Ali Coote and Sean Boyd were the goalscorers as Joey O’Brien’s side moved to within three points of Drogheda United in fourth.

A bad night for Rovers was made worse with six minutes to go when goalkeeper Sam Sargeant was sent off as he was judged to have handled the ball outside the box by referee Rob Harvey, although replays suggest it may have been on the line.

Unbeaten in their last five league games, the Bit O’Red were one of the league’s form sides coming into this tie.

A win against the 2024 Premier Division champions would have brought Russell’s men level on points with Galway United who were beaten on Friday by the league’s bottom side Cork City.

Russell lost both Jake Doyle-Hayes and Francely Lomboto this week, with both players departing the club, while Ciaron Harkin joined from Derry City and was named on the bench for this game.

Shels, who had a gruelling trip home from Kazakhstan mid-week where they were in European action, named Milan Mbeng in the starting 11 after the French man signed from Cork City.

Cian Kavanagh’s miss on ten minutes was the talking point in an otherwise uneventful first-half, with neither side bringing the entertainment that may have been expected.

The former St Patrick’s Athletic striker just needed a slight touch to divert the ball past Speel in the Shels goals after Will Fitzgerald’s free-kick was knocked on in the direction of Kavanagh in front of goal.

That was as close as either side would come to opening the scoring in the first-half, but Shels found the net two minutes into the second-half.

Coote gained possession in the middle and pushed his way past a couple of Rovers players before driving the ball into the top corner of Sam Sargeant’s goal

Paddy McClean almost had Rovers back on level terms but the Derry man couldn’t keep his header down from Owen Elding’s cross as Rovers battled hard to find an equaliser.

As the home side failed to clear the ball from their defence, John Martin picked out the free Boyd in front of goal, and all he needed to do was poke it in past Sargeant for 2-0.

There was further controversy, though, as the home side were reduced to ten when referee Rob Harvey gave Sargeant a straight red card for handling the ball outside the box, but replays show that Sargeant looked to be on the line as he handled the ball.

That result leaves Rovers in ninth place, three points off Galway in eighth, while Shels are just three points off Drogheda United who occupy fourth spot.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant, Conor Reynolds (Wilson Waweru, 67), Paddy McClean, Ollie Denham, Kyle McDonagh (John Mahon, 67), James McManus, Seb Quirk, Jad Hakiki, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh (Conor Walsh, 85), Will Fitzgerald

Shelbourne: Wessel Speel, Milan Mbeng (Sean Gannon, 68), Lewis Temple, Paddy Barrett, Kameron Ledwidge, Kerr McInroy, JJ Lunney, James Norris (Sean Moore, 82), Ali Coote (John Martin, 68), Harry Wood (Ellis Chapman, 82), Mipo Odubeko (Sean Boyd, 59)

Referee: Rob Harvey

Attendance: 3,167

Report courtasy of RTÉ

By Conall Collier

First goals of the season from Emma Hansberry and Alana Doherty gave Sligo Rovers a first Women’s Premier Division (WPD) away win of the season against Waterford on a first visit to the RSC.

There was also another first in the closing stages when ‘keeper Bonnie McKiernan was penalised by referee David Dunne, who awarded Waterford a corner as he deemed the Bit O’Red netminder didn’t release the ball within the eight seconds time allocated. It seemed like a harsh decision, as a Waterford player was blocking. McKiernan was at the edge of the penalty area and raised her foot as the keeper attempted to kick the ball.

That incident aside, this was a solid performance from Steve Feeney’s side as Rachel McGoldrick returned to the starting 11 for the first time since she sustained an injury against Bohemian FC in the All-Island Cup at the end of April. Leah Kelly also made the starting lineup after missing the last two outings due to an injury she sustained in the WFAI Cup against DLR Waves.

The opening exchanges were tight, with the Sligo Rovers defence curtailing Fiana Bradley on her first home start for the hosts, and Waterford went close through Jessica Lawler midway through the opening half. However, it got tougher for the Munster women as they were reduced to 10 players in the 29th minute when the referee issued a red card to Stephenie Dumevi after she impeded Muireann Devaney, who was through on goal.

That forced Waterford boss Gary Hunt into a change and Danielle Griffin replaced Olivia Shannon, but soon after, the Bit O’Red capitalised and hit the front when Emma Hansberry fired her side into the lead with a good finish.

Waterford still threatened on the counter and had a couple of opportunities before the interval, and Bonnie McKiernan produced a smart save on the stroke of halftime when she fingertipped a well-struck Bradley effort to safety at the expense of a corner.

Sligo Rovers were reasonably comfortable in the second half with substitutes Paula McGrory and Bernie Ferreira making a solid contribution, and Alana Doherty adding a crucial second goal in the 64th minute. Emma Hansberry’s free wasn’t dealt with by the Waterford defence, and Doherty applied the finishing touch to ease the Bit O’Red into the comfort zone.

Waterford kept pushing forward, but Sligo Rovers could have had a third goal two minutes from time when substitute Kya McKenna raced clear, but Waterford’s Maeve Williams was equal to the task and averted the danger.

Waterford – Maeve Williams, Jessica Lawler, Lauren Walsh, Danielle Burke, Chloe Atkinson, Fiana Bradley, Sophie Slattery, Olivia Shannon, Erin O’Brien, Stephanie Dumevi, I. Walsh.
Subs – Danielle Griffin for Shannon (29 mins), Orla Hickey for O’Brien (halftime), C. Kearney for Atkinson (85 mins).

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan, Alice Lillie, Leah Kelly, Annie McKinley, Alana Doherty, Katie Melly, Emma Hansberry, Muireann Devaney, Rachel McGoldrick, Mairead McIntyre, Anna McDaniel.
Subs – Paula McGrory for McGoldrick and Bernie Ferreira for McIntyre (58 mins), Kya McKenna for McDaniel and Cara King for Lillie (76 mins), Lauren Devaney for McKinley (80 mins).

Referee – David Dunne
Assistant referees – Chris Campbell, David Connolly
Fourth official – Kevin O’Sullivan

New signing Ciaron Harkin is in line for his Sligo Rovers debut as Shelbourne are the visitors to the Showgrounds, this Saturday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Midfielder Harkin joined Rovers this week and is manager John Russell’s sixth new addition of the window.

In team news, Rovers are without Ryan O’Kane who is ineligible due to the terms of his loan from Saturday’s opponents.

Ronan Manning faces a late fitness test.

Both Francely Lomboto and Jake Doyle-Hayes have left the club.

Speaking to sligorovers.com ahead of the weekend’s clash, Russell says the dressing room is focused on picking up a fourth win on the spin following on from recent victories over Derry City Dundalk and most recently, Cork City last Friday night.

“We’ve had a bit of movement within the squad with both Jake and Francely moving on but that’s happened here before and we move on also.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how Ciaron settles in and we’ve no doubt he’ll be a big player for us.

“It’s going to be a tough game for us against Shels. We’re playing the current champions and that always means a big test but we’re all looking forward to another game in front of our fans.”

Shels were knocked out of the Champions League qualifying stages by Qarabag this week, travelling back from Azerbaijan mid-week. Russell feels Rovers will face an injured animal in the shape of the Dubliners.

“They had a tough two games against Qarabag, but I’m sure they learned loads. Yes, they had to travel but they have a big squad that’s more than capable of dealing with the rotation required.

“They’ll look to come here and get back on track but again, we’re in good form and we have our eyes on a good result here on Saturday.

“We were nowhere near our standards in the first half against Cork last week. Second half, we woke up and applied ourselves really well. We’re looking for those high levels again against Shels.”

David Goulden

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers return to action on Saturday with a trip to the RSC in Waterford for the first time in the Women’s Premier Division (WPD), with the focus firmly on reversing the result at the Showgrounds last March.

On that occasion two Olivia Shannon goals paved the way for what was a historic first win for Waterford in their debut season in front of the TG4 cameras at the Showgrounds for the newest team in the WPD.

The current challenge facing Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney is reflected in the fact that of the 16 players that featured against Waterford last March, between the starting 11 and five second-half substitutes, seven are currently on the doubtful list due to injuries.

Injuries have been the standout statistic for the Bit O’Red this season, and the dressing room could sometimes be mistaken for something resembling a casualty department, with defender Keeva Flynn the latest addition to that list after she was stretchered off in the last outing against Wexford a fortnight ago.

However, recent signings Annie McKinley, with two goals to her credit in two outings, and Bernie Ferreira have made solid contributions, and this week another recruit, Laura McGuinn, will be in contention to make her debut for the Bit O’Red.

“I’m really looking forward to playing; all the girls have been so welcoming,” commented Laura.

“I’ve supported the club my whole life, helping with mascots on match days, coaching at summer camps, and now coaching the under-17 girls.

“It has always been a dream of mine to wear the Rovers jersey,” she added.

From Steve Feeney’s perspective, the trip to Waterford will give his players an opportunity to deliver a positive performance and pick up three points that will close the gap on the Munster women, who are four points ahead of the Bit O’Red at the moment.

There isn’t much to separate the teams in terms of statistics, with Waterford conceding 34 goals in the WPD compared to 32 for the Bit O’Red.

Waterford has one clean sheet, achieved against Sligo Rovers, while the Bit O’Red has three to their credit—Bohemian FC, Shamrock Rovers, and Peamount Utd.

Waterford played last Tuesday night in a rearranged game at Tallaght Stadium, where hosts Shamrock Rovers won by 7-1, and the Munster side will complete a hectic schedule of three games in eight days when they host Bohemian FC at the RSC next Tuesday night.

Prior to last Tuesday night’s defeat, the Waterford women lost by the only goal of the game against Bohemian FC at Dalymount Park, and they recorded an impressive 3-1 victory against Cork City in their last home game at the beginning of July with goals from Chloe Atkinson, Mia Lenihan, and Lauren Walsh.

Both sides will be eager to deliver a winning performance, and a tight and competitive encounter is anticipated.

Waterford v Sligo Rovers will be live on LOITV with a 3pm kick-off at the RSC on Saturday.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), in partnership with Sligo Rovers, are launching a new Football & Education Programme (QQI Level 5 – 5M5146) in Sligo this October.

Dual Pathway: Train Like a Pro While Earning Recognised Qualifications

This full-time course offers a dual pathway for school leavers, aspiring footballers, and mature learners to pursue professional football training while earning nationally and internationally recognised qualifications. Based at the Showgrounds and Sligo Regional Sports Complex, the programme combines expert coaching with structured education in a fully supportive environment.

Academic and Industry-Recognised Learning

Participants will attend academic classes each morning and work towards a QQI Level 5 Major Award in Sport, Recreation, and Exercise. Modules include:

• Exercise & Fitness
• Sports Anatomy
• Nutrition
• Leisure Facility Administration
• And more

Additional certifications include:

• ITEC Level 2 Gym Instructor Diploma
• FAI Coaching Badges
• Lifeguard Certification

These qualifications create clear progression pathways to employment or further education.

Professional Football Development

Afternoons are dedicated to football development, with training five days a week delivered by UEFA-qualified coaches including Mickey Feeney and Leo Tierney. Sessions cover all technical, tactical, and physical elements of the modern game. Learners will also represent the programme in competitive fixtures across Ireland.

What They Said

“After 20 years of success with our training course in Mayo, we now have a brilliant opportunity, in partnership with Sligo Rovers FC and the MSLETB, to deliver the FAI Football and Education Programme in the north-west region. Having witnessed the development of young people through this pathway over the years—both in life and in their career choices, on and off the pitch—we’re excited to see what the future holds with this new beginning. Being able to help and support both female and male learners to reach their potential is incredibly rewarding for us, and we look forward to continuing the journey with a new generation of players.”
— Leo Tierney, FAI Course Coordinator

“Moving our Football and Education Programme to Sligo Rovers FC gives us a fantastic opportunity to grow and develop. The programme is open to both males and females, and it will provide all participants with the chance to further both their education and football development.”
— Michael Feeney, Assistant Coordinator

“Sligo Rovers are delighted that the ETB programme is moving to the Showgrounds. This marks the result of years of hard work. We strongly believe in combining football and education for all our players. This move allows more boys and girls within our academy to pursue both. It’s another positive step forward as the club continues to build and grow across all areas.”
— Conor O’Grady, Head of Academy, Sligo Rovers

Elite Facilities and Full Support

Sligo Rovers are providing elite-level training facilities including:

• Showgrounds pitches
• On-site gym
• Video analysis suites

Students also gain access to the Sligo Sports Complex gym and swimming pool.

Course Information

• Start Date: 13 October
• Location: The Showgrounds & Sligo Regional Sports Complex
• Entry Requirements: Minimum NFQ Level 4 + interview & evaluation
• Fees: No course fees for eligible full-time learners
• Supports: Accommodation or travel allowance, career guidance, progression to third-level

How to Apply

For full course details and to apply, visit:
www.fetchcourses.ie/course/finder?sfcw-courseId=481708

Midfielder Ciaron Harkin is the latest player to join Sligo Rovers, signing from fellow League of Ireland Premier Division side Derry City, the club is delighted to confirm.

Harkin signs with Rovers until the end of the 2025 season, with the club retaining an option for the 2026 season.

The 29-year-old is the sixth signing of the summer transfer window, with John Russell already adding Patrick McClean, Seb Quirk, Ryan O’Kane, James McManus and Sean Stewart this month.

The Derry native began his senior career with the Candystripes, having joined the club’s Under 19s from local side Trojans in 2014.

Harkin, who is known as ‘Jackie’, left Derry City in the summer of 2015 when he moved to NIFL side Institute.

He spent a year and a half with Institute, before moving on to Coleraine in 2017, making a Derry City return ahead of the 2019 season.

Harkin was a regular for Derry City from 2019-2021, but suffered devastating back-to-back ACL ruptures which kept him sidelined for almost two years.

He made a return to action in 2024, and went out on loan to Coleraine at the end of the year to get game time under his belt.

Now back to full fitness and with his injury troubles long behind him, Harkin is keen to push on with a ‘new challenge’ at Sligo Rovers, have only played six times for Tiarnan Lynch’s side this year.

Harkin said: “There was talk of me maybe leaving a month or two ago and it wasn’t something I wanted to do at the time but when John Russell contacted me, straight away I was excited and it was something I wanted to do. I’m delighted it happened and excited to get going.  

“This year hasn’t gone the way I wanted it to go, I haven’t been playing much but I’ve been staying fit and waiting for my opportunity.”

With Rovers in a good run of form at present, unbeaten in their last five league games – six in all competitions – Harkin didn’t need much convincing to make the move to the Bit O’Red.

“It wasn’t that long ago Derry City were down here, and lost 2-0 down here. I saw it with my own two eyes how well Sligo Rovers play, the attacking football that they have. 

“It’s something that excited me. That did help sway my decision, I’m delighted to get going and hopefully I can bring something else to it.”

Harkin grew up with Rovers centre-back Paddy McClean, and also played alongside both Will Fitzgerald and Cian Kavanagh while at Derry City, so settling in will not be an issue.

On what the Rovers fans can expect to see from him, Harkin said: “Hard work and honesty, hopefully we can keep that winning mentality.”

With plenty of competition across the squad for places, it doesn’t faze Harkin whatsoever.

“You want a bit of competition, it makes it better then when you do get your spot because you have people behind you pushing you, hopefully I can push others and they can push me.”

Speaking about the addition of Harkin, Sligo Rovers manager John Russell said: “Brilliant signing. A player I’ve always admired. He’s a midfielder who can do a bit of everything. He’s tenacious, good on the ball, legs, energy, he’s coming to us at the stage of his career for a fresh challenge. 

“He’s a Derry boy, he’s had his injuries in the past but he’s over those now. He’s hungry to play, sitting on the bench is not easy for any player but especially at his age, he’s in the prime of his career, at 29. 

“That’s when you’re at your best, he’s experienced an awful lot. For him to come down here, in the dressing room he’ll be brilliant and on the pitch he’ll be brilliant. I want to try and build a squad that can continue to help us win matches and challenge the so-called bigger resourced clubs and bigger clubs in the league. 

“Competition for places is good. He’s a quality addition to the group, it gives everyone a lift. We’ve brought in a few players in this window and it’s definitely helped us.

“He brings quality on the ball and into the team. But also that know-how, game management. Also to help the young players. That’s one thing we pride ourselves on in Sligo, bringing lads through the academy and signing the best young talent  and developing them but you need that sprinkle of experience around the group and that was something I identified in the first half of the season, we were probably too young. 

“As a manager you have to be constantly looking at improving the group and the players you bring in, are they going to make you better? 

“And this signing makes us better, it’s as simple as that. I want to win and the players that we have want to win, we want to have a strong end to the season.”

Jessica Farry

Sligo Rovers return to Premier Division action this Friday night as the Bit O’Red travel to Turner’s Cross to take on Cork City, kick-off 7.45pm.

Rovers make the long journey south looking for a third win and as many clean sheets on the bounce as John Russell’s men seek to put eleven points between ourselves and the Rebels at the bottom of the table.

Unbeaten in our last five, this will be Rovers’ third outing against Cork this season. Neither side have managed to beat the other this year so far, with both games between the teams finishing in one all draws. 

In team news, captain John Mahon will return having missed the last four outings through suspension. While Francely Lomboto is expected to be available having missed the cup win over Dundalk last Friday night. 

New signing Sean Stewart will also be available having attained his international clearance following the full back’s recent move from Cliftonville. 

Jake Doyle-Hayes misses out and serves a suspension having picked up his tenth yellow card of the season against Derry City. Cian Kavanagh faces a late fitness test. 

Manager Russell also makes a welcome return to the dugout having been absent for the game at Oriel Park with illness. 

“This is a huge game for both teams”, Russell says. “I expect Cork will have a huge crowd out to get behind them and as I said earlier in the season, Turner’s Cross is a tough place to go and even tougher when the crowd’s back is up. It’s akin to playing against 12 men. They’re scrapping for their lives and will see this a must win and we need to be prepared for an onslaught. We need to be able to wrestle the game from them and dictate the play.

“We’re only a few points ahead of them and we are still trying to catch the teams above us. We are looking up but we need to make sure we pick up results in these sorts of games and add a real buffer between ourselves and that bottom spot. There’s no better way to do that than by getting a result in Cork on Friday.

“The game’s on tv so that’ll add something to the event and hopefully we’ll have a big crowd coming down to get behind us. 

“We’re unbeaten now in five and we’re really pleased with how things have gone the last few weeks. But we must keep the momentum going and keep things ticking over in Cork. We’re in the midst of a busy period now and the players and staff are really enjoying it. We have turned things around somewhat but I knew we always had that in us. We need to keep this going and keep bringing our levels up. 

“It’s great to have John (Mahon) back and Sean Stewart in as that gives us options and allows us to move things around a bit more if needed. We will miss Jake (Doyle-Hayes) of course, but we have a squad now that can deal with knocks and suspensions.”

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers have been drawn to play Bohemians in the third round of this year’s Sports Direct FAI Cup. 

The Bit O’Red were paired with the Dubliners at today’s (Tuesday) draw which took place at FAI headquarters. 

The game will take place at Dalymount Park on the week-ending Sunday, August 17th.

Sports Direct FAI Cup third round draw in full:

Finn Harps v Bray Wanderers
Kerry FC v Cobh Ramblers
Shamrock Rovers v Longford Town
Cork City v Waterford FC
Salthill Devon v Galway United
St Patrick’s Athletic v Shelbourne
Derry City v Drogheda United
Bohemians v Sligo Rovers

The 500 Club members draw for 500 Club Winners May & June 2025 was made recently by the 500 Club Committee.

These monthly draws see ten members drawn each month for cash prizes, with the top prize being €500.

The 500 Club continues to be one of the club’s most important Fundraisers and we wish to thank all members, and the 500 Club committee for their continued hard work.

May 2025

€500 Keith O’Dwyer – Dundalk, Co. Louth
€100 Ronnie Dunne – Heather View, Sligo
€100 Neil Kennedy – Boyle, Co. Roscommon
€100 Shane White – Collooney, Co. Sligo
€100 Keith Patterson – Carney, Co. Sligo
€100 Robbie Fitzpatrick – Rosses Point, Co. Sligo
€100 Ramon Chadda – Uppr Rosses Point, Co. Sligo
€1.00 Conor Maye – Oakfield Crescent, Sligo
€100 Colette Crowne – Lwr Pearse Rd, Sligo
€100 Enda Molloy – Ballinteer, Dublin

June 2025

€500 Brian Drury – Calry, Co. Sligo
€100 Gerard Melly – St. Johns Tce, Sligo
€100 Alan Fox – Rathmines, Dublin
€1.00 Michael Gilmartin – Cranmore, Sligo
€100 Gannon McNamara – Cedar Drive, Sligo
€100 Mary Kilmartin – Glasnevin, Dublin 9
€100 Robbie Fitzpatrick – Rosses Point, Sligo
€100 Ian Duggan – Kevinsfort, Sligo
€100 Gary Kilcullen – Maugheraboy, Sligo
€100 Michael Currid – Marymount, Sligo