500 Club Winners January-March 2024

The 500 Club members draw for January, February and March 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.

January 2024

  • €500 Cathal Stevenson – Knocknahur, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Pauric Casey – Ransboro, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Kevin Fitzsimons – Cairns Hill, Sligo
  • €100 Dr. Joseph Murphy – Killester, Dublin 5
  • €100 Tom Brooks – Walsall, England
  • €100 Michael Leonard – Carysfort Downs, Dublin
  • €100 Kieran Murphy – Calry, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Michael Dwyer – Tonaphubble, Sligo
  • €100 Adrian Eames – Skerries, Co. Dublin
  • €100 Joe Scanion – Drumiskabole, Co. Sligo

February 2024

  • €500 John Harte – Cois Inbhear, Sligo
  • €100 Gerard Foley – Glencar, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Jack Hegarty – Strandhill Rd, Sligo
  • €100 Sinead McGee – Ballinfull, Sligo
  • €100 Kieran Murphy – Calry, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Andy Dodd – Old Cartron, Sligo
  • €100 Caroline Catering – Carraroe, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Donal Kearns – New York, USA
  • €100 John Monaghan – Carney, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Conor Lynch – Maugheraboy, Sligo

March 2024

  • €500 Denis Gorevan – Kevinsfort Heath, Sligo
  • €100 Amanda Kelly – Cartron Village, Sligo
  • €100 Oisin Foley – Malmo, Sweden
  • €100 Senan Quinn – Cliffoney, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Phillip Carty – Rathmines Lower, Dublin 6
  • €100 Ciaran Quinn – Pearse Rd, Sligo
  • €100 Seamus O Collooney – Gleann, Collooney, Co. Sligo
  • €100 David Gaule – Carney, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Brian Boland – Glasnevin, Dublin 9
  • €100 Ronnie Hanney – Dromahaire, Co. Leitrim

Sligo Rovers partner with Pieta House

On Thursday April 25th Sligo Rovers will partner with Pieta House to host a fundraising coffee morning and registration session for the Darkness Into Light walk which take place on Saturday May 11th. Darkness Into Light is a 5k walk and is the annual fundraising event for Pieta supported by Electric Ireland. The walk is a vital source of income that allows Pieta House to provide critical and free mental health and suicide prevention supports across the country. The coffee and registration morning will take place at the Showgrounds from 10.30am – 2pm and everyone is encouraged to support.

Susan Dunbar, Chairperson of Pieta House Sligo said “Events like Darkness Into Light are so important in helping Pieta House do the vital work it does in Sligo, the north-west and across the country. Pieta operates a free 24 hour crisis helpline and text number and all calls and texts are answered by a qualified therapist. Pieta also offers one to one therapy on the phone, on video or in person in 24 nationwide locations. This simply wouldn’t be possible without events like this so we are hoping to see a great turnout at the Showgrounds.”

Sligo Rovers FSR officer Jamie Murphy said “The issue of mental health and suicide prevention is something which impacts all families and communities. As a community club, it is an issue we are acutely aware of and we are delighted to support Pieta House. A key part of what the club does is promoting positive physical and mental health and we hope to see as many people as possible on April 25th to support the coffee morning and register for Darkness Into Light. If you are struggling in any way with your mental health or are concerned about a friend or family member, no matter how small or big the problem might feel, please reach out for support.”

If you are not in a position to attend the registration and coffee morning at the Showgrounds you can also register on darknessintolight.ie

For more informations please contact fsr@sligorovers.com.

Notice of AGM (Annual General Meeting)

SLIGO FOOTBALL AND SPORT DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY LTD

(Sligo Rovers Football Club)

Sligo Rovers will hold their AGM on Tuesday, April 23rd at 7.30pm at the Clayton Hotel, Sligo.

The AGM will see the election of the 2024 Management Committee, a presentation of 12 months of club finances from the club’s Treasurer and the Chairman and Secretary’s report.

Please note only full paid up members or those enjoying the privileges of membership in accordance with the society rules are eligible to attend the AGM

AGENDA

1. Chairman’s Address

2. Minutes of Previous 2023 AGM

3. Matters Arising

4. Secretary’s Report

5. CEO Report

6. Treasure’s Report, Adoption of Statement of Accounts and Balance Sheet.

7. Appointment of Auditors

8. Election of Committee of Management

9. Any Other Business

The Management Committee Nomination form is available for those interested in joining the committee by emailing administrator@sligorovers.com.

A zoom link will be available for members looking to attend the meeting virtually. Members who wish to avail of this option are asked to email shane@sligorovers.com at the earliest opportunity, and a link will be returned to access via Zoom.

Team News: v Galway United

Sligo Rovers return to the Showgrounds this Saturday for a first competitive Connacht derby with Galway United since 2018, kick-off 7.45pm.

Rovers come into this game in good form, with three wins from our last five games after a Good Friday win over Waterford which was followed up by defeat in Dublin to St Patrick’s Athletic three days later.  

The Bit O’Red will be without long-term injury victim John Mahon, while fellow centre half Nando Pijnaker now faces a sustained period on the sidelines too, having broken ribs in Easter Monday’s defeat to Pat’s. 

Simon Power serves the second of a three game ban following his red card during that defeat of Waterford. 

Although JR Wilson is making progress in his bid to recover from a hamstring injury, it is unlikely he will be fit in time to face Galway. It is hoped the full-back will be fit in time to be involved in next week’s visit to Shamrock Rovers.  

Goalkeeper Ed McGinty faces a late fitness test on Saturday after he picked up an injury in that collision with Pijnaker at Richmond Park. 

Speaking ahead of the Bit O’Red’s first top flight clash with the Tribesmen since 2017, manager John Russell is expecting a competitive game as he takes charge against his hometown club for the first time. 

“We’re delighted to be back in the Showgrounds in front of our own fans on Saturday for what will be a massive game”, he said. 

“Galway have started the season well which is no surprise. They kept the core group that ran away with the First Division and added good quality in the off season. 

“As always, we must focus on ourselves and play to our strengths. It’s a home game and we’re expecting an electric atmosphere given it’s the first Connacht derby since our EA Sports Cup win down there in 2018. I know the players are relishing the challenge ahead and hopefully we can put in a top performance.”

Match Report: v St Patrick’s Athletic

St Patrick’s Athletic 3 – 0 Sligo Rovers

A Luke Turner double and along with a late goal from Mason Melia saw Sligo Rovers beaten for the first time in five games as St Patrick’s Athletic got the better of the Bit O’Red at Richmond Park.

The defeat was compounded by the loss of both Nando Pijnaker and Ed McGinty to injury following a nasty collision between the pair in the second period. Pijnaker was stretchered off to be assessed for a chest injury, while McGinty did manage to play on for a short time but was subsequently substituted with a neck issue.

Manager John Russell made one change, albeit enforced, from the win over Waterford just three days earlier. Will Fitzgerald deputising out wide for the suspended Simon Power.

Pat’s Joe Redmond went close early on but was well marshalled by the Rovers defence, but the Dubliners did find their opener on ten minutes.

Conor Neely heading Jake Mulraney’s corner back for Turner who fired home for the opener. 
Undeterred, Sligo forced saves from Danny Rogers in the Pat’s goal. Both Conor Malley and Ellis Chapman producing efforts as Rovers sought to bring the game back level.

McGinty went full stretch to push Alex Nolan’s angled effort on to his post, before the goalkeeper did enough to put off Ruairi Keating in a one-on-one situation close to the half hour.

Keating’s chance coming after the Inchicore men had doubled the lead on 43 minutes when Turner forced Brandon Kavanagh’s corner past McGinty at the far post. 

Rovers were forced into a defensive switch on 72 when Pijnaker and McGinty crashed into each other as they both bravely came for the same ball.

Fabrice Hartmann almost halved the lead with twelve to go but his placed shot was well held by Rogers. Pat’s then putting the game to bed on 80 minutes, Melia with the Dubliner’s third. 

St Patrick’s Athletic: Danny Rogers; Luke Turner, Joe Redmond, Conor Keeley, Anto Breslin; Jamie Lennon, Aaron Bolger (Jay McClelland 90), Alex Nolan (Mason Melia 77); Kian Leavy (Chris Forrester 77), Ruairi Keating (Cian Kavanagh 90), Jake Mulraney (Brandon Kavanagh 29).

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty (Richard Brush 82); Charlie Wiggett (Wilson Waweru 46), Oliver Denham, Nando Pijnaker (Conor Reynolds 72), Reece Hutchinson; Conor Malley, Niall Morahan; Fabrice Hartmann (Stefan Radosavljevic 82), Ellis Chapman, Will Fitzgerald; Max Mata (Smit 60).

Team News: v St Patrick’s Athletic

Sligo Rovers are back on the road this Easter Monday as we look to maintain our good recent form, St Patrick’s Athletic the opposition at Richmond Park, kick-off 5pm.

Rovers will be again without JR Wilson due to a hamstring injury. While manager John Russell will also have to plan without winger Simon Power who is suspended having been sent off in last Friday’s win over Waterford at the RSC.

Unbeaten in four outings and having kept clean sheets in three of those games, Rovers look to continue that form against the FAI Cup holders.

Looking ahead to Monday’s game, Russell says: “It’s a quick turnaround for us this weekend with back-to-back away fixtures. After a good result on Friday and after a long trip home we are back on the road again where we now face a tough test when we travel to play a talented St Pat’s team.

 “Richmond Park is always a difficult venue but I have a lot of faith in this group of players. They understand the importance of playing for Sligo Rovers and leaving everything on the pitch. We will need to show that again on Monday to come away with a result.”

 Rovers had the backing of 150 or so supporters in Waterford last Friday, despite the 600km or so round trip from Sligo, for some of those fans. Russell is hoping for more of the same as the Bit O’Red take to the road once more this bank holiday weekend.

He says: “Our supporters continue to play a huge role in our performances so far this season both home and away. The players feed off that energy from the stands so we will need them right behind us again.”

Match Report: v Waterford

Waterford 0 – 1 Sligo Rovers

Sligo Rovers occupy second spot in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division after Ellis Chapman’s wonderful strike from range settled the game at the RSC on Friday, as the in-form Bit O’Red beat Waterford.

Rovers extended their unbeaten run to four in the process and kept their third clean sheet in their last four games despite playing the last twenty minutes of this game with ten men, after Simon Power was somewhat harshly sent off.

John Russell’s side were to bring to an end, the Blues’ unbeaten record this season but there were chances for both camps in the opening period.

Malaeace Asamoah’s header landed on the roof of Ed McGinty’s goal early on, while the reliable Sligo goalkeeper palmed away a Ryan Burke effort from the angle shortly after.

For Rovers, Fabrice Hartmann and Nando Pijnaker both worked Sam Sargeant in the Waterford nets. 
Chapman struck for his third league goal of the season five minutes into the second half. The former Cheltenham man firing home from distance to the delight of the 150 or so travelling supporters.

 There were chances for Rovers to double their lead. Max Mata denied by Sargeant after a loose pass in the host’s rearguard while Pijnaker found a way to goal but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Rovers were then reduced to ten with thirteen minutes of normal time to play when referee Marc Lynch decided to show the winger red after a challenge on a Waterford player. Much to the bemusement of both the visiting bench and support.

Rovers smothered any hope of a Waterford revival, limiting Keith Long’s charges to half chances. Former Rovers striker Padraig Amond mustered a late opportunity but McGinty held the effort as he claimed his fourth clean sheet of the season. Rovers doing enough to hold on for a first victory in Waterford since 2021.

Waterford FC: Sam Sargeant; Darragh Power, Ryan Burke, Niall O’Keeffe (Ben McCormack 70), Grant Horton, Rowan McDonald, Padraig Amond, Conor Parsons, Maleace Asamoah (Dean McMenamy 70), Darragh Leahy (Connor Evans 85), Kacper Radkowski (Christie Pattison 70).

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Reece Hutchinson, Ellis Chapman (Kailin Barlow 65), Charlie Wiggett, Niall Morahan, Fabrice Hartmann (William Fitzgerald 65), Oliver Denham, Max Mata (Wilson Waweru 65), Simon Power, Conor Malley, Nando Pijnaker.

Referee: Marc Lynch.

Match Report vs Galway United Women’s Premier Division

SLIGO ROVERS 2 GALWAY UTD 3

BY CONALL COLLIER

Five goals in a Showgrounds thriller as Galway Utd survived a stern Sligo Rovers examination and claimed the Women’s Premier Division points from Jenna Slattery’s 88th minute penalty goal.

It was a third successive victory for a Galway side that had scored seven goals in two previous WPD outings without conceding, but on this occasion they had to batten down the hatches in the second-half.

This was a first home game in the Women’s Premier Division for Sligo Rovers as they hosted Galway Utd for the second time in a week after the All-Island Cup group game seven days earlier.

Both teams made some changes with Kelly Crompton coming in for her first start of the season in place of Alice Lillie for Sligo Rovers while Galway made four changes.

Jessica Berlin took over from Maria O’Sullivan between the posts and the trio of Isabella Beletic, Lynsey McKey and Eve Dossen all started.

Galway dominated for most of the opening half and forced Amber Hardy into a finger-tip save in the sixth minute with Kelly Crompton completing the clearance. However, Galway forged ahead after 19 minutes when Jenna Slattery rifled to the net after the hosts failed to clear a corner.

The best chance for the Bit O’Red arrived 10 minutes from the interval when the impressive Keeva Flynn found Jodie Loughrey with a long pass out of defence and her centre was headed narrowly wide by Emma Doherty.

Sligo Rovers resumed smartly in the second-half and Doherty fired home a 53rd minute equaliser when she raced on to an excellent Crompton pass out of defence as Galway conceded a first goal of the season.

Galway upped the tempo and hit the front again in the 70thminute when Jamie Erickson found the net following a scramble in the Sligo Rovers penalty area.

The hosts displayed remarkable character to fashion an 82nd minute equaliser and this time it was Doherty who was the provider with a surge down the wing and a cross that Jodie Loughrey finished to the net at the far post.

Galway found a little bit more in the closing minutes with Julie Ann Russell, a second-half substitute, playing a crucial role and the winning goal arrived in the 88th minute when Slattery converted a penalty. The spot kick was awarded after the referee called play back despite Russell finishing to the net, but Slattery converted what turned out to be a hard-earned winner.

TEAMS

Sligo Rovers – Amber Hardy; Kelsey Munroe, Keeva Flynn, Emma Hansberry, Kelly Crompton, Muireann Devaney, Emma Doherty, Paula McGrory, Amy Roddy, Keri Loughrey, Jodie Loughrey.

Subs – Sarah Kiernan for Munroe half-time, Zoe McGlynn for Hansberry 54 mins, Eimear Lafferty for Roddy 70m, Alice Lillie for Crompton and Jessica Casey for McGrory both 78m.

Galway Utd – Jessica Berlin;

Aoibheann Costello, Isabella Beletic,

Jamie Erickson, Jenna Slattery, Kate Thompson, Rolake Olusola, Lynsey McKee, Emily Kavanagh, Therese Kinnevey, Eve Dossen.

Subs – Julie Ann Russell for Kavanagh 61 mins, Emma Duffy for Dossen 84m, Lucy Jane Grant for Olusola 92m.

Referee – Glen Geraghty.

Team News: Sligo Rovers Vs Galway United

Sligo Rovers return to Women’s Premier Division action this Saturday as Galway United are the visitors for the second week running, kick-off at the Showgrounds, 7pm.

Rovers will be without Leah Kelly (hand) and Keela Scanlon (ACL). While Kerri O’Hara, Yvonne Hedigan and Amy Hyndman will be assessed in the lead up to this Connacht derby.

This is the second week running that the Tribeswomen will visit Sligo. Galway came away with a two-goal win last Saturday in the Avenir Sports Cup, although Rovers were well on top in the second period.

The Bit O’Red already have their first Premier Division point on the board, following a really impressive scoreless draw with one of the title favourites Shelbourne at Tolka Park. 

Manager Tommy Hewitt will take charge of Rovers for a league game at the Showgrounds for the first time. He says last Saturday’s game gives his team plenty of confidence heading into this weekend’s clash. 

” After a good result up in Shelbourne, we’d be looking to get another good result here on Saturday”, he says. 

“Hopefully there’ll be a big crowd out to support the girls. We spoke before the game last weekend about how the main thing for us was to be competitive against a team like Galway. 

“We’re a very good team and obviously they’re the All-Island Cup holders and they’re doing well in the league. They haven’t conceded a goal, but I felt for stages of the match on Saturday, we did compete with them.”

Hewitt was encouraged by the number of supporters who showed up for last week’s game and the Rovers boss is hoping for even bigger numbers this Saturday. 

He continued: “There was nearly 300 at the game last Saturday and we will be looking for more. But the crowd that were here on Saturday really got behind the girls.

“The big crowds really motivate the girls whether they’re in front or behind. They are the 12th player.”

Team News: Waterford Away

Sligo Rovers make a return to league action following last weekend’s international break this Friday, with a trip to the RSC to face Waterford, kick-off 7.45pm.

The Bit O’Red will again be without John Mahon. While full back JR Wilson will be assessed on the day having picked up a hamstring strain, but is doubtful to recover in time.

Rovers face into a busy Easter weekend, with the almost 600km round trip to Waterford coming first. While we are back on the road three days later to face St Patrick’s Athletic in Dublin on Monday evening. 

Friday’s game against Keith Long’s charges will be Rovers’ first against the Blues since their promotion last season and a first journey to the RSC for Rovers in three years. 

With two wins in our last three, Rovers are in good form heading into what manager John Russell expects will be a stern encounter.  

“Waterford have had a good start to the season”, the Rovers boss says. “They have some really good players so we know it will be a tough test on Friday night. 

“We come into the game looking to build on our performances so far. We have a new group so it’s important we continue to improve our connections on the pitch while still picking up points.”