Author: Colin Feehily

Match Preview: Rovers take on Drogheda United on Friday

Sligo Rovers are back in action tomorrow night as we travel to Head in The Game Park to take on Drogheda United at 7.45pm in The SSE Airtricity Premier Division.

Both sides had impressive results last weekend following a return to action from the mid-season break with Rovers defeating Finn Harps 3-0 at The Showgrounds and Drogheda earning a share of the spoils away to Derry City at The Ryan McBride Brandywell.

Aidan Keena bagged a brace to add to Karl O’ Sullivan’s goal in front of over 2,000 supporters last Saturday night and manager John Russell looks forward to tomorrow’s game:

‘’We were delighted to get the win last weekend. I felt our performance was good, especially in the first half. We reviewed the game during the week, and we know we can improve our play from the second half. The great thing about this group of players is their willingness to learn and their desire to keep getting better.

Drogheda will be another tough test on Friday evening. They’re on a good run of results and have a nice blend of youth and experience in their team. We know we must be at our best to get a result but we’re looking forward to the challenge. Our supporters always travel in numbers so we’re hoping for a big following on the night.

In team news, Rovers welcome back midfield duo Greg Bolger and Adam McDonnell to the squad following suspension while Garry Buckley continues to be monitored following his substitution at the weekend against Finn Harps. Nando Pijnaker is a doubt with illness. There are no other concerns for Rovers although Jordan Hamilton has departed the club today following his short spell at The Showgrounds.

New signing Frank Liivak is ineligible until the July transfer window opens.

The game is Live on LOI TV from 7.45pm and Ocean FM will have live commentary.

Jordan Hamilton departs Rovers

Sligo Rovers striker Jordan Hamilton has left the club today by mutual consent.

Hamilton signed for The Bit O’ Red in February ahead of the start of the 2022 SSE Airtricity League season.

The Canadian made his debut for Rovers against Dundalk back in March in a 0-0 draw at The Showgrounds.

His first start came against Drogheda United where he scored one and assisted another goal in an impressive 3-0 victory. He scored his second goal in a 1-1 home draw with Shamrock Rovers in April.

Hamilton has made 13 appearances so far this season and moves from the club with our best wishes for the future.

CEO Colin Feehily:

”We wish to thank Jordan for his efforts during his time here with us. Since arriving back in February Jordan has been a pleasure to deal with and we want to wish him well for the future.”

TICKET UPDATE – BALA AWAY

Our opponents, Bala Town have issued the following information for Sligo Rovers supporters wishing to attend our Europa Conference League Qualifier First Leg in Owestry on July 7th.

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The following information regards Ticket Sales for our UECL First Qualifying Round First Leg tie against Sligo Rovers

We would like to thank all supporters who declared their interest in attending the tie. However we would like to reiterate once more; declaring your interest does NOT guarantee you a ticket.

Tickets for all supporters who declared their interest will go on sale early evening on Thursday 23rd of June and will be on a ‘First come, first serve’ basis (keep an eye on all our social media platforms for a specific time)

Supporters are advised to create a ‘Ticketpass’ account at the following link before tickets go on sale – https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fticketpass.org%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7C859103d8ecbe45ca9de108da548b4015%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637915254286789973%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=eBUb%2FbwRob1QSXGxM8zUptfl2NqR6gknp3GRUW%2F%2Bxo4%3D&reserved=0

All supporters who declared their interest with their email will receive a code, which will allow you to purchase a ticket.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adults: £15

Concessions & Children: £7

Gold Hospitality (Ticket, Two Course Meal & Programme): £30

If any tickets remain following the first sale to supporters who declared their interest, then tickets will be placed on General Sale.

Again, we’d like to thank all supporters for their patience, and we look forward to the tie against Sligo Rovers.

Ends.

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There is an initial allocation of 300 for Sligo Rovers supporters. As per UEFA rules, clubs must give a minimum 5% to away supporters. We note this is above 5% of capacity so therefore we appreciate Bala’s allocation to us.

We will continue to monitor the situation over the coming days and see can the club secure a further allocation if tickets are available at a later date.

Please watch your email for those who submitted the requested expression of interest form.

There is strictly one ticket per account available due to the high demand.

Sligo Rovers have no control over ticketing for the away leg.

Bit O’ Red sign Frank Liivak from Levadia Tallinn

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce the signing of Estonian International Frank Liivak from Levadia Tallinn.

Liivak is John Russell’s first signing as club manager and comes into the squad from July 1st, when the summer transfer window opens. Liivak predominantly plays as an attacking midfielder.

Currently in season at his current club, Liivak has made 17 appearances so far in the Estonian Premier League with Levadia currently in second position, level on points with city rivals Flora Tallinn, whom the midfielder transferred from in 2021 after a successful three-year period at the club, scoring 27 goals in 91 appearances.

Liivak has 24 caps for the Estonian National team since making his debut in 2014 in addition to over 50 caps at underage level.

Bit O’ Red manager John Russell expressed his delight at the signing:

‘’I am delighted we have secured the signing of Frank. He is an Estonian International player who will bring a lot of quality and experience to our group. He has played in some big games for his country and has won numerous honours during his time in the Estonian League.

Frank is an exciting player who can operate in a few positions. He comes to us at a really good stage of his career. I know from my conversations with him that he is excited by this new challenge and I’m looking forward to working with him. I want to attract top players to Sligo Rovers, and I think the fans will enjoy watching Frank’’.

Liivak was due to be part of Levadia’s Champions League Qualifier last night against Icelandic team Vikingur Reykjavik but with his move to Rovers imminent, he was left out of the match day squad and will now be eligible for The Bit O’ Red’s upcoming Europa Conference League Qualifier with Bala Town.

Liivak:

‘’I am really excited to become a part of the Sligo Rovers family. I’m looking forward to making my first steps in front of the fans in The Showgrounds and help the team to achieve great things.’’

The Bit O’ Red are hopeful Frank will be available for selection in our next home league game against Shelbourne on Saturday July 2nd. He will link up with his Bit O’ Red team mates to begin training in the coming days.

Academy Weekend Review: June 21st

It was an action packed weekend for our Academy teams with all six sides in action on Saturday and Sunday.

First up, our Under 14 team drew 2-2 at home to Galway United. Goals from shay McMorrow and Jamie O’ Malley earning Alan Farry and Daryll Keaney’s side a draw.

Our Under 17 Men’s team were defeated 2-1 by Finn Harps away from home at 2pm on Saturday. Daire Patton’s goal wasn’t enough to earn a result for Rovers.

Our Under 17 Women’s team were narrowly beaten in Dublin by DLR waves by a goal to nil. The game took place in Marlay Park.

Sunday saw three further games take place with two away from home and one at The Sean Fallon Centre.

That game ended 2-1 to our Under 19 Men’s team thanks to two fine goals from Kailin Barlow and Eanna Clancy to beat UCD.

Darragh Healy’s Under 19 Women’s team had a big 1-0 win over Galway in the cup thanks to a goal from Eimear McIntyre.

Our under 15 side were heavily beaten by an impressive Derry City in Letterkenny.

Our Under 14’s are in Waterford this week to take part in a three day tournament. We face Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday before taking on Kerry a few hours later. Klub Kildare are the opposition on Wednesday and Thursday’s fixtures will be determined by how Tuesday and Wednesday go.

Check out all the latest news on our social media pages Sligo Rovers Academy or @sligoroversacad

Overstock continue as Women’s Under 19 Sponsors

Our Under 19 Women’s team continue to be sponsored by Overstock, who are located in Finisklin Business Park as a European Development Centre for the Tech-driven online retailer.

Overstock became front of shirt sponsors for our Under 19 Women’s team in early 2021, a season where the team reached a Shield Semi-Final. Since then, the team has developed and continues to feed players into our Senior Women’s team squad, who compete in The Women’s National League.

Manager Darragh Healy expressed his delight at the ongoing partnership:

‘’Overstock have been an important part of our team here as they continue to support us by being our Main Sponsor again this season. They are a large employer in the area and they also help out in the local community with supports like this.

It’s an important part of what we try and do here and to continue to develop the team and give them the most professional experience possible and the support of Overstock helps that’’.

Overstock have a pitch-side sign at The Showgrounds for the last number of seasons and David Kenny, VP of software development at the company says they are thrilled to be involved:

“We’re delighted to help foster the next generation of Sligo Rovers female players and to continue to partner with Sligo Rovers supporting our local community.”

Our Under 19 Women’s team are currently mid-way through their season and returned from a mid-season break yesterday with a 1-0 win over Galway in the Under 19 Women’s Cup.

Pictured is David Kenny, Lucia Macari and Patrick Quinn, along with Bit O’ Red players Ciara Henry and Keela Scanlon at The Showgrounds recently.

Men’s & Women’s FAI Women’s cup draws take place tomorrow

The first round draws for both The Extra.ie FAI Men’s Cup and Evoke.ie FAI Women’s Cup take place tomorrow, Tuesday at Abbotstown.

The Men’s draw takes will see 32 teams involved with 16 ties across round one on a knock out basis. The first team drawn will receive home advantage.

It’s our Women’s teams first ever time involved in The FAI Cup and their draw will see 12 teams involved with 6 fixtures taking place in total. Last year’s FAI Cup winners Wexford Youths and league winners Shelbourne have already progressed to the quarter finals after receiving a BYE through round one for their wins last season.

Men’s teams:

Athlone Town, Bangor GGFC, Bluebell United, Bohemian FC, Bonagee United, Bray Wanderers, Cobh Ramblers, Cockhill Celtic, Cork City, Derry City, Drogheda United, Dundalk, Finn Harps, Galway United, Killester Donnycarney, Longford Town, Lucan United, Malahide United, Maynooth University Town, Oliver Bond Celtic, Pike Rovers, Salthill Devon, Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, Sligo Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic, Treaty United, UCD, Usher Celtic, Villa FC, Waterford FC, Wexford Youths.

Women’s teams:

Athlone Town, Bohemian FC, Bonagee United, Cork City, DLR Waves, Douglas Hall, Finglas United, Galway FC, Peamount United, Sligo Rovers, Treaty United, Whitehall Rangers.

Both draws will be streamed live on The FAI’s Social Media platforms from 12.30pm.

Report: Rovers 3-0 Finn Harps

Sligo Rovers made it two wins in a row at home as John Russell’s side defeated Finn Harps 3-0 at The Showgrounds on Saturday night.

The game was only two minutes old when Karl O’ Sullivan’s cross deflected into the path of Aidan Keena who forced a powerful shot into the far corner to give Rovers the perfect start.

Four minutes later and it was two. Shane Blaney’s long diagonal pass looked to be running through to Harps’ keeper Mark McGinley but O’ Sullivan got to it before him and had the easy task of tapping into an empty net.

The rest of the half was nip and tuck with both sides keeping good possession and trying to force some chances. Eric McWoods had the visitors best chance but Ed McGinty saved well inside the area.

Damien MacGraith blew for half time with Rovers keeping their two goal advantage.

Garry Buckley was replaced by Nando Pijnaker at the break as he continues to monitor a minor injury.

Harps tried to get back into the game but failed to create any clear cut chances as Ed McGinty was strong in Rovers’ goal.

Russell introduced Seamas Keogh and Kailin Barlow, for his debut, in the closing stages and Rovers got a third when Karl O’ Sullivan picked out Keena in the box and the Mullingar native headed home from close range to secure the win for The Bit O’ Red.

Next up is a trip to Drogheda United on Friday night.

Supporter Information – Rovers V Finn Harps

Tonight’s North West Derby between Sligo Rovers and Finn Harps kicks off at 7.45pm.

Gates are open from 6.30pm. Cash and contactless payments are permitted.

Fans are reminded there will be random searches by our security staff at both home and away entrances.

Alcohol, flares and other pyrotechnics are not permitted and cost the club valuable money when let off. The club have paid out four figure sums so far this year on flares being let off. This is money which is invaluable to the club.


Anyone found to let off flares will be removed from the ground and banned from further games.

Tickets to our European home leg against Bala Town are available to buy from our club shop, which is situated inside the turnstiles on your left.

There is 20% off all club merchandise this evening from our club store.

Away fans must enter via the astro turf entrance.

Car parking is limited and we ask fans to respect our local community when parking.

We thank supporters for their assistance as always #bitored

Preview: Rovers host Finn Harps tomorrow

Sligo Rovers return to competitive action this Saturday night at The Showgrounds against Finn Harps from 7.45pm.

The sides have had a mid-season break so far in June, with no game in three weeks, meaning both squads should be fresh leading into this game.

Rovers have got the better of Harps so far this season, with two victories at The Showgrounds and Finn Park respectively. Aidan Keena’s hattrick secured the points back in March at The Showgrounds while ex Harps winger Karl O’ Sullivan secured a narrow 1-0 win in Ballybofey in May.

The Bit O’ Red defeated Derry City in our last home fixture which was followed by a draw against UCD away from home in our most recent league game.

Finn Harps come into the game having drawn 2-2 at The Brandywell against Derry City last time out.

Greg Bolger and Adam McDonnell are both suspended while Harps are without two midfielders of their own in Ryan Connolly and Bastien Hery, also unavailable due to suspension.

Manager John Russell takes the team officially for the first time tomorrow night and remains unbeaten after taking interim charge initially for the Derry City and UCD games before being appointed to the role some days later.

Russell:

‘’We’re all looking forward to the game tomorrow night. Finn Harps were very unlucky not to beat Derry City in their last game so we know it will be a tough encounter.

The players have worked extremely hard over the past two weeks and are eager to get the season going again after the mid-season break. Greg and Adam miss out through suspension, but we’ve got a lot of quality in our group so it’s a chance for other players to make their mark.

We’re expecting a big crowd tomorrow night and we’re hoping for a good performance in front of our home fans.’’

In team news, Rovers are without Greg Bolger and Adam McDonnell through suspension but have no other injury concerns. Nando Pijnaker is back in Sligo following his international duty and Luke McNicholas also returns, however the Mayo goalkeeper is unavailable until July 1st following his loan spell with Cliftonville FC.

Gates open from 6.30pm and supporters are asked to arrive early as a big crowd is expected.

Tickets will be on sale from our Merchandise store for our upcoming Europa Conference League home game against Bala Town on July 14th.

Our match sponsors are Lough Gill Brewing while loyal supporter Steve Taylor is our Match Ball Sponsor.