Category: News

Boot Collection at the Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that the Showgrounds will be a collection point for the Our Shoes campaign.
From Monday April 29th until Friday May 3rd the public are encouraged to drop off all of their pre-loved children’s sports shoes and football boots between the hours of 9.30 am and 5.30pm at the Showgrounds.
Our Shoes was set up in 2019 after Ciarán McHugh, Kevin Grant and Geoff Lockwood visited the Khayelitsha township in Cape Town in South Africa which is home to 2.4 million people.
Our Shoes initially ran two pilot appeals which saw the donation of 15,000 pairs of sports shoes which had outlived their intended use in Ireland, but which still have lots of life left in them. In 2023 children in over 300 Irish schools donated 20,000 pairs of shoes to the kids in the townships.
With the help of their partners Our Shoes ship thousands of shoes to South Africa on an annual basis where they are distributed to some of the most deserving kids in the townships. While the group is very welcoming of all donations of all sports shoes for children there is also a particular focus on pre-loved football boots that would enable the many talented players in the townships to play football safely.

Ciaran McHugh from Our Shoes said “A pair of shoes is often the difference between a hopeful or bleak future. Shoes are more than something that keep your feet safe and warm.  Like most countries, you need shoes to go to school in South Africa. Along with shoes being part of the school uniform, they also allow learners safety and provide a sense of self-esteem and dignity. and they are often the most difficult item to get in materially poor communities. We are delighted to partner with Sligo Rovers on this campaign and we are asking the public in the region to donate as many of your preloved children’s sports shoes and football boots to the Showgrounds. It has a real impact on so many lives.

Sligo Rovers FSR officer Jamie Murphy said ” It’s a privilege to team up with Ciaran and the Our Shoes campaign. As a community club we are well aware of the power that football and sport in general can have in creating meaningful change in the lives of people, in particular people from marginalised and disadvantaged backgrounds. From speaking with Ciaran we are well aware of the fantastic impact Our Shoes have on many thousands children and we want to help with that it whatever way we can. In terms of sustainability and reducing the impact that football has on the climate it’s also a fantastic campaign. Because of all of the different types of synthetic materials needed to produce a pair of sports shoes or boots they are almost impossible to recycle. They have a huge carbon footprint and by donating them to kids in townships you are helping to create a more sustainable future for us all.

Match Report: v Drogheda United

Drogheda United 3 -1 Sligo Rovers

Will Fitzgerald’s early opener wasn’t enough as an injury ravaged Sligo Rovers subsequently conceded three without reply to Drogheda United, who beat the Bit O’Red at Weavers Park.

The winger had Rovers in the ascendancy just seven minutes in when he picked out the opposite corner of the net after Wilson Waweru had laid Connor Malley’s forward ball into the path of the Limerick native.

Rovers, who were without a number of key players due to knocks, were on top for spells in the remainder of the tie, but goals from Darragh Markey, Frantz Pierrot and Aaron McNally turned the tide in United’s favour.

Markey sent an unstoppable placed effort from far out into Ed McGinty’s top corner on 24 minutes.

The sides were level until the 70th minute when Luke Heeney went to ground in front of McGinty. Pierrot dispatching the spot-kick.

The result was secured four minutes from time when McNally found a way around the Rovers rearguard.

Up next for Sligo is a home meeting with Waterford on Friday night, while St Pat’s round off a busy May bank holiday weekend with their visit on Monday 6th May, kick-off 5pm.

Drogheda United: Jethren Barr; Luke Heeney, Jack Keaney, Hayden Cann, Conor Kane; Gary Deegan, Oisin Gallagher; Adam Foley (Aaron McNally, 65), Darragh Markey (Dave Webster, 90+1), Warren Davis; Frantz Pierrot (Ryan Brennan, 84).

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; John Ross Wilson, Charlie Wiggett, Oliver Denham, Reece Hutchinson; Niall Morahan Rein Smit, 78), Connor Malley, Ellis Chapman; Stefan Radosavljevic (Owen Elding, 78), Will Fitzgerald (Kailin Barlow, 46); Wilson Waweru.

Referee: Mark Houlihan

Rovers In The Community

Last week the club were privileged to welcome some of the programme participants from the National Learning Network, RehabCare, Elevate, and CI Connect to the Showgrounds for a tour of the ground and for some football sessions. The visit was part of the club’s commitment to ‘Football For All’ and marked the beginning of a programme of football related activities over the next number of weeks.

We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back very soon. For more information on the clubs plans for Football Social Responsibility (FSR) initiatives you can contact our FSR officer on fsr@sligorovers.com

#RoversInTheCommunity #MoreThanFootball

Team News: Away v Drogheda United

Sligo Rovers will hope for a first win in five this Friday as they travel to the north east to take on Drogheda United at Weavers Park. 

The Bit O’Red will be without defensive duo John Mahon and Nando Pijnaker who remain sidelined for a number of weeks, while winger Simon Power will miss out having sustained a knock in last Monday’s stalemate with Galway United.

Rovers have already recorded victory over Drogheda this season when they beat Kevin Doherty’s charges by three goals to one back in mid-March. A quick-fire Max Mata double was followed by a sensational back-heel finish from Wilson Waweru late on, after Andrew Quinn had halved the deficit. 

Speaking ahead of the game, manager John Russell says he is satisfied with the way his team are gelling as the weeks go by. 

“I was pleased with how we played even though we only managed two draws last weekend”, he said.  

“You can see the players are starting to make good connections on the pitch which was evident in the build up to Fabrice Hartmann’s wonder strike against Dundalk. 

“I felt we deserved a penalty in each of the games which was frustrating. I’m hoping these decisions balance themselves out over the course of the season. 

“The players have recovered over the last few days and are ready to go again. As always, we must focus on ourselves and play to our strengths.”

Kick-off at Weavers Park is 7.45pm. 

Match Report: v Galway United

Sligo Rovers 0 – 0 Galway United

Sligo Rovers kept their fifth clean sheet of the season as they were held to a scoreless draw by Galway United at the Showgrounds.

Both sides created chances throughout but both defences and goalkeepers were on top in this one as the spoils were shared. 

Without a win in Sligo since Spring 1996, it was the away side who carved out the better of the openings early on although United may have been lucky not to have conceded an early penalty when Al-Amin Kazeem connected with Ellis Chapman inside the Galway area. 

McGinty had to parry away a curling effort from the inside of Ed McCarthy’s right foot while there was a great chance for Killian Brouder who nodded over from all of five yards.

Simon Power was withdrawn with a knee injury in the second half but did have time to knock an effort off Brendan Clarke’s far post. Chapman blasting over on the follow up.

Both Rovers’ Mata and Galway’s Stephen Walsh went close to opening the scoring late in the half. Mata heading Hartmann’s corner into the ground at the back post, while Walsh blasted his shot across the face of McGinty’s goal. Both players might have done more with their respective efforts. 

Rovers had lost the services of both Hartmann and Power by the time substitute Stefan Radosavljevic fired over from a Will Fitzgerald cross on 64 minutes during a second period in which the chances were at a premium. 

McGinty had to react to keep out a Maurice Nugent header from a Hurley set-piece five minutes later. While the on-loan stopper was called upon again to tip another Hurley header over his crossbar with four to go as the Tribesmen threatened late on. 

There were further opportunities in the eight added minutes. Kazeem blocking Wilson Waweru, while McGinty reached far into the bottom corner to get behind Hurley’s strike on the 98th minute. 

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; JR Wilson, Charlie Wiggett, Ollie Denham, Reece Hutchinson; Niall Morahan, Connor Malley; Simon Power (Stefan Radosavljevic 57), Ellis Chapman (Rein Smit 79), Fabrice Hartmann (Will Fitzgerald HT); Max Mata (Wilson Waweru 73).

Galway United: Brendan Clarke; Rob Slevin, Killian Brouder, Maurice Nugent (Conor O’Keefe 76); Jeannot Esua, Al-Amin Kazeem; David Hurley; Ed McCarthy (Aodh Dervan 67), Karl O’Sullivan (Francely Lomoboto 83); Stephen Walsh, Wassim Aouachria (Vincent Borden HT). 

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea.

Attedance: 2,627.

Reminder of AGM tonight

As previously advised Sligo Rovers will hold their AGM tonight, Tuesday, April 23rd at 7.30pm at the Clayton Hotel, Sligo.

The AGM will see the election of the 2024 Management Committee, a presentation of 12 months of club finances from the club’s Treasurer and the Chairman and Secretary’s report.

Please note only full paid up members or those enjoying the privileges of membership in accordance with the society rules are eligible to attend the AGM

SLIGO FOOTBALL AND SPORT DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY LTD

(Sligo Rovers Football Club)

AGENDA

1. Chairman’s Address

2. Minutes of Previous 2023 AGM

3. Matters Arising

4. Secretary’s Report

5. CEO Report

6. Treasure’s Report, Adoption of Statement of Accounts and Balance Sheet.

7. Appointment of Auditors

8. Election of Committee of Management

9. Any Other Business

The Management Committee Nomination form is available for those interested in joining the committee by emailing administrator@sligorovers.com.

A zoom link will be available for members looking to attend the meeting virtually. Members who wish to avail of this option are asked to email shane@sligorovers.com at the earliest opportunity, and a link will be returned to access via Zoom.

Team News: v Galway United

Sligo Rovers will look for Connacht derby bragging rights this Monday evening as the Bit O’Red take on Galway United in Premier Division action for the first time since 2017. 

The Tribesmen will make the short journey north to take on Rovers for a first competitive contest between the sides since Sligo’s win over United in Eamon Deacy Park in the EA Sports Cup in 2018, Adam Morgan scoring the only goal that day in a narrow win for Rovers. 

Monday’s game was recently re-arranged after the initial meeting was postponed following the effects of Storm Kathleen back in early April. 

Rovers boss John Russell must plan without long-term injured duo John Mahon and Nando Pijnaker. While both Max Mata and Fabrice Hartmann will be assesed in the lead up, having both sustained knocks in the Dundalk game. 

There is some good news for Russell who will include winger Simon Power in his squad for the first time since he was sent off against Waterford at the RSC. 

Speaking ahead of the game, Russell said:

“Galway had a big result on Friday night defeating Shelbourne so we know we’re in for a tough game. 

“As always, we must focus on ourselves and play to our strengths which we showed in the first half on Friday night. They key tomorrow is doing it for 90 minutes. When you’re on top in a game you cannot come off it. You need to keep pushing on. 

“The players, staff and supporters are relishing the first Connacht derby in a number of years so hopefully it will be a big night at the Showgrounds.”

Kick-off at the Showgrounds is 7.45pm.

Match Report: vs Athlone Town

AVENIR SPORTS ALL-ISLAND CUP MATCH REPORT

ATHLONE TOWN 2 SLIGO ROVERS 1

BY CONALL COLLIER

Battling Sligo Rovers lost out by the odd goal in three in this action-packed Avenir Sports All-Island Cup game against hosts Athlone Town on Saturday night.

The concession of two goals in the space of three first-half minutes close to the interval ultimately proved costly for Sligo Rovers, but the battling qualities of the team was evident in the second-half as they got back into contention.

The Athlone women, who had a couple of good chances after the break, were hanging on in the closing stages following a fine 75th minute goal from Muireann Devaney that gave Sligo Rovers a lifeline, but they were unable to conjure up an equaliser.

Sligo Rovers manager Tommy Hewitt made three changes to the team that played out a draw with Treaty Utd in the league last weekend.

Bonnie McKiernan, Ciara Henry and Jodie Loughrey came into the team in place of Amber Hardy, Zoe McGlynn and Paula McGrory

Athlone started on the front foot and Hazel Donegan blasted over from close range in the third minute while Emma Doherty and Jodie Loughrey both had chances for the Bit O’Red.

Goalkeeper Bonnie McKiernan produced a number of excellent saves when she denied Maddie Gibson and Gillian Keenan as the hosts dictated without managing to make a breakthrough due in no small part to the efforts of Kelsey Munroe, in the opening half, and Keeva Flynn.

However, Sligo Rovers conceded a goal of the ‘soft variety four minutes from the interval when an Athlone corner bounced off Ciara O’Neill at an unguarded far post and rolled into the net.

Then, in first-half added time, referee Daniel Murphy pointed to the spot after what looked like a 50-50 tussle for possession and Athlone went in 2-0 to the good at the interval when Chloe Singleton converted.

Both sides made changes for the second-half, but Athlone were solid in defence as Sligo Rovers tried to get back into contention.

Emma Doherty had a shot saved in the 70th minute, but further pressure saw Muireann Devaney finish to the Athlone net with 15 minutes remaining.

Bonnie McKiernan produced a superb double save in the 80th minute to deny Hazel Donegan as the hosts tried to get a third goal with the tempo increasing and goalmouth action at each end.

However, Athlone Town were hanging on in added time and defender Kayleigh Shine picked up a yellow card for an infringement on the edge of her own penalty area, but the resultant free was saved by Katie Keane.

Athlone Town – Katie Keane; Kayleigh Shine, Jesi Lynne Rossman, Kate Slevin, Gillian Keenan, Chloe Singleton, Jenaya Robertson, Roisin Molloy, Madison Gibson, Hazel Donegan, Ciara O’Neill. 

Subs – Casey Howe for Gibson, Laurie Ryan for Singleton and Mary Philips for Slevin all 61 mins, Aoife Murphy-O’Connor for Donegan 92m.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Kelsey Munroe, Sarah Kiernan, Keeva Flynn, Eimear Lafferty, Emma Hansberry, Muireann Devaney, Emma Doherty, Keri Loughrey, Ciara Henry, Jodie Loughrey. 

Subs – Kelly Crompton for Kiernan, Zoe McGlynn for Henry and Cara King for Lafferty all half-time, Alice Lillie for Munroe 59 mins, Katie Melly for J Loughrey 74m.

Referee – Daniel Murphy.

Match Report: v Dundalk

Sligo Rovers 1 – 1 Dundalk

Dundalk’s Jamie Gullan dispatched a second half spot-kick as Sligo Rovers were held by the Lilywhites at the Showgrounds.

A really impressive first half showing from the Bit O’Red, Fabrice Hartmann’s stunning opener the highlight, was followed by a second half in which either side could have won the game.

The hosts started with the same team which was beaten by Shamrock Rovers in Dublin seven nights previous, while winger Sam Durrant replaced Robbie Mahon who picked up an injury in Dundalk’s last outing against Bohs on Monday. 

Rovers were well on top in the opening period and went close through Reece Hutchinson who pulled a good save from Dundalk net minder George Shelvey before Hartmann hit a wonderful opener. 

The tricky German winger finding space between two Dundalk defenders before hammering a stunning left footed effort which tore through the air and beyond Shelvey’s reach from all of 25 yards. 

Former Dundalk midfielder Connor Malley had to take a Gullen header off his own line on the half hour. Malley was then allowed travel with the ball just outside his former employers’ area three minutes from the break. The midfielder’s effort from the corner of the box, fizzing past Shelvey’s far post. 

The Louth side were back in the tie on 49 minutes when Gullan coolly dispatching the spot-kick. 

Rovers reacted with Hartmann going close twice in quick succession. The German almost caught Shelvey out at his front post from a set-piece out wide, while the same player’s shot hit team mate Wilson Waweru before rolling past Shelvey’s 90 seconds later. 

The league’s basement side had the ball in the Rovers net soon after but Gullan was adjudged offside from a Robbie Benson through ball as this game really opened up. 

Ed McGinty pulled off a superb save from the incoming Gullan as the game wore on. 

While both Malley and Dundalk sub Ryan O’Kane had chances to nab the points late on, but both camps had to settle for a share of the points.

Rovers are back in action on Monday nightas Galway United visit the Showgrounds for the first Connacht derby of the season, kick-off 7.45pm. 

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; JR Wilson, Charlie Wiggett, Ollie Denham, Reece Hutchinson; Niall Morahan, Connor Malley, Ellis Chapman (Kailin Barlow 70); Fabrice Hartmann (Rein Smit 70), Will Fitzgerald (Stefan Radosavljevic 80); Max Mata (Wilson Waweru HT).

Dundalk: George Shelvey; Archie Davies, Mayowa Animasahun (Zak Johnson 25), Andy Boyle, Zak Bradshaw; Scott High, Paul Doyle (Dara Keane HT); Samuel Durrant (Ryan O’Kane 68), Daryl Horgan; Robbie Benson; Jamie Gullan (Eoin Kenny 79). 

Referee: Paul Norton.

Attendance: 2,287.

Team News: v Dundalk

Sligo Rovers begin a busy weekend of Premier Division football at the Showgrounds this Friday night, taking on Dundalk at 7.45pm. 

The Lilywhites’ visit will be followed up on Monday by a much anticipated, re-arranged Connacht derby with Galway United as Rovers look to recover from recent defeats in Dublin to both Pat’s and Shamrock Rovers. 

Rovers will be without long term sidelined duo John Mahon and Nando Pijnaker. While winger Simon Power serves the third of his three game suspension for a red card against Waterford. 

The Bit O’Red were heavy winners the last time these teams met at Oriel Park in early March. 

Rovers beat Dundalk by five goals to nil that night, but manager John Russell says the County Louth side pose a big threat as they look for their first win of the season. 

“We know the importance of this weekend”, he said. 

“With two home games in quick succession it gives us an opportunity to bounce back after last weekend’s defeat to Shamrock Rovers. 

“Dundalk were probably the better team on Monday night against Bohemians even though they came away with nothing. They have good players who can hurt you so we’re aware of the threat they bring. 

“We know the areas we need to improve on and the players are fully focused and ready for the challenge ahead on Friday night.”