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

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

SOLD OUT

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.

League of Ireland Premier Division action returns to the Showgrounds this Saturday following the short international summer break as Sligo Rovers host Waterford, kick-off 7.45pm. 

The game marks the beginning of the third round of fixtures and the commencement of the second half of the season.

This will be the third time the Bit O’Red and the Blues go toe-to-toe this term, with both sides tasting victory over each other in the previous two meetings. 

Waterford, then led by Keith Long, overcame Rovers in Sligo on the opening night of the season while John Russell’s men hammered the Munster side in what was Long’s final game in charge at the RSC, back in April. Goals from Gareth McElroy, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh and Francely Lomboto earned Rovers their biggest win of the season to date.

Now managed by former Rovers duo John Coleman and Danny Ventre, the Blues have been in decent form, picking up eight points from their last five. While Rovers have gathered just the three.

In team news, Ollie Denham is Rovers’ only injury concern in the lead up to Saturday’s contest. The centre-half continues to struggle with a sports hernia injury but is expected to return to training next week. It is hoped Denham will be fit enough for selection by the end of the month. 

Speaking ahead of the game, Rovers manager John Russell acknowledged how difficult the first half of the season was. But he is encouraged by some of what he has seen and feels there is much, much more to come from his young squad. 

He told sligorovers.com: “The players have enjoyed their short breaks and have come back in great shape knowing what is ahead of us. It was important that the lads were able to switch off for a brief period and enjoy time with family and friends before returning fully focused earlier this week. They are refreshed and ready to face Waterford and what’s ahead in the coming weeks. 

“Obviously, we completed the first half of the season in a position we do not want to be in. That is why myself and the staff here have been working through the summer break as the planning went on in an effort to try and lift us from our current position. 

“We sent the players away after the defeat to Pat’s and asked them all to reflect on how things have gone the last few months. A few haven’t reached their potential, while some of the lads, particularly our younger ones have done really, really well considering the difficult circumstances. 

“But we are all working extremely hard to turn this around and I think if we continue to do so, we absolutely will lift ourselves away from where we are in the table.”  

David Goulden

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers will travel to the Carlisle Grounds in Bray on Saturday for a Women’s Premier Division (WPD) basement battle showdown against DLR Waves on the new FIFA Quality-Approved  artificial grass pitch at the home of Bray Wanderers.

The new pitch had its first outing in the League of Ireland when Bray hosted Dundalk in mid-March after playing the first three games away and Saturday’s encounter will be the first WPD game at the venue as DLR Waves move from the Belfield Bowl for this encounter.

This a huge game for both teams with DLR Waves anchored at the foot of the table with one draw from nine outings, four points adrift of the Bit O’Red, one victory and two draws.

An encouraging aspect for both managers, Steve Feeney and Laura Heffernan of DLR Waves, has been a gradual improvement in respective performances over the past month or so with DLR picking up a point last time out in the WPD with a 1-1 draw against Cork City.

However, DLR will go into this game on the back of two home defeats in the All-Island Cup against Wexford and Lisburn.

This game will also be a dress-rehearsal for the first round of the FAI Cup a fortnight later at the Showgrounds, but that will be of secondary importance on Saturday.

Last season the Bit O’Red defeated DLR Waves by 3-1 in the FAI Cup with goals from Anna McDaniel, Kelsey Munroe and Paula McGrory, but the Dublin women won both WPD encounters.

For the Bit O’Red, the outcome will most definitely be influenced by player-availability with manager Steve Feeney still without Kate Nugent, Amber Hardy, Jessica Casey and Rachel McGoldrick who are all on the injured list while Paula McGrory feature.

The return to action last week of Katie Melly for the final 15 minutes in the All-Island Cup was a boost and if she is fit to start on Saturday it will certainly bolster the prospects at the Bray venue.

Neither side is too proficient on the scoring front. DLR Waves have hit the target nine times in all competitions, but have conceded 41 goals while the Bit O’Red have scored five goals and conceded 28, but in 12 outings have also kept three cleansheets.

Battling qualities have been evident on a weekly basis from the Bit O’Red and that was demonstrated last weekend where a five-goal deficit against Shelbourne wasn’t a fair reflection on the overall performance, but an inability to convert some gilt-edged chances was a major issue.

There won’t be much to separate the teams on Saturday in what will be a hugely competitive encounter and the team that makes the least amount of mistakes is likely to emerge with a victory.

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers exited the All-Island Cup in the final group game against Shelbourne at the Showgrounds on Saturday.

Two goals in each half from Noelle Murray and a lone Mackenzie Anthony strike gave a Dublin side a merited success, although the scoreline doesn’t reflect the chances that the hosts created, especially in the opening half.

The Bit O’Red could have had two goals in the opening three minutes from Kya McKenna and Anna McDaniel, while midway through the half, Muireann Devaney’s shot flashed across the Shelbourne goal with ‘keeper Amanda McQuillan getting a vital touch at the expense of a corner.

Shelbourne also created some chances, but Rovers keeper Bonnie McKiernan was in excellent form.

However, the final 10 minutes of the half proved fruitful for the Dublin side, with Murray claiming her first goal following a poor Sligo clearance, and she added a second soon after in somewhat similar circumstances.

Anthony put the game out of Sligo’s reach with a good finish in the 41st minute to leave it 3-0 at the interval.

Sligo Rovers resumed smartly, and Eimear Lafferty’s effort skimmed the woodwork on 47 minutes, but Murray completed her tally with a couple of opportunist long-range efforts on 60 and 68 minutes.

In typical Sligo Rovers style, the home players kept battling, and while they had a goal disallowed for offside, Alanah Doherty was narrowly over with a good effort in the 87th minute.

It wasn’t all negative for the Bit O’Red either, as Katie Melly returned from injury for the final 15 minutes when she replaced Leah Kelly, and 15-year-old Ava Hallinan made her senior debut when she replaced Alice Lillie in the closing minutes.

Ava was nominated for the Under-15 FAI Schools’ International Player of the Year in May and has a bright future in the game with Sligo Rovers.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Eimear Lafferty, Alice Lillie, Keeva Flynn, Sarah Kiernan, Leah Kelly, Muireann Devaney, Alanah Doherty, Cara King, Kya McKenna, Anna McDaniel.
Subs – Katie Melly for King and Morgan Burnap for Kelly, both 77 mins; Róise Burke for McKenna and Lauren Devaney for Kiernan, both 82 mins; Ava Hallinan for Lillie, 87 mins.

Shelbourne – Amanda McQuillan; Nia Hannon, Pearl Slattery, Leah Doyle, Noelle Murray, Gabrielle Del Pico, Roma McLoughlin, Jessica Gargan, Aoibheann Cleary, Lucy O’Rourke, Mackenzie Anthony.
Subs – K. Mooney for McLoughlin at half-time, R. Devereux for Slattery and K. Keenan for Anthony, both at 67 mins, and C. Maguire for McQuillan and A. Sheridan for Clancy, both at 73 mins.

Referee – Robert Dowling.
Assistant referees – Darren Corcoran and Richard Storey.
Fourth official – Michael Connolly.