New Sligo Rovers loanee Sean McHale says he isn’t here to just make up the numbers after the Meath native was confirmed as Bit O’Red player on Sunday afternoon.

The 20-year-old Dunboyne native sealed a deal which has been a while in the making, after the centre-half moved on loan from St Patrick’s Athletic until the end of the current season.

McHale, an Irish underage international, arrives at the Showgrounds seeking top flight experience after two years on loan in the First Division.

He’ll be playing under new manager John Russell, a long time fan of the former Shelbourne, Wexford and Dundalk player who is also a talented gaelic footballer. 

“I’ve met with John a few times and we’ve had some great conversations. I’m delighted to be here now and am ready to get playing”, Sean tells sligorovers.com.

“I’ve been on loan the last two seasons so when Rovers came in for me, I thought this is the ideal place to go, to develop and play. It’s important to choose which club you go to so Sligo for me, was the ideal place to go.

“I spoke to a few lads who were here over the last few years and they told me enough good things about Rovers and Sligo and that was all I needed. I’m moving to Sligo now and it’s a new experience for me and I can’t wait to get going with it.” 

A serious ankle injury curtailed Sean’s time at Dundalk last season in an FAI Cup game against Rovers at Oriel Park last July. Two months later, McHale underwent surgery on several ruptured ligaments but is now excited about getting back on the pitch under the tutelage of Russell. 

“John has a proven track record of bringing players through, especially young ones”, he continues. 

“He gives them game time and trusts them and that makes it a really attractive proposition for me. You cannot beat gaining first team experience. It’s invaluable. 

“I’m here to get game time but also get results for Sligo Rovers. We need to aim for European football at the end of the year and we’re good enough to do that. 

“In the First Division, it feels like there’s a lot of defending to do in games so as a centre back it was great for me. It was all about gaining experience and going through different types of experiences in games. Even with the injury, I learned a lot in terms of what I need to do to be a professional football player.” 

Rovers had aimed to bring McHale in on a full-time basis over the past number of months, but an agreement could not be reached with his parent club. However, Russell is happy to get his man as he prepares for the one hundredth edition of the Connacht derby against Galway, this coming Friday.

“He’s been on my radar for a while”, Russell reveals. 

“We tried to get Sean in permanently over the winter but we couldn’t get a deal done unfortunately. 

“We’ve had an injury at centre half so the move to get Sean in was accelerated slightly by that. 

“He’s a big boy, a natural defender with a left foot and I feel he’s one of the best young defenders in the country. I saw a lot of him when he was at Wexford and Dundalk before he got injured and he’s got huge potential. We’re glad that he’ll hopefully realise that potential here at the Showgrounds.”  

David Goulden

Having played a key role in Sligo Rovers’ mid-season renaissance in 2025, midfielder James McManus is keen to make his mark once again for the Bit O’Red this season.

The energetic box-to-box midfielder has returned to the Showgrounds on loan from Bohemians until the end of this season and is aiming to play his part in this Friday’s Connacht derby with Galway United.

The Republic of Ireland underage international featured 15 times for Rovers last season, scoring in an FAI Cup game against Dundalk at Oriel Park. The St Kevin’s Boys graduate was a key figure in our rise from the foot of the table to guaranteeing Premier Division safety on the final day of the season at Tallaght Stadium.  

Learning from and lining out under Rovers manager John Russell has made its mark on the young Dubliner, who turns 21 in March. He says Russell’s input into his development to date was a major swaying factor in his choice to return to the north west.  

“It was a very simple decision for me to make, being honest”, James tells sligorovers.com. 

“It feels like John is a massive influence on every player who comes here. He’s proven time and time again that he can get the best out of young players. 

“I’ve never enjoyed my football as much as playing under him last year. He gives players such freedom to express themselves and this played such a big part in coming back here. 

“I loved my time playing for Rovers last year and once I knew John was interested in bringing me back, the decision really made itself.”

McManus’ signature was confirmed just hours before the January deadline on Sunday evening. He feels he has an advantage now given that he will be more than familiar with his surroundings and team-mates having spent those four months at the Showgrounds last term.  

“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead. It’s a huge opportunity for me. I think I showed the Rovers fans what I could do last year but maybe in glimpses. I want to kick-on on now and make a big impact back here. 

“I built some really great relationships here last year so settling in again won’t be an issue. Players like Jad (Hakiki) and Ryan (O’Kane) are such gifted, technical footballers and they’re the sort of lads you want to be playing around. It’s very exciting to link up with them again.

“The new players are very impressive too as John has signed lads who have experience of playing in the league already. That’s something that I think is vital.  Archie (Meekison) is here now too and I would have played plenty with him at Bohs. He’s a really explosive player who will only improve further under John. 

“We now have to aim high and set the standards from early on. We went on a great run from the middle of the season last year and it ended up making a huge difference in the end. 

“We have to look forward now but take each game as it comes. The league was so competitive last season and will be more-so this year. I’m very proud to be part of it all again this year!” 

Welcoming McManus back to the fold, Russell tells sligorovers.com that he feels as if James’ addition is a natural choice. 

“I think our supporters won’t need me to explain in too great detail why I brought James back. 

“Anyone who saw him play for us last season will see how intelligent he is and how he can dictate play. He can do a bit of everything which is a dream for any manager. I’ve been a massive fan of him for a few years and it’s a delight to have him here again in our colours. 

“I feel he gives us something that we’ve been missing in our first three games and I know from speaking to him the last few weeks how keen he was to come back here and continue the work he started last summer. 

“He’s gone straight back into training and it’s like he’s never left. We’re excited to see how he can do this year, starting with the derby on Friday, we hope.” 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers’ senior men’s side are on the road for the second time this season as we head to the Regional Sports Centre to take on Waterford this Friday, kick-off 7.45pm.

On the hunt for our first league points of the season, the Bit O’Red face into what will be our longest road trip of the league season, with approximately 600 kilometres to traverse on match day.

The RSC proved happy hunting ground for Rovers in 2025. The season began with a narrow defeat to the Blues at the Showgrounds, but Rovers did beat this week’s opponent three times in our next three games against the Munster men. This included a four goal win at the RSC in May and a 2-1 victory at the same venue in August. 

John Russell’s side go into this bout at the foot of the table with just two games played following defeat to Derry at the Brandywell and a night to forget against Bohs at the Showgrounds last weekend. 

Waterford have amassed just the one point so far having picked a worthy draw off Shels on night one, before being beaten in Drogheda last Friday.

Russell leads his men south without the services of Conor Reynolds who again misses out with injury. 

Midfielder Jad Hakiki last week, suffered the recurrence of a knock picked up in a pre-season match against Finn Harps. The Dubliner will as of Thursday morning, be assessed ahead of kick-off. 

Carl McHugh is expected to be fully fit for next week’s game in Galway but may make the bench this Friday.

Cian Kavanagh is not expected to make the match day squad due to illness.

Previewing the game, Russell says it’s a chance for his players to redeem themselves after a chastening result and poor showing against Bohs last week.

“We’ve dwelled on it enough”, he tells sligorovers.com.

“Nobody showed up that night and it was a performance that was absolutely miles off what I expect from my players. But we’re still early on in the season and Friday is a huge opportunity for us to show how quickly we can bounce back.

“We did well against Waterford last season but that means absolutely nothing at this moment. We have to go down there and put in a performance that’s fitting of what we’ve worked on over pre-season and what matches our ambitions. Every one of the lads has to play his part. 

“We saw what happened last season when we fell behind and we have to do everything we can to make sure it doesn’t happen again. But we’re two games and we’re still building those connections. It’s the same for all the teams.”

The Rovers boss is aware of Waterford’s strong points, but is hopeful of seeing his side claim our first points of 2026.  

“Waterford have strengthened during the winter and are a huge threat”, he warns. 

“Players like Conan Noonan, Conor Carty, Padraig Amond and Tommy Lonergan. They are all players who can get goals from nothing and we must be on full alert down there. 

“We’ll go to pick up a result and kick-start our season. The players have a point to prove and they’re very eager to get going.”

David Goulden

Bohemians hit Sligo Rovers for four at the Showgrounds as the Bit O’Red struggled through a night to forget in horrific wintry conditions in the north west.

Colm Whelan hit a second half hat-trick for a strong Bohs side, after Dayle Rooney had fired the visitors into the lead early on.

The defeat leaves Rovers at the foot of the table with just two games played ahead of trips to Waterford and Galway.

Rovers boss John Russell gave first starts at the Showgrounds to new signings Jeannot Esua, Alex Nolan and Mai Traore who was cleared to take part following visa issues which saw him miss the opening night in Derry.

It took just 90 seconds for Bohs to hit the lead through Rooney, while Whelan hit a 13 minute hat-trick.

Eager to now put this result beyond them, Rovers move on to next Friday and the journey to the RSC to face Waterford.

Match sponsor: Snug Bar, Sligo.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeanot Esua, Gareth McElroy (Shane Blaney HT), Ollie Denham, Will Fitzgerald; Alex Nolan (Sean Stewart 75), Seb Quirk, Daire Patton (Archie Meekison 75), Ryan O’Kane; Jad Hakiki (Cian Kavanagh 63); Mai Traore.

Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka; Senan Mullen, Patrick Hickey, Sam Todd; Darragh Power (Cian Byrne 81), Jordan Flores (Niall Morahan 76), Dawson Devoy, Dayle Rooney; Ross Tierney (Harry Vaughan 81); Douglas James-Taylor (Hugh Martin 69), Colm Whelan (Adam McDonnell 76). 

Referee: Alan Patchell.

Attendance: 2,754.

League of Ireland Premier Division action returns to the Showgrounds this Saturday evening as Sligo Rovers take on Bohemians in what is our senior men’s side’s first home league game this year.

Saturday’s game is sponsored by the Snug Bar in Queen Maeve’s Square.

16-weeks have elapsed since our last home game, a draw with Cork City in which Alex Nolan scored the visitors’ only goal of the game. Now with Rovers, Nolan is one several new faces looking to make their Showgrounds bow this weekend. 

Rovers go into this game with Bohs on the back of a late defeat to Derry City on the opening night at the Brandywell last week. It was a disappointing but hugely encouraging start for the Bit O’Red who went toe-to-toe and indeed bettered the Candystripes for large parts of the game.

Rovers boss John Russell is hopeful that Mai Traore will be available for his debut on Saturday. The Guinean striker missed the trip to Derry due to an administration issue, with the club working to resolve this as quickly as possible. 

As of Friday morning, midfielder Carl McHugh faces a late fitness test. While defender Conor Reynolds looks set to miss out with a knock.

Goalkeeper Liam Hughes returns having recovered from a shoulder injury. 

Opponents Bohs began their 2026 story with a somewhat underwhelming scoreless draw with St Pat’s at the Aviva Stadium last Sunday afternoon. The marquee opening weekend fixture failed to live up to expectations, but Alan Reynolds’ men did create the better of the chances in this one. 

“They were probably the unluckier side in that one”, Russell says. 

“The Pat’s keeper pulled off a few really good stops and you feel that had even one of those chances gone in, it may have been enough to win the game. 

“Bohs again have a deep squad, full of talent and they can mix up the way they play. They’ll be coming up here on Saturday looking for a win. We’re really looking forward to getting going at the Showgrounds.”

Russell was greatly encouraged by last week’s performance and has called on his players to keep momentum going for the opening match in Sligo. 

“We were annoyed not to come away with at least a point from Derry. But analysing it, we have plenty to be enthused by. We were the better team in the first half.

“Second half, we had to switch things around and lost a few players with injury and cramp. We were well organised until they scored their first and couldn’t hold out. But there were some really encouraging signs and some very notable individual performances, especially from our new players. 

“We’re only 90 minutes into the season so it will take a little time to further build connections. It’s the same for everyone, regardless. 

“We’re in a good place and in an excellent frame of mind going into Saturday. The players are raring now and we’re looking to bring that energy, particularly from the first hour of last week’s game into this one.” 

Kick-off at the Showgrounds is 7.45pm.

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers’ trojan effort came to nothing at the Ryan McBride Brandywell on Friday night as the Bit O’Red suffered the bitter taste of conceding an injury time winner to Derry City.

Jad Hakiki had given Rovers a more than deserved lead on the half hour in this, the opening night of 2026.

And while Sam Sargeant pulled of a few stunning stops to keep one of the title favourites at bay, the pressure told eight minutes from time when Alex Bannon levelled the game before Josh Thomas fired home the winner for Tiernan Lynch’s side in injury time.

Sligo boss John Russell gave debuts to both Alex Nolan and Jeannot Esua, both of whom impressed on their first competitive showings. While Ryan O’Kane featured for the first time following his permanent switch from Shelbourne. Sligo man and Abbvie Academy graduate Daire Patton was handed just his second senior start in the heart of midfield beside Seb Quirk.

New signings Archie Meekison and Shane Blaney made the bench, while Mai Traore was unavailable for selection. 

A star-studded Derry too were showcasing several debuts, with main attractions Patrick and James McClean making their first league starts since their respective returns to Foyleside.

The visitors showed no signs of early jitters at a sold-out Brandywell, as Rovers went at Derry in the first period and indeed it would be argued, were the better side. 

Quirk lashed an early effort wide of Brian Maher’s goal as wingers O’Kane and Nolan tested Derry’s resolve out wide. While Hakiki’s movement and determination offered a constant threat coming through the middle. 

The Dubliner played the key role on 30 as Rovers struck for the opening goal. 

Hakiki was given the freedom of the Derry penalty area by the slumbering Patrick McClean. The once Dundalk attacker allowed to calmly turn Esua’s wonderful first-time cross past the bewildered Maher. 

Nolan kept Maher busy with an effort from distance 90 seconds later as Rovers remained in charge. 

While Sargeant had to pull off his first meaningful stop of the night on 33 minutes when he smothered Thomas in time to force the Welshman to loop his close-range effort onto the roof of the Rovers net.

The hosts enjoyed the better of things in terms of possession and opportunities in the second period. Roared on by 400 of our own at the car park end of the ground, the visitors did enough to keep Derry scoreless for the majority of the second half.

Debutant James Clarke nodded James McClean’s corner over Sargeant’s goal on 55. While the Londoner was called to arms two minutes later as he got a leg to Thomas’ low drive. 

Again our net minder was questioned and again he came up with an answer when Sargeant skillfully and acrobatically tipped Carl Winchester’s long-range shot onto the frame of his own goal. 

Derry continued to probe as Rovers, now playing without a recognised striker due to the departure of starting front man Cian Kavanagh, then lost O’Kane to a knock.  

Despite the endless toil from Sligo, the pressure finally told eight minutes from time. 

Bannon took a touch to take play away from the attending Quirk before unleashing an unstoppable rocket into the top corner. While momentum pushed the title chasers across the line as Thomas slotted the ball home from the angle in the first of the seven added minutes. 

A disappointing end to an encouraging first night for a young Rovers. Next up is our first home league game this Saturday, February 14th as Bohs visit the Showgrounds. 

Derry City: Brian Maher; Alex Bannon, Patrick McClean, Rob Slevin, Brandon Fleming; Darragh Markey (Adam O’Reilly, 59’), Carl Winchester, James McClean, Michael Duffy (C); James Clarke, Josh Thomas.

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Jeannot Esua, Ollie Denham, Gareth McElroy, Will Fitzgerald (C); Seb Quirk, Daire Patton (Ciaron Harkin, 80’); Alex Nolan, Jad Hakiki (Kyle McDonagh, 80’), Ryan O’Kane (Sean Stewart, 66’); Cian Kavanagh (Archie Meekison, 59’).

Referee: Neil Doyle

David Goulden at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Sligo Rovers’ pre-season calendar was completed on Saturday afternoon as the Bit O’Red beat Finn Harps at Ray McSharry Park by one goal to nil.

Callum Lynch scored the game’s only goal early in the second half as Rovers completed our on-the-pitch preperation for Premier Division kick-off in one week’s time in Derry.

Initially set to take place at the Showgrounds, this game was moved to the home of the Sligo/Leitrim District League to protect the Showgrounds’ surface ahead of our first league home league game against Bohs on February 14th.

Rovers used the full match day squad which included the evergreen and ever-ready Richard Brush in the nets in his 42nd year. While Shane Blaney appeared in a Rovers kit for the first time since he returned on loan from Livingston. 

Lynch secured the win on 51 minutes when he got to the back post to finish off a Guilherme Priosti cross. 

Blaney almost marked his return in style when he headed another accurate Priosti cross over Lorenzo Barbarosa’s goal. 

With pre-season now complete, Rovers can look forward to Friday’s first league game of the season away to Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. A huge crowd is anticipated, with the away end already sold-out. 

Rovers XI: Brush, Reynolds, McElroy, Denham, Fitzgerald, Nolan, Harkin, Quirk, Hakiki, O’Kane, Traore. 

Subs used: Stewart, Blaney, Meekison, Kavanagh, McHugh, Lynch, Kelly, O’Malley, Cannon, Priosti, Patton.  

Sligo Rovers’ senior men’s team pre-season continued over the weekend with wins over UCD and Galway United at Abbvie United Park in Westport.

First up was a defeat of the Students on Friday.

Michael Raggett had put the Dubliners ahead just three minutes in. But Rovers replied before the break through PFAI Young Player of the Year Owen Elding, before youngster Callum Lynch hit Rovers’ second.

The Bit O’Red found a third goal with twenty to go when Elding had his brace.

Less than 24 hours later, Rovers put six past what was an under-strength Galway outfit at the same venue in what was our penultimate friendly in preparation for the season’s kick-off in two weeks. This game was also the third of three pre-season games hosted by Westport United.

Goals from Ryan O’Kane, Ollie Denham, Seb Quirk, Will Fitzgerald and a Jad Hakiki double saw a more experienced Rovers run out easy winners in the Adam Mulchrone Cup, a charity match in aid of ACT for Meningitis and played in memory of the former Westport player. 

Rovers’ final pre-season friendly of the season takes place this Saturday, January 31st as we return home for the first time in 2026 to face Finn Harps. Kick-off at the Showgrounds is 7.30pm. 

Sligo Rovers wish to thank Westport United, their management committee and club volunteers for the use of their superb facilities at Abbvie United Park in recent weeks and wishes them the best of luck in the upcoming Mayo League season at all levels. 

Rovers XI V UCD: Hughes, Reynolds, Jonathan, Stewart, McDonagh, Priosti, McHugh, Harkin, Kelly, Meekison, Elding.

Rovers XI V Galway: Sargeant, Esua, Denham, McElroy, Fitzgerald, Nolan, Patton, Quirk, O’Kane; Hakiki, Traore.

Seb Quirk scored the Bit O’Red’s goal as Sligo Rovers’ senior men’s team 2026 pre-season continued at Abbvie United Park in Westport on Saturday.

Three weeks from the commencement of the Premier Division season in Derry, Rovers used this third friendly as an opportunity to get more minutes in legs as John Russell’s side were narrowly beaten by Treaty United.

Sligo started with a strong eleven, with new signings Jeannot Esua and Alex Nolan featuring at kick-off. While a trialist led the line for Sligo.

United’s Cian Curtis gave the Limerick side the lead at the break, but Rovers deservedly leveled this workout courtesy of a Seb Quirk goal. 

A Treaty trialist had the First Division side ahead, while Rovers went close through Jad Hakiki, Cian Kavanagh and low-struck set piece from Sean Stewart which struck Jack Brady’s post.

Rovers’ next outing is also in county Mayo, at the same venue, as we take on UCD on Friday at 6.30pm. 

Rovers: Sargeant, Esua, Denham, McElroy, Fitzgerald, Quirk, Harkin, Hakiki, O’Kane, Nolan, Trialist

Subs used: Hughes, McDonagh, Patton, Meekison, Stewart, McHugh, Kavanagh, Lynch, Kelly, O’Malley.  

Preparations for the 2026 League of Ireland Premier Division campaign continued at Finn Park on Tuesday evening, as Sligo Rovers men’s senior team were narrowly beaten by Finn Harps.

Following last week’s win over Derry in Dungannon, John Russell gave new goalkeeper Liam Hughes his first taste of football at Rovers. While Ollie Denham featured for the Bit O’Red for the first time since scoring the opener in the win over Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on the final day of last season. 

Midfielder Seb Quirk also lined out for the first time since that win in Dublin, as did Ciaron Harkin. 

Played in difficult conditions on a challenging surface, Harps took the lead through a trialist four minutes from the break. 

Cian Kavanagh saw his spot kick saved by Harps goalkeeper Barbosa on 54.

Rovers’ next pre-season friendly is the first of our three games at Westport’s Abbvie United Park where we face Treaty United, this Saturday, January 17th. Kick-off at the Mayo venue is 2pm. 

First half XI: Hughes, Esua, McElroy, Denham, Stewart, McHugh, Quirk, Meekison, Nolan, Fitzgerald, Elding. 

Second half XI: Sargeant, Reynolds, Jonathan, McElroy, McDonagh, Harkin, Patton, Priosti, O’Kane, Lynch, Kavanagh.