Sligo Rovers defender Kyle Callan-McFadden is departing the club today as he is relocating to England for family reasons.

After four seasons with the Bit O’ Red, including becoming captain at the age of 22 in 2018, Kyle moves on with great wishes from everyone at the football club.

He will join King’s Lynn in England, a club located in Norfolk where his wife’s family are based and has secured employment.

Callan-McFadden explains: “During the first lockdown I got the phone call. I know the manager as he was part of the first-team coaching staff at Norwich when I was there. We spoke about it as a family and we thought it was right to move back to England. It has been six years since Ella has been living near her family and friends. We had a great life in Ireland but Ella has a job secured in the NHS. It came fast but it’s the right time to move on. It’s a wee change for me after four years here. It’s more a family decision than football but it’s a change for us all. We’re looking forward to it now.”

King’s Lynn play in the National League in England and earned an upset victory in the FA Cup over Port Vale last week. They have been rising through the leagues in England and are just one tier away from League 2.

“When a club shows ambition to get up the ladder in England, it’s good of course. I spoke to some players I know over there from my time at Norwich and they all said positive things. They have an aim in place for two to three years and that’s something I want to be part. I’m looking forward to it. Sadly my time at Sligo had to come to an end.”

Callan-McFadden leaves after his best season for the club after finishing fourth in the table.

“There is a bit of mixed emotions. It couldn’t happen to a better bunch of lads to finish fourth this season. They are a great group with no bad eggs. They deserve every success and the coaching staff as well. They have worked tirelessly with us, even through the lockdown, sending us programs and keeping us fit. It obviously worked because we hit the ground running and we haven’t really stopped. Hopefully they can go on to win the FAI Cup.”

After his first season under the manager Dave Robertson, Gerard Lyttle was then appointed and made Callan-McFadden captain alongside John Russell, sharing it over the season. He won Player of the Year in 2017.

He reflects warmly on the managers that have shown a great deal of trust in him at The Showgrounds

“I think I’ve developed loads over the four seasons. I was almost chucked in at the deep end at 22 being captain. I probably felt the pressure a bit more being captain by myself in the second year. It was probably one of my worst years playing for the club, I dipped in form massively. It was not nice to see Ger move on as he showed great faith in me.

“Liam Buckley has come in and it has been a breath of fresh air for everyone. I started to find my feet again. I did a bit of a stint in midfield in the first season. I’ve definitely developed and especially playing different positions. To be captain of a senior club rather than a youth team and leading the team to a FAI Cup semi-final last year was brilliant. This year has been a strange year but a brilliant one for us on the pitch. Sligo definitely helped me develop into the player and person I am today.”

Buckley has brought in more experienced players to the group, something which Callan-McFadden feel has helped, along with the array of young talent in the group.

“It’s definitely made a difference to me and the squad. Johnny Dunleavy, David Cawley, Ronan Murray and Garry Buckley, all of them boys and more. That definitely helped me and even now the young boys now buy into leadership more like Niall Morahan. He has been fantastic and our player of the year in my view. Everyone has pulled in the one direction this year. If you have a bad game, there is always a player to rely on to pick you up and help you go again. That has been proven this season.”

The 25-year-old has also paid tribute to Liam Buckley and the management committee for facilitating the move.

“I spoke to the manager after lockdown, he was brilliant. I told him King’s Lynn had contacted me and I told him what was being offered and how it would suit our family, and he stood by me with it. He told me it was a big opportunity to go over and make a name in England again. He said if you keep playing as you are, then it won’t be a problem. The board have been understanding as well. I can’t say a bad word about the club on how they’ve dealt with me on this or over these last four years. They’ve looked after me brilliantly.

“The supporters and the people in Sligo have been great too so they have. We’re very grateful for the life we had here in the last four years and especially for our family.”

Callan-McFadden will be able to play for King’s Lynn immediately once international clearance comes through, but will not have a game on 20 November and he will watch his former team-mates in FAI Cup action against Derry City on WATCHLOI.

“I’ll 100% be watching. I texted all the boys to let them know I’ll be looking out for them and rooting for them, I really genuinely do hope they go on and lift that Cup now.”

The club would like to thank Kyle for his tremendous service, professionalism and representing Sligo Rovers in such a dedicated way over these four seasons.

We wish Kyle and his family great times ahead and look forward to welcoming them back for visits to The Showgrounds in the future.

Sligo Rovers profited from another goalkeeping gaffe for Dundalk at Oriel Park to give themselves a chance of European football next season.

After criticism of Aaron McCarey’s display in the 4-3 Europa League defeat away to Rapid Wien last Thursday, Gary Rogers was one of six changes to the Lilywhites side selected by interim head coach Filippo Giovagnoli.

However, the veteran was caught all at sea for the opening goal in the game after just 10 minutes when a cross from wide on the right looped over his head and into the net. Ronan Coughlan would add a stunning second deep in stoppage time to ensure the three points for the visitors on a night when the home side never really showed up.

Those goals were enough for Liam Buckley’s side to claim fourth place in the table, which could be enough for a Europa League spot if one of the three sides above them in the table goes on to win the FAI Cup.

That would be a tremendous achievement for a Sligo side who were bottom without a point when the league resumed at the end of July.

While they sweat over whether or not they will be in Europe next season, Dundalk can perhaps count themselves fortunate to be there already.Defeat to the Bit O Red meant that they needed a favour from Finn Harps to finish third. 

This was another insipid display from the dethroned champions who finish the campaign a massive 22 points off Shamrock Rovers and 11 points adrift of Bohemians.

They still have the FAI Cup and three Europa League games to come in the coming weeks but for many this may have been an Oriel Park farewell after a forgettable domestic season.Jordan Flores had an early effort for the hosts which was straight at Ed McGinty but after that the visitors took control.

Their first chance arrived in the ninth minute when Ryan De Vries found space on the right to cross to the unmarked Ronan Coughlan but he could only glance his header across the face of goal and wide.Within a minute the Bit O Red were in front.

De Vries showed remarkable skill to spin away from two challenges before releasing Jesse Devers on the right with his cross/shot deceiving Rogers as it flew over his head into the top left hand corner.

Dundalk were fortunate it wasn’t 2-0 two minutes later as Coughlan found space at the edge of the box to get a shot away only to fire straight at Rogers.

The striker would have another chance soon after when he met Regan Donelan’s corner at the near post but on this occasion he couldn’t keep his header down.The home side did have a few chances before the break with Flores firing over from Stefan Colovic’s lay off before McGinty did well to save a deflected effort from Sean Murray from the edge of the box.

The Republic of Ireland U-21 squad member then produced two stunning saves two minutes before the break when he firstly clawed away a hooked effort from Daniel Cleary from a Colovic corner before making an even better stop from the follow up corner when he tipped Brian Gartland’s header around the post.

After surviving a scare when Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe was unmarked at the back post but fired tamely at Rogers, Dundalk’s evening then went from bad to worse in first half stoppage time when top scorer Patrick Hoban limped off with a serious looking injury.

Sean Gannon was also introduced on the wing at half-time but it was right back Sean Hoare who created the first chance of the second half on 53 minutes when his cross picked out the unmarked McMillan whose header was well saved by McGinty at the second attempt.

There were few further openings after that with McMillan unable to capitalise on other half chances. Cleary was even deployed up front towards the end as they went in desperate search of a leveller.It almost arrived two a minute from the end when Hoare’s header from Colovic’s corner was turned goalward by Gannon but again McGinty was equal to it as it was turned around the post.

Daniel Cleary had a couple of bites at the cherry to grab an equaliser in the second minute of stoppage time but it was Sligo who would be celebrating in the 96th minute when Coughlan rifled a stunning shot past Rogers to complete the victory.

Dundalk: Gary Rogers; Sean Hoare, Brian Gartland, Daniel Cleary, Cameron Dummigan; Greg Sloggett, Jordan Flores (John Mountney 74); Stefan Colovic, Sean Murray (Sean Gannon HT), Nathan Oduwa; Patrick Hoban (David McMillan 45+2). Subs not used: Aaron McCarey, Darragh Leahy, Jamie Wynne, Andy Boyle.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Lewis Banks, Garry Buckley, John Mahon, Regan Donelon (Alex Cooper 64); David Cawley, Niall Morahan (Will Seymore 79); Jesse Devers, Ryan De Vries, Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe; Ronan Coughlan. Subs not used: Luke McNicholas, Danny Kane, Darragh Noone, Darren Collins, Sigitas Olberkis.

Sligo Rovers play their final game of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division on Monday against Dundalk at Oriel Park, kick-off 7.30pm, live on WATCHLOI.ie.

The Bit O’ Red go in search of a first top-half finish since 2016 and could end in fourth place depending on results elsewhere.The last time Rovers finish as high as that was third place in 2013. 

Rovers have earned 22 points in 13 matches since the restart, the third best in the division.

Earlier this season Rovers were 3-1 winners over Dundalk in The Showgrounds as part of seven wins from the last eight games in league at home.  

Away from home has proven much trickier for Rovers in 2020, failing to score in seven of eight games so far, with the only goals coming in the 2-0 win over Derry City.

That stat must be improved upon for the Bit O’ Red to secure the finish desired in the league.

Incidentally the last Rovers last win in Oriel Park came in the 2016 campaign.

In team news, Teemu Penninkangas and Mark Byrne are slight doubts with knocks but could be available.

Johnny Dunleavy (knee) and Ronan Murray (toe) are definitely out. Ryan De Vries (knee) is available after being forced off at half-time against Cork City.

Liam Buckley said: “We’re looking forward to the game certainly. When the season restarted, if you told us that we’d have the chance to finish fifth and possibly get fourth which could be Europe, and with an FAI Cup quarter-final to come, we would have taken it without doubt.

“It’s a good outcome to be in this position from where we were on 31 July. There is this opportunity for us and unquestionably there’s a huge amount on the line in this game.

“It’s a difficult one when you are facing Dundalk away from home, we know that. They are looking for a result as well to seal third place. But it’s a chance for us and we’re going there with that in mind.

“We had a very tight game in The Showgrounds where we produced a performance and scored goals. We managed to get the win that day.  We’re looking to try to do that again and see where that take us.

“There are a lot of permutations about what could happen, I’m sure there’ll be twists and turns over the evening. From our point of view we’re looking forward to the game and trying to get the result we want.”

Sligo Rovers are delighted to confirm that David Cawley has signed a new two-year contract with the club today.

The 29-year-old will enter into his eighth season the club in 2021 and becomes the third player to commit to the club for the next campaign.

Niall Morahan and John Mahon signed for 2021 last month.

Cawley admitted that it is hard to believe he has had such a long time in a Rovers shirt.

He spent one season each at St Patrick’s Athletic and Galway United, but have return to the Bit O’ Red in 2018, the Ballina man has firmly established himself as a mainstay at The Showgrounds over much of the last decade.

Cawley said: “The years have flown by. I think it’ll bring me into my eighth and ninth season. It’s great. I was delighted to be approached about a new deal. It was only going to end up one way. The deal was straight-forward and I couldn’t wait to sign.

“The bit of security means a lot to players at the moment. It is hard to come by, especially in this league. It shows the club is moving in the right direction. Before this contract runs out, as a player I want to pull the club further forward.

“I know this year has been strange but after the restart we really kicked on moved up the table. I think we’ve moved forward with the way the season went, but we’d like it better of course

“It’s hard to reflect on it overall. It has been such a strange year. The break did us the world of good but from the position we were in, we knew we had to be and that it was about points straight away. At one stage we were third after a win.

“Expectations rose and we were performing to our potential. A few weeks passed on and we had a bit of a bump again. If you look at every club, bar Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians, everyone had their ups and downs.”

Having seen the club grow through his time at The Showgrounds, Cawley is keen to prove that this year’s side are making progress, with the best possible chance to do so coming this month with a match on Sunday to finish in a high position in the league against Dundalk and an FAI Cup quarter-final to come against Derry City.

“We can say we’ve improved if we do finish the season well. Consistency has not been great for us for a few years really. When we were in that good run this season, we were dominating games.

“Some of them we won by a single goal and we had serious chances. The wins should have been bigger. We had a little luck along the way and now it’s going against us. That’s football. We’ve lost 1-0 in some games and it hasn’t gone our way.

“In the Waterford game they scored a screamer early in the game through their only shot and we couldn’t break them down.  We were creating a lot of chance and we were aggressive in our play. That died out of us a bit. I can’t really tell you why. It just happened. We didn’t want it to happen and we’ve discussed it.

“Maybe teams sussed us out and that we were a harder team to face than before. I’m not too sure. Hopefully we can finish it strongly.  That would be ideal. Wherever that may leave us, we want to finish as strong as we can.”

Cawley was part of the Rovers side which enjoyed great success between 2012 and 2014.

At 29, he is all too aware that the years are going by for chance to repeat such moments. The ambition is most certainly there.

“I can’t finish up my career without winning something again. It would torture me. I know I’ve won trophies but when you do win something you want to win it again. You have to be hungry. We’re in the Cup and I’d like to get to the semi-final of that and see from that.

“We had a couple of semi-finals and we were close to getting that big day back again. I know the FAI Cup semi-final with Dundalk had a full house and we hadn’t see that in a while, but ideally we’d like to go on further and get to a final.

“I don’t want to see out contracts and just be happy enough that I’ve won one league, one FAI Cup and whatever else. I want to do it again. I’m not here to play and that’s it. I want to win something.”.

Liam Buckley added: “We’re delighted to get David signed today. He has been a fantastic player for the club for a long period and he is very important to the side here.

“A two-year contract is good for both the player and the club so that aspect is welcome too. David is very keen to be part of a successful Sligo Rovers and that’s what we want.

“Next season is just around the corner so planning is crucial. We have to plan as best we can. This is another good move in doing so.”

Sligo Rovers FC is a professional football club running a Premier Division men’s team and five underage schoolboys and ladies teams, drawn from a wide hinterland.

As part of the long-term strategy, the club now seeks applications for the position of Head of Academy on a full-time employment basis. 

This position will include the following primary duties:

• Player identification and development

• Coach identification, development and education

• Development of a pathway from academy to first-team

• Liaison with IT Sligo and management of the scholarship scheme

• Co-ordination with first-team manager on player progress and development

• The club is community-based and owned and the person will be an important link to local clubs and community

The successful candidate will hold a minimum of a UEFA Elite Youth A Licence and will be a self-starter with high organisation skills and a good communicator.

This position is a key pillar in the development of the club.

The closing date for applications is Saturday 14th November.

A shortlisting process will take place immediately thereafter.

Sligo Rovers FC is an equal opportunity employer.

Please send CV to our CEO, colinfeehilysrfc@hotmail.com

John Mahon has signed a new two-year contract with Sligo Rovers, the club are delighted to announce today.

The 20-year-old has committed his future to the Bit O’ Red for the 2021 and 2022 seasons and said he has come back with an even stronger purpose to bring success to Rovers and in his own career.

Mahon made his senior debut in April 2017 after playing for the Under-17 and Under-19 side having signed from Ballisodare United.

He was Young Player of the Year for the club in 2018, first-choice defender in 2019 and has played 64 matches for the senior Rovers team despite breaking his leg last February, an injury which ruled him out for eight and a half months.

Having returned to the team against Shelbourne earlier this month, he followed it up with another appearance on Saturday in the win over Cork City.

Today he signs a new deal, saying he is determined to make up for lost time.

“I’m very happy to sign today and have my future here. It hasn’t been the year I wanted it to be. The injury was very hard to take and I had to work hard to get back to playing. I was probably one of the few people who could take a positive from football being stopped because I knew it would give me a chance to get back and play in important games.

“Now that I am back, I just wanted it set in stone that I’ll be part of the club for two years. In the two years I want us to get to the next level. I have my ambitions to play at a higher level of course like any player and I have to go prove why I can, and in doing that I want to help the club go forward. I love playing for Rovers, I’m very proud to play for the club. I missed out on some football this year, I said it would make me stronger and I think it has done.”

Mahon was in the stands early in the season after the leg break on 1 February, admitting it was hard to be a spectator.

“I didn’t like it if I’m being honest. I wanted to be out there. That was at the beginning after the surgery. Covid-19 came along and football stopped. When it came back I was much closer to recovery so it made it easier. I have people to thank who help me in those months. My Mum is a nurse and was a great support, especially early on after the surgery.

“There was a time at 3am where I was getting pains and she brought me to hospital knowing it was the right thing, things like that. Mark Howley our strength and conditioning coach did lots of sessions with me then in the last few months and Colin (Feehily) got me gym equipment from The Showgrounds. I’m grateful to everyone who supported me during the time.

“I was back training in September and I thought I was flying to be honest. The manager wouldn’t put me in, he had injuries so I think he knows from experience. I wanted to play but looking at it now, I think he was right to wait until the Shelbourne match. You don’t want to pull up with a muscle injury because you aren’t completely ready to play a competitive game.”

There was still trepidation as Mahon took to the pitch against Shels, and they were heightened in early minutes as the defender had to put in a tackle when Ciaran Kilduff was about to score for Shels.

“It was the first few minutes and I played a ball that maybe I shouldn’t have as I was trying to settle back in. I had to make a tackle and it forced it I suppose, I made it and it was massive for me to be honest. That got rid of the nerves that I had. The Cork game last Saturday was just like back to normal so I feel I’m settled in again. I feel sharp. I want to show I’ve improved more even after the time out”

Mahon is indeed back for the climax of the Rovers season, including an FAI Cup quarter-final in mid-November against Derry City, where a win would bring at least one further game as well as the final league clash away to Dundalk.

“I love the FAI Cup. It was in my mind once I knew it was delayed because of Covid. I just wanted us to get to this stage so I know I would be back for it. The semi-final with Dundalk last year was a great occasion, it was the biggest game I’ve played for the club and it didn’t end as we wanted. I want to get to another semi-final and have another shot at reaching a final. We don’t have our supporters but we are trying to do it for them so it’s a massive game whenever it comes around.

“I don’t think things have fallen for us recently as they were doing when that great run we had happened. There’s a very good group of lads in the dressing-room and we have the chance to improve on last season in front of us still.”

The two-year deal will secure Mahon’s future at The Showgrounds, having previously had a two and a half year contract.

The security is important for the Collooney man, if much a challenge as anything else.

“You can’t predict what can happen as we saw in the last two and a bit years. There’s been great times and there’s been disappointments that are part of football too. I hope the next two years are going to be great ones for the club and myself. I have lots of ambitions in the next two seasons.”

Liam Buckley added: “We’re delighted to have John on board with us for two seasons. He’s a huge talent and already a fantastic defender for us. At 20 years of age he already has lots of experience and more to gain.

“We were patient with John coming back, we had to be and it will stand to him over time. I know what it is like with injuries and that you have to be patient, particularly one such as this.

“We were never going to take any chances with him. I believe he has a fantastic career ahead of him and over the next two years he has the opportunity to show us all what we can do.

“It’s another good bit of business and a real positive for ourselves for next season.”

View a selection of images from tonight’s 2-1 win over Cork City in The Showgrounds.

Sligo Rovers defeated Cork City 2-1 on Saturday evening in The Showgrounds to keep hopes of a top-half finish alive in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.

City’s Kit Elliot missed a first half penalty, before Junior had Sligo in the lead. Substitute Dylan McGlade gave Colin Healy’s side a chance when he levelled the game mid-way through the second half.

But the Bit O’Red were to emerge victorious, Coughlan converting from the spot after Liam Bossin fouled Junior in the Cork area.

Seeking to improve on their recent poor form of just one win in six it was Rovers who fired the first shot.

City goalkeeper Bossin holding on to Ryan De Vries’ effort seven minutes in after the New Zealander found space between the Cork lines.

Knowing defeat and a win for Finn Harps over Bohemains later that night would confirm their relegation, Cork were handed a golden opportunity less than sixty seconds later.

Referee Rob Hennessy adjudged John Mahon to have handled the ball in front of goal as the centre half attempted to block down Alec Byrne’s smashed effort from twenty yards. But Kit Elliot spurned the chance when his penalty was met by a sprawling Ed McGinty in the Rovers goal.

Sligo are one of only two teams the Leesiders have managed to beat in the league this year although their cause was done no favours on eleven minutes when Liam Buckley’s charges struck for the opener.

Henry Ochieng failed to track Junior’s run as he latched onto the end of an Ed McGinty punt toward the Cork box. The ex-Derry striker finishing with aplomb as he tucked the ball beyond the oncoming Liam Bossin.

The remainder of the opening period was pedestrian at best. Byrne blasted over from 25 yards for City, while both Jesse Devers and Ryan Vries fired straight at Bossin at the other end.

Bossin was on hand to keep his side in the fight on 62. The 24-year-old got down to deny Niall Morahan after the Leitrim man slalomed his way past a series of challenges.

The Munster side burst back into this tie on 64. Substitute McGlade’s free-kick from out wide managing to find a way past a forest of legs before sneaking past McGinty.

Cork were pegged back eight minutes later however, when Bossin tangled with Junior following a Sligo corner. Coughlan converting the game’s second spot-kick for his fifth goal of the season.

Cork had a late chance to level proceedings. From a quick throw-in down the left, the ball ended up with Cian Coleman but the midfielder’s hammered effort was pushed away courtesy of some McGinty acrobatics.

Rovers need a host of favours to stop the likes of St Patrick’s Athletic, Waterford and Derry City in the race for the top four, but remain in the hunt ahead of the final game of the season away to Dundalk in two weeks.

Next up is the FAI Cup quarter-final against Derry City on Sunday 1 November at 4pm.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Lewis Banks, Garry Buckley, John Mahon, Regan Donelon (Alex Cooper 76); Will Seymore, Niall Morahan; Jesse Devers, Ronan Coughlan, Ryan De Vries (Darragh Noone HT); Junior.

Cork City: Liam Bossin; Joseph Olowu, Jake O’Brien, Kevin O’Connor; Henry Ochieng, Ronan Hurley (Cian Bargary HT); Cian Coleman, Alec Byrne (Dylan McGlade 60), Gearoid Morrisey; Beineon O’Brien-Whitmarsh (Cian Murphy 79), Kit Elliot.  

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

Sligo Rovers play their final home game of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division season as Cork City visit on Saturday for a 5pm kick-off.

Just eight home league games have been played this year, with five wins and three defeats for the Bit O’ Red, with the record particularly good since the restart with just a one-goal loss to Bohemians the only blemish.

The sides met in August where Rovers started well but went on to lose 3-0, one of just two wins for the Rebels this campaign, and they travel to Sligo knowing a win is essential in their battle for survival.

For Rovers, the league position is very match undecided with two games left. Liam Buckley’s side can finish anywhere from fourth to ninth, meaning these games will define the outcome of the year.

A 1-0 defeat to Shelbourne last week left Rovers back in the bottom half of the table.

In team news, Kyle Callan-McFadden returns from suspension having served a one-game ban against Shels. John Mahon made his return after over eight months out and completed 90 minutes in Dublin. Sigitas Olberkis returned to action last week as well.

Johnny Dunleavy (knee) and Ronan Murray (toe) are definitely out.

Ryan De Vries will have a late fitness test on a knee problem.

Regan Donelon and Danny Kane have trained in recent days.

Liam Buckley said: “We were all extremely disappointed last week. We didn’t do ourselves justice for what we have within the group. We need to be much better, there’s no doubt about that.  We have to prove we can be. This is a time of the season where there is so much on the line. We’re playing to get up any amount of places in the league in the table and anything is still possible.

“It’s not just about the table, it’s also for team spirit, for earning contracts next season and we owe it to our supporters as well. They deserve more than just the season being seen out.

“I expect a tight game for because there is a lot to play for. It’s a massive game in both our seasons. I’ve seen Cork put it up to teams a lot in recent games and we’re aware what type of team is coming up here. They’ll be a tough opposition so we have to be at it.

“We have a few knocks but the team we pick will have quality as well. It’s up to us to go out and do enough to get the victory.”

Niall Morahan has signed a contract extension with Sligo Rovers, the club are thrilled to announce this morning.

The midfielder has been a near ever-present for the Bit O’ Red this campaign. He turned professional in August 2018, extended his contract last August as he began an IT Sligo scholarship and has now been rewarded with a new deal for the 2021 season.

Now set to complete his second full season and begin a third with the club in 2021 as a senior player, the 20-year-old said: “I’m delighted to extend my time here and I’m delighted to be part of the club moving forward. I’m really happy here. I’ve got a few good performances under my belt but at the end of the day I’m just a small cog in the Sligo Rovers wheel.

“It has been a strange year all around but I think there are a few ways to look at it. If you look at it at the perspective from before the lockdown, we’ve obviously turned it around quite a bit and moved ourselves up the table since coming back.

“If you look back on years gone by, this year has been an improvement for sure.”

Morahan has been one of the best performers for Rovers this year, with his development from an Under-19 player to more senior becoming quite apparent.

“Coming in as a young lad, you realise the pace, intensity and physical demands of the league. You kind of have to get up to speed quick. I’d like to think I have been doing alright in that regard. I’d just like to keep it going.

“From my own point of view I’d like next year to be like this one, to play week-in, week-out. That would be my individual goal. As a team I’d like us to push higher and higher up the table. We saw this year we are capable of getting up to the top end of the table. I’d like to get us in those places again.

“We were quite a bit further up the table and now we’ve dropped down a bit. So there are mixed emotions I would say.

“In the games since coming back we had been outscoring what we had been conceding. Unfortunately it hasn’t happened the last few games but that will happen in a season. Hopefully it is just a bit of a blip and we’ll get back to our natural selves.”

Morahan is studying online with IT Sligo in the second year of a business degree. Having being utilised at right-back for times early in his professional football career due to injuries elsewhere, he is now being selected in the middle of the pitch, something which he admits is preferable.

“We can get in a lecture or two online before training, train and then a few more for the rest of the day. It is fairly busy but the best of both worlds.

“I’ve always said that I’m happier to be playing and I will play any position and it is the case of course, but midfield is my natural position, so I suppose I am happy in the middle. I’d like to think I am improving, confidence is a big thing, the more you play the more build it and that helps. So I definitely think so. Confidence is for me going out and imposing myself on the game. The more games I get, my confidence goes up.

“By no means is our season over. It is 100% the case that there is lots to play for. Maybe people will think after our last few results that our season will be over but that isn’t the way it is.

“There is still a job to do. We’ve two really important games in the league and the Cup is massive for us. We will be look to do as best we can in the last few games and finish the season strongly.”