The winner of the Sligo Rovers Christmas Draw was Michael Mullaney as the fundraiser saw the highest ever sales to yield €15,000 profit for Sligo Rovers.

Congratulations to Michael on his top prize win which was €500.

The Bit O’ Red are extremely grateful for the generosity received in this year’s Christmas, including the public who supported so well on Friday night as we sold tickets in businesses and public houses. Thank you to the owners for facilitating this.

We want to thank our office staff Frank and Sandra for their hard work and brilliant dedication in helping co-ordinate the draw and the volunteers who helped sell so many books of tickets.

Their efforts are appreciated by all at the club

1. Michael Mullaney – €500
2. Megan McDonagh – Two nights B&B in Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny
3. Kevin Quinn, Cliffony – One night B&B in Clayton Hotel, Liffey Valley, Dublin
4. Kathy Devaney, – One night B&B with Flynn Hotel Group
5. David Smyth – Sligo Rovers season ticket 2019
6. Lucy McNasser, Crozon Park – Signed Republic of Ireland jersey
7. David Donegan, Cartron – Two tickets to a Republic of Ireland Euro 2020 qualifier
8. Paul Nicholson – Christmas Hamper
9. Jimmy Feehily – Dinner for two in Clayton Hotel, Sligo
10. Marika Bousnes – Sligo Rovers jersey

This morning we made a special visit to the paediatric ward at Sligo University Hospital where we donated some gifts to staff and children.

The club would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at Sligo University Hospital for their hospitality and the amazing work they do everyday, which we witnessed first hand this morning.

We also wish all kids and patients in the hospital a Happy Christmas.

It was a pleasure to visit you all today

Alan Farry has been appointed manager of the Sligo Rovers Under-13 side.

Farry has managed the Sligo Leitrim Under 13s including a historic win over Chicago Fire to claim the Super Elite champions trophy at the Galway Cup.

He will be assisted by Bit O’ Red favourite Anthony Elding. The 2013 FAI Cup match winner has been working at youth level in Mayo.

Sligo Rovers chairman Martin Heraghty said: “We are really pleased to confirm such a strong appointment for the new side. It’s a very important role and in Alan we have someone who is improving all the time as a fantastic coach.

“Anthony will assist and he has played for the club on great days and worked for a couple of years in Mayo around this level so it’s a great management team.

“We wish the lads well.”

We’ll hear from the duo next year as the season approaches.

The team will compete in the inaugural National Under 13 League, which is set to begin at the end of March.

The fixtures for the 2019 SSE Airtricity League were announced this week.

Rovers will begin away to champions Dundalk on Friday 15 February.

The first home game is Friday 22 February against St Patrick’s Athletic

Sligo Rovers and Raffaele Cretaro have released a joint statement this afternoon as it was confirmed that the club legend had worn the Bit O’ Red as a player for the final time.

Sligo Rovers have paid a detailed tribute to the 37-year-old, saying he made an indelible mark on not just a football club but the Sligo community over 17 seasons.

Read a statement from club chairman Martin Heraghty and manager Liam Buckley here. 

With 531 appearances and 86 goals, including the record amount of league appearance for the club, the Tubbercurry man inspired generations that set foot in The Showgrounds for close to two decades.

Raffaele Cretaro said: “My dream was to play for Sligo Rovers. I didn’t know if it was going to last for one game, one start or one year. I just wanted to fulfil my dream. I wanted to dedicate myself to that for how ever long it lasted, I’m proud to say I did.

“I have amazing memories that will stay with me for my entire life. It has been so much of my life since I made my debut in 2000. I’m thankful to Tommy Cassidy for giving me that chance.

“I was a local lad, I wanted to play for my local club and I wanted to be the best player I could.

“Each season went by and there wasn’t too many times where I reflected in depth and dwelt on it. It was always looking forward, trying to learn, trying to fashion the chance to do something better each year here.

“As I speak about it today I could talk about all those wonderful days. The game against St Patrick’s Athletic to win the league title and scoring two goals. Everything was perfect that day. The drama and the euphoria. It was a fairytale.

“The FAI Cups, the great teams, the unbelievably talented team-mates, inspirational managers, the dedicated people around the club and the passionate supporters who live and breathe Rovers and make it what it is.

“The feeling of knowing you were creating history for Sligo Rovers but more so what it would mean to all those people. I always just wanted to savour it and then do it all over again.

“Those moments are what you put boots on for. But you know too there were also not so great times. I never let those phase me.

“I saw it all and I just always realised there would be an opportunity, whether it was in one week or two weeks or how ever long, that you could go out and try to change it on the pitch and alter the club’s fortunes.

“I don’t think there is a secret to longevity in terms of me playing here.

“But for Sligo Rovers and how the club always comes back fighting when its down, that is the secret. There is always another day as long as you’re willing to work for it. The club has never been beaten in that sense.

“I got to fulfil my career ambition. I remember coming out of The Shed end in The Showgrounds when it was wired fencing around it and in my first season the main stand was being built beside it. As I sit here today, it’s a transformation.

“That came about by the golden era we had here. That was a legacy left behind. I don’t want to talk too much about my own personal legacy, I think that’s for others to do.

“What I would like to say what if I inspired one person, even just one, then I did a good job in my time wearing the Rovers jersey. If it’s one young boy or girl dreaming now, if it was one dreaming over the 17 seasons I played here, then that’s good enough for me because it can turn into something magical. I speak from experience.

“There is a little bit of sadness that it’s over now as a Sligo Rovers player. I realise that and there’s a mixture of emotions.

“Wherever I went I always felt I didn’t just represent myself but I represented Sligo Rovers. It was not me as a person that people were viewing, it was the club.

“I love Rovers, I always had its best interest at heart and I probably put it ahead of my own sometimes, but it was worth it on every occasion.

“I will move to part-time football elsewhere shortly and that’ll suit me at this stage in my career. Those games are Friday nights. On a Saturday I can say you’ll very likely find me in The Showgrounds with my son Matteo supporting the team again.

“As I speak about Matteo, I want to mention my testimonial this year and the standout moment. That was when my wife Joanne and Matteo were by my side looking on with pride. It meant so much to me. He might not be old enough to remember too much of it but I hope one day he can look back at the great photos and souvenirs of the occasion. My pride was as big as theirs.

“Joanne was there from the beginning, encouraging me, and my parents supported me in each decision and guided me.  My family have always been there when I needed them and I’m so grateful to have them.

“I’m conscious if I start speaking about individuals in football I could go on forever. I would like to say this and finish on this note.

“The reason I played here for so long was you; the supporters. I just want to say thank you. The public were so kind. The reception and encouragement I’d get each time in The Showgrounds was something I will always treasure.

“As each year passed, that connection and support grew stronger.

“You drive the club on. Through hardship, glory, good times and bad, you always keep funds coming in to bring in the players, you bring the colour, the noise here and the passion to never give up.

“There are countless more stories for Sligo Rovers players to go out and write on that pitch and I’ll be watching on for those.

“I count myself very fortunate that mine was so long, so rewarding, with memories and moments that we all lived together.

“See you under lights on a Saturday night and thank you forever.”

Raff Cretaro

Sligo Rovers chairman Martin Heraghty hailed Raffaele Cretaro as one of the most important figures in the history of the club following the announcement that his time at a player was concluding this morning.

Cretaro wrote a note to Bit O’ Red fans as he remembered all the important figures in his long and trophy-laden spell with his hometown club. You can read that here. 

The Bit O’ Red chairman said Cretaro was an icon and an irreplaceable figure.

He said: “Over 17 seasons we have treasured each night Raff has taken to the pitch and represented our club with distinction and class.

“Whenever someone mentions Sligo Rovers, it is often quickly followed by the name Raff Cretaro. He is the personification of our football club.

“Many things come to mind. The early years in the First Division as he provided the light that there would be better future for us all of us one day. Raff’s leap into the air to win a header defied logic and lit up The Showgrounds and wowed our supporters. We wanted a better stage for it.

“That came and each time Raff would step up a level when the club did. We yearned for trophies and they arrived with him at the forefront. He turned into the most feared striker in the league for a period and it was all the more remarkable given we had to use him in every position in the team!

“Those goals stick out, the winning penalty at the Aviva Stadium and that incredible piece of magic in 2012 against Pat’s. The Showgrounds had never seen a moment like it.

“But what I will always be grateful to Raff Cretaro for is being the person we could turn to for hope. In tougher times, you knew he would be going out there and showcasing that insurmountable fight that is within him and our football club. He defined all of that.

“Raff played in every single outfield position for Sligo Rovers. He knew where his heart lay. How the story unfolded in 2011 and 2012 in particular was fate, and he made it so.

“On behalf of the club I’m so grateful for his sacrifices, and to his family as well as they kicked every ball with him.

“There are players in our Under-15s, Under-17s, Under-19s and senior team that put on our shirt now trying to be in any way like Raffaele Cretaro.

“The wishes of our supporters went unfulfilled for decades, but became possible thanks to people like Raff, and when that period was over, he was there to help us build all over again.

“Today it is my honour to salute one of the greatest individuals ever to be associated with the Sligo Rovers jersey. Raff, we simply say we loved every moment and we mean every word of this tribute, and feel it twice as much.”

Liam Buckley said: “For so long I watched on as Raff brought his Sligo Rovers career to new heights. I watched on as he scored those goals against me in The Showgrounds as St Pat’s manager and you could only admire a player so loyal and that cared so much for his club.

“It isn’t just about what he brings as a player. He is revered in Sligo and rightfully so. I know the club consider themselves so fortunate to have had his services for 17 seasons. He is a remarkable person because it is strength of character which has led to such a long and successful career here.

“In the modern game that achievement for an outfield player is simply unheard of now. He has defied logic in contributing so much to Sligo Rovers over that long period of time.

“In decades to come the name Raffaele Cretaro will brings smiles to the faces of the people of Sligo and you can’t achieve much more than that in football when you combine it with the honours he has won and the spirit in which he played the game.

“We wish him a wonderful future and I know he will forever be behind this club.”

Sligo Rovers Christmas Draw tickets are now on sale with a top prize of €500.

There are also a number of hotel breaks to be won, as well as Republic of Ireland international team prizes and Sligo Rovers season ticket and jersey

Tickets are €5 or three for €10.

Tickets are on sale in our club store in Barton Smiths, The Showgrounds, from any committee member, or online below

https://www.sligorovers.com/product-category/fundraising/

Liam Buckley has confirmed his latest newest signing at The Showgrounds with the news that Johnny Dunleavy has joined from Cork City.

The Ballybofey man has signed for the Bit O’ Red after a decorated spell with Cork that began in 2012.

He was captain of the club for the latter part of that spell.

Dunleavy is extremely versatile and can feature across the defence, as well as in midfield.

Liam Buckley said of his latest signing for 2019: “I think Johnny has many great attributes.

“He is the type of player that can be a big influence at the club but the target is to have a good pre-season and establish himself and then the rest will largely follow.

“It’s no secret he has had his injury problems but we think he is a player worth investing in and he is really enthusiastic about getting back to playing regularly.

“He is an accomplished player in several positions and again he has that bit of nous from being in the league for a long time and at a club that has had success.

“We’re delighted to have him on board. I think he feels enthused by what we’re trying to do here. He understands it will take time and patience is required.

“We’re pleased with how things are progressing and we’re looking to bring in more players when we can. It’s not easy for any club out there and we’re working hard to get the lads we think would do well here.”

Johnny Dunleavy said: “Liam got in contact and asked me to meet him which I was delighted about. I had a fair idea about the club but what sold it to me was his enthusiasm and the excitement about it.

“I couldn’t speak highly enough of my time at Cork City as I explained last night.

“The move to Sligo isn’t about proximity or being closer to home. That isn’t really a factor. I’m in a place where I want to be part of a new project and challenge and this is ideal.

“You look at the likes of Ronan Murray signing and players like David Cawley here already and there’s certainly something building.

“I’m don’t want to win one week and lose the next. That isn’t going to fulfil me. My mentality is to try to win everything and I like to think I play with my heart on my sleeve.

“There will never be a lack of effort. We know it’s not overnight. I hope my experience and the likes of Ronan Murray from Dundalk can be beneficial to the young guys here and we can build on it.

“Everyone knows about long-term injuries. I’ve played some of the best football of my career in the likes of the first half of 2016 season where we won the league. I’d like to get back to that level and I think I can.

“My thoughts are to get stuck into pre-season and get playing. Liam Buckley hasn’t gone into too much detail of nailing down a certain position.

“That will come in the future; I’m just focused on being in great condition for the opening night of the season.”

Dunleavy can look forward to matches with neighbours Finn Harps next year.

“I’m from just over a mile away from Finn Park so my connections are probably quite clear. They are going to be great occasions and thousands of fans.

“I know The Showgrounds can really rock with big crowds and it won’t just be derby games we’re looking that for. I don’t think we should speak about expectation.

“But what we do need to get back to is making The Showgrounds the traditional tough place to go it was again. The record from last year needs to be improved upon and that’s a big aim.

“We’ll all look forward to the Harps games and I can guarantee you I’ll be doing all I can do secure the three points for Sligo Rovers regardless!”

John Russell has returned to Sligo Rovers as assistant manager to Liam Buckley, the Bit O’Red confirmed this evening.

Russell has been manager of Westport United for 2018 and working as a regional development officer for several years.

He has also tonight signed as a player for the 2019 campaign for Rovers.

The 33-year-old has made 179 appearances with the club so far, scoring 17 goals.

Russell said on becoming assistant to Liam Buckley: “I’m delighted to be back and working with Liam Buckley in particular is a great fit for me I think.

“I’ve been a player under Liam and I always thought he was fantastic and one of, if not the best, I’ve been managed by. His record speaks for itself. He shares the same philosophies I have and instills the style of play I like to see teams have.

“I’ve always been keen on coaching and working in my role as an FAI development officer has been rewarding and beneficial to my own learning. I’d like to thank Westport United for giving me the opportunity to manage their super league team this year.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time there and it was a pleasure to manage and coach the players. Westport have a big match coming up in the last 32 of the Junior Cup. I want to wish them every success in that and thank them for their understanding.

“This is just a fantastic opportunity for me and to be back at Sligo Rovers is a nice feeling. I’m looking forward to starting pre-season next month. I’ve played with some of the lads already, I know all of the young players from a coaching capacity in my work with the FAI so it will be good to see everyone soon.”

The midfielder said on signing as a player: “My role is first and foremost as an assistant and to coach, that’s what I’ve come here for.

“I feel I can contribute if called upon, if there is situation that needs it. I’ve kept myself in good condition. But my focus will be the sideline primarily.”

The Bit O’ Red wish to extend our thanks to Westport United for their co-operation and allowing us to make the announcement this evening.

Liam Buckley said on appointing John as full-time assistant: “I know John very well from St Pat’s and I know what type of character he is.

“He is very well-spoken of as a coach and eager to get an opportunity. It was a no-brainer as far as I’m concerned. I know he is respected in the region and he’s going to bring so much as a number two. He’ll have fresh ideas and he’ll be a great sounding for me to work with. There’s also the local knowledge as well which will be useful given it’s early stages here for me.

“I think it’s a great appointment and he’ll be a big asset to the club.”

Buckley said on the playing side: “I’ve brought in John to be part of the backroom, that’s his main remit.

“To have a 33-year-old of his ability at the club and still fresh means it makes sense to register him.

“We’ll see how it goes. It’s not something there should be too much focus on but it’s useful to me to know I can call upon John because he can certainly contribute to the squad.”

Sligo Rovers have announced the signing of Bermuda captain Dante Leverock from Estonian outfit Narva Trans, subject to international clearance.

The centre-half, who spent a lot of his childhood in England, had an impressive season in the Estonian league, including scoring eight goals from the back.

He has 15 caps and two goals with Bermuda and was recently appointed captain when quickly emerging as a leader for the side who are pushing for Gold Cup qualification.

He started his career in English non-league before joining Harrisburg City Islanders in America and returned to play for Ilkeston under Shaun Goater.

Leverock was a stand out player for Narva Trans as they finished fourth in the top flight in Estonia.

He said after signing a one-year contract: “It’s an honour to sign for Sligo Rovers today.

“I’d heard about the club from former player Ciaran Nugent who I know from the Islanders and Jake Keegan too who plays for St Pat’s.

“I’ve done my research on Sligo Rovers and I see the community aspect of the club, that there’s a family within the club and that really attracted me to here.

“It’s important to me to be part of a close-knit group and I see football is very popular in Sligo.

“I’ve worked very hard to make it as a professional and I’ve just had a very good experience in Estonia. I think I did well and at international level it has been positive too.

“When I spoke to Liam I really couldn’t pass up the chance to come play for him and this club.

“He told me of how he wants Rovers to improve and I think he can help grow me as a player.

“He explained there will be tough competition but that’s something I thrive on and it makes us all better players.

“I really look forward to meeting the management, the players and fans of Sligo Rovers. We will aim for a very good year ahead for all of us.”

Buckley said: “Dante emerged as a possible signing and we took a good look at him and thought he had something to offer.

“He’s a good big centre-half and while his goal record might stand out, he’s a defender so clean sheets is his target.

“He’s got a good background of experience in English non-league and he’s coming with the knowledge of playing abroad and international level.

“That’s useful as we have a lot of youth in our squad and we need a balance.

“He’s hungry to make as good a career as he can for himself and this is another step forward for him again which we think he can take.”