Sligo Rovers and Glentoran have agreed terms for the transfer of defender Patrick McClean, who will join the club on July 1st subject to international clearance.

It’s a Rovers return for the 28-year-old who made 27 league appearances for the Bit O’Red in 2018, scoring once.

The defender joins on an 18 month contract, and is the second summer signing to be announced this week after the signing of Seb Quirk.

McClean started his League of Ireland career with Derry City, before going on to play for Waterford prior to joining Rovers.

He joined his hometown club Derry City in 2019 after departing the Bit O’Red, going to join NIFL Premiership side Glentoran in the summer of 2019.

McClean announced his shock retirement from football in February 2023 at the age of 26, but made a return five months later.

The Derry native is primarily a centre-back but can also operate at left-back.

Speaking about the decision to re-join Sligo Rovers, McClean said his previous spell at the Bit O’Red played a part in his decision to return.

He told sligorovers.com: “It happened quite quickly, really. I spoke to John about a month ago on the phone and he said he was interested and I took some time to think about it after everything.

“With leaving Glentoran, I didn’t know where I was going to be, and I think my mind was sort of made up as soon as John rang me and talked me through his plans. I was delighted to get it done then.

“I loved my time here previously. I always say I wish I never left Sligo, because I really enjoyed my first spell here.

“I think when I was here before, I had a good season myself, but it was like a roller coaster of a season. We were up and down and we didn’t do too well, but I just feel like, obviously the club is looking to kick on after a tough start and, you know, I’m just looking to come in and help as much as I can.”

McClean will yet again link-up with centre-back John Mahon, with the duo forming a partnership at the back of the Rovers defence in 2018.

“Me and John played together a good few times. I think me and him did well together in a lot of games. Some big results, so hopefully we can do that again.”

Rovers moved off bottom spot in the Premier Division table last Saturday thanks to that 1-0 win over Waterford at The Showgrounds.

And McClean says he wants to help bring Rovers back to where they belong, starting with helping Rovers move away from the bottom end of the table.

“Everybody wants to go on, win trophies and whatever, but I think at the minute, it’s just important to get a run together and obviously stay in this division and then just see what the future holds.

“All I can do is come in and work as hard as I can to help the team. I don’t want to put any pressure on myself or anyone else.

“But I feel like this club is definitely underachieving at the minute, and, you know, Sligo Rovers from whenever I was growing up were challenging and winning things and I would love to see it back there. “

Coming into a squad in the middle of the season doesn’t daunt McClean in the slightest, and he is more than happy to fight for his place in the team.

“There’s obviously a group of lads that are talented and results just probably haven’t been going their way, but I know I’m coming here to do a job and I would love to strike connections along the way and have a good relationship with people, but I think the ultimate goal is to go get three points.”

McClean will not be eligible for Rovers until July 1st, and the first game he will be available for will be Rovers’ meeting with Shamrock Rovers at The Showgrounds on Saturday, July 5th.

Having missed a chunk of the NIFL Premiership season through injury, McClean says he’s worked hard to get back to full fitness, keeping himself fit throughout the off-season.

“I’ve just been doing a lot of running but I just can’t wait to get a ball at my feet again.

“I don’t like sitting about for too long. I probably take a week off if anything. And I’m always doing something, so there’s no problem staying fit.”

Jessica Farry

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers gave Women’s Premier Division title-chasing Shelbourne an uncomfortable 90 minutes at the Showgrounds on Saturday evening where a Kate Mooney hat-trick sealed victory for the Dublin side.

Leading by two goals midway through the opening half, Shelbourne looked set for a comfortable win, but the Sligo Rovers players hadn’t seen that script and got back into contention with the goal-of-the-game from Anna McDaniel before the interval.

While Shelbourne dictated and enjoyed lots of possession in the second-half, they were also uneasy at times.

That was evident when referee Kate O’Brien ignored pleas for a second-half penalty on the hour that resulted in a yellow card for goalkeeper Amanda McQuillan’s complaints from the other end of the pitch.

There was also a yellow card for Shelbourne defender Keeva Keenan in the closing stages, apparently for time-wasting at a goal-kick.

There was nothing sluggish about Shelbourne for the opening exchanges as they were lively and surged forward, intent on taking control .

Sligo Rovers ‘keeper Bonnie McKiernan made an early save and Cara King had a chance for the Bit O’Red, but was closed down quickly by a Shelbourne rearguard that was controlled by the impressive Pearl Slattery.

Shelbourne remained in the ascendancy and Keeva Flynn made a crucial interception in the sixth minute before Bonnie McKiernan saved from Roma McLaughlin.

After absorbing the Shelbourne onslaught, the Rovers rearguard was penalised and the Dublin side hit the front from a 20^th minute Kate Mooney penalty that just eluded Bonnie McKiernan and trickled into the net.

Mooney put Shelbourne into the comfort zone five minutes later when she claimed her second goal of the afternoon.

However, that comfort zone was only an illusion and the Dublin side had no answer to a mazy Anna McDaniel run on 31 minutes that left the Shelbourne ‘keeper picking the ball out of her net.

Trailing by a goal, the Bit O’Red resumed the second-half smartly and Anna McDaniel was narrowly wide in the 48^th minute.

Shelbourne countered and Mackenzie Anthony was denied by a fine Bonnie McKiernan save, but the crucial third goal arrived in the 65^th minute when Mooney finished from close range for her hat-trick.

Both sides made changes in the closing 20 minutes with Shelbourne substitute Gabriella Del Pico making an impact without hitting the target.

Anna McDaniel had a late chance for the hosts, but was narrowly off target and while the Dublin side deserved the victory, the Sligo Rovers performance will certainly boost confidence for next weekend’s WFAI Cup tie against DLR Waves at the Showgrounds.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Leah Kelly, Sarah Kiernan, Keeva Flynn, Alana Doherty, Eimear Lafferty, Emma Hansberry, Muireann Devaney, Katie Melly, Cara King, Anna McDaniel. Subs – Mairead McIntyre for Doherty 56 mins, Kya McKenna for King 68m, Róise Burke for Kelly, Lauren Devaney for Flynn and Morgan Burnap for Melly all 81m.

Shelbourne – Amanda McQuillan; Keeva Keenan, Nia Hannon, Pearl Slattery, Leah Doyle, Alex Kavanagh, Rachel Graham, Rebecca Devereux, Kate Mooney, Roma McLaughlin, Mackenzie Anthony. Subs – A Clancy for Graham and R Cooke for Devereux both 65 mins, G Del Pico for McLaughlin 71m, M Wollmer for Mooney and G Quinn for Doyle both 75m.

Referee – Kate O’Brien.

Assistant-referees – Shane O’Donoghue, Keenan Deering.

Fourth official – Mark Houlihan.

Sligo Rovers somehow came away empty handed from Lambe and Sullivan Park as the Bit O’Red were beaten by Drogheda United on Friday evening. 

Douglas James-Taylor netted this game’s only goal as early as minute four and although Kevin Doherty’s side could have been out of sight at the interval, it was Rovers who utterly dominated this second half without finding a way past Drogheda goalkeeper Luke Dennison. 

Both sides created a hatful of chances in a hugely competitive first half, the fact that only one goal was scored before the interval provided the biggest surprise of the half.

James-Taylor fired Drogs into the lead in the fourth minute when he picked out the bottom corner of Sam Sargeant’s net. 

Both Wilson Waweru and Owen Elding had chances to level but fired straight at Dennison in the United nets as Rovers spent their fair share of time in attack mode in this opening 45. . 

A head injury sustained by Gareth McElroy somewhat halted Sligo’s momentum, forcing John Russell into his first change of the night when Kyle McDonagh was introduced from the bench just past the half hour. 

The hosts had the better of the late first-half chances. Reece Hutchinson’s heroic last ditch tackle on James-Taylor denied the loanee striker after Andrew Quinn was allowed to roam almost the length of the Rovers half of the field. 

While Ryan Brennan went close from a corner before Conor Kane shook Sargeant’s goal frame with a rasper from range in added time. 

An eager second half start from the Showgrounds side saw Dennison execute a superb reaction save to deny a Will Fitzgerald volley as Rovers looked to restore terms as early as possible. 

Jad Hakiki then struck the bottom of the Drogheda post on 64 when Dennison spilled Elding’s cross straight onto the foot of the Dubliner. Hakiki found a way past the defender in front of him, but failed to tuck his shot to the right side of the post as Rovers pressed further. 

While the same player showed quick feet to dance his way around two challenges only to narrowly fire over the crossbar 4 minutes later. 

Rovers continued to dominate.

Substitutes Oskar Van Hattum and Cian Kavanagh linked up on 73 but the latter could only nod the former’s cross nonchalantly past the Drogheda post. 

Kavanagh worked Dennison again eight minutes from time when again he was assisted by Van Hattum. But the former Derry man couldn’t find the power to beat the American keeper on the turn.  

Kavanagh was involved once more in the 90th minute but couldn’t keep his header down after excellent work from Hutchinson and Fitzgerald down the Rovers left. 

Rovers have the chance to get back to winning ways this Monday night, with a huge Connacht derby set for the Showgrounds. Kick-off 7.45pm. 

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers return to action in the Women’s Premier Division at the Showgrounds on Saturday against a Shelbourne side that could go top with a victory if Athlone Town fail to beat Peamount Utd later on Saturday evening.

That’s a big incentive for the Dublin women, but they won’t find it easy against a Sligo Rovers side that has demonstrated tremendous battling qualities despite an injury crisis that has sidelined a number of key players.

Shelbourne will be starting to like the journey to the Showgrounds as they make it back-to-back trips into the North West with a five-goal haul to their credit from the last outing a fortnight ago in the All-Island Cup.

Title-chasing Shelbourne’s top-of-the-table encounter against Athlone Town was rained-off last weekend while the Bit O’Red lost the bottom-of-the-table encounter against DLR Waves at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray.

While the Bit O’Red lost to Shelbourne and DLR Waves, there was a common theme that contributed to those results and that was squandered goal chances.

Against Shelbourne, the Bit O’Red could have had two goals in the opening three minutes and further chances were also wasted while there was a four-goal haul for Noelle Murray.

It was the same pattern against DLR Waves where wasted opportunities in the opening half were punished when the Dublin side scored on the hour and then battened down the hatches against some serious pressure for the remainder.

A return of five goals in 10 outings for the Bit O’Red tells the story, three goals in the WPD and two in the All-Island Cup.

Rachel McGoldrick is the top scorer on two goals, but she hasn’t featured since she equalised in the 1-1 draw against Bohs in April after she sustained an injury in that game.

Injuries have plagued manager Steve Feeney over the past two months, but that is beginning to ease a little now and Katie Melly has returned to the team.

Muireann Devaney is also available this weekend and Lauren Devaney started last Saturday and delivered a solid performance against DLR Waves.

Paula McGrory will miss the Shelbourne game as she will be away with the Garda team in Germany at the European Women’s Police Championships.

The Gardai are in a group that includes Austria, France and Norway. Paula scored a hat-trick for the Garda team when they defeated the Czech Republic last March to qualify for the tournament in Germany this week, but she should be available for next weekend’s WFAI Cup tie against DLR Waves.

The key requirement for Sligo Rovers on Saturday is some goals. The team has consistently created chances in every game this season, finishing some of those chances on Saturday will have a hugely positive impact and will also boost confidence.  

Sligo Rovers will look to make it two wins from two following the summer international break as the Bit O’Red head to Sullivan and Lambe Park to take on Drogheda United this Friday, kick-off 7.45pm.

This will be the third time these two teams will face each other this term, with Drogs taking four points from Rovers so far this year. Kevin Doherty’s side beat Rovers in Louth back in February, on what was the second weekend of the season. While Rovers rallied in staging an impressive comeback at the Showgrounds in early May. Two down, an Owen Elding goal was followed by a James Bolger own goal as Rovers leveled the game with two goals in five minutes. 

Rovers go into this game without midfield pair Matty Wolfe and Ronan Manning. Wolfe was injured in the lead up to last Saturday’s win over Waterford in Sligo. While Galway native Manning picked up a knock early on in that vital win.

Centre half Ollie Denham is expected back from a sports hernia injury shortly and may make the match day squad either on Friday or for Monday’s game with Galway United. 

New signing Seb Quirk is unavailable until July 1st.

On the game, manager John Russell tells sligorovers.com how important it was to re-start the season with a win, but says he has reminded his team to move on quickly. 

“We face a really tough game on Friday but we’re in good form and in a good frame of mind following the win over Waterford”, he says. 

“It was a huge result for us and one we asked for from the players. We finished the first half of the season on a low, being beaten by Pat’s so it was so important we started this second period of the year with a good result. 

“We created a few chances in the first half and did really well to hold on to the lead after we scored. It was bodies on the line stuff at stages towards the end and that’s what you want to see from your players when you’re under pressure. Every man giving everything for his team-mate and we need that again on Friday. 

“We have conceded too many goals this season, so to keep the clean sheet was huge for us as we spoke at length about being meaner at the back.

“There’s a long way to go this season and we made sure the players’ feet were kept on the ground this week. This is going to be a really tough game for us as Drogheda is a really tough place to go. They create a brilliant atmosphere up there and you need big players and big voices to get through that. On the back of last week’s win, we’re really looking forward to this one.” 

David Goulden 

Versatile midfielder Seb Quirk has signed a pre-contract agreement with Sligo Rovers and will officially join the club on July 1st subject to international clearance, the club can confirm.

The 23-year-old will join Rovers on an 18 month contract.

Quirk is primarily a central midfielder but can operate as a full-back on either side.

The Liverpool native joins Rovers after two and a half seasons with Accrington Stanley where he played over 40 league games.

Quirk came up through Everton’s academy where he first signed at the age of 11.

He joined Accrington Stanley in January 2023, and departed the club this summer when his contract expired.

As an Everton fan, Quirk has always kept a close eye on the Bit O’Red particularly in recent years when he played alongside former Rovers man Seamus Conneely at Accrington Stanley.

Quirk linked up with his Rovers team-mates this week, and although not eligible to play until July 1st, he has continued to train throughout the off-season to keep himself fit.

Speaking about his move to Sligo Rovers, Quirk told sligorovers.com: “I jumped on a Zoom call with John Russell a few weeks ago, spoke to him and I liked what he had to say so it seemed like a good place for me to come.

“It’s been really good, I’m really enjoying it. I’m in a house with two of the lads, they’re really sound. I like the training, we did the gym yesterday and the facilities are really good.

“When my season finished I went away for two weeks with my girlfriend but since I’ve come back I’ve been running and keeping fit so I am fit and ready. I just wanted to be ready for whatever came so I kept myself fit.”

Quirk explained what fans can expect to see from him.

“I’m athletic, I can get around the pitch quite well, I like a tackle! I don’t really do too many fancy things, I keep it simple and give it to the forward players who can do all of that.

“I’ve always been versatile really, even at Everton. I was always moved about because I’m quite tall and athletic. Last year I played left-back most of the year, in previous seasons I’ve played right back and central midfielder.”

As a big fan of Seamus Coleman, Quirk says he has closely followed Rovers’ progress over recent years.

“I’ve always known about Sligo Rovers and always kept an eye on them a little bit. I’m a big Everton fan, one of my favourite players growing up was Seamus Coleman so I’ve always kept an eye on Sligo Rovers. 

“The last couple of years my captain at Accrington was Seamus Conneely and he’d speak about the club so I did keep an eye.”

Having signed an 18-month contract with Rovers, Quirk is settling in well to life in Sligo.

“It’s always good to get a longer contract so you can settle easier. I’ve settled in really well because everyone’s made me feel so welcome and I’m really grateful for that.”

Manager John Russell has been keeping an eye on Quirk’s progress in recent years, and believes the 23-year-old is a big addition to his Rovers side.

“I’ve known about Seb for a couple of seasons, I actually saw him playing live for Everton’s 23s, they were playing in an international cup at the time, I was over on a visit at Everton. He caught my eye in that game, there were probably two or players I was keeping an eye on since then.

“He got a move to Accrington, he’s played in League One and League Two. I think his profile will suit our league in terms of his physicality, he’s a central midfielder by trade but can also play full-back. Having that versatility with a small squad will be massively beneficial for us.

“I think if you asked Seb where’s his favoured position he’d say centre mid, that’s where he played coming up through the academy at Everton. He’s a big boy, he’s over six foot. 

“He’s physical, he covers the ground. He has no problem playing full-back which is a real plus for us.”

And the Rovers boss believes that Quirk’s physical presence in midfield is exactly what Rovers need as they look to move further up the table.

“He definitely ticks the boxes in terms of having that physical presence in the middle of the park, he likes to put his foot in, he’s good on the ball as well. It’s the physical side that we need to get that balance with our group, we hope he’s going to make a big impact.

“At the end of last year we got a few players on two year deals, the likes of Will Fitzgerald, John Mahon, Jad Hakiki, Owen Elding signed a new deal, Wilson Waweru, you want to try and build a squad and a team going into a new season. 

“Seb is someone that has seen the project with us. He’s 23, he’s a good age profile, and I think he’s going to be a player who will improve as he plays more games and I think our style will suit him and he’ll make a big impact.”

Russell is confident that the addition of Quirk will be a big help as Rovers look to pick up more wins and improve on the current league position.

“It’s important that we strengthen the squad, we know we need to improve our league position and I definitely think bringing in quality players raises the level and standards within the group and helps us win matches. 

“We haven’t won enough games this year, I think the likes of Seb coming in early so he can train with the group so he’s ready come July 1st will be a big help.”

Jessica Farry

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers failed to capitalise on numerous chances as they were edged out by DLR Waves in the tightly-contested Women’s Premier Division (WPD) encounter at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray on Saturday evening.

DLR substitute Amber Cullen scored with her first touch in the 60th minute after some hesitant defending by the Bit O’Red and that was sufficient as the Dublin women battened down the hatches for the remainder.

DLR survived an onslaught from the Bit O’Red to earn a first win of the season in this basement battle that will see the teams meet again in the WFAI Cup in a fortnight.

Both sides enjoyed periods of dominance in a scoreless opening 45 minutes with DLR’s best chance arriving midway through the half when Michelle Doonan raced through, but she was denied by a Bonnie McKiernan save.

At the other end Leah Kelly and Anna McDaniel missed opportunities for the Bit O’Red on 16 and 18 minutes and that ultimately proved costly.

DLR also looked tentative under the high ball and ‘keeper Eve Badana was fortunate to avoid conceding a goal, but it also required a timely intervention by Lauren Devaney close to the interval to keep the Sligo Rovers goal intact.

DLR Waves enjoyed the better of the early second-half exchanges and were rewarded with that lead goal.

Sligo Rovers countered immediately and Katie Melly had a fine effort saved in the 63rd minute while Bonnie McKiernan denied Michelle Doonan for a second time soon after.

Steve Feeney introduced Muireann Devaney, Paula McGrory and Rebecca McIntyre with about 25 minutes remaining and that saw the pressure increased on the hosts with Anna McDaniel and Emma Hansberry both going close.

However, DLR held on in a frantic four minutes of added time to pick the three points and close the gap on the Bit O’Red at the bottom of the table.

DLR Waves – Eve Badana; Leah Donnelly, Chloe McCarthy, Keelin Dodd,
Jess Gleeson, Rachel Doyle, Neema Nyangasi, Amber Cosgrove, Cliodhna Donnelly, Michelle Doonan, Eve Conheady. Subs – Amber Cullen for Dodd 60 mins, Nadine Cleary for Conheady 78m, Taylor White for Cosgrove and Lauren Strong for Doonan both 85m.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Leah Kelly, Eimear Lafferty, Keeva Flynn, Alana Doherty, Lauren Devaney, Emma Hansberry, Katie Melly, Kya McKenna, Cara King, Anna McDaniel. Subs – Muireann Devaney for Doherty, Paula McGrory for L Devaney and Rebecca McIntyre for McKenna all 68 mins, Róise Burke for Kelly 81m.

Referee – Jason Moore.
Assistant-referees – John Hanney, Conor Harkin.
Fourth official – Christopher Daly.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce the return of our Regional Summer Camps for 2025, taking place across the region in partnership with local clubs. These much-loved camps are open to boys and girls aged 7 to 13, offering a week of football fun, skill development, and games.

Each camp will run Monday to Friday, from 10am to 1pm, and costs €85 per child. Along with coaching, fun drills, and small-sided games, all participants will receive a complimentary Sligo Rovers training top as part of their camp experience.

Regional Camp Schedule 2025

Gurteen

Location: Gurteen Park

Date: Week of Monday, 30 June

Reserve Your Child’s Place

Swinford

Location: James McEvaddy Park

Date: Week of Monday, 28 July

Reserve Your Child’s Place

Boyle

Location: Celtic Park

Date: Week of Monday, 4 August

Reserve Your Child’s Place

Westport

Location: AbbVie United Park

Date: Week of Monday, 11 August

Reserve Your Child’s Place

Enniscrone

Location: Michael McGowan Park

Date: Week of Monday, 18 August

Reserve Your Child’s Place

We extend our sincere thanks to our host clubs — Gurteen Celtic, Swinford FC, Boyle Celtic, Westport United, and Kilglass Enniscrone United — for their continued support in making these camps possible. We look forward to welcoming young footballers from across the region for another exciting summer of football.

Wilson Waweru scored a crucial goal on his first start of the season for Sligo Rovers as they picked up a big three points in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division with a 1-0 win over Waterford FC at the Showgrounds.

The centre-forward struck for the only goal on 20 minutes as the home side defended resolutely to get the better for the Blues for a second time in a row after winning 4-0 in the RSC before the break.

This latest victory lifts John Russell’s side off the foot of the table.

Padraig Amond did have the ball in the back of the Sligo net inside two minutes after a clearance broke into his path, but after referee Oliver Moran initially awarded the goal, the flag of assistant referee Wayne McDonnell was then raised for offside.

The Blues had another good chance on ten minutes when Conan Noonan set up James Olayinka, but defender John Mahon got in a vital block before Amond flashed a left-footed effort from the top of the area sixty seconds later.

Waweru nearly scored a stunning opener for the hosts on 15 minutes. Will Fitzgerald and Reece Hutchinson combined down the left before the latter crossed for the attacker, but his spectacular overhead kick flashed wide of the far post.

Sligo were celebrating the lead goal five minutes later when Hutchinson sent the ball into the area for Jad Hakiki and after keeper Stephen McMullan diverted the ball into Waweru, he swept a left-footed close-range effort to the back of an empty net.

Noonan had a first-time volley blocked by the Sligo defence on 27 minutes before Olayinka burst into the penalty area a minute later only for his low shot to be saved by Sam Sargeant. Tommy Lonergan had a free-kick on 35 minutes comfortably saved by the former Blues netminder eight minutes later.

After a tentative opening to the second-half with both teams giving away possession of the ball, there was a big chance for the Blues on 65 minutes. Conan Noonan laid the ball off into the feet of James Olayinka just outside the area, but keeper Sam Sargeant parried the ball away inside a crowded area.

A Waterford move yielded a chance for Tommy Lonergan six minutes when he spread the ball out to the left for Kyle White to put the ball back into the centre, but the header from the centre forward was well held by Sargeant as the Blues pressed for an equaliser.

Waterford had a strong penalty appeal turned down when referee Oliver Moran judged that John Mahon didn’t handle a Ryan Burke cross.

A quick move down the left from the Blues on 82 minutes when Jesse Dempsey’s throw sent Ben McCormack in the clear down the left before he set up Conan Noonan, but he blazed over Sargeant’s crossbar.

Sligo Rovers: Sargeant; Reynolds (McDonagh 58), Mahon, Hutchinson; Hakiki (Mallon 58), Fitzgerald, Manning (Patton 6), McElroy, Doyle-Hayes; Elding, Waweru (Lomboto 79).

Waterford FC: McMullan; Horton, Leahy, Burke, Dempsey; White (Keane 79), Olayinka (McCormack 69), Glenfield (McMenamy 69); Lonergan, Amond, Noonan.

Referee: Oliver Moran (Dublin).

Report courtesy of rte.ie.