John Mahon has committed to Sligo Rovers having signed a new two year deal, the Bit O’Red are delighted to announce 

The extension of Mahon’s current deal comes as a further boost following yesterday’s news that winger Will Fitzgerald has also signed a new two year deal with the club. 

The latest agreement with Collooney native Mahon brings the number of bodies signed for next season to 13 . 

The 24-year-old defender made his senior debut in 2017 having signed from Ballisodare United and went on to become an established first team regular. 

A talented centre half, Mahon soon attracted interest from clubs both at home and in the UK and in 2022 signed for Scottish side St Johnstone. 

Mahon returned to the Showgrounds in 2023 where he once again held a regular place in the starting XI. 

His 2024 season was cruelly cut short before it began in January last year when he suffered an unfortunate achilles injury. 

Following a prolonged recovery period, Mahon returned to play in the recent friendly with Celtic before making his first competitive appearance almost one year to the day, when he was brought on from the bench against Galway at Eamonn Deacy Park last month. 

“It feels great to get the deal across the line”, Mahon says. 

“John (Russell) has shown huge faith in me in offering me a deal for next season and I want to repay that faith. 

“2024 was a tough year for me but I learned a lot about myself and what I want. I am keen to come back better than before.

“There were a few tough months where I wondered would I ever be the same player I was before the injury but I’m lucky to have such a great medical team to work with at Rovers.

“There were offers to go elsewhere at the end of last season but John told me straight away that he wanted to keep me and that was my mind made up. I love playing for the club, my club, so it was an easy decision.” 

Looking forward to 2025, Mahon continues: “I feel we can compete up near the top. 

“There was a huge buzz around Sligo when it came to Rovers last year and there’s no reason why we cannot kick on now into 2025 and beyond. 

“It’s been too long since we’ve had silverware at the Showgrounds and it’s time to realise that ambition once more.”

Manager Russell says he is hugely enthused by Mahon’s decision to re-sign and is looking forward to seeing how far the young defender can go next season. 

“I’m delighted John has agreed to extend his stay at the club”, he says .

“He is a top class defender who brings an aggression and a winning mentality to the team. I love his desire to make tackles and blocks, and keep the ball out of the net.

“He has worked extremely hard in the background to recover from his injury and I know he is very driven for next season. John has all the attributes to become the best centre back in the league so it’s exciting to see what he can do next season. 

“He understands the club having come up through the academy and I’m sure our supporters will be excited he’s back.”

David Goulden