Illustrator Annie West has teamed up with Sligo Rovers to create an iconic portrait of generations of supporters of the club.

The image shows countless Bit O’ Red characters that created the spirit of Sligo Rovers and show the support behind the club for the coming months.

Annie West is an award-winning illustrator and cartoonist, her work was recently added to the National Library of Ireland’s permanent Cartoon & Illustration Archive.

The image, created in recent weeks, are available to purchase for €12 in local retail outlets and also available online, plus postage. 

They are available in Barton Smiths, Eason’s, Carraig Donn, The Record Room, Centra Maugheraboy and more to come.

Buy online on srfcdirect.com here

There will also signed special limited edition high resolution  museum grade print, signed and numbered by Annie West, which will be processed directly via www.anniewest.com. A small number of these posters remain.

It was unveiled on social media in recent weeks to widespread praise and huge demand to purchase, and will be a souvenir item for Sligo Rovers fans to treasure for years to come.

Explaining the inspiration behind the project, Annie West said: “I’m not really a football fan, I just got a sense of something bad happening for Sligo Rovers because of Covid-19 and I just thought ‘wouldn’t it be nice to do something’. 

“I’ve passed by The Showgrounds after a game and I’ve always been struck by the colour and the energy. And the banners. Lots to work with. 

“I didn’t have a lot of time but with lockdown it was that bit easier to find it. I spoke to Tommy Higgins and he was very positive about it.

“I spoke to some well-known veteran Rovers supporters, discovered more and more about these mad characters, stories I didn’t know. These people were just so committed to Sligo Rovers. I saw all the banners, the flags. It quickly all added up.”

Annie, who has donated the picture to Sligo Rovers as a fundraiser, was taken aback by the response.

“Well what I discovered what was there are Sligo Rovers fans everywhere firstly because I was getting messages from all over the world. 

“And then I just wanted to look more and more into the people who have followed the club and just what an impact it makes. I saw that mural of Nancy Callaghan, but I never really knew the story.

“The more I read, I discovered what an amazing woman she was, with her chair. Johnny Chadda. All the people who dedicated all their time to keeping Sligo Rovers going.  At first I thought we could do this and just post it online for a bit of a lift for people. 

“But with the situation of no crowds being allowed to attend games, I thought let’s do it as a fundraiser for the club. I hope everyone enjoys it.”

Sligo Rovers chairman Tommy Higgins said: “I’d like to thank Annie showcasing Sligo Rovers with her incredible talent 

“This wonderful piece captures so much of our people and our club in a way that only Annie can do. 

“We are simply thrilled to have it available to us and for our supporters to cherish.” 

Liam Buckley was pleased with the fitness and application of his players as they secured a shock win over Dundalk FC in The Showgrounds on Saturday evening in The Showgrounds.

The Rovers manager saw his side move inside the top half with a terrific team performance – something the Rovers manager was seeking in the run-up to the game.

He said: “We’ve done well in fairness. We sat back quite a bit in the second half – probably a bit too much for my liking. Nonetheless it is a great result.

“We took our goals very well. We had one or two other good chances to nail it. I’m just delighted we’ve picked up a win against Dundalk. Not too many teams will do that

“I thought Ed’s penalty save was critical. 1-0 and 1-1 at half-time is very different. We wanted to build on it. To bag a second and third goal was great. To be honest with you I was still nervous at 3-0 because it is Dundalk.

“Themselves and Shamrock Rovers have gigantic squads where they can juggle things around and change things in a heartbeat.

“They did have one or two chances in the second half. Nonetheless the lads have worked hard and deserved their win.”

Buckley is quick to play down the current form, saying if Rovers are to repeat the success, it will take continued application.

“We’ve done well in the last few games. That said, I’ve said this before, there are no easy games in this division. There is very little in a lot of teams. You have to turn up every week and in fairness we have turned up every week and put in a shift.

“Even losing in Cork, I thought the lads worked extremely hard and were a little bit unlucky. Outside of that we’ve done really well, we’ve worked extremely hard and their fitness has been really good. Long may that continue.”

Sligo Rovers made it four wins from their last five matches as they impressed against a struggling Dundalk at the Showgrounds in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division. 

The Lilywhites missed a first-half penalty as the Bit O’Red led at the break courtesy of a superb Regan Donelon set-piece.

The champions, on their first time out without former boss Vinny Perth, fell further behind in the second period when Ryan de Vries and Junior both registered their first goals for Rovers.

Stefan Colovic did notch a reply for Dundalk from another spot-kick, but Sligo held on for what was their fourth victory of the season.

Under the stewardship of caretaker duo Alan Reynolds and John Gill, it was the visitors who should have gone ahead early on.

The unmarked Daniel Kelly shot wide despite being left unmarked at the back post after the winger latched on to a Michael Duffy cross from the left.

Rovers’ late winner against Waterford four days previous came from a set-piece, and Liam Buckley’s charges were to profit from another well struck free-kick as they hit the lead 13 minutes in.

Darragh Leahy tangled with Ronan Coughlan at the edge of the area before Donelon sent his bending effort around the wall and beyond Gary Rogers.

Rovers nearly doubled their lead on 20 minutes when Junior showed strength to hold up play, finding De Vries, with the New Zealander flashing his effort across the face of goal.

Sligo had to rely on bravery from the returning Kyle McFadden just short of the half hour, with the Ramelton man diving to take Kelly’s volley off Ed McGinty’s goalline after the Rovers goalkeeper had misjudged Daniel Cleary’s cross.

The visitors had accumulated plenty of possession at this stage and were gifted an opportunity to level proceedings on 33 minutes when Teemu Penninkangas was adjudged to have handled Cleary’s cross inside his own penalty area.

Hoban was favourite as he faced McGinty from 12 yards, but the young Scot pulled off a magnificent save as he got in front of the Galway native’s powerful drive.

The second half was just five minutes old when Rovers had their second.

Skipper David Cawley started the move with a neat one-two between himself and Coughlan. The former’s cross from the end line reached De Vries on the far side, who arrowed a low drive past Rogers for his first goal for the Yeats men.

Incredibly, Sligo had their third on 62 minutes. Rogers came to meet Cawley’s outswinging free, only for Junior to make the most of the space behind the netminder, heading the ball over Rogers’ reach for what was his maiden goal for his new club.

Dundalk pulled one back with 14 minutes to go as they threw everything at their opponents, with substitute Colovic converting from the spot after referee Rob Hennessy saw a push from McFadden on a Dundalk player.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Lewis Banks, Kyle McFadden, Teemu Penninkangas, Regan Donelon (Alex Cooper HT); David Cawley, Niall Morahan; Jesse Devers (Darragh Noone 69), Junior, Ryan De Vries (Sigitas Olberkis 86); Ronan Coughlan.

Dundalk: Gary Rogers; Daniel Cleary (Dane Massey 61), Brian Gartland (Nathan Oduwa 54), Sean Hoare, Darragh Leahy; Chris Shields, John Mountney; Michael Duffy (Sean Murray 83), Patrick McEleney, Daniel Kelly (Stefan Colovic 54); Pat Hoban (David McMillan 83).

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

Our underage teams are all in action this weekend, with five games down for decision today and tomorrow.

Alan Farry and Kieran Brick take their under 13 squad to Aileach, Donegal for a 2pm kick off against Derry City. The lads have had a long pre season since February and are ready to kick start their campaign this afternoon. We want to wish all our under 13 squad the best of luck in their first competitive game for the club.

Also today, Saturday in Ballisodare, Conor O’Grady, Marcel Gordon and Paul Masterson will see their under 15 squad take on Cavan/Monaghan at 2pm. The lads had an impressive start to the season last weekend against Derry City, winning 5-0 in Donegal. The game is strictly behind closed doors with only one parent per player permitted to attend. We wish to thank everyone at Ballisodare United FC for the use of their fantastic new all weather facility for today’s game.

In Letterkenny at 5.30pm this evening, Danny O’Leary and our under 17 ladies team take on Donegal. After the dissapointment of last weekend’s fixture against Peamount being postponed, the girls will be looking forward to starting their season with a tough away fixture. The ladies staff and committee have put in fantastic work in 2020 to get the squad ready for today’s game, and we wish them all the best of luck for the season.

On Sunday, Ryan Casey, Packie Lynch, Nigel Naughton and Ultan McKenna travel with their under 17 squad to Bishopsgate to take on Longford Town at 2pm. The lads had an entertaining game against Derry City last weekend at The Sean Fallon Centre which ended all square. This talented group of players will be looking to pick up their first three points of the shortened season against a good Longford side.

Finally, Brian Dorrian, Johnny Dunleavy, John McAteer and Brian Morihan have been preparing their under 19 players for tomorrow’s season opener against Derry City. The squad have been working hard in pre season and over the past few months as they awaited for a return to play.

This game is again behind closed doors at The Sean Fallon Centre, and we ask people not to congregate outside to watch the game as this will not allow for proper social distancing.

Thanks to all our underage sponsors Joma Sport, Pure Telecom, O’ Connor Cabins, Ivor Parke, ejmenswear.com and Verus Metrology.

Sligo Rovers will conclude their first series on matches in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division on Saturday when Dundalk visit The Showgrounds, kick-off 5pm, live on WATCHLOI.ie.

Rovers made it three wins in four matches last Tuesday when beating Waterford FC. The previous win was another 2-1 success over Shelbourne.

The Bit O’ Red enjoyed a 2-1 victory over the Lilywhites in 2019, one of just four defeats in the season.

Dundalk avenged that defeat in the FAI Cup semi-finals in front of a sold out Showgrounds crowd. This game will be played in front of no supporters due to the latest Covid-19 preventative restrictions.

In team news, John Mahon, Johnny Dunleavy and Garry Buckley are ruled out with injury.

Will Seymore will have a late fitness test because of a hamstring problem.

Kyle Callan-McFadden returns from injury.

Liam Buckley said: “It was a pleasing result on Tuesday night. The manner of the victory obviously made it even better. I thought we got what we deserved, the players kept at it and the performance was one we can really build on. We’re looking for more of that. It gives everyone confidence and after a difficult few months where we had to sit with that poor start, it is good we’ve put a few wins on the table. There’s still a lot to be done.

“We knew we would improve when some of our injured players returned. We have had the likes of Lewis Banks come back in, Danny Kane has done well and Alex Cooper made his mark on Tuesday. We’ll be calling on all of our players over time I’ve no doubt. It’s going to take a collective effort and we want the team performing well in that manner.

“This is one of the hardest games you’ll get in an ultra competitive division.

“I’m sure Dundalk are hurting from Wednesday and obviously now there is a change of manager. They’ve a fantastic squad so it doesn’t change a lot for us, it’s going to be a massive challenge. They’ll be looking to prove a point I’m sure. To be honest we’re focused on what we can do in the game.

“We’re only going to give ourselves a chance if produce our best. We passed and moved the ball better on Tuesday and we’ll look to do that again. It’s almost the halfway point so it would be good to get a result and tee ourselves up for the rest of the season.”

The 2020 Sligo Rovers summer camps have concluded, after five action packed and enjoyable weeks in The Showgrounds.

The club took the decision to run summer camps back in June, with each of the five weeks capped at 60 participants. The five weeks sold out over the course of just a few days, with the camp taking place from July 20^th until August 21^st.

Sligo Rovers would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the camps including the coaches, children and parents.

Camp Co-ordinator, Shane Crossan, spoke of his appreciation in having the camps back up and running and said:

“The last few months have been tough on everyone in the community, especially children. They lost normality in their lives and were forced to stay away from school, their friends and in some cases loved ones. To be in a position to offer our younger supporters a summer camp after a tough few months was magnificent.”

Shane added “A lot of hard work was put in behind the scenes at the club in order to make the camps safe and successful for everyone. I’m delighted to say the hard work paid off and the camps proved to be a major success”.

Sligo Rovers would like to wish all children the best as they go back to school in the coming weeks. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to The Showgrounds at our Halloween Camp in October.

View photos from last night’s game.

Liam Buckley is hopeful that last night’s win over Waterford FC is a sign of things to come, as he admits the feeling of being bottom of the table cannot be forgotten in the wake of a positive restart by the Bit O’ Red.

Alex Cooper struck in the final seconds of an exciting SSE Airtricity Premier Division game at The Showgrounds.

It gave Rovers a third win in four matches.

Buckley said he felt his side earned the three points on the night and bounced back well from the defeat in Cork City.

He said: “I think we deserved it over the 90 minutes. The lads put in a serious shift over the second half. We had all the chances. They did hit the crossbar. But overall I thought we did well.

“It is important [for us to move up the table and off the bottom]. The optics for us on that have been a disaster. We’ve now pulled a few wins out.

“There is not a lot between Waterford, St Patrick’s Athletic, Finn Harps. There’s not a lot between us all so you do need to win a few games.

“Hopefully we can continue this sort of form. We were a little bit out of sync in Cork and this is a great response. We did have the better of the chances in Cork in the first half and didn’t take them.

“We were chasing it in the second half. It wasn’t a disastrous performance but it was a poor result albeit a bit flattering to them.”

The passing in the second half in particular pleased Buckley, who is still demanding more from his players.

Next up is Dundalk on Saturday in The Showgrounds.

“I thought our general play was far better and we moved the ball a lot quicker and better.

“Hopefully that is a sign of things to come. Individually we are very good. Collectively we need to improve.”

The Rovers boss thanked supporters for getting behind the team.

They will not be able to attend games against Dundalk and Finn Harps, but went out on a brilliant note.

“I’m disappointed for all of our fans. Even with the 50 that are in tonight, there is a little bit of an atmosphere.

“I’m delighted for them and hearing them encourage us on. Not to have anybody at games is disappointing but if it has to be, it has to be.”

An injury time winner from Alex Cooper saw Sligo Rovers pick up their third win in four as they beat Waterford at the Showgrounds.

A slow start from the Bit O’Red saw John Sheridan’s side deservedly lead at the break courtesy of Michael O’Connor’s opener.

But Sligo dug in and levelled proceedings through Ronan Coughlan before Cooper’s 93rd minute winner finally broke Waterford’s resolve.

A hesitant Rovers allowed Waterford plenty of space in dangerous areas in the opening period. Robbie McCourt’s speculative volley three minutes in was easy for Ed McGinty, but along with Will Longbottom’s early effort served as a warning to a slack looking Sligo.

All the play continued in the home side’s half and a Kurtis Byrne snapshot on the quarter hour had McGinty on his toes.

The focus on the Rovers left side in particular, paid dividends for the visitors on 16 minutes when they took the lead.

With Rovers pinned back, Byrne’s through ball easily found the roaming Tunmise Sobowale who squared for the waiting O’Connor.

The ex-Linfield marksman afforded ample time to pick his spot before firing past the sprawling McGinty.

Despite being on the back foot, Liam Buckley’s charges did have opportunities of their own.

Teemu Penninkangas could only head the ball into the ground after he met Regan Donelon’s set piece. The Finn’s effort bouncing in front of the Blues’ goalmouth with no Sligo takers willing.

While Coughlan should have profited on 27 minutes when he found himself one-on-one with Tadhg Ryan. The Limerick native unable to lift the ball over the Waterford goalkeeper.

Sligo went close again just past the half hour. Lewis Banks forcing Ryan into a save down low with an effort from distance.

The Munster men were responsible for the second half’s first shot in anger as the Yeats men still struggled to click.

O’Connor cushioning a ball from the back into the path of Byrne. But McGinty got in front of the former Dundalk man’s half-volley from the edge of the area.

The hosts had gotten to grips with their opposition at this stage and won’t know how they didn’t level the game on 61.

Coughlan and Jesse Devers combining as the former clipped the ball towards the back post for David Cawley. The Sligo captain left to look on in agony as his close range header came back off the woodwork.

Waterford then struck the frame of the Sligo goal when Tyreke Wilson’s free-kick bounced off the crossbar before Ryan kept Cawley out at the other end just moments later.

Tails up, Rovers finally found their leveller on 72. Devers the architect as he picked out Coughlan who tucked the ball past Ryan for his third of the season.

Both McCourt and Coughlan saw shots sail across the respective goalmouths as the game hung in the balance.

But Rovers were to have the last say as Cooper’s magnificent strike from the angle left Ryan flat-footed three minutes into added time.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Lewis Banks (Darragh Noone 62), Teemu Penninkangas, Danny Kane, Regan Donelon; David Cawley, Niall Morahan; Jesse Devers (Alex Cooper 82), Junior, Ryan De Vries; Ronan Coughlan.

Waterford: Tadhg Ryan; Tunmise Sobowale, Jake Davidson, Sam Bone (Niall O’Keefe 45+4), Robbie McCourt; Matthew Smith, Will Longbottom (Will Fitzgerald 88), Tyreke Wilson; Robbie Weir; Michael O’Connor (John Martin 88), Kurtis Byrne.

Referee: Damien MacGraith