Sligo Rovers are happy to back The Big Step’s campaign to end all gambling advertising and sponsorship in football. The Bit O’ Red are the 25^th club to back in the campaign in the UK and Ireland, and the second club that play in the League of Ireland Premier Division to back the campaign, joining Drogheda United – meaning 20% of the league are now advocating for a ban on gambling ads in the sport.

The announcement adds to the growing resistance against gambling advertising in football in Ireland. Last year Ireland’s President, Michael D. Higgins, described gambling adverts accompanying sporting events as “dangerous” and said they were causing “so much damage to families”.

Last week, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) announced that celebrities are to be banned from appearing in gambling adverts in the UK from October. Also last week, it was revealed that a piece of research submitted by the English Football League to the UK Government as part of the Gambling Act review was “flawed”, “misleading” and “undertaken to draw a pre-determined conclusion”.

This came after 20 football clubs, including Drogheda United, signed an open letter to the UK Government calling on them to ban all gambling adverts and sponsorship in football. In the letter, the clubs stressed they were not reliant on gambling revenue, in stark contrast to the gambling industry narrative.

Tommy Higgins, Chairman of Sligo Rovers, said:

 ‘’Sligo Rovers is a proud community club which welcomes people of all ages and all walks of life and it’s important to us to do all we can to help protect our supporters, players and everyone associated with the club in any way we can. We feel this small step of not accepting any sponsorships from gambling companies may go a small way to helping what is a huge problem in our society. As a club, we are not in a position to refuse sponsorships too often however we feel the negative aspect of this advertising far outweighs any monetary value to the football club’’.

Earlier this year the club pledged not to take gambling sponsorship money and issued the following statement:

“Sligo Rovers have taken the decision not to accept sponsorship from gambling companies.

“The Bit O’ Red have turned down two large sponsorship offers from gambling companies in the last number of months as we move to formalise this policy.

“As a community-funded club, we believe it would be irresponsible to accept these proposals.

“Sponsorship is a critical aspect in the running of Sligo Rovers and turning down five-figure sponsorship offers is not a straight-forward decision, particularly given the club is self-funded with no individual benefactor like many others in the League of Ireland.

“The ethos of our club is to be inclusive and open to welcome all ages and demographics. We feel such advertising, directly aimed at our supporters and particularly to our young fans, could have a detrimental outcome going forward and not in the spirit of the football club.”

A 2021 Gambling Awareness Trust study estimates there are up to 50,000 people addicted to gambling in Ireland which has a population of almost 5 million. Those addicted to gambling are up to 15 times more likely to take their own lives than members of the general population. Gambling advertising is rife across all levels of football, with research showing that gambling logos can appear 700 times during a single televised game of football. Consequently it’s estimated a gambling brand is visible up to 89% of the time on Match of The Day, which is watched by millions each week.

Mark Wall, a Labour Party senator, introduced a bill last April to completely ban gambling advertising in Ireland. In March 2022, the bill passed the second stage in Seanad Éireann and there is now a real chance there will be strong restrictions implemented.

The Big Step is a campaign to end all gambling advertising and sponsorship in football, led by people harmed by gambling. The campaign is part of the charity Gambling with Lives, which was set up by families and friends that lost loved ones to gambling-related suicide. Research suggests there are up to 650 gambling-related suicides every year in the UK.

James Grimes, Founder of The Big Step, said:

“We were thrilled to see that Sligo Rovers implemented a policy that would see them reject all gambling partnerships and we are even more delighted to have their full support for our campaign.

A fifth of all top-flight clubs in Ireland now advocate for our cause and that number will grow. Gambling advertising is on it’s way out of the game and we know that clubs can survive without it. We of course encourage governments in both the UK and Ireland to act, but we also urge every club in both countries to follow the lead of the 25 clubs – including Sligo – and say no to the gambling industry.”

The Bit O’ Red academy teams were all in action this past weekend apart from our Under 19 Women’s team who had a free weekend for internationals.

On Saturday at 1pm our Under 17 Men’s team hosted neighbours Finn Harps at The Sean Fallon Centre. Goals from Michael Clifford and Lee Conway secured all three points for Rovers and leaves them on seven points from a possible twelve.

Alan Farry’s Under 14 Boy’s squad travelled to Galway to take on Galway United, also on Saturday. A tight game ended 1-1 with Aaron Heaney scoring his first club goal.

Aaron O’ Connor’s Women’s Under 17 side faced Donegal in Letterkenny on Saturday evening. A goal from Lara Swann wasn’t enough on the day and the hosts ran out 3-1 winners.

There was a double header on Sunday afternoon at The Sean Fallon Centre.

First up, Our Under 19 Men’s team defeated Derry City 3-0 with goals from Kailn Barlow, Peter Maguire and Darragh Reilly. It was the sides second win of the season after five games.

Lastly, Paul Masterson’s Under 15 Boy’s Squad defeated Cavan/Monaghan 5-0. Conor Langan bagged a brace and Peter Moran, Darragh McKeon and James Lavin added goals to secure the points.

The Bit O’ Red hosted UCD at The Showgrounds on Saturday night in what was our third home game in just over one week. Liam Buckley’s side were looking to bounce back from two defeats against Shelbourne and Bohemians last time out and the visitors UCD were smarting from a 2-0 defeat against Derry City at Belfield on Monday.

There was one change made to the starting line up from Tuesday’s match with Niall Morahan replaced by Jordan Hamilton in midfield.

Rovers made the better of the opening stages with chances falling to Jordan Hamilton, who went through one on one with UCD ‘keeper Lorcan Healy but Healy denied him with a good save. Max Mata went close soon after after good work between him and Will Fitzgerald but UCD cleared their lines.

In the 22nd minute Rovers’ took the lead. A corner from the left was swing in dangerously by Karl O’ Sullivan and Mata rose highest in the box to nod him from 6 yards out. It was the New Zealander’s first goal for the club and it kept The Bit O’ Red in front at half time.

Paddy Kirk replaced Robbie McCourt at half time and Rovers started the second period brightly. Karl O’ Sullivan and Lewis Banks were a real threat down the right and the latter had a shot from the edge of the area fly just wide.

However on 57 minutes, UCD equalised. Liam Kerrigan found space in the middle. The Tubbercurry man found Colm Whelan on the edge of the box and he unleashed an unstoppable strike past McGinty into the top corner.

A few minutes later Hamilton and Mata combined and Hamilton’s cross went all the way to Banks at the back post but his effort was cleared off the line.

Hamilton was forced off on 73 minutes, replaced by Seamas Keogh and the visitors took the lead on 77 minutes. Evan Caffrey side-footing home past McGinty from close range.

Rovers threw everything forward in the final ten minutes and six minutes from time were rewarded when Greg Bolger’s long free kick found the head of Mata who scored his second to bring us level.

David Cawley was introduced for Adam McDonnell soon after as Rovers tried to grab a winner and had half chances through Cawley, Banks and Mata but it wasn’t to be and Derek Tomney’s whistle signaled the end and both sides must make do with a point a piece.

Next up for Rovers is a trip to Dundalk next Friday at 7.45pm before a trip to Ballybofey to face Finn Harps three days later at 6pm.

Our Match Programme will be on sale inside the turnstiles from 6.30pm this evening for the usual price of just €4.

Tonight’s Match Sponsor is Marc MacSharry. It’s Marc’s 20th season in a row sponsoring a game here at The Showgrounds.

Our Match Ball sponsor is Brendan Gormley PVC Repairs. Thanks to Brendan for the support.

Liam Buckley looks back at the last two games and tonight’s opponents, UCD.

Chairman Tommy Higgins has his usual column and we’ll have a small piece on our guests from The Sligo/Leitrim Youths League, Dromore Villa.

Keith O’ Dwyer sat down with new striker Max Mata on life in Sligo so far and how he is settling into the town and to the football club.

There is a piece on our newly formed partnership with Westport United from The Mayo League and also the usual articles from Conall Collier, Joe Molloy and Stephen McLaughlin.

There’ll be information on our Bit O’ Red squad and also UCD’s Player Bios which includes ex Rovers players Liam Kerrigan and Jack Keaney, who is club captain at the club.

Also included are the usual Rack Your Brains Quiz, photos from previous matches, Associate Sponsor page and Results and Fixtures for the season.

Thanks to our programme team for producing the programme as always.

The Bit O’ Red host UCD on Saturday night in our third home game in a row after games against Shelbourne and Bohemians resulted in two 1-0 defeats.

Rovers had gone into those games unbeaten but the results mean Saturday night’s game takes on even more significance as the team look to get back to winning ways.

UCD were promoted though the League Play-Offs last season, defeating Waterford in the Final in Inchicore and as ever, have plenty of talent on show throughout their squad.

Ex Rovers Academy graduates Jack Keaney and Liam Kerrigan have impressed since leaving for the college and striker Colm Whelan finished top goalscorer in last season’s first division.

Manager Liam Buckley knows a performance is needed from Saturday night.

‘’We’re well aware we need to improve our overall performance level. I did feel we improved on the Shelbourne performance against Bohs and we’ll be looking to improve on that again tomorrow.

While the results didn’t go for us, they were two very tight games and as I have said many times the first goal in this league is important so we will be looking to come out do that tomorrow night and attack from the start.

As the table shows it is so tight and we want to make sure if a gap does start appearing that we are on the right side of it.

UCD are always a threat as they have such good young talent in their team. We know all about some of their players and have watched them plenty of times so far this season, so we’ll have a plan in place and look to overcome their threats.’’

In team news Aidan Keena will again be assessed closer to kick off but the striker is progressing from his injury sustained last Friday night against Shelbourne. There are no other concerns ahead of the game.

Last three:

Sligo Rovers: Bohemians (Lost 1-0), Shelbourne (Lost 1-0), Shamrock Rovers (Drew 2-2)

UCD:               Derry City (Lost 2-0), Dundalk (Lost 2-0), Bohemians (Drew 1-1)

There are five games down for decision this weekend as all teams bar our Under 19 Women’s team are in action across Saturday and Sunday.

First up on Saturday our Under 14 side travel to Galway to face Galway United at 12.30pm. The team have seven points from the opening five games so far this season.

Our Under 17 Men’s team host Finn Harps at 1pm at The Sean Fallon Centre. The side had a 4-4 draw against Dundalk away from home last weekend.

Aaron O’ Connor takes his Under 17 Women’s squad to Letterkenny at 4.30pm to face Donegal. The girls have had a solid start to the season and currently have six points from four games.

Sunday sees two games as our Under 19 Men’s team host Derry City at 2pm at The Sean Fallon Centre. Declan Boyle’s side will be looking to get back to winning ways following two defeats in the last fortnight.

Paul Masterson and his Under 15’s face Cavan/Monaghan from 4pm at the same venue. The lads are in good form and have nine points from a possible twelve so far this season.

Our Under 19 women’s team are not in action this week as there is an international break.

Admission to all games are free of charge and all support is welcome.

Bit O’ Red striker Emma Doherty celebrated her 18th Birthday in style yesterday as she scored twice in The Republic of Ireland’s 2-0 win over Czech Republic in Opava. The Donegal native turned 18 on Monday.

This was the first game in Round 2 of The UEFA Women’s Under 19 Euro qualifiers.

The game was scoreless at half time but Doherty raced through on goal on after Kerryanne Brown’s ball over the top found her with a defender and goalkeeper to beat. She showed real composure and strength to finish to put Ireland in front.

The home side pushed for an equaliser but their efforts were in veign and in stoppage time a long ball from the left was headed to the net by Doherty in style, the ball looping over the Czech goalkeeper to secure all three points for Ireland.

The team now face France on Saturday.

Photo: fai.ie

Sligo Rovers welcomed Bohemians to The Showgrounds on Tuesday night looking to bounce back from a first defeat of the season against Shelbourne last Friday at the same venue.

The Bit O’ Red went into the game in fourth place after seven games, the Gypsies three places behind in seventh.

Liam Buckley made five changes to the side that started against Shelbourne with Nando Pijnaker, Greg Bolger, Niall Morahan, Max Mata and Lewis Banks all coming in to the side in place of Shane Blaney, David Cawley, Aidan Keena, Colm Horgan and Jordan Hamilton.

Rovers started brightly and forced some corners with Max Mata going closest on 8 minutes from Karl O’ Sullivan’s delivery.

Fifteen minutes later, Will Fitzgerald’s corner was punched clear by James Talbot but only as far as Greg Bolger who’s shot was cleared. Niall Morahan picked up the pieces and found Lewis Banks on the right but his cross was gathered by Talbot.

Bohemians took the lead just moments later however as Promise Omochere ran through the heart of The Rovers’ midfield. The striker found his way past Pijnaker and Morahan before finding winger Liam Burt on the left hand side of the box. His left footed effort found the net after a big deflection off Garry Buckley who tried his utmost to prevent the goal.

The home side created another big chance on 40 minutes. Pijnaker calmy came out of defence and aimed a perfect pass over the top of the Bohemians rear guard to Mata. The striker got to the ball ahead of Ciaran Kelly but Talbot produced a fine save to tip it past the post to keep his side in front going into half time.

On 53 minutes, Mata again went close. This time Adam McDonnell’s free kick was headed just over by The New Zealander from 8 yards.

There was a half chance for Will Fitzgerald on the left as he was played in by Bolger from the edge of the area, but the chance was pounced upon by Talbot again.

Bohemians were dangerous on the counter attack and could have doubled their lead on a couple of occasions through Omochere and Burt but Ed McGinty denied them brilliantly.

Seamas Keogh, Jordan Hamilton, Paddy Kirk and Shane Blaney were all brought on by Liam Buckley as Rovers threw everything at the away side.

Referee David Dunne looked to deny Rovers a clear penalty in the closing stages as Mata was bundled over in the area by Kelly and Paddy Kirk went close from O’ Sullivan’s cross but it wasn’t to be at Bohs held out for their first away win of the season.

Next up for Rovers is UCD at home this Saturday night at 7.45pm.

Now in his ninth season in his second spell with Sligo Rovers, Ballina’s David Cawley has experienced it all with the club from winning the League to then battling relegation. Cawley recently played in his 250th game for the club and the last couple of seasons have seen the club get back on track qualifying for Europe and Cawley feels that ultimately they finished where they wanted to:

“Yeah exactly it had everything with some highs and lows but looking at it overall look at how far we have come to be fait. We qualified for Europe in back to back seasons which is a massive achievement and hasn’t happened too often for this club. We were out of Europe for so long and it is where you want to be, it raises the profile of the club, gives you the chance to test yourself against better players and also helps the club attract better players. The season itself yeah look it was a bit strange but it is never plain sailing for any club and all sides go through a slump at some stage it was just unfortunate that ours happened right in the middle of the season. We hit our bad patch and it put us out of contention for the League and we went out of the Europa Conference League and the FAI Cup at the first hurdle which was tough. But we finished strong and in the end finished where we wanted to be which was in the European places. We were 4^th in 2020 and then 3^rd last season so that is progress and we want to build on that now and continue to progress and see if we can challenge for the League and finish 1^st.”

Of course success brings attention and with Rovers producing the good with the first team it meant that some of their players have moved on with Johnny Kenny signing for Celtic and John Mahon for St. Johnstone, Cawley feels that in both instances losing the players is a blow for the club but that they have earned their move and it creates opportunities for new players to grab onto.

“Losing the two lads is a big blow and they will be hard to replace but it does highlight the great work that is being done by the coaches at our academy. For the lads it was a big chance and an opportunity that they couldn’t turn down. No player would as you want to have that chance to test yourself across the water. For Johnny moving to Celtic must be a dream move and one that he would have been thinking about when he started out and to be fair he has earned it. When you think that last season was his first full one with the first team and think of how well he did it’s no surprise that he was snapped up. He scored goals, gave us great energy up top and never stopped running. I would be hopeful of seeing his progress onwards. John Mahon then has such a mature head on him for someone so young and he has been brilliant for us ever since he broke into the first team in 2018 and like Johnny has rightly earned his move. It will be interesting now to see the two of them come up against each other in the SPL next season. It is a blow but very much earned for the two lads and the lads who have come in have been brilliant so far and will only get better.”

Cawley feels that with Kenny and Mahon moving onto the Scottish Premier League that hit shows the great work that is being done at the Rovers academy and also shows the young players that Rovers can give them the chance to progress in their career:

“Yeah again fair play to the academy coaches and the work that they do. The likes of these moves happening for Johnny and John can be a real eye opener for the younger players showing that if they can get in the first team and do well then the bigger clubs will come calling. That in turn can only benefit the club in the long run financially as it will bring in transfer fees and also build up the clubs reputation as a place where young players will want to sign. If you get a reputation as a nursery for good young talent and start to continually bring them through then that can only be positive for the club in the long run.”

Another encouraging aspect for Cawley is the continuing emergence of young talent from Mayo coming through the ranks with Cillian Heaney and Conor Walsh both on the verge of breaking into the first team:

“Exactly it’s great when you look all around the academy and under-age sides and see more and more young lads from Mayo coming in and getting involved. They’re all good lads as well and are all willing to learn and work hard and are not afraid to push themselves forward, they are itching for the chance to break into the first team squad which is great to see. That hunger is so important take Cillian Heaney and in the pre-season friendly against Athlone when he scored a couple of goals and then we got a penalty he wanted to take it and didn’t shy away. Then you have Conor Walsh and I can’t believe how young he is and how good he is for his age. He is in full time with us now and is developing really well and is very much one for the future.”

Looking towards this season Cawley wants the club to build on the progress of the last couple of season and push on and compete for major honours and wants to try and play as big a part as he can:

“For the club we have to make sure we are consistent and build on the progress of the past couple of seasons and keep ourselves up there with the pack at the top and be competing for honours. We have push on harder from last year and do better in the FAI Cup and in Europe. We let ourselves down in them competitions last season and need to get through a couple of rounds or even get to the final, it’s been a while and some of the best moments in my career where those day outs in the Aviva. For myself this has been the first time in a while that I had a full pre-season and feel fit and well and haven’t been carrying a knock. I want to try and play as many games as I can and make sure that when I am called upon that I give my all for the team and help the club push on.”

By Keith O’ Dwyer

Our Academy teams were all in action over the weekend between Saturday and Sunday.

First up was our Under 14 team who hosted Shamrock Rovers at The Sean Fallon Centre, with the visitors impressing and running out convincing winners.

There was a double header at Under 17 level in Oriel Park with both our men’s and women’s teams facing Dundalk. At 1.30pm, our women’s team were defeated 2-1 with a goal from Orna Murphy not enough to gain any points.

The men’s side had a highly entertaining game at 3.30pm with 8 goals shared in a 4-4 draw. Michael Clifford scored twice and goals from Daire Patton and Adam Nugent ensured the spoils were shared.

Sunday saw our Under 15 team travel to Longford Town at Midday. Goals from Jayden Reynolds, Conor Langan (2), Callum Lynch, Johnny McGuinn, Cian Nicholson and Reuben Gillespie saw Paul Masterson’s side run out winners.

Our under 19 men’s team were defeated 3-2 in Letterkenny against Finn Harps. Goalscorers on the day were Kailin Barlow and Darragh Reilly.

Our Under 19 women’s team suffered their first defeat of the season in Dublin as Shelbourne defeated Darragh Healy’s side 3-1. Katie Maguire scored Rovers’ only goal.