The Sligo Rovers Christmas Draw is now underway with some extra special prizes this year.

The winner of the draw will receive €500.

Second prize: Tickets to Westlife’s concert in Pairc Ui Chaoimh

Clik here to buy tickets: https://srfcdirect.com/christmas-draw-ticket/

Third prize: Two night’s B&B in the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny

Fourth prize: Sligo Rovers season ticket for 2020

Fifth prize: Two tickets for Republic of Ireland Nations League game in the Aviva Stadium

Sixth prize: Christmas Hamper

Seventh prize: Dinner for two in the Clayton Hotel, Sligo

Eighth prize: Sligo Rovers 2020 jersey

Tickets available here or from committee members or the club office

As a community club, we are delighted to be visiting schools in the region as part of our 2019 schools programme.

Children are treated to an indoor presentation which covers player profiles, club history, major honours and the first team’s training regime.

This is then followed up by an outdoor coaching session in week two, all of which is being provided by the club free of charge.

Manager Liam Buckley has stated how important it is for children to be involved with the club through our various initiatives such as camps, birthday parties and Super Red membership.

‘We’re trying to build something here. That doesn’t mean we’re focusing on the short term, we have some longer term goals too, which includes getting as many children supporting their local club as possible. It’s fantastic coming into work here at The Showgrounds and seeing Summer Camps or Birthday parties taking place, and seeing smiles on kid’s faces. They will always remember their first impressions as youngsters around the club, and if we put on a good show for them on and off the pitch, they’ll be here to support the club for years to come’

Thank you to the schools we have visited so far and we look forward to working with more schools in the coming weeks.

We remind parents and children to register to become a Sligo Rovers Super Red in 2020 and receive entry to every game, a full club training kit, a personalised birthday card and discounts on our new 2020 playing kit.

To purchase yours online, visit www.srfcdirect.com

Sligo Rovers wish to note the contribution of Dante Leverock, Kris Twardek and Sam Warde to the club following the conclusion of the season.

The Bit O’ Red can confirm that the trio will not be re-joining for 2020.

We wish them well in their future career and thank them for all of their efforts.

Rovers have 13 players signed for 2020.

Sligo Rovers squad 2020

Goalkeepers:

Ed McGinty

Luke McNicholas (2021)

Defenders:

John Mahon

Danny Kane

Lewis Banks

Johnny Dunleavy

Regan Donelon

Kyle Callan-McFadden

Midfielders:

David Cawley

Niall Morahan (2021)

Strikers:

Romeo Parkes

Ronan Coughlan

Ronan Murray

We are delighted to announce a new partnership with Sligo Credit Union which will allow Bit O’ Red supporters to avail of a loan offer from the Union to help them buy their 2020 season tickets.

With the launch of the 2020 season tickets today, we also now launch details this new initiative which will help supporters secure their tickets for the year ahead and ease the strain on their pocket at the Christmas period.

Season ticket prices remain the same, with existing Credit Union members simply filling the loan application form, along with their season ticket form and handing it in to the local office, located on Stephen Street in Sligo.

Supporters without a Credit Union account can also avail of the offer. Pop into the Credit Union and set up an appointment to join, and the friendly staff will take you step by step.

Supporters must still fill out a standard season ticket application form from the club as well as the loan application form from the Credit Union.

It is a quick and easy process and one we hope will help our loyal fanbase.

‘We’ve come up with this idea to try and help people out before Christmas. We can all find it difficult to part with a couple of hundred quid around Christmas, whether your buying presents for kids or partners or whatever, so this will help those supporters who want to buy their ticket at the Pre-Christmas prices. Those buying a ticket for a loved one can also avail of this new offer, so it might be a perfect Christmas present for the Rovers supporters in your family.’

Sligo Rovers’ Chief Executive Officer Colin Feehily

Loan application forms can be got at The Showgrounds and all the usual season ticket outlets across the region. Our new Christmas club shop will again open at Barton Smith, Sligo in early December, where forms can be collected.

 The offer starts today and continues right up to the season opener in mid-February. Supporters are reminded that prices increase after Christmas so are advised to buy their tickets between now and close of business Christmas Eve.

Gold seats are also available with this offer, where you may choose your seat before the season starts and have it reserved for every league and cup game.

There is also an option if buying different types of season ticket where you may choose the ‘other amount’ column. This will allow parents to buy more than one Super Red ticket for example/

To set up an appointment to become a member in the Sligo Credit Union and avail of this offer, simply visit the Union on Stephen Street in Sligo or call 071-9117500

Today we launch our new 2020 season ticket prices, which really starts the process for Bit O Red supporters in looking forward to a brand new Premier Division campaign.

As with every year, supporters are encouraged to buy before Christmas Day, as prices increase after this.

Supporters have the chance to reserve their own seat for every league game in 2020, as well as all the cup games too. In previous seasons, Gold Season Tickets only reserved your seat for league games, however in 2020 we have added cup matches so you don’t have to worry about coming early to secure a seat, your name will be on it.

Gold Season Tickets:

A Sligo Rovers Gold Season Ticket allows the supporter to select their favourite seat in the ground and have it reserved for every game of the season. Whether you work late and can only make kick off, enjoy a pre-match tea or coffee in the clubhouse, or you simply want to wait until the last minute to avoid the cold, your seat is secured.

Gold season tickets will work out at around €3.50 extra per match.

Adult Season Tickets:

Adult season ticket prices for 2020 have been frozen, with no increase from last season at €220.

An adult Gold ticket costs €300, where you can reserve your seat for every game, as explained above.

Gold Season tickets are continuing to prove extremely popular with an increase in demand each season.

Student and Concession categories:

We are again offering discounted rates for second and third level students. Secondary school tickets are €100, around half the amount you would pay by paying on the gate each week, and Third Level Student tickets are €140, saving you around €40 for the season.

Bit O Red supporters who are unemployed can purchase a concession season ticket which will cost €150, with an up to date letter required from your local Intreo office to show your you are not working.

OAP/Senior Citizen Tickets:

These tickets are €140 for 2020, with the gold option just €210.

Family Season Tickets:

As with previous seasons, we are offering families a discounted rate for entry to The Showgrounds. For two adults and to children aged 12 or under, it will cost €500. This is a big saving for families of four, however we understand as a club the significant spend these families will have over the course of the season, so we feel this offer will be a great help to them.

Super Reds:

Our fantastic Super Red offer will again remain for 2020.

Season Ticket prices will be €60 for kids aged 12 and under, but this season they will get even more.

Kids will receive a Sligo Rovers training kit, including a crested T-Shirt, club shorts and socks, which will be worn Liam Buckley’s first team in 2020. Kids will also be given a voucher for €10 off our new 2020 home kit, as well as entrance to our hugely popular Super Red open day where Super Red ticket holders will receive their training kits, meet the first team players and be put through their paces by manager Liam Buckley and his staff in an hour long coaching session. Kids will also receive a birthday card in the post in time for their big day in 2020, signed by their favourite player.

Credit Union Finance:

To make it easier for supporters to purchase their season tickets for 2020, we have teamed up with Sligo Credit Union who will offer supporters a short term loan, in order to purchase their ticket and enable them to pay for it over the course of the season, rather than in one lump sum before Christmas.

To purchase your ticket online, visit www.srfcdirect.com

To purchase your ticket, you may also visit one of the following outlets:

• The Showgrounds
• Barton Smith, Sligo
• Collery Menswear, Sligo
• Lavins Menswear, Ballymote
• John Lowe, Carrick On Shannon
• Greenan Electric, Boyle
• Gerry Kenny Sport, Ballina
• Colerys Shop, Ballina
• Gillespies, Tubbercurry
• Tansey’s Centra, Gurteen
• Tony Quinn, Cliffoney

The Sligo Rovers Halloween Camp concluded on Friday last, which marked the end of kids camps for 2019.

This year brought in huge numbers yet again to The Showgrounds, with the clubs camps remaining one of the most popular kids camps in the region.

The club ran two weeks of camps at Easter, eight weeks over summer and one week over Halloween, with over 1,300 children participating throughout the year.

The optional Breakfast Club proved extremely popular yet again, selling out for five weeks during the year.

Camp coordinator, Shane Crossan, spoke of his delight at how well the camps were attended this year and added :

“2019 has been a fantastic year yet again, following on from the success of 2018.”

“The popularity of our camps here in The Showgrounds continues to grow every year and that is a testament to everyone involved in the running of them.”

“I would like to thank everyone who continues to support our camps here and I can not wait for our camps to start up again in 2020.”

The next camp will take place over Easter with full details announced in due course.

Our under 17 men’s team faced a tough test in Tralee this evening against Kerry FC in the final of the under 17 Shield.

The game began with a fast pace throughout the first half, with Cillian Heaney going close early on, after some good play from The Bit O’ Red in midfield.

The home side created chances of their own, most notably when Cian Brosnan’s shot from close range was saved by Tommy Scahill in the Rovers’ goal.

Colin Walsh went close for the home side on 35 minutes but his shot was again saved by Scahill.

One minute later however, Rovers were in front. Mayo men Aidan McHale and Heaney combined with the latter finishing well from close range.

It was enough to see Rovers lead at half time after an entertaining first 45 minutes.

The reds started off where they left off as just three minutes into the second half, it was 2-0. Ciaran Jennings was sharpest in the box when he got on the end of another McHale assist to double the lead.

Kerry were not going to give up and when Nathan Gleeson’s shot narrowly missed, they could sense their chance. A minute later, they got their goal when a corner was deflected in off a Rovers defender past Scahill to give the home side some life.

Darragh Reilly cleared off the line to deny an equaliser, and Rossa McAllister almost doubled Rovers’ lead when his shot had the goalkeeper beaten only to rebound off the post.

Kerry finished strong but some calm, assured defending saw The Bit O Red see the game out and claim the under 17 Shield title.

Well done to both sides on such an entertaining 90 minutes, and commiserations to our opponents Kerry who were impressive on the day.

Congratulations to manager Ryan Casey, assistant Packie Lynch and goalkeeping coach Ultan McKenna and all the squad on a fantastic achievement.

We also want to put on record our thanks to the player’s families for their continued time, effort and support in getting the players to and from the football club so regularly each week.

Book your Christmas party at the Clayton Hotel for the best value in Sligo.

The Clayton Hotel have a host of offers for your business or friends to celebrate ahead of Christmas.

With drinks reception, four course meal, Oscar awards, prizes, live music from Deja Groove, plus €45 PPS overnight stay, it is an offer not be missed.

Click here for the brochure for more details and support the great sponsors of Sligo Rovers.

Sligo Rovers finished off the 2019 season with defeat to Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

The Bit O’Red took the lead 31 minutes in when Daryl Fordyce pounced on Kris Twardek’s cross, poking the ball past James Talbot for Rovers’ opener.

The visitors were impressive throughout but Bohs leveled the game after both Fordyce and Lewis Banks had chances to double Rovers’ lead.

Danny Mandroiu’s free-kick knocking the post before sneaking past Luke McNicholas just before the hour.

Bohs had their winner on 81 minutes when Derek Pender converted from the spot.

Rovers: Luke McNicholas; Johnny Dunleavy, Danny Kane, John Mahon, Lewis Banks; Kyle McFadden, Niall Morahan; Kris Twardek, Ronan Murray (Niall Watson 63), Regan Donelon; Daryl Fordyce.

Sligo Rovers play their final game of 2019 on Friday night as we travel to Dublin to face Bohemians in Dalymount Park.

The Bit O’ Red currently stand in sixth place in the SSE Airtricity League and know it’s likely they’ll need a win to stay there, with Waterford a spot below going into the game.

The teams have had one win each this season in the fixture, as well as 1-1 draw in The Showgrounds.

In team news, Ronan Murray returns from suspension. Romeo Parkes is out for the season with a medial ligament injury.

Liam Buckley has stressed to his players that finishing outside of the bottom four in the table is very important.

Incidentally, in prize money terms, it is a €1,000 difference, with sixth and seventh €19,500 or €18,500 for their league finish.

But for the Rovers boss, it has a saying in the overall context of the season that is far greater than the meager prize difference.

Liam Buckley said: “Last week’s performance was below par. It was a fair outcome for Derry to win the game. I was really disappointed to finish off the home season like that because we’ve had some good nights in The Showgrounds. It was a four out of 10 display.

“We have this game to try to end the year on a bright note. We are taking the progress we’ve made this year into 2020 and a second win away to Bohs would be something to add to that.

“More importantly, I really want us to keep hold of that sixth place. It’ll also determine how many points we finish off the top three, so we’ve been reminding the players all week about the importance of doing well in this game.

“When the season started we anticipated there would be the top three of Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers and Cork City and the rest of us would be battling it out for that fourth place.

“It didn’t transpire and two places emerged with Bohs and another club set to benefit. Any team that gets there should be commended. Next season it’s going to become even more competitive.

“I’m sure Bohs will want to put on a show for their fans with the big crowd as they celebrate but that doesn’t really interest us.

“The notion that we go there and have nothing to play for couldn’t be further from the truth. I expect the players to respond to the occasion, to the loyal away support we’ve had all season and to the chance to clinch that sixth place in the table.”