Sligo Rovers can confirm the departure of Men’s First Team Manager John Russell, who has accepted the position of First Team Manager with Shelbourne FC.

John has had a long association with Sligo Rovers, having represented the club as a player across two spells before returning as Assistant Manager in late 2018. He was appointed Men’s First Team Manager in June 2022.

During his time as manager, John played an important role in developing a young squad and promoting a positive, attacking style of football. His commitment to player development helped to establish a group of talented young players and provided the club with a solid foundation for the future.

Sligo Rovers Chairperson Tommy Higgins said:

“John has given tremendous service to Sligo Rovers over many years, both as a player and as manager. On behalf of the Management Committee, I would like to thank him for his commitment, professionalism and contribution to the club during his time in charge.

“While we are disappointed to see him leave, we respect his decision and wish him every success in his new role. John will always be welcome at The Showgrounds.”

Everyone at Sligo Rovers FC would like to thank John for his service and dedication, and wish him well for the future.

New signings Jamie McGonigle and Luke Pearce are eligible for the Bit O’Red as Sligo Rovers head to what is the unfamiliar surroundings of Pearse Stadium in Salthill, for this evening’s meeting with Galway United.

Kick-off at the home of Galway GAA is 5pm.

This vital Premier Division game will be staged in Salthill due to work being undertaken by the Galway FA on the Eamonn Deacy Park pitch.

Striker McGonigle is in line for his debut, while Pearce is available for selection following his return to the club after both players’ international clearances were granted. News that will come as a huge boost to Rovers boss John Russell.

Today’s tie will be the third meeting of the clubs in 2026 and this will be the 102nd Connacht derby.

John Caulfield’s men have the better of the results between us this term, with two wins from two as the Bit O’Red go in search of a victory which would close the gap to Galway to a single point. 

Long term injured duo Jad Hakiki and Conor Reynolds again miss out, as does Kevin Zefi as of Friday morning.

Ciaron Harkin has returned to fitness and should be available, although Daire Patton misses out due to suspension.

“We still have two or three lads unavailable, but we’re certainly heading to Galway with a few more options than we’ve had for the majority of the season”, Russell told sligorovers.com earlier in the week.

“Ciaron is back in contention. Seb Quirk, Archie Meekison are all getting stronger and we will hopefully have both Jamie (McGonigle) and Luke with us too. I was really impressed with Jamie O’Donnell’s debut last week too, so it’s great to have more options.”

This clash has the added intrigue of being played on a surface unfamiliar to League of Ireland football. 

Russell is looking forward to the occasion against his home town club. However, he is fully familiar with the type of test his team will face as Rovers look for a first win in six against a United side searching for their fifth ‘home’ win of the campaign. 

“It will be interesting going there. We’ll see what the crowd is like, the atmosphere, the quality of the pitch”, he continues.  

“But regardless of where the game’s played, we have a job to do.” 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers supporters travelling to Pearse Stadium for Saturday’s fixture against Galway are advised to read the following matchday information.

The game takes place at Pearse Stadium, Salthill, H91 PX30, on Saturday, 11 July 2026, with kick-off at 5pm. Gates will open from 4pm.

Away Supporters

Away supporters should enter the stadium via Rockbarton Road, between Dr Mannix Road and the main entrance to the stadium.

The designated away turnstiles are 23 and 24.

Sligo Rovers supporters will be located in the North Terrace, in the pitch-centre standing area.

Tickets

Away tickets are available online only at:

www.galwayunitedfc.ie/tickets-away

There will be no away supporter tickets available to purchase at the stadium on matchday, so supporters are advised to buy their tickets in advance.

Parking

Supporter parking will be available at Coláiste Éinde Secondary School, H91 X798, from two hours before kick-off.

The car park has over 540 spaces available on a first come, first served basis. Please note that this is paid parking, with a fee of €5. The car park will close shortly after the game.

From Coláiste Éinde, it is approximately a 700-metre walk to the away turnstiles at Pearse Stadium.

Away Supporter Bus Parking

Buses organised by the visiting club may be able to arrange parking at St Enda’s Primary School, H91 Y725, by contacting Galway United through the club secretary.

Spaces are limited and must be booked through the club secretary in advance. This parking area is approximately 200 metres from the away turnstiles.

Disability Parking

There are four disability parking spaces located at the back of the main stand. If these spaces are full, St Enda’s Primary School, H91 Y725, can be used.

Safe Travels

We wish all Sligo Rovers supporters travelling to Galway a safe journey and thank you, as always, for your continued support.

John Russell has moved again to further strengthen his side with the return of striker Luke Pearce to the club on an 18 month deal subject to international transfer clearance.

Pearce, 22, spent the second half of the 2024 season on loan at the Showgrounds from Cardiff City. A spell which saw the Republic of Ireland underage international score twice in 13 appearances, netting in games against Galway United both at the Showgrounds and in Eamonn Deacy Park.

Pearce’s addition brings to three the number of signings Russell has made in the current window following the arrival of fellow attackers Jamie O’Donnell and Jamie McGonigle.

The former Walsall and Southampton man returned to Cardiff at the end of the 2024 season and went on to make his first team debut for the Bluebirds in an FA Cup win over Sheffield United the following January.

He spent the last few months of his time under contract at the Welsh club on loan at Finnish club IFK Mariehamn.

“I’m buzzing to be back and to have the opportunity to play here again”, he tells sligorovers.com.

“To be back playing under John is huge for me. He’s told me how much he believes in me and the faith that he has in what we’re doing here.

“It’s time now for me to repay that faith by getting in the team, scoring goals and winning games.

“I believe I did well when I was here first and now I want to build on that.”

Even after his initial stint in Sligo came to an end, family ties to the north west always drew Luke’s attention back to Rovers given that his mother was born in Sligo.

And with six players including Ollie Denham and Gareth McElroy still plying a trade at the Showgrounds from Luke’s previous time here, he says the intrinsic desire to build something special remains.

“Myself and my family have always kept an eye out for Rovers and how we’ve been doing”, Luke continues.

“It’s great now to be able to have the chance to affect those results again.

“I’ve kept in touch with a few of the lads who were here when I was here first and they always speak so positively about the club and the vision that management have. The hunger to press on even against the odds is certainly still here.

“It’s about building momentum now. Picking up a few good results and building on that. I think the last two or three games, I’ve watched them and we haven’t picked up the results we’ve deserved so it’s time now that we started to collect a few good results and that starts on Saturday hopefully.”

Pearce’s 13 game stay definitely made an impression on his manager who was keen to get the striker back to Sligo as soon as his contract in Wales expired.

“We believe we have the right environment here to push Luke on to the next level and continue his development”, Russell says.

“We’re excited to see what he can achieve here and it’s a big opportunity for him.

“Luke and his family know Sligo, he knows Rovers, our supporters and what they expect of him and the club.

“He made a really positive impression here during his last spell here. He’s young, hungry and has similar characteristics to his new team mates in that he works hard for the team. He has the ability of scoring all different types of goals and we’re looking forward to seeing him out there.”

David Goulden

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.