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.

Precious league points go on offer at Tolka Park this Friday evening as Sligo Rovers face Shelbourne in what is the Bit O’Red’s penultimate game away from home this season, kick-off 7.45pm. 

With three games to go, Rovers are level on points with Waterford and three ahead of Galway, who have one game in hand. 

The Blues host Derry at the RSC while United face Bohemians in Galway at the same time, as all three sides scrap to pick up enough points to avoid the relegation play-off. 

Cork City’s relegation was confirmed earlier this week following defeat to Shels. 

In team news, Rovers head to Dublin without club captain John Mahon who misses out with a foot injury. 

Winger Ryan O’Kane is ineligible due to the terms of his loan from last year’s league champions. 

Manager John Russell has an otherwise fit squad to choose from as of Thursday evening. 

Rovers are yet to pick up a point against Joey O’Brien’s charges this season. While the Drumcondra outfit are in good form ahead of this one following recent wins over champions elect Shamrock Rovers and struggling Cork. 

However, Rovers’ form has been solid recently with just one defeat in our last five. 

“This will be a tough one for us”, Russell says ahead of the game. 

“Shels have been excellent recently and like ourselves are doing all they can to pick up points to reach their targets and have hit some form. 

“Our form against them this season isn’t great but in all three games, we’ve either been level or ahead against them at half time. It’s about focus and concentration and I feel we have improved even further in that regard since we played them last in August. 

“We got caught with a late goal in Derry because we switched off. If we do that in Tolka, it won’t end well for us. 

“Everyone is fighting for points now and although we always want to entertain, it’s in our DNA, we know how critical it is to scrap and squeeze out results. We have huge belief in ourselves that we will be able to do that. 

“It feels a lot like it will all come down to the wire this season and we have to make sure we’re in with a chance of avoiding that playoff spot once the final day comes.”

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers Football Club invites applications for the position of Manager of our Women’s Premier Division first team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a senior side competing at the highest level of the women’s domestic game in Ireland and to play a key role in developing the next generation of elite female players in the North West.

Sligo Rovers is a community-based club with a proud heritage in the League of Ireland. Our women’s football pathway extends from academy to senior level and is built on a commitment to player welfare, and high performance on and off the pitch. The successful candidate will work closely with club leadership, performance staff, and academy coaches to deliver a clear and progressive football philosophy across all age groups.

The Role

The Women’s Team Manager will lead all aspects of the team’s sporting direction, daily operations, and performance management. The role calls for a forward-thinking coach who can combine strong leadership with a genuine passion for developing players and growing the women’s game in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, and review training sessions to enhance individual and team performance.
• Oversee match preparation, opposition analysis, team selection, and in-game strategy.
• Design and implement long-term player development programmes focused on technical, tactical, physical, and mental growth.
• Collaborate with the Sligo Rovers Academy to identify and nurture emerging talent.
• Communicate effectively with players, staff, and club management.
• Work with the club’s performance and medical teams to monitor player welfare, conditioning, and recovery.
• Represent Sligo Rovers professionally in media engagements, community events, and league activities.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance environment consistent with the club’s values.

Essential Criteria

• A valid UEFA A Licence.
• Demonstrable experience in senior coaching or football management.
• Comprehensive understanding of the Women’s Premier Division and the wider Irish football landscape.
• Proven leadership, communication, and organisational skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience developing and integrating academy players into senior football.
• Previous involvement in elite women’s football environments.
• Strong administrative, reporting, and IT skills.

How to Apply

Applications should include:

1. A detailed curriculum vitae (including all relevant coaching qualifications).
2. A short cover letter outlining your coaching philosophy, leadership style, and relevant experience.

Please email applications to academy@sligorovers.com

All applications will be handled in the strictest confidence.

Sligo Rovers can confirm that Steve Feeney has stepped down from his role as Women’s First Team Manager. 

Feeney leaves the Showgrounds following his second stint as boss, guiding Rovers to a tenth placed finish in this year’s Women’s Premier Division. Feeney’s final game in charge was Saturday’s defeat to Athlone Town, the last game of the 2025 season. 

Initially appointed ahead of the Bit O’Red’s first season in competitive senior football back in December 2021, Feeney led Rovers for the next two years, guiding the club to an unprecedented first-ever Women’s FAI Cup semi-final in 2023. 

The Sligo native stepped down from his role a few weeks later, but was re-appointed last winter ahead of the current season. 

Citing family commitments as the main reason for his departure, the former Rovers midfielder told sligorovers.com of his pride having both played and managed at the club. He also mentioned how tough it was for him to step away. 

“I am at a point in my life where I get greater fulfillment and joy being present and my children’s games and activities than being at my own games and missing theirs”, he outlines.

“The season before this, when I wasn’t involved with Rovers, it gave me much more of a chance to be present with them at a lot more. Coming back to Rovers this season, it made me realise how much more I want to be there watching my kids enjoy their sports and their activities. As a manager of a Premier Division side, it just doesn’t allow you the time to do that unfortunately. 

“But it’s been a huge privilege for me to represent Rovers again. I loved playing for the club and loved managing at the club too. It’s always so hard not to stay involved but I will be supporting Rovers at all levels in 2026 and beyond. 

“I’m so grateful for the support I’ve always had from the club, the players, my staff and of course my family. It’s a massive undertaking managing a group of players and a backroom team on top of family life. I also have a full-time job too so it’s been so important for me that my family gives me so much support in everything I do. 

“The club has been fantastic too, throughout both my stints as manager. There are so many good people who work behind the scenes, unbeknownst to the public. Without them, we wouldn’t have Sligo Rovers and the people of Sligo wouldn’t have the great times and memories this club gives them.”

Noted for bringing through a host of players from Rovers’ Abbvie Academy to first team level, Feeney continued in his tireless efforts in further developing local talent this season. 

“There’s so much work done locally here in Sligo and the north west by a lot of really good people who give their time to the game”, Feeney continued. 

“The standard is improving all the time, especially at Rovers. The work the underage coaches do is phenomenal and you can see by how many girls the club has brought through from underage to senior level. 

“There’s a lot going on behind the scenes at the Showgrounds at both men’s and women’s level. If it all works out and with the right people involved, I know the women’s team will continue to grow and thrive. It will not and has not been easy as the league is so tough. But if the right people are backing them, these girls and this club have more than enough in them to have more success at all levels.” 

A player with the club from 2000 to 2010, Feeney was part of the men’s side who achieved promotion from the First Division twenty years ago. He went on to play four more years with the club, featuring in European and cup winning squads. He also played with Monaghan, Galway, Athlone and Ballinamallard. 

“Working with the players, the staff and the club as a whole has been a great joy for me”, Feeney says. 

“It hasn’t happened for us every weekend, but seeing the players show on occasion what they are capable of has been hugely satisfying and I really hope whoever comes in after me can take them on to the next level as they are definitely good enough. 

“The girls have been such a pleasure to work with. I am really looking forward to seeing those girls who broke through this season going on and becoming important, senior players for our club. 

“Geographically, we don’t have the biggest pool of players to pick from that other teams may have. So it’s so vital that the work that’s been done at underage and local league level keeps up as it’s important that these young girls play to a high level locally and then have the belief that they are good enough to play with Rovers when the time comes. This will help us hugely when it comes to competing in the League of Ireland.” 

Acknowledging Feeney’s contribution, Sligo Rovers Chairperson Tommy Higgins said: “We would like to thank Steve for his trojan work throughout the last year and stretching back to when the club joined the women’s Premier Division. Steve has played a huge part in the establishment and development of Sligo Rovers within women’s football across all levels and the club is forever grateful for his input. We wish him and his family all the best going forward.” 

The process of appointing a new women’s first team manager will soon get underway and the club will update supporters in due course. 

David Goulden