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.

James McManus scored a goal to rival even Owen Elding’s catalogue of superb strikes this season, as the both the Dubliner and Jake Doyle-Hayes registered their first goals for Sligo Rovers at Oriel Park as the Bit O’Red sailed on to the third round of the FAI Cup. 

McManus’ goal on 51 minutes was followed up by an impressive headed finish from Doyle-Hayes three minutes later as the visitors settled this game in a short period of time at the beginning of the second half.

But it will be Bohs loanee McManus’ arrowed, mid-air half-volley for which this cup tie will be remembered. 

Both sides had chances in a first half which passed without much fuss. 

However, this game was jolted into action when Will Fitzgerald’s corner was cleared only as far as the edge of the ‘D’ where McManus ran on to the ball, catching it perfectly to volley a jaw-dropping effort right into Enda Minogue’s top corner. 

The hosts hadn’t time to settle as a relentless Rovers hit them again on 54 minutes.

Again it was Fitzgerald who supplied the cross for Doyle-Hayes, who expertly flicked the ball into the bottom corner of the Lilywhites goal with his head for his maiden goal for the club.

The draw for the third round of the Sports Direct FAI Cup will take place at a later date.

Dundalk: Enda Minogue; JR Wilson, Vinnie Leonard, Sean McHale (Conor O’Keeffe 22), Sean Keogh (Sean Spaight 71); Aodh Dervin, Shane Tracey (Andy Parashiv 61); Declan McDaid (Eoin Kenny 61), Harry Groome, Daryl Horgan; Gbemi Arubi (Dean Ebbe 61).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Conor Reynolds, Ollie Denham, Patrick McClean, Will Fitzgerald; Jake Doyle-Hayes (Daire Patton 66), James McManus; Owen Elding, Jad Hakiki, Ryan O’Kane (Kyle McDonagh 77); Wilson Waweru (Sebastian Quirk HT).

Referee: Aaron O’Dowd.

Sligo Rovers’ search for a sixth Sports Direct FAI Cup begins this Friday evening at Oriel Park as the Bit O’Red face First Division leaders Dundalk, kick-off 7.45pm.

Premier Division matters are moved aside as John Russell brings his side to County Louth in search of a place in the third round of the knock-out competition. Rovers last won the cup in 2013 during a golden spell for the club which saw us appear in four finals in five years, lifting the famous trophy at the Aviva Stadium no less than three times in that spell.

Last season saw Rovers progress through the second round courtesy of a Wilson Waweru hat-trick and a three goal win over non-league Cobh Wanderers at the Showgrounds. Interest in the cup ended at the third round however, as UCD beat Rovers at the Showgrounds. 

Rovers go to Oriel for the first time since June 2024 with what is expected to be a fully fit squad, barring the absence of the suspended John Mahon who serves his final game of a four match ban. Recent signing Seb Quirk, a late withdrawal ahead of the win over Derry City last weekend, is expected to be available to Russell. 

On a run of just one defeat in our last five games, Rovers will take on the Lilywhites as narrow favourites being the Premier Division outfit. However, Russell knows how difficult it will be against Ciaran Kilduff’s side who are sitting four points clear in their own division at the moment. 

“They’ve had a really impressive season so far”, Russell says. 

“Of course, as the team who came down from the Premier, they will be the favourites to go back up but that comes with a lot of pressure. Ciaran Kilduff has done such a great job over there and they’ll be looking for a scalp on Friday.

“They have experience in their squad and have plenty of players with Premier Division quality and experience. So there will certainly be no gulf in standard between the teams. 

“We’ve been in good form lately and we’ll be looking to continue that and bring our levels up even higher. At the moment, it looks like we have everyone available to us except John (Mahon) who will be back in the squad for Cork and that’s a big boost. We’re going up there in a good place. 

“We love playing in cup games although we’ve been disappointed with our showing in the last few years where we learned that if we don’t show up, we will be beaten. So we need to be fully switched on and be ready to play on the front foot from the off on Friday night. 

“It looks as if this year’s cup winners will be rewarded with a place in the Europa League next season, so that’s a huge incentive for a club like ours who can’t rely on a benefactor or an inflated budget to prop us up. 

“We’ve been followed by big numbers away from home this year and hopefully we’ll get another big crowd travelling on Friday.”

David Goulden