Sligo Rovers’ trojan effort came to nothing at the Ryan McBride Brandywell on Friday night as the Bit O’Red suffered the bitter taste of conceding an injury time winner to Derry City.

Jad Hakiki had given Rovers a more than deserved lead on the half hour in this, the opening night of 2026.

And while Sam Sargeant pulled of a few stunning stops to keep one of the title favourites at bay, the pressure told eight minutes from time when Alex Bannon levelled the game before Josh Thomas fired home the winner for Tiernan Lynch’s side in injury time.

Sligo boss John Russell gave debuts to both Alex Nolan and Jeannot Esua, both of whom impressed on their first competitive showings. While Ryan O’Kane featured for the first time following his permanent switch from Shelbourne. Sligo man and Abbvie Academy graduate Daire Patton was handed just his second senior start in the heart of midfield beside Seb Quirk.

New signings Archie Meekison and Shane Blaney made the bench, while Mai Traore was unavailable for selection. 

A star-studded Derry too were showcasing several debuts, with main attractions Patrick and James McClean making their first starts since their respective returns to Foyleside.

The visitors showed no signs of early jitters at a sold-out Brandywell, as Rovers went at Derry in the first period and indeed it would be argued, were the better side. 

Quirk lashed an early effort wide of Brian Maher’s goal as wingers O’Kane and Nolan tested Derry’s resolve out wide. While Hakiki’s movement and determination offered a constant threat coming through the middle. 

The Dubliner played the key role on 30 as Rovers struck for the opening goal. 

Hakiki was given the freedom of the Derry penalty area by the slumbering Patrick McClean. The once Dundalk attacker allowed to calmly turn Esua’s wonderful first-time cross past the bewildered Maher. 

Nolan kept Maher busy with an effort from distance 90 seconds later as Rovers remained in charge. 

While Sargeant had to pull off his first meaningful stop of the night on 33 minutes when he smothered Thomas in time to force the Welshman to loop his close-range effort onto the roof of the Rovers net.

The hosts enjoyed the better of things in terms of possession and opportunities in the second period. Roared on by 400 of our own at the car park end of the ground, the visitors did enough to keep Derry scoreless for the majority of the second half.

Debutant James Clarke nodded James McClean’s corner over Sargeant’s goal on 55. While the Londoner was called to arms two minutes later as he got a leg to Thomas’ low drive. 

Again our net minder was questioned and again he came up with an answer when Sargeant skillfully and acrobatically tipped Carl Winchester’s long-range shot onto the frame of his own goal. 

Derry continued to probe as Rovers, now playing without a recognised striker due to the departure of starting front man Cian Kavanagh, then lost O’Kane to a knock.  

Despite the endless toil from Sligo, the pressure finally told eight minutes from time. 

Bannon took a touch to take play away from the attending Quirk before unleashing an unstoppable rocket into the top corner. While momentum pushed the title chasers across the line as Thomas slotted the ball home from the angle in the first of the seven added minutes. 

A disappointing end to an encouraging first night for a young Rovers. Next up is our first home league game this Saturday, February 14th as Bohs visit the Showgrounds. 

Derry City: Brian Maher; Alex Bannon, Patrick McClean, Rob Slevin, Brandon Fleming; Darragh Markey (Adam O’Reilly, 59’), Carl Winchester, James McClean, Michael Duffy (C); James Clarke, Josh Thomas.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeannot Esua, Ollie Denham, Gareth McElroy, Will Fitzgerald (C); Seb Quirk, Daire Patton (Ciaron Harkin, 80’); Alex Nolan, Jad Hakiki (Kyle McDonagh, 80’), Ryan O’Kane (Sean Stewart, 66’); Cian Kavanagh (Archie Meekison, 59’).

Referee: Neil Doyle

David Goulden at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Updated: 06.02.2026

Away Supporters travelling to fixtures versus Derry City in The Ryan McBride Brandywell

Stadium are advised to note the following important information from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) which is in addition to all other standard legislation related to supporters, as well as stadium regulations etc.:

Pyrotechnics:

• In line with the Justice Act (Northern Ireland, 2011), it is a specific offence to possess a firework (which can include flares) at a sporting fixture or anywhere from which you can view the fixture.
• Where grounds exist the PSNI can search persons or vehicles for fireworks at any location in Northern Ireland, and the possession of fireworks without a licence is an offence under the Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland, 2002).
  There is a maximum fine of £5,000, a three-month prison sentence, or both.

Alcohol：

• In line with the Justice Act (Northern Ireland, 2011), it is an offence to cause or permit alcohol to be carried on a motor vehicle, adapted to carry 9 or more passengers, which principle purpose is conveying passengers for reward to or part way to a regulated match.
• The driver/operator and person hiring the vehicle can commit this offence and it is an offence to possess intoxicating liquor whilst on a relevant vehicle.
• A Constable may stop and search a motor vehicle if reasonable grounds exist to suspect an offence.

The full document of the Justice Act (Northern Ireland, 2011) is available @ https://www.legisiation.gov.uk/nia/2011/24/contents

Please also note the following information from Derry City FC for Away Supporters:

• Away supporters will access the stadium via Gate 9, the inner car park. This gate is for Club Staff, Guests, officials and AWAY supporters only. This ensures that visiting supporters have a sterile segregated area in Blocks K, L and M Southend Stand.

He may be a native of County Limerick, but Will Fitzgerald feels just at home in Yeats’ country these days. 

2026 will be the Raheen native’s fifth season with Sligo Rovers, his tenth as a League of Ireland player but his first as club captain.  

Initially brought to the Showgrounds in December 2021, the 26-year-old will very likely surpass his 150th appearance for the club in 2026. While he isn’t too far off his 250th senior League of Ireland appearance. 

Will spent a really impressive 2025 as vice-skipper to John Mahon. Injuries to and suspensions picked up by the Collooney man gave winger Fitzgerald plenty of opportunities to lead the team out and the former Derry attacker made the most of his elevated role, going on to be nominated for the player of the year. In this new season, being promoted to club captain is a source of great pride for Will. 

“I learned a lot from last season as vice”, he tells sligorovers.com

“John (Mahon) led the group impeccably and I tried to compliment that with my own style. When it was time for me to wear the armband it was such a huge honour and I really did cherish it. Leading the group and especially the younger lads was something that gave me a lot of pride. 

“It’s just a privilege. Sligo Rovers is a club steeped in rich history and success. You read about how it was built from nothing by the people of Sligo and the northwest and it’s totally sustained by its own supporters to this day. To not just represent that but to be club captain is something I hold dear. 

“There are so many great people behind the scenes who push the club on each week. I’ve seen it since I first came here, it’s incredible the community spirit and the love the area has for its football club. To represent those people, it’s something I am more than grateful for.”

Full of industry and physicality, Fitzgerald is also at the same time known for his penetrating, mazy runs and ability to create opportunity from out wide along with his ability to defend from the front. His versatility has been invaluable to Russell in recent years and is likely to be a key asset for the coming season. He’s just happy to fill in and play football.

“It really makes no difference where I play, I just want to play and perform.  

“I think once you reach a certain level in your career, your game begins to mature and fall into place. I know how John operates and wants his teams to perform and play. I just feel comfortable within that system and style.

“Second to that, my performances come down to being happy off the pitch. Sligo is a second home to me now and I’ve enjoyed every minute since coming here. Hopefully I can bring my 2025 form into this season, straight away.”

Rovers get down to business at the Brandywell on Friday night for what will be our 21st consecutive season in the top flight. A record only matched and bettered by both Pat’s and Bohs, both of whom are yet to be relegated. 

First up is one of the title favourites Derry City and Will is hoping Rovers can add points to the board early doors. 

“We were disappointed with our start last year”, he continues. 

“We had a run of results which almost ended up catching us out at the end. 

“But the first thing we did when we met up for pre-season, was talk about the importance of a good start and putting up from the get-go. That’s the aim and it starts in Derry on Friday night.

“John got his business done early this year and has brought in real quality and experience. I think in doing so, he’s allowed the new lads to get up to speed and familiar with how he wants to do things. You can see connections building with every passing day. It can only benefit the group, being around each other since early December. 

“It was difficult losing the likes of Paddy McClean, Owen Elding but that’s the nature of football. Compared to previous years, we’ve kept together the core of the team which is vital in creating a culture. We hope that’ll be a success as a result. 

“There’s a real optimism. It’s my tenth year in the league and the excitement for me is as big as ever. I believe we have a squad that can compete week in, week out. We’re keen to show the fans what we can do this year. 

“It’ll be a difficult start to the season. Derry have invested heavily with the sole purpose of winning the league. They’ve recruited some really big names.

“But we’re going into an electric atmosphere and that’s what we all want as players. We’re really looking forward to it as a group.” 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers’ men’s senior team return to competitive action this Friday as the 105th edition of the League of Ireland gets underway across the country. Rovers head to title-challenging Derry City and to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, as the Bit O’Red get set to begin a 21st consecutive season of top flight football, a current record only bettered by St Pat’s and Bohs.

Kick-off in Derry will come almost one hundred days since Rovers memorably beat champions Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium in our last competitive game. There’s been plenty of transfer activity with key players such as Jeannot Esua, Carl McHugh, Mai Traore and Archie Meekison eligible for debuts.

Friday’s away end sold out almost immediately after tickets went on general sale last week and supporters will be keen to see defender Shane Blaney appear for the first time in Rovers gear since his return on loan. While star winger Ryan O’Kane gears up for his first game following his permanent transfer to the Showgrounds following a loan spell in 2025.

It’s been a busy pre-season for John Russell’s men, with friendly games against Finn Harps, Galway, Treaty and UCD all forming part of the club’s preparation for the coming season.

The fixture list has thrown up what will be one of the league’s toughest tests as our first game. Tiernan Lynch has again invested heavily in his squad as the Candystripes contnue the hunt for their first league crown since 1997.

Their most notable acquisition is of course Ireland international James McClean, who returns home after fifteen years in the UK. Derry have also recruited talent from within the League of Ireland such as Rob Slevin, Darragh Markey, James Clarke and Patrick McClean who spent a few months in Sligo last term.

The Brandywell has proven a challenging venue for Rovers over the past few seasons, however we have beaten City on a few occasions in the league on home turf. The most recent of these victories came last July courtesy of strikes from the aforementioned James McClean and Wilson Waweru.

In team news, Rovers will go north without goalkeeper Liam Hughes who is expected to miss out with a shoulder injury. But Russell does have a full squad to pick from as of Thursday evening, barring the net minder.

“It’s a new season and it’s one we’re so looking forward to”, Russell tells sligorovers.com.

“We went back to training in early December with the nucleus of our squad already formed. We got a lot of our business done before then and that was something we spoke about last season, that we’d hoped we could do.

“Hopefully having the players together from early on will stand to us.”

The fixture list has thrown up a tough start for Rovers, with three of our first four games taking place away from the Showgrounds.

Regardless, Russell isn’t fumbling for excuses and is instead focusing on a sharp return to competitive play.

“We’re looking for a fast start”, he says.

“We know what and where we needed to work on and we’ve honed in on that in pre-season, especially our start to the year and how important that is.

“We’re aiming to be competitive in the first round of games and we’re not looking any further than that. But we need to stay with the pack early on and assess things after that.

“Yes it’s going to be tough having a few away games at the start, but that’s the way it is. We have to play everyone at home and away twice, doesn’t matter in what order.

On Derry’s strength-in-depth, Russell believes the harder the task the more it will tell him about his side.

“I’m intrigued to see how it goes. It’s possibly the toughest test there is at the moment in the league. They’ve just beaten the double-winners.

“It’s going to be a sold-out, expectant Brandywell. They’re pushing to start well and will be challenging. But it’s going to be a crisp night under floodlights and a big, big atmosphere. What isn’t there to look forward to?”

Kick-off at the Brandywell is 7.45pm.

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers’ pre-season calendar was completed on Saturday afternoon as the Bit O’Red beat Finn Harps at Ray McSharry Park by one goal to nil.

Callum Lynch scored the game’s only goal early in the second half as Rovers completed our on-the-pitch preperation for Premier Division kick-off in one week’s time in Derry.

Initially set to take place at the Showgrounds, this game was moved to the home of the Sligo/Leitrim District League to protect the Showgrounds’ surface ahead of our first league home league game against Bohs on February 14th.

Rovers used the full match day squad which included the evergreen and ever-ready Richard Brush in the nets in his 42nd year. While Shane Blaney appeared in a Rovers kit for the first time since he returned on loan from Livingston. 

Lynch secured the win on 51 minutes when he got to the back post to finish off a Guilherme Priosti cross. 

Blaney almost marked his return in style when he headed another accurate Priosti cross over Lorenzo Barbarosa’s goal. 

With pre-season now complete, Rovers can look forward to Friday’s first league game of the season away to Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. A huge crowd is anticipated, with the away end already sold-out. 

Rovers XI: Brush, Reynolds, McElroy, Denham, Fitzgerald, Nolan, Harkin, Quirk, Hakiki, O’Kane, Traore. 

Subs used: Stewart, Blaney, Meekison, Kavanagh, McHugh, Lynch, Kelly, O’Malley, Cannon, Priosti, Patton.  

Sligo Rovers can confirm that Owen Elding has today completed a move to Scottish Premiership side Hibernian FC.

The transfer is worth an initial significant six-figure sum, which could potentially rise to seven figures over the duration of the contract as Elding departs the club he started out with as a boy.

The 19-year-old attacker, who turns 20 in March, initially joined Rovers when he was 12, featuring with the Abbvie Academy before breaking through to the first team.

He made his senior debut under current manager John Russell at the Showgrounds against Shelbourne in May 2023. Owen signed his first professional deal with Rovers at the start of the 2024 season before extending that agreement by another three seasons eleven months ago.

The Riverstown native enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2025, scoring 16 goals in 38 games and quickly became renowned and respected as one of the stand-out young talents in Irish football. He scored his first senior goal for the club on the opening night against Waterford.

His blistering form throughout last term was recognised both at home in Sligo and on the national stage as he scooped the club’s Mark Brindley Player of the Year award for 2025. He was also honoured by his fellow professionals, winning the PFAI Young Player of the Year award, the first Rovers player to do so since 1987.

These feats resulted in inevitable interest in Elding from clubs across the continent and Elding moves to Easter Road having featured over 60 times for the Bit O’Red.

Commenting on the departure, Russell says the player’s determination to prove himself day-in, day-out left the Rovers boss with little doubt that Owen’s career would go further than the League of Ireland.

“His outstanding talent combined with his mentality makes him a top player”, Russell tells sligorovers.com.

“He’s been a joy to work with. His character really shone through last year. Not only did he score important and spectacular goals, but he became a real leader at such a young age.

“Owen progressed through our academy and once he joined the first team he showed a real hunger and desire to improve every day. His success last season was no coincidence.

“We wish him the best of luck with this move to Hibs in Scotland and no doubt he has a big future ahead of him.

“We’re obviously disappointed to lose him so close to the start of the new season but he departs having left his mark at the club. We now move on to our opening game of the season next week in Derry.”

Elding is one of many Abbvie Academy graduates to be promoted to the first team in recent years. Head of Academy, Conor O’Grady praised the input of the club’s coaching staff in Elding’s development to date.

He said: “Owen’s an example for any player coming into our academy that there is a clear pathway to the first-team and beyond. If you show enough promise, you’ll be given a chance at Sligo Rovers and Owen’s further proof of that.

“This move is also confirmation of the fantastic work our coaches do at all levels. But Owen had a great attitude from the first day he came in the door at our academy. He was a player who was mentioned in the highest terms at all levels and the interest in him comes as no surprise.”

Rovers Chairperson Tommy Higgins wished Elding well on his move, acknowledging his goals last season which helped Rovers stay clear of relegation.

“It’s always a blow to lose someone as talented as Owen”, he comments.

“But as in any professional sport, if a player shines at a particular level, then it’s inevitable that another club at the next level will be interested in their talents.

“We thank Owen for his contribution to the club even at such a young age, particularly during last season. His goals at Tolka and Dalymount in particular will live long in the memory and his effort in a Rovers shirt was exemplary. We wish Owen and his family all the best in the next step of his career.

“The club are now looking forward to the beginning of the new season in a few days’ time as we finish off our pre-season work both on and off the pitch. Our management team and club volunteers at all levels have been working tirelessly since the end of last season to prepare to make 2026 as successful as possible.”

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers’ senior men’s team pre-season continued over the weekend with wins over UCD and Galway United at Abbvie United Park in Westport.

First up was a defeat of the Students on Friday.

Michael Raggett had put the Dubliners ahead just three minutes in. But Rovers replied before the break through PFAI Young Player of the Year Owen Elding, before youngster Callum Lynch hit Rovers’ second.

The Bit O’Red found a third goal with twenty to go when Elding had his brace.

Less than 24 hours later, Rovers put six past what was an under-strength Galway outfit at the same venue in what was our penultimate friendly in preparation for the season’s kick-off in two weeks. This game was also the third of three pre-season games hosted by Westport United.

Goals from Ryan O’Kane, Ollie Denham, Seb Quirk, Will Fitzgerald and a Jad Hakiki double saw a more experienced Rovers run out easy winners in the Adam Mulchrone Cup, a charity match in aid of ACT for Meningitis and played in memory of the former Westport player. 

Rovers’ final pre-season friendly of the season takes place this Saturday, January 31st as we return home for the first time in 2026 to face Finn Harps. Kick-off at the Showgrounds is 7.30pm. 

Sligo Rovers wish to thank Westport United, their management committee and club volunteers for the use of their superb facilities at Abbvie United Park in recent weeks and wishes them the best of luck in the upcoming Mayo League season at all levels. 

Rovers XI V UCD: Hughes, Reynolds, Jonathan, Stewart, McDonagh, Priosti, McHugh, Harkin, Kelly, Meekison, Elding.

Rovers XI V Galway: Sargeant, Esua, Denham, McElroy, Fitzgerald, Nolan, Patton, Quirk, O’Kane; Hakiki, Traore.

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to announce that defender Shane Blaney has returned to the club on a loan deal from parent club Livingston, until June 30th 2026, subject to international transfer clearance. 

The Letterkenny native re-joins Rovers following a three-year spell in the Scottish Premiership with both Motherwell and Livingston. The 26-year-old initially arrived at the Bit O’Red ahead of the 2021 season, following spells in England and played 45 times for the club before joining Motherwell in 2023. 

Blaney will be best remembered for his spectacular long-range set-piece strike against the Scottish side at the Showgrounds in 2022, when Rovers famously dumped the ‘Well out of the Europa Conference League. 

His performances over both legs of that tie earned him his move to Fir Park where he featured 54 times before he moved on to Almondvale Stadium and to ‘Livi’ last summer. 

With the league kick-off just two weeks away, Blaney’s signature brings to 21 the number of players signed ahead of the first game of the season in Derry on February 6th. 

Talking to sligorovers.com, Blaney says that the familiar surroundings of Sligo and the Showgrounds is the ideal place for him to be right now. He also hopes to bring the experience of playing at a higher level to the club, as Rovers face into a 21st consecutive season of Premier Division football. 

“I found out last week that there was a possibility of coming back”, Shane explains. 

“So I spoke to Livingston and obviously I’ve had a rough year in terms of injuries so it’s important that I get back playing and enjoying it. I spoke to a few clubs but John Russell was on the ball and to be honest, there’s no place better for me to be playing football so I jumped at the chance and I’m really looking forward to getting going.

“John played a huge part. We’ve stayed in contact all through the time I’ve been away. I have a great relationship with Casey, (Richard) Brush and John so it’s all very familiar to me. I loved their ideas and their enthusiasm in wanting to push the club to the next level. The squad is keen to get a good buzz going around the north-west and getting some good results and you can really feel that already. 

“I’ll be bringing experience back with me. Under John and Ryan (Casey), I got a lot of confidence back and that helped me when I was heading to the UK. I’ve played a lot of big games in the Scottish Premier, so hopefully it’ll stand to me. I want to leave Rovers in a good spot when it’s my time to head off again.”

Mentioning his ambitions for his loan spell back at Rovers, the centre half says he is keen to add to what was an enduring few years he spent in Sligo. 

“Playing here, we had a great changing room. It was so good”, he recalls. 

“The spell we had in Europe was brilliant and was a major highlight of my career. But that’s all in the past and I want to help my team achieve something similar now. 

“I’ve watched a good bit of the league since I left. The games are really exciting and the brand of football is very good. I’ve been back here a few times in the Scottish off-season to see some of my friends playing and the games are always good.”

First team boss Russell welcomed Blaney back to the fold, saying he always kept an eye on Shane’s progress throughout his time across the Irish Sea. 

“I’ve always kept in touch with Shane”, Russell reveals. 

“We have a really good relationship and when there was a chance to get him back, I was very keen to do so and I’m sure our fans will be thrilled to see him back.

“He plays with real aggression and he’s competitive but he’s also calm in possession. I love his attributes as a player and he knows how we work in Sligo and the league. So that will help him hit the ground running. 

“He will be a big influence both on and off the pitch and has played at a high level for a few years now. That experience will be invaluable to our current group.

“We need to manage him early on as he’s just back from an injury but there are so many games between now and the end of June so we’ll carefully manage that.” 

David Goulden 

*Players signed for 2026 season: Shane Blaney (loan until 30/6), Maï Traoré (loan until 30/6), Liam Hughes, Ryan O’Kane, Ciaron Harkin, Jeannot Esua, Daire Patton, Alex Nolan, Carl McHugh, Ollie Denham, Sam Sargeant, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Seb Quirk, Kyle McDonagh and Jad Hakiki. 

Sligo Rovers are pleased to confirm that the club have reached an agreement with EFL League Two side Notts County which will see striker Maï Traoré join the Bit O’Red on loan until June 30th 2026, subject to both work permit and international transfer clearance.

The 26-year-old Guinean centre forward links up with the Bit O’Red having starred in several leagues across the continent before joining County and has been capped at underage level for his country.

Traore started off in Congo with AC Ujana before signing up with Swedish side Vasalunds, scoring 23 times, contributing eight assists and winning Division One with them in 2020.

His exploits in front of goal didn’t go unnoticed and Mai was recruited by current Norwegian champions Viking for the following season.

Traoré’s name will be familiar to Rovers fans. His time at Viking included a goal against Sligo in the qualifying rounds of the Europa Conference League in 2022. He scored Viking’s third in their first leg win in Stavanger in August, before he played the first half of the second leg at the Showgrounds.

The Conakry native has also spent time on loan in Belgium and with Norwegian side Tromso before a spell with Fredrikstad, with whom he scooped the Norwegian Cup, saw him earn the move to England and to Nottingham one year ago.

“We wanted to bring in a centre forward who has pace and is direct in transitions and Mai matched those characteristics”, Rovers boss John Russell says of his latest signing as he explained why he feels the player will fit in well at the Showgrounds.

“He’s played at a really good level in his career so far. We obviously know him first hand from the Viking game a few years ago so we’ve seen just what he can do and how he can punish teams.

“He has excellent movement in the box and with the attacking talent we have within our team, we can create chances for him.

“I know there’s a great motivation within Maï to come here, make an impact and score goals. We’re really delighted that he’s joined us.”

Traoré will be the first Guinean to play for the club. He says he is keen to make the very most of the opportunities this loan deal will give him.

He is also excited to play in front of the Showgrounds faithful once again, with a mark having been left on him since his last visit almost four years ago.

“Rovers feels like the right club for me at the moment”, he says.

“I already knew the club from playing against them in Europe and that gave me a good understanding of the environment and what the club is like.

“We (Viking) obviously had a four-goal lead going into that second leg so it was so incredible to see the Showgrounds sold out, the noise was fantastic. It felt like the whole place had come out to support the club and the team certainly fed off that. I think we might have been lucky to come away with just the one goal defeat that day.

“I want to play in front of such an atmosphere and I cannot wait to make my debut.”

Traoré will bring the number of first-team players signed for the coming year back to twenty following the sale of Patrick McClean to Derry City.

The big striker says he’s keen to make the very most of his latest career move.

“I love the ideas the manager has and the way he wants this team to play”, he sparks.

“Of course, the opportunity to play regularly and be an important part of the team is a big factor for me. I want to repay the faith.

“It’s a tough, physical league. I expect intensity, but that will help me grow as a player. I love to be involved all the time, press and play. I want to attack space, combine with team mates and finish chances. I want to play as much as I can, score as many as I can and contribute both on and off the pitch.”

David Goulden

*Players signed for 2026 season: Maï Traoré (loan until 30/6), Liam Hughes, Ryan O’Kane, Ciaron Harkin, Jeannot Esua, Daire Patton, Alex Nolan, Carl McHugh, Ollie Denham, Sam Sargeant, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Seb Quirk, Kyle McDonagh and Jad Hakiki.

Seb Quirk scored the Bit O’Red’s goal as Sligo Rovers’ senior men’s team 2026 pre-season continued at Abbvie United Park in Westport on Saturday.

Three weeks from the commencement of the Premier Division season in Derry, Rovers used this third friendly as an opportunity to get more minutes in legs as John Russell’s side were narrowly beaten by Treaty United.

Sligo started with a strong eleven, with new signings Jeannot Esua and Alex Nolan featuring at kick-off. While a trialist led the line for Sligo.

United’s Cian Curtis gave the Limerick side the lead at the break, but Rovers deservedly leveled this workout courtesy of a Seb Quirk goal. 

A Treaty trialist had the First Division side ahead, while Rovers went close through Jad Hakiki, Cian Kavanagh and low-struck set piece from Sean Stewart which struck Jack Brady’s post.

Rovers’ next outing is also in county Mayo, at the same venue, as we take on UCD on Friday at 6.30pm. 

Rovers: Sargeant, Esua, Denham, McElroy, Fitzgerald, Quirk, Harkin, Hakiki, O’Kane, Nolan, Trialist

Subs used: Hughes, McDonagh, Patton, Meekison, Stewart, McHugh, Kavanagh, Lynch, Kelly, O’Malley.