The 2025 season had it all: excitement, emotion, and a finish that will live long in the memory. After months of challenge and drama, Sligo Rovers showed true character, securing safety on the final day. It was a reminder of what makes this club unique – the passion, belief, and loyalty of everyone connected to the Bit O’ Red.

Now the focus turns to 2026. A new season, a fresh start, and another chance to push forward together.

Why Choose a 2026 Season Ticket

Stand With Rovers: Every Season Ticket directly supports the team’s preparation for 2026. Your commitment helps the club plan, strengthen, and continue building both on and off the pitch.

Simple, Fair Pricing for 2026 (Men’s Team)

Adult: €300
OAP: €220
Third Level Student: €220
Second Level Student: €180
Super Reds: €100
Family Bundle A (1 Adults + 2 Children): €450
Family Bundle B (2 Adult + 2 Children): €720

Women’s Team Season Ticket

€50 standalone
€25 add-on for existing Men’s Season Ticket holders

Early Access and Matchday Benefits

• Priority access to high-demand fixtures including friendlies and cup ties
• Direct support for club operations during the off-season
• Priority access if capacity is reduced during stadium redevelopment in the 2027 season

Gold Season Ticket – Your Seat, Your Space

For supporters seeking added comfort, the Gold Season Ticket (€70 add-on) guarantees your chosen seat for every home League match. Make the Showgrounds your own every weekend.

A Club That Belongs to Its Community

Sligo Rovers is more than a football club. Every Season Ticket helps sustain projects that keep the club connected to its roots in the North West:

• Academy: Developing local talent and future stars
• DS Futsal Team: Promoting inclusion and opportunity
• Walking Football: Keeping older adults active and involved
• Rovers Integration Team: Bringing communities together through football

Where to Buy

Available online and from:

Showgrounds Megastore: Monday to Saturday, 11am–5pm

Barton Smiths, Sligo
Lavin’s Menswear, Ballymote
Collery’s Shop, Beltra
Jerry Kenny Sport, Ballina
John Lowe, Carrick-on-Shannon
Kelly Centra, Gurteen

Supporting the Club Beyond the Season Ticket

500 Club

• Membership from €20 per month (€240 annually)
• Monthly prize draws including €500 for the top winner
• Over €2 million raised since 2003 and reinvested directly into the club

Club Lotto

• Weekly draws every Monday night
• Cash prizes up to €30,000 plus runner-up rewards

Annual Voluntary Donation
A €100 voluntary donation helps sustain the club and fund community programmes during the off-season.

Every ticket, every draw, every contribution keeps Sligo Rovers strong.
Our club. Our history. Our future.

Buy your 2026 Season Ticket here: (Link)

Sligo Rovers confirm the appointment of Shane Crossan as the club’s new General Manager.

Crossan has held several key roles within the organisation in recent years, including Media and Marketing Officer and, most recently, Head of Operations. His appointment represents a natural progression and acknowledges his significant contribution to the club’s ongoing development.

This appointment coincides with Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Feakins, who will leave his position following a planned transition in the coming months. During his tenure, Feakins placed a strong emphasis on enhancing the club’s commercial performance, expanding sponsorship and partnership opportunities, and supporting the growth of the club’s business activities. The club extends its sincere thanks to him for his professionalism, commitment, and valued contribution.

The appointment of Crossan marks an important step in Sligo Rovers’ continued evolution. His leadership and experience will ensure strong continuity across the club’s day-to-day operations, while the ongoing recruitment of a Commercial Manager will focus on driving sponsorship and partnership growth as part of the club’s wider development plans.

Sligo Rovers now turn their focus to preparations for the upcoming season, approaching the future with confidence and ambition as the club continues to grow and strengthen on and off the pitch

Sligo Rovers picked up a first win against Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium in nine attempts as a wonderful performance from the Bit O’Red saw the visitors pick up the points required to avoid the relegation play-off spot. 

Ollie Denham’s first goal for the club could not have arrived at a more important time as his header from a deflected Ryan O’Kane shot flew past stand-in Hoops goalkeeper Lee Steacy. 

Owen Elding’s 53rd minute penalty was followed by a consolation goal from Shams’ full back Adam Matthews, but Rovers held on to secure their most vital three points of the season. 

The result means Rovers finish the season in a hugely respectable seventh spot, having picked up 29 points from 18 games played after the mid-season break. 

Facing the newly-crowned champions, Rovers were forced into a late change at left full, with prospect Kyle McDonagh replacing Sean Stewart in the starting eleven after the Belfast man sustained a knock in the warm up. 

Indeed, Rovers were disrupted by injury again on the quarter and half hour when midfield pair James McManus and Seb Quirk were withdrawn through knocks. 

Despite this, Sligo went at their hosts, as promised by manager John Russell in his pre-match comments. 

Goal-scorer Denham tested Steacy early on with a speculative effort from 30 yards after Shams failed to clear a short corner. Will Fitzgerald, one of Rovers’ most consistent players this term and leading by example again on Saturday, delivered a sumptuous ball on to the head of O’Kane on 13 minutes. But the on loan winger could only nod straight into the arms of the grateful Steacy as Rovers continued to carve open the champions. 

The deserved lead arrived on 38 minutes when O’Kane’s attempt at goal looped into the air courtesy of a touch off a defender. Denham was quickest off the mark to rise and head the wayward ball beyond Stacey for his first goal for the club.

Jad Hakiki enjoyed another stellar showing in red and along with Fitzgerald was involved in Rovers’ second when they combined to send O’Kane into the Shamrock penalty area. O’Kane’s run abruptly brought to an end when Lee Grace stepped across the Dubliner’s path, resulting in referee Rob Hennessy awarding the spot kick which Elding dispatched. 

Again buoyed and backed by a huge travelling support, Rovers were pinned back for a short time after Stephen Bradley emptied his bench, introducing experience in the shape of Dylan Watts, Matt Healy and Roberto Lopes around the same time as the Dubliners halved Rovers’ lead. 

Full back Matthews blasting an impressive drive from distance off Sam Sargeant’s post and beyond the Rovers net-minder on 62. 

Sargeant had to be on his game for the final half hour and pulled off a wonderful acrobatic stop on 68 minutes when Matt Healy’s cushioned effort looked like it might sail over the Englishman. 

Well marshalled by a well organised Rovers back line, Shams could only come up with half-chances as a disciplined Rovers held on for a season defining result. 

The final result of the season sees Rovers finish on 41 points in seventh, while Waterford head into the promotion/relegation play-off. Cork City are relegated.

Shamrock Rovers: Lee Steacy, Adam Matthews (Roberto Lopes, 64), Lee Grace, Egor Vssenin; Sean Kavanagh (Dylan Watts, 64), Darragh Nugent, Trevor Clarke, Cian Barrett, Aaron McEneff (Matt Healy, 64); Graham Burke (Danny Grant, 77), John McGovern (Michael Noonan, 86).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Edwin Agbaje (Conor Reynolds, 71), Ollie Denham, Patrick McClean, Kyle McDonagh; Seb Quirk (Daire Patton, 31), James McManus (Ciaron Harkin, 16); Will Fitzgerald, Jad Hakiki, Ryan O’Kane (Cian Kavanagh, 71); Owen Elding.

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers travel to Tallaght Stadium this Saturday to face Shamrock Rovers for what is our final league game of the season. Kick off is 4.30pm as Rovers look to pick up a result which would steer us clear of the relegation play-off. 

Rovers currently sit in eighth level on 38 points with both Galway United and Waterford with a draw likely to be enough to avoid ninth spot. While a win would guarantee Rovers a 21st consecutive season in the Premier Division. 

Rovers haven’t beaten Stephen Bradley’s side in Dublin in eight attempts, a run which stretches back to 2021. 

However, the Bit O’Red have enjoyed victories over the Hoops at home in that time, including a win over the newly crowned champions back in March, while the teams played out a draw in Sligo in July.  

In team news, as of Friday evening, Rovers are likely to be without striker Cian Kavanagh through injury, while midfielder Matty Wolfe faces a late fitness test. 

Previewing the game, Rovers boss John Russell acknowledges that although so much is at stake on this final weekend, the players cannot wait to get going on Whitestown Way on Saturday afternoon.  

“We know a win this weekend confirms our safety so we know what we need to do and the players have worked hard all week on what we’ve instructed”, Russell affirmed. 

“The players and staff have worked extremely hard all year. Since the mid-season break, we’ve been on a great run and we want to finish with a top performance against the league champions. 

“We know it’s a tough test but we all have huge belief in our group of players and I know our fans do too given the numbers that follow us away from the Showgrounds each fortnight. When you look at our squad, we’ve got some of the most exciting young talents in the league who are getting better and better with each game. 

“I know the players are relishing the challenge this weekend. It’s a big game for us and they all want to be involved in these big games.  

Acknowledging the vociferous following Rovers have enjoyed all over the country in 2025, Russell again calls on Rovers fans to get behind the team for one final push in Dublin.  

“We’re expecting a big travelling support on the day. Our supporters have been amazing all season and we will need them again on Saturday”, he says. 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers FC proudly recognises the outstanding achievements of our academy and senior players during the 2025 season. Their dedication, talent, and teamwork have been rewarded with well-deserved honours

Academy Players of the Year

Senan Keane – U14s Men’s Player of the Year, voted by teammates

Scott Williams – U15s Men’s Player of the Year, voted by teammates

Oisin Choo – U17s Men’s Player of the Year, voted by teammates

Thomas Morley – U20s Men’s Player of the Year, voted by teammates

Ellen Gilmartin – U17s Women’s Player of the Year, voted by teammates

Julia Gawalkiewicz – U19s Women’s Player of the Year, voted by teammates

Senior Players Honoured

Bonnie McKiernan – Sligo Rovers Player of the Year 2025

Owen Elding – Mark Brindley Player of the Year 2025

Anna McDaniel – Sligo Rovers Young Player of the Year 2025

Gareth McElroy – Sligo Rovers Young Player of the Year 2025

Thank You to BORST

We extend our gratitude to BORST for their commitment throughout the year. Their organisation of the awards event ensured a smooth and memorable evening, celebrating the achievements of all players at Sligo Rovers FC

Sligo Rovers were left disappointed at the Showgrounds despite coming from behind against Cork City at a wet and windy Showgrounds.

Alex Nolan had given Cork the lead just shy of the hour, but Rovers rallied and restored parity courtesy of Owen Elding’s fifteenth goal of the season.

The Bit O’Red pressed for the winner but were unable to unlock the City defence a second time.

The result means Rovers may need a result at Tallaght Stadium next Saturday to avoid the relegation play-off as ourselves, Waterford and Galway all sit level on points. Galway have a game in hand yet to play, against Shams. While both the Blues and the Tribesmen play each other on the final day. 

There was a sense of expectation amongst the three thousand strong in attendance for this one and Rovers began well.

City stopper Conor Brann was forced into an early save when Rovers’ top-scorer Elding ran on to a smart through ball from James McManus, Elding’s shot lacking the power to worry Brann.

O’Kane and Elding both fashioned further chances, Brann doing well to stop the latter’s bullet effort from the angle on eleven minutes. 

When they settled, the Leesiders did find joy down their right side courtesy of Joshua Fitzpatrick. Paddy McLean had to get in the way of Bolger and Alex Nolan shots after Fitzpatrick caused issues on his flank. While Hakiki’s header from an O’Kane cross was pushed into the air and caught at the first attempt by Brann. 

Elding went close from close range on 20 after trojan work from Will Fitzgerald allowed O’Kane swing a cross towards the young striker. Elding’s reaction said it all as his miss-hit shot from seven yards dribbled past the post. 

Elding’s header from another O’Kane cross then flew narrowly wide before the break as Rovers continued to apply pressure. 

Now craving that opener, Rovers did create the first chance of the second period. Ollie Denham’s header from a Fitzgerald assist dropped in front of the City post before bouncing out of bounds.

Cork however threw a major spanner in the Sligo works on 58 minutes when Nolan lashed his strike beyond the reach of Sam Sargeant after patient build-up play by sub Evan McLaughlin. 

The lead lasted just five minutes. 

Elding picking out the bottom corner from 12 yards for his fifteenth goal of the year after Irish underage international Hakiki was fouled inside the Cork area. 

The Showgrounds thought they had a glorious late winner when substitute Ciaron Harkin found the net, but their bubble was burst by referee Aaron O’Dowd after Cian Kavangh had fouled a Cork defender.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Edwin Agbaje, Ollie Denham, Paddy McClean, Sean Stewart (Ciaron Harkin 70); James McManus (Cian Kavanagh 60), Seb Quirk; Ryan O’Kane, Jad Hakiki, Will Fitzgerald; Owen Elding. 

Cork City: Conor Brann; Fiacre Kelleher, Matthew Kiernan, Freddie Anderson; Greg Bolger (Kaedyn Kamara 61), Sean Murray (Darragh Crowley 37); Joshua Fitzpatrick, Kitt Nelson, Conor Drinan (Charlie Lutz 73); Alex Nolan (Brody Lee 73); Sean Maguire (Evan McLaughlin HT). 

Referee: Aaron O’Dowd

Attendance: 3,060.

David Goulden

John Russell has described Saturday’s game with Cork City as the “biggest game in years” at the Showgrounds as the Bit O’Red host the Rebels in what is our final home game of the season. 

Rovers sit level on points with both Galway United and Waterford with Sligo and the Blues having two games left, while the Tribesmen have three to go. Galway face Drogheda at home on Friday night while Waterford travel to St Pat’s at the same time, 24 hours before Rovers face Cork in Sligo.

United then face Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght on October 29th, three days before the season finishes with Rovers heading to Tallaght and Waterford and Galway set to face off at the RSC at the same time. 

The stakes have never been higher this season and Rovers could give themselves a massive boost with a result against Ger Nash’s outfit on Saturday night, kick-off 7.45pm. 

In team news, John Mahon returns having missed the defeat to Shels in Tolka last week with a foot injury. Winger Ryan O’Kane was ineligible for that game given the terms of his loan deal but is back in contention this weekend. 

As of Friday afternoon, both Sean Stewart and Cian Kavanagh face late fitness tests after both were withdrawn with knocks in Dublin last week. 

Talking to sligorovers.com ahead of the visit of the FAI Cup finalists, manager Russell says his players have been treating this game as any despite the magnitude of the occasion. He knows the importance of a good result on the final night under the Showgrounds’ floodlights and what a big, boisterous crowd can do to aid that. 

“As staff and players, we are consistent in our actions”, he says. 

“We train each week with the view to win the game the weekend coming, be it home or away or against the team at the top or the one at the bottom. 

“We try to win the game and nothing changes this Saturday. 

“Every game we want to win, particularly at home. One thing I’ve noticed as the months have gone on, is that we’re excited about playing each and every week, especially in front of our own fans and with everyone right behind us. Call it a cliché or whatever you want to call it but genuinely, our fans have played such a big part in all our performances this year. 

“They’ve followed us in such big numbers from Tralee to Galway and Derry to Dalymount. Rovers have always had good numbers away from home but we’ve really noticed it this season. One more time, we’re asking that all our supporters come out to the Showgrounds and get behind our boys from the very start on Saturday night. This is the biggest game the club has been involved in, in years. 

“We want and need that noise that will help us perform to our maximum capabilities.” 

Cork will travel north west with a first FAI Cup final on their horizons since 2018. Their relegation is already confirmed, but Russell is expecting anything but a push-over. 

“They won’t be downing tools whatsoever”, he continues. 

“They have a cup final to look forward to, the biggest game of the season. Each and every one of their players will want to be involved at the Aviva and I expect them to come to Sligo all guns blazing. You don’t get many chances to play in a cup final so they’ll all want to impress Ger (Nash) and his staff. 

“I said it a while ago but the battle between ourselves, Waterford and Galway is going to go down to the wire. We haven’t been relying on other teams to pick up results yet this season and this round of games will be no different. We’ll play to win as always and we want to be in as good a place as possible heading into the Shamrock Rovers game.” 

David Goulden

The 500 Club members draw for 500 Club Winners September & October 2025 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.

September 2025

€500 Colm Martin – Kevinsfort, Sligo
€100 Gerard Melly – St. John’s Terrace, Sligo
€100 Gerry Hargadon – Strandhill Road, Sligo
€100 Janet Benson – Strandhill, Sligo
€100 Paul Kivlehan – Ballymote, Sligo
€100 Vincent Nally – Lisnalurg, Sligo
€100 Derek Costello – Rathedmond Estate, Sligo
€100 Oisín Moran – Cook Street, Dublin
€100 Joe McDonagh – Chapel Street, Sligo
€100 Jim Gallagher – Kintogher, Sligo

October 2025

€500 Brian Mulvihill – Killiney, Co. Dublin
€100 Bernie Fowley – Templemore, Co. Tipperary
€100 Brian Drury – Calry, Co. Sligo
€100 Fionn Carty – Ballinfull, Co. Sligo
€100 Martin Finan – High Road, London
€100 Mickey Forde – Enniscrone, Co. Sligo
€100 Barry Rafter – Castletroy, Co. Limerick
€100 Fergal McHugh – Grange, Co. Sligo
€100 Seamus Gilmartin – Grange, Co. Sligo
€100 Eugene Gilgun – Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim

Location: Sligo
Reporting to: Chairman
Travel Requirements: Travel as required for business needs
Date: October 2025

About Sligo Rovers FC

Sligo Rovers Football Club is a community-based club with a rich history and tradition. Founded in 1928, it is the largest football club in the North-West of Ireland, boasting a loyal supporter base. With ambitious growth plans and recent government funding approval, the club is on track to open a state-of-the-art stadium in 2028.

Role Overview

The Commercial Manager will:

• Take ownership of the club’s commercial income and activities
• Manage relationships with all commercial partners and sponsors
• Grow commercial income and sponsorship year-on-year
• Coordinate sponsor-related activities, including meetings, match-day involvement, and marketing campaigns
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure optimal pricing and service
• Support the management committee and club staff in administrative tasks
• Assist with match-day preparation and operational duties
• Undertake ad hoc projects as required

Key Contacts

• Management Committee
• General Manager
• Operations teams and office staff
• Club employees and volunteers

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare an annual plan including profit and loss forecasts for Management Committee approval
• Agree on annual, quarterly, and monthly targets with the Management Committee
• Manage existing sponsors to ensure ongoing support and additional sponsorship revenue
• Conduct business development activities to source new sponsorship opportunities
• Develop a sponsorship tiering model to maximise opportunities
• Secure new business and sponsorship contracts to grow commercial income
• Execute sponsor engagement plans, including quarterly meetings with key sponsors
• Manage supplier relationships and coordinate tasks with sponsors, suppliers, operations, and social media teams
• Oversee invoicing and follow-up on sponsorship and commercial income
• Track income and costs, providing variance explanations and reports
• Maintain a database of sponsors, partners, and suppliers
• Take responsibility for assigned match-day and operational tasks
• Perform people management duties including KPIs, performance reviews, and administrative support
• Conduct ad hoc analysis for profit improvement and negotiate with sponsors and suppliers

Qualifications & Competencies

Education:

• Bachelor’s honours degree in business or a related field preferred but not essential

Skills & Experience:

• Extensive business development track record
• Previous sales experience
• Strong networking and relationship-building abilities
• Proven ability to win new business
• Motivated to exceed sales targets
• Disciplined in administrative tasks and time management
• Ability to work cross-functionally within the organisation and with volunteers
• Strong work ethic

Application

Interested candidates should send their CV to treasurer@sligorovers.com

There was a night of disappointment for Sligo Rovers at Tolka Park as champions Shelbourne overturned a one goal deficit to beat the Bit O’Red by three goals to one.

During a lively opening, it was John Russell’s visitors who deservedly struck for the lead on 19 minutes when Cian Kavanagh smashed a deflected Will Fitzgerald cross into the roof of the Shels net. 

Rovers goalkeeper Sam Sargeant pulled off a string of super saves to deny Shels on several occasions. But a Mipo goal on the half hour was followed by a Paddy McClean own goal and a John Martin insurance strike in added time at the end of the game. 

The result, coupled with Waterford’s defeat to Derry and a win for Galway over Bohs leaves Rovers level on 37 with both sides with Galway having a game in hand. 

Rovers’ final home game of the season takes place on Saturday, October 25th against Cork City at the Showgrounds, before we go to Tallght on the final day one week later. 

Shelbourne: Wessel Speel; Sean Gannon, Lewis Temple, Tyreke Wilson (Kameron Ledwidge h-t); Milan Mbeng (Evan Caffrey h-t), JJ Lunney (Harry Wood 58), Kerr McInroy, Daniel Kelly; Ali Coote (Sean Boyd 63), Jack Henry-Francis; Mipo Odubeko (John Martin 73).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Edwin Agbaje, Ollie Denham,Patrick McClean, Sean Stewart (Kyle McDonagh 80); James McManus (Wilson Waweru 90), Seb Quirk; Owen Elding, Jad Hakiki, Will Fitzgerald; Cian Kavanagh (Ronan Manning h-t).

Referee: Paul Norton.