Sligo Rovers Under-15s will travel to Germany this week for two high-quality fixtures.

Rovers will travel to Nuremberg to play the first choice selections of FC Nurnberg and Greuther Fürth, with the latter a leading club for academy players that has produced a host of stars.  

The team will travel with coaches Conor O’Grady, Marcel Gordon. Paul Masterson and Alan Farry along with a number of parents.

The Rovers team will be hosted by Aubrey Dolan, former Sligo Rovers player, who is Category Manager for Football with Adidas and will give the young Rovers players a tour of Addias headquarters as well as bringing them to a Nurnberg senior league game.

Sligo native Tom Carty is proprietor of two premises in Nuremberg, O’Shea’s and Finnegans, and will provide meals for the team in the city as he supports his hometown club.

A number of sponsors have helped fund the cost of the trip.

They are:

• Arrotek
• Kilglass/Enniscrone Utd
• Abbott
• Cllr Rosealeen O’Grady,
• Anthony Gray – Eala Bhan
• Shuttercraft
• Muddy Burns
• Moy Transport
• Financial Control.

Sligo Rovers Under-15 manager Conor O’Grady said:  “This will be an experience that will stand to the players and one they will always look back upon fondly.

“Last year we had games away to Derby County and it was a major help in the development of the players.

“It showed them how good they are and the level they are at. It gave them self-belief and confidence and rewarded their hard work all year.

“The experience of a trip away together is also invaluable and thanks to Aubrey and Tom they will be treated very well off the field as well.

“I want to offer my gratitude to them, the sponsors and the parents for facilitating the weekend.

“We’re going over to test ourselves against these sides and the games are going to be very well contested.”  

Former Rovers Manager Billy Sinclair was guest of honour at the official launch of the new outdoor museum at the Showgrounds.

Other speakers at the launch were the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Cĺlr Tom MacSharry, the Chair of Sligo’s Local Community Development Committee, (LCDC),  Cllr Chris MacManus, and the Chair of Sligo Rovers Heritage Group, Aidan Mannion. The event was compered by Austin O’Callaghan.

Others in attendance included former players Tony Fagan, Chris Rutherford, Gavin Dykes, Anthony Elding and Mayor Cllr Gino O’Boyle, Deputy Eamon Scanlon, Councillors Declan Bree and Thomas Walsh. Rovers Vice-President Paddy Gilmartin was also in attendance, along with Peace IV Programme Manager Martin McAndrew.

Billy Sinclair recalled his first days as Manager of Rovers, from the first meeting with the players in the Imperial Hotel to their first training session in the Showgrounds  He said he was fortunate to work with outstanding people during his time in Sligo, players like Tony Fagan, Chris Rutherford, Mick Leonard and Paul McGee.

He fondly remembered the trojan work of the many club volunteers he befriended over the years, including late Dermot McCullagh and his brother Club President Eddie.  He spoke of the cross-border friendships developed over the years, particularly with Glentoran, where he had two spells as a player before joining Rover

The Cathaoirleach Cllr MacSharry  said ‘The landscape of this fascinating display is much broader than the 90 years of Rovers, it is, in effect, the social history of Sligo from the time  the club was established in 1928. Sligo Rovers was always a welcoming club, it embraced people from all countries and backgrounds, and in doing so reflected the cultural diversity of Sligo over the 20^th Century. A walk through the museum will show the ethos and culture of the club  have always been consistent with this ideal, many who came to spend time with Rovers would make Sligo their home, where they were  welcomed and often celebrated by the local community.

The Chair of Sligo’s LCDC Cllr Chris MacManus described  the Showgrounds Museum  as ‘an initiative instigated by the Heritage Group as a unique feature unequalled at any other League of Ireland ground.’ He said their committee believed the project ‘is  an outstanding way of highlighting how Sligo Rovers – an integral part of the fabric of our town and county – has been promoting social inclusion over many decades.  From our perspective when we consider the ideals and objectives of the Peace IV programme, they are consistent with the history of this ground and this club.

The Chair of Sligo Rovers Heritage Group Aidan Mannion outlined the background to the project and gave a snapshot of some the characters exhibited in the museum, including Dixie Dean, Johnny Chadda and Charley Courtney. Right throughout the club’s history, it was a welcoming place for players, managers and volunteers who travelled to make Sligo their home. He outlined other projects the Group has instigated, including the publication of  two histories and the hosting of  a number of exhibitions. He thanked the local Peace staff of Martin McAndrew and Karen Gallaher for their advice and support over the course of the project, and commended the project team of Daragh Stewart (Design) and Ballast Signs (production).

After the formalities the guests visited the various exhibits in the museum located at the back of the main stand. Over the coming weeks, the remaining exhibits will be erected in other areas of the ground.1

Derry City require just a draw on Tuesday night against St Pat’s to confirm their European spot for 2020 after they beat Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.

Lewis Banks had handed Rovers the lead thirteen minutes in, but City recovered and levelled the game courtesy of Jamie McDonagh before an Ed McGinty mistake gifted Barry McNamee Derry’s second before half-time. 

The result means the Candystripes need just a point from the visit of the Saints next week, to secure continental football for next season.

Still chasing that third spot, City were on top in the opening half but fell behind to Banks’ first goal for the home side.

David Cawley latching on to Ronan Coughlan’s through ball, before Cawley pulled the ball back for the unmarked Banks to fire home.

Derry heads didn’t drop however and McDonagh struck the woodwork with a fine bending effort after skilfully pulling the ball past John Mahon. While Eoin Toal screwed his volley wide shortly before City had their leveller.

The ball falling to McDonagh at the edge of the area as the ex-Sligo man blasted a left footed volley past McGinty for his fourth of the season and his second against his former employers this year.

McGinty pulled off a fine stop from a close range McNamee effort on 36 minutes as Declan Devine’s charges pushed for the lead.

The Rovers net minder was at fault however six minutes later, when Derry had their second. McNamee guiding the beleaguered goalkeeper’s attempted clearance past McGinty at the first attempt.

Sligo’s Daryl Fordyce wasn’t too far away with an effort in added time at the end of the half. While the same man couldn’t get the power he needed behind his close range header when City failed to clear Cawley’s corner shortly after the re-start.

Regan Donelon almost profited from Kris Twardek’s over-cooked cross ten minutes into the second half as Rovers began the second half on the front foot. The full back’s first time volley at the far post sailing well beyond Peter Cherrie’s back post.

Both sides didn’t create much for a sustained period thereafter as this game suffered from a bout of end of season syndrome.

Grant Gillespie couldn’t find the far corner after he turned inside with 13 minutes of the second half remaining.

While McGinty managed to gather McDonagh’s corner at the second attempt, with Greg Sloggett in close proximity moments later.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Danny Kane (Sam Warde 88), Kyle McFadden, John Mahon, Lewis Banks; Kris Twardek, David Cawley (Johnny Dunleavy 80), Daryl Fordyce, Niall Morahan, Regan Donelon (Brian Morley 84); Ronan Coughlan.

Derry City: Peter Cherrie; Grant Gillespie, Ally Gilchrist, Eoin Toal; Jamie McDonagh, Ciaran Coll; Barry McNamee (Michael McCrudden 92), Gregg Sloggett, Ciaron Harkin; David Parkhouse (Darren McCauley 89), Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe (Aidy Delap 94).

Referee: Paul Tuite.

Attendance: 1,909.  

Sligo Rovers take on Derry City in the final home game of the season on Saturday night in The Showgrounds 

The Bit O’ Red go into the game sixth in the table, although Waterford could overtake Rovers on Friday night.

Rovers’ home record has improved dramatically this season. In 2018 there were 10 league defeats for the home side in The Showgrounds.

This year has seen just four, with three of those coming in the first four games. 

Since the loss to Bohs on 6 April, there has been just one defeat in 13 games which came at the hands of Dundalk. 

In team news, Daryl Fordyce and Kyle Callan-McFadden are back from suspension. 

Dante Leverock returns from international duty with Bermuda and Ronan Coughlan has overcome injury. 

Romeo Parkes is out for the rest of the season (medial ligaement) and Ronan Murray is suspended. 

Liam Buckley said: “I am pleased that we’ve made it a difficult place to come as that was the intention when we started the season.

“There was a slow start as we tried to get things up to speed, this was a new group but over time we have improved. Some of those early losses things were going against us.

“That said, there is a base to get it better and turn some of the draws we’ve had into wins. There is still more to come from that end. It’s not easy in this league but that is the challenge ahead next year.

“It is good to have a lot of players back this week. We were up against it in Waterford in the circumstances. I would like to finish off the season in a good manner. It’s going to be a difficult game. Derry are chasing a European spot and they’ve done really well this year.”

Attendances have increased this season too, with average crowd at its highest level since 2014 at 2,000.

Buckley: “The supporters have been very good because when it didn’t start well they really stuck with us and encouraged the lads which is what you need. 

“I would like them to come out once more, as they have done all season, because the players have worked extremely hard and we are gearing up to try to put in a performance to finish it off well. 

“It will be tough but the lads are looking forward to it.”

Buckley also confirmed he will return to his usual Sligo Rovers Joma Sport matchday apparel after the EJ Menswear Fashion Show earlier this week where he donned a more formal attire on the catwalk. 

The event generated a five-figure sum each for Sligo Rovers, Sligo Cancer Centre and Sligo All Stars.  The world record for most models at a Fashion Show was broken.

Buckley said: “It was a wonderful evening and I really want to emphasise that. It was a privilege for all of us to be part of it. There was a sense of community in the room that struck a chord with everyone present.

“There was so much work put into the event and I thought it was something to be proud of. 

“But I think now I’m happy to stick to the day job!”

Kick-off on Saturday is 7:45pm

It will be a special night for Sligo Rovers fans on Friday 1 November as club legend Tony Stenson is inducted into the Hall of Fame. 

“Stenny”, along with Chris Rutherford, will join the short list of Bit O’ Red greats 

Centre-back Stenson joined the club from Sheffield Wednesday in 1969 and went on to play a major role in some of Rovers greatest occasions over his 15 year career with the club. In his first season Rovers reached the FAI Cup final against Bohs. It was to go to three replays with Bohs only scoring shortly after Stenson went off injured.

He initially formed a partnership with David Pugh before the arrival of Chris Rutherford and together they would be central to Rovers league title win in 1977. 

He would have to endure two more cup final disappointments before finally getting his hands on the trophy in 1983. 

He produced the goal to put Rovers back on level terms in the second half with an excellent volley despite picking up an injury earlier in the game in a show of spirit typical of “Stenny”. 

Injury would bring his career to a halt just a year later but he still managed a total of 387 appearances for the club a total only surpassed by Tony Fagan and Raff Cretaro 

Stenny is an honourary Sligo man and in two weeks he will officially become a Hall of Fame player.

Tickets are on sale now in The Showgrounds for this event in the Clayton Hotel which will be attended by our 1994 team as their 25th anniversary is celebrated 

Buy here either

https://srfcdirect.com/25th-anniversary-treble-celebration-reunion/

Sligo Rovers can today confirm that Danny Kane has signed a new contract for the 2020 season.

The former Cork City and AFC Fylde player joined Rovers in July having spent the first half of the season overcoming a serious ankle problem.

Kane secured a place in the team over the last two months, putting in impressive displays featuring at the heart of defence and in the full-back positions.    

He becomes the 12^th player to sign for the 2020 campaign.

Danny Kane: “I’m really happy to sign. I was without a club and glad to get the opportunity at Sligo. It was months before I could get to a position to sign which was tough but I’ve loved it here. The lads are brilliant and so are the people around the club.

“I don’t think you’ve seen the best of me to be honest. In a selfish way I don’t want the season to end because I’m loving being back playing. But I also think it’s probably good to get the rest and start pre-season in top knick and be ready to go.

“We’ve done okay, the Cup semi-final showed some potential and next year we’d like to kick on and really go for that top four. There’s a lot of talented lads in a great dressing-room here. We’re not willing to settle for going close to something next season. We want to win.”

Liam Buckley said: “I think Danny is a very good addition for next season. We worked with Danny for a lot of this year to get him back to fitness and we’ve seen what a good player he is in the last number of weeks. As well as being a good defender, he is excellent with the ball at his feet which is important to us.

“His versatility is also very useful because we’ve already seen him in a number of positions and I think he has done really well.

“It’s going to be a big season for him. He is good to enough to nail down a starting place in the team and be a brilliant player in this league.

“I know he has the hunger to become that so we’re looking forward to working with him next year. As the season end draws closer, we want to get our business done in terms of the players that are here already and we are doing that. From where we were this time last year, it’s going to be much more beneficial and easier all around.

“We have two more games to finish off the season and this group of players have been excellent in their application all year. I can’t fault them and we’d like to get two good results. We’ll look to finish it off well and our plans for next year will become more apparent as time passes.”

Job Description Summary

Sligo Rovers Football Club are looking for an intern to work alongside their Head Strength & Conditioning Coach.

This will be a temporary position, with an emphasis on educational training and gathering practical experience in Strength & Conditioning from a professional sports organization. The Intern will gain hands on valuable experience working within the Management Team, collaborating in an environment full of learning opportunities designed to help all interns evolve their capabilities, challenge their strengths, and reach their fullest potential.

The Intern will be involved alongside the coach in all the planning, implementation and practical elements associated with Sligo Rovers first Team program. Plus all aspects of developing and implementing strength, speed/agility, conditioning, flexibility, mobility, and recovery protocols for the football program.

This is an unpaid, educational internship opportunity.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist Sligo Rovers First Team Development in all aspects of developing and implementing strength and conditioning to our First Team football squad, gather team data, take practical gym sessions and liaising with the management Team.

• Assist with performance and strength testing.

• Assist with preparing teams during gym and pitch sessions and on game day. Have a the capabilities to lead team gym sessions on your own and use own initiative to mix things up if necessary.

• Assist Sligo Rovers First Team Development in all aspects of developing and implementing strength and conditioning to our First Team football squad, gather team data, take practical gym sessions and liaising with the management Team.
• Assist with performance and strength testing.
• Assist with preparing teams during gym and pitch sessions and on game day. Have a the capabilities to lead team gym sessions on your own and use own initiative to mix things up if necessary.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strong organizational, communications and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.
• Self-motivating personality, eager to succeed. Demonstrate high levels of leadership, confidence and innovation.
• High stamina and ability to handle pressure.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with exceptional time management.
• Enthusiastic, energetic and imaginative. Strong passion for the game of soccer.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Have a strong work ethic and desire to become a strength and conditioning professional. Should be enrolled in, or completing their Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Strength & Conditioning, Sports Performance or Performance Coaching, Physical Education, Exercise Science or related field.

Applications

Please send full CV and a cover letter outlining  previous experience and suitability for the role to administrator@sligorovers.com

The upcoming Sligo Rovers 2019 Awards and 1994 Reunion night will see two Sligo Rovers greats inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.

Tony Fagan and Joseph Ndo are among the legends already inducted.

The first player can be confirmed this morning. Chris Rutherford will received the honour this year in the Clayton Hotel on Friday 1 November.

A commanding central defender, Chris was a key personality in the team which won the League of Ireland title in 1977, scoring one of the goals in the famous win over Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds on the last day of the season.

Chris went on to win an FAI Cup medal with Rovers in 1983 before a serious knee injury forced him to retire at just 28 years of age.

He joined the coaching staff at the Showgrounds and was a member of Willie McStay’s backroom team when Rovers won the FAI Cup in 1994.

He also served as caretaker manager and assistant manager on a number of occasions.

We look forward to inducting Chris and welcoming his family on the night.

Tickets are on sale for the event which includes a two course meal with tea/coffee, complimentary drinks reception and more.

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE

This is not a night to miss with the 1994 team returning to Sligo, including manager Willie McStay and a host of players.

To book a table of 10, e-mail administrator@sligorovers.com

Photo courtesy of Alan Finn

This Wednesday at The Radisson Hotel in Rosses Point our World Record Fashion Show Attempt takes place at 8pm in conjunction with EJ Menswear and Cancer Support Centre

EJ Menswear have been busy organising logistics and clothing and have also recruited some professional models and sports stars to be there on the night.

Nathan and Jake Carter will be in attendance, GAA stars Kieran Donaghy and Paul Flynn as well as Sean O’Brien from Irish Rugby.

The 2019 Donegal Rose will take part in the show along with other Roses and Rose of Tralee Escorts.

There will be former Miss Irelands and other popular acts coming along to support this big event.

Our first team squad will be strutting their stuff on the cat walk as well as manager Liam Buckley and club staff.

A key aspect to the night is raising awareness and vital funds for Sligo Cancer Support Centre. Unfortunately, many people in Sligo are affected with cancer and the support centre is a huge factor in people’s recovery and well being and acts as a massive support to those people affected.

If you or someone you care about have been diagnosed by cancer, The Sligo Cancer Support Centre is there to offer you peace and hope. The Centre is located in Wine Street in Sligo Town.

Another organisation involved in the running of the event are Sligo All Stars Basketball Club.

The club continue to work hard in the local community and help boys and girls from young ages learn and develop the basic skills in basketball. Sport is a vital part in the lives of children and it’s important for children to be active and involved and we are delighted as a club to be working alongside another sporting club which keeps children active.

On a more professional scale, the club continue to play in the National Basketball League and enjoyed a win over Portlaoise last Saturday night in The Mercy College. We would recommend taking in a game or two when the Bit O Red season finishes up.

We would like to thank Eamon and the staff at EJ Menswear for helping to organise the event, and wish them the very best in their 25th year of business.

INFORMATION:

PARK AND RIDE SERVICE:

A park and ride service is available from The Showgrounds Astro Turf car park tomorrow for both models and those attending the event. Leave your car at The Showgrounds and take the bus to and from the event and save yourself the hassle of parking as we expect hundreds to attend. The bus leaves at 6pm and will return for another journey at 6:30pm and 7pm. For more information keep an eye on our social media platforms.

MODELS – REGISTRATION:

Have you taken a sponsorship card? If so please return it today to the person who gave it to you. It is important everyone returns their cards as soon as possible.

Registration takes place between 6pm and 7pm so please arrive within that time and go to hotel reception where you’ll see the registration table sign posted.

We thank everyone for agreeing to take part in the show.

Event Tickets:

The event is expected to sell out. Please buy your event tickets from The Showgrounds office today or tomorrow between 10am and 2pm or EJ Menswear between 9:30 and 6pm to avoid disappointment. Tickets are €20.

BEAT IT! MEGA DRAW TICKETS:

You will find it difficult to find a bigger and better draw than this. We are giving away a 25 year season ticket which will give you access, for free, to EVERY Sligo Rovers League match until 2045.

EJ Menswear are giving away an amazing shop voucher worth €25,000. This can be redeemed in store and will be sure to keep you up to date on fashion over the next number of years.

To enter the draw online visit:
https://www.ejmenswear.com/men/beat-it-mega-draw-ticket

Tickets are just €10, and will also be available tomorrow night.

MC on the night is DJ Scruffy Duffy with Jake Carter assisting him with doors opening at 6:30pm. The event starts at 8pm.

The 2019 Awards night will be held in the Clayton Hotel on Friday 1st November and you can vote for your Sligo Rover senior player of the year.

The night will coincide with the reunion of our 1994 team who famously won three trophies, including the FAI Cup.

There are a number of players nominated for Player of the Year.

Vote here

Tickets are on sale for the event for €50 from The Showgrounds