David Goulden at the Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers picked up our first points of the season with a superb win over Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds. Reece Hutchinson had given Rovers the lead in the first half before substitute Graham Burke found an equaliser for the Dubliners on 68 minutes. 

A disciplined and determined Sligo weathered a short Hoops storm and a skipper’s goal from John Mahon, his third for the club, won this game with twelve minutes to go. The victory lifted Rovers off the foot of the table ahead of a crucial league fixture with Cork City this Friday. 

Chasing their first points of the season, Rovers made two changes from the team who were narrowly beaten in Inchicore last Friday. Conor Walsh was handed his first start for the club since the final day of the 2023 season, while winger Owen Elding returned to start in place of Matty Wolfe who didn’t make the match day squad.

The Hoops arrived in Sligo without a win at the Church Hill Road venue in two years, with three changes following a draw with Shels at Tolka last Friday. Aaron Greene, Cory O’Sullivan and Gary O’Neill back in while goalkeeper Ed McGinty returned to the ground he made his name on, starting between the sticks for the visitors. New signing Sean Robertson made the bench.

Both sides cancelled each other out in the opening half. It took 46 minutes for the Dubliners to test Walsh, the Westport man holding a flashed Roberto Lopes header from a corner in added time at the end of the opening half.

The Connacht men missed penalties in two of their opening three outings and had a shout for another spot-kick turned down on 29 minutes. Lopes looked as if he had pulled back Will Fitzgerald inside the area, but referee Rob Harvey saw otherwise, instead electing to award a free-kick from which Jake Doyle-Hayes landed the ball on the roof of McGinty’s net.

Cian Kavanagh struck twice against the Saints last Friday and the Showgrounds was on its feet on 32 minutes when he nodded a Hutchinson cross beyond McGinty only for the referee’s assistant to raise the flag for offside.

Sligo arrived again six minutes later for the opener. Gareth McElory nodded Fitzgerald’s set piece across goal towards Elding and although McGinty managed to scramble away the attacker’s initial effort, he was unable to stop Hutchinson’s follow up as the full back hammered an effort past his former team-mate for his first goal for the club since netting at the Brandywell last May. 

The away side’s frustration continued up until the 68th minute when Burke levelled the tie shortly after he came on. The former Aston Villa youth’s influence was instant as he picked out the far corner of Walsh’s net from a tight angle just 60 seconds after coming on. 

Stephen Bradley then sprung both Aaron McEneff and Rory Gaffney from the sidelines as Watts’ fizzed drive had Walsh at full stretch as he shot narrowly wide. 

But Sligo were steadfast and went ahead again with twelve to go. Skipper Mahon forced the ball past McGinty after Hutchinson had laid possession back across the goalmouth from another Fitzgerald set-piece to the delight of the majority of the four thousand in attendance. 

Sligo Rovers: Conor Walsh; Harvey Lintott (Oskar Van Hattum 60), John Mahon, Gareth McElroy, Reece Hutchinson; Connor Malley (Ryan Manning 77), Jake Doyle-Hayes; Will Fitzgerald, Jad Hakiki (Ollie Denham 89), Owen Elding; Cian Kavanagh (Francely Lomboto 77). 

Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty; Roberto Lopes, Dan Cleary, Cory O’Sullivan (Aaron McEneff 72); Josh Honohan, Danny Grant (Rory Gaffney 72); Matt Healy, Gary O’Neill (Graham Burke 66); Dylan Watts, Michael Noonan; Aaron Greene (Victor Ozhianvuna 60). 

Referee: Rob Harvey. 

Attendance: 4.023

Sligo Rovers face Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds on Monday night in the second of what is a three game run over the space of a busy seven days for the Bit O’Red. 

Rovers were narrowly beaten by St Patrick’s Athletic in a thrilling seven goal affair at Richmond Park on Friday night, while the Hoops provide the opposition on Monday evening before Sligo make the long trip to Cork on Friday. 

Rovers were unbeaten against Shamrock Rovers at the Showgrounds last season, beating Stephen Bradley’s side in June having played out a scoreless draw against the Dubliners at home in March. While the Tallaght outfit twice beat Rovers in Dublin, in both April and September.

Both clubs go into this tie occupying the bottom two spots with Sligo having played three, while the visitors have played just twice following the postponement of last week’s clash with Cork. 

Sligo remain the only team in the Premier Division yet to pick up a point after Shamrock Rovers drew with Shels at Tolka Park on Friday night, getting off the mark following a 1-1 draw. 

Rovers were beaten by the single goal in seven in Inchicore on Friday during a crazy game. Two behind, Rovers pulled themselves back into contention courtesy of an own goal and Cian Kavanagh’s first for the club. The same player then missed a penalty against his old side after Chris Forrester had made it 3-1, only for Kavanagh to return to level the tie shortly after his miss. 

It wasn’t to be Rovers’ night as ex-striker Aidan Keena netted the winner with eleven minutes to play. 

Manager John Russell will again be without Wilson Waweru for this one. Ollie Denham, a late withdrawal ahead of the Pat’s clash, faces a late fitness test. 

Offering his thoughts on a frustrating night, Russell says he acknowledges aspects of the performance weren’t up to scratch but sees a lot of positives heading into the Shamrock Rovers game. 

“Last Friday I’m sure was a smashing game to watch for the neutral. But for us it was disappointing not to come away with at least a point”, Russell told sligorovers.com. 

“To go to Dublin and score three against one of the best teams in the league is an achievement but then to concede four, all of which were avoidable isn’t acceptable from our point of view. But, we created plenty, missed a penalty and then might have had another one late on when Oskar (Van Hattum) was taken down inside the box.

“The Waterford and Pat’s games came down to such tight margins and big moments and if you have a bit of luck behind you, which you sometimes need, then that can be the difference between a decent start to the year and sitting bottom with no points. 

“But we must cut out the individual errors and that’s been well broadcasted to the players since the opening game. You can’t go and score goals and then concede sloppy goals at the same time. 

“We are trying to improve defensively but going forward, we’ve already scored five goals in our first three games and should have had more, so for me that’s a positive. 

“If we can manage to improve ourselves defensively and that’s the whole team included, then we give ourselves a good base to start from. 

“Yes, it’s been a disappointing start to the year. But it is vital we stay focused, keep working and understand that we have more than enough quality in this squad to start picking up points soon.”

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers were beaten by the odd goal in seven at Richmond Park as St Patrick’s Athletic pipped the Bit O’Red to the three points following an intense battle in Inchicore on Friday night.

An exciting encounter didn’t just feature seven goals, but also a missed penalty and a red card for Saints midfielder Barry Baggley late on.

Rovers soaked up plenty of pressure early on but finally caved nine minutes from the break when Zak Elbouzedi fired the home side into the lead. Former Rovers striker Aidan Keena had Pat’s second 60 seconds later but Rovers fought back to half the deficit before the interval. 

Will Fitzgerald supplied the first of his three assists for the evening when his cross was turned into his own net by a disoriented Baggley. 

Stephen Kenny’s side looked like they might boss the remainder of the tie when sub Chris Forrester bashed one past Sam Sargeant on 52 minutes to make it 3-1. But again, a defiant Rovers battled back into contention. 

Cian Kavanagh saw his spot kick saved by Joseph Anang on 56 after the same player was grounded inside the Pat’s penalty area. Kavanagh however returned with intent ten minutes later to nod another Fitzgerald assist, this time from a floated set-piece towards the back post, beyond Anang who couldn’t react in time. This was Kavanagh’s first goal for the club.

On a night for strikers to score against their former clubs, Kavanagh repeated the trick on 78. The once Saint stretched to meet Fitzgerald’s cross following a typical determined run from the Limerick wide man.

Rovers were to leave Dublin with nothing however as Keena struck at the far end 60 seconds later. 

Next up for Rovers is our league clash with Shamrock Rovers, this Monday at the Showgrounds. Kick-off 7.45pm. 

St Patrick’s Athletic: Joseph Anang; Ryan McLaughlin (Axel Sjoberg 16), Joe Redmond, Tom Grivosti, Anto Breslin: Romal Palmer (Chris Forrester, 27), Barry Baggley; Zach Elbouzedi, Brandon Kavanagh (Mason Melia 70), Jake Mulraney (Jay McClelland 70); Aidan Keena

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Harvey Lintott (Oskar Van Hattum 81), Gareth McElroy, John Mahon, Reece Hutchinson; Matty Wolfe (Owen Elding 60), Jake Doyle-Hayes (Ryan Manning 81); Jad Hakiki, Connor Malley, Will Fitzgerald, Cian Kavanagh (Francely Lomboto 81)

Referee: Paul Norton (Dublin)

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers face into a busy few days of Premier Division football as the Bit O’Red face two title challengers in quick succession. Rovers travel east for the second time in a week as St Patrick’s Athletic offer opposition at Richmond Park this Friday, before John Russell’s side welcome Shamrock Rovers to the Showgrounds on Monday.

Last weekend’s defeat to Drogheda United sees Rovers go into week three propping up the league table. But it’s early days yet as Sligo go to Pat’s in search of their first points of the season.

Rovers will be without Wilson Waweru who continues his rehab on a long-term injury. While Stephen Mallon will be assessed in the lead up to Friday’s game and is pushing to be involved following a knock picked up in a late pre-season fixture. 

Looking ahead to the Saints game, manager Russell has acknowledged what has been a less than ideal opening fortnight to 2025. But the Rovers boss believes his squad have more than enough about them to turn the tide sooner rather than later. 

“It’s been a tough start to the year but we’re only two games in and I have a lot of belief in this group of players”, Russell tells sligorovers.com. 

“Everyone is working extremely hard each and every day and no less is allowed. We know there are areas we need to and must improve in, especially from the Drogheda game. We didn’t deserve anything from that game but we learned from it and move on to the next one.

“We’re still a new group and we’re learning about each other more and more as the days go on. 

“We’ve a big weekend coming now with Pat’s and then Shams right after that. But we’re really looking forward to the challenge.” 

On his old club Pat’s, Russell continues: “They have a squad capable of winning a league and that’s what they’re chasing. They’ve had what many would consider a tough start too. They’ll be dangerous. They have the players more than able to turn you over if you let them and have a manager with league and cup winning experience so it’s going to be tough for us and we need to be on our game as soon as that first whistle goes.”

One player who has stood out since his arrival in the winter and will look to make an impact again this weekend is attacking midfielder Jad Hakiki. The ex-Shels and Dundalk man was in stellar form in pre-season and scored on his competitive debut against Waterford at the Showgrounds two weeks ago.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, he acknowledges the team’s unsteady start but says the players are all confident of taking points from the upcoming games.

“Of course it takes time with so many new lads coming in”, he states.

“Yes the results weren’t the ones we wanted from the first two games but we haven’t let that put us off track. 

“It takes time to gel no matter who you are but it’s up to us the players to build those connections now. The games are coming fast now so we know we need to get familiar with each other quickly. We know how good we can be, for example against Waterford in the second half, there were periods where they struggled to deal with us. We need to find that form again now.

“Pat’s obviously have a really strong squad and we all know it’ll be a tough one. But if we can reach the levels we and the fans expect from us, then there’s no doubt that we can pick up a positive result.” 

David Goulden

By Conall Collier

The countdown continues for Sligo Rovers to the 2025 League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division, with Bohemian FC set to visit the Showgrounds for the opening game of the season on Saturday, 8th March.

Steve Feeney will return to the sideline in the role of manager after taking
a year out in 2024 following the first two seasons at the helm in 2022 and 2023.

Tommy Hewitt took the reins for 2024, and the former Athlone Town manager
endured a challenging season as the Bit O’Red saw a number of experienced players depart.

However, that gave a number of players who came through the Sligo Rovers Academy an opportunity to gain regular first-team experience, none more so than Keeva Flynn, who scooped the club’s young player of the year award for 2024 and was also recognised with an FAI accolade.

Another player, Lauren Devaney, was the club’s under-19 player of the year, and along with Alice Lillie, Rachel McGoldrick, Mairead McIntyre, and Jessica Casey, they will all be eager to make an impact in 2025.

Looking forward to resuming his place in the dugout, where he will have Enda Scanlon as assistant manager, Steve Feeney said that he was pleased with preparations so far.

“We have had three friendlies against Treaty Utd, Athlone Town, and Bohemians, and a good run out last week against an Academy selection,” he
commented.

“The friendlies gave us a chance to give everyone some game time, and that was important, as was the opportunity for some of the younger players.

“We have made good progress on finalising a squad for the new season, and we have a few new players and some returning players.

“We will have another game this weekend, then we will start to concentrate on
preparations for the opening game against Bohemians.

“Hopefully, the supporters will turn up in big numbers for the first game on
Saturday week, and that will help us to make home advantage count before the trip to Cork the following week,” he added.

Drogheda remains an unhappy hunting ground for Sligo Rovers, after the Bit O’Red extended their winless run at the newly named Lambe and Sullivan Park following a three goal defeat on Friday night.

Goals from United’s Josh Thomas, Darragh Markey and Luke Heeney means Rovers haven’t won at the County Louth venue since 2022. 

Manager John Russell gave first starts to two recent arrivals. Midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes and full back Harvey Lintott both in the starting eleven for the first time, his only changes from the opening night against Waterford. While Ronan Manning made his first team debut as a second half substitute.

Drogs had the lead three minutes from the interval. Shane Farrell assisting Welsh striker Thomas for the opener. 

Rovers looked more settled in the early period of the second half but fell further behind on 74 when Markey had United two up. 

Sligo thought they’d halved the lead when Cian Kavanagh finished from the angle, only for the referee’s assistant to rule him offside although replays suggest the decision may have been harsh. 

Heeney finished the evening with a drilled effort past Sam Sargeant late on. 

Rovers’ next game is our Premier Division clash with St Pat’s at Richmond Park on Friday, February 28th. Kick-off 7.45pm.

Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; Andrew Quinn, Conor Keeley, James Bolger; Owen Lambe, Shane Farrell, Ryan Brennan (Luke Heeney, 89), Conor Kane; Darragh Markey; Zishim Bawa (Thomas Oluwa 62), Josh Thomas (Warren Davis, 72).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Harvey Lintott (Oskar Van Hattum, 69), Ollie Denham, John Mahon, Reece Hutchinson; Jad Hakiki (Ronan Manning, 84), Jake Doyle-Hayes (Francely Lomboto, 69), Conor Malley; Will Fitzgerald, Owen Elding; Cian Kavanagh.

Referee: David Dunne

This Friday sees the Bit O’Red on the road for the first time this season as Sligo Rovers travel to Sullivan and Lambe Park to take on Drogheda United, kick-off 7.45pm.

Following a narrow defeat to Waterford on the opening night last weekend, Rovers will look to kick-start our Premier Division season at a venue which John Russell’s side haven’t won since 2022. 

Drogheda for their part, began 2025 with defeat to Shels in the President’s Cup. They recovered from that loss to pick up a valuable point against title-chasing St Pat’s in Inchicore on the first night of the league calendar. 

In team news, Rovers will be again without Wilson Waweru and Stephen Mallon. Otherwise, Russell has a full squad to choose from. 

Russell was unhappy with Rovers’ first half showing against Waterford at the Showgrounds on Saturday. But was hugely enthused by a second half performance in which the home side were extremely unlucky not to take at least a point. The Rovers boss believes his side showed more than enough to suggest things are heading in the right direction.

“We asked for a reaction at half-time and we certainly got it. We started with great speed in the second half and deservedly got the goal back through Owen Elding. I think if we score that penalty then we go on and win that game. 

“But it shows how tight this league is and how games are decided in those pivotal moments. Waterford go up the other end then and scored what ended up being the winner. But the momentum stayed with us and we kept creating, so we are really encouraged by that despite not taking anything from the game.

“The energy was there in abundance and we kept knocking on the door, so we’ve plenty to look forward to.”

Looking ahead to the Drogs game, Russell envisages another tight affair. 

“They’re at home for the first time since they won the cup and they’ve already sold out their gate and that’s great to see”, he says.

“They’ll be full of life and backed by a big and loud crowd coming off the back of an impressive draw with Pat’s. It’s a tough ground to go to. Our record could be better up there recently and we’re looking to change that. It’s a tight ground, compact and everyone’s on top of each other so it’s important not to get overwhelmed and enjoy what you’re doing. 

“But we back ourselves against anybody and we know we have to be at it from the first touch. We know what we can do and what we need to do to come away with a good result. We’ll certainly be going there looking for the win.” 

Now in his fourth year at the Showgrounds, Rovers’ recently appointed vice-captain Will Fitzgerald is full of optimism going into the trip to Louth. Always a determined performer, Fitzgerald was one of Rovers’ outstanding players against Waterford last week.

“We were disappointed to not come away with at least a point”, he reflects.  

“The nature of the goals we conceded was hugely frustrating for us. But there was enough from us to show that we’re on the right track here. There’s quality in this group and it shows when you look at the amount of chances we created. 

“We know what we are capable of and we’ll be giving it absolutely everything to try and pick up three points up there.

“We know what Drogheda will bring. They’ll be hungry, energetic, well drilled and organised. They are one of those teams that play to these strengths and get some deserving results because of it. 

“It’s up to us now to match all that. We need to play to our own maximum capabilities and it’s hugely important that we put in a 90 minute performance.”

The Limerick native appeared for the 100th time for Sligo towards the end of last season having signed three years ago. One of the first names on the team-sheet, the 25-year-old is thriving as one of the more experienced members of the first-team squad and was selected as vice-skipper in pre-season.  

“It’s an honour and privilege to have that role”, he continues. 

“I took on a bigger role in terms of responsibility last season and it’s something I am really enjoying doing. I’ve played in this league for a few years and this is my fourth year under John and his guidance. If I can use my experience gained through those few years and set an example to help get the team to where we want to get to, that’s something I’ll be very proud of.” 

David Goulden 

Sligo Rovers were narrowly beaten on the opening night of the new Premier Division season as Waterford came away from the Showgrounds with all three points. 

A frustrating start from the Bit O’Red allowed the Blues take a two goal lead at half-time courtesy of Rowan McDonald and Tommy Lonergan. 

Owen Elding’s first goal for the club gave Rovers some hope but a Cian Kavanagh penalty miss and Conan Noonan’s eventual winner moments later decided this game. Jad Hakiki did net a late goal for Rovers who were by far the better side in the second period.  

There were positives for Rovers including a handful of debuts and a real battling second half showing. There was a also a first game as club captain for AbbVie academy graduate John Mahon.

Restricted mostly to efforts from range, Rovers manufactured the opening chance through Elding whose shot was easily held by Waterford net minder Stephen McMullan. 

The visitors hit the lead on 13 minutes when McDonald sent a well struck curler around the reach of Sam Sargeant on his Rovers debut. 

The Munster side then doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute.

A move straight from the set-piece playbook, Noonan’s free-kick from the left was headed back across the face of goal by McDonald. Lonergan leaping highest to finish past Sargeant for a goal on his debut.

Desperately requiring some sort of reprieve, Elding gave an improved Rovers that much needed shot in the arm when he halved the deficit five minutes into the second period. Will Fitzgerald forced his way inside the area before squaring for the teenager who fired home for his first senior goal. 

A crazy few minutes saw Rovers then miss a penalty before Waterford had their third despite Rovers being well on top.

McMullen pulled off a magnificent save to deny Cian Kavanagh from 12 yards after Fitzgerald was fouled inside the area. While on the counter, Padraig Amond supplied Noonan who calmly slotted the ball beyond Sargeant with 59 minutes gone. 

Rovers threw it all at their opponents and ended the game with five times as many shots on goal as their rivals only for John Russell’s men to find McMullan in fine form. 

Debutant Hakiki had offered Sligo some hope on 82 minutes when his thunderous drive from the angle clipped the crossbar on its way past a stunned McMullan. 

The Sligo siege was rebuked on several occasions, resulting in Ryan Burke taking an Elding bullet off his own line after Fitzgerald had hit the crossbar on the approach.  

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Oskar Van Hattum, Ollie Denham, John Mahon, Reece Hutchinson; Conor Malley (Jake Doyle-Hayes 87), Matty Wolfe (Francely Lomboto 65); Owen Elding, Jad Hakiki, Will Fitzgerald; Cian Kavanagh. 

Waterford: Stephen McMullan; Andy Boyle, Grant Horton, Kacper Radkowski; Navajo Bakboord (Darragh Leahy 72), Ryan Burke; Rowan McDonald (Dean McMenamy 53), Ben McCormack, Conan Noonan (Maarten Pouwels 83); Tommy Lonergan (Kyle White 83), Padraig Amond. 

Referee: Damien MacGraith. 

Attendance: 3,612. 

David Goulden

Competitive football returns to the Showgrounds this Saturday night as Sligo Rovers host Waterford, kick-off 7.45pm. 

Premier Division action resumes on Church Hill Road for the 20th consecutive season as John Russell’s Bit O’Red take on Keith Long’s Blues.

A number of new Rovers signings are in line for debuts including goalkeeper Sam Sargeant, defender Harvey Lintott and midfielders Ronan Manning, Matty Wolfe, Jad Hakiki and Oskar Van Hattum. While Jake Doyle-Hayes’ international transfer clearance has arrived in time for the club’s latest addition to feature on Saturday night. 

Strikers Cian Kavanagh and Francely Lomboto are also hoping for a first competitive appearance for Rovers. 

In team news, Rovers will be without forward Wilson Waweru who isn’t expected to return until summer time as he continues his rehab following a serious achilles injury picked up last season. Winger Stephen Mallon also misses out. 

This will be manager John Russell’s third opening night in charge of Rovers. 2023 saw his side pick up a valuable point at home to then reigning and eventual league winners Shamrock Rovers. While last season, a 94th minute equaliser denied Sligo all the points away to Bohs. 

Excited to get the season underway, Russell is also hoping for a positive start to the new campaign. Last year saw Rovers perform well beyond the expectations of many, competing for a European spot right up until the final weeks. 

“Like last season, it’s going to be tough. 2024 was extremely competitive but this year I can see it being more-so. So it’s important we get off to a good start”, he says. 

“We’re maybe going into the unknown a little with Waterford given that they’ve made so many signings. 

“They possibly feel the same way about us. But we have them as well researched as we can and we are well prepared. After being on the road for our first game last year, it’s a big boost for us to be able to play in front of our own fans and on familiar turf on Saturday. 

“There’s a real buzz around the area for the opening game and I really hope we get a big crowd in to match that expectation and appetite. 

“We’re happy with the changes we have made both on and off the pitch in pre-season. There is a nice mix of youth and experience here. There’s plenty of competition for places which is vital as it was something we identified last season that needed to change. Players maybe knew they’d play every week regardless, but now we can mix it up.” 

Saturday will also mark John Mahon’s first game as club captain. Having grown up just a few short miles from the Showgrounds, this will be the Collooney native’s tenth season at the club having joined in 2015 from local side Ballisodare United. 

Mahon was a stand-out throughout his time in the AbbVie academy before making his first team debut in an EA Sports Cup win at Finn Harps in 2017. 

Establishing himself as one of the top centre halves in the country, Mahon’s form earned him a move to Scotland in early 2022 with the now 25-year-old returning to Rovers ahead of the 2023 season. 

2024 was a frustrating year for the former Coola Post Primary student as he missed the majority of the year with an achilles injury he picked up in pre-season. Long months of rehab resulted in John’s return on the final away day of the season in Galway. 

“It will be a hugely proud day not just for me as a supporter of the club but also for my family as we’re all Rovers fans”, Mahon says. 

“Since I was a boy, I’ve been coming here (Showgrounds) and now being captain of the club means everything to me. It’ll be a special day for me, but we’ll be hoping to make it even more special with a good result.

“The atmosphere within the squad has been great all pre-season and we’re looking forward to getting going. There’s a real feeling of excitement around the Showgrounds heading into the game.

“Waterford are obviously a really good side but we’ve studied them well and we’ll be going into Saturday looking to beat them.”

David Goulden