Sligo Rovers are delighted to confirm that David Cawley has signed a new two-year contract with the club today.

The 29-year-old will enter into his eighth season the club in 2021 and becomes the third player to commit to the club for the next campaign.

Niall Morahan and John Mahon signed for 2021 last month.

Cawley admitted that it is hard to believe he has had such a long time in a Rovers shirt.

He spent one season each at St Patrick’s Athletic and Galway United, but have return to the Bit O’ Red in 2018, the Ballina man has firmly established himself as a mainstay at The Showgrounds over much of the last decade.

Cawley said: “The years have flown by. I think it’ll bring me into my eighth and ninth season. It’s great. I was delighted to be approached about a new deal. It was only going to end up one way. The deal was straight-forward and I couldn’t wait to sign.

“The bit of security means a lot to players at the moment. It is hard to come by, especially in this league. It shows the club is moving in the right direction. Before this contract runs out, as a player I want to pull the club further forward.

“I know this year has been strange but after the restart we really kicked on moved up the table. I think we’ve moved forward with the way the season went, but we’d like it better of course

“It’s hard to reflect on it overall. It has been such a strange year. The break did us the world of good but from the position we were in, we knew we had to be and that it was about points straight away. At one stage we were third after a win.

“Expectations rose and we were performing to our potential. A few weeks passed on and we had a bit of a bump again. If you look at every club, bar Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians, everyone had their ups and downs.”

Having seen the club grow through his time at The Showgrounds, Cawley is keen to prove that this year’s side are making progress, with the best possible chance to do so coming this month with a match on Sunday to finish in a high position in the league against Dundalk and an FAI Cup quarter-final to come against Derry City.

“We can say we’ve improved if we do finish the season well. Consistency has not been great for us for a few years really. When we were in that good run this season, we were dominating games.

“Some of them we won by a single goal and we had serious chances. The wins should have been bigger. We had a little luck along the way and now it’s going against us. That’s football. We’ve lost 1-0 in some games and it hasn’t gone our way.

“In the Waterford game they scored a screamer early in the game through their only shot and we couldn’t break them down.  We were creating a lot of chance and we were aggressive in our play. That died out of us a bit. I can’t really tell you why. It just happened. We didn’t want it to happen and we’ve discussed it.

“Maybe teams sussed us out and that we were a harder team to face than before. I’m not too sure. Hopefully we can finish it strongly.  That would be ideal. Wherever that may leave us, we want to finish as strong as we can.”

Cawley was part of the Rovers side which enjoyed great success between 2012 and 2014.

At 29, he is all too aware that the years are going by for chance to repeat such moments. The ambition is most certainly there.

“I can’t finish up my career without winning something again. It would torture me. I know I’ve won trophies but when you do win something you want to win it again. You have to be hungry. We’re in the Cup and I’d like to get to the semi-final of that and see from that.

“We had a couple of semi-finals and we were close to getting that big day back again. I know the FAI Cup semi-final with Dundalk had a full house and we hadn’t see that in a while, but ideally we’d like to go on further and get to a final.

“I don’t want to see out contracts and just be happy enough that I’ve won one league, one FAI Cup and whatever else. I want to do it again. I’m not here to play and that’s it. I want to win something.”.

Liam Buckley added: “We’re delighted to get David signed today. He has been a fantastic player for the club for a long period and he is very important to the side here.

“A two-year contract is good for both the player and the club so that aspect is welcome too. David is very keen to be part of a successful Sligo Rovers and that’s what we want.

“Next season is just around the corner so planning is crucial. We have to plan as best we can. This is another good move in doing so.”

€8,000 has been generated so far in the Sligo Rovers Annual Draw.

There is a special emphasis on online sales this year, due to Covid 19 restrictions.

Of the total money raised so far, over €5,000 has been raised online.

There is €5,000 to be won along with nine other prizes including two €500 vouchers for Petstop Discount Warehouse & Fuel Centre.

Tickets are priced at €10 and can be purchased here.

All support is greatly appreciated.

We are delighted to bring our supporters our brand new range of club merchandise for 2021 with thanks to Joma Sport.

We have purchased a range of merchandise in time for Christmas and have made it as easy as ever to shop online with us and get your favourite Bit O’ Red items, without having to leave your home.

Our range of merchandise is available now at our official online store, www.srfcdirect.com

We are now offering a FREE home delivery service on any orders with an address of within a 10km radius of The Showgrounds. In December, during the busy Christmas period, we are operating this service right up until Christmas eve. Simply select ‘Click and Collect’ option but leave us a note saying you’d like us to deliver it, and include your address, and we will be in touch.

We also have a click and collect service available at The Showgrounds, and when our store opens in town for Christmas, all click and collect items can be picked up at Barton Smith, where we will be once again opening in December, with an exact date to be confirmed.

We have a range of brand new training gear for kids and adults, as well as some new ladies wear items. Full kid’s tracksuits proved popular last Christmas and we have our nicest ever this time. A range of club merchandise will also be available soon, including bobble hats, scarves and new Bit O’ Red mugs, available in the coming days.

We also continue to sell our Annie West designed posters for €12, which can also be delivered free of charge to your home or you can pick it up from us. These are a fantastic design and have been ever popular over the last couple of months.

You can pre order your Christmas items today and we guarantee you will have these when the stock arrives in just over a fortnight.

We also encourage supporters to take a book of annual draw tickets to support the club, and you can help sell them to your friends or family.

To view our new range visit www.srfcdirect.com

Sligo Rovers FC is a professional football club running a Premier Division men’s team and five underage schoolboys and ladies teams, drawn from a wide hinterland.

As part of the long-term strategy, the club now seeks applications for the position of Head of Academy on a full-time employment basis. 

This position will include the following primary duties:

• Player identification and development

• Coach identification, development and education

• Development of a pathway from academy to first-team

• Liaison with IT Sligo and management of the scholarship scheme

• Co-ordination with first-team manager on player progress and development

• The club is community-based and owned and the person will be an important link to local clubs and community

The successful candidate will hold a minimum of a UEFA Elite Youth A Licence and will be a self-starter with high organisation skills and a good communicator.

This position is a key pillar in the development of the club.

The closing date for applications is Saturday 14th November.

A shortlisting process will take place immediately thereafter.

Sligo Rovers FC is an equal opportunity employer.

Please send CV to our CEO, colinfeehilysrfc@hotmail.com

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

The 20-year-old has committed his future to the Bit O’ Red for the 2021 and 2022 seasons and said he has come back with an even stronger purpose to bring success to Rovers and in his own career.

Mahon made his senior debut in April 2017 after playing for the Under-17 and Under-19 side having signed from Ballisodare United.

He was Young Player of the Year for the club in 2018, first-choice defender in 2019 and has played 64 matches for the senior Rovers team despite breaking his leg last February, an injury which ruled him out for eight and a half months.

Having returned to the team against Shelbourne earlier this month, he followed it up with another appearance on Saturday in the win over Cork City.

Today he signs a new deal, saying he is determined to make up for lost time.

“I’m very happy to sign today and have my future here. It hasn’t been the year I wanted it to be. The injury was very hard to take and I had to work hard to get back to playing. I was probably one of the few people who could take a positive from football being stopped because I knew it would give me a chance to get back and play in important games.

“Now that I am back, I just wanted it set in stone that I’ll be part of the club for two years. In the two years I want us to get to the next level. I have my ambitions to play at a higher level of course like any player and I have to go prove why I can, and in doing that I want to help the club go forward. I love playing for Rovers, I’m very proud to play for the club. I missed out on some football this year, I said it would make me stronger and I think it has done.”

Mahon was in the stands early in the season after the leg break on 1 February, admitting it was hard to be a spectator.

“I didn’t like it if I’m being honest. I wanted to be out there. That was at the beginning after the surgery. Covid-19 came along and football stopped. When it came back I was much closer to recovery so it made it easier. I have people to thank who help me in those months. My Mum is a nurse and was a great support, especially early on after the surgery.

“There was a time at 3am where I was getting pains and she brought me to hospital knowing it was the right thing, things like that. Mark Howley our strength and conditioning coach did lots of sessions with me then in the last few months and Colin (Feehily) got me gym equipment from The Showgrounds. I’m grateful to everyone who supported me during the time.

“I was back training in September and I thought I was flying to be honest. The manager wouldn’t put me in, he had injuries so I think he knows from experience. I wanted to play but looking at it now, I think he was right to wait until the Shelbourne match. You don’t want to pull up with a muscle injury because you aren’t completely ready to play a competitive game.”

There was still trepidation as Mahon took to the pitch against Shels, and they were heightened in early minutes as the defender had to put in a tackle when Ciaran Kilduff was about to score for Shels.

“It was the first few minutes and I played a ball that maybe I shouldn’t have as I was trying to settle back in. I had to make a tackle and it forced it I suppose, I made it and it was massive for me to be honest. That got rid of the nerves that I had. The Cork game last Saturday was just like back to normal so I feel I’m settled in again. I feel sharp. I want to show I’ve improved more even after the time out”

Mahon is indeed back for the climax of the Rovers season, including an FAI Cup quarter-final in mid-November against Derry City, where a win would bring at least one further game as well as the final league clash away to Dundalk.

“I love the FAI Cup. It was in my mind once I knew it was delayed because of Covid. I just wanted us to get to this stage so I know I would be back for it. The semi-final with Dundalk last year was a great occasion, it was the biggest game I’ve played for the club and it didn’t end as we wanted. I want to get to another semi-final and have another shot at reaching a final. We don’t have our supporters but we are trying to do it for them so it’s a massive game whenever it comes around.

“I don’t think things have fallen for us recently as they were doing when that great run we had happened. There’s a very good group of lads in the dressing-room and we have the chance to improve on last season in front of us still.”

The two-year deal will secure Mahon’s future at The Showgrounds, having previously had a two and a half year contract.

The security is important for the Collooney man, if much a challenge as anything else.

“You can’t predict what can happen as we saw in the last two and a bit years. There’s been great times and there’s been disappointments that are part of football too. I hope the next two years are going to be great ones for the club and myself. I have lots of ambitions in the next two seasons.”

Liam Buckley added: “We’re delighted to have John on board with us for two seasons. He’s a huge talent and already a fantastic defender for us. At 20 years of age he already has lots of experience and more to gain.

“We were patient with John coming back, we had to be and it will stand to him over time. I know what it is like with injuries and that you have to be patient, particularly one such as this.

“We were never going to take any chances with him. I believe he has a fantastic career ahead of him and over the next two years he has the opportunity to show us all what we can do.

“It’s another good bit of business and a real positive for ourselves for next season.”

Our 500 Club continues to be one of our most important fundraisers at the club, with supporters paying €20 per month or just €5 per week to help the Bit O’ Red.

Each month, The 500 Club draw is made, which gives supporters a chance of winning 10 cash prizes, from €500 to €50.

If you are anyone you know would like to find out more information about The 500 Club, or wish to join, email administrator@sligorovers.com or click https://srfcdirect.com/fundraising/500-club/

The draw for September was made recently by Vincent Nally, chairman of The 500 Club:

1st: Seamus Cummins, Oakfield Road, Sligo. €500

2nd: Kieran Murphy, Calry, Co Sligo. €100

3rd: Colin Feehily, Calry, Co. Sligo. €100

4th: Marcus White, First Sea Road, Sligo. €100

5th: Irene Tighe, Ballina, Co. Mayo. €100

6th: Jack Carney, Dunboyne, Co. Meath. €100

7th: Mark Keane, Treacy Ave, Sligo. €50

8th: Stephen Wickham, Calry, Co. Sligo. €50

9th: Shane Dooher, Roscahill, Co. Galway. €50

10th: Anthony Kilfeather, Dromahair, Co. Leitrim. €50

Congratulations to all our winners and thanks to everyone for continuing to be part of this vital fundraiser.

Thanks as always to our hard working 500 Club committee for their efforts.

View a selection of images from tonight’s 2-1 win over Cork City in The Showgrounds.

Sligo Rovers defeated Cork City 2-1 on Saturday evening in The Showgrounds to keep hopes of a top-half finish alive in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.

City’s Kit Elliot missed a first half penalty, before Junior had Sligo in the lead. Substitute Dylan McGlade gave Colin Healy’s side a chance when he levelled the game mid-way through the second half.

But the Bit O’Red were to emerge victorious, Coughlan converting from the spot after Liam Bossin fouled Junior in the Cork area.

Seeking to improve on their recent poor form of just one win in six it was Rovers who fired the first shot.

City goalkeeper Bossin holding on to Ryan De Vries’ effort seven minutes in after the New Zealander found space between the Cork lines.

Knowing defeat and a win for Finn Harps over Bohemains later that night would confirm their relegation, Cork were handed a golden opportunity less than sixty seconds later.

Referee Rob Hennessy adjudged John Mahon to have handled the ball in front of goal as the centre half attempted to block down Alec Byrne’s smashed effort from twenty yards. But Kit Elliot spurned the chance when his penalty was met by a sprawling Ed McGinty in the Rovers goal.

Sligo are one of only two teams the Leesiders have managed to beat in the league this year although their cause was done no favours on eleven minutes when Liam Buckley’s charges struck for the opener.

Henry Ochieng failed to track Junior’s run as he latched onto the end of an Ed McGinty punt toward the Cork box. The ex-Derry striker finishing with aplomb as he tucked the ball beyond the oncoming Liam Bossin.

The remainder of the opening period was pedestrian at best. Byrne blasted over from 25 yards for City, while both Jesse Devers and Ryan Vries fired straight at Bossin at the other end.

Bossin was on hand to keep his side in the fight on 62. The 24-year-old got down to deny Niall Morahan after the Leitrim man slalomed his way past a series of challenges.

The Munster side burst back into this tie on 64. Substitute McGlade’s free-kick from out wide managing to find a way past a forest of legs before sneaking past McGinty.

Cork were pegged back eight minutes later however, when Bossin tangled with Junior following a Sligo corner. Coughlan converting the game’s second spot-kick for his fifth goal of the season.

Cork had a late chance to level proceedings. From a quick throw-in down the left, the ball ended up with Cian Coleman but the midfielder’s hammered effort was pushed away courtesy of some McGinty acrobatics.

Rovers need a host of favours to stop the likes of St Patrick’s Athletic, Waterford and Derry City in the race for the top four, but remain in the hunt ahead of the final game of the season away to Dundalk in two weeks.

Next up is the FAI Cup quarter-final against Derry City on Sunday 1 November at 4pm.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Lewis Banks, Garry Buckley, John Mahon, Regan Donelon (Alex Cooper 76); Will Seymore, Niall Morahan; Jesse Devers, Ronan Coughlan, Ryan De Vries (Darragh Noone HT); Junior.

Cork City: Liam Bossin; Joseph Olowu, Jake O’Brien, Kevin O’Connor; Henry Ochieng, Ronan Hurley (Cian Bargary HT); Cian Coleman, Alec Byrne (Dylan McGlade 60), Gearoid Morrisey; Beineon O’Brien-Whitmarsh (Cian Murphy 79), Kit Elliot.  

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

Sligo Rovers play their final home game of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division season as Cork City visit on Saturday for a 5pm kick-off.

Just eight home league games have been played this year, with five wins and three defeats for the Bit O’ Red, with the record particularly good since the restart with just a one-goal loss to Bohemians the only blemish.

The sides met in August where Rovers started well but went on to lose 3-0, one of just two wins for the Rebels this campaign, and they travel to Sligo knowing a win is essential in their battle for survival.

For Rovers, the league position is very match undecided with two games left. Liam Buckley’s side can finish anywhere from fourth to ninth, meaning these games will define the outcome of the year.

A 1-0 defeat to Shelbourne last week left Rovers back in the bottom half of the table.

In team news, Kyle Callan-McFadden returns from suspension having served a one-game ban against Shels. John Mahon made his return after over eight months out and completed 90 minutes in Dublin. Sigitas Olberkis returned to action last week as well.

Johnny Dunleavy (knee) and Ronan Murray (toe) are definitely out.

Ryan De Vries will have a late fitness test on a knee problem.

Regan Donelon and Danny Kane have trained in recent days.

Liam Buckley said: “We were all extremely disappointed last week. We didn’t do ourselves justice for what we have within the group. We need to be much better, there’s no doubt about that.  We have to prove we can be. This is a time of the season where there is so much on the line. We’re playing to get up any amount of places in the league in the table and anything is still possible.

“It’s not just about the table, it’s also for team spirit, for earning contracts next season and we owe it to our supporters as well. They deserve more than just the season being seen out.

“I expect a tight game for because there is a lot to play for. It’s a massive game in both our seasons. I’ve seen Cork put it up to teams a lot in recent games and we’re aware what type of team is coming up here. They’ll be a tough opposition so we have to be at it.

“We have a few knocks but the team we pick will have quality as well. It’s up to us to go out and do enough to get the victory.”

Niall Morahan has signed a contract extension with Sligo Rovers, the club are thrilled to announce this morning.

The midfielder has been a near ever-present for the Bit O’ Red this campaign. He turned professional in August 2018, extended his contract last August as he began an IT Sligo scholarship and has now been rewarded with a new deal for the 2021 season.

Now set to complete his second full season and begin a third with the club in 2021 as a senior player, the 20-year-old said: “I’m delighted to extend my time here and I’m delighted to be part of the club moving forward. I’m really happy here. I’ve got a few good performances under my belt but at the end of the day I’m just a small cog in the Sligo Rovers wheel.

“It has been a strange year all around but I think there are a few ways to look at it. If you look at it at the perspective from before the lockdown, we’ve obviously turned it around quite a bit and moved ourselves up the table since coming back.

“If you look back on years gone by, this year has been an improvement for sure.”

Morahan has been one of the best performers for Rovers this year, with his development from an Under-19 player to more senior becoming quite apparent.

“Coming in as a young lad, you realise the pace, intensity and physical demands of the league. You kind of have to get up to speed quick. I’d like to think I have been doing alright in that regard. I’d just like to keep it going.

“From my own point of view I’d like next year to be like this one, to play week-in, week-out. That would be my individual goal. As a team I’d like us to push higher and higher up the table. We saw this year we are capable of getting up to the top end of the table. I’d like to get us in those places again.

“We were quite a bit further up the table and now we’ve dropped down a bit. So there are mixed emotions I would say.

“In the games since coming back we had been outscoring what we had been conceding. Unfortunately it hasn’t happened the last few games but that will happen in a season. Hopefully it is just a bit of a blip and we’ll get back to our natural selves.”

Morahan is studying online with IT Sligo in the second year of a business degree. Having being utilised at right-back for times early in his professional football career due to injuries elsewhere, he is now being selected in the middle of the pitch, something which he admits is preferable.

“We can get in a lecture or two online before training, train and then a few more for the rest of the day. It is fairly busy but the best of both worlds.

“I’ve always said that I’m happier to be playing and I will play any position and it is the case of course, but midfield is my natural position, so I suppose I am happy in the middle. I’d like to think I am improving, confidence is a big thing, the more you play the more build it and that helps. So I definitely think so. Confidence is for me going out and imposing myself on the game. The more games I get, my confidence goes up.

“By no means is our season over. It is 100% the case that there is lots to play for. Maybe people will think after our last few results that our season will be over but that isn’t the way it is.

“There is still a job to do. We’ve two really important games in the league and the Cup is massive for us. We will be look to do as best we can in the last few games and finish the season strongly.”