By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers face the trek to Turner’s Cross to tackle Cork City for the first Women’s Premier Division (WPD) away game of the season on Saturday, kick-off 5pm.

Close encounters between the sides have been the norm, and last season the Bit O’Red achieved a first WPD win with a hard-earned victory in Cork while the Munster women enjoyed a narrow win at the Showgrounds.

Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney will be aiming to build on the positives from a scoreless draw last weekend against Bohemian FC as he returns to a venue where the Bit O’Red famously achieved a historic first League of Ireland victory in the debut season in 2022.

“There’s never much between the teams, and I suppose Cork will want to make a good start in their first home game of the season after losing against Peamount Utd in the opener,” Steve stated last weekend.

“They have a new manager this year, and I have no doubt that it will be a close contest, but we have to back up our performance now and show a bit of consistency.

“Paula (McGrory) sat out last week’s scoreless draw against Bohemians; it was a late decision and more of a precaution than anything else.

“Katie (Melly) picked up a knock during the game, but hopefully both will be available for selection, and we should have a couple more players in contention also.

“Hopefully, we will have a full panel to select from, and there is huge competition for places in the starting 11.

“Based on the evidence of the Bohs game, I feel we have a good competitive squad, but we will have to be at our best to get anything out of the game in Cork.

“If we can get another performance like last Saturday and maybe add a little bit to it, then we will be in contention and will have every chance of taking something home with us; three points would be great,” he concluded.

Cork City Focus

New manager Frank Kelleher saw his team lose last Saturday against Peamount Utd as the Dublin women won by 2-0 with both goals scored in the opening 15 minutes.

Saturday’s encounter at PRL Park was a special occasion for Cork City’s Eva Mangan, who made her 100th appearance for the club, and she will pose a serious threat to the Sligo Rovers rearguard on Saturday.

“It was a disappointing start to the season; we conceded the goals in the first 15 minutes, but after that I think we matched Peamount for the remainder,” said the Cork City boss.

“We were denied a goal by a great Amanda Budden save for Peamount before the interval, and again she made a fine save in the 85th minute.

“I’m really looking forward to the first home game now because I think we can take some momentum from our performance against Peamount.

“I think Fia (Fiana Bradley) played very well, and it’s great to see Cathranne (Fitzgerald) in with us, and she had a good debut.

“We were all delighted for Eva (Mangan) to make her 100th appearance; she’s a top-quality player,” he added.

MATCH DETAILS

Cork City v Sligo Rovers will be live on LOITV with kick-off at 5pm on Saturday.

We would like to welcome James Ottewill, CEO and owner of Van Haven, and Dan Duffy – Van Haven Ireland; they are our new Diamond Sponsors at Sligo Rovers.

Van Haven is revolutionizing the way people experience travel and adventure, offering state-of-the-art, sports Combis, business use mobile offices and camper vans that are designed for modern explorers. Each van is equipped with smart technology, premium amenities, and customizable features, making it the perfect home on wheels for weekend getaways or cross-country journeys.

James and team, welcome to Sligo Rovers and thank you for your support.

By Conall Collier

Popular Sligo Rovers player Katie Melly can be described as a young veteran, although she only started her fourth season in the Women’s Premier Division with her hometown club in a scoreless draw against Bohemians at the Showgrounds on Saturday.

That ‘veteran’ tag can be substantiated by the facts: Katie is the only player who started on Saturday for Sligo Rovers and also started in that historic first League of Ireland game back in March 2022 against Peamount Utd.

Now in her fourth League of Ireland season, it has been a memorable journey for the Melly family, who are all avid supporters of the Bit O’Red, and for Katie, who can remember going to the Showgrounds to watch her local team from the age of four or five.

Another claim that Katie, who played under-age with Strand Celtic, can make is that she also started in the club’s historic first victory in March 2022 against Cork City at Turner’s Cross, and the Bit O’Red will travel to the Munster venue this Saturday buoyed by a positive opening to the season.

Talking after last Saturday’s encounter at the Showgrounds, Katie pointed to the experience that the team has now, compared to that first outing at PRL Park in west Dublin a little over three years ago.

“I’m not old enough to be classified as a veteran, but I know what you mean in the sense that I played in the first game, and I’m really pleased to continue playing, but it was tough going against Bohemians, and I got a bit of a knock near the end,” she commented.

“We have a bit more stability about us now, a bit more experience, even for the younger players, whereas for that first game against Peamount, it was a real journey into the unknown for us.

“At this stage most of us know what to expect, and it has been all about learning and adapting, trying to improve with each game, and now, in our fourth season, we can have a bit of confidence about ourselves,” she added.

Katie is very proud to play for her local club at the highest level, but it has taken a lot of effort, commitment, and determination on her behalf and her parents, who used to drive her to training locally and then to Castlebar when she was recruited as a 16-year-old by the Mayo side.

“It’s great to get the first game of the new season out of the way, and I’m really enjoying playing, but our squad is very competitive, and no one is guaranteed a starting position,” she stated.

“We had a preseason of seven weeks, lots of training, and games in preparation for the new campaign, and I felt we gave a good performance against Bohemians and showed what we are capable of.

“We got a point on the board and the next target is to get a victory, we go to Cork on Saturday and there is never much between us, but we have to adopt a positive approach and aim for three points,” she concluded.

By Conall Collier

Almost four years to the day since he took charge of Sligo Rovers in the historic opening game in the Women’s National League (as it was in 2022), Steve Feeney took his place again on the sideline for an opening game of the season on Saturday.

Now rebranded as the Women’s Premier Division, Saturday’s encounter at the Showgrounds saw a determined and strong Sligo Rovers side make a positive start to the 2025 season with a scoreless draw against Bohemian FC.

Both sides had chances throughout a hard-fought affair, and while the Sligo Rovers boss was disappointed not to get a win, he agreed that a draw was probably a fair outcome.

“We were very disciplined in terms of our shape, and it was a really pleasing performance. It’s nice to get a point on the board. I would have preferred three points, but we can certainly build on this,” he commented.

“We are fortunate to have some talented young players coming through to the senior team, and when you factor in that Rachel McGoldrick, Anna McDaniel, and Mairead McIntyre played a Connacht semi-final yesterday (Friday), the effort and commitment were phenomenal.

“Mairead was outstanding and caused a lot of problems for the Bohs defence, and we are really looking forward to her progression throughout the season.

“She was a late inclusion to the starting 11 due to an injury to Paula (McGrory); we probably could have chanced playing Paula, but we opted for caution.

“What I found pleasing was the way we had the physicality to stand up to Bohs when we had to, and I don’t mean in a way that was just lashing the ball and flying into tackles; it was controlled, and it was important.

“Looking at the team, it’s a young team; Keeva Flynn is still only 17, but she plays like a veteran centre-back, and we also have some very good experienced players.

“Those experienced players will help the younger players, and it worked out well today. I’d imagine there will be some improvement to come as well, and we have to build on this result in Cork next Saturday,” he added.

NEXT UP

Saturday, 15th March—Cork City v Sligo Rovers, 5pm, live on LOITV

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers and Bohemians played out a well-contested Women’s Premier Division scoreless draw at the Showgrounds on Saturday evening.

Sligo Rovers started on the front foot and brought a fine save out of Bohs netminder Rachael Kelly in the seventh minute at the expense of a corner.

Muireann Devaney crested the opening with an excellent pass and Rachel McGoldrick unleashed a fine shot, but Kelly got a touch.

Both teams had chances subsequently, mainly from corners, with defences coping well.

The back four for the Bit O’Red stood strong with Keeva Flynn dominant while Devaney, Eimear Lafferty and Emma Hansberry shaded the midfield exchanges.

Bohemians missed a gilt-edged chance for an interval advantage when Orlagh Fitzpatrick directed her effort from the edge of the six-yard box wide of the post in the 44th minute as the teams went in level at the interval.

Katie McCann went close for Bohs soon after the resumption and the Dublin women continued to pile on the pressure against a hard-working Sligo Rovers side.

Bonnie McKiernan handled confidently as the Dublin women continued to press forward and posed some serious questions.

Mairead McIntyre was a constant threat for Sligo Rovers and made it difficult for the central defenders of Bohemians as the hosts enjoyed a brief period of dominance.

Muireann Devaney had a good effort that went over the bar with five minutes remaining as Kya McKenna replaced McIntyre.

Bonnie McKiernan saved well from Alannah McEvoy in added time, but it ended with honours even on the opening day of the season.

THE TEAMS
Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan;  Cara King, Kate Nugent, Keeva Flynn, Alana Doherty, Katie Melly, Muireann Devaney, Emma Hansberry, Eimear Lafferty, Rachel McGoldrick, Mairead McIntyre.

Subs – Anna McDaniel for McGoldrick 61 mins, Kya McKenna for McIntyre 84m, Alice Lillie for Melly 93m.

Bohemian FC – Rachael Kelly; Lisa Murphy, Roisin McGovern, Aoibhe Brennan, Hannah Healy, Katherine Malone, Abbie O’Hara, Orlagh Fitzpatrick, Shauna Carroll, Katie McCann, Mia Dodd.

Subs – Sarah Power for O’Hara half-time, Alannah McEvoy for Fitzpatrick 57 mins, Savanah Kane for McCann, Fiona Donnelly for Dodd both 71m, Hannah O’Brien for Carroll 90m.

Referee – Paudie Hayes.
Assistant-referees – Richard Storey, Conor Harkin.
Fourth official – Michael Connelly.

Sligo Rovers will round up a busy week of Premier Division action with the long trip to Turner’s Cross to face Cork City this Friday evening, kick-off 7.45pm.

The Bit O’Red were narrowly beaten in Dublin by St Patrick’s Athletic last Friday before Rovers registered a superb performance to beat another league favourite, Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds on Monday last. 

Rovers return to Leeside and to the Cross, a venue John Russell’s men haven’t played at since 2023 full of confidence following that victory over the Hoops in front of over 4,000 supporters on home soil. 

Sligo haven’t beaten Cork at Turner’s Cross since 2019 and are on a five game winless run against Tim Clancy’s side in all competitive outings. However, Russell’s men are boosted by the news that Matty Wolfe, who missed out on that win over Shamrock Rovers is eligible to be selected for the match day squad. As is influential centre half Ollie Denham, who was introduced as a second half sub against the Dubliners earlier this week following a knock picked up against the Saints. 

Striker Wilson Waweru is the only absentee leading into the tie. 

Previewing the game at the Rebels, Russell says his squad are in good stead ahead of the journey to Cork, who will look to skip back into form following defeat to Waterford on Monday. 

“Everyone’s in good form going into this one after our game on Monday”, Russell tells sligorovers.com. 

“The win over Shamrock Rovers was one which we knew was always coming and it gives everyone that boost going into the Cork game. We got the basics right, took our chances when they arrived, didn’t give them many opportunities to hurt us and got the win we deserved. 

“What pleased me most was our ability to steady ourselves and get ourselves back in the game once they scored. We dealt with anything they were able to come at us with, even when the momentum was with them. Then we wrestled the game back and hit them with the winner. We have a few lads who have missed a bit of football in recent months with injuries but they’re starting to return to fitness now and we really clicked as against Shamrock Rovers and looked more cohesive. 

“We’ll be looking to bring that momentum with us down to Cork. Every ground in this league is tough to go to but somewhere like Turner’s Cross can be especially difficult for visiting teams. They’ll have a big crowd in and it’s important we ease ourselves into the occasion. 

“They’ll be hurting following that game in Waterford and they’ll be going all in trying to pick up points at home. Our aim is always to win football matches and Friday is no different. We have shown already that we have a lot of ability in this squad and we’re going to try and show that in Cork.”

David Goulden  

The 500 Club members draw for January and February was made recently by the 500 Club Committee.

These monthly draws see ten members drawn each month for cash prizes, with the top prize being €500.

The 500 Club continues to be one of the club’s most important Fundraisers and we wish to thank all members, and the 500 Club committee for their continued hard work.

January 2024

• €500 Norman Ashe – Strandhill, Co. Sligo
• €100 Seamus Gallagher – Crossmolina, Co. Mayo
• €100 Patrick Lynch – Calry, Co Sligo
• €100 Catrina Oates – Maugheraboy , Co Sligo
• €100 Ian Shovlin – Ballybofey , Co Donegal
• €100 Michael Forde – Ennisecrone, Co Sligo
• €100 Bertie Davey – Carraroe, Co Sligo
• €100 Niamh Connolly – Maul, Co Dublin
• €100 Gordon McDermott – Drumcliffe, Co Sligo
• €100 Thomas Kelly – Kellystown Sligo

February 2024

• €500 Brendon Mullen – Bundoran Rd, Co Sligo
• €100 Enda O Brien – Tracy Ave, Co Sligo
• €100 Martin Carr – Ballina, Co Mayo
• €100 Michael Mchugh – Cliffoney, Co Sligo
• €100 Kiara Killerane – Caltragh, Co Sligo
• €100 Paul Gilliece – Circular Rd, Co Sligo
• €100 Michael Clancy – Glencar, Co Sligo
• €100 Brian McDonagh – Strandhill, Co Sligo
• €100 David Kielty– Rathgar, Co Dublin
• €100 Joe Gannon – Rosses Point, Co Sligo

By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers will kick-off a fourth season in the League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division (WPD) at the Showgrounds on Saturday, 3pm, against Dublin side Bohemian FC on International Women’s Day.

The Bit O’Red will be aiming to find some improvement on a disappointing 2024 campaign that was highlighted by a well-deserved FAI Cup semi-final appearance against WPD champions Athlone Town.

Both teams completed pre-season last Saturday. The Dublin women had a 2-0 win against Linfield with goals from Katie Malone and Mia Dodd while Sligo Rovers had a 2-2 draw against Galway Utd at the Showgrounds with goals from Cara King and Rachel McGoldrick. Galway equalised in the 91st minute.

Steve Feeney returns to the sideline in a managerial role after taking a break last season.

“I feel we have a nice blend of experience and youth in the squad this season,” stated Steve who will have Enda Scanlon in the role of assistant-manager.

“Alana Doherty has returned to the club from a scholarship in the USA and Louise Masterson has joined us also, she was previously with Peamount Utd.

“Louise spent a couple of months playing full-time in Italy at the end of last season, the family has links with Sligo Rovers so that’s how the contact materialised.

“She has featured in some of the pre-season friendlies and has travelled from Dublin for training as well, she could be a good addition to the squad.

“Another new face is Morgan Burnap from the USA (New Hampshire), she contacted the club initially, has shown up well in the pre-season friendlies and could be a big addition once she gets to the fitness level required, she played College Football in the USA,

“Lauren Devaney, a cousin of Muireann, has also joined the squad from the under-19s and will be pushing for a pace in the starting 11,” he added.

Looking at last season and the fact that Sligo Rovers finished bottom of the League, Steve suggested that the performances weren’t as bad as the results indicated.

“I didn’t see all the games, but from what I did see, it was encouraging, despite the results,” he said.

“The team had some good spells in games and they were certainly worth more than the one win, but what was really evident was the battling qualities and that’s hugely beneficial.

“A lot of younger players also came in, Mairead McIntyre, Anna McDaniel, Cara King, Rachel McGoldrick, all capable of kicking-on and going to another level this season in terms of performance.

“If you look at the second half of last season, lots of positives, the draw in Tallaght where they were pushing to win the game, the FAI Cup win in Dublin against DLR Waves, they finished the season strongly,” he commented.

Regarding the pressure and demands to play other sports, Steve said that he had given the matter serious consideration.

“I had a chance to look at that particular issue last season, whether it’s the GAA or the basketball, it’s difficult for everyone and probably the fairest approach is to try to accomodate the various demands as much as possible,” he said.

“The break last year gave me a chance to look at the broader picture, on and off the pitch, and while I enjoyed it (the break) I also missed the involvement and the goal now is to grow the Sligo Rovers brand in the Women’s Premier Division.

“We can build a team here over this season and next that will be capable of challenging the ‘big guns’ as I’ll call them.

“Firstly, we have to get the players believing in themselves, then we can push on and expect more

consistent performances on a weekly basis. That will help us to pick up points that they probably deserved, but didn’t get, last season.

“We have a core of players who have been together now in the League for two or three seasons, that

will benefit the rest and will boost team spirit as well.

“The standard in the League continues to improve and we will have to deal with that challenge, but we have some very talented young players coming through from the under-age teams.

“It might sound a bit boring, but it will be one game at a time, that will be the focus, the next game is the most important one and that’s the visit of Bohemians on Saturday, all we need is lots of support,” he concluded.

Bohemians endured a disappointing 2024 with an eighth place finish.

A new manager is in position as Alban Hysa, who previously managed Treaty Utd, steps up to this role from the Dublin club’s under-17 team.

Key players for Bohemians this season will be shot-stopper Rachael Kelly, the long-serving Katie Lovely plus Savannah Kane, Sarah McKevitt and Katie Malone.

Add in the former Shelbourne duo of Mia Dodd and Hannah Healy as well as Roisin McGovern who has returned after a five-year stint in the USA and there will be lots of optimism.

All the ingredients for an exciting opener to the season at the Showgrounds, live on LOITV, kick-off 3pm.

Sligo Rovers face Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds on Monday night in the second of what is a three game run over the space of a busy seven days for the Bit O’Red. 

Rovers were narrowly beaten by St Patrick’s Athletic in a thrilling seven goal affair at Richmond Park on Friday night, while the Hoops provide the opposition on Monday evening before Sligo make the long trip to Cork on Friday. 

Rovers were unbeaten against Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds last season, beating Stephen Bradley’s side in June having played out a scoreless draw against the Dubliners at home in March. While the Tallaght outfit twice beat Rovers in Dublin, in both April and September.

Both clubs go into this tie occupying the bottom two spots with Sligo having played three, while the visitors have played just twice following the postponement of last week’s clash with Cork. 

Sligo remain the only team in the Premier Division yet to pick up a point after Shamrock Rovers drew with Shels at Tolka Park on Friday night, getting off the mark following a 1-1 draw. 

Rovers were beaten by the single goal in seven in Inchicore on Friday during a crazy game. Two behind, Rovers pulled themselves back into contention courtesy of an own goal and Cian Kavanagh’s first for the club. The same player then missed a penalty against his old side after Chris Forrester had made it 3-1, only for Kavanagh to return to level the tie shortly after his miss. 

It wasn’t to be Rovers’ night as ex-striker Aidan Keena netted the winner with eleven minutes to play. 

Manager John Russell will again be without Wilson Waweru for this one. Ollie Denham, a late withdrawal ahead of the Pat’s clash, faces a late fitness test. 

Offering his thoughts on a frustrating night, Russell says he acknowledges aspects of the performance weren’t up to scratch but sees a lot of positives heading into the Shamrock Rovers game. 

“Last Friday I’m sure was a smashing game to watch for the neutral. But for us it was disappointing not to come away with at least a point”, Russell told sligorovers.com. 

“To go to Dublin and score three against one of the best teams in the league is an achievement but then to concede four, all of which were avoidable isn’t acceptable from our point of view. But, we created plenty, missed a penalty and then might have had another one late on when Oskar (Van Hattum) was taken down inside the box.

“The Waterford and Pat’s games came down to such tight margins and big moments and if you have a bit of luck behind you, which you sometimes need, then that can be the difference between a decent start to the year and sitting bottom with no points. 

“But we must cut out the individual errors and that’s been well broadcasted to the players since the opening game. You can’t go and score goals and then concede sloppy goals at the same time. 

“We are trying to improve defensively but going forward, we’ve already scored five goals in our first three games and should have had more, so for me that’s a positive. 

“If we can manage to improve ourselves defensively and that’s the whole team included, then we give ourselves a good base to start from. 

“Yes, it’s been a disappointing start to the year. But it is vital we stay focused, keep working and understand that we have more than enough quality in this squad to start picking up points soon.”

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers face into a busy few days of Premier Division football as the Bit O’Red face two title challengers in quick succession. Rovers travel east for the second time in a week as St Patrick’s Athletic offer opposition at Richmond Park this Friday, before John Russell’s side welcome Shamrock Rovers to the Showgrounds on Monday.

Last weekend’s defeat to Drogheda United sees Rovers go into week three propping up the league table. But it’s early days yet as Sligo go to Pat’s in search of their first points of the season.

Rovers will be without Wilson Waweru who continues his rehab on a long-term injury. While Stephen Mallon will be assessed in the lead up to Friday’s game and is pushing to be involved following a knock picked up in a late pre-season fixture. 

Looking ahead to the Saints game, manager Russell has acknowledged what has been a less than ideal opening fortnight to 2025. But the Rovers boss believes his squad have more than enough about them to turn the tide sooner rather than later. 

“It’s been a tough start to the year but we’re only two games in and I have a lot of belief in this group of players”, Russell tells sligorovers.com. 

“Everyone is working extremely hard each and every day and no less is allowed. We know there are areas we need to and must improve in, especially from the Drogheda game. We didn’t deserve anything from that game but we learned from it and move on to the next one.

“We’re still a new group and we’re learning about each other more and more as the days go on. 

“We’ve a big weekend coming now with Pat’s and then Shams right after that. But we’re really looking forward to the challenge.” 

On his old club Pat’s, Russell continues: “They have a squad capable of winning a league and that’s what they’re chasing. They’ve had what many would consider a tough start too. They’ll be dangerous. They have the players more than able to turn you over if you let them and have a manager with league and cup winning experience so it’s going to be tough for us and we need to be on our game as soon as that first whistle goes.”

One player who has stood out since his arrival in the winter and will look to make an impact again this weekend is attacking midfielder Jad Hakiki. The ex-Shels and Dundalk man was in stellar form in pre-season and scored on his competitive debut against Waterford at the Showgrounds two weeks ago.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, he acknowledges the team’s unsteady start but says the players are all confident of taking points from the upcoming games.

“Of course it takes time with so many new lads coming in”, he states.

“Yes the results weren’t the ones we wanted from the first two games but we haven’t let that put us off track. 

“It takes time to gel no matter who you are but it’s up to us the players to build those connections now. The games are coming fast now so we know we need to get familiar with each other quickly. We know how good we can be, for example against Waterford in the second half, there were periods where they struggled to deal with us. We need to find that form again now.

“Pat’s obviously have a really strong squad and we all know it’ll be a tough one. But if we can reach the levels we and the fans expect from us, then there’s no doubt that we can pick up a positive result.” 

David Goulden