Author: Colin Feehily

500 Club Results Nov, Oct, Dec 2019

(how to join https://www.sligorovers.com/500-club/)

October:

€500 – Sean McGowan, Tonnaphubble
€100 – Stephen Wickham, Calry
€100 – Vincent Hannon Assoc, Abbey St
€100 – John Joe Gilroy, Hazelwood
€100 – Tony Wehrly, O’Connell St
€100 – Marty Oates, Treacy Avenue
€50 – Al Murphy, Pearse Road
€50 – Mark Mullholland, Markievicz Road
€50 – Frank Ballantyne, Strandhill Road
€50 – Kevin Fitzsimons, Cairns Hill

November:

€500 – Michael Gallagher, Crossmolina, Mayo
€100 – Joe Finan, Oakfield Road
€100 – Michael Cox, Strandhill Road
€100 – Terence Leyden, Ballybofey, Donegal
€100 – Seamus Cummins, Hazelwood
€100 – Maeve Conway, Cliffoney, Sligo
€50 – Mark Killorn, Pearse Road
€50 – Eamonn McManus, Knappagh Road
€50 – Conor Sheeran, Foxrock, Dublin
€50 – Michael Leonard, Blackrock

December:

€500 – Ian McLoughlin, Calry, Co Sligo

€100 – Sean Davis, Church Hill, Sligo

€100 – Gerry Gilbride, Ballydoogan

€100 – Manus McGuire, Scariff, Co Clare

€100 – Hugh Quinn, Cliffoney, Co Sligo

€100 – Jimmy Colreavy, Strandhill, Sligo

€50 – Caroline Brennan, Riverstown, Sligo

€50 – Veronica Drury, Calry, Co Sligo

€50 – David Conway, Rosses Point, Sligo

€50 – Colette Crowne, Glasnevin, Dublin

U17 Ladies management team announced

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Martin McManus has been appointed Head-Coach of our Women’s Under 17 team.

McManus was assistant to Darragh Healy in 2019, overseeing a fantastic season for the Bit O’Red Women’s team.

He will be joined on the sideline by Neal McKenna, who will take up the position of Assistant Head-Coach.

He has a wealth of experience working with youth teams, coaching a number of different age groups with Kilglass/Enniscrone United.

McManus is also a coach with Sligo Leitrim Youth and Schoolboys/Schoolgirls League.

Currently the Assistant Head Coach of the IT Sligo’s Women’s team, McManus also takes part in coaching during Sligo Rovers summer camps, and has been involved with numerous football programmes such as Football For All and the Primary School 5s Programme.

Speaking about the role, McManus said: “It’s a real honour for me to be named Head Coach of Sligo Rovers Women’s u17s. To say I’m excited about the season ahead would be an understatement. 

“I am looking forward to working with a lot of the girls from last season and getting to know the new girls that will come in this season. We had a great season during 2019 and myself, Neal and Hugh Cunningham are looking to build on previous success.”

McKenna joins McManus on the management team. He is the current Head Coach of Ballisodare United, coaching across all age groups, including the Under 12 girls.

He is assistant coach o the IT Sligo Men’s A team, and coaches the senior team at Summerhill College. McKenna coaches the Sligo/Leitrim girls Under 12 emerging talent team.

Speaking about the role, McKenna said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the opportunity to work with the Sligo Rovers Women’s u17s. 

“I am massively passionate about growing the women’s game in Sligo and want to add to the great work that has been done with the Rovers girls over the last two years. 

“There is more and more talk about women’s football in Ireland and myself and Martin’s job is the help the players develop both on and off the pitch and be the best they can be to establish Rovers as a real force in the women’s game for years to come, and hopefully we can build the women’s structure at the club and have an Under 19 team and senior team in the near future, with players availing of the scholarship programme at IT Sligo.”

Bit O Red team up with Net World Sports

Net World Sports have again teamed up with the club to become our official equipment supplier for the 2020 season.

Net World Sports are a leading worldwide supplier of sports equipment. Providing top of the range equipment across sports such as football, GAA, golf, basketball and tennis; they have everything you need to get to the top of your game!

Sligo Rovers manager Liam Buckley spoke of his delight at the deal:

“Having worked with the company before, it’s important we know as a club we are getting good equipment to help us train better and improve on the pitch. The equipment we received last season was second to none and again for this coming season we’re looking to get in some more which will benefit us moving forward.”

The deal will see the company supply The Bit O Red with equipment for training for the duration of the 2020 season, as we look ahead to pre-season preparations.

Sales Manager Dan Jones explained a little bit more about Net World Sports and how the deal benefits them:

“We are delighted to be working with Sligo Rovers again for the upcoming season. We are extremely proud of our FORZA football range and are looking to promote the brand where possible. It’s great that Sligo Rovers were happy with the quality of the equipment and wanted to work together again for the 2020 season.

Our football range is expanding all the time so feedback from clubs like Sligo is paramount to bringing out the best products on the market. We are very proud to be supplying Sligo Rovers and we hope that the partnership can continue for years to come”.

Check out the Net World Sports website at www.networldsports.ie

Santa Claus is coming to town

We are expecting a busy 9 days or so in the lead up to Christmas at our club store at Barton Smiths in Sligo Town.

As part of the build up, we will be receiving a special visit from Santa Claus at 12 noon to the store tomorrow, Saturday.

For 90 minutes only, there will be 10% off all items in store. Santa and his elf will be there to help you choose your favourite items and he will be happy to hear all our little Bit O’ Red supporter’s wish lists, just in case they need to tell the man himself in person.

With a new range of club hats, scarves and merchandise arrived just in time, there’s no better way to spend your Saturday afternoon.

We look forward to seeing you all.

Bit O Red Wall Proving a big success

‘What’s the story with this wall?’ has been a prominent question over the last ten days with Sligo Rovers supporters since the launch of the new Bit O’ Red Wall.

The black granite tile, which you can have you or your family’s names engraved, will be placed behind The Treacy Avenue Stand outside the player’s tunnel in the ground. Supporters have been quick to snap up their tiles in the last week and demand is growing.

Chief executive of Sligo Rovers, Colin Feehily, said: “The reaction has been really good actually. People are very interested and it’s getting supporters thinking about what they could have on them. So far, the majority of sales have been as Christmas and birthday presents, or families wanting to show their support and having their own family tile.

“We have had supporters in America, Australia and the UK all taking tiles through our online store.

“A couple of people have also got one to remember a loved one who passed on, but it’s not just a ‘memorial wall’, it’s very much a wall for supporters past or present and it’s something that will continue to grow over the years.”

Buy your Bit O’ Red wall tile here

This initiative is another way the club are looking to improve the overall look of The Showgrounds and follows on from the recent outdoor museum launch which took place in October.

Tiles are available from The Showgrounds office, or at Barton Smiths in town where the club have their annual Christmas Shop set up for the festive period.

The club have put together a gift pack in which supporters buying presents can take to give to the person they’ve bought for.

Tiles cost €100 and there is no end date, the wall will be there for many years to come and it really gives Bit O’ Red Supporters the chance to have their own spot in the ground.

Shirley Goulden RIP

The club were saddened to hear of the passing of Shirley Goulden, Ballinacarrow this week.

Shirley was a big Sligo Rovers supporter and we wish to extend sympathies to her family.

Shirley’s funeral mass takes place today, Wednesday at 1:30pm at Rathbarron Parish Church.

Ar Dheis De Go Raibh a anam.

Bit O Red Team up with CrossFit Sligo

We have teamed up with CrossFit Sligo who have come on board as our Strength & Conditioning partner for the 2020 season.

As part of the partnership, our first team squad will use the facilities in Finnisklin Business Park and work with club strength and conditioning coach Tom French as well as the staff at CrossFit, who will be on hand to help with each session.

Rovers’ Strength and conditioning coach Tom French explains the benefits of the partnership.

“It’s fantastic to have a large space available to us with some top of the range equipment for the lads to use to help them build strength and help them improve their overall fitness, which ultimately makes them better players.

“We all know how far the game has come and it’s not just about on field work and preparations. This side of training is vitally important for a professional team and ultimately, we hope it improves performances and helps us get to where we want to be.

“The boys will still avail of the great facilities at Clayton Hotel for recovery sessions as well as some individual gym sessions, and it’s great to have a large space at CrossFit to help us train all the lads together as a team.”

Edel Fitzpatrick from CrossFit Sligo explains a little bit more about the partnership and the gym:

“CrossFit Sligo is proud to be the new training facility for Sligo Rovers. We have been working with the first team squad for a number of months now and we look forward to hosting them again in 2020 as they train throughout the season.

“Our gym offers experienced coaches who deliver quality programming for both the competitive athletes and those seeking a healthy lifestyle.  We pride ourselves on having state of the art equipment and are always looking at ways to improve to maintain a high level of training.

“Our main goal at CrossFit Sligo is to promote long term health and fitness in a fun and social environment.”

The first-team squad will attend CrossFit when pre-season training commences in early January and continue throughout the season in 2020.

Visit the CrossFit website here: www.crossfitsligo.ie

School visits commence

As a community club, we are delighted to be visiting schools in the region as part of our 2019 schools programme.

Children are treated to an indoor presentation which covers player profiles, club history, major honours and the first team’s training regime.

This is then followed up by an outdoor coaching session in week two, all of which is being provided by the club free of charge.

Manager Liam Buckley has stated how important it is for children to be involved with the club through our various initiatives such as camps, birthday parties and Super Red membership.

‘We’re trying to build something here. That doesn’t mean we’re focusing on the short term, we have some longer term goals too, which includes getting as many children supporting their local club as possible. It’s fantastic coming into work here at The Showgrounds and seeing Summer Camps or Birthday parties taking place, and seeing smiles on kid’s faces. They will always remember their first impressions as youngsters around the club, and if we put on a good show for them on and off the pitch, they’ll be here to support the club for years to come’

Thank you to the schools we have visited so far and we look forward to working with more schools in the coming weeks.

We remind parents and children to register to become a Sligo Rovers Super Red in 2020 and receive entry to every game, a full club training kit, a personalised birthday card and discounts on our new 2020 playing kit.

To purchase yours online, visit www.srfcdirect.com

Bit O Red team up with Sligo Credit Union

We are delighted to announce a new partnership with Sligo Credit Union which will allow Bit O’ Red supporters to avail of a loan offer from the Union to help them buy their 2020 season tickets.

With the launch of the 2020 season tickets today, we also now launch details this new initiative which will help supporters secure their tickets for the year ahead and ease the strain on their pocket at the Christmas period.

Season ticket prices remain the same, with existing Credit Union members simply filling the loan application form, along with their season ticket form and handing it in to the local office, located on Stephen Street in Sligo.

Supporters without a Credit Union account can also avail of the offer. Pop into the Credit Union and set up an appointment to join, and the friendly staff will take you step by step.

Supporters must still fill out a standard season ticket application form from the club as well as the loan application form from the Credit Union.

It is a quick and easy process and one we hope will help our loyal fanbase.

‘We’ve come up with this idea to try and help people out before Christmas. We can all find it difficult to part with a couple of hundred quid around Christmas, whether your buying presents for kids or partners or whatever, so this will help those supporters who want to buy their ticket at the Pre-Christmas prices. Those buying a ticket for a loved one can also avail of this new offer, so it might be a perfect Christmas present for the Rovers supporters in your family.’

Sligo Rovers’ Chief Executive Officer Colin Feehily

Loan application forms can be got at The Showgrounds and all the usual season ticket outlets across the region. Our new Christmas club shop will again open at Barton Smith, Sligo in early December, where forms can be collected.

 The offer starts today and continues right up to the season opener in mid-February. Supporters are reminded that prices increase after Christmas so are advised to buy their tickets between now and close of business Christmas Eve.

Gold seats are also available with this offer, where you may choose your seat before the season starts and have it reserved for every league and cup game.

There is also an option if buying different types of season ticket where you may choose the ‘other amount’ column. This will allow parents to buy more than one Super Red ticket for example/

To set up an appointment to become a member in the Sligo Credit Union and avail of this offer, simply visit the Union on Stephen Street in Sligo or call 071-9117500

2020 Season Tickets now on sale

Today we launch our new 2020 season ticket prices, which really starts the process for Bit O Red supporters in looking forward to a brand new Premier Division campaign.

As with every year, supporters are encouraged to buy before Christmas Day, as prices increase after this.

Supporters have the chance to reserve their own seat for every league game in 2020, as well as all the cup games too. In previous seasons, Gold Season Tickets only reserved your seat for league games, however in 2020 we have added cup matches so you don’t have to worry about coming early to secure a seat, your name will be on it.

Gold Season Tickets:

A Sligo Rovers Gold Season Ticket allows the supporter to select their favourite seat in the ground and have it reserved for every game of the season. Whether you work late and can only make kick off, enjoy a pre-match tea or coffee in the clubhouse, or you simply want to wait until the last minute to avoid the cold, your seat is secured.

Gold season tickets will work out at around €3.50 extra per match.

Adult Season Tickets:

Adult season ticket prices for 2020 have been frozen, with no increase from last season at €220.

An adult Gold ticket costs €300, where you can reserve your seat for every game, as explained above.

Gold Season tickets are continuing to prove extremely popular with an increase in demand each season.

Student and Concession categories:

We are again offering discounted rates for second and third level students. Secondary school tickets are €100, around half the amount you would pay by paying on the gate each week, and Third Level Student tickets are €140, saving you around €40 for the season.

Bit O Red supporters who are unemployed can purchase a concession season ticket which will cost €150, with an up to date letter required from your local Intreo office to show your you are not working.

OAP/Senior Citizen Tickets:

These tickets are €140 for 2020, with the gold option just €210.

Family Season Tickets:

As with previous seasons, we are offering families a discounted rate for entry to The Showgrounds. For two adults and to children aged 12 or under, it will cost €500. This is a big saving for families of four, however we understand as a club the significant spend these families will have over the course of the season, so we feel this offer will be a great help to them.

Super Reds:

Our fantastic Super Red offer will again remain for 2020.

Season Ticket prices will be €60 for kids aged 12 and under, but this season they will get even more.

Kids will receive a Sligo Rovers training kit, including a crested T-Shirt, club shorts and socks, which will be worn Liam Buckley’s first team in 2020. Kids will also be given a voucher for €10 off our new 2020 home kit, as well as entrance to our hugely popular Super Red open day where Super Red ticket holders will receive their training kits, meet the first team players and be put through their paces by manager Liam Buckley and his staff in an hour long coaching session. Kids will also receive a birthday card in the post in time for their big day in 2020, signed by their favourite player.

Credit Union Finance:

To make it easier for supporters to purchase their season tickets for 2020, we have teamed up with Sligo Credit Union who will offer supporters a short term loan, in order to purchase their ticket and enable them to pay for it over the course of the season, rather than in one lump sum before Christmas.

To purchase your ticket online, visit www.srfcdirect.com

To purchase your ticket, you may also visit one of the following outlets:

  • The Showgrounds
  • Barton Smith, Sligo
  • Collery Menswear, Sligo
  • Lavins Menswear, Ballymote
  • John Lowe, Carrick On Shannon
  • Greenan Electric, Boyle
  • Gerry Kenny Sport, Ballina
  • Colerys Shop, Ballina
  • Gillespies, Tubbercurry
  • Tansey’s Centra, Gurteen
  • Tony Quinn, Cliffoney