Avant Money renew Sligo Rovers sponsorship for three years

Sligo Rovers and consumer finance and mortgage provider Avant Money today announce an extension to their sponsorship agreement where Avant Money will remain as the club’s main sponsor.

This latest agreement, three-years in duration, will be in effect, up until the end of the 2026.

Built on a shared commitment to elevating the support and commitment to the club, players, fans and communities, the partnership will provide support for SRFC, as well as year-round youth and community-focused events and programs.

Leitrim and Dublin-based Avant Money has been a loyal, dedicated and supportive partner of the Bit O’ Red since the 2020 season.

Leah Kelly and Owen Elding, with Niall Corbett, CEO Avant Money

The company is thrilled to extend the partnership considering the importance of the role the football club plays for the people of the north-west.

Avant Money has also formed a major part of the growth of the women’s Premier Division side, coming on board as primary sponsor since the birth of the side two years ago to add to their contribution to Rovers.

While many clubs have adopted a one-year cycle to jersey changes, the Bit O’ Red and the our sponsors continue to prioritise value for money to loyal supporters who have purchased the jersey.

Considering this, Sligo Rovers, Avant Money and JOMA Sport have agreed to continue with the current Bit O’ Red home jersey for the 2024 season.

The announcement was made by Sligo Rovers CEO Andrew Feakins and Avant Money’s CEO, Niall Corbett at the Showgrounds in Sligo.

Bit O’ Red chairman Tommy Higgins and Niall Corbett, CEO Avant Money, with the Rovers players

Niall Corbett, Avant Money CEO, said: “The extended partnership marks another significant milestone for both Avant Money and Sligo Rovers, and provides participating teams with a great opportunity to prepare for the very competitive league of Ireland that gets under way later this week.

“Supporting talent at a local club and county is immensely important to Avant Money. We understand the pride and passion from players and supporters, which is why we are proud sponsors of the club. We wish the team every success this Friday when they play against Bohemians, and throughout the 2024 league campaign. I know that many of our members, employees and customers are looking forward to a great season ahead.”

“We are delighted that Avant Money will be extending its partnership as main sponsor for Sligo Rovers”, said CEO, Andrew Feakins.

“I would like to express our gratitude to Avant Money’s commitment to the club and its players and am very much looking forward to the opportunities working together brings about as we kick-off the new league season.”

Bonnie McKiernan signs for 2024

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Bonnie McKiernan has re-signed for the 2024 season.

The Cavan native returns for her second season with the Bit O’Red. Last season, Bonnie arrived from Athlone Town, and It wasn’t long before she became a regular in the first team, starting a total of 19 times throughout the season.

On signing back, the ATU Sligo student said: ‘I’m really happy to be back with Sligo for another year; I loved last season and feel like I learned so much after Steve gave me a chance to play. I’m really looking forward to this season and think it will be a huge year for us.”

Tommy Hewitt added: ‘Bonnie is a player I know well from my time with Athlone, I know what she brings and I’m not surprised that it didn’t take her long to become a first team regular. I will be looking to her to help us push on this season.’

Bonnie becomes the 17th member of Tommy Hewitt’s squad for 2024:
Caoimhe O’Reilly
Bonnie McKiernan
Amber Hardy
Leah Kelly
Yvonne Hedigan
Kelsey Munroe
Keeva Flynn
Emma Hansberry
Kelly Crompton
Muireann Devaney
Emma Doherty
Amy Roddy
Kerri Pixie O’Hara
Sarah Kiernan
Ciara Henry
Alice Lille
Zoe McGlynn

Zoe McGlynn signs for 2024

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that midfielder Zoe McGlynn has signed for the Bit O’Red ahead of the 2024 League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division season.

The 25-year-old joins from Sion Swifts in the NIFL where she has impressed alongside her Bit O’Red team-mate Kelly Crompton. McGlynn is the fifth new signing alongside Crompton, Muireann Devaney, Kelsey Munroe and Yvonne Hedigan.

McGlynn, who is from Raphoe in Donegal, started her career with Raphoe where she played for the boys’ team before signing for Lagan Harps. At the age of 16, McGlynn signed for Sion Swifts and was also involved in Republic of Ireland Under 17 and Under 19 squads. The Donegal native also featured for the Irish College’s team, and enjoyed four years playing college football in the United States.

She told sligorovers.com: “Sligo approached me last season but I made the decision to stay at Sion Swifts for another season. Tommy then got in contact with me at the end of the season there and we had a few chats. 

“I had a few other offers but decided going with Sligo was the right move for me and Tommy made the decision a little easier by the conversations we had as I liked his ideas and plan he had for the team.

“I played most my earlier years of football in Donegal before I started playing senior football around the age of 16 with Sion Swifts in the NIFL so I think that senior level experience carries with me. 

“I’ve been involved in many cups and big games with Sion so the aspiration to do well and achieve team goals has always been in me. “I went to University in the States where I played D1 football with CCSU and won three conferences with them and reached the NCAA where I think I learned a lot on the field playing top quality oppositions. I’ve been involved in u17s and u19s Ireland squads too so I enjoy being around that professionalism.”

Alongside Kelly Crompton, McGlynn is already familiar with a few of her team-mates having come across them over the years.McGlynn is the latest in a string of high profile signings to be announced this pre-season, and now she can’t wait to get cracking.

“I think I can bring high intensity and experience. I love being involved in the game as much as possible. I’m hoping to get on the assist and score sheet as much as possible to help the team improve from where they were last season

“When talking with Tommy he would have mentioned a few of the girls that were signed or signing and it seemed like he has been adding top players who are going to help improve the team and help them progress in this league

“I’m really looking forward to working with Tommy and the rest of the coaching staff, and getting going with the girls and seeing how much we can improve from the previous seasons. 

“I’m excited for the new challenge that comes with moving to a new team and into a different league.”

Ciara Henry signs for 2024

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Ciara Henry has re-signed for the 2024 season.

The ATU Sligo scholarship recipient is back for her third season with the senior squad having come through the Academy.

The Tubbercurry native joined the club in 2018, progressing from the U-17 and U-19 squads to the senior team.

Speaking with sligorovers.com, Ciara said: ‘I’m delighted to be re-signing for Sligo Rovers for the 2024 season. I’m looking forward to working with Tommy, his team and all the girls to build on what we’ve created here over the last two years, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve this season.”

Tommy Hewwit, on Ciara’s signing, said: ‘It’s great to have Ciara back on board, she is improving season on season and you can see how much it means to her to play for her hometown club.’

Ollie Denham joins on loan from Cardiff City

Central Defender Ollie Denham has joined the club on loan from Championship side Cardiff City. The 21 year old started his career with Manchester United before joining Cardiff City where he went on to make a number of Championship appearances. The defender joins on loan until 30 June 2024

John Russell:
“We have Ollie on loan until the summer and he comes with a high pedigree. He has played a number of games in the Championship and has a lot of qualities. It is a really good opportunity for Ollie to play senior football and push on in a competitive league. I am really looking forward to working with Ollie and feel he can show his quality while he is here”


Season Tickets
https://srfcdirect.com/season-tickets-2024/

Match Tickets 
https://srfcdirect.com/match-tickets/

Charlie Wiggett joins The Rovers

Sligo Rovers are pleased to announce the signing of Charlie Wiggett who joins from Newcastle United. The 21 year old Centre Back had spells with Chelsea before joining Newcastle United where he made his first team debut under Eddie Howe last year. The Reading native joins the club for the 2024 season.
John Russell:
“Charlie is a really good prospect, he was at the academy at Chelsea before moving to Newcastle.

“I am excited to bring him to the club. He has a bit of everything, he can play out from the back, he’s  aggressive, and he is very good at set plays. He is at the stage of his career where he needs first team football and we’re pleased to have him with us for the coming season”
The club would like to thank everyone who has purchased their 2024 Season Tickets. Our first home three games are now on sale and we are expecting strong demand so supporters are encouraged to secure tickets should they wish to attend.

Preseason friendly v Waterford now behind Closed Doors

Our men’s fourth preseason game scheduled for tomorrow Saturday 3rd February in Dublin will now be played behind closed doors.

The club has previously received advice from the venue that spectators would be allowed attend. However due to lack of appropriate medical and stewarding staff we have been advised the game will now be closed to the public.

Keeva Flynn signs for 2024

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Keeva Flynn has re-signed for the 2024 season.

Last season, Keeva became the youngest player (15 years 234 days) to play for Rovers when she made her debut away to Cliftonville.

Her impressive form at academy and senior levels has seen her called up to Irish international squads. Her most recent call-up was just last week when she played for the Ireland U-17 side that beat South Korea and Portugal in two friendlies.

Speaking on signing with the senior squad, Keeva said: ‘I am delighted to be signing for Sligo Rovers senior team for the 2024 season. It’ll be an exciting year coming off the back of the work done last season, and I can’t wait to get going with Tommy and the girls and look to build on my debut season last year.”

Tommy Hewitt said, “Keeva has huge potential, and I am excited to work and help with her development this season. She is a very talented young player with a fantastic future ahead of her.”

Alice Lillie signs for 2024

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Alice Lillie has re-signed for the 2024 season.

The Ballinafad native came through our academy over the last three seasons and made her Senior debut in 2022. The talented defender arrived at The Showgrounds following spells at local clubs Strand Celtic and Arrow Harps.

Alice’s fine performances have seen her involved with The Republic of Ireland underage squads over the last couple of seasons.

Speaking with Sligorovers.com, Alice said: ‘I am delighted to be re-signing with Sligo Rovers for the 2024 season. I’m really looking forward to working with Tommy and his team. I really enjoyed playing last season, and I learned a lot and developed as a player. Hopefully, we can build on the past two seasons and push on this year and be successful.”

Tommy Hewitt, speaking on Alice signing back, said: “Alice is a very talented and intelligent player. She was one of the young players that really impressed last season and can go on to achieve great things with us over the next few years.”

Edward McGinty Returns to Sligo Rovers

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce the return of goalkeeper Edward McGinty to the club. The 24-year-old shot-stopper is back at The Showgrounds after a spell with League One side Oxford United. He joins on loan from Oxford United until the end of June.

McGinty, a product of the Sligo Rovers academy, established himself as a key player in the years prior to his departure. His last game for the club was in the penalty shootout win against Bala Town in European competition in 2022. A firm fan favourite he makes his return on the run up to the start of the new season which begins on 17th February.

John Russell: “It’s brilliant to get the deal done. Ed is a massive presence both on and off the pitch. He’s a quality goalkeeper as everyone knows, but he brings a lot more than that to the squad. I know there were a number of club in for him which is understandable given his quality, but he still has that desire to play for this club which is what makes him such a fans favourite”

“I know all our supporters will be looking forward to seeing him back in a Sligo Rovers shirt and we’re delighted to get the deal done.”

Keep an eye on our socials as will have an interview with Ed about his return later on today.

Anticipation for the season ahead is building. The club have today announced that tickets for the first home game of the season v Derry City on Saturday 24th February, will go on sale on 1st February. Demand is expected to be high for our return to the Showgrounds and supporters are encouraged to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment.