Two superb Cara Jordan equalisers earned Sligo Rovers a fully‑deserved point on Saturday evening as the Bit O’Red drew 2–2 with Wexford at Ferrycarrig Park. It was a performance built on resilience, character and no shortage of quality, even if manager Gavin Hughes will feel his side did enough to take all three points.

Wexford struck early, capitalising on a sluggish Sligo start. After just four minutes, Emma Bucci found space at the back post and headed home unmarked to give the hosts the lead. It was a disappointing concession, but Rovers responded well and gradually took control of the first half.

Their best spell came around the half‑hour mark when Gio Dionicio went close, and moments before the interval she was denied by the crossbar after a brilliant effort that had the goalkeeper beaten. Sligo’s pressure was growing, and the equaliser felt inevitable.

Wexford began the second half brightly, with Leah McGrath denied by Bonnie McKiernan and Courtney Chochol firing narrowly wide. At the other end, Sligo created a golden chance on 66 minutes when Gracie Dunaway found herself through on goal, but she couldn’t convert.

The breakthrough finally arrived on 73 minutes. A determined run down the wing from Alice Lillie opened space inside the box, and Cara Jordan finished superbly to level the game. It was no more than Sligo deserved.

Parity, however, lasted less than four minutes. A bout of penalty‑area pinball ended with Chochol reacting quickest to restore Wexford’s lead, punishing some slack defending.

But Sligo’s response was immediate. Just three minutes later, Jordan stepped up again – this time from the penalty spot – and calmly slotted home her second of the evening to make it 2–2. Two goals, two moments of composure, and a reminder of her growing influence in the side.

Wexford pushed late on, but McKiernan produced another excellent save to deny Chochol with two minutes remaining. The game was paused in the 90th minute when Sabrina Hillyer suffered an injury in a collision and had to be assisted off, but seven minutes of added time produced no further goals.

It was a battling, spirited display from Sligo Rovers – one built on teamwork, hard work and the refusal to fold under pressure. Jordan’s brace rightly takes the headlines, but the collective effort was just as important.

Wexford: O’Sullivan; Carson, Bucci, Dwyer, McGrath; Rossiter, Smyth‑Lynch, Olive, Roche, De Mange; Chochol.
Subs: Gray (60), Whelan (73), Fleming (73).

Sligo Rovers: McKiernan; Lillie, Duffy, Hillyer, Karolak; Rush, Dunaway (Hallinan 73), E. Duffy (Hansberry 82); Jordan, Dionicio, McDaniel (McCaffrey 82).
Sub: Glynn (90).

Referee: Oisín Walsh.

Annual Draw raises €152,330 for Sligo Rovers

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that our 2026 Annual Draw has raised an incredible €152,330, with all funds raised going directly towards running the club.

The draw took place at half-time during our match against St Patrick’s Athletic at the Showgrounds. Congratulations to Laura McManus from Leitrim Village, who won the top prize of €5,000, and to all our prize winners listed below.

A special thank you goes to our dedicated volunteers, who spent the summer travelling throughout the North West, knocking on doors and selling tickets. The time and effort they put into the Annual Draw is invaluable, and this total would not have been possible without their commitment.

We would also like to thank everyone who purchased a ticket. Your support makes a real difference to the day-to-day running of Sligo Rovers, and this response once again reflects the generosity of our supporters and the wider community.

2026 Annual Draw winners

1. Laura McManus, Leitrim Village, Co. Leitrim
   €5,000 cash prize.
2. Sean Gallagher, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim
   €1,000 cash prize.
3. Patrick Leonard, Carney, Co. Sligo
   Two nights’ bed and breakfast with an evening meal for two at Breaffy House Resort, Castlebar.
4. Brendan Queenan, Castletown, Easkey, Co. Sligo
   Two nights’ bed and breakfast for two at the Wyatt Hotel, Westport.
5. Freddie Brennan, Achonry, Co. Sligo
   One night’s bed and breakfast for two at the Clayton Hotel, Liffey Valley.
6. Dolores Marren, c/o Michael Toolin
   One night’s bed and breakfast for two at the Waterford Marina Hotel.
7. Rose Horan, Cummeen, Strandhill Road, Sligo
   A 52-inch Walker TV, sponsored by Broderick’s Electrical, Castlebar/Westport.
8. Donald McDonagh, St Edward’s Terrace, Sligo
   A €200 Kate’s Kitchen voucher.
9. Kevin Deerage, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo
   A €200 Elverys voucher.
10. Enda Scanlon, Ballincar, Rosses Point, Co. Sligo
    A €200 Ticketmaster voucher.

Thank you to our prize sponsors and to everyone who helped make this year’s Annual Draw such a success.

Sligo Rovers were narrowly beaten by title chasers and league leaders St Patrick’s Athletic at the Showgrounds, although the result could have swung in the opposite direction with a little more luck on Darren Purse’s team’s side. 

Aidan Keena found the game’s only goal as a star-studded Saints returned to the Premier Division summit. The former Rovers striker making the most of a rare blot on Liam Hughes’ copy-book when the stand-in goalkeeper spilled an Anthony Olusanya shot into the path of Keena who couldn’t miss from close range. 

The Bit O’Red did have opportunities in this one and defended well against the Dubliners. The aforementioned Hughes pulled out really impressive stops to deny both Sean Hoare and match-winner Keena in the first half. 

While this game was decided within the space of a short moment in the second half. 

Joey Anang’s reactions saw him divert a Jack Shorrock effort onto his crossbar on 74, a chance which could have won the game for Sligo, seconds before Keena’s goal at the far end. 

Rovers now have a three week break before our trip to Tolka Park to face Shelbourne on October 9th. 

Sligo Rovers: Liam Hughes; Aidan Gabbidon, Gareth McElroy, Carl McHugh (Ollie Denham 79), Sean Stewart (Kevin Zefi 79); Rueben Gillespie, James McManus (Kaiyne Woolery 62), Luke Young; Archie Meekison, Jack Shorrock (Kyle McDonagh 79), Cian Kavanagh (Luke Pearse 70). 

St Patrick’s Athletic: Joe Anang; Luke Turner, Sean Hoare (Sean McHale 77), Joe Redmond, Anto Breslin (Jay McClelland 59); Barry Bagley (Chris Forrester 66), Jamie Lennon; Zach Elbouzedi, Ryan Sheridan (Darragh Nugent 77); Aidan Keena, Ryan Edmondson (Anthony Olusanya 59).  

Referee: Arnie Hunter.

Attendance: 2,189. 

Match day sponsor: Foley’s Bar, Sligo. 

Match ball sponsor: Sligo branch of the Manchester United Supporters Club. 

Darren Purse has outlined how important it is for him to take a look at both fringe and younger players within his squad as title chasing St Patrick’s Athletic come to town this Saturday, kick-off at the Showgrounds is 7.45pm. 

Eleven points adrift with five games to go, Purse has reiterated his desire for his side to keep plugging away in the search for points. 

Maintaining our Premier Division status looks a challenge unlikely to be succeeded at this point and with a nod to next season, Purse says it’s important to take a look at the likes of recent debutants Liam Hughes, Aidan Gabbidon and Reuben Gillespie. 

Ballina man Gillespie didn’t look out of place in midfield on his first senior appearance in Drogheda. 

While Hughes and Gabbidon also had a taste of first team action, on Monday against Galway. 

“If we’re going to prep for next season, whatever league we’re in, I need to look at players and give them opportunities”, Purse explains. 

“You won’t know unless you give them the chance. 

“With the likes of three boys, we have a good idea of where they are at now and blooding young lads shows me where I need to look recruitment wise for next season. 

“We have a few players out for Saturday so it gives us a chance to see the fringe players and as I say, it helps to plan for next year in terms of who we want to stay on and where we need to strengthen. 

“I had hoped to have a few back last week but for one reason or other, they’re not quite ready.

“That’s just where we’re at. But I don’t think we’ll have too many back for Pat’s.”

Stephen Kenny’s Saints go into this weekend’s game top of the league following a trouncing of Dundalk at Oriel Park on Monday. 

They have one game extra played in comparison to fellow hopefuls Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians and Purse knows what his players are up against as the Dubliners look to keep ahead of their neighbours and rivals. 

“They’re similar to someone like Bohs, where they are very good in possession and can really hurt you with their quality and we need to be alive to that. 

“If we perform to the levels that we performed at on Monday, then we give ourselves a chance. 

“We have five games left now so I just want us to give it a go. 

“The levels need to be maintained and I think we get the rub of the green, we’ll win games. 

“If penalty decisions go our way at either end of the field on Monday, then you’re looking at a different game.”

After Saturday’s game comes a three week break which also encompasses the international break. 

“It gives us time to recover and for players to show they’re fit and willing to fight to get into the team”, Purse continues. 

“We’ll asses where we are after Saturday and I think the players will have some time off. 

“You look at how small our squad is, players need it. But it also gives us a chance to put in some good work and try and make a real fist of the last few games.” 

David Goulden 

Quotes courtesy of Ryan Davey. 

BY CONALL COLLIER

Gracie Dunaway’s 21^st minute goal was sufficient to give Sligo Rovers a hard-earned 1-0 Women’s Premier Division victory against Shelbourne in front of the TG4 cameras at the Showgrounds on Saturday.

Gio Dionicio picked up the player-of-the-match award, but it was a real determined team effort over the 90 minutes with Bonnie McKiernan, Sabrina Hillyer, Olivia Rush and Ella Karolak driving the team forward.

Bit O’Red boss Gavin Hughes made one change from the team that defeated Cork City last weekend with Alice Lillie returning to the starting 11 for Ava Hallinan.

Shelbourne made three changes to the team that got the better of DLR Waves with Mya Sanchez returning between the posts for Jenna Willoughby while Alex Kavanagh and Jess Gargan also started for Nia Hannon and Halle Harcourt.

Sligo Rovers dictated the early exchanges with chances for both Gio Dionicio and Gracie Dunaway, but Shelbourne absorbed the pressure, settled into the game and appeared happy to contain the hosts.

That plan unravelled in the 21^st minute when Gracie Dunaway gained possession and her shot from outside the Shelbourne penalty area dropped under the crossbar at the far post for a merited lead goal.

Soon after Anna McDaniel had a chance to extend the lead, but from close range she fired into the side netting.

The Bit O’Red continued to push forward, but Shelbourne finished the half on the front foot without finding an equaliser.

Shelbourne the. resumed the second-half smartly with Maeve Wollmer going close twice on 54 and 56 minutes, but  Cara Jordan kept the Dublin women alert when narrowly wide on the hour at the other end.

Shelbourne continued to chase an equaliser and Bonnie McKiernan saved smartly again from Wollmer on 73 minutes and for the remainder, the Bit O’Red stood strong holding on for a victory that moved them into fourth place.  

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie, Ella Karolak, Alana Doherty, Sabrina Hillyer, Emma Duffy, Cara Jordan, Gracie Dunaway, Olivia Rush, Gio Dionicio, Anna McDaniel.

Subs – Mairead McIntyre for McDaniel 72 mins, Rachel McGoldrick for Dionicio 92m.

Shelbourne – Mya Sanchez; Leah Doyle, Pearl Slattery, Alex Kavanagh, Kate Mooney, Kate Mooney, Isabella Flocchini, Maeve Wollmer, Jessica Gargan, Aoife Kelly, Maggie Pierce, Olivia Damico. 

Subs – Brianne Severns for Mooney 72 mins, Nia Hannon for Damico 80m. 

Referee – Robert Dowling.

Assistant-referees – Richard Storey, Eric Eaton.

Fourth official – Arnold Hunter. 

Darren Purse says the belief he and his staff have in his squad is unwavering ahead of what is a pivotal four days in Sligo Rovers’ season.

Five points adrift at the foot of the Premier Division table, Rovers face second from bottom Drogheda United at Sullivan and Lambe Park on Friday at 7.45pm. While Galway United are the visitors to the Showgrounds on Monday night, for what will be the fourth and final Connacht derby of 2026. 

Seven games remain as Purse looks to maintain Rovers’ presence in the top flight, a run stretching back two decades. Only the never relegated St Pat’s and Bohs have a better current run in the division. 

Friday’s trip to Louth will also be our fourth meeting with Kevin Doherty’s side and a second for Purse who took charge at the Showgrounds for the first time against United back in July. That game ended in late heartbreak as Drogs snatched a late equaliser to deny Sligo a much needed win.

But Purse says he sees it in his team, the chance of a big weekend. He’s also hopeful that he’ll have a few players back, after there were some forced absentees for the cup defeat to Waterford last Friday. 

“We’ll prepare for these two games the same as any game gone by”, he tells sligorovers.com. 

“We’ll be looking to go and win both games, the way we have done in every other game since I’ve been here. 

“Until it’s mathematically impossible for us to get out of it, then I will never say it’s over. 

“But starting Friday, that is such a big game for us and we need to come out with three points. Not a game has gone by that the players haven’t given me everything they have. They haven’t finished a game where they haven’t battled, haven’t tried. 

“Some of the teams we’ve played against have had that bit more quality, yes. But from an endeavour and intensity point of view, I think my players have been fantastic pros.  

“I think there’ll be one or two who missed out recently who should be back. We certainly should have a stronger bench than last week to change the game should we need to. So this week was about trying to manage the players’ work loads ahead of what’s going to be a hectic weekend. 

“We have two games now in four days and it’s about trying to put out the best possible side for both those games.”

The former Millwall and West Brom defender is under little illusion in terms of what is needed for a side who are without a league win since May, to go and win twice in four days. But Purse’s motivation to prove the doubters wrong and achieve something truly remarkable is driving him and his players on.  

“It’s going to take a lot of hard work, grit, determination and intensity but I believe we’ve got it in us”, he booms. 

“The players are in good form. I know the results don’t say it, but performance wise, they have shown what they can do but they need to produce starting Friday night. 

“Drogheda would be happy walking out of the ground with a draw Friday. That doesn’t mean they’ll look to play for it, I’m sure they’ll look to win and extend their lead. 

“So we need to be on it and I believe if our players play to the levels they can, we have enough in this squad that can win in Drogheda and do the same against Galway. If we can do that, then by Monday night, we’ll be looking at a different scenario than the one we’re in right now.

“If I’m lucky enough to keep us in the Premier Division, it’d be up there with some of my best achievements. I’ve been lucky enough to have some really great experiences in football. But that career is done and if I can pass on my experiences to these players and give them the best possible chance to achieve something, then that would be incredible. 

“But I always back myself, my staff and my players and I really do believe that we have enough in this group to get us out of it and hopefully that starts this weekend.” 

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.

July 2026

€500 Gerry McMunn – Dromard, Co. Sligo
€100 Rory Howard – Knocknahur, Co. Sligo
€100 Ronan Keogh – Maynooth, Co. Kildare
€100 Andy Dodd – Old Cartron, Sligo
€100 Stephen Gilroy – Tonaphubble, Sligo
€100 Michael Leonard – 42 Avoca Park, Dublin
€100 John Keane – New York, USA
€100 Michael Mullvaney – Maugheraboy, Sligo
€100 John Burns – Dromard, Co. Sligo
€100 Liam Rooney – Lyndale, Sligo

August 2026

€500 Ronnie Brennan – Greenfort Est, Sligo
€100 Seamus Cummins – Hazlewood, Co. Sligo
€100 John Reidy – Caltragh, Sligo
€100 Liam McGettigan – Knocknagganny, Sligo
€100 Sinead O’Donnell – Bundoran, Co. Donegal
€100 Michael Cunningham – Ohio, USA
€100 Denis Gormalley – Achonry, Co. Sligo
€100 Janet Benson – Strandhill, Co. Sligo
€100 Kilian Kelly – Meadow Walk, Longford
€100 Tony Fagan – Church Hill, Sligo

Sligo Rovers FC, in partnership with Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), is inviting applications for two positions within the Sligo Rovers FC / MSLETB Development Programme:

Development Programme Co-ordinator

Development Programme Assistant Co-ordinator

The full-time programme combines education, personal development and high-performance football, supporting male and female participants, including early school leavers, secondary school graduates and aspiring young footballers.

Development Programme Co-ordinator – LTI

The successful candidate will lead the day-to-day delivery, development and evaluation of the programme, working closely with MSLETB, Sligo Rovers FC, tutors, learners and other stakeholders.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing and delivering the full-time programme.
• Overseeing tutors, curriculum delivery and QQI accreditation.
• Recruiting, assessing and supporting programme participants.
• Managing learner development, welfare and progression.
• Developing education and football pathways for participants.
• Supporting the delivery of a high-performance football environment.
• Liaising with clubs, schools, community organisations, the FAI and other relevant stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in education, programme management and football development, together with excellent organisational and communication skills.

A background in athletic and player development, ideally to UEFA A Licence level, and a recognised training qualification, such as QQI Level 6 Train the Trainer, is desirable.

Development Programme Assistant Co-ordinator – LTI

The successful candidate will support the Co-ordinator in the delivery and ongoing development of the programme across both education and football.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with the day-to-day running and promotion of the programme.
• Supporting the delivery of QQI Level 5 modules in Sport and Recreation Studies.
• Assisting with participant recruitment, assessment and registration.
• Providing individual learner support, guidance and mentoring.
• Developing Individual Learning Plans and supporting progression into further education, training, employment or professional football.
• Assisting with daily football training and player development.
• Supporting performance analysis, sport science, strength and conditioning, and player welfare.
• Working closely with MSLETB, Sligo Rovers FC, the FAI and other stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have experience in education and football development, strong organisational and communication skills, and an understanding of QQI and ETB Quality Assurance systems.

A background in coaching and player development, ideally to UEFA B Licence level, together with a recognised training qualification, such as QQI Level 6 Train the Trainer, is desirable.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your CV to Academy@sligorovers.com.

For full details of the roles and candidate requirements, please see the complete job specifications below.

Sligo Rovers FC is an equal opportunities employer.

The closing date for applications is 11 September 2026.

BY CONALL COLLIER

Two goals from Gracie Dunaway and an Emma Duffy strike paved the way to a 3-0 Women’s Premier Division victory for Sligo Rovers against hosts Cork City at Turner’s Cross on Saturday.

After the disappointment of conceding an added-time winner to Waterford seven days earlier, the Sligo Rovers players were determined to make amends for that blip.

A solid performance was crucial and Ella Karolak made a major contribution to the victory while Bonnie McKiernan produced a number of important saves, especially early in the second-half.

Chasing a top four finish, a victory was vital and Sligo Rovers made a positive start with early pressure on the Cork City defence as Gio Dionicio and Cara Jordan posed some tough questions for the hosts.

Those tactics paid off in the 11th minute when Emma Duffy gained possession on the edge of the Cork penalty area direct from a corner and rifled a tremendous shot to the top corner of the Cork net for a merited lead goal.

The Bit O’Red continued to press and Gracie Dunaway added a second goal on 24 minutes when she tapped home from about two yards after Olivia Rush created the opening.

Trailing by two goals at the interval, Cork City were quick out of the traps for the second-half and Ellie O’Brien had a shot on target in the 48th minute before Yuna Go was denied in a one-on-one by Bonnie McKiernan.

The Bit O’Red weathered the mini-storm and forced a series of corners that finished in a Gracie Dunaway hitting the ball from the edge of the penalty area for an opportunist third goal on 58 minutes.

Cara Jordan set up a late opportunity for Dunaway who had a chance of a hat-trick, but she was narrowly wide four minutes from time.

Cork City – Una Foyle; Heidi Mackin, Ellie O’Brien, Holly O’Hagan, Stella Berezowski, Eva Mangan, Lauren Homan, Zoe Finnerty, Yuna Go, Leah O’Leary-Callender, Alex Mendez.

Subs – Amy McCarthy for Mendez half-time, P O’Shea for Homan 66 mins, S Redmond for Bereezowski 80m.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Ava Hallinan, Alana Doherty, Sabrina Hillyer, Ella Karolak, Cara Jordan, Emma Duffy, Gracie Dunaway, Olivia Rush, Gio Dionicio, Anna McDaniel.

Subs – Mairead McIntyre for McDaniel half-time, Sarah McCaffrey for Duffy 66 mins, Leah Kelly for Hallinan 80m, Emma Malone for McKiernan and Katie Glynn for Dionicio both 83m.

Referee – Ian O’Keeffe.

Assistant-referees – Paul Braganza, Eoghan McAuliffe.

Fourth official – Ricky Crean.

Darren Purse believes his Sligo Rovers side have it in them to produce the type of performance required to progress to the last four of the Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup, ahead of the Bit O’Red’s quarter-final tie with Waterford at the RSC on Friday. 

Rovers will look to progress to a first cup semi-final since 2020 as we take on what is the country’s form side. This last eight bout will be the fifth meeting between the sides this season, with both clubs winning one game each while the other two encounters ended in scoreless draws. 

Rovers reached the same stage last season, only to be knocked out by Kerry who we then progressed past this year, along with Janesboro in the round previous. While Waterford can count Cobh Ramblers and Athlone Town as the sides they’ve got past to date.

This will be Rovers and the Blues’ first cup meeting since 2013, when goals from Danny Ventre and Anthony Elding saw us overcome Waterford at the RSC on our way to our fifth FAI Cup triumph that year. 

Previous to that, Rovers beat Waterford in the 2009 semi-final at the Showgrounds, while Waterford were victors at the same venue in the third round two years previous. 

Back to present day and Rovers go to Munster to face Graham Coughlan’s men who are in the midst of an astonishing run of form. Bottom of the league a few months ago, they have only been beaten once in their last ten league games, winning six of those, including a four goal win over Rovers back in June.

“They’re up there with Shamrock Rovers in terms of current form and that tells a story”, Purse tells sligorovers.com. 

“As draws go, it’s a tough one. But we know that on any given day, anyone can beat anyone on any given day in this division. If we produce a similar performance to what we did against Waterford a few weeks ago, then we give ourselves a chance. 

“They’re physical, they get the ball in the box and they’ve quality in the final third. Hence why they’re on the run they’re on. We’re going to have be on our mettle and have a little bit more quality in the final third and hopefully we can get through to a semi-final.”

Neither side managed to breach the other when the sides met two weeks ago and although Purse is drawing the positives from that game, he says it would be naive on his part to draw any conclusions ahead of Friday’s tie in terms of the opposition’s approach.

He is also keen to focus on Friday alone ahead of crucial league meetings with both Drogheda and Galway to come.  

“They (Waterford) play against us and then go to St Pat’s and play a different shape with one or two changes so it’ll be a bit of a guessing game to see how they line out but we’ll prepare the best we can”, he continues. 

“We’ll have contingency plans in place incase they try and surprise us. 

“But the performance against them is quite fresh in our minds and if we put in the performance we did against them a few weeks ago, it gives us the chance to progress. 

“We take and assess each game as it comes. Our priority today is Waterford in the cup and we’ll approach this game in the best manner we can and out out the best possible side we can to go and win the game.

“It’s a big occasion, the quarter-final of a cup and hopefully the gods will be with us and we walk away with a win.”

Purse also acknowledged and thanked the input of striker Jamie McGonigle and defender David Jonathan, both of whom left the club this week. 

The club ended the loan agreement between ourselves and Coleraine, which saw McGonigle return to Irish league football. 

“Jamie was away from his family and I think him moving back was a move that suited both parties”, Purse said. 

“It wasn’t an easy decision for either he or the club to make, especially because it’s left us short up front. I’d have liked to have come to an agreement with him a bit earlier to have time to get someone else in. But it is what it is and we move on. We wish both the lads the best of luck in their next steps.” 

David Goulden