The #bitored are undergoing regular Covid-19 testing ahead of the Europa Conference League first round first leg game with FH on Thursday.

Two separate instances have occurred this weekend.

One player has tested positive for Covid-19. The case has been traced to outside of the football club. The player has no contacts within the football club.

A second player continues to test negative for Covid-19. However he has been deemed a close contact of a case outside of the football club and will self-isolate this week as per protocols. 

Both players have complied fully with Covid-19 guidelines throughout.

All other players are negative and are not impacted. The squad were tested again this morning which is part of standard protocols. Results will arrive before departure for Iceland.

The squad will also undergo testing in Iceland before returning to Ireland as per protocols.

Sligo Rovers can today confirm a capacity of 400 spectators and updated ticketing arrangements for the UEFA Europa Conference League first qualifying round second leg against FH of Iceland at the Showgrounds on Thursday July 15^th.

This new capacity has been set after the match was upgraded to a test event for the return of spectators to sport.

The Bit O’ Red will distribute the 400 tickets to season pass holders. All will be chosen at random and given a time to take up and pay for their ticket. Supporters will be contacted if successful in the ballot via e-mail by Wednesday evening and have a 48 hour window to buy

All details will be in emails and please check spam/junk folder.

Sligo Rovers chief executive Colin Feehily said: “We’re very pleased that we’ll have our biggest attendance in well over a year for this fixture. 

“We’d like to thank the FAI, Mark Scanlon and all of the relevant bodies for facilitating the increased attendance. 

“In recent days we have begun to work on a plan to ensure that the event will take place in line with the strictest guidelines. We are increasing our matchday operation services even further to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone. 

“We can’t wait to see 400 fans in the stadium and already the uptake of our virtual ticket has been excellent so we encourage all of our fans to buy as soon as possible in order to stream the game.”

Virtual tickets can be purchased now from https://srfcdirect.com/european-virtual-ticket-europa-conference-league-qualifier-round-1/

Sligo Rovers meet Longford Town at Bishopsgate on Saturday evening in the SSE Airtricity League.

The Bit O’ Red face Longford for the third time this season.

The previous games ended in 1-0 and 2-0 wins for Rovers, although Town threatened on both occasions in games both teams had good chances. 

Rovers sit third in the table ahead of the remaining teams playing on Friday night. 

Last Saturday saw the next display of the season by Rovers, earning a 4-0 success over Bohemians. 

In team news, Robbie McCourt (wrist) is definitely out. Regan Donelon and Richard Brush are doubtful with hamstring and thigh injuries respectively.

Garry Buckley has now recovered from a muscle complaint and returns to the squad.

New signing Seamas Keogh is awaiting international clearance and it should come in time for this fixture. 

Luke McNicholas is back in training with Rovers after the conclusion of his loan spell with Finn Harps.

Liam Buckley: “We were delighted with the manner of the win last week. We created a number of opportunities and while Bohs were chasing the game in the second half which obviously made it more open, we moved the ball and linked it well throughout. Overall it was a very good performance and we also took some of those chances very well. 

“As I said to the players, it’s just three points and it’s the same three points on offer as in every game you play in this league. We got the result last week and we earned it. We’re going to have to do that again and that’s how we approach it. 

“We know how difficult it is in Longford from the first game. They’ve taken Shamrock Rovers to injury-time on a couple of occasions and both games were tricky for us. 

“We have a couple of knocks so we’ll assess them and we’ll also have the likes of Luke and Seamas too we hope which is great.”

Kick-off is 7.30pm with coverage on LOI TV and Ocean FM.

All six academy teams are in action again this coming weekend after a busy opening three days of the 2021 season.

Our opening games saw 1 win, 3 draws and 2 defeats across all age groups with all players finding their feet on opening day.

Friday night sees Alan Farry’s Under 14 team host Mayo League at The Sean Fallon Centre. Kick off is 7.30pm.

Saturday sees two games with our Under 17’s travelling to Aileach in Donegal to face Derry City. Ryan Casey & Packie Lynch’s men drew 1-1 with Dundalk last weekend after going ahead in the game late on, only to concede an injury time equaliser.

Aaron O’ Connor takes his Under 17 Womens squad to Roadstone to take on Shamrock Rovers at 3pm. They’ll be hoping to make it two wins from two after a successful opening day over Donegal.

Three games take place on Sunday with our Under 15 team making the short journey to Milebush Park to play Mayo at 2pm. The team are managed by Paul Masterson & Marcel Gordon who have been busy in pre-season preparing the squad for the campaign ahead.

Declan Boyle takes charge of our Men’s Under 19 team as we host Dundalk at 2pm at The Sean Fallon Centre. A 1-1 draw against Derry City last weekend got the lads off the mark in 2021.

Our Under 19 Womens team host DLR Waves on Sunday afternoon at 4.30pm in their first ever meeting. The game also takes place at The Sean Fallon Centre. Darragh Healy overseen his side draw 1-1 last Sunday at home to Bohemian FC.

As always we thank our Academy Sponsors for their support.

All updates and news will be over on our new academy Twitter page: @sligoroversacad

Sligo Rovers have completed the signing of former Republic of Ireland underage captain Seamas Keogh from Southampton on a contract until the end of the 2022 season.

The 19-year-old spent the last three years with the Premier League side.

Keogh is a decorated Irish underage international and was with the Under-23 Saints side and previously the Under-18s.

He moved from Benbulben FC to the Rovers Under-15 side where he was a team-mate with the likes of current first-team squad members Niall Morahan, Mark Byrne, Darren Collins and Scott Lynch.

He signed as a professional with Southampton in 2019 and rejoins Rovers today on an 18-month deal.

Keogh has been training with Rovers this month and is available for this weekend’s match with Longford Town pending international clearance.

He said: “I grew up going to The Showgrounds every week so to be able to say I’m a first-team player is a fantastic feeling and a dream come true. It brings a lot of pride to me and my family so I’m delighted.

“It’s a great group as you can see by the results. Everyone has been very welcoming. Liam Buckley and the staff have been very good to me. It has made me feel like I’m back at home and made playing football again even better. For me going into a group which is pushing to win every game and play in big competitions is fantastic. It is what every player wants.

“Southampton was brilliant. I gained massive experience being over there at such a young age and played with some brilliant players. I really enjoyed my time there. I’m back now and I’m here to focus every day in training to make myself and the team better.”

The attacking midfielder has said he is looking forward to making an impact with the club.

The last year has been a disrupted one after illness and injury.

He is also enjoying being back with his former colleagues. Last weekend six academy graduates started the 4-0 win over Bohemians, while nine were in the matchday squad.

Keogh could soon bring that number into double figures.

He added: “I like to play football, I’m a ball-player. Any way I can help the team by getting the ball down and creating chances I will do. 

“I had Covid-19 last January. That took a hit on me for a few months. I tore my calf as well which was another setback. But I’m fully recovered now thankfully. The last few weeks of training have gone well. This is the fittest I have been in the last 12 months so I’m really happy. I’m ready to play.

“The lads I used to play with in the Under-15s, the likes of Niall Morahan, Mark Byrne, Darren Collins, Scott Lynch, are all in the first-team squad for a while. Jason Devaney has been part of the squad this year too.

“There’s some older and younger lads too who were above and below me. It’s good to see of course and it speaks a lot for the team we had back then. It shows Sligo Rovers and the area is producing good players.

“I want to train as hard as possible. That’s my goal. From a team point of view of course there are trophies and European football on offer but I just want to focus on giving everything I have and contributing in whichever way I can to make the team better.”

Liam Buckley said: “Seamas has a very bright future in the game. He is very good technically and really clever on the ball. We’ve had him in with us in training and we can see he is going to be a very good addition.

“He is just 19 and at the start of his career. He had a choice of whether to stay in England but he’s made the decision to come home. He has family, friends and a familiar club where he knows the opportunity is there for him. As well as that, he knows the ambition of the club and the team is going well which he can be part of and add to. I think he has that ambition as well.

“We see him as an offensive player, a great passer and a real ‘baller. He comes straight into contention. He has been part of things for a while and he’s ready to go.

“As I mentioned, the players here have been doing well so it’s up to Seamas to grab the chance and I think the move is a great one for all concerned.

“It’s not easy to bring in players because we want ones who will add to the group and fit into the environment here. We’re still looking to strengthen if we can.”

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce a sponsorship deal with Irish super supplement company Revive Active.

Revive Active will be supporting the squad by providing both product and nutritional advice for the remainder of the season. 

Commenting on the partnership with Revive Active, Sligo Rovers manager Liam Buckley said: “This is another great addition to our preparation for important games when off-the-field.

“Due to the age demographic of our squad, most of the team takes Zest Active from the Revive Active range.

“It provides all the necessary nutrients to support them throughout their busy schedule. Having Zest Active as an additional support to the player’s food intake gives them that extra reassurance they need. They like the taste of the product as well as how easy it is to use.”

Sligo Rovers CEO Colin Feehily added: “Zest Active is an Informed Sports Approved product, and it ensures that the players can include it in their strict regimes with confidence.  Aside from the efficacy of the product, the Revive Active team have the knowledge and expertise to discuss all things nutrition with the players through regular nutritional talks.”

Zest Active is an everyday nutritional super supplement with 25 active ingredients, including 12 Vitamins, 7 Minerals, Amino Acids and Wellmune®, a beta glucan supplied by the Kerry Group. 

Containing no caffeine, binders, fillers or artificial colours or flavours, the refreshing orange flavoured vitamin, mineral and amino acid blend will supplement your daily nutrient intake. Best taken first thing in the morning, Zest Active is a great start to every day.

For those who like to keep active, whether it’s going for a run or training with teammates outdoors, this super supplement contains a carefully selected range of B Vitamins (Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), B6, Folic Acid(B9), B12) which contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism. This B Vitamin matrix also contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Zest Active contains natural sweetener steviol glycosides and is suitable for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets as well as being Informed Sports approved.

Revive Active has nine products in its portfolio which provide joint care, brain and skin support. Available from  www.reviveactive.com with free international shipping when purchased directly.   

Sligo Rovers can today launch a virtual ticket for our Europa Conference League second leg with FH Hafnarfjordur on 15 July.

BUY THE VIRTUAL TICKET HERE

Due to Covid-19 restrictions and the game not being designated a test event, 200 home supporters is the permitted capacity for the game. These will be chosen at random from our match pack holders and the 200 will have a window to purchase the ticket. The random drawing will happen this week. Match passes from the season pack cannot be redeemed against European games.

The end result is the vast majority of our supporters must rely on streaming for the game.

It is unfortunate as the revenue from a home game is a integral part of European qualification for the club.

The cost of travel has been substantial due to plane hire and the additional costs which occur from ensuring we remain totally compliant with Covid-19 protocols.

Priced at €15, the virtual ticket will contain a streaming pass for the game which kicks off at 6pm in The Showgrounds, a match programme and entry into a special half-time raffle.

We encourage our supporters to buy the virtual ticket as the best way to support the club in preparation for the European campaign.

Following extensive research into the best way to bring the game to you, we will show it through the LOITV platform you are currently using for league games.  The match will not be available on the regular season pass.

Those who purchase the package will receive an email on or before Wednesday 14 July with their E-Programme and information on how to access the match which is done by entering a code on your current LOI TV Account.

The half-time raffle draw will be held live on the night at half-time. There will also be a prize for a signed European match worn jersey.

The E-programme will be a bumper edition while the raffle will include a €300 cash prize.

To purchase the virtual ticket, visit SRFC Direct here

Please remember, your access code will not be issued until 14 July.

We are currently speaking with FH in regards to the game in Iceland and bringing it to our supporters. We will update on that when available.  

Sligo Rovers moved level at the top of the Premier Division as they smashed their way past Bohemians at the Showgrounds.

A Johnny Kenny hat-trick and Ryan De Vries’ maiden goal of the season, saw the Bit O’Red go level with fellow leaders Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic.

Rovers produced what was arguably their most impressive half of football this season.

Both striker Kenny and leading scorer Jordan Gibson fired speculative efforts wide of James Talbot’s goalmouth early on.

And both players were involved in Sligo’s opener on 13 minutes.

Gibson’s initial free-kick came back off the Bohs wall after wide man Mark Byrne was fouled at the edge of the visitor’s penalty area. The ball eventually came back to Gibson whose next effort took a touch off a defender before Talbot could only push the ball into the path of the waiting Kenny who fired home for his third goal of the year.

The alert Kenny was involved again soon after but couldn’t control his shot from out wide following a well weighted through ball from Niall Morahan.

A sluggish looking Bohs did have chances to register a goal in the first half. Ross Tierney failed to get the required power behind his side footed effort which was blocked by the foot of Rovers goalkeeper Ed McGinty.

Rory Feely’s looping header almost sneaked past McGinty on 27, while Tierney, allowed ghost into the Sligo area unwatched, smashed a great opportunity wide of the target moments after the hosts had their second.

Lewis Banks’ crossed and Kenny converted off Rob Cornwall.

The league’s leading scorer Georgie Kelly had the ball in the Sligo net early in the second half, only to be adjudged offside by the referee’s assistant on the Jinks’ Avenue side of the ground. While the same man was denied by McGinty who pounced on Kelly’s header from a bending Ciaran Kelly assist from deep.

But Sligo kept their foot on the pedal and had their third on 52.

De Vries’ hard work rewarded as he rescued what looked like a poor pass from Gibson, before calmly negotiating his way through the Bohs defence and finishing past Talbot for his first goal of the year.

The hungry Kenny and De Vries combined before the hour as the New Zealander sent the Riverstown teen through on goal. Kenny did well to shrug off the attention of the last defender but was left disappointed, as his drive bounced back off the post.

McGinty was called upon 15 minutes from time. The Glasgow native pulled off a terrific reaction save as Kelly’s header took a sudden change of direction after it came back off Banks’ knee.

A rampant Rovers had their fourth on 80 minutes. Gibson’s deft touch saw him spin his defender before he fed the now buzzing Kenny who coolly slotted past Talbot for his brace.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Lewis Banks, John Mahon, Shane Blaney, Regan Donelon (Colm Horgan 76); Greg Bolger (David Cawley 78), Niall Morahan; Ryan De Vries, Jordan Gibson, Mark Byrne; Johnny Kenny.

Bohemians: James Talbot; Rory Feely (James Finnerty 61), Rob Cornwall (Andy Lyons HT), Ciaran Kelly, Tyreke Wilson (Anto Breslin HT); Dawson Devoy, Keith Buckley (Conor Levingston 69); Ali Coote, Ross Tierney, Liam Burt (Keith Ward 61); Georgie Kelly.

Referee: Damien MacGraith.

The Gallagher Family, Sligo are our new Under 14 team main sponsor for the 2021 season.

The Gallaghers have been big Bit O’ Red Supporters over the years and have always helped the club out through match, match ball and player sponsorships as well as purchasing season tickets each year.

In a fantastic gesture of goodwill, the family have requested that our 2021 Charity Partner, Alzheimers Society of Ireland and Aughamore Day Centre, Sligo appears on the front of the Under 14 team shirts as well as the sleeves of our Ladies teams. The logo will appear for the first time this weekend as these teams begin their respective seasons.

Paul Gallagher, based in Singapore, still keeps a keen eye on all things Sligo Rovers.

‘’I have always kept a close on the club since moving away X years ago. I have always kept up to date with the latest news and I think it is important for the local community to keep getting behind the club and for the club to keep developing its academy. The Alzheimers Society is an important charity and The Aughamore Day Centre is vital for Sligo and I wanted to put their logo on the jerseys to give them the awareness they deserve.’’

The Alzheimers Society became the club’s charity partner in March and continue to engage with the club on a regular basis. They will team up with the club in the coming months on various projects to help raise awareness of their services.

Clair Culkin of Aughamore Day Centre:

‘’We are delighted to hear that The Gallagher Family are offering our charity the chance to have our logo on the Rovers’ Academy team shirts. It’s a very kind gesture and it just shows again the support we receive from people in the area and how important our services are and the positive impact it has on those effected. We sincerely thank The Gallagher’s and wish the club the best of luck in the coming season.

Our Under 14 side face Finn Harps this afternoon in Donegal while our Under 17 Ladies team play Donegal at Ballisodare United FC.

Tomorrow, our Under 19 ladies team face Bohemian FC at home to wrap up our first weekend of competitive action in 2021.

Thanks to The Gallagher Family for their continued support of the club.

Sligo Rovers host Bohemian on Saturday night in The Showgrounds in the match to signal the halfway stage of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

The match is live on LOI TV with commentary from Darragh Cox and Joseph Ndo. Click here to buy.

The Bit O’ Red have a five-point lead on the Gypsies going into the game, but the visitors bring a record of four wins in their last five.

Rovers were unfortunate not to win in Derry last Monday, with a deflected goal giving the Candystripes a point.

The sides sit in third and fourth place in the table in what should be an intriguing game.

Rovers won 3-1 earlier this season in Dalymount Park.

In team news, Robbie McCourt will not feature for a few weeks due to a broken wrist. David Cawley is now fully recovered and came off the bench in the last two games.

Garry Buckley will have a late fitness test on a muscle injury.

Liam Buckley said: “We were relatively happy with the performance in Derry. After two poor games, it was important to be better and we felt we were that on the night.

“Conceding a goal in the manner we did was quite unlucky. You need a little bit of luck in games and that didn’t go our way.

“While we did improve, we are looking for more and we will need more to get back to winning games.  

“Bohs are a good footballing side, they’re on a very good run and it’s always a difficult task against them.”

Buckley has confirmed Robbie McCourt will miss a period following the injury sustained last week.

“It’s unfortunate for Robbie. It will take some time and he will recover over the next few weeks.

“Regan Donelon came into the side on Monday. Regan has been a first-team starting player for a number of years at the club, it’s great for us to be able to call on someone like him.

“At the start of the year the pre-season circumstances gave Robbie the chance which he took and Regan had to bide his time as a result. 

“David Cawley is now fully fit and Garry is getting closer and we’ll see how he is for Saturday.”