BY CONALL COLLIER

Sydney Stephens maintained her super strike-rate with a sensational 80^th minute goal as Sligo Rovers delivered a battling Women’s Premier Division (WPD) performance against Shelbourne in a 2-2 draw at Tolka Park on Saturday.

Sydney’s super strike to the top corner from over 30 yards gave Sligo Rovers a 2-1 lead after Cara Jordan’s 64^th minute penalty cancelled Jess Gargan’s 40^th minute lead goal as the action resumed after the mid-season break.

Amidst all the goals, there was also a 57^th minute Bonnie McKiernan finger-tip penalty save from Shelbourne’s Aoibheann Clancy

However, Shelbourne salvaged a draw in the 90^th minute when second-half substitute Halle Harcourt also claimed a spectacular overhead kick equaliser for the Dublin side.

Sligo Rovers took a four-game unbeaten WPD run into this encounter and displayed great determination to make amends for the disappointing All-Island Cup outing against Linfield at the end of May.

They were confident and assured with a well organised team effort keeping the hosts at bay and Cara Jordan had an early chance that was parried to safety by Shelbourne ‘keeper Mya Sanchez.

At the other end Shelbourne had shots from Rebecca Watkins and Leah Doyle on target, but Bonnie McKeirnan dealt with them confidently.

The Bit O’Red contained the hosts until the 40^th minute when a misplaced pass created an opening for the Dublin side and Jess Gargan capitalised with a lobbed effort from about 12 yards that gave Bonnie McKiernan no chance.

Despite that, Sligo Rovers finished the half on the front foot and Jordan had a late chance, but she sent her effort over the bar.

The second-half was a fragmented 45 minutes with Keeva Keenan of Shelbourne and Emma Hansberry of Sligo Rovers both requiring treatment after they were flattened by the ball as they blocked shots in separate incidents.

Hansberry was replaced by Alice Lillie who also got a blast of the ball to her face, but she stood strong.

The first action of note in that second-half was the Shelbourne penalty that McKiernan parried and the defence cleared. The hosts were punished soon after when Jordan demonstrated the art of penalty-taking.

The Bit O’Red continued to grow in stature, but the Stephens strike was created from her own ability to hit the target from distance.

The concession of that goal also fired-up the hosts who were on the verge of tasting a first home defeat of the season until that 90^th minute Harcourt leveller.

Shelbourne – Mya Sanchez; Keeva Keenan, Leah Doyle, Maggie Pierce, Pearl Slattery, Alex Kavanagh, Rebecca Watkins, Maeve Wollmer, Jess Gargan, Aoibheann Clancy, Aoife Kelly. 

Subs – Halle Harcourt for Watkins 66 mins, N Hannon for Kavanagh 79m, B Severns for Wollmer 79m.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Ava Hallinan, Kelsey McQuillan, Alana Doherty, Sabrina Hillyer, Emma Hansberry, Cara Jordan, Emma Duffy, Sydney Stephens, Ella Karolak, Anna McDaniel. 

Subs – Cara King for Hallinan 66 mins, Alice Lillie for McQuillan and Mairead McIntyre for Hansberry both 79m.

Referee – Daragh White.

Assistant-referees – Paul Farrell, Conor Fitzgibbon.

Fourth official – Mark Houlihan.

John Russell says his Sligo Rovers side will take confidence from a really impressive performance at Richmond Park despite late heartbreak for the Bit O’Red against a strong St Patrick’s Athletic.

Rovers were the better of the two sides in the first half and created opportunities through Daire Patton, Gareth McElroy and Mai Traore, the latter of whom enjoyed what were some of his best moments in Rovers gear to date. 

However, the Saints did have the majority of the opportunities in the second period and won this game courtesy of goals in the third and fifth minute of added time at the death. And although defeat was harsh on Rovers whose stellar effort wasn’t rewarded, the hosts were value for their victory. 

Despite again being without his full complement, Russell was greatly enthused by his side’s showing and praised his players’ reaction to the previous week’s pasting in Waterford. 

“We’re gutted to concede two late goals”, he reflected. 

“I felt we were brave both in and out of possession and were excellent to a man. I thought it wouldn’t have flattered us had we been two up at half-time. Daire and Mai both had great chances and we might have had a penalty had things gone our way. We put plenty of pressure on their goal and we were happy with the performance. 

“We soaked up a lot of pressure in the second half and had a few chances on the break. We are performance driven and the group have shown an unbelievable response from last week. We’ve come up to face a really strong Pat’s who are chasing for a title. It would have been easy for us to sit back and sit in, but we were brave and passed the ball through them. That’s where our chances came from.”

After two weekends on the east coast, Rovers now look forward to a duo of games on home soil against Shels and Shamrock Rovers. 

Russell believes he saw enough in Inchicore on Friday night to suggest his team has it in them to pick up results. 

“For 92 minutes, we were brilliant but I’m hoping we can see out the game after that and unfortunately we just didn’t have enough”, he said. 

“We executed our game plan so well and we have to take confidence from that going into two big games at home. Anyone here tonight would say we were unlucky not to come away with something.” 

David Goulden

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