Sligo Rovers held its AGM tonight in a virtual event for the first time in the club’s history, with the club reporting an “extraordinary and unprecedented” financial year in terms of ups and downs, and warning of a challenging time ahead in the Covid-19 landscape

(Click here for the annual voluntary donation https://srfcdirect.com/fundrai…/annual-voluntary-donation/)

The club reported a surplus which treasurer David Rowe attributed to the supporter and community response to the difficulties of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the Emergency Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and grants.

Despite the positive results, the head of Rovers finances said the hardest moments from the impact of Covid-19 have yet to be felt. There was some startling financial changes for Rovers because of the league shutdown in March last year and lockdowns.

Gate receipts for the year fell from €235,000 to €20,000 while the club lotto dropped by almost €50,000.

Rowe said the EWSS made it possible for the club to continue trading.

It was fundraising which proved key to the Bit O’ Red’s cash flow maintaining. The remarkable GoFundMe by the Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust generated €85,000 in less than two weeks and provided a cash buffer for Rovers on the resumption of the league.

The 500 Club was the only regular income which stayed on track and was critical for Rovers. It provided €90,000 to the club in the financial year.

In total €400,000 was fundraised by the club community.

Monies owed to the Revenue, bank, committee member loans and trade creditors have reduced considerably.

Rowe said it gives the club the chance to start the year from scratch, but with an uncertain future in the league and the EWSS only set to continue to the summer for now, he stressed the club cannot not afford to be comfortable. He said the €400,000 fundraised has to be matched again for the upcoming season.

A €30,000 to €40,000 spend will be required from a Showgrounds repair project in the coming weeks.

Outside of finances, reporters were presented by chairman Tommy Higgins who heralded a challenging but poignant year for the club. He said he was proud of the role the club played for the community and qualifying for Europe when coming from the bottom of the table was one of Rovers’ best ever achievements. He said the masterplan being devised to lay out the future of the club will be published in a matter of weeks.

Secretary Brendan Lacken and CEO Colin Feehily also addressed the meeting.

There were no nominations to join the management committee. All 16 members of 2020 will make up 2021.

Officer positions were elected afterwards. There are no changes from last year.

Chairman: Tommy Higgins

Vice-chairman: Andy Dodd

Secretary: Brendan Lacken

Treasuer: David Rowe

Assistant secretary: Mark Cummins

As discussed at tonight’s Annual General Meeting, members or non members can make the yearly voluntary to the club here.

https://srfcdirect.com/fundraising/annual-voluntary-donation/

Sligo Rovers and Dundalk started their respective campaigns with a point a piece after both sides played out a draw at the Showgrounds.

Patrick McEleney made the most of a mistake in the Bit O’Red rearguard early on, but Sligo recovered well and secured a deserved point courtesy of Romeo Parkes leveller mid-way through the opening half.

It was the visitors who began this encounter on the front foot, offering the superior purpose going forward in comparison to a sluggish Sligo start.

Rovers boss Liam Buckley handed six debuts to his winter signings and it was one of those recent additions Greg Bolger who was involved in Dundalk’s opener on the quarter hour.

A mx up between the ex-Shamrock Rovers general and goalkeeper Ed McGinty was pounced on by McEleney. The attacker making the most of the young goalkeeper’s indecisiveness as he cut out McGinty’s pass towards Bolger before firing home.

Rovers shook off their opening night jitters and it was 17-year-old Johnny Kenny who carved out their first opportunity of the evening.

Son of the Rovers legend of the same name, the young striker made the most of a Sonni Nattesad slip on 21 minutes. But was unfortunate to drag his resulting effort past the far post.

The hosts, who haven’t won a league opener since 2014 had their equaliser just 60 seconds later.

Parkes marking his return from a loan spell in the US as he nodded Robbie McCourt’s whipped free from the left past Dundalk net minder Alessio Abibi.

The width of the post then made the different on 33 minutes when a marauding run from Parkes saw him skip his way past several Dundalk challenges.

The Jamaican slotting the ball into the path of Jordan Gibson who could only look on in agony as his deft chip bounced off Abibi’s post.

Disaster almost struck Sligo again before the break when McGinty misjudged the flight of the ball outside his area.

However Hoban was unable to turn Junior’s squared ball from the end line with McGinty scrambling to get back into position.

Both camps went close early in the second period with Cameron Dummigan and another Sligo new boy Walter Figueira producing efforts from distance.

It was then the turn of Shane Keegan’s charges to strike woodwork. Hoban’s looping header had McGinty well beat but not the frame of the goal as his effort ricocheted off the post and back into the arms of the grateful keeper.

McGinty was at full stretch on 73 minutes as he watched substitute Michael Duffy’s 20 yard drive drift past his post as Dundalk again strengthened their grip on proceedings.

However, the tide turned in Sligo’s favour once more and the Connaught men went close again through the impressive Gibson.

The ex-Pat’s winger was involved again seven minutes from time but the stretch was an effort too far for Kenny who couldn’t connect with Gibson’s cross to the back post.

Now on the back foot, Dundalk had to rely on Abibi to close down and block Kenny’s shot on 85 minutes while Mark Byrne had a goal disallowed at the death.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Colm Horgan, John Mahon, Garry Buckley, Robbie McCourt; Niall Morahan, Greg Bolger; Jordan Gibson, Romeo Parkes (Mark Byrne 72); Walter Figueira (David Cawley 72); Johnny Kenny.

Dundalk: Alessio Abibi; Andy Boyle, Sonni Nattesad, Dan Cleary; Raivis Jurkovskis, Cameron Dummigan; Chris Shields, Greg Sloggett; Patrick McEleney (Sam Stanton 69); Junior (Michael Duffy 69), Pat Hoban.

Referee: Neil Doyle

Sligo Rovers begin the 2021 SSE Airtricity League season on Saturday evening as FAI Cup holders Dundalk visit The Showgrounds.

The match is available to purchase here on #WATCHLOI. Kick-off is 6pm.

Liam Buckley begins his third season at The Showgrounds, having secured European football on the final day of the last league campaign against the Lilywhites.

The Bit O’ Red’s good form in the 14 matches for the second part of last season included two wins over Dundalk.

However, the visiting side have also enjoyed a good record in The Showgrounds in some key games, including an FAI Cup semi-final in 2019.

Rovers have six new signings in the squad, as well as the return of Richard Brush and Romeo Parkes for fourth and second spells at the club.

The Bit O’ Red have no absentees for the game. Ryan De Vries joined training from Wednesday following the end of his quarantine period.

Danny Kane signed for the club on Thursday after successfully coming through pre-season.

A number of academy players have impressed during pre-season and could be part of the squad.

Liam Buckley said: “I’m happy with the squad and the business we have done. It was our aim to improve on last season and overall it has gone quite well. We wanted a better balance to the squad this year.

“It’s not a particularly big group, but we have a lot of good technically players. We’re not going to have several senior players sitting in the stand each week, so all of the players will make a contribution. That was the way it was last season.

“We have a number of new players and a lot of the younger players are progressing as well, so there are some changes. It is important we gel together as soon as we can. We’ve done a lot of work in the last number of weeks to be as ready as we can for Saturday night and for the entire season to come.

“I’m looking at the teams in league and I know it’s going to be as competitive as ever. There are lots of clubs targeting European places or more. We’re not under any illusions here of the task at hand to match or improve on last year, but that is what we want. We want to be the best we can be and see where it can take us. It’s a tough start on Saturday but we’re excited to start our season and see what we can do.”

Buckley has said he expects a very tough test on Saturday against Dundalk.

“People say Dundalk are transitioning but nearly every club in the league has made a lot of new signings. They’ve brought in a lot of proven quality as well as full internationals. It’s going to be a real battle and we have to be up for that because of the quality Dundalk have.

“It is behind closed doors but I do expect a real intensity to the game. We know we have the support of everyone watching on from home and we’re going to give it our all on Saturday and this season.”

Due to the pandemic, academy trials for underage teams will not take place ahead of the start of the new season.

Squads are now being registered today and we thank everyone for their interest.

We hope to reopen opportunities for other players when Covid-19 restrictions ease.

Danny Kane has signed a contract with Sligo Rovers for the 2021 season.

The defender was part of the entire pre-season for the Bit O’ Red and played in all of the friendly games.

Kane has impressed during the game, featuring at centre-half and as right-back and left-back.

The 23-year-old signed for Rovers in the summer of 2019 and will now have a third season at the club.

Kane said: “I’m very happy to sign. It’s been a different type of pre-season for me and it was leading towards being part of the squad for the first weekend.

“It’s the strongest group we’ve had in my time here. There’s a mix of senior players, some in the middle of their career and young players as well. It’s a very good balance.

“Pre-season went well for me and I’m ready. Obviously it’s been a frustrating time for me and I just want to play now and help the team have an even better season that last year.”

Manager Liam Buckley said: “I’m delighted to add Danny to the squad today. He has done very well in pre-season and he has earned this new contract.

“He made a contribution in the shortened season last year and in 2019 as well.

“Again he brings versatility to the group which we need and we have utilised that in the pre-season matches. He’s played in a couple of different positions in the games.  He’s a quality player and he will be registered in time for the weekend.

“We did feel it was important to add one more defender to the group, and Danny is a great player to bring in.”

In episode two of Meet the Players, Mark Halton chats to Shane Blaney who joined the club from Doncaster Rovers in the off-season.

Shane tells us of his career so far and his ambitions at The Showgrounds

(Image via Sportsfile)

Sligo Rovers will host a fourth online bingo event on Friday following the success of the first two events.

It is open to all players over the age of 18. A single bingo book will be €12, while a double will be €20.

The bingo begins on Friday at 8pm. 

We’ll send you a link to download your books which contain your six bingo games in an email, you can then download them, and either play on your phone or print them off or even write them out yourself.

Click here to buy a single book

Click here to buy a double book

They will contain a serial number integrated with our software and bingo session

What you will need is a device to join our game (laptop, phone or tablet), it’s a free app called Zoom which you will need. All the details to play will be in the e-mail we send you.

What we play for in each session

6 Games of Bingo with a Jackpot of €500 in Game 6

Single Line, Double Line & The Full House in each session with payouts over €1300

Game 1 – Orange

Game 2 – Olive

Game 3 – Grey

Game 4 – Brown

Game 5 – Red

Game 6 – Green

All proceeds go to the club and we are looking to open up to a wide audience and connect players all over Sligo.

We want to have a bit of fun with a few games during the Bingo and also the most important thing is you can see and hear everyone so you know who you are playing with & against. 

Sligo Rovers are today launching a colouring competition for our younger supporters aged from 4-12 years.

Parents are invited to print the image below or to buy this week’s edition of The Sligo Champion and cut the image out of the newspaper.

The image is from a pre-season home game in The Showgrounds.

There are three categories, which are listed below. There will be one winner per category.

• Category 1 – 4-7 years
• Category 2 – 8-10 years
• Category 3 – 11-12 years

The prize per category is a signed 2021 Sligo Rovers home jersey and a personal zoom call from your child’s favourite player.

The competition is open to all children aged between 4 and 12 years.

All entries must be in by Friday April 2^nd and all entries must be posted to Shane Crossan, C/O Sligo Rovers FC, PO Box 275 Sligo.

The best of luck to all participants!

Sligo Rovers can today announce one of the most significant community projects in our history with every baby born in Sligo University Hospital this year offered a Rovers jersey on the day they enter the world.

The project, headed by the club and The Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust in conjunction with Sligo University Hospital, will see over 1,000 Rovers jerseys donated to families of newborns in Sligo and parts of Leitrim, Donegal, Roscommon, Cavan and Mayo.

The jersey is a replica of the 2021 home jersey, featuring all details of the famous Bit O’ Red shirt.

The project is a first for the League of Ireland.

Last season, during the pandemic year, the Sligo Rovers community fundraised €400,000 for the club.

Despite interactions among supporters and friends of the club coming to a standstill, the club remained at the heart of Sligo.

The Bit O’ Red successfully traded through the year thanks to will and spirit of all connected to our club. The club qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League, coming from the bottom to finish fourth in just 14 games.

Ahead of another challenging season in which similar fundraising will be needed with no crowds, this initiative is designed to extend the bond between Rovers and the north-west and Connacht region, this time from the very earliest stage of life.

Sligo Rovers chief executive Colin Feehily said: “Sligo Rovers has existed through 93 years because each generation has passed their love of the club on to the next.

“We are very proud of what Rovers means to our region and how it can form a part of all our lives and connect us as well. We are taking this measure to bring that feeling to even more people.

“Sligo is unique in that, in normal times, when you walk the streets of the county, everywhere you go you see a Bit O’ Red. The crest and the Rovers colours are worn by our loyal and passionate fans of all ages.

“The idea stemmed from our Supporters Trust who helped make it happen. I’d also like to thank our sponsors for being very supportive in allowing us to make it logistically possible and financially viable. As well as our supporters, the business community has constantly backed us this last year.

“Most of all, we’re very happy to be bringing extra smiles to those in Sligo University Hospital. As we pass on these kits to the staff today to give to famliies, we want to express our huge gratitude to all of the employees at the hospital. Their work over this past year has been incredible. They have the admiration of everyone and thanks at The Showgrounds.”

Gerard O’Connor of the Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust said: “We saw a demand for a product like this and thought ‘how can we bring it to as many supporters as possible, as well as introducing Rovers to people who may previously not be fans?’

“The club and the Trust work together on many projects and I’m delighted it has come to fruition.

“We also hope it is something for families not from Sligo and who may be seeking a connection to the area. Now, as they grow their family, they are also Rovers fans as well.”

Sligo Rovers manager Liam Buckley said: “It’s a lovely idea. The community here get right behind the football club. Since I’ve been here, they’ve been absolutely fantastic. There’s an incredible support behind us and we do not take it for granted for one second.

“It’s hugely important traditions are passed down. I’m very proud to represent all of the people at this football club.

“We do miss the interactions with our supporters here and I can’t tell you how much we want them back with us.

“This is a great gesture that will add to the thousands of people who get behind us each and every week.”

Juliana Henry, Director of Midwifery at Sligo University Hospital added:

“This is a very novel idea and will be a lovely memento for the babies born in the hospital this year.

“We are very grateful to Sligo Rovers and the wider community in County Sligo and beyond for their ongoing support of the hospital.”

The project starts today, Monday March 15th and continues until the end of 2021.