Experienced O’Dowd signs up with Rovers

Former Ballina Town and Conn Rangers defender Orna O’Dowd has joined the Bit O’Red for the new season.

O’Dowd, a native of West Sligo, joins the Bit O’Red from Mayo side Conn Rangers.

The 31-year-old began her football career as a youth with Kilglass Enniscrone United, before moving to Ballina Town at under 12, where she gradually made her way up to the senior squad.

She was with Ballina Town for 15 years before moving on to Conn Rangers in 2021.

“We had an amazing memorable few years from underage right up to senior with the town, winning Mayo Cup, Mary Walsh Cup, the league, Connacht Cup throughout the different years. 

“We won the WFAI intermediate cup in 2006 and again in 2014 when I was captain. After winning the WFAI cup in 2006 we got to go as a team over to Italy in 2007 to take part in an international soccer tournament.”

O’Dowd played her football in Mayo due to a lack of options locally, and GAA was a big focus of hers throughout the years.

She enjoyed success with her side Eoghan Rua who won the Sligo Intermediate Championship in Sligo in 2020, and were victorious in the Connacht Junior Championship. 

O’Dowd, who works in the hospitality industry, was contacted by Rovers coach Jacqui Mulligan to see if she would come to Sligo for training.

“I had seen the post up on Facebook about Rovers joining the Women’s National League and was absolutely delighted to hear that the first ever sligo team was being set up. A former ex team-mate from Ballina Town Jacqui Mulligan got in contact with me to see if I’d pop down.”

O’Dowd is excited at the prospect of playing elite football in her home county of Sligo.

“It’s such an achievement and memorable time, before this you’d be watching/following the games but to be given the opportunity to play locally at this level and to come up against international players too is exciting.”

With the season starting this Saturday with a trip to Dublin, O’Dowd is eager to get going.

“It’s been great. Training is so well organised and it’s at a very good standard.

“Steve and the coaches know their stuff and I’m really enjoying it. I cannot wait for the season to start.”

Connolly pens Rovers deal

Sligo town native Yasmin Connolly has signed for the Bit O’Red for our first season in the Women’s National League.

The 21-year-old, who plays as a striker/forward, has previously played for Strabane side Sion Swifts.

Connolly played for Yeats United from the age of nine, up until she was 17 years of age.

She was part of the Yeats side that enjoyed great success in the league, winning several league titles.

Connolly also travelled to Italy twice with Yeats United for the San Marino tournament.

She also played for Sligo/Leitrim for a number of years.

Once she turned 18, she opted to go to Sion Swifts as there was nowhere in Sligo for her to play football.

“Once I turned 18 there were no more clubs in Sligo, I got a trial with Sion Swifts and started playing with them in 2018 for two seasons, alongside Amy Hyndman. 

“I really enjoyed it there, after the two seasons I was I was starting college in DCU, where I continued to play with the DCU team for the last two years.”

Connolly is currently studying arts, Irish and Geography in DCU.

Alongside Ruth Monaghan, Connolly won a Connacht final with her school, the Ursuline, in 2017, when they reached the All Ireland semi-final.

“I’ve always loved playing football, it was a big passion of mine as a child, I’m delighted to be able to play with a national league team,” Connolly said.

Connolly has also taken up coaching in recent years. Having coached the Yeats underage teams, she then began coaching the Sligo Leitrim under 12 side in 2017, and from then coached the Sligo Leitrim under 13 and under 15 teams.

With the season getting underway in days, Connolly can’t wait to get going.

“I am delighted to be signing for Sligo Rovers, it’s very good to have a national league team starting up in Sligo, the training is of a great standard and the management are brilliant, and all the players get on so well together, I can’t wait for the season to start.

“I am really looking forward to the season starting, the team has been working so hard together, and everyone is so excited to get going.”

Connolly is relishing the opportunity at hand. Already familiar with a lot of her team-mates having played with and against them, she is enjoying working under the management team.

“The management have been brilliant, Steve and the coaches  have been very good, all the players and coaches get on very well together.”

Connolly is the eldest of six children, and her siblings are big Rovers fans.

“My family are very proud, I’m the eldest of six children, they are all very supportive and are always encouraging and pushing me on, my younger siblings often go to the Sligo Rovers games.”

Preview: Rovers back on the road in Derry on Monday

Sligo Rovers travel to face Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Monday night in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.

Tickets for the game must be bought online in advance here.

The Bit O’ Red won on their first appearance of the new season for the first time since 2014 when sealing a 2-1 success over St Patrick’s Athletic.

Aidan Keena scored his first Rovers goal – as did Colm Horgan – as Rovers made it consecutive wins in Richmond Park.

Derry City were the only side Liam Buckley’s side failed to beat in 2021, with the team finishing in third and fourth respectively.

In team news, Rovers will have their entire squad available. Shane Blaney missed the opening game due to illness but he has recovered in time for this fixture.

Rovers boss Liam Buckley said: “It was a good win on Friday night. I was very pleased with the work rate and how we created lots of chances over the course of the game. I felt we deserved the victory.

“In the last 15 minutes we did have to dig deep and the fact we were playing a side who had a couple more games than us made it more difficult. The games bring you on and that one last Friday will help us.

“It’s been important to recover and we’ve done as much as we can in the last 48 hours or so. Both teams are in the same position from that end. They have a squad where they can make changes if necessary and likewise we have that option with everyone fit and available.

“We’re looking forward to it. It’s a tough game certainly. Derry’s recruitment is well-known in bringing in the Dundalk players and from elsewhere. There’s an expectation there really to try to win the league this season and it was a very good result for them last Friday.

“That said, we’ll go there with the onus on ourselves and look at how we can improve again. We know that you have to turn up in every game to get results in this league. It was just three points last Friday, a start, and something to build on. We’d love to add to it on Monday night.

“I’ve no doubt there’ll be another packed house and we’ll have the great support with us like we had in Dublin last Friday. We look forward to all that comes with this game and we’ll go there looking for the result again.”

Preview: Bit O’ Red ready for action

Sligo Rovers will finally get the new season underway on Friday when facing St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park.

Rovers missed out on the opening weekend of the season when the match against Bohemians was postponed due to an unplayable pitch following a long period of inclement weather in the region.

Now, with seven new signings in contention, Rovers will begin the campaign with the first of two away matches over a three day period.

There is a clean bill of health with every player available this Friday night.
Paddy Kirk (Longford Town), Aidan Keena (Falkirk), Karl O’Sullivan (Finn Harps), Will Fitzgerald (Derry City), Nando Pijnaker (on loan from Rio Ave), Jordan Hamilton (Indy Eleven) and Max Mata (Real Monarchs) are the new Rovers signings this campaign.

Rovers won on their last visit to Richmond Park on the night third place was sealed last season, enjoying a 3-0 win.

Bit O’ Red boss Liam Buckley said: “It was unfortunate last week. We all wanted to play but there was nothing that could be done.

“The first game brings a nervous energy which is useful and we retain that for Friday night.

“St Pat’s have played two matches when you include the President’s Cup. That stands to any team because the competitive games bring you on.

“We look at it that we have had one more week to be patient and work hard and get ready for what will be a very difficult game. We’d love to get a result like we did at the end of last season and we’ll be doing our utmost to get one.

“I like the balance we have in our squad. It allows us some flexibility and we’ll take each game on an individual basis over the season. We’re pleased with the players we’ve brought in. They’ve got a desire to excel at the football club for themselves and the group. We’re looking forward to seeing them starting on Friday.”

New strikers Jordan Hamilton and Max Mata have trained with the Bit O’ Red in the last 10 days.

“We’ve really enjoyed having them with us. They’ve settled in and they’re two great lads. The extra week has given them the time to train more and like everyone else it’ll be game time which will help. All of the new players are going to add to us and the quality we have here.”

Under 14’s set for Everton trip

Our Under 14 squad will travel to Liverpool this weekend as we continue to grow our partnership with the English Premier League club.

In January 2021, we announced a strategic partnership with The Toffees with the view that we would partner on initiatives and cross-promotional activities ranging from fan engagement, marketing, content collaborations and tailored membership packages to the development of joint football summer camps and the opportunity for pre-season training bases for Academy teams at both clubs.  

With COVID 19 impacting on travel throughout 2021, Bit O’ Red Chairman Tommy Higgins, Head of Academy Conor O’ Grady and First Team Men’s assistant manager John Russell took the opportunity to visit The Blues at the start of this month for a two day visit.

The lads met with former Bit O’ Red star Seamus Coleman as well as other Everton staff and watched the sides victory over Brentford in the FA Cup.

Our Under 14 squad, managed by Alan Farry will take on their Everton counterparts in a friendly at 4pm on Friday at the club’s state of the art Finch Farm training centre.

On Saturday the squad will take in Everton first team Premier League tie with Manchester City at Goodison Park as special guests of the club.

On Sunday at Fleetwood Town FC, the squad will take part in a six-team tournament. The lads are in a group of three against the hosts and Oldham Athletic.

Under 14 boss Alan Farry:

”It promises to be a weekend to remember for the lads. To play at Finch Farm tomorrow will be something special for them and then to see such a high quality game on Saturday will be a fantastic learning curve for them. We wrap up on Sunday with an exciting tournament at Fleetwood which they are all really looking forward to”.

We look forward to continuing to work with Everton over the coming months on other projects which are currently being worked on by both clubs.

Third Choice Jersey released and JOMA Sport extension

Sligo Rovers are delighted to reveal our brand-new 2022 Third choice jersey as we take to the road for the first time this season with a trip to Inchicore this Friday night.

The kit, designed in association with our kit supplier JOMA Sport, is a fresh design which will incorporate our Bit O’ Red on its crest.

Designed with a V-neck and raglan sleeves for ease of movement, it incorporates a Micro-Mesh technology in underarms and sides to provide optimal breathability. The kit will be donned for the first time in Friday’s game along with a black short and black sock combination.

The club are also delighted to announce a new contract extension with our Kit and Sportswear supplier JOMA, who have now been our suppliers for the last 6 years. The new extension will see the brand be part of the Sligo Rovers team until at least the end of 2024.

JOMA Sport Brand Manager for Ireland Susanne McNamara:

‘’JOMA Sport is delighted to renew its sponsorship with Sligo Rovers FC for a third consecutive contract. Having developed a strong working relationship with the club on many levels, Joma will continue to provide all On-Field Playing Kits, Training, Travel and Leisurewear.

We look forward to continuing our support for a club that plays such an important part in Ireland’s soccer community, particularly with new developments such as the Ladies Teams and Academy. We wish them the very best of luck in the ongoing season.’’

Club Chairman Tommy Higgins expressed his satisfaction with the news:

‘’As a club, we are delighted with both the service and product on offer from JOMA Sport. Since 2016, we have had an excellent working relationship with the brand and look forward to working together for at least the next three seasons. The new jersey is a beautiful design and we hope that our supporters like it’’.

The jersey is out now and available online here https://srfcdirect.com/kits/third/ .

You can also visit The Showgrounds Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm to purchase yours or call into partners at Intersport Elverys in Johnston Court Shopping Centre open daily from 9.30am.

Third jersey out tomorrow

The club will be releasing our 2022 Third choice jersey tomorrow morning at 9am on our online platforms.

The jersey, designed in association with our sponsors AvantMoney will be available online at www.srfcdirect.com and at our partners Intersport Elverys.

The jersey will be a must have for all Bit O’ Red supporters as we begin our campaign away to St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday night in Dublin.

The team will wear our new kit on the night.

Preview: Bit O’Red face Bohs on opening night.

Sligo Rovers host Bohemian FC on Saturday night in The Showgrounds as the new SSE Airtricity Premier Division season gets underway for both clubs.

The match is subject to a 10am pitch inspection. Tickets will be on sale on match night at turnstiles as well as online at srfcdirect.com. Kick-off is 7.45pm.

The teams last met on the final night of the 2021 season, playing out a 1-1 draw. Rovers enjoyed two wins over the Gypsies during that season, while Keith Long’s side also had a home success. 

The Bit O’ Red have not won the opening game of the season since 2014 with a 2-1 win over Athlone Town the last victory.

Rovers achieved their highest finish (third) since 2013 last season. 

Paddy Kirk (Longford Town), Aidan Keena (Falkirk), Karl O’Sullivan (Finn Harps), Will Fitzgerald (Derry City), Nando Pijnaker (on loan from Rio Ave), Jordan Hamilton (Indy Eleven) and Max Mata (Real Monarchs) are the new Rovers signings this campaign.

In team news, Liam Buckley will have a full squad to choose from with no absentees. 

Buckley said: “It is great to get to the point where the season is about to begin. Pre-season has involved a lot of hard work and commitment from the players. 

“It’s a period of trying to be as best prepared as you can for the first game and the next nine months that come with it. It’s only the competitive matches that truly bring you on and test you. Every pre-season brings its own challenges and while we had the occasional setback, I’m happy we’re able to go into the game with all of our players available. We’ll assess the group and picks the team we feel best equipped for Saturday.  

“It’s fantastic for everyone at the club to be getting ready for a game with The Showgrounds at maximum capacity and the atmosphere and occasion that comes with it. I want the players to experience that and get a feel for the support that will be with them. 

“Bohs have a fine squad assembled and a very good management team. I’ve no doubt they’ll be setting their sights on at least a European finish and have equipped themselves with that in mind. We put the focus on ourselves.

“I’ve been delighted with the players we’ve retained here. They’ve done fantastically well and now we’ve brought in some new faces who we also feel are driven and ambitious and want to bring us forward again. That’s the challenge and one that excites us all. 

“We’re looking forward to the game and getting the season underway.”

Buckley discusses ‘excitement’ at upcoming season

Sligo Rovers manager Liam Buckley says he cannot remember a time when he was more excited by his involvement in football ahead of the new SSE Airtricity League season.

This is his 25th year in management after a playing career that brought him to Canada, Belgium, Switzerland and Spain as well as the League of Ireland.  

He previously managed St Patrick’s Athletic (twice), Sporting Fingal, Shamrock Rovers and Athlone Town (twice).  He says each experience with each club was different but what strikes him about Sligo Rovers is the unique relationship between the club and the community.

“I really admired what I saw during the recent club AGM.  It brought home to me the commitment made to help the club survive and develop.  The extra work during the pandemic was amazing. I was sorry afterwards that all of our playing staff weren’t across the Zoom calling during the AGM.”

This year, with rising costs and spending, Buckley has been supported with, as reported at the AGM, an increase in budget. 

“I’m always conscious of what it takes to keep Sligo Rovers going – the voluntary work, fund-raising and careful use of resources.  It’s a community-owned club and I try to spend the money like it is my own.”  

In the close-season, Rovers were linked with a number of players before adding to the squad. He said that in some cases offers made weren’t enough to get a deal done. In other instances, he wasn’t prepared to meet terms desired because he felt it would not be in the best interests of the club.

This week the club announced three new arrivals, Dutch-born, New Zealand defender, Nando Pijnaker, Canadian-born striker, Jordan Hamilton and New Zealand striker, Max Mata.    Buckley says “they are all in their 20’s and like our other new signings, Will Fitzgerald, Karl O’Sullivan, Paddy Kirk and Aidan Keena, they are ambitious.  

“They want to develop and that’s important.”

The Rovers boss hopes this year’s squad will be an improvement on last season.  “We try to improve, year on year.  We re-signed players who did well last year. They showed buy-in to what we trying to develop at the club. We have our talent here as well. We hope that Seamas Keogh, who came back to Sligo from Southampton in the middle of the season, will kick on given he’s been able to have a pre-season and settle back.”

Six new signings with Max Mata arriving today

According to the manager, he sees the transfers of Johnny Kenny to Celtic and John Mahon to Saint Johnstone as a success story for Sligo Rovers.

“We will miss the lads. They gave their very best when they were here. Now they have a chance to be great ambassadors for the club and country.  

“I’m delighted for them and their families. For me, they are proof that the club’s strategy of developing its academy is succeeding. John Mahon came through the ranks. He overcame injury and came back stronger.  Johnny Kenny also came through the academy and loved his time here.  As I understand it this is the first time that two local lads, who came up through the system, have transferred to cross-channel clubs.”

Buckley says the club is right to use the academy to help attract talent from the North West region and beyond. 

“We have no big benefactor or wealthy owners but the club still has the good sense to appoint a full-time staff member, Conor O’Grady, to help develop the academy. 

“Given our location and the way the club is owned by the community, this policy makes sense.”

Seamas Keogh has impressed during pre-season

The manager says that since he arrived over three years ago, he has been conscious of the need to improve the playing surface at The Showgrounds. The inclement weather in the region remains a factor while there is a long-term to lay a new surface.

“I know the ongoing efforts to make the most of what we have.  I do feel our teams will only have the confidence to express themselves fully when there is a new pitch at The Showgrounds. That would make a genuine difference to us.”

He says he is excited by the club’s Masterplan.

“If the facilities described in the plan can be delivered, I think it will set up Sligo Rovers as a force for decades to come.  I know the people involved, from the chairman down, are working hard behind the scenes.  

“The news about the floodlights is a great start.  If they can deliver a new pitch, replace the all-weather surface, improve the ground and get academy facilities in the area, Sligo will become an example for the rest of the country.”

Under Buckley’s tenure, the club have continually risen in the league standings with each passing season.

For the second successive year, it is one of the four League of Ireland clubs set to compete in Europe in July.

“Every club has used the close-season to try to put improvements in place.  It’s going to be a very competitive league again this year.  

“Since I came here in October 2018 with my wife, Orlaith, we’ve been made feel welcome.  We have kind neighbours in Riverstown, we know how much the club means to the area and its supporters. 

“I’m not the kind of manager who goes shouting up and down the side line. I take my notes through the game and discuss these with the players at half time and throughout the week. I prefer to try and play by design not by chance. I am 100% committed to doing my best for Sligo Rovers. I enjoy being here and I want to give something back. It’s a very exciting proposition for the year ahead and we’re excited to get underway.”