Our Under 19 men’s hopes of winning the Elite League were ended on Sunday afternoon at home to Derry City. Having led the league since the opening day, two defeats on the spin had seen us slip from first to third in recent weeks. It meant this game became a must-win before a final day trip to leaders Shamrock Rovers next Sunday. Derry sat one place and one point behind us after defeat to Cork last weekend but arrived in celebratory mood following their EA Sports cup final win over Bohemians on Thursday night. Like Rovers however, defeat would have signaled the end of their campaign before a final day reunion with the side they just beat on penalties.

It was a predictably cagey opening ten minutes only made notable for how often the referee’s whistle was blowing despite a couple of fairly innocuous challenges. One such decision on 12 minutes led to a free kick 40 yards from goal wide on the left. With the City defence expecting a cross, Kailan Barlow cheekily aimed a shot at the near post that bounced a foot wide and had the Derry keeper scrambling. That buoyed Rovers and moments later Barlow threaded a perfect pass to Josh Mulrennan, inside the right back, but his shot was dragged wide of the far post. We were clearly on top now as Cillian Heaney broke at speed down the right. He beat two players before crossing for Barlow unmarked in the centre but the ball was just half an inch too high as it skidded off the playmakers head and out for a goal kick.

The game came to a standstill just after the quarter hour when Derry midfielder (No.35) landed awkwardly high on his shoulder and neck. Thankfully though, he was up and walking around shortly after being substituted. The long delay meant the game receded back to how it began with no real chances created until the stroke of half time. Rovers had two corners and a succession of throws before losing possession and allowing the away side to break. Derry worked it well out wide to (No.2) who squared for Michael Harris to roll home the opener. Barlow incredibly smacked the crossbar straight from kick off as Rovers sought an instant response but went in 0-1 at the interval.

One goal five minutes before the break was followed by another five minutes afterwards. A ball through the middle of the pitch was cleverly flicked forward by (No.33) and immediately released Orrin McLaughlin. He was already on the turn and raced in on the home goal before smashing it off the inside of the far post and doubling City’s lead.

Mulrennan and Sean McAteer were replaced by Aidan McHale and Jason Devaney as Rovers pushed forward and Derry began to retreat. A wonderful pass from Peter Maguire over the top fell right in the path of the marauding left back Darragh Ellison, he got a touch to the ball before being wiped out just inside the area and the referee took no time to correctly award a penalty. Barlow scored to make it 1-2 with 20 minutes still to play.

It was all Rovers now as we forced several corners that caused panic in the City defence. Eanna Clancy had several shots blocked as did substitute Ciaran Jennings. The best chance though, fell to Barlow four minutes from time. The ball wasn’t cleared properly from a corner, and it fell to the Rovers’ number 10 who found himself through on goal just a few yards out and at a slight angle. Derry waited on an offside flag that wasn’t coming as Barlow shot low but without much power and the keeper managed to get across and push it wide. More corners and free kicks followed but to no avail while Derry twice broke and amazingly hit the crossbar with a shot from distance on each occasion. City effectively wasted time near the home goal as added time ticked away and the game came to an end. Bohemians 2-1 victory over St. Patrick’s Athletic moved them to the top of the league and four points clear of the Bit O’ Red with just one game to play.

Richard Mullan

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Kailin Barlow has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The 18-year old has spent the last four years in the club’s academy after joining from Merville United and his former side Benbulben FC.

Barlow has represented the Republic of Ireland underage side at several age groups, from Under-15 to Under-17 and was recently on standby for the Under-18s.

Early in his career he played alongside Johnny Kenny and Peter Maguire in the Sligo-Leitrim side which reached the final of the Kennedy Cup and has been a leading talent in the Rovers academy.

He was just 14 when moving to Rovers and spent two seasons at Under-15 level, before moving to the Under-17s and this season was an impressive player for the Under-19 side.

A skilful attacking player, he can be utilised in a number of positions, including on the left side of midfield, as a number 10, and was also used up front earlier in some academy matches.

He will still be eligible to play for the Under-19s next season and has been training with the Rovers first-team intermittently this year.

Barlow is a student of Summerhill College in Sligo and will complete his Leaving Cert next summer.

Kailin Barlow said: “It’s every kid’s dream to sign for their local club as a professional and that’s how it feels for me.

“Earlier in the season Conor said there’d be a chance that a contract could materialise. I’ve been in with the first-team and then Liam Buckley met me one day about turning professional and offered me the deal. I was just over the moon and it was a really proud moment.

“As a player I like to have an attacking threat, play between the lines and make things happen. I’ve seen all the players come through to play for the club and get that chance and in that time it was my goal to emulate them.

“I think I had a decent season with the Under-19s this year. I’ve always felt my record was good in every team but I’ve been lucky with the great coaches I’ve had here and with Ireland. I’ve loved playing for the club and being part of each team so I’m just really excited to continue that as a professional.”

Barlow has watched on as his team-mate Johnny Kenny has flourished this season. The duo made their mark from the 15s to the 19s with Rovers, becoming a dymanic duo in those three teams, and they will now train together again next season.

“Johnny and I have had a great understanding and we struck up a great partnership. Between us there were a lot of assists and goals in those teams. It’s brilliant to see him do so well and I hope we can strike it up in another team now.

“I’ll be looking forward to pre-season and I know I have to keep fit and do my gym work before that all starts. I want to show people what I’m about and when the time comes I feel I will.

“There’ll be a balance of school and football next year which the club have spoken to me about and I know it’ll be a lot of hard work but I’m ready for it.”

Sligo Rovers head of academy Conor O’Grady said: “Kailin has been with us for a number of years and his ability is clear to see.

“He’s been one of the standout player in every side he’s played in and received international recognition as well with Ireland through every age group. This is an opportunity he has earned and I think we will see him continue to progress now as a professional.

“He’s a natural footballer, he plays off the cuff and in time I think the supporters here could really appreciate him because he’s an exciting player.

“Kailin is eligible to play with the Under-19s and has the Leaving Cert next summer which is the most important aspect of 2022 for him. He has been in with the first-team and the pre-season next year with the senior team will bring him on further.

“He has the potential and it’ll take some time and patience. This is a great day for Kailin, his family, and his former coaches from Merville and Benbulben and I’m delighted for everyone.”

Last night six academy graduates played in the match against Longford Town, with five of those finishing the game.

Sligo Rovers boss Liam Buckley has welcomed another graduate today: “Kailin is a talented player and his progress over the time he has been here has been great. We’ve introduced him to the first-team environment at various points so he can get a feel for it.

“It’s wonderful for him to earn this opportunity now over the next two years. He’ll be part of the group next season and as we continue to show, the chance is there for any player in the academy.  Again I have to congratulate the coaches at the club who have worked with Kailin to help him build towards signing as a professional.

“We will work with Kailin to help develop his game further and he can certainly go on to make an impact at first-team level in time as well as being eligible to play underage next year.”

Sligo Rovers host Longford Town on Monday night in the Showgrounds as the Bit O’ Red play their penultimate home game of the SSE Airtricity League season.

Rovers recorded a 2-0 success over Drogheda United last Friday in what was the seventh home league win over the year.

One of those victories was a 2-0 win against Longford earlier in the year, while Liam Buckley’s side earned 1-0 victories at Bishopsgate.

Rovers sit in third place in a congested league table. Last week’s win brought up the 50-point mark for the Bit O’ Red – the first time this total has been reached since 2013.

Johnny Kenny scored his ninth goal of the league season on Friday, now top scorer for the club this season.

In team news, Shane Blaney is back in training after his foot injury. Regan Donelon, Colm Horgan and Danny Kane are doubts with injury, with Donelon the most likely to be available.

Liam Buckley said: “I feel over the last two matches we have dominated for nearly all of the 90 minutes. We were a bit more composed last Friday and in our general play we kept the ball better.

“We had numerous chances on the night, scored two goals again, and I felt we were well worthy of the three points.

“We had to put a shift in. Drogheda were organised and worked hard. We know it won’t be easy on the run-in, it was just one result, but we’re well in the mix.

“We know this race has four matches to go in what is a difficult, difficult league. The effort was terrific last week and last Friday. The lads will be eager to get back on the pitch.

“We’ve done our best to recover. Every club is in the same boat with the Friday-Monday scenario, including Longford, and you just get on it with it.  

“Longford have been a difficult opponent all year and for me their points total doesn’t reflect just how well they have competed. They’ve given us several tough games so we know what to expect.”

There will be no capacity restriction at The Showgrounds on Monday night as Sligo Rovers face Longford Town in SSE Airtricity Premier Division. Kick-off is 7.45pm.

Pre-booking seats in the main stand is not necessary.

The stadium will be open seating. Away fans will be in the Jinks Avenue Stand as normal.

Fixture:

• Monday 1 November, Sligo Rovers v Longford Town, The Showgrounds, 7.45pm

SEASON PACK HOLDERS

Season Pack holders must bring your season pack booklet and present one ticket at the turnstiles.

If your season pack has expired with no vouchers remaining, you can pay cash at turnstiles. The main stand will be open for all fans on a first come basis.

These is the penultimate home game of the season. If you still have tickets remaining in your pack, any remaining match passes can be used in 2022.

Tickets can be removed from the pack and given to friends or family for the game if desired.

GENERAL SALE FOR HOME FANS

All other home fans can gain entry by paying cash at turnstiles. There will be no online sale prior to the game for home supporters – they can purchase tickets at turnstiles with cash.

AWAY FANS

Longford Town fans can buy tickets at the away entrance.

Longford fans will be situated in the usual away section, in sections T, U and V of the Jinks Avenue Stand.

Our Academy season is now coming towards it’s end as we have just two teams still playing out their respective seasons.

Our Under 17 Women’s team are in action next Saturday in their League Semi-Final away to Shelbourne at The AUL Complex.

Aaron O’ Connor’s side finished second in the initial group stage to qualify for the Semi-Final after a final day defeat to DLR Waves last weekend.

This weekend however sees our Under 19 men’s team host Derry City at 2pm on Sunday at The Sean Fallon Centre. The Candystripes are fresh from winning the Under 19 Cup midweek against Bohemians after a penalty shoot out at The Brandywell.

Rovers were beaten 3-0 by St Patrick’s Athletic last Sunday and know a win is needed to bring their league title hopes to the final day next weekend against Shamrock Rovers.

Admission is free on Sunday and all support is greatly welcome.

Our Under 19 men’s team is sponsored by EJ Menswear who are situated on Grattan Street in Sligo Town and online at ejmenswear.com

Greg Bolger has signed a new contract with Sligo Rovers, the club are delighted to announce.

The 33-year-old has committed for the 2022 season to move into a second campaign with the Bit O’ Red.

Bolger won SSE Airtricity League Player of the Month for May and has been a key player for Rovers this season.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed it in Sligo. I’ve really enjoyed the place, the club and the faith that has been shown in me. I’m delighted to sign for next season because I want to be here.

“From the minute I came down, the people at the club have been so welcoming and can’t do enough for you. As a player you are really appreciated and I value that.

“We started the season really well and things have obviously dipped in the last while. The table doesn’t lie though. We’re in third place. We’re a good team. At the moment we’re frustrated and we’re hurting. But our season is this now.

“It’s five games to show we deserve to get Europe and a third place finish is there if we can take it. If we don’t get it, we won’t deserve it, so the challenge is there for us. We have to embrace it.

“I’m signing because I really believe in what we have here. This season has to be played out so my focus is on that but I’m just delighted to know I’ll be here next year because there is a lot great things going on at the club and I think it’s a brilliant place to be.”

Bolger will return from missing two games as Rovers face Drogheda tonight.

He said: “I’m not good at watching football from the sidelines. I’m raring to go for Friday night.

“I’ve missed the last two games and I had a couple of knocks which impacted on training and we had a tough schedule of three games a week during that time as well.

“I’ve trained for the last two weeks knowing the final five games are to come. I can’t wait for the game and to be playing for this club and I’m really happy that will include next season as well.”

Rovers boss Liam Buckley said: “Greg has been very influential this season. First and foremost he’s been excellent for us from a football point of view and a big player for us. He also is a leader, vocal on the pitch and those elements that he brings are important to the group.

“I’m delighted he has signed because he has done really well. We have missed him recently and I feel next season he will make another major contribution in many different ways. I think we’ll see Greg’s influence continue in the future.”

Sligo Rovers can today announce INTERSPORT Elverys as the club’s official retail partner as the Bit O’ Red prepare to unveil their largest ever new merchandise range.

The partnership will see INTERSPORT Elverys stock Sligo Rovers official merchandise, training and leisure wear items in their Sligo store, providing the club with a retail presence in the locality seven days a week.

INTERSPORT Elverys is located in the Johnston Court Shopping Centre in Sligo. All items will also be available on elverys.ie and the online club store srfcdirect.com.

A brand-new range of JOMA Sport training and leisure wear will be available to mark the commencement of the partnership with INTERSPORT Elverys, with all items available from Friday morning in store in Sligo and online from 9.30am.

INTERSPORT Elverys is a recognised market leader and innovator in sports retail and our retail network in the Irish market now stands at 51 stores, with a fully integrated omnichannel strategy. And a member of INTERSPORT – a vertical retail organization with over 6,000 retail stores in 57 countries.

With access to all the leading sports brands, along with an understanding of our local customer like no other, they are able to provide the best advice and value for those who are passionate about sport and fitness at all levels.

INTERSPORT Elverys have a steadfast tradition in backing sport at all levels, from grass roots events and organisations to elite teams and athletes.

In recent seasons the growth in popularity of Sligo Rovers merchandise has been considerable, demonstrating the popularity of the JOMA Sport range and the loyalty and commitment of Bit O’ Red fans to the club.

The new collection of t-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies, ¼ zips and jackets are likely to prove extremely popular in store, as well as home and away jerseys which will also be stocked.

Sligo Rovers chief executive Colin Feehily said: “It has been very pleasing to see the popularity of club merchandise grow and the satisfaction of our supporters.

“While we’ve seen that growth, one aspect missing was a permanent retail outlet for the club in Sligo and in INTERSPORT Elverys we have found the ideal partner.

“The pandemic changed many habits but at Sligo Rovers we believe in supporting our local community and to value the retail presence we have in the region.

“INTERSPORT Elverys will provide us with all the elements we seek through their excellent store in Sligo.

“I hope all our fans enjoy the new JOMA Sport range. Every season we are seeing more and more Sligo Rovers merchandise being purchased at home and all over the world. This new partnership with INTERSPORT Elverys will help maximise that potential further.”

Jimmy Staunton, chairman of INTERSPORT Elverys, said: “INTERSPORT Elverys are delighted to partner with Sligo Rovers FC.

“It offers a fantastic opportunity that fits into our already diverse portfolio, which includes partnerships with the FAI, IRFU, Connacht Rugby, Mayo GAA, Dublin GAA to name just a few.”

Sligo Rovers face Drogheda United on Friday night in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division in The Showgrounds.

The third place Bit O’ Red go in search of a first win of the season over United – the Boynesiders are one of just two sides Rovers have failed to earn three points against this season.

The most recent meeting was a 0-0 draw in Head in the Game Park.

Johnny Kenny scored one of his eight goals this season in the previous game in Drogheda, while the Showgrounds meeting ended in 2-1 win for the away side.

The Showgrounds will be at full capacity for the first time in over 18 months with restrictions eased. Match tickets are available at turnstiles.

In team news, Shane Blaney could make the squad after recovering from a foot injury. Greg Bolger returns from a two-game ban.

Liam Buckley said: “We met on Sunday morning as a group and talked about the game in Finn Park on the Saturday night. Over the course of the 90 minutes we were in control for 85 of them, we dropped too deep and invited the pressure onto ourselves at the end of the game.  

“Mark McGinley made a number of saves from Adam, Walter and Johnny as well as us scoring the two goals. We spoke about that we cannot change what happened, we can learn from it and use it going forward. It’s done with and we have to move on. As a team it was a decent performance on a difficult night and a heavy pitch which both sides had to deal with and what we can take from it is to remember what cost us and the positives of the performance earlier in the game.

“The results in the last week were typical of what the league has been and in this game we could open up a seven-point lead on Drogheda or have it reduced to one. Every game has a three points at stake which makes a big difference and as I’ve said from early on the teams are so well matched. We’ve created this position for ourselves. We’re still in that third place and Drogheda are one of the teams looking to chase us down.

“For the players these are games to look forward to and to really relish. I want them to play with an excitement rather than any other feeling. There is the opportunity for us in this game and the ones to come so that is how it should be looked at. I want them to use that in how we play.

“I feel for the supporters, of course, because I know what it means to everyone here and the work that goes into the club, but we’re still up there and a win can make all the difference. We’re ready for the game and we’re looking forward to be back in front of our home supporters again.”

Garry Buckley has signed a new two-year contract with Sligo Rovers, the club are delighted to announce today.

The 28-year-old is already in his second season at the club and has become a big favourite at The Showgrounds.

Now operating at centre-half, Buckley has been a mainstay in the Rovers side which finished fourth place last season and currently occupy third spot with five matches left this campaign.

He has formed a partnership with John Mahon at centre-half and they are set to be team-mates with the Bit O’ Red next year after Buckley put pen to paper this morning.

Buckley said: “There’s no other place I’d rather be than at Sligo Rovers. I have total trust in the club and management staff and I’ve signed for two years because I want to win things. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.

“I said it when I first signed that I saw the potential here. I feel we’ve progressed. I know myself that you build teams over time. I’ve won trophies before and I know it’s a building process.

“From living in Sligo I can see the people feel hungry for it. I can only imagine what would happen here if we brought that success. Qualifying for Europe last year was a big deal to everyone and we’re in a place now that we can do that again and improve on our league position.

“When I signed here I said I needed a fresh start. It went better than I thought if I’m totally honest.  I’m really attached to the area and very happy off the pitch. On the pitch I really enjoy playing in this team and the building I’m talking about is there to see. Taking it to the next level is the target and over the next five games we can improve on last season and get back to Europe. It’s the chance we want to take.”

Reflecting on the second part of the season being more difficult and how Rovers can change it, he added: “There’s no doubt it’s been tough. We have to keep working hard. You can’t throw the toys out of the pram and give up. I think we were down players at important times. We’re still in there. At the start of the season we’d have taken this position without doubt. You have to live in the moment and we’re here now and we should all remember that. We’ve got some big games coming up and we know it’s in our hands so we’ll give it our all.”

Buckley’s partnership with John Mahon has received considerable praise this season.

The Cork man admits the relationship is one of the aspects he appreciates in being at the club.

“We complement each other so well. I think the best of John’s game is the my weaker parts and the best of mine is John’s weaker parts and together it’s been great. The entire back four has been the same and Ed has been superb as well. I’m hoping it will continue and I’m really looking forward to playing with the lads in the future.”

Liam Buckley said: “Garry is a proper footballer. He played a lot of career in midfield and I think he has excelled at centre-half.

“He’s a great leader and for me he’s undoubtedly one of the best in the league as a defender and a player.

“It is important you’re happy where you are in terms of where you play football and I think Garry is very settled here.

“Most of all we want players in the dressing-room who can manage the expectation here and it’s an expectation of winning. He’s a real winner and a top player and he will be a major asset in the years to come.”

Four games took place across the weekend with both male and female Under 17 & Under 19 teams in action.

Our Under 17 men’s team hosted Cavan Monaghan on Saturday at The Sean Fallon Centre knowing a win was required to have any chance of progressing to the Semi-Final.

The team did their bit winning 6-0 with two goals from Michael Clifford and a goal each from Shane Rooney, Conor Cannon, Aaron Heaney and Daire McCarthy. This meant Rovers would need a favour from Finn Harps against UCD however it wasn’t to be as The Dubliners won 6-4 in Donegal and secured second spot in the group.

Our Under 17 women’s team travelled to UCD to take on DLR Waves in a game they needed to draw to secure a Semi-Final spot. The girls gave it their all but ended up losing 3-0 on the day, meaning their season came to an end, finishing in third place.

On Sunday afternoon our Under 19 men’s team faced St Patrick’s Athletic in Dublin. The lads were in top spot going into the game against The Saints, who had just returned from their UEFA Youth League exit during the week. The home team were clinical in front of goal and ran out 3-0 winners.

Our women’s Under 19 team hosted Bohemian FC at The Sean Fallon Centre in their league Semi-Final. A large crowd were in attendance in what promised to be an entertaining game. The away side led 1-0 at half-time in a tight and cagey affair with both teams having chances. Bohs scored twice in the second half to secure a spot in the Final on a scoreline of 3-0.

Well done to all the squad and management of our Under 17 men’s and Under 19 women’s teams on their commitment throughout the season and a big thanks also to the families of all the players for their support. Their season’s are now finished and can look ahead to a break before coming back for more in 2022.