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

Sligo Rovers are delighted to confirm that the club have reached a deal with NIFL side Cliftonville for the transfer of full back Sean Stewart to the Showgrounds on an 18 month deal. 

The left-sided Northern Ireland underage international arrives at the Showgrounds for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance and is manager John Russell’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window. 

The 22-year-old joins up at Rovers following spells with Norwich City and Belfast side Cliftonville who he won an Irish Cup with in 2024.

A former St Oliver Plunkett youth, Stewart played with the Belfast boys’ side until under 16 level when he moved across to Norwich for the next five years. A successful loan spell with hometown club Cliftonville resulted in the full back signing for the Reds on a full-time basis in summer 2024. 

He took part in Rovers’ recent friendly with Mansfield Town and has represented Northern Ireland at various levels all the way to the 21s.

“The international experience has hugely helped my development as you are constantly playing against the best young players from the countries you go up against”, he tells sligorovers.com.

“So I’m coming to Rovers with plenty of experience of playing at a high level and I’m looking forward to using that experience to further improve the squad.”

Stewart has already experienced match night having been in attendance for Rovers’ impressive win over in-form Derry City on Saturday at the Showgrounds. He is keen to get going in what he describes as an “attractive” league to play his football.

“John had been chasing me for a while and once I knew the clubs were happy to come to a deal and I spoke to him, I wanted to come here straight away”, he continues. 

“He is hugely ambitious for the club’s future and I want to be part of that.

“I’ve always had a big interest in the league here and followed the teams and results. It has grown enormously over the last few years and is further becoming such an attractive league to play in for young players. I couldn’t turn down the chance to play here. 

“It has developed so many players recently and Sligo is one of those clubs that realises the importance of giving younger players an opportunity. You only have to look at the average age of the current squad. The manager puts trust in his players, a young squad and it’s paid off the last few weeks when you look at the results we’re starting to pick up.”

“I was really impressed with the team against Derry and it was great to get the runout against Mansfield. The crowd really got behind the boys, the atmosphere around the club is great. 

“I will have to work so hard to earn a place in the team and that’s been obvious to me even before I arrived. We play with aggression and always try to be on the front foot and that’s how I want the teams I play in to operate. I cannot wait to get started here.” 

Welcoming his latest addition, Russell tells sligorovers.com: “Sean is a hugely promising talent who already has a lot of experience in senior football and has represented Northern Ireland at underage level. 

“I have signed him as we feel his physical profile and attributes certainly match what we already have here at Rovers. 

“He is strong defensively and is a player who really likes to get involved in attacking phases of play, which suits our style. I have had plenty of conversations with Sean before I signed him and he’s highly 

motivated to come here. He knows what we want from him and I feel he matches the type of player we need.

“We feel he has a really high ceiling and we have done very well to get him here.”

David Goulden

By Conall Collier

Wexford took the Women’s Premier Division (WPD) points at the Showgrounds on Saturday and Sligo Rovers added another player to a lengthy injury-list when Keeva Flynn was stretchered-off with about 15 minutes remaining.

Keeva sustained the injury in front of the Sligo Rovers technical area and the play was held up for about four minutes as she received attention before she was removed from the pitch on a stretcher.

Sligo Rovers trailed by two goals, one in each half, at that stage from Della Doherty and Ciara Rossiter and the Wexford women added a third through Leah McGrath near the end.

Wexford dominated for the most part in the opening half and had a chance from Orlaith Conlon that was narrowly wide after only 52 seconds.

Ciara Rossiter had a good effort saved by Bonnie McKiernan in the 10th minute with Becky Cassin’s long-range effort flying over the crossbar in the 20th minute.

Midway through the half Kylie Murphy was wide, but that was down to pressure from Rovers recent arrival Annie McKinley while Keeva Flynn, Katie Melly and Alice Lillie were also prominent in defence.

Making her home debut, Bernie Ferreira was creative around the middle, but lacked sufficient support to punish a Wexford rearguard that was comfortable.

However, Alice Lillie’s run on the half-hour created an opening for Mairead McIntyre, but her shot was finger-tipped away for a corner by a relieved Wexford ‘keeper Maria O’Sullivan.

Soon after Wexford were awarded what looked like a free of the soft variety on the edge of the centre circle and the Bit O’Red switched off long enough for Della Doherty to capitalise for a lead goal on 37 minutes.

Wexford’s Ciara Rossiter gave her side a two-goal advantage on 54 minutes when she pounced after Bonnie McKiernan spilled the ball from what was a needless corner.

McKiernan had been forced into a smart save to concede the corner after Wexford’s Aoife Kelly dispossessed Emma Hansberry and unleashed a fine shot.

Hansberry almost made amends 10 minutes later when her long-range effort bounced off the Wexford crossbar with ‘keeper Maria O’Sullivan scrambling in vain for a touch.

Keeva Flynn was stretchered-off with about 15 minutes remaining and Wexford substitute Leah McGrath scored the goal-of-the-game near the end to wrap up what was a comfortable afternoon for her side.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie, Keeva Flynn, Annie McKInley, Katie Melly, Emma Hansberry, Muireann Devaney, Kya McKenna, Bernie Fereira, Mairead McIntyre, Anna McDaniel.

Subs – Eve Caprani for McDaniel 55 mins, Lauren Devaney for Hansberry and Louise Masterson for Ferreira both 68m, Amy McCarthy for Flynn 73m.

Wexford – Maria O’Sullivan; Aisling Roche, Orlaith Conlon, Della Doherty, Lauren Dwyer, Kylie Murphy, Becky Cassin, Aoife Kelly, Ellen Molloy, Ciara Rossiter, Freya De Mange.

Subs – L McGrath for Rossiter 55 mins, M Daly for Roche and C Maher for Conlon both 70m, M Kirwan for Kelly 88m.

Referee – David Dunne.

Assistant-referees – Conor Fitzgibbon, Oisin Walsh.

Fourth official – Shane O’Brien.

Harvey Norman Sligo Rovers player-of-the-match – Katie Melly.