John Russell has praised his players for their patience and self-belief following Sligo Rovers’ second win of the season on Friday night. 

The crucial victory over Bohemians in less than ideal conditions, means Rovers are now two games unbeaten heading into a set of massive home games with Waterford and last year’s First Division winners Dundalk.

Rovers didn’t just have the weather and one of the league’s top teams to contend with. The ongoing fuel protests on the roads to the capital added hours to Rovers’ journey to Dublin on Friday, whilst supporters too were forced to find alternative routes to Phibsboro but still managed to turn up in big numbers. 

Despite going behind early on, Sligo found a way back into this game courtesy of the ever reliable Will Fitgerald who finished off an Alex Nolan cross. While Sean McHale, one of several standout performers on the night, nodded a winner past Kacper Chorazka early in the second period.

“It was a massive performance and we’ve put in a huge effort”, Russell told LOITV after the game. 

“We were disappointed to concede the type of goal we did as the long ball cuts us open. But the response was really good. 

“Second half, we managed the conditions well. Once we got ourselves in front, every man was putting his body on the line so it’s a great three points.

“The performances have been good this season but we haven’t got the points return. It was important for us to stay calm because the performances will yield results. That’s why I’m so happy for the lads because we’ve picked up three points on the back of what’s been happening recently. 

“We felt we owed Bohs one too given that they gave us a real run-around earlier this year. We were happy with the way we conducted ourselves tonight. There were a lot of positives for us.” 

Next up for Rovers is an important meeting with basement side Waterford whose scheduled outing with Drogheda on Friday was called off due to the conditions. This is now the Bit O’Red’s biggest game of the season and Russell has called on all supporters to make it to the Showgrounds this coming Saturday. 

“We want to put a run together”, the Rovers boss says. 

“Hopefully we can use this as a real springboard. We’ve two home games coming up now. I was really pleased for the fans who came here tonight and the points moves us up. Now it’s about moving into next week, getting a big crowd into the Showgrounds for the Waterford game.”

David Goulden 

David Goulden at Dalymount Park, Dublin.

Sligo Rovers battled back against ten man Bohemians to become the first team this season to beat the Dubliners as the Bit O’Red picked up three crucial points at Dalymount Park on Friday evening.  

Bohs’ Zane Myers had put the Gypsies in front on eight minutes, but a hard working Rovers burrowed their way back into this game courtesy of captain Will Fitzgerald’s second goal of the season six minutes from the break. 

Loanee centre half Sean McHale enjoyed one his finest games since joining from St Pat’s and capped off a solid individual performance with what turned out to be the game’s winning goal, when he finished off Fitzgerald’s cross five minutes into the second half.

Former Rovers midfielder Adam McDonnell was sent off for Bohs on 72 when referee Neil Doyle showed him a second yellow following a clumsy late challenge on Jeannot Esua. 

This victory sees the away side move to within two points of eighth place and four away from bottom side Waterford who visit the Showgrounds next Saturday night. 

Boss John Russell made two changes from the stalemate with Derry City on Easter Monday. Cian Kavanagh, who was not expected to make the match day squad, recovered from injury in time to lead the line. While Carl McHugh returned to the starting eleven for the first time since the defeat away to Pat’s in place of James McManus who was ineligible due to the terms of his loan.

The game also saw the timely return to the bench of both Jad Hakiki and Shane Blaney, both of whom have missed the last number of weeks with knocks. 

Undefeated before this game, it was the hosts who threatened first when Conor Parsons bent his early effort around Sam Sargeant’s post after a one-two with Jordan Flores out on Rovers’ right side. While Alan Reynolds’ side hit the lead when Sadou Diallo played in Myers whose high shot ricochet off Sargeant’s crossbar on its way to goal. 

The Rovers goalkeeper was kept occupied for a period and pulled off a wonderful two handed stop to deny Darragh Power before Ross Tierney shot wide from close range following a Parsons corner.

Undeterred, Rovers dug in and pulled out a deserved leveller on 39 minutes when some fancy footwork from the in-form Esua allowed him to find Alex Nolan. The winger’s cross landed in front of Bohs keeper Kacper Chorazka but it was skipper Fitzgerald who reacted quickest to poke the ball beyond the Polish goalkeeper for his second of the year. 

Sargeant was at it again moments later when he threw a leg at Tierney’s next go at goal, with the former Motherwell man looking favourite to come out on top. The Londoner dived to his right but kept his body as wide as possible to deflect away Tierney’s placed effort. 

The second period was just five minutes old when Rovers went ahead. 

Fitzgerald the supplier this time as he neatly nodded Archie Meekison’s corner to the back post for McHale to head past the frustrated Chorazka for the Meath man’s first goal for the club. 

Bohs had plenty of possession for the remainder of this tie, but a decisive Sligo were in no mood to let their lead slip.

Marcus Strods’ pot-shot from 18 yards was simple for Sargeant before Bohs were reduced to ten when McDonnell crashed into Esua as he attempted to clear play. 

Referee Doyle decided to add nine minutes on at the end of the game, but even this wasn’t enough time for the Phibsboro men to find an equaliser. Sargeant plucked a late Ryan Burke header from the sky after Burke was picked out by Power from outside the Rovers area. 

There was further good news for Rovers in this second half when both Hakiki and Blaney were sprung for the bench following injury lay-offs. 

Rovers’ next game is at the Showgrounds on Saturday April 18th as we face Waterford in what will be a huge night of football at the Showgrounds. Kick-off is 7.45pm. 

Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka, Darragh Power, Sam Todd, Patrick Hickey, Jordan Flores, Sadou Diallo (Ryan Burke, 51), Adam McDonnell, Ross Tierney, Zane Myers (Cian Byrne, 75), Connor Parsons, Marcus Strods, (46), Colm Whelan (Douglas James-Taylor, 63).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant, Ollie Denham, Gareth McElroy, Sean McHale. Jeannot Esua, Daire Patton (Guilherme Priosti, 90) , Carl McHugh (Kyle McDonagh, 46), Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Alex Nolan (Shane Blaney, 63), Cian Kavanagh (Jad Hakiki, 81).

Referee: Neil Doyle.

Jad Hakiki, Shane Blaney and Ciaron Harkin are all expected to return to Sligo Rovers’ match night squad this Friday, as we head to Dublin for the second consecutive week. 

Dalymount Park is the setting and Bohemians provide the opposition as Rovers look to build on a scoreless draw with Derry City on Easter Monday. Kick-off in Dublin is 7.45pm. 

The trio’s returns will provide a timely boost to manager John Russell as they each continue their return to full fitness. Supporters will particularly welcome the news of the potential return of playmaker Hakiki who has missed six games having been withdrawn against Galway at the end of February. While defender Blaney returned to the bench in that stalemate with the Candystripes but hasn’t lined out since the second night of the season. 

In other team news and as of Thursday afternoon, Russell continues to plan without Sean Stewart, Conor Reynolds, Ryan O’Kane and Cian Kavanagh who all continue to be treated for knocks. Midfielder Seb Quirk looks set to miss out for a number of weeks with a hamstring injury he sustained last week. While James McManus is unavailable owing to the terms of his loan deal.

Bohemians are currently the division’s only side yet to be beaten this season, winning five of their opening ten games. This form is enough to see them top the table, level on points with leaders Pat’s who have a slightly better goal difference. They have four draws and a win from their last five and have already beaten Rovers this season. 

“We saw on the second night of the season what Bohs can do to you”, Russell tells sligorovers.com ahead of Friday’s encounter.  

“Most of our games this season have been tight bar one or two and against Bohs, they were the deserving winners. Not many teams have really cut us open but we struggled that night so we know what they bring.

“They have a squad of players who can come in and replace the player ahead of them and that shows their strength. They were all over Waterford last Monday and will be very frustrated not to have beaten them. They’ve a very experienced management team and I imagine will have a big crowd behind them up there. But that’s what you want. You want to play in big atmospheres.

“We will hopefully have Shane and Jad back so we’ll assess them closer to Friday and see how many minutes we can give them. Ciaron Harkin coming back is very big for us too.

“We’ll be down bodies again but it once more gives the next player a chance to show what they can do. It’s a big opportunity for a few lads.” 

Russell was encouraged by Monday’s display and has called on his players to build momentum ahead of a few busy weeks for Rovers. 

“I was pleased with elements of what we did against Derry”, he continued. 

“We were solid at the back. Gareth McElroy was only a few inches away from scoring the winner and we were denied a clear penalty that had we scored, we’re probably talking about three points.

“I think if you go up against a side like Derry, with their strength, it’s a good thing to come away disappointed to not win the game. It builds confidence and we need to push on now. We defended very well and we’ll need to do that again on Friday and take any chances that come.”  

David Goulden 

After more than two decades away, our return to the Sligo St. Patrick’s Day Parade was nothing short of unforgettable. To be awarded “Best Representation of Theme” made the occasion even more special, marking not only a successful outing but a proud moment for everyone involved.

This year’s theme, Legends Live Here, felt tailor-made for our club. It offered the perfect opportunity to celebrate the people who have shaped our story over the years. From past heroes to present stars and the promising talents of tomorrow, the parade brought together a remarkable gathering of individuals who truly embody the spirit of our community.

We are especially grateful to Sligo Rovers for embracing and supporting our vision. In particular, we would like to thank Tommy Higgins, Shane Crossan, Conor O’Grady, Donagh Oates and Jamie Murphy for their encouragement and involvement.

Our sincere thanks also go to everyone who joined us on the day. Club volunteers, senior players from both the men’s and women’s teams, and young players from the Academy all played their part in making the event so memorable. It was particularly meaningful to welcome back some of our celebrated figures from the past, including Steve Birks, who travelled from the UK and famously captained the Bit O’Red to their League Cup triumph in 1998, and Jim Sheridan, a key figure in securing the First Division title in 2005.

A special highlight of the parade was our DS Futsal team, who brought incredible energy and enthusiasm throughout the day. Alongside the ever-popular Benny the Bull, they captivated the crowd and kept spirits high from start to finish even in the rain. Their contribution truly embodied the theme; legends, every one of them.

We would also like to extend our appreciation to the Sligo St. Patrick’s Day Festival Committee and the judges for organising such a successful and enjoyable event. Thanks as well to Sligo BID, all sponsors, volunteers, participants and spectators whose continued support ensures that this cherished tradition thrives year after year.

With sincere gratitude,
Catriona & Grainne Oates
(BORST & SRFC Volunteers)

Match Sponsor: Sligo Branch of the Arsenal Supporters Club

Match Ball Sponsor: AIB Sligo

David Goulden at the Showgrounds 

Gareth McElroy came within inches of securing three points for Sligo Rovers against Derry City at the Showgrounds on Easter Monday.

In what was a tight, cagey affair, the Donegal man saw his late header from a Will Fitzgerald cross come back off the Candystripes’ woodwork. The result halted Rovers’ slide of four defeats on the spin. 

Derry too hit the woodwork courtesy of captain Carl Winchester during a somewhat uneventful Easter Monday evening.

Rovers were actually the form side coming into this tie with one win from their last five. Boss John Russell made two changes from the defeat to St Pat’s on Friday, with centre half Sean McHale and midfielder Daire Patton coming in.

While big spending Derry managed just the two draws in their previous five and found themselves third from bottom on the completion of the first round of games. Their only two victories this season ahead of this clash, came at home against Sligo and Waterford, the division’s two bottom sides. 

Manager Tiernan Lynch made four switches in personnel from last week’s loss in Galway. Winchester, Ben Doherty, Josh Thomas and Conor Barr were all back in as the visitors looked to halt their slide. Star man James McClean only made the bench while both his brother Paddy and City playmaker Michael Duffy missed out with knocks. 

Derry have found the Showgrounds a difficult hunting ground in recent years, with just one win there in their last five visits. 

After a cagey opening quarter, it was the Candystripes who fashioned the better of the chances.

Adam O’Reilly should have had them in the lead on 17 when Jeannot Esua’s attempted clearance bounced in front of the former Pat’s man. Leaning back, O’Reilly wastefully skied his volley over the Sligo bar from close range. 

Skipper Winchester crashed a rocketed effort from long range off Sam Sargeant’s upright as City threatened again nine minutes later. 

Shy in front of goal this term with just four goals from our opening nine, Rovers did produce a half chance before the interval. Seb Quirk dragged a half-volley beyond the far post from a Will Fitzgerald assist. 

Chances and indeed any level of entertainment came at a premium even in this second half as both sides toiled on a bumpy Showgrounds surface. 

Supporters had to wait until the 72nd minute for the next moment of note when Sargeant was jolted into action, getting down low to push away a powerful drive from twenty yards from O’Reilly. Although there were legitimate calls for a Rovers penalty shortly before this when Brandon Fleming handled the ball just inside his own area. 

Sligo sub McElroy then went within inches of finding an opener when his header from a Fitzgerald corner came back off the City post.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeannot Esua, Ollie Denham, Sean McHale, Will Fitzgerald; James McManus, Seb Quirk (Carl McHugh 80); Alex Nolan, Archie Meekison (Rego Priosti 88); Daire Patton; Mai Traore (Gareth McElroy HT). 

Derry City: Ed Beach; Jamie Stott, Rob Slevin (James McClean 73), Conor Barr; Barry Cotter (James Olayinka 82), Brandon Fleming; Adam O’Reilly, Carl Winchester; Ben Doherty (Cameron Dummigan 82), James Clarke (Henry Rylah 69); Josh Thomas (Afolabi Akinyemi 69).  

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

Attendance: 2,567

Sligo Rovers are on the hunt for a first win in five games this Easter Monday as Derry City visit the Showgrounds for the first time this season. Supporters are reminded to note that this game kicks-off at 5pm. 

Monday’s match sponsors the Sligo Branch of the Arsenal Supporters Club, while the match ball sponsor is AIB Sligo. 

This game sees the second round of Premier Division games get underway as the Bit O’Red go in search of a second win of the season. The Candystripes already have one over John Russell’s side after they squeezed past Rovers at the Brandywell on the opening night of the season back in February. 

Jad Hakiki had given Rovers the lead just past the half hour. But goals from Alex Bannon and Josh Thomas turned this game in Derry’s favour.

Sligo go into this game on the back of four consecutive defeats after Good Friday’s loss at Inchicore in which Russell was without several first team players. 

As of Sunday morning, the Rovers boss will prepare for this vital tie with City again without his full complement. 

Along with Hakiki, Ryan O’Kane, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart and Shane Blaney, Cian Kavanagh will also miss out after he picked up a knock in the lead up to Friday’s game. Russell is hopeful both Hakiki and Blaney will return to full training this week and will be available for Friday’s trip to Bohs. 

Ciaron Harkin is also a doubt, although Sean McHale is expected to return to the fold having missed the game in Dublin 8 due to the terms of his loan deal. Daire Patton, a second half sub is also available having recovered from a bout of illness. 

Derry themselves have been underwhelming in 2026 despite having one of the strongest squads in the division. Tiernan Lynch’s men find themselves just six points clear of bottom side Waterford following their recent run of five games without a win. 

Regardless, Russell tells sligorovers.com that he’s expecting a hurt Derry to come to Sligo after their defeat to Galway. 

“They’re certainly in a false position at the moment and are a lot better than they’ve been showing in recent weeks”, he says. 

“We have to expect that they’ll come to the Showgrounds on Monday looking to turn things around.

“Both sides are looking for a win for really the same reason.

“We were beaten by a superior side in Pat’s on Friday. They’re challenging for trophies this season and they have to be given the talent they have in their reserves. 

“We were encouraged by our first half but they just had too much for us in the end. It was always going to be tough for us given the numbers we’re missing. Our attention turned to this game on Monday night as soon as we got on the bus home.”

Russell is glad for home comforts and asked for supporters to get behind the team on Monday evening, for what he sees could be a turning point of sorts.

“We’ve lost a few games in a row now, so we’re desperate to break that run. Sometimes when you can just manage to pick up a result, it changes the whole picture. This is a huge game for us, in front of what we hope will be a big crowd. We know Derry will travel well too.

“Losing Friday was tough to take, but it’s ideal to have a game so quickly, a quick turnaround to focus and sharpen minds. We need points as the gap is opening up particularly with Galway and Dundalk doing well recently. Our focus is to pick up points now and try to bridge that gap.”

David Goulden

SLIGO ROVERS 2 WEXFORD 0

BY CONALL COLLIER
Sligo Rovers turned on the style for a first victory victory in the All-Island Cup opener against defending champions Wexford at a rain-lashed and windswept Showgrounds on Saturday evening where a goal in each half from Cara Jordan gave the home supporters plenty to cheer about.

The victory was also a first win of the season for the Bit O’Red after a hugely disappointing display only seven days earlier when they conceded five goals in the Women’s Premier Division.

Manager Gavin Hughes made three changes to his starting line up from that encounter with Paula McGrory, Abby Rooney and Kelsey McQuillan dropping to the bench in favour of Emma Hansberry, Emma Duffy and Manu Baptista Filipe.

Wexford boss Dave Connell opted to start only three of the team that had lost to Galway the previous week with Emma Bucci, Roisin Joyce and Aisling Roche all surviving the cut.

Mnu Baptista Filipe was the standout player for the Bit O’Red with a composed midfield performance for 65 minutes when she was replaced by Paula McGrory.

The defence was also solid as Emma Hansberry and Leah Kelly stood strong with tremendous support from Ava Hallinan and Sabrina Hillyer and that was sufficient for a first clean sheet of the season.

The wind-assisted hosts stormed into a ninth-minute lead when Cara Jordan’s well-placed shot nestled in the corner of the Wexford net after the opening was created by Manu Baptista Filipe.

The hosts continued to surge forward in an effort to capitalise on the elements with Manu spraying the ball around with confidence as the half progressed.

Emma Duffy benefited from that creativity in the 32nd minute but her effort flashed the wrong side of the Wexford post.

However, the warning lights flashed for the Bit O’Red soon after when defensive indecisiveness gave Wexford a chance, but that was the only occasion and the rearguard was assured for the remainder.

Both Manu and Anna McDaniel went close for Sligo Rovers ahead of the interval without adding to the scoreline.

Wexford resumed the second-half smartly and Bonnie McKiernan saved well in the 46th minute, but the Bit O’Red displayed skill, character and determination to carve out a number of chances subsequently.

Cara Jordan was the architect-in-chief on 71 minutes when she got possession from a short corner and weaved her way into the penalty area before she rifled to the roof of the net past a stranded Claudia Keenan.

That sparked a reaction from Wexford, but for all their endeavour for the remainder the All-Island Cup champions didn’t seriously threaten apart from a Megan Smyth-Lynch effort that hit the top of the home crossbar with 15 minutes remaining.

At the other end, Sydney Stephens carved an opening for substitute Paula McGrory as the Bit O’Red battened down the hatches and moved into pole position in the group with what was a historic first win the All-Island Cup at the 10th attempt.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan, Leah Kelly, Ava Hallinan, Sabrina Hillyer, Emma Hansberry, Cara Jordan, Emma Duffy, Manu Baptista Filipe, Sydney Stephens, Cara King, Anna McDaniel.

Subs – Katie Melly for Hallinan and Paula McGrory for Baptista Filipe both 65 mins, Abby Rooney for McDaniel and Rachel McGoldrick for King both 87m, Kelsey McQuillan for Hillyer 89m.

Wexford – Claudia Keenan, Emma Bucci, Kayla Goncalves, Millie Daly, Devon Olive, Aisling Roche, Molly Kirwan, Lauren Walsh, Courtney Chochol, Anna Carson, Roisin Joyce.

Subs – Lauren Dwyer for Roche and Ciara Rossiter for Olive both half-time, Megan Smyth-Lynch for Goncalves and Katie McCarn for Kirwan both 62 mins, Leah McGrath for Chochol 77m.
Referee – Eric Eaton.
Assistant-referees – Oisin Walsh, Sam Ralph.
Fourth Official – Darren Corcoran

Sligo Rovers were beaten on return from our international break on Friday night as St Patrick’s Athletic came from behind to beat the Bit O’Red at Richmond Park.

An early Joe Redmond goal was replied to by further strikes from Romal Palmer, Ryan Edmonson and further goals in the second half from Anto Breslin and Darragh Nugent. 

Rovers will look to put this defeat behind us on Monday night, as we face Derry City at the Showgrounds. Kick-off is 5pm. 

St Patrick’s Athletic: Joseph Anang; Joe Redmond, Sean Hoare (Tom Grivosti 72), Luke Turner; James Brown, Barry Baggley, Darragh Nugent, Jay McClelland (Anto Breslin 14); Kian Leavy (Aidan Keena 72),Romal Palmer (Max Mata 78); Ryan Edmondson (Jamie Lennon 72).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sergeant; Jeannot Esua, Ollie Denham, Gareth McElroy, Will Fitzgerald; Carl McHugh (Kyle McDonagh h-t), James McManus (Daire Patton 64); Alex Nolan (Callum Lynch 78), Seb Quirk, Archie Meekison; Mai Traore.

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan (Cork ).

Attendance: 4,485.

Kick-Off 5pm The Showgrounds

Match Sponsor: Fureys Of Sligo Coach and Bus Hire

Match Ball Sponsor: Crossan Entertainment

Manager Gavin Hughes on the game against Wexford

“Tomorrow gives our squad a valuable opportunity to test themselves against the current holders of the trophy- one Wexford lifted for the first time last season. It’s also our only home fixture in the All-Island Cup, with trips to Dublin and Belfast next month to complete the group stage.

Last Saturday’s result was disappointing for everyone, but it’s important we learn from it. There were plenty of positives to take: we created several good chances and were unfortunate not to score at key moments.

The players have worked extremely hard in training this week and are fully focused on the challenge ahead. Wexford, like ourselves, are searching for their first win of the season, which will make for a competitive and exciting contest.

As I’ve said before, it is a privilege to be appointed the Manager of Sligo Rovers Women for the club’s fifth season in the League of Ireland. Our responsibility is to concentrate on our own performance – what we do well and what we need to improve on. We showed in our opening game against Athlone Town that we are capable of competing with the best teams in the league.

Once again, I’m looking forward to facing the All-Island Cup champions and demonstrating that we have a team ready to challenge the top sides.”

Sligo Rovers head to Dublin for the first time this season on Friday as the Bit O’Red take on St Patrick’s Athletic in the final series of fixtures of the opening round of this year’s Premier Division. 

Kick-off at Richmond Park is 7.45pm as Rovers go in search of a first win in four following recent narrow losses to Shelbourne, Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers. The hosts provide what is probably the toughest test in Irish football at the moment having won four of their last five, are unbeaten in six and have the best home record to date this season so far. 

Rovers won the last game between the sides last September at the Showgrounds, but are without victory in Inchicore since May 2023 although there have been some very tight games between the clubs since. 

John Russell prepares for this Good Friday outing without a number of players. 

Sean McHale will not be available due to the terms of his loan. As of Thursday morning, Conor Reynolds (pelvis) and Ryan O’Kane (arm) will miss the trip to the capital. While Ciaron Harkin is out with a muscle strain. 

Daire Patton will be given a fitness test as he continues to recover from recent illness. Russell is hopeful Jad Hakiki and Shane Blaney will return to training next week and may be fit in time to face Bohs on April 10th, but both will sit out the Pat’s game. 

Sean Stewart (ankle) is a doubt.

“Pat’s are in incredibly hot form at the moment”, Russell tells sligorovers.com as we face into a double header weekend with Derry set to visit the Showgrounds on Easter Monday.  

“Although we’re heading there without a few bodies, this is a game we are looking forward to following what’s been a very valuable few days. This weekend is a big opportunity for some players to make their mark and we’ll be asking them to do just that. 

“Our recent games with Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk and Shelbourne were fairly tight affairs. None of them dominated us and particularly in the Dundalk and Shels game, we were really pleased with how many chances we created. It’s just about taking those opportunities. 

“We see enough of the players every day to have full confidence in their abilities to create and score goals. In our last two games, we hit the crossbar and post and the opposition had players throwing themselves at the ball inside their own area to stop us scoring. 

“It will happen for us, we just need to keep working hard and keep to what we’re doing. 

“We always have a good crowd with us in Inchicore and we’re looking forward to getting out there in front of them again. It’ll be a busy weekend with two really big tests for us.”

David Goulden