Sligo Rovers are delighted to confirm that fans’ favourite Ollie Denham has extended his current deal to the end of the 2026 season.  

Heading into what will be his third year with the club, Ollie finished 2025 on a high when he scored his first goal for Rovers in that pivotal win at Tallaght Stadium last Saturday. 

The 23-year-old’s signature brings to 13 the total number of first team players contracted at the Showgrounds for next year. 

Centre-half Denham initially joined the Bit O’Red on loan from Cardiff City ahead of the 2024 season, before making the move permanent last summer. 

The former Manchester United youth has made 61 appearances for the club to date, with that single goal against the Hoops coming at a critical time.

“It was a great feeling and especially in such a big game”, Denham tells sligorovers.com. 

“Goal-scoring is certainly something I want to add to my game. Once you’ve done it, you want a taste of that feeling again and again.”

Reflecting on 2025, Ollie has somewhat mixed feelings given he missed a portion of the season with a sports hernia. However, this has made him even more hungry to progress both personally and with the team in 2026. 

“Last season didn’t go to plan”, he says. 

“I suffered from an injury right from the start and it eventually led to me being out for a few months. Thankfully I’m recovered now. It was very frustrating but that’s part of football. For me, it was about remaining positive and being as fit as I could be to help me through. I’ll be using this off-season to strengthen myself and give myself the best chance of hitting 2026 in the best condition I can. 

“For the team, we certainly should not have been involved in a relegation battle. We have some great players in this squad, a great management team and an amazing fan base. I know the lads feel the same, we should have finished much higher than we did. 2026 is about putting this all right.”

On his decision to extend his deal into the next twelve months, the Englishman says he’s taken aback in the last two years, by the dedication of the Red Army and by how the club is so embedded in the sporting culture of the north west. 

“I’m really pleased to get the deal over the line and be here for another season”, he continues. 

“I’m very happy here in Sligo and have been since day one. I feel we can build something really strong here both as a team and as a club.

“I have really begun to understand and appreciate the importance of Rovers being a community club and being run by the supporters. The time and effort our volunteers spend working and giving to the club is phenomenal. From fund-raising to travelling with us and helping out with match-day, the players see it and it’s unbelievable. There’s no club like us. 

“It really focuses the players’ minds on giving everything both in training and match day. You’re striving to match the effort the fans put in.”

Ollie is also quick to note the input of his manager in his own development and in his reason to commit to the Bit O’Red. 

“I’ve definitely grown both as a player and a person compared to when I arrived here. I want to keep progressing under John and help the club to keep progressing.

“John was a massive reason I joined here and was huge in my decision to stay here. He trusts me and I love playing under his style. I enjoy how he pushes all of us so much and how he gives balanced feedback to us. He’s highly focused on how he can make each player better and that’s massive for us.” 

Outlining Denham’s importance to his plans, Russell says securing the Blackpool native’s future was top of his post-season list. 

“Ollie is one of the best defenders in the country so we’re delighted he’s staying on”, Russell tells sligorovers.com. 

“His signature was always a priority for us. This move shows how ambitious we are as a club moving forward. 

“He’s a player of immense quality even at 23 and will only get better and better. People forget how young he is. He reads the game so well and brings a calmness to the pitch and to his team mates. He’s just an all-round brilliant defender and we’re excited to see how much further he can progress with us.”  

Denham joins Sam Sargeant, Paddy McClean, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Sean Stewart, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, Will Fitzgerald, Seb Quirk, Kyle McDonagh and Jad Hakiki on the list of players under deals at the Showgrounds ahead of 2026.

David Goulden  

Sligo Rovers boss John Russell has moved quickly in making his first new signing ahead of the 2026 season with the acquisition of midfielder Archie Meekison, the club are thrilled to confirm.  

News of the arrival of the 23-year-old arrives just days after Rovers secured Premier Division football for next year, following a decisive win over champions Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium. 

The Scot will officially link up with Rovers on December 1st having signed a pre-contract, just a few weeks ahead of pre-season training at the Showgrounds. 

A native of Edinburgh, Meekison honed his skills at Fife’s Kennoway United before moving to Dundee United at just six. He signed his first pro-deal in 2019 before spending time on loan at Cove Rangers, Spartans and Falkirk. He made his first team debut for Dundee at 18 in April 2021, scoring his first senior goal for the club just a few weeks later. 

After a 16 year stint with United, Meekison departed home in the summer of 2024 when he joined Bohs. He went on to make 29 league and two cup appearances for Alan Reynolds’ side, netting four times for the Dalymount outfit. 

His signature brings to 12, the number of players contracted for 2026.   

“There was interest from Rovers last year but I wanted to try and prove myself at Bohs”, Archie reveals. 

“But since this summer, myself, my agent and John have all kept in touch and I really appreciated how much John wanted to sign me. It’s always great to be wanted.

“When I had to make a decision as to where I was going in 2026, Sligo was always the answer.

“John seems confident and assured of how he wants his teams to play. He wants pace and excitement and I love that.” 

Meekison made his Bohs debut against Rovers in a two goal win for the Bit O’Red at Dalymount in July 2024, as a second half substitute. Almost 18 months in Irish football, he says he’s enjoying the fare so far. 

“It’s really high paced, intense and frantic at times. It’s very unpredictable. The fact that any team can beat any adds to it. It’s great for a player like me to be the difference maker. I’ve only been here a year and a half and have only lived in Dublin but Sligo seems more community focused and calmer. I hope to create really good relationships here with both fans and my team mates.” 

Talking about where he feels he can make the biggest impact on the pitch, Meekison says he’s at Rovers to bring goals and create chances for others.

“I’m at my best in the middle, picking up the ball in tight spaces and going at defenders with pace. I can also play off the wing too but I’m happy to go wherever I’m asked. I want to bring goals and assists and excite everyone.” 

When it comes to his ambition for 2026, Archie keeps it simple.

“I think our goal should be to win something! I think it’s important we get back to playing in Europe so targeting a European place would be the minimum expectation for me.” 

Speaking to sligorovers.com regarding his first new signing, Rovers boss Russell believes he’s secured the services of an extremely exciting talent. 

“Archie arrives here at the perfect time in his career”, Russell says. 

“He was excellent for Bohs when he got the chance but he probably didn’t get enough game time there to show his true potential. We believe the Showgrounds is the place where that potential is realised.

“He’s a creative player who I think will fit in well here. We require the type of player who can make things happen in the last third and Archie has the attributes we’re looking for to score goals and provide assists. 

“I’m delighted he’s decided to choose Sligo Rovers and we’re looking forward to working with him when we return for pre-season.” 

David Goulden 

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

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

Why Choose a 2026 Season Ticket

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

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

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

Women’s Team Season Ticket

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

Early Access and Matchday Benefits

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

Gold Season Ticket – Your Seat, Your Space

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

A Club That Belongs to Its Community

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

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

Where to Buy

Available online and from:

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

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

Supporting the Club Beyond the Season Ticket

500 Club

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

Club Lotto

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

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

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

Buy your 2026 Season Ticket here: (Link)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

David Goulden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Goulden

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

Academy Players of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senior Players Honoured

Bonnie McKiernan – Sligo Rovers Player of the Year 2025

Owen Elding – Mark Brindley Player of the Year 2025

Anna McDaniel – Sligo Rovers Young Player of the Year 2025

Gareth McElroy – Sligo Rovers Young Player of the Year 2025

Thank You to BORST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The lead lasted just five minutes. 

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

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

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

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

Referee: Aaron O’Dowd

Attendance: 3,060.

David Goulden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Goulden

The 500 Club members draw for 500 Club Winners September & October 2025 was made recently by the 500 Club Committee.

These monthly draws see ten members drawn each month for cash prizes, with the top prize being €500.

The 500 Club continues to be one of the club’s most important Fundraisers and we wish to thank all members, and the 500 Club committee for their continued hard work.

September 2025

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

October 2025

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