Sligo Rovers can announce a successful application for LEADER Programme funding to prepare a masterplan to assess all aspects of the football club and infrastructural development.

The application process began last year, with the club receiving confirmation of its success recently.

Sligo Rovers have since began a tender process to create the masterplan – which will be of multiple cost of the strategic plan created in 2017 and a result significantly more detailed.        

A total of 12 applications were received, with Rhatigan Architects winning the tender based on specifications required and set out. 

Rhatigan Architects have experience of developing a number of masterplans for the likes of IT Sligo, Ballyhaise Agriculture College, as well as developing dedicated sports facilities such as Sligo racecourse.

The masterplan will examine the external environment for the football club, such as economic conditions in the country and Irish football.

Internally, footballing performance and structures, underage structures, quality and extend of promotional campaigns of the club and reach of community, with potential growth areas, will also be examined.

Infrastructural development based on a benefit to the community of Sligo and the west of Ireland will be a key component of the masterplan.

The grant will cover a substantial part of the cost of the masterplan, with the club set to use the upcoming Annual Draw for part of the rest of the cost.

Sligo Rovers chairman Tommy Higgins said: “We are delighted to secure the LEADER Programme funding for this project which is vital for the future of the football club. The funding will allow for creation for a thorough and detailed masterplan

“The masterplan will allow us to create a vision for the football club based on the use of The Showgrounds as a facility and a footballing philosophy to capitalise on the enormous potential of our academy, our brand name and the legacy of the remarkable story of Sligo Rovers. It will also assess the day-to-day running of the club and the improvements that can be made.

“As a supporter and now chairman, I have seen the growth of the football club over the last decade. We have a fan-owned club with a focus on community that will stay as such, and we believe it is the time to take the club to a higher level and bring further benefits to our region.

“This masterplan will guide that vision. Over the coming months Rhatigan Architects will engage with various stakeholders and a sub-committee for the project is being finalised.

“We are informing our supporters and the wider public of being successful in the application and that such work will be ongoing over the coming months. I’d like to thank LEADER and all that tendered for the project, as well as Sligo County Council for their ongoing support of the football club and their desire to see us further flourish as a vital part of the community.”  

Sligo Rovers manager Liam Buckley said the red cards were decisive in the 3-1 victory over Finn Harps on Monday night as well as Ronan Murray’s introduction in The Showgrounds.

After 60 minutes where Rovers threatened to be better than Harps, it was the visitors who had more of an influence on affairs.

But repeated fouling from the visitors led to inevitable red cards, which helped the Bit O’ Red secure the win.

“There wasn’t a lot in the game for an hour, a draw was probably a fair result, a fairly scrappy game,” Buckley told RTE Sport.

“It’s probably as poor as we’ve played this season for the first hour. You need a break, the sending-offs had a big baring. That said, we have to play better. For the first hour it was in fits and starts. I would expect us to do better and hopefully we can do over the next few weeks.

“The last half hour we got back into it. It was fairly feisty, to put it mildly. But from where we at, it was just an important win for us. We picked up results over the last few weeks and we’ve a bit of momentum going. Hopefully we can continue with that. “

Murray showed his class with the second goal and causing all sorts of problems for Harps.

 “He’s on his way back [from injury]. He’s a top player. That’s why we have him in our group. He has come on and done the business for us.”

“We are not getting ahead of ourselves. It’s amazing what can happen over a few weeks. We’ll keep our feet on the ground. We have Pat’s next.

“It’s such a fickle business. If you don’t turn up you can get turned over. In fairness to the boys they are putting in some serious shifts every week. Hopefully that continues and we push on from there.”

View a selection of images from Sligo Rovers’ 3-1 win over Finn Harps in The Showgrounds. Photography by James Fallon.

Sligo Rovers continued their impressive post-lockdown form despite not being at their best, as they saw off nine-man Finn Harps at the Showgrounds.

Mark Russell replied to Ryan De Vries’ first half opener, but a super strike from substitute Ronan Murray and a late Ronan Coughlan penalty sealed the win for Rovers who move into third.

Coming off the back of five wins in their last six, Sligo Rovers looked for a reverse result to their opening night defeat to the Donegal side.

And despite a slow start, it was Liam Buckley’s charges who struck first on seven minutes.

David Cawley’s free down the right flank released Lewis Banks. The ex-Stoke City man linked up with Jesse Devers whose cross was initially misjudged by Coughlan.

The striker’s blushes were spared however when attacking partner De Vries arrived to slot past the wrong-footed Mark McGinley who had already committed himself.

Cawley wasn’t too far away from doubling Rovers’ lead just the past the quarter hour. His bending free-kick from close range found its way past the Harps wall, but skipped just past the bottom of McGinley’s right hand post.

Sligo net minder Ed McGinty earned his first call up to the Irish under 21 squad recently. The Scottish born goalkeeper showing why, when he pulled off a magnificent reaction save from an Alexander Kogler header after Ryan Connolly had picked out the Austrian marksman in front of goal on 19 minutes.

Harps will look to their considerable experience to try and keep them in top flight football for 2021.

Central to their hopes is Barry McNamee who wasn’t too far off with an effort on 20 minutes which almost sneaked inside the far post after work down the left from Connolly.

Russell laced a volley over McGinty’s crossbar before the break, while the second period was seven minutes old when Kolger screwed Russell’s cross past the post as the visitors looked to make their mark.

Harps’ hard work finally paid off just short of the hour when Shane McEleney’s long throw caused panic in the Sligo penalty area. Russell on hand to blast past McGinty on the spin after Rovers failed to clear their lines.

Harps then lost Mark Coyle to a second yellow before boss Horgan was sent to the stands in the aftermath.

Sligo introduced Murray to proceedings on 66 minutes and the Mayo native had his first goal of the season seven minutes later.

Both Junior and De Vries had shots blocked down by a tenacious Harps back line. Murray was not to be denied however, as he stepped up to curl a delicious effort past McGinley from the edge of the area.

Rovers put the game beyond Harps’ reach five minutes from time when Coughlan coolly dispatched the penalty he himself won, as Harps were reduced to nine with Kosavar Sadiki cautioned for the second time.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Lewis Banks, Kyle McFadden, Teemu Penninkangas, Regan Donelon; David Cawley, Niall Morahan; Ryan De Vries (Darragh Noone 75), Junior, Jesse Devers (Ronan Murray 66); Ronan Coughlan.

Finn Harps: Mark McGinley; David Webster (Karl O’Sullivan 74), Kosavar Sadiki, Stephen Folan (Gareth Harkin 81); Adrian Delap (Shane McEleney HT), Sam Todd; Ryan Connolly (Adam Foley 81), Mark Coyle, Barry McNamee; Alexander Kogler (Raff Cretaro 75), Mark Russell.

Sligo Rovers begin their second and final round of matches in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division when taking on Finn Harps in The Showgrounds, kick-off 7:45pm, live on WATCHLOI.

Rovers met Harps in February of this year where Ollie Horgan’s side emerged with a 1-0 success.

There is just a five-point gap between the sides and they both come into it on the back of successive victories, Rovers against Dundalk and UCD, Harps versus Waterford and Bray Wanderers.

It sets up an exciting fixture, the fourth last home league match in The Showgrounds this year.

In team news, Danny Kane (ankle), Darren Collins (ankle), Sigitas Olberkis (hamstring) and Johnny Dunleavy (knee) are out.

Alex Cooper (ankle) is a doubt and will be tested pre-game. Kyle Callan-McFadden has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in the UCD game.

Liam Buckley said: “The first game was a disappointing outcome. It led on to us being bottom of the table for months on end which didn’t sit well with any of us. We’ve moved up the table somewhat but we can still improve.

“With the way things are, you can quickly find yourself back down there, or you can move further up. We look at things on a game-by-game baiss and we know how difficult this will be because of that night last February.

“Harps have picked up more results recently which isn’t a surprise, so this is another hard game as they all are.

“It is good to have a bit of normality with training where we are playing one game a week. John Mahon and Garry Buckley trained all week again and have done for a couple of weeks now.

“They are ready to come in, they could have featured in UCD but we wanted to get them as sharp as we could and not take any chances.

“Will Seymore was also back in the squad last week. It gives us more ability to tweak things when needed. There’s competition which is what we want.

“I was pleased with the number of chances created in UCD. We scored three goals. You’re not going to take all the chances you create and the important thing is continuing to come up with the opportunities.

“We are a work in progress, there is room for improvement, I have no doubt about it. Collectively there is still a lot more to come and we are seeing it in patches. We’d like to find that on a consistent basis.”

Ronan Coughlan was voted Player of the Month for August by Bit O’ Red fans in a hotly-contested vote, pipping the equally-impressive Kyle Callan-McFadden.

Buckley said: “Ronan has done very well for us, he’s worked his socks off and scored goals.

“A number of players have done very well and it’s about the team overall, not one or two individuals.

“We’re looking for a team performance every game and we feel if we can get them then we can move further up the table. That’s what we’re all looking for.”

The poll is now open for the Wehrly Bros Jewellers Player of the Month for August.

We are including the game with Derry City, plus wins against Shelbourne, Waterford FC, Dundalk and UCD.

Click here to vote.

The poll closes on Sunday.

Thanks to Wehrly Bros for sponsoring the prize. Wehrly Bros. Jewellers, located on O’Connell Street in Sligo, offer a comprehensive range of fine jewellery for all occasions. Shop online here

The revised fixture list for the remainder of the SSE Airtricity League season has been released.

Matches have been changed in order to facilitate the WATCHLOI service where each match has its own television slot.

Our game with Bohemians has been brought forward to Friday 18 September at 7:45pm, and will be live on RTÉ2.

The FAI Cup draw will then follow that match. That quarter-final tie will be on 13 November.

Our remaining two home league games after Bohemians will be 5pm kick-offs.

They are Sunday 11 October vs Derry City and Saturday 24 October vs Cork City.

Click here for the fixture list or here for the Sligo Rovers fixtures.

Liam Buckley has told his Sligo Rovers players that they will enjoy the final stages of the season if they continue on the track they have laid down since the restart.

The Rovers boss credited the side with their “drive and commitment” to get the club away from the relegation zone, as well as reaching the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup last night thanks to a 3-1 success over UCD.

It was a fifth win in six games for the Bit O’ Red – the best run of form for the club in seven years – and goals have been flowing along with it.

Buckley told RTÉ Sport: “I’m pleased with the effort the lads are putting in. There is a drive and a commitment to get us out of trouble.

“We were bottom of the table for four months, albeit there was only four games played at that stage.

“That said, if we have that commitment right to the end of the season, it is much more enjoyable, it’s much more enjoyable to watch, to play in, so we just have to make sure that everyone is up for it.”

The Cup remains a competition close to the hearts of all associated with Rovers – something not lost on Buckley who said he wants the group to give it their all in the competition for themselves and the fans watching at home.

“A cup final is probably the best day of the season. As I said to the boys, it’s important for them as group to do as best they possibly can, and it’s more important for the fans. I have no doubt they’ve all been watching tonight.

“I thought in the second half we controlled it a lot better. We had quite a few chances and bagged our three goals.

“You’re always concerned when you concede and especially in a Cup game because you only have one chance in the Cup.

“We regrouped at half-time and there was more drive and commitment in relation to getting forward. I think we deserved our win”

“We have to make sure the quarter-finals, and hopefully a semi-final and final, that we put in 100% effort like we did tonight. It took serious concentration to break down this UCD team.”

Ronan Coughlan’s persistence led to another goal for the striker. Up to his powerful header from a Jesse Devers cross – who was key for the Bit O’ Red in the second half, it had been a frustrating evening.

Buckley said it was a sign of Coughlan’s class that he found the goal to put Rovers in front.

“Ronan’s goal was great, the passing up to it was very good. I’m delighted for him. As a centre-forward, having been there myself, you’re not going to score every chance you get.

“As long as keeps getting chances, he’ll keep scoring goals. He has done really well for us.”

One disappointment on the night was hamstring injuries to Kyle Callan-McFadden and Sigitas Olberkis.

The Rovers boss stated: “Kyle and Sigitas both have tight hamstrings. I’m not sure why that is happening. We just have to assess that in relation to going forward.

“That said we do have John Mahon back now, he is back in training for three or four weeks and Garry Buckley is back fit as well, there’ll be another week’s training for him.

“Will Seymore is back as well. It’s just unfortunate for the two lads, they are two quality players.”

Sligo Rovers goalkeeper Ed McGinty is keen to show his worth as he begins the Republic of Ireland Under-21 training camp this morning after helping the Bit O’ Red get through to the quarter-finals of the Extra.ie FAI Cup last night.

McGinty was part of the Rovers side which secured a 3-1 victory over the Students.

He told sligorovers.com: “It is great to get through. We knew we were playing a good side but we also know we’re playing well ourselves. At 1-0 down we kept playing and eventually got on top. The goals came as they have been doing from all of the boys so we’re really happy to get through to the quarter-finals.

“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves. If we drop our standards we won’t be winning games. You see how good UCD can be and it’s the same in the league. Every game is tough. We’re winning because we’re working hard, on and off-the-ball. That is what is important to getting these results. As long as we keep doing that we’ll have a chance of keeping the run going. “

McGinty played some excellent passes from the Rovers goal to Junior and Ronan Coughlan in particular.

He is working on such a tactic regularly each day at The Showgrounds.

“That is what we practice is training when it comes to distribution. We can play it over the top and get them on the break. We have a lot of players with pace.

“We talk about it, putting it in behind and get players in or for them to chase it.”

While Rovers have secured five wins in six, and with some excellent defensive and goalkeeping displays, clean sheets have not been as regular with a deflected goal last night, a late penalty against Dundalk and a last-minute goal against Shels. It has been somewhat unfortunate, but goals have been flying it at the other end.

McGinty is unperturbed by how the wins are coming, as long as they keep doing so.

“It’s funny, it doesn’t bother me to be honest with you. All I care about is winning games. My first priority is for the team to win.

“If we win, and a clean sheet comes along with it, then happy days. But as long as the team does enough to get a victory, then I’m happy.”

The recently-turned 21-year-old travelled north after the game last night to be part of Jim Crawford’s group where he will be one of three goalkeepers, alongside Gavin Bazunu of Manchester City and Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool.

The Rovers goalkeeper has more club experience than the rest of the squad and is eager to show his value to the group in the training camp.

“I’m looking forward to it. I’m really honoured to be involved and have my name in there.  I want to show what I can do. I’m sure I’ll learn some new things being in the international camp but I’m travelling up to show what I can do and see where it can get me.

“The gaffer [Liam Buckley] has trusted me here. He gives me great confidence. He really believes in me and he has been brilliant to work under and Leo (Tierney as well). I’ve really enjoyed it and it’s nice to be progressing as a team and for myself as well.”

Sligo Rovers came from behind to book their FAI Cup quarter-final spot with a hard-earned 3-1 win over UCD in Belfield.

Goals from Kyle Callan-McFadden, Rónán Coughlan and Jesse Devers saw Liam Buckley’s side to victory after Paul Doyle had given the Students an early lead.

In what was a superb advert for League of Ireland football, the game was wide open from the off as both sides looked intent on embracing their traditions of attacking, passing football. 

Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe and Liam Kerrigan exchanged early efforts before a mix-up between Alex Cooper and Sligo keeper Ed McGinty almost saw the left-back head into his own net.

UCD piled the pressure on with a succession of corners and got their reward in the eighth minute when former Sligo player Paul Doyle found the net.

As Sligo struggled to clear, wing-back Evan Weir teed up Doyle on the edge of the box and the midfielder’s shot deflected off Teemu Penninkangas and past the wrong-footed McGinty.

Within eight minutes, Sligo were back on terms as Callan-McFadden met David Cawley’s corner with a towering header that left Lorcan Healy in the UCD goal with no chance.

Junior and Ryan De Vries went close in the minutes that followed, before Coughlan spurned a gilt-edged chance to volley home at the back post following a lovely chip from Cooper.

Sligo drew level when Callan-McFadden met David Cawley’s corner with a towering header

They continued to press and it took a perfectly-timed last ditch tackle from Michael Gallagher to deny De Vries a certain goal.

Though the Bit o’ Red created no fewer than nine clear chances in the first half, it was UCD who who were aggrieved not to have taken a lead into the sheds at half time.

Yoyo Mahdy was one-on-one with McGinty when he was tugged back by Sligo full-back Cooper but referee Adriano Reale thought otherwise and waved away the penalty appeals.

The second half began much as the first with Sligo continuing to create, and Coughlan was wasteful once more as he dragged his shot wide from close range.

The sense it might not be Coughlan’s day was palpable when he was set up De Vries for a free header but once again failed to hit the target.

Sligo drew level when Callan-McFadden met David Cawley’s corner with a towering header.

Rovers moved in front courtesy of a move that was started and finished by Ronan Coughlan.

The dam finally broke with 25 minutes remaining and it was a move started and finished by Coughlan, who finally got the goal to match his all-round play.

The striker showed good strength to set Devers free out wide and sprinted into the box to meet the Mayoman’s cross with a bullet header, though Healy might have done better.

UCD went close to equalising, first through substitute Mark Dignam’s header and then ex-Sligo midfielder Jack Keaney’s free kick, but Sligo wrapped it up with ten minutes left.

Junior worked the ball to Devers on the right hand side of the box and the winger flicked the ball clear of Evan Osam before smashing a low volley into the net.

UCD: Lorcan Healy; Harry McEvoy, Josh Collins, Evan Osam; Michael Gallagher, Jack Keaney, Paul Doyle, Liam Kerrigan, Evan Weir (Michael O’Keane 75); Colm Whelan, Yoyo Mahdy (Mark Dignam 65).

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Lewis Banks, Kyle Callan-McFadden (Sigitas Olberkis 39 (Darragh Noon 75)), Teemu Penninkangas, Alex Cooper; David Cawley, Niall Morahan, Ryan De Vries; Jesse Devers, Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe, Rónán Coughlan.

Referee: Adriano Reale.