for the first time this season we’ve gone into these big games without players”, Russell tells sligorovers.com.

“We may have to do a bit of switching around, depending on who’s available, to make up for lost numbers but we have a lot of faith in our squad, even if we do go down there with smaller numbers. 

“Those players will know what’s expected of them and we have a big boost with Kevin now available and James back in the squad.

“We know Friday is a huge chance to move up the table if results go our way and obviously we’d put a few more points between ourselves and Waterford. 

“They’ve been in very steady form since Graham took over and they’re continuously improving, which you’d expect them to given they’ve a very squad with plenty of experience.

“They’re scoring goals and have one of the league’s top scorers in their squad in Tommy Lonergan. So we’re expecting danger from them and a really competitive game.” 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers’ Sydney Stephens has won the May SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division Player of the Month award after an outstanding four-week period which saw the Sligo Rovers forward coup seven goals and three assists across three games in May. 

Stephens currently sits second in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division scoring charts, just two behind Athlone Town star Dana Scheriff and has been instrumental in Sligo Rovers’ recent run of form – who currently sit mid-table in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division.

Sligo Rovers manager Gavin Hughes said: “I’m delighted that Sydney has been awarded the Women’s Player of the Month for May. This recognition reflects Sydney’s exceptional work ethic, dedication, and consistently outstanding performances on the pitch. 

“Her commitment to improving both herself and the team has been a pleasure to witness. Sydney is enjoying a fantastic season overall, but her form throughout the past month has been nothing short of exceptional.”

Player of the Month Stephens said: “I’m really proud to receive the Player of the Month for May but it reflects the work the whole team has been putting in. We’re building real chemistry on the pitch, and I’ve just been fortunate to finish the chances created around me. It’s been a big adjustment coming into a new league, but the group has helped me settle quickly. 

“We’re growing more consistent every week and go into every game believing we can take three points. I’m really grateful for the recognition and excited to keep pushing and contributing to the team.”

Both Sligo Rovers’ men’s and women’s team learned of their fate in the newly named Club Orange FAI men’s and women’s cups. 

Rovers’ men will travel to Limerick to face junior side Janesboro FC in the second round, while our women’s team face the long trip to the RSC to take on Waterford.

John Russell’s side are due to travel to face Janesboro on the week ending July 19th, with a venue and time to be confirmed. 

While Gavin Hughes’ women will go to the south east on the week ending July 5th, with a venue and time also to be decided. 

Men’s FAI Cup second round draw:

Galway United v Crumlin United
Douglas Hall v Castlebar Celtic
Drogheda United v Lucan United
Finn Harps v Bray Wanderers
Ringmahon Rangers v Bohemians
Baldoyle United v Longford Town
St Patrick’s Athletic v Wexford FC
Waterford FC v Cobh Ramblers
Bangor Celtic v College Corinthians
Janesboro FC v Sligo Rovers
Athlone Town v Midleton FC
St Mochtas v Dundalk
Derry City v Tolka Rovers
Shamrock Rovers v Cork City
Treaty United v UCD
Kerry FC v Shelbourne

Women’s FAI Cup second round draw:

Peamount United v Athlone Town
Cork City v DLR Waves
Wexford v Shamrock Rovers
Waterford FC v Sligo Rovers
Shelbourne v Winner of Bray Wanderers v Longford Town / Bellurgan United
Galway United v Treaty United
Bohemians v Winners of Drogheda United v Kerry FC
Winner of Whitehall Rangers/Finn Harps v Ballingarry/Douglas Hall v Winner of Cobh Ramblers/St Patrick’s Atletic v Ballingary/Douglas Hall

An exasperating visit for Sligo Rovers to Belfast for the Women’s All-Island Cup on Saturday where hosts Linfield registered a 5-0 win to seal a place in the last eight at the expense of Wexford on goal difference.

The statistics will show that first-half goals from Sophie McKnight and Megan Bell gave the Belfast side a 2-0 interval advantage. A 49^th minute red card for Sydney Stephens left the Bit O’Red with 10 players.

Further goals followed from Linfield through a 56^th minute Cora Chambers penalty and late strikes from McKnight and Rhianna McBreen in the closing minutes.

Sligo Rovers manager Gavin Hughes, who was the recipient of a 58^th minute red card, made one change from the side that defeated against Cork last week with Emma Duffy starting instead of Alana Doherty.

There was only four minutes on the clock when Emma Hansberry picked up a yellow card, apparently for dissent, but the referee was more lenient when it came to some of the challenges from the hosts.

That aspect aside, Sligo Rovers had the best of the early chances with Sydney Stephens denied by the crossbar on five minutes and Sabrina Hillyer’s effort parried to safety soon after by a relieved Lily Woods between the Linfield posts.

Sligo Rovers resumed the second-half smartly with Anna McDaniel denied by Woods before Stephens departed in the 49^th minute on a second yellow card and she was joined by her manager in the 59^th minute.

Despite that, Sligo Rovers pushed forward and had what looked like a reasonable claim for a penalty waved away in the 55^th minute, but 60 seconds later Linfield were awarded a spot kick that Chambers converted and that effectively finished the game as a contest with the late goals earning a quarter-final ticket.

Linfield – Lilie Woods; Sarah Jane McMaster, Abi Sweetlove, Zoe McGlynn, Cora Chambers, Grace McKimm, Megan Bell, Keri Loughrey, Sophie McKnight, Rhianna Breen, Rachel McLaren. Subs – Z Knox for McGlynn, E Reilly for McKimm.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Kelsey McQuillan, Leah Kelly, Sabrina Hillyer, Emma Duffy, Emma Hansberry, Cara Jordan, Manu Baptista Filipe, Sydney Stephens, Cara King, Anna McDaniel. Subs – Ella Karolack for Kelly half-time, Ava Hallinan for King 65 mins, Ivana McMahon for McKiernan 88m.

Referee- Mark Miskmmin.

Assistant-referees – Fabrice Dubois, Ken Ross

Fourth official – Reuben Laverty.

Match Day Sponsor:  Nathaniel Lacy and Partners Solicitors, Sligo. 

Match Ball Sponsor: Sligo Branch of the Liverpool Supporters Club.

Sligo Rovers go into the short summer break on the back of a disappointing defeat to Bohemians at the Showgrounds. 

Without a number of first team players due to injury and ineligibility, Rovers were second best to the Dubliners in this one and fell behind to a first half Douglas James-Taylor goal before Colm Whelan doubled the lead just before the 50th minute.

Rovers were already without Jad Hakiki, Archie Meekison, Seb Quirk, Conor Reynolds and Sean Stewart due to injury. While Bohs lonaee James McManus was ineligible due to the rules of his loan. Ciaron Harkin and new signing Kevin Zefi also missed out, with the latter’s transfer clearance yet to come through. 

There was always fight in the Bit O’Red and Ryan O’Kane emphasised this on 54 minutes with an excellent finish past Kacper Chorazka after he created space for the shot with a neatly executed dummy.

But sub Conor Parsons secured the points with seven to go when he tucked home the insurance goal for the Dubliners’ second win in Sligo this season.

Rovers’ next league game is at the RSC as we face Waterford on June 12th. 

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeannot Esua, Ollie Denham (Alex Nolan 66), Gareth McElroy, Shane Blaney; Carl McHugh, Sean McHale; Will Fitzgerald (Kyle McDonagh 91), Daire Patton, Ryan O’Kane; Cian Kavanagh (Mai Traore HT). 

Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka; Sam Todd, Cian Byrne, Patrick Hickey; Darragh Power (Adam McDonnell 87), Dayle Rooney (Jordan Flores HT); Dawson Devoy, Sadou Diallo (Niall Morahan 77); Harry Vaughan (Conor Parsons 69), Douglas James-Taylor (Colm Whelan HT), Ross Tierney. 

Referee: Alan Patchell.

Attendance: 2,754.