Sligo Rovers chairman Tommy Higgins has paid tribute to club captain David Cawley following confirmation of a parting ways with the Bit O’ Red following the conclusion of the 2023 season.

Cawley has written his name in Rovers history after making over 300 appearances for the club over two spells.

He is in the top 10 all-time appearance holders for Rovers, recently moving into seventh spot.

He won a league title, FAI Cup and Setanta Cup and has been a talisman for the Bit O’ Red since rejoining in 2018.

The Rovers chairman said: “David has been a vital figure for the club since first wearing the shirt over 11 years ago.

“We have been honoured to have him represent Sligo Rovers for many reasons. While some will consider the trophies and medals he won at the club the highlights, David’s longevity and impact over such a lengthy period of time is what stands him out as one of our greatest ever servants.

“He quickly understood what our club is about since those early days in 2012. His standing among our supporters, particularly our young fans and families, speaks volumes about him as a person and role model. We are very grateful for the example he played off the pitch.

“On the pitch he was someone we could always call on to demonstrate what it means to play for Sligo Rovers and put in countless memorable performances, leading to some very special days. We were thrilled to grant David a deserved testimonial this year.

“While we part ways now we know he will be a big part of our club’s history and will be forever welcome in The Showgrounds. We wish him and his family a wonderful future in life and in football and thank him for his incredible service at the club.”

Sligo Rovers can confirm manager John Russell will lead the club in the 2024 Men’s Premier Division season.

A statement from the club’s management committee read: “This has been a challenging and difficult season for all of our supporters and the wider club. 

“We have faith in John to move the club forward. Our priority is to build a squad for the new season and have a much improved year in 2024.

“As a young manager John will take the experience of this season and use it to move the side in a positive direction.”

Speaking in The Showgrounds this morning, Russell said: “I’m delighted to extend my contract and lead this club into the 2024 season.

“I’d like to thank the management committee for their trust despite a very challenging season where results have not been good enough.

“I know the areas where we need to improve and I have been very active in the background over the past few weeks in terms of recruitment, staff and structures around the first team.

“I am determined to bring success to this club. I have learned a lot throughout the tough moments and I believe this will stand to me and the team going into next season.

“I know the supporters have suffered this season and I understand their frustration.

“Now it’s vital that we reset and rebuild a team that will give everything on the pitch and represent this club.

“The hard work has already started and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”

Nine players have departed the club following the conclusion of the 2023 season

They are: Lukas Browning, Johan Brannefalk, Frank Livaak, Gary Boylan, Mark Byrne, Garry Buckley, Daniel Lafferty, Pedro Martelo and Robbie Burton.

The club wish the players the best in the future.

Sligo Rovers were saddened to learn of the death of former club secretary Michael O’Boyle this week

Michael was a dedicated Rovers volunteer and supporter throughout his life

He was secretary of the club from 1975-1979, including our league-winning season in 1977.

We offer our sympathies to his wife Maureen, sons Gerry, Michael, John, Stephen, Declan and Jason and daughter Veronica

As a club we are forever grateful for the volunteers who enrich the community and club.

May Michael rest in peace.

It’s the last home game of the Women’s Premier Division (WPD) season for Sligo Rovers and a big occasion for manager Steve Feeney who will step down from his role next weekend due to work and family reasons after the final game of 2023 away to Peamount Utd, writes Conall Collier.

The players will be determined to make it a memorable occasion for Steve who will be taking charge of the team for a 53^rd competitive game and a victory will be the target.

The Bit O’Red welcome DLR Waves and manager Laura Heffernan to the Showgrounds for what is the final game of the season for the Dublin side who have a bye next weekend due to the odd number (11) of teams in the WPD.

The Waves completed their home campaign with a rescheduled game on Wednesday night at the Belfield Bowl against Shamrock Rovers and in that contest, they featured only six of the team that started in the 3-0 victory against the Bit O’Red last April.

Neema Nyangasi and Robyn Bolger both missed the midweek contest through injury while Hannah Tobin-Jones and Nicole Keogh were absent due to work commitments in what was the last home game of the season for the Dublin women.

The quick turnaround, with only Thursday and Friday to recover, could have an impact on the DLR performance at the Showgrounds, but the Waves will be eager to add another victory to the four already achieved between this season and last season against Sligo Rovers.

DLR produced an encouraging performance on Wednesday night although they ended up on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline.

The game was scoreless for close to 70 minutes as DLR absorbed a lot of pressure without too much difficulty, but then they conceded twice in 10 minutes.

However, in the 82^nd minute, DLR substitute Ruth McDonnell gave her side a lifeline with an opportunist finish, but that was as good as it got and the concession of a third goal two minutes from time left it 12 WPD defeats for the season.

When the sides met last April, there were plenty of positives for the Bit O’Red in the opening half, but they failed to capitalise on a couple of good chances before Jess Gleeson gave DLR the lead in first-half added time.

DLR then dominated the second-half, but had to wait until the 76^th minute for goal number two which arrived from substitute Sarah McKevitt’s long-range effort and then another substitute, Michelle Doonan, added a third goal with eight minutes remaining.

Sligo Rovers currently sit in ninth position, five points adrift of DLR Waves in eighth, and if the hosts can produce the type of form that saw them defeat Bohemian FC by 4-1 in the WPD at the Showgrounds at the end of September, then the target of three points is a realistic goal.

Sligo Rovers scored four against Bohemian FC and three against Cork City in the last two WPD games at the Showgrounds with Paula McGrory (two), Emma Doherty (two), Sarah Kiernan, Keri Loughrey and Casey Howe all finding the net.

Jodie Loughrey returns from a week with the Republic of Ireland at the UEFA European WU19 Championship Qualifiers.

Last time out, the Bit O’Red conceded a 90^th minute winner against Shelbourne at Tolka Park after a battling performance that saw them lead at the interval from an Emma Hansberry strike.

If that form can be reproduced against DLR Waves, then there are reasonable prospects of a first victory against the Dublin side and an appropriate way to conclude Steve Feeney’s role at the helm ahead of next weekend’s televised (TG4) game against the newly-crowned champions Peamount Utd.  

Sligo Rovers play their final league match of the season on Friday night when travelling to take on Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium.

The Bit O’ Red are set to finish in eighth place in the Premier Division following last week’s 0-0 draw with Drogheda United.

Nando Pijnaker is an injury doubt. Gary Boylan and Mark Byrne also sit out due to long-term injuries.

Manager John Russell said: “It’s a tough venue as we know. The pitch is excellent, there’ll be a big crowd, the game is live on television and we can use it as an opportunity to showcase the talent we have at the club.

“I don’t think many will give us a chance and we can go there with a bit of freedom to express ourselves.

“That is something to look forward to and we have to approach it in that manner and of course be disciplined as well.

“When we started off at the beginning of the year we had much higher aspirations than what our league finish will be.

“It’s important we stick it out, sign off in the right style as a group because we have been in this together all year and give our supporters watching something to cheer as well.”

The match is live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player with kick-off 7.45pm

Tickets for our final game of the season away to Shamrock Rovers are now on sale.

#bitored fans are asked to note tickets are only available online and will not be available after Thursday

Buy here now: https://www.shamrockrovers.ie/away-fans-tickets/

As Sligo Rovers Football Club prepares to play host to Drogheda United at The Showgrounds on Saturday evening, the club announces its partnership with The Rio Ferdinand Foundation through the International Fund for Ireland Beyond the Ball Project.

Established by former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand, The Rio Ferdinand Foundation has worked across the island of Ireland since 2016, providing mentoring and employment pathways to help young people in disadvantaged communities.

This partnership builds on the work of the Rio Ferdinand Foundation in Sligo, Mayo and Leitrim in recent years, and will form the major hub in the southern border counties for the cross border Beyond the Ball project.

Beyond The Ball is a major partnership between the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and the International Fund for Ireland – bringing young people together across eight counties on the island of Ireland to build shared experiences, undertake training and accreditation, deliver shared social action projects, and engage with policy makers, to shape their own future.

The relationship will also see the Rio Ferdinand Foundation delivery team based in The Showgrounds and deliver community projects and training initiatives for young people in the Sligo / Leitrim region and host events and exchanges with young people and colleagues from Northern Ireland and Britain.

The working partnership announced today with Sligo Rovers, signals a significant step for the Rio Ferdinand Foundation’s work on the Island of Ireland to empower equality and create opportunities for young people.

Speaking on the partnership, Sligo Rovers Football Club Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Feakins said:

“Sligo Rovers Football Club are proud to announce a working partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. As a community owned club, we see numerous synergies between our organisations and look forward to expanding and creating new outreach programs for young people and adults.

“Using football as a vehicle, we will strive to develop ongoing opportunities to engage a wide variety of people to address racism, inequality and develop inclusion across communities in our region. The love and passion for football transcends boundaries, forges friendships, develops confidence and resilience, builds fitness and positive mental health whilst creating longstanding community integration.”

Rio Ferdinand said: “The Beyond the Ball project is a flagship programme for the work of my Foundation on the Island of Ireland and this new partnership with a club of the stature and reach of Sligo Rovers will add fantastic value to our work.

“Rovers are a community club that share many of our values in tackling inequality, building communities, and providing opportunities for young people and I am proud of the fact that my team will be working alongside the club and its people on this important piece of work.”

Paddy Harte, Chair of the International Fund For Ireland, said:

“Sport undoubtedly has the power to bring people and communities together. It can transform people’s lives, broadening their horizons and providing opportunities to develop friendships that they would not otherwise have been able to do.

“Sport makes it possible to have friends in even the most difficult times, and particularly for young people who get the chance to develop friendships across social and economic divides.”

Sligo Rovers play their final home game of the League of Ireland Premier Division season on Saturday evening against Drogheda United.

The Bit O’ Red play the team directly above in the table with United occupying seventh spot.

Rovers have yet to record a win against Drogs – the latest game finished in a 2-2 draw after John Russell’s side had taken a 2-0 lead.

Reece Hutchinson will have a late fitness test. Greg Bolger and Robbie Burton return from suspension.

Russell said: “We’re very keen to finish off the home season with a win. We want to give our home fans something to smile about after a tough year.

“We know we need a win in one of our final two matches and we’ll certainly be looking to win the game on Saturday.

“Drogheda have had a good season. I felt we should have won the last game when we were the goals ahead and we let that slip.

“Every game we go into, we’re looking to try and win, there’s a game plan, there’s a focus.

“Ultimately, when you cross the white line you have to produce and you have to play well.

“We need to find a big performance like we have had in some of our home games here.

“I wanted a reaction last Monday night and felt we got that with aspects of our performance, even in defeat. We have to take the same level of application and put the chances we create away to get the three points.”

Kick-off is 6pm.

The Minister for Sport, Thomas Byrne TD, will be a guest at Sligo Rovers final home game of the season against Drogheda at the Showgrounds on Saturday night. 

A native of Drogheda, his late father, Tommy Byrne, played for Drogheda United in the 1960’s and was player-manager of the club for a time. 

During his visit to Sligo the Minister will be given an update on the Sligo Rovers Development Project, including the appointment of a Design Team after Sligo County Council granted planning permission for the plan.

His wife, Ann (Hunt), is a native of Doon, Gurteen Co. Sligo and she has an impressive track-record in sport.  She won a Sligo championship with her local Eastern Harps Ladies Gaelic team in the early 1990’s and also played football with Gurteen Celtic at the time. 

We look forward to welcoming Minister Byrne to The Showgrounds on Saturday.