Sligo Rovers can confirm ticketing arrangements for our Quarter Final Sports Direct FAI Cup away fixture against Kerry at Mounthawk Park on Friday 12 September at 7:45 PM.

Our club has received an allocation of 270 tickets. Owing to the anticipated demand, a one-ticket-per-Member/Season-Ticket-holder rule will apply. This policy will be strictly enforced. Season Tickets will be scanned at the point of purchase to verify eligibility and to ensure one-time use only. The Member or Season Ticket holder must be present in person to purchase; tickets cannot be obtained on behalf of another Member or Season Ticket holder.

Tickets will be on sale at the Showgrounds Reception from 4:30 PM on Saturday 30 August. Sales are limited to the allocation available and will conclude once sold out.

Supporters are reminded that canvassing for tickets outside of the official sales process will not be permitted. Tickets are non-transferable and sales will be conducted in person only, in line with the procedures detailed above.

We thank supporters for their cooperation and understanding.

Job Opportunity – Programme Coordinator Join Sligo Rovers Football Club – Programme Coordinator (Sligo) Location: Sligo Hours: Part-time, 25 hours per week Contract: Fixed-term (3 years) Application Deadline: Wednesday September 3rd Job Opportunity – Programme Coordinator

Sligo Rovers FC is recruiting a committed and experienced Programme Coordinator to lead the delivery of the PEACE Academy programme in Sligo delivered in partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. 

The PEACE Academy programme is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) https://www.seupb.eu/’ . A three-year youth development initiative designed to empower young people across Catholic/Nationalist/Republican (CNR), Protestant/Unionist/Loyalist (PUL), and newcomer communities, as well as on a cross-border basis’ working in partnership with Glentoran FC Through shared experiences rooted in sport, music, creative arts, and digital media, the programme supports personal growth, social action, learning, and employability—building a positive, shared future for Sligo and beyond. 

About the Role: 

As Programme Coordinator (Sligo), you will: 

· Lead the implementation of a vibrant, inclusive programme that brings together young people from all community backgrounds in Sligo. 

· Work with Sligo Rovers FC, the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and Glentoran FC, grassroots organisations, and key stakeholders to ensure cross-community engagement is embedded in every aspect of delivery. 

· Coordinate a team of sessional staff delivering twice-weekly mentoring and youth development sessions. 

· Collaborate with cross-border colleagues to ensure the programme is connected across both regions. 

· Support young people to co-design and lead social action projects that directly tackle division, racism, and hate. 

· Plan and deliver workshops, training, and community events that promote inclusion, aspiration, and connection. 

· Ensure accurate monitoring and reporting against PEACEPLUS targets and outcomes in collaboration with support staff. 

What We’re Looking For: 

We’re looking for someone who brings: 

· A relevant qualification in youth work, sport, arts, digital media, or community development. 

· At least three years’ experience working with young people, including experience engaging diverse or marginalised groups. 

· At least two years’ experience coordinating youth or community programmes, ideally in a cross-community or peacebuilding context. 

· A deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing young people in Belfast, especially in relation to division and inclusion. 

· Confidence in managing staff, building partnerships, and delivering impactful community-focused projects. 

· Strong communication, problem-solving and organisational skills. 

· Experience with SEUPB-funded or similar programmes (desirable). 

Additional Information: 

· Some evening and weekend work will be required. 

· An Enhanced Access NI check is required prior to appointment. 

· The role is based in Sligo and reports to the PEACE Academy Programme Manager at the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. 

· A strong commitment to peacebuilding, inclusion, and the values of Sligo Rovers Football Club and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation is essential. 

Why Join Us? This is a unique opportunity to join Sligo Rovers FC and contribute to a cross-community, cross-border initiative that uses culture, sport and creativity to transform lives. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking team, helping young people from all backgrounds shape a more inclusive and hopeful Belfast. 

How to Apply: Please send your CV with a covering letter to fsr@sligorovers.com by Wednesday September 3rd

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers marked a 100th competitive game when Dublin side Shamrock Rovers visited the Showgrounds on Saturday evening for a Women’s Premier Division (WPD) encounter.

Shamrock Rovers dictated the opening half and grabbed an early Melissa O’Kane goal with Emily Corbett making it a two-goal advantage for the Dublin side in the 18th minute.

The hosts were mostly on the backfoot during that initial 45 minutes with Anna McDaniel posing an occasional threat.

Referee Arnold awarded the first of two penalties in the 38th minute when he pointed to the spot in favour of the Dublin side and Áine O’Gorman duly converted.

Five minutes later he pointed to the spot at the other end following a handball and Paula McGrory converted confidently to give the Bit O’Red a lifeline.

However, the benefit was undone 60 seconds later when O’Gorman ghosted into the home penalty area and steered the ball past Bonnie McKiernan, with the help of a deflection, to give her side a substantial 4-1 interval advantage.

There was nothing of note during the second-half as the Dublin side continued to dictate and the Bit O’Red tried to get back into contention with counter-attacks.

Neither side managed to make a breakthrough although substitute Katie O’Reilly went close on two occasions in the closing stages for the Dublin side.

Alice Lillie was the Harvey Norman Sligo Rovers player-of-the-match while the game also marked the last appearance for central defender Annie McKinley who concluded her short stint with the Bit O’Red with two goals to her credit.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie, Katie Melly, Alana Doherty, Annie McKinley, Leah Kelly, Emma Hansberry, Muireann Devaney, Paula McGrory, Rachel McGoldrick, Anna McDaniel.

Subs – Mairead McIntyre for McGoldrick and Sarah McDaniel for Melly both 68 mins, Cara King for Hansberry and Eimear Lafferty for McGrory both 78m, Laura McGuinn for McKinley 88m.

Shamrock Rovers – Summer Lawless; Fiona Owens, Aimee Neal, Scarlett Herron, Melissa O’Kane, Emily Corbett, Ella Kelly, Áine O’Gorman,Aoife Brophy, Jaime Thompson, Claire O’Reilly.

Subs – T White for O’Reilly 55 mins, A Butler for O’Kane and K O’Reilly for Corbett both 72m, H Martin for Neal 78m.

Referee – Arnold Hunter

Assistant-referees – Dylan Redmond, Eric Eaton.

Fourth official – Richard Storey.

John Russell has called on Sligo Rovers supporters to continue to back his team as the Bit O’Red face into a crucial few weeks with just eight league games remaining. 

Rovers face Bohemians on Saturday next, August 30th at the Showgrounds and Russell has called on the Sligo sporting public to arrive on Church Hill in droves to back their team once again. 

Three wins in the last five outings in all competitions sees Rovers just one point off Galway United in eighth following Friday night’s results. While Rovers fans are also looking forward to a first ever visit to Kerry to take the home side in a much-anticipated FAI Cup quarter-final next month. 

“Our supporters have been amazing this year, both home and away”, Russell told LOITV after Friday’s spirited defeat of Waterford at the RSC. 

“At home, the crowds are getting bigger and I think they really believe in this group and want to back them as much as they can. As a supporter and for a community club like Sligo Rovers, you want your players giving everything and that’s what they’re doing. We need them now for the last eight games. 

“There’s so much ball to be played yet. We’re still ninth and we cannot forget that. We’ve put a lot of points on the board recently but there’s such a long way to go yet, so we need to stay focused.”

Conan Noonan had given John Coleman and Danny Ventre’s lads the lead in Waterford. But second half goals from the energetic Jad Hakiki and the ever-impressive Owen Elding moved Rovers ten points clear of basement side Cork City heading into a tough game with Bohs this weekend.

“They have players everywhere that can hurt you and I’m sure there will be a backlash after us beating them in the cup”, Russell said of next weekend’s visitors. 

“We have to re-group now but we’re already looking forward to the game.” 

On the win at the RSC, Russell praised the work-rate of his team having fallen behind to that Noonan strike. 

“It’s a massive three points”, he continued. 

“I thought we caused Waterford a lot of problems early on but couldn’t get that goal when we were on top. 

“But when you’re away from home against a team like Waterford, with threat from the likes of Padraig Amond, Conan Noonan and Tommy Lonergan, you expect them to have spells and they did. 

“But the pleasing thing for me and we showed this in Cork when we were behind, was that we stayed calm and we played the way we are built to play. We controlled the game in the second half and we grew as the game went on.

“Jad gets us level and we were in the ascendancy after that. 

“Our front four, they weren’t just about the goals. They worked so hard all night on and off the ball. Look at Owen, he’s scored the goal and then he’s back defending in our box with two minutes to go and that’s because he wants to win!”

David Goulden 

Owen Elding hit the winner three minutes from time as Sligo Rovers came from one goal down to beat Waterford at the RSC. 

Conan Noonan had handed the hosts the lead eight minutes before the break, but an equaliser from Jad Hakiki followed by Elding’s late winner gave Rovers a deserved win as the Bit O’Red cut the gap to Galway in eighth to just one point. 

Boss John Russell made two changes from the FAI Cup win over Bohs a week before. Edwin Agbaje made his first start for Sligo, while James McManus returned having missed that cup win in Dublin. 

Rovers didn’t enjoy the best of first halves although Elding did strike the top of the crossbar with a well-met header from a Will Fitzgerald cross on 4 minutes.

Muhammadu Faal had an early chance before Noonan opened the scoring with a well taken finish following a ball over the top from Sam Glenfield on 37 minutes. 

The visitors did have two chances in the same move before the break.

Paddy McClean saw an effort scrambled away by Waterford goalkeeper Stephen McMullan, while Hakiki had a follow up swept off the goal-line.

Rovers were a totally different proposition in the second period, with Sam Sargeant in goal almost an on-looker for the majority. 

Patient build up play the key as Hakiki, Elding and Fitzgerald were all involved for Rovers’ leveller on 73.

Fitzgerald’s attempt from the edge of the box took a deflection off a Blues defender, Hakiki reacting the quickest to strike past McMullan for his fifth of the season, courtesy of a deflection off former Sligo striker Padraig Amond. 

Rovers continued to press and were rewarded three minutes from time when sub Ciaron Harkin weighed up his options before delivering a sumptuous through ball for Elding. The Riverstown man timed his run perfectly before keeping his cool and slotting his shot beyond McMullan. 

There was to be one last act as McClean got in front of a Kacper Radkowski goalward header in the 95th minute. 

Waterford: McMullan; Horton, Boyle, Mansfield, Burke; Rossiter, Olayinka (McMenamy 77), Glenfield (McDonald 72); Faal (Lonergan 72), Amond (Radkowski 85), Noonan

Sligo Rovers: Sargeant; Agbaje (Harkin 78), Quirk, Denham, McClean, Stewart; Fitzgerald, Hakiki (Manning 90), McManus, O’Kane (Waweru 68); Elding

Referee: Aaron O’Dowd

David Goulden

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers will mark a 100th competitive game in the Women’s Premier Division (WPD), previously Women’s National League, with the visit of Shamrock Rovers to the Showgrounds on Saturday, kick-off scheduled for 5pm.

The historic first game took place on Saturday 5th March 2022 against a Peamount Utd side that featured Republic of Ireland internationals Stephanie Roche and Áine O’Gorman who both scored against the Bit O’Red.

The duo will feature in Saturday’s encounter with Stephanie Roche (now Stephanie Zambra) patrolling the sideline and Áine O’Gorman bidding to add to her tally of five goals against the Bit O’Red.

However, recent results and form favours Sligo Rovers as the Dublin women will go into this encounter on the back of successive WPD defeats at home to Galway (1-2) and away to Wexford (1-2), Maria Reynolds and Ella Kelly scored for the Dublin side.

Last weekend they bounced back to winning ways with an impressive 2-1 WFAI Cup quarter-final victory against top-of-the-table Shelbourne despite conceding an early goal with Scarlett Herron and Anna Butler replying.

That result will certainly rule out any form of complacency from Steve Feeney’s side although the Rovers players will take positives from the 0-0 result they achieved at Tallaght Stadium last May and prior to that, a 1-1 draw at the same venue last September.

Add in the fact that the Bit O’Red will go into this 100th competitive game on the back of successive 2-0 wins against Waterford and Cork City where the goals were spread between Muireann Devaney, Paula McGrory, Alana Doherty and Emma Hansberry.

Another player who is well capable of hitting the target is central defender Annie McKinely and she is likely to deliver another solid performance in an effort for a third successive cleansheet for her team.

The challenge that his players will face is not lost on Steve Feeney, but speaking after the win against Cork City, he displayed a positive demeanour.

“That’s a couple of successive wins where we scored two goals in each game and kept cleansheets, the target now is to maintain that consistency,” he said.

“The girls deserve this, they stuck at it when things weren’t going their way and we have also moved up the table as well.

“We created lots of chances against Cork, especially in the first-half, but the ball just wouldn’t go into the net, we probably weren’t ruthless enough, but we have scored eight goals in our last five games and won the last two.

“I’m looking forward to the next game now, we are at home again after a break last week and Stephanie Zambra will definitely have her side playing nice football.

“We can play a bit as well, we got a draw last time out at Tallaght Stadium and the target now for us is to make it three wins-in-a-row to consolidate our current position,” he concluded.

The 100th competitive game – Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers – is live on LOITV with a 5pm kick-off at the Showgrounds

JOURNEY TO 100

2022 – 28 played: League 27; FAI Cup 1

(Does not include walkover received from Douglas Hall)

2023 – 26 played: League 20; FAI Cup 3; All-Island Cup 3

2024 – 26 played: League 20; FAI Cup 3; All-Island Cup 3

2025 – 19 played: League 15; FAI Cup 1; All-Island Cup 3

Total – 99 played: League 82; FAI Cup 8; All-Island Cup 9

PHOTO:

The Sligo Rovers players who started in the Women’s Premier Division victory against Cork City on Saturday 9th August (from left) were: back – Alana Doherty, AnnieMcKinley, Emma Hansberry, Bonnie McKiernan, Muireann Devaney, Paula McGrory; front – Anna McDaniel, Rachel McGoldrick, Alice Lillie, Katie Melly, Leah Kelly. Photo by: Conall Collier.

Sligo Rovers are back in league action this Friday night as the Bit O’Red journey to the south east and to the RSC to take on Waterford, kick-off 7.45pm.

This will be the fourth and final time the sides will meet this season, with Rovers having the better of the Blues so far this term. Waterford won in Sligo on the opening night of the season, but Rovers returned the favour in April, trouncing our opponents by four goals to nil away from home and followed this up with a Wilson Waweru goal to nil win at the Showgrounds in June. 

A win for Rovers would close the gap to John Coleman’s side to five points as John Russell’s men go in search of a third win in five following recent away victories over Cork City in the league and Bohemians in the FAI Cup.

In team news, Russell approaches Friday with no injury concerns and welcomes back midfielder James McManus who missed the Bohs game due to the terms of his loan deal.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, the Rovers first team manager says his team are in a good place, ahead of the Waterford tie. 

“We asked the lads in Dalymount last week to just go out and enjoy what they’re paid to do”, he says. 

“Go out and enjoy themselves and that’s what they did. We want to do that again in Waterford on Friday. 

“I thought we were all over Bohs in the first half and were superb to a man. Second half, Sam Sargeant came up with that big stop from the penalty and we go and score shortly after. We showed a lot of grit and spirit to do that and probably should have gone on to score more. 

“We’ll take a lot of confidence from going to Bohs, the team sitting second in the league and beating them. It’s vital we bring that momentum into this game at the RSC. 

“Last week was a big confidence boost for the players. We have a lot of new lads here with the signings we made and they all looked very comfortable in their roles at Dalymount. That’s testament to the new players and how well they have taken to their new surroundings. But it also shows how well our current crop has adjusted to the changes. 

“It’s a long trip down there but we’ve prepared well and have a plan so we’re looking forward to it. We’re going to have to be at the top of our game as Waterford will make it hard for us. They’ll be wanting to pick up as many points as they can as quickly as they can and will see this game as ideal for putting further space between us and them.”

David Goulden 

On behalf of the Football Association of Ireland, I’d like to congratulate everyone involved with Sligo Rovers on your women’s senior team reaching the milestone of 100 competitive games.

The Bit O’Red has a long history in League of Ireland football, and it was fantastic to be at the home of Peamount Utd in March 2022 when the women’s team made its debut in the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League as it was at the time.

It was a historic day for the club and a proud moment for players who were the first to represent this great club at senior level.

It is hugely important to have a club of Sligo Rovers’ tradition, passion and ambition in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division, as you provide a clear pathway for young players from the town, county and surrounding areas.

We’ve already seen some excellent players progress through the ranks of the EA SPORTS LOI Academy to the first team, and this is showing no signs of slowing down.

There have been a number of memorable performances over the first four seasons, including the victory over champions Shelbourne in that debut campaign, especially as the game was live on TG4, and advancing to the semi-finals of the Sports Direct Women’s FAI Cup in 2023 and 2024.

Off the pitch, the players have been terrific ambassadors in promoting women’s and girls’ football and have been role models for local girls who can now aspire to represent Sligo Rovers at the highest level in this country.

I’d like to thank all of the players, coaches, support staff, administrators, volunteers, sponsors, local stakeholders and supporters who have played a massive part in the Sligo Rovers journey so far and helped guide the team to this landmark fixture.

It is clear that the football community in the northwest is fully behind this team.

It is exciting to see what the club can go on to achieve and the positive impact that you will continue to have on women’s and girls’ football.

Keep up the good work.

Mark Scanlon

League of Ireland Director

By Conall Collier

Popular Sligo Rovers player Katie Melly is the sole member of the current squad who started in the club’s historic first game at senior level against Peamount Utd on Saturday 5th March 2022.

Since then, Katie has established herself as a key member of the team with wholehearted performances on a regular basis.

She recalled that memorable first outing in the Women’s National League, now the Women’s Premier Division, last week ahead of the team’s 100th competitive outing.

“We didn’t really know what to expect that day, but we knew it would be a tough game for us,, as Peamount had won the league in 2019 and 2020 and finished second in 2021,” explained Katie.

“They also had players of the calibre of Republic of Ireland internationals Áine O’Gorman and Stephanie Roche,, so it was probably one of the toughest starts we could have had, but it was great to have an opportunity to see the standard that we needed to achieve.

“The following week we had our first home game against DLR Waves,, and there was great support for us that day. Although we didn’t win,, we learntplenty and then got our first victory the following weekend against Cork City at Turner’s Cross.

“We have a bit more stability about us now, a bit more experience, even for the younger players, whereas for that first game against Peamount, it was a realal journey into the unknown for us,” she added.

It has been a memorable journey for the Melly family,, who are all avid supporters of the Bit O’Red,, and for Katie, who can remember going to the Showgrounds to watch her local team from the age of four or five.

Katie is proud to play for her local club at the highest level, but it has taken a lot of effort.

commitment and determination on behalf of her and her parents, Dessie and Marie, who used to drive her to training locally and then with Castlebar Celtic when she was recruited as a 16-year-old by the Mayo side.

“This season most of us know what to expect, and it has been all about learning and adapting, trying to improve with each game, and now, in our fourth season, we can have more confidence about ourselves,” she added.

“I missed a few games this season after I picked up an injury against Galway last April, but I’m glad to be back playing again.

“I ruptured ligaments in my ankle, but I’m able to play once the ankle is strapped up. Before each game, I’ll get it sorted properly at the end of the season.

“I’m playing more of a defensive role now, and I’m really enjoying it. I find that there is more time on the ball, and that allows for better decisions.

“We are very together as a squad; players like Emma Hansberry, Leah Kelly, and Sarah Kiernan – we have a good understanding now, and that’s helpful when the newer players are settling in.

“We got our first away win of the season against a few weeks ago, and our target is to pick up as many points as possible in the remaining games,” she concluded.

Sligo Rovers were rewarded for our FAI Cup third round win over Bohemians last week as the Bit O’Red were drawn against Kerry FC in the quarter final of the same competition.

This will be a first ever senior bout between Rovers and the Munster outfit, with the game set to take place at Mounthawk Park in Tralee on the weekend of September 14th. 

2024 cup winners Drogheda United host Shamrock Rovers, while John Caulfield’s Galway United meet Stephen Kenny’s St. Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park.

Two ties will be selected for broadcast on RTÉ2 television with the other two live on LOITV.

2025 Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup Quarter-Final draw:

Kerry v Sligo Rovers

Drogheda United v Shamrock Rovers

Finn Harps v Cork City

St. Patrick’s Athletic v Galway United