Author: Colin Feehily

Shamrock Rovers Match Programme

Tomorrow’s Match Programme is now available to buy online from just €2.50.

You’ll recieve your copy by email before the big game.

Tomorrow’s Programme information:

Match Sponsor: Lough Gill Brewery

Ball Sponsors: Flynns Corner Bar, Carrick-On-Shannon

After Match Reception:  Foleys Bar & Off Licence

Bumper 64 Pages for just €5

  • Notes From Our Chairman Tommy Higgins
  • Notes From Our Manager John Russell
  • Academy Review
  • Players Can Play A Big Part In Finding Improvement By Conall Collier
  • Abbey Utd. – Our guests at the game
  • Action Replay – Sligo Rovers v Derry City
  • 20 Questions with Luke McNicholas
  • Quiz
  • Sligo Rovers Pen Pics
  • Interview With Johan Brannefalk by Conall Collier
  • Celebrate Your Birthday With Sligo Rovers
  • David Cawley Poster 
  • Shamrock Rovers Player Profiles
  • Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers by Joe Molloy
  • Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers by Stephen McLaughlin
  • Match Programme Memory Check
  • Interview With Johnny Kenny by Conall Collier
  • Arrow Harps U16 Women’s Team
  • Lucky Envelope Winners and Sponsors
  • You Reds Photo Gallery
  • Results and Fixtures
  • Teams

Report: Rovers Women draw in Limerick

Six goals shared at the Market’s Field as hosts Treaty Utd and Sligo Rovers produced an exciting Women’s Premier Division (WPD) encounter, writes Conall Collier.

Two goals from Emma Doherty and one by Jodie Loughrey revived Sligo Rovers and countered first-half strikes for Treaty by Cara Griffin, Hayley Walsh and Kiara Kilbey as the players delivered some exciting end-to-end action.

There was a water break midway through each half as the players coped with the sweltering conditions.

Sligo Rovers had conceded six without reply against champions Shelbourne a fortnight ago while last weekend Athlone Town got the better of Treaty by 7-0.

Against that background, both managers will be able to take positives out of the game, but will also be well aware that lots of improvement will be required if either team is to make any impact in the forthcoming All-Island competition or start an upward trajectory in the WPD.

Treaty sprinted out of the traps and had a goal on the scoreboard inside 90 seconds when Cara Griffin finished confidently to the net.

As the Bit O’Red tried to settle into the game, a defensive lapse gifted Hayley Walsh her second goal of the season when her speculative effort from distance gave Bonnie McKiernan no chance to make it 2-0.

However, as the players maintained a high-tempo, Emma Doherty headed Sligo Rovers back into contention midway through the half after Casey Howe had squandered a couple of earlier opportunities.

Treaty still posed a threat going forward against a disjointed Sligo Rovers side and the Limerick women created numerous chances without any reward until the 43rd minute when Kiara Kilbey ‘s goal gave her side a 3-1 interval lead.

Facing an uphill task in the second-half, Sligo Rovers got back into contention in the 54th minute when Emma Doherty did the spadework and Jodie Loughrey finished the job with a header to the net.

Almost immediately, Treaty had a chance when Kilbey ran on to a long clearance from goalkeeper Ann Marie Ulliac who flashed her effort wide of the target.

To their credit, Sligo Rovers countered and Casey Howe shaved the outside of the Treaty post in the 64th minute.

Some 60 seconds later the sides were level when Emma Doherty produced a good finish.

Both sides had chances subsequently with Sligo Rovers in the ascendancy although they always looked vulnerable at the back.

Overall, a draw was probably a fair result, but Treaty will be disappointed to have surrendered that two-goal interval advantage.

Treaty Utd – Ann Marie Ulliac; Grace McInerney, Chloe Hennigan, Alanna Mitchell, Jessica Heffernan, Katie Lawlee, Emma Costelloe, Aoife Mulkerrin, Kiara Kilbey, Hayley Walsh, Cara Griffin.

Subs – Kelsey Wing for Mitchell 30 mins, Esra Kangel for Walsh 80m, Michaela Cumes for Lawlee 85m

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie, Sarah Kiernan, Keela Scanlon, Orna O’Dowd, Emma Hansberry, Jodie Loughrey, Ciara Henry, Keri Loughrey, Emma Doherty, Casey Howe.

Subs – Aoife Brennan for Henry 57 mins, Leah Kelly for Lillie and Kate Nugent for O’Dowd both 66m, Helen Monaghan for K Loughrey 83m.

Referee – Daryl Carolan

Report: Rovers defeated in Dalymount Park

The Bit O’ Red faced Bohemians at Dalymount Park on Friday night in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division.

Manager John Russell was forced into two changes to his starting eleven with central defenders John Mahon and Nando Pijnaker missing out through suspension and injury respectively.

Eanna Clancy returned to the side and Johan Brannefalk started at right back, with Niall Morahan starting an centre back.

Clancy’s night got off to the worst possible start as he went down on just five minutes and signalled to the Rovers’ bench that he had to come off with a hamstring injury. Daniel Lafferty came on in his place.

It didn’t get any better for Rovers as Greg Bolger blocked a Krystian Nowak shot on 25 minutes and immediately fell to the ground in pain. After receiving treatment, Bolger tried to play on but he couldn’t and was replaced by Lukas Browning.

Minutes later, the hosts were in front. Rovers had a free-kick on the left which was headed away by the home defence. James Akintunde picked up possession in midfield and found Kris Twardek on the left. Twardek played the ball into the area and found midfielder James Clarke who took a touch and squeezed it past Luke McNicholas from a tight angle.

There were little or no chances for either side in the first half and the goal was a sucker punch for Rovers and John Russell.

The Bit O’ Red came out for the second half looking to get back into the game.

The first chance came as Johan Brannefalk latched onto David Cawley’s quick free kick down the right and his low cross was cleared off the line by Nowak and out for a corner. Lukas Browning had a strike from the edge of the area moments later but his shot was blocked behind for another corner.

On 68 minutes, the hosts got their second. Twardek ran down the left and played the ball to Ali Coote at the back post. Coote found substitute Declan McDaid and he slotted it home on the turn to double their lead.

Again, Rovers tried as they could to get back into the game and had our two best chances as Max Mata and Cawley both went close with headers from around 8 yards.

It wasn’t to be for Rovers as injuries took their tole yet again but it’s a quick turnaround now as Shamrock Rovers visit The Showgrounds on Monday at 6pm.

FAI Cup draws take place on Tuesday

The draw for the First Round of the Sports Direct FAI Women’s Cup and FAI Men’s Cup will take place on Tuesday afternoon, June 6th at FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown.

The Women’s draw takes place at 12.35pm and the Men’s draw will take place shortly afterwards at 12.55pm.

The draws will be live streamed on the FAI’s social media platforms from 12.30pm, when the event begins.

Further details including dates and times for the fixtures drawn will be available after the draw is made.


It will be ten years since our last FAI Cup triumph at The Aviva Stadium this November, when we defeated Drogheda United 3-2 in a dramatic final with two goals from Danny North and an Anthony Elding stoppage time winner.

Match Preview: Rovers Women take on Treaty United

Sligo Rovers travel to Limerick to tackle Treaty United in the Women’s Premier Division after the benefit of resting last weekend as the odd team of 11 in this season’s competition, writes Conall Collier.

With the bottom four facing each other, bottom-of-the-table Cork City host eighth-placed DLR Waves, the results of both games will have a huge impact on final placings as the WPD passes the mid-point of the season.

Sligo Rovers will aim to improve on two draws at the Market’s Field last season, but Steve Feeney’s side will go into this test as the underdog after a disappointing defeat (1-2) against Treaty earlier in the season at the Showgrounds.

That mid-April encounter saw the Bit O’Red surrender an interval lead from Emma Doherty’s 43rd minute goal with Cara Griffin levelling in the 62nd minute and then substitute Hannah Saidi hit an 82nd minute winner for Treaty.

Both teams go into this encounter on the back of heavy defeats last time.

Sligo Rovers conceded six without reply against champions Shelbourne a fortnight ago while last weekend Athlone Town got the better of the LImerick side by 7-0.

That suggests that this might be a high-scoring encounter, but both teams have struggled to hit the target this season.

The Treaty women have managed five goals in 11 outings and failed to find the net in eight of those encounters.

Sligo Rovers have scored seven goals in 10 outings, but failed to register a score in four of those games.

Both teams have managed one clean sheet so far, Treaty in a scoreless draw at home to DLR Waves while the Bit O’Red picked up a 2-0 away win against Cork City three weeks ago.

The Treaty players were within 60 seconds of a 2-1 victory against Wexford a fortnight ago, but conceded a 90th minute equaliser.

The formbook suggests both teams are struggling for consistency and that will be the key to this encounter that is likely to be a fast-paced contest.

Preview: Rovers take on Bohemians in Men’s Premier Division

Sligo Rovers are back in action tonight against Bohemian FC at Dalymount Park.

The game kicks off at 7.45pm and is broadcast live on LOI TV.

Rovers come into the game on the back of a 1-0 win over table toppers Derry City at The Showgrounds on Saturday while the hosts, Bohs drew nil-all at home to fellow Dubliners Shelbourne on Friday night last.

Bit O’ Red boss John Russell is looking forward to the game:

‘’We’re all set for a massive game tonight against Bohemians.

‘’The players have trained really well this week, and everyone is fully focused on building on the Derry performance and result’’.

Sligo Rovers supporters wishing to attend the game are asked to purchase tickets online in advance of travelling this evening.

Supporters will be situated in the new Mono Stand at Dalymount Park, with the entrance via Connaught Street.

Tickets are available here: https://away.bohemians-tickets.com/85ee3b48-a92f-4666-b989-c4e4c4086e38/index.html

Russell expects a tight game in front of another large travelling support:

‘’Bohemians are a tough opponent. Our previous meeting was a tight affair, and a set play was the difference on the night.

‘’We know we’re down a few bodies through injury and suspension but there is a lot of belief in this group.

‘’We’re expecting another big following on Friday night so hopefully we can deliver a top performance’’.

In team news, Garry Buckley continues to progress and is back in training and stepping up his recovery from his ACL injury. Mark Byrne is a couple of weeks behind him but is also progressing well.

Gary Boylan, Karl O’ Sullivan, James Finnerty, Fabrice Hartmann and Conor Walsh are definitely out.

Greg Bolger will face a late fitness test as well as defender Nando Pijnaker but Eanna Clancy is available again.

John Mahon serves a one-game suspension after his red card against Derry City.

Women’s All-Island Cup dates announced

Our Women’s team will take part in the first ever Women’s All-Island Cup which will comprise of teams North and South of the border taking part in the exciting new cup competition.

Rovers have been drawn in Group B along with Derry City, Cliftonville and Bohemians.

The opening game takes place on Saturday, June 17th at 5pm at The Showgrounds against Bohemians.

Rovers then face two away games against Derry City on Saturday June 24th at 3pm and a first ever game at Solitude in Belfast against Cliftonville at 5.30pm on July 1st.

The group winners will all progress to the semi-finals of the competition.

Half-Season Tickets now on sale

Sligo Rovers are releasing half-season tickets for the remainder of the season which will give supporters the best value option to follow the Bit O’ Red for the rest of 2023.

With nine home games remaining, supporters can avail of the half season-ticket now which will also include access to Monday’s game against Shamrock Rovers.

As one of the only remaining fan-owned clubs in the Men’s Premier Division, the club depends on the support from within the North-West region and we are grateful to all our current season holders who have made it a record season for season ticket sales in 2023, with over 1100 purchased to date.

Adults can purchase their half-season tickets now for €130, meaning a saving of €30 between now and the end of the season.

Senior Citizens, Third Level and Second Level Students and Concession tickets are available for just €80, saving people in those categories €20.

Super Reds tickets are available for just €30, making a saving of €15 per Super Red over the course of the season.

Tickets are available now at The Showgrounds office, Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm or online via the link below:

https://srfcdirect.com/season-tickets-2023/

Tickets bought between now and Monday will be available for collection at the front window at The Showgrounds in the build up to the game against Shamrock Rovers.

Season Ticket holders will also be eligble for any possible priority windows for FAI Cup match tickets this season.

Academy Weekend Preview: June 3rd

It’s a quiet Bank Holiday weekend for our Academy with only our Under 14 side in action on Saturday afternoon at The Sean Fallon Centre.

The lads face Longford Town away from home at 12 Noon in the group stages of the Eddie Wallace Cup.

Last weekend saw Colm Jinks’ side win their opening game against Finn Harps at home.

This game will be the final game for our Academy before the mid-season break.

We wish all our players the best of luck in their upcoming exams which start next week.

David Cawley granted Testimonial in August

Sligo Rovers can announce that Club Captain David Cawley will be granted a Testimonial game this August, having spent ten seasons at the Club.

Cawley, from Ballina in Mayo, first signed for the Bit O’ Red before the 2012 League winning campaign where he made 29 appearances in his debut season and has made a total of 296 appearances so far.

The midfielder has won a League Title, an FAI Cup, Setanta Sports Cup and helped guide the club through two rounds of Europa Conference League Qualification in 2022, captaining the team for historic wins over Bala Town and Motherwell as well as the third round tie against Viking FK, where he became the first ever Sligo Rovers to scored in a third round European fixture.

The testimonial will comprise of David’s ex Bit O’ Red team-mates who will take on the current 2023 squad on Saturday, August 12th at The Showgrounds (kick-off TBC).

Ticket information and further details, as well as David’s squad announcement will be available soon.