The club is aware that many supporters have been left disappointed by not having secured a ticket to our upcoming Europa Conference League game with Viking FK at The Showgrounds.

Last Thursday night saw one of the most famous nights in the club’s history with a 2-0 win over Motherwell securing our place in the third Qualifying Round, and the demand for tickets for the game has been astronomical.

The Showgrounds did not then meet UEFA standards for hosting the third round at home in Sligo, therefore it looked like the game would be moved to Tallaght Stadium in Dublin, however, with extensive work a derogation was sought from UEFA in the weeks leading up to this stage should the team qualify for the Third Round, with the help of The FAI, which was accepted on Friday meaning the club could hold the game at home in Sligo.

With that, there are many stipulations such as media and visiting team minimum numbers that must be catered for, slightly reducing capacity.

Again, the club looked into the feasibility of erecting a temporary stand but this was not possible.

Many Season Ticket Holders and 500 Club Members and Club Members (of which there are up to 1,800) availed of a priority window on Saturday throughout the day.

All remaining tickets were sold at our FAI Cup game against Wexford on Sunday.

It has come to our attention that there are some people who may not have qualified as Season Ticket holders or members who managed to obtain tickets. For this we apologise and take responsibility for any shortcomings.

The pressure on our officials and staff at the club have been huge in the last weeks and as always, as a club we do our very best to maintain the high standards required as a club running at the levels we do with over 160 players and eight teams competing at their respective age groups. There is a tiny staff and large volunteer base which help run the club to the best of our abilities in everything we do.

The club will reflect and learn on any mistakes made and ensure in the future things are improved on.

In hindsight, perhaps a longer priority window would have helped ease the pressure on supporters to come to the stadium on Saturday and the introduction better online tickets claim system.

We will monitor how Viking FK away ticket sales are going right up until Thursday week in the hope that some may be returned.

We wish to thank everyone for their support and apologise to those who were unable to secure their ticket.