The Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust and Sligo Rovers in conjunction with Anderson’s Bar & Grill are hosting a Season Launch Night on Friday 8th February.

This is a free event with lots of guests appearing on the stage on the night.

Ocean FM’s Austin O’Callaghan is the emcee, and guests include Anthony Elding, Alan Keane, journalists Jessica Farry, David Goulden and Jim Gray, past and present of the Sligo Champion.

There will be video messages from past players from around the UK and Liam Buckley with some members of the team of 2019.  

This is just a taste of what’s happening on what promises to be a great night in an informal setting to look ahead to the new season.

We would encourage as many fans to come along on the night to show our support to the team.

Join us for our annual Race Night in Furey’s Pub Sligo on Saturday.

Last year’s Race Night provided a huge night of fun and laughter for all supporters, with a big night anticipated once again this year.

The first race takes place at 9.30pm sharp, with horses available to buy for €20 and race sponsorship available for €100 from any committee member.

Alternatively you can purchase a horse or sponsorship a race here: https://www.sligorovers.com/product-category/fundraising/

All support is greatly appreciated by everyone at the club.

Sligo Rovers will face Athlone Town next Saturday and it should be noted that the kick-off time has changed.

Rovers will take on the First Division side at 2pm in Athlone, following a change by the home side this morning.

The next game is Ballinamallard on Tuesday.

The schedule is

Tuesday 22nd January

Sligo Rovers 11-0 Sure Sports FC, Milebush Park

Saturday 26th January

Sligo Rovers 3-0 Galway United, Milebush Park,

Tuesday 29th January

Ballinamallard v Sligo Rovers, Ferney Park, 7:30pm

Saturday 2nd February

Athlone Town v Sligo Rovers, Athlone Town Stadium, 2pm

Saturday 9th February

Longfor Town v Sligo Rovers, City Calling Stadium, 7:30pm

The #bitored send our condolences to the family of supporter Ray Cawley following his passing on Friday.

There was many smiles on the Railway Terrace with friends and fans that are in the thoughts of all at Sligo Rovers at this sad time.

May he rest in peace 🔴⚪️

Sligo Rovers recorded a 3-0 win over Galway United on Saturday in Castlebar.

Dante Leverock opened the scoring from a tap-in from a free-kick.

Regan Donelon doubled the lead with a fine strike from a free-kick.

Donelon made it three with an even more impressive set-piece, curling the ball into the net from 25 yards

Leverock went off injured in the final minute with a minor ankle injury.

Next up is Ballinamallard on Tuesday in Ferney Park.

Liam Buckley interview: https://audioboom.com/boos/7155267

Sligo Rovers and Connolly’s Volkswagen mark the start of 2019 season

Sligo Rovers and Connolly’s Volkswagen today celebrate the eighth year of our partnership at an event in The Showgrounds, acknowledging one of the longest standing main sponsors of a club in Ireland.

Connolly’s Volkswagen became a fundamental part of Rovers in 2012, maintaining a valued loyalty to all in The Showgrounds and sharing the core values of the Bit O’Red.

Connolly Motor Group is a family-run company that is grounded in tradition and a passion for cars while operating a very modern business from state-of-the-art showrooms in Sligo, Ballina and Galway.

Connolly’s strive to make long-term relationships with their customers by creating special, positive experiences that customers have come to expect from the Connolly Motor Group – and that has been utilised in their work with Sligo Rovers for which we are extremely grateful.

Rovers players Ronan Murray, David Cawley, Dante Leverock, Kyle Callan-McFadden and Johnny Dunleavy were present today with club officials and representatives of Connolly’s Volkswagen as they spoke to the media to look to the year ahead.

Sligo Rovers chairman Martin Heraghty: “We place a huge value on the support we receive from Connolly’s Volkswagen as one of the most thriving businesses in the province.

“Neil, Kevin and Volkswagen are consistently generous to all at Sligo Rovers and are very much part of the club. As we look ahead to a new season together, I want to thank Neil, Kevin and all the staff for their assistance. It is very much appreciated.”

Neil Connolly of Connolly’s Volkswagen said: “We’re excited about another season with Sligo Rovers, we’ll be kicking every ball with them and on behalf of all at Connolly’s, we wish Liam Buckley and the players the very best for the year ahead. “

Visit www.connollys.ie for the latest from Connolly’s Volkswagen

For more e-mail media@sligorovers.com. Issued 24/1/19 for release at 1pm

Sligo Rovers will face Longford Town in the final pre-season friendly of 2019.

Rovers will take on Neale Fenn’s side in City Calling Stadium on Saturday 9 February.

The scheduled is

Tuesday 22nd January

Sligo Rovers 11-0 Sure Sports FC, Milebush Park

Saturday 26th January

Sligo Rovers v Galway United, Milebush Park, 2pm

• Admittance €5 adults, Under-12s free

Tuesday 29th January

Ballinamallard v Sligo Rovers, Ferney Park, 7:30pm

Saturday 2nd February

Athlone Town v Sligo Rovers, Athlone Town Stadium, 4pm

Saturday 9th February

Longfor Town v Sligo Rovers, City Calling Stadium, 7:30pm

Sligo Rovers won their opening pre-season friendly of the year on Tuesday, defeating Sure Sports FC 11-0 in Solar 21 Park in Castlebar.

Kris Twardek and Liam Kerrigan scored hat-tricks, while Ronan Murray bagged his first goals for the club with a brace.

Regan Donelon (two) and Kyle Callan-McFadden completed the scoring.

Two trialists also featured in game.

Rovers are back in action on Saturday in the same venue at 2pm against Galway United.

#bitored team to face Sure Sports. McGinty, Keaney, Murray, Kerrigan, Dunleavy, McFadden, Morahan, Twardek, Donelon, Leverock, Mahon

Sligo Rovers can confirm our pre-season fixture list following confirmation of our first game next Tuesday.

Read Liam Buckley’s thoughts here

Pre-season fixtures:

Tuesday 22nd January

Sligo Rovers v Sure Sports FC, Milebush Park, 2pm

Saturday 26th January

Sligo Rovers v Galway United, Milebush Park, 2pm

• Admittance €5 adults, Under-12s free

Tuesday 29th January

Ballinamallard v Sligo Rovers, Ferney Park, 7:30pm

Saturday 2nd February

Athlone Town v Sligo Rovers, Athlone Town Stadium, 4pm

Saturday 9th February

TBC v Sligo Rovers, Venue TBC, kick-off TBC

Liam Buckley has revealed that consultation with key figures in maintaining The Showgrounds pitch has led to a decision not to play any pre-season matches on the surface.

The Sligo Rovers manager had been planning on taking charge of the team for the first time in the ground next Tuesday against Sure Sports FC from America.

However, that game has since been moved to Milebush in Castlebar following necessary work on the surface during the off-season.

Buckley said: “I did want to have the players get a feel of a match on The Showgrounds pitch, like any manager does ahead of the new season. We didn’t announce the game because of the choice of venue still up in the air.

“As you know I’m keen to get the team playing the ball on the ground and develop a passing style that I’ve had with previous clubs, and key to that is a good surface. 

“Obviously it makes it a lot more difficult if the pitch isn’t conducive to it. 

“I’ve been speaking with George Mullen; we couldn’t really ask for for more when it comes to knowledge on this matter. 

“Over the last number of weeks there has been investment, time and financial, in the playing surface here. It’s fair to say George has really done all he can to have the pitch in the best condition possible for the start of the league season. 

“At this time of year, a match wouldn’t be advisable given the work that has been done. We want to respect that and let it have the best effect it can because playing a game could jeapardise it. 

“Therefore the decision has been made to play on pitches away from The Showgrounds. A lot of them will be on grass, rather than astro, which is what I’m looking for overall. 

“I know it might be a bit disappointing for the fans who want to see the players as soon as possible. Equally I’m sure there’ll be an understanding that it’s important to prioritise the surface. 

“The club would probably like a game as well to bring in spectators given we are away in our first match, but they also know the pitch has an entire season of games ahead and this is a time of year where you can do some work on it. 

“I’m very thankful to George and indeed all the staff here who maintain the ground.

“We’re excited to be out there in front of our fans and look forward to 22nd February to the game against St Pat’s.”

The work on The Showgrounds pitch includes on the goalmouths, re-seeding and more. 

The club would also like to express our gratitude to George, we are enormously thankful for his commitment to the Bit O’ Red. 

The pre-season schedule will have two more matches added shortly.

Tuesday, 22nd January

Friendly :

Sligo Rovers v Sure Sports FC, Milebush Park, 2pm