Sligo Rovers take on Bohemians tomorrow evening at The Showgrounds and our Match Programme is jammed with Bit O’ Red content for you to read over the weekend.

Our Match is sponsored by Rogers Topline, Ballymote and our friends from Thomas Connolly Sligo are the Match Ball sponsor. Thanks to all involved for their support.

There are 52 pages in this week’s edition of the Match Programme which starts with our usual notes from Tommy Higgins, Club Chairman and Rovers’ Manager John Russell.

We have Club Lotto news as our biggest ever Jackpot was won last week, a Jackpot of €18,800.

There are articles from Jim Gray who speaks to Head of Academy Conor O’ Grady and Conall Collier speaks about the International Break in the League of Ireland as well as his chat with Rovers’ player Karl O’ Sullivan.

With April now upon us, that means our Sligo Rovers 50KM Challenge has begun, with supporters all over the world participating in the Challenge across the month, and in turn raising some funds towards the running of the club. You can sign up now at www.50kmchallenge.ie

There is a FREE pull-out poster of Rovers’ midfielder Niall Morahan and we take a closer look at both squads ahead of the big game.

Stephen McLaughlin speaks about our opponents and the League of Ireland in general and Joe Molloy looks back at historic moments in this fixture.

Associate Sponsors of the club are listed in our Associate Sponsor section and Kailin Barlow answers 20 Questions to let supporters know a little more about him.

St. Johns FC are our special guests on the night and we have a small piece about the club who take part in the Sligo/Leitrim Youth League.

We remember Michael Mooney who dedicated so much time and effort to our club in his lifetime, a true Sligo Rovers great.

There are photos from last week’s Women’s game against Peamount and an Academy review as well as the 2023 fixtures/results and our usual Bit O’ Red Quiz.

Programmes are on sale inside the turnstiles from 6.30pm and you can buy yours online now at https://srfcdirect.com/programmes/

Our 50KM Challenge is just about to begin on Saturday and we have been thrilled with the response to date.

Over 130 Bit O’ Red Beanie’s are with participants as they gear up for the big kick-off this weekend.

With most people completing their 50KM Challenge by Walking, Running or Cycling, one supporter has joined the Challenge on horseback.

Introducing Eileen Higgins from Rosses Point with her horse, Smokey who are taking part in the Challenge together, hoping to reach 50KM by the end of April.

You can sign up now at www.50kmchallenge.ie to register yourself for the Challenge and to receive your FREE beanie hat.

You can donate to Eileen and Smokey’s donation page here:

https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/FlynnSmokey

Sligo Rovers Academy had four games over the weekend with all our male teams in action between Saturday and Sunday.

Our Under 17 & 19 Womens teams had no fixtures as it was an International Window.

On Saturday, our Under 17 Men’s team travelled to take on Athlone Town in Athlone Town Stadium at 12 Noon.

Anthony Elding’s side were narrowly beaten 2-1 in a tight game with both teams playing some good football. Conor Cannon scored Rovers’ goal.

It was a tough day in Dublin for Colm Jinks’ Under 14 side who were beaten 6-0 by St. Patrick’s Athletic. The Dubliners were impressive and it will prove as a good learning curve for this young side.

Sunday morning saw our Under 15’s host Longford Town at The Sean Fallon Centre at 11am. The side ran out 3-2 winners thanks to goals from Daire O’ Connor, Oran Murphy and Sean Casey on a beautiful morning for football.

Later on Sunday, our Under 19 Men’s team drew 3-3 with Bohemians in a highly entertaining contest.

There was a first club goal for Rasheed Yeboah and one each from Luke Mavrak and Bridel Bosakani to ensure the points were shared.

Sligo Rovers 50KM Challenge has been growing this week since its launch on Wednesday.

There are now around 130 people signed up to participate in the Challenge, which starts official from April 1st with people hoping to reach their target of 50KM by walking, running, cycling or however they wish to make their target.

In just four days, a total of almost €10,000 has been raised, a magnificent return in just a few days.

Supporters who register can receive a FREE beanie hat to wear throughout the challenge, the first 100 people should receive theirs this week.

To sign up, you can visit www.50kmchallenge.ie and follow the simple steps.

This is an important fundraiser for the club and it also helps supporters get out and about and keep active which will help with both their physical and mental health.

We can’t wait to see you all on your Challenge this April.

Sligo Rovers slumped to a Women’s Premier Division defeat at The Showgrounds on Saturday evening against a spirited and gutsy Treaty United side that claimed the points with a 2-1 victory, writes Conall Collier.

Treaty super-sub Hannah Saidi hit a sensational 82nd minute winner as the Limerick side recovered from an interval deficit and got back on terms through Cara Griffin in the 62nd minute.

The victory was thoroughly deserved as Treaty dominated for most of the game after a tentative opening period.

Treaty United played well in the first-half, but Sligo Rovers scored the all-important goal in the 43rd minute to take that interval lead to the dressing room.

Casey Howe did the spadework and last season’s top scorer Emma Doherty capitalised on a favourable bounce outside the Treaty penalty area to send an opportunist strike past Ann-Marie Ulliac with the aid of a deflection.

Claire Winter then had two chances in the space of a minute around the half-hour mark, but failed to find the net.

However, Kilbey found the net soon after but the goal was ruled out by referee Mark Houlihan and the official also ignored claims for a Treaty penalty in the 37th minute.

Treaty resumed smartly after the break and after Griffin’s equaliser, Claire Winter was denied by the woodwork and Bit O’Red ‘keeper Amy Mahon made a couple of smart saves.

 Treaty’s spirit was rewarded when Saidi hit that priceless goal for a first win of the season for a team that didn’t win in 27 League outings last season.

Sligo Rovers – Amy Mahon; Helen Monaghan, Sarah Kiernan, Keela Scanlon, Orna O’Dowd, Leah Kelly, Emma Hansberry, Lauren Boles, Kerri Loughrey, Emma Doherty, Casey Howe. 

Subs – Fiona Doherty for Hansberry 58 mins, Kate Nugent for O’Dowd and Kerri O’Hara for Monaghan both 75m.

Treaty Utd – Ann-Marie Ulliac; Grace McInerney, Alannah Mitchell, Cooper Lee Lane, Chloe Hennigan, Ciara McCormack, Emma Costelloe, Claire Winter, Kiara Kilbey, Cara Griffin, Hayley Walsh. 

Subs – Jacqueline Julie Altrogge for McCormack half-time, Naoise Griffin for Walsh 61 mins, Hannah Saidi for Kilbey 73m, Ruth McDonnell for C Griffin 84m.

Referee – Mark Houlihan.

Our 500 Club Draw for March has now been made with ten members picking up cash prizes in the latest monthly draw.

Each month, over 700 people contribute to The Bit O Red in the 500 Club which continues to grow and remains one of our most vital fundraisers.

For just around €5 per week/€20 per month you can join in and be part of this and become a member of the club after a period of time.

The winner of the top prize of €500 for March was Michael McTiernan from Oakfield Crescent in Sligo. A huge congratulations to Michael. Draw results for January and February are also available below with Kieron McDermott of Knocknahur and Steven McGloin of Drumcondra in Dublin picking up their cheques for €500.

FULL RESULTS:

March:

• 1^st: Michael McTiernan, Oakfield Crescent, Sligo – €500
• 2^nd: Michael Carty, Lisadell, Ballinful, Sligo – €100
• 3^rd: Ian Rooney, Oakfield Park, Sligo – €100
• 4^th: Damien Tansey, Embankment, Sligo – €100
• 5^th: Paul Waldron, Ballindine, Sligo – €100
• 6^th: Mark Cahill, Rathgar, Dublin – €100
• 7^th: Pat Devaney, Calry, Sligo – €100
• 8^th: Allan Chapman, Goatstown, Dublin – €100
• 9^th: Grace Leonard, Blackrock, Dublin – €100
• 10^th: Eddie Sheehan, Rathcormac, Sligo – €100

February:

• 1^st: Steven McGloin, Drumcondra, Dublin – €500
• 2^nd: Cathal Stevenson, Knocknahur, Sligo – €100
• 3^rd: Damien Sherlock, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath – €100
• 4^th: Martin Carr, Ballina, Co. Mayo – €100
• 5^th: Peter Nairn, Connolly St, Sligo – €100
• 6^th: Andrew Dodd Jr., Calry, Sligo- €100
• 7^th: Patricia Harte, Carton, Sligo – €100
• 8^th: Simon Martyn, Ballinteer, Dublin – €100
• 9^th: Bertie Davey, Carraroe, Sligo – €100
• 10^th: Ollie Dunphy, Knappagh Road, Sligo – €100

January:

• 1^st: Kieron McDermott, Knocknahur, Sligo – €500
• 2^nd: Jim Gray, Cartron, Sligo – €100
• 3^rd: Conal Collier, Navan, Co. Meath – €100
• 4^th: Michael Casserly, Carraroe, Sligo – €100
• 5^th: Rory Houston, Sandyford, Dublin – €100
• 6^th: Michael Cox, Strandhill Road, Sligo – €100
• 7^th: Seamus Cummins, Oakfield, Sligo – €100
• 8^th: Robert Fitzpatrick, Rosses Point, Sligo – €100
• 9^th: Gerry Gilbride, Ballydoogan, Sligo – €100
• 10^th: Ian Duggan, Kevinsfort, Sligo – €100

Congratulations to all our supporters who won prizes over the last few months. The next draw takes place towards the end of April.

You can sign up for the 500 Club now by emailing michaelclancy04@gmail.com to find out more information or you can pay up front for a full year online at https://srfcdirect.com/fundraising/500-club/

Sligo Rovers Academy teams are in action again this coming weekend with four games taking place on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, our Under 17 Men’s team take on Athlone Town away from home at 12 Noon at Athlone Town Stadium. The side come into the game on the back of a win over Shamrock Rovers at home last Saturday.

Our Under 14 side take on St. Patrick’s Athletic at 2pm in Blanchardstown. Colm Jinks’ side had no game last weekend and have won two out of their opening three fixtures.

Sunday sees an early start for our Under 15 side who host Longford Town at 11am at The Sean Fallon Centre. The lads had a weekend off last week and with a couple of weeks training under their belts, they are looking forward to this latest fixture.

Declan Boyle’s Under 19 Men’s team host Bohemians at 3pm at the same venue. Last Sunday, the side drew 1-1 away to Derry City.

Admission to all home games is free of charge and all support is welcome.

Two teams with identical Women’s Premier Division records will face-off at The Showgrounds on Saturday evening when Sligo Rovers host Limerick side Treaty United with victory very much on the radar of both managers, Steve Feeney and Alban Hysa.

Three defeats in three outings for each side so far and no points on the board, but it’s still early days in the 2023 campaign and both teams will find some improvement on last weekend’s performances.
 
For almost an hour, Sligo Rovers went toe-to-toe with high-flying Peamount at The Showgrounds last weekend before the Dublin side forged ahead with a two-goal salvo in as many minutes on the way to victory.

Treaty United also lost at home last weekend when they slumped to a heavy defeat against equally high-flying Athlone Town at Market’s Field.

Consequently, both teams will be on recovery missions on Saturday evening.

The form book will suggest that, with the benefit of home advantage, the Bit O’Red can take the points.

However, the football form book can be unpredictable and that won’t be lost on Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney who will, no doubt, remind his players that on the last occasion that Treaty visited, his side had to work hard to earn a draw.

Sligo Rovers also had a scoreless draw last May at Market’s Field and those two results will give Treaty reason for optimism. Alannah Mitchell, Cara Griffin and Emma Costelloe all featured last weekend for Treaty and also last season against the Bit O’Red.

The Limerick side now has Alban Hysa in charge and while he will be disappointed with results in the opening three games, he will be taking a positive approach on his first visit to the Showgrounds in his capacity as manager.

On the plus side for Treaty is the fact that all the pressure will be on the hosts who will be expected to record a victory and that statistic in itself can be hugely motivational for the Munster side.

TEAMS LAST WEEKEND

Sligo Rovers – Sligo Rovers – Amy Mahon; Alice Lillie, Keela Scanlon, Orna O’Dowd, Sarah Kiernan, Leah Kelly, Lauren Boles, Emma Hansberry, Jodie Loughrey, Casey Howe, Emma Doherty. Subs – Keri Loughrey for Kelly, Kerri O’Hara for O’Dowd, Aoife Brennan for Doherty, Katie Melly for Howe, Aife Haran for Scanlon.

Treaty Utd – Anne-Marie Ulliac; Grace McInerney, Alannah Mitchell, Jacqueline Reynaud, Kelsey Wing, Ruth McDonnell, Emma Costelloe, Claire Winter, Cooper Lee-Lane, Crara Griffin, Kiara Kilbey. Subs – Kate Lawlee for McDonnell, Hayley Walsh for Costelloe.

Bit O’ Red players Johan Brannefalk and Karl O’ Sullivan have both gone through a series of tests, X-Rays and scans to determine the extend of their injuries sustained in last Friday’s 1-1 draw against Derry City at The Brandywell.

The results of these tests have determined that both players have suffered extensive ankle ligament damage which will see them miss a number of our upcoming fixtures.

Both players will now see specialists to determine a more accurate recovery plan and they have already began their rehabilitation process at the club this week.

We send our best wishes to both players at this time.

Sligo Rovers will kick off the Sligo Rovers 50km Challenge Club Fundraiser which will see people from all over the world asked to sign up and join us to walk, run, cycle or wheel 50KM between now and the end of April while raising funds on behalf of the Bit O’ Red while improving their fitness level, getting out and about and being part of the club.

You can register your fundraising page on www.50kmchallenge.ie

Join the 50km Challenge

It’s completely up to the individual how fast you go, and what routes you take. All that matters is that you post the distances to your fundraising page.

Record your steps, post and share photos of your activity across our Social Media platforms Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & Tik Tok.  See how you fare out on the 50km Challenge leaderboard on the website in terms of steps taken and funds raised. Our dedicated Facebook page ‘Sligo Rovers 50KM Challenge’ will keep all participants updated throughout the Event.

All funds raised will go directly into the Club to support the Men’s and Women’s teams together with the six thriving teams in our renowned Academy. It will also support the planned development of a new state-of-the-art Stadium at The Showgrounds which will be for the benefit of everyone in the Bit O ’Red community.

Sligo Rovers has produced a beanie hat for the occasion as well and the first 500 registrants will receive a free Beanie.

HOW DO I TRACK MY STEPS? 

We encourage tracking your distances offline and then uploading screenshots to social media and updating your iDonate page after each activity. You can also sync your fitness trackers to the page and upload these automatically.

BE PART OF A GLOBAL EFFORT FOR SLIGO ROVERS FC

We will have challengers in far flung places such as San Francisco, Buenos Aires, London and New York so please let your friends and family overseas know they can join in as well. If you have a cousin in Cairo or a sister in Sydney let them know – everyone is welcome to participate. This will be a truly global event for our Club.

Sligo Rovers FC Chairman Tommy Higgins said:

“We are delighted to launch this event for Sligo Rovers Football Club. It promises to be a key and fun event in our Clubs fundraising calendar. We would like to acknowledge the support of our supporters and followers in Sligo and around the globe and indeed that of our local stakeholders, Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership, Health Service Executive, Health Promotions and Sligo’s Atlantic Technical University. There is such goodwill out there for our community owned club and every day we are a step closer to realising our state-of-the-art world class Stadium at the Showgrounds” Mr Higgins concluded.

Cara O’ Neill, HSE, Head of Health and Wellbeing:

“HSE Health and Wellbeing are delighted to partner with Sligo Rovers to encourage everyone to move more during the month of April. Whatever you’ll be amazed at how much better you will feel. Small changes can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing. By joining the Sligo Rovers April community walking programme, you are doing something positive to improve your health and wellbeing. This is a great opportunity to get out and get active and maybe encourage a friend to join you. The HSE will provide weekly healthy motivational messages throughout. So come on take your first steps to a healthier you.”

Sports Co-ordinator Deirdre Lavin said “At Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership we are delighted to support SRFC 50K Challenge as it contributes to the achievement of our core objective of getting people of all ages physically active. Walking is an ideal form of exercise regardless of fitness levels and I encourage everyone to take part in the challenge and enjoy being active in the outdoors either in your neighbourhood or on one of the many wonderful woodland or coastal walks on our doorstep in Sligo.”

Reasons for Involvement:

1. It fits with our objective of getting people active
2. Suits all ages and abilities
3. Able to be done in all geographical part of the County
4. Opportunity for people to join local community walking groups once challenge is over and enjoyed sustained physical activity
5. Potential for people to become more aware of the many walking trails in the County (sligowalks.ie)

Yvonne Roach, Healthy Campus Co-ordinator , Atlantic Technological University Sligo said:

“Healthy Campus at ATU Sligo is delighted to support the SRFC 50 Km Challenge. A key theme of a Healthy Campus is to encourage our campus population to be active, this is so important for our physical health but also for our mental health and wellbeing. Ms Roach added “Our campus population also like a challenge, so we will be encouraging everyone to get out there during April and raise loads of money for Sligo Rovers Football Club.”

On behalf of everyone at Sligo Rovers Football Club we would like to thank you for participating in the #50kmChallenge and wish you all the very best.

Come on Rovers!

Join the 50km Challenge