The Showgrounds hosts its final game of the season this Friday night as Sligo Rovers welcome St Patrick’s Athletic to the north west, kick-off 7.45pm.

With a fifth placed finish still possible for Rovers and the Saints looking to break into the top two, there’s plenty to play for in this one as the teams meet for the fourth time this year.

Rovers go into the game having been beaten just once in their last five outings, but face a tough assignment in the Saints who are in incredible form having won each of their last eight leading up to this one.

In team news, Gareth McElroy will miss the final day having picked up a knee injury in the draw with Galway United last week. Stephen Mallon and Wilson Waweru remain unavailable in the long-term.

Ollie Denham was withdrawn with a knock during that draw at Eamonn Deacy Park, but he should recover in time for Friday. While it is hoped fellow centre half Conor Reynolds will be deemed fit enough to be included in the match-day squad. 

Speaking ahead of Friday’s game, Rovers manager John Russell praised his players following what has been an enjoyable season at the Showgrounds. The boss also assured supporters that he plans to see out 2024 with a victory. 

“It’s been a really positive year from our point of view and although we’re thinking no further than Pat’s on Friday, we have plenty to build on for 2025 both on and off the pitch”, he said. 

“We proved a lot of people wrong this year. There were more than a few who predicted we’d struggle to stay in the division and we managed to end up in a race for the top with the youngest and smallest squad. We’re only eleven points off the top of the table going into the final game and we guaranteed our Premier Division status a few weeks before a few of the other teams who were fancied to finish above us.

“Our players and staff deserve plenty of credit for that. We kept any negativity at the door and focused only on ourselves on what we could do. Yes, there have been bumps along the way but even the two teams left fighting for the league title had their extended run of games where they struggled. I hope we’ll see a big crowd on Friday to see the boys off and show their appreciation for a team who does absolutely everything for the badge.   

“People may think we don’t have much to play for on Friday but we are desperate to finish the season on a high note and try and get that fifth spot. 

“Pat’s are in stunning form at the moment and can easily turn over any team in this division, but we’ll be well prepared. We want to finish things on a positive note going into the off-season and we know we have more than enough about us to pick up a win.” 

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers twice led but were twice pegged back by a stubborn Galway United as the sides played out an absorbing Connacht derby at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Luke Pearce scored his second league goal of the season to put Rovers ahead after 34 minutes, the visitors leading at the break.

Former Bit O’Red midfielder Jimmy Keohane leveled the game just shy of the hour before Simon Power headed Sligo back into the lead.

The second half was played mainly in the Rovers half and the United pressure told again seven minutes from time when substitute Stephen Walsh grabbed Galway’s second. 

The result means fifth place is the highest position Rovers can finish in ahead of next Friday’s final game of the season against St Pat’s.

Rovers started this one the better of the two sides although Ed McGinty did have to make a save to deny an early United effort. 

John Russell’s men went ahead when Will Fitzgerald glanced a Power cross from the right towards Pearce who was on hand to head home. 

Rovers easily dealt with Galway for the remainder of the half and limited them to opportunities from range. Although Francely Lomboto did strike McGinty’s post with one of those efforts. 

John Caulfield adjusted the hosts’ approach and Rovers struggled at times to deal with the Tribesmen’s direct style of play in the second period. 

Their equaliser came just before the hour when Keohane headed home from close range.

Undeterred, Rovers struck back 90 seconds later. Power rising majestically to divert Reece Hutchinson’s cross beyond the helpless Brendan Clarke.

Rovers lost both starting centre halves Gareth McElroy and Ollie Denham to knocks. John Mahon, playing his first competitive game in almost one year to the day and Charlie Wiggett, both sprung from the bench, finished the game in front of McGinty. 

Galway targeted Rovers from set-pieces and long throws and their efforts paid off when Walsh, again with a header, equalised to share the spoils. 

Galway United: Clarke; Brouder, Hurley, Hickey, Borden (McCormack 45); Burns (Donelon 45), Lomboto (Walsh 69), Keohane, Horgan (Esua 45), McCarthy (O’Sullivan 80); Buckley.

Sligo Rovers: McGinty; Wilson, Hutchinson, Fitzgerald, Morahan; Pearce (Elding 62), Denham (Mahon 76), Henry-Francis, Power, Malley (Chapman 62); McElroy (Wiggett 89).

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan.

Sligo Rovers are on the road for the final time this season this Friday as the Bit O’Red travel to Eamonn Deacy Park to face Galway United in the fourth Connacht derby of the season, kick-off 7.45pm.

Both teams are in desperate need of the points if they are to finish in the top four, with fifth placed Galway two points ahead of Rovers in sixth. 

Both teams would require other results to go their way and Derry City to win the FAI Cup whilst also achieving a top three finish, for the final European spot to be handed to the team who finishes fourth. 

It’s still all to play for and Rovers are unbeaten against last year’s runaway First Division champions. 

The sides played out scoreless draws on either’s home patch earlier this year, while Rovers were comfortable victors at the Showgrounds in the summer. Goals from former Galway striker Wilson Waweru and Luke Pearce on his league debut, handing the points to the home side.

In team news, Waweru, Stephen Mallon and Ellis Chapman won’t make the trip down the N17 and miss out due to injury. Conor Reynolds remains unavailable, but it is hoped he will make the Pat’s game. 

Pearce returns following a one-game suspension served in last weekend’s defeat to Bohemians. 

That loss to Bohs ended Rovers’ five month unbeaten run of home league games. But John Russell is adamant that last Saturday is long forgotten about and is keen to finish the season on as high a note as possible. 

“We’re still fighting and we’re still in with a chance of finishing in a European spot”, he says. 

“I know we need results to go for us elsewhere but all we can affect is what Sligo Rovers do. Not what Pat’s or Galway or Shamrock Rovers do. It’s out of our hands but we’re doing all we can to finish the season in as high a position as we can. The aim is to finish the season with two wins and let’s see where it lands us. 

“It’s a derby against our neighbours and it’s a game we’re very much looking forward to. These are games you want to be involved in as a player and our boys are aware how big of a game it is. 

“Myself, the players and the staff all know how much these games mean to our supporters. I understand tickets have been selling really well for the away end in particular and we’re hoping for another huge  crowd of Rovers supporters to travel and roar us on. 

“There seems to be a really big interest in this match and it’s great to see as the Connacht derby is a fixture which should be associated with Sligo and Galway teams at the top end of the Premier Division. 

“John (Caulfield) and Ollie (Horgan) have done a terrific job this year regardless of where they finish. But you’d expect that with their squad and the experience both of them have at both ends of the table. It’s going to be a huge challenge for us but there’s real excitement around the squad for this one.”

David Goulden  

Top scorer Wilson Waweru has agreed a deal which extends his current contract to the end of the 2026 season, Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce. 

Waweru signed for the club in the winter of 2023 from Galway United, following an impressive season on loan at First Division side Cobh Ramblers. The 23-year-old made his Bit O’Red debut in the first home game of the season, when he was introduced from the bench, replacing Max Mata in a scoreless draw with Derry City at the Showgrounds. His first goal for the club came against Drogheda United at the same venue in March. 

Waweru went on to play 30 times for the club in 2024, scoring ten goals including a magnificent FAI Cup hat-trick against Cobh Wanderers. 

The Galway native’s season was cut short in cruel circumstances in September when he suffered an achilles injury in the win over Dundalk at the Showgrounds. Waweru is currently undergoing rehab for the injury after successful surgery and is expected to miss the first few months of next season. 

“I’m over the moon to get the deal done”, Waweru says. “The year didn’t end the way I wanted to but the surgery went well and I’m looking forward to recovering and getting back out there. It’s a slow process but I’ll get there.”

The striker paid tribute to manager John Russell who he says showed great faith in Waweru from day one.

“I can’t thank him enough for backing me the way he has”, Wilson continues. “I’ve learned so much from him, Ryan Casey and all the staff. The training is a step up from anything I’ve ever experienced and it’s helped me improve as a player. I’ve also learned a lot from my team-mates and getting game time and what I have learned can only stand to me when I get back out there. Scoring goals is my favourite thing to do and I want to keep doing it once I get back.”   

Speaking on Waweru’s new deal, Russell spoke of the centre forward’s potential and his keenness to see his striker back on the pitch as soon as possible. 

“We’re delighted Wilson has extended his contract with the club”, he said. “Wilson has all the attributes to become a top centre forward in this league. He has scored a lot of important goals for us this season and we believe he will continue to get better and better. 

“We know he will be on the sidelines for a period of time after sustaining his injury against Dundalk but I know from speaking to Wilson he’s determined to come back fitter and stronger. We’re all looking forward to seeing him back next year as he’s an important part of the team and he’s shown that already. 

“It’s vital that we continue to build our team moving into next year and Wilson will play a big part in the future.”

David Goulden

An injury hit Sligo Rovers were beaten by Bohemians at the Showgrounds, ending the Bit O’Red’s magnificent run of seven league wins in a row on home soil. 

Goals from Dawson Devoy and Archie Meekison were enough for a disciplined Bohs who are now seven points clear of Drogheda and therefore cannot be caught by the ninth placed Boynesiders with two games to go. 

The result also hit Rovers’ outside chances of European qualification, as they now sit five points off fourth place with two games to go. 

Missing a handful of attacking players courtesy of both injury and suspension, Rovers were forced into two changes with Kailin Barlow and Owen Elding replacing Ellis Chapman and Luke Pearce from the score draw against Derry last Monday. 

Knowing a second win in Sligo this season would assure their top flight status for yet another year, Bohs made just the one change in personnel from their loss to St Pat’s. Martin Miller returned in place of the suspended Ross Tierney who was sent off against the Saints. 

In front of the biggest attendance this year, Rovers were chasing down eight league wins at home in a row for the first time this century. Skipper Niall Morahan had the game’s first opportunity seven minutes in when Ollie Denham nodded Will Fitzgerald’s corner back across the face of goal for Morahan who was unable to get a clean contact with his header which sailed narrowly wide. 

Arguably Rovers’ outstanding performer this term, goalkeeper Ed McGinty pulled off what is now a trademark reaction save to deny James Clarke from five yards. The Oxford loanee somehow got a hand to Clarke’s point blank effort from a Dawson Devoy cross. 

On his centenary appearance, Sligo’s Will Fitzgerald fizzed a drive across the bow of Kacper Chorazka’s goal on 22 minutes, moments before the Gypsies hit the front. 

Clarke’s work forced the ball through to Devoy who created enough space for himself to fire into the corner of McGinty’s net from ten yards out. 

Lifted by this, Bohs had a short period of dominance but it was the hosts who ended the half the stronger. 

Elding did well to lay JR Wilson’s cross into the path of Simon Power, but the Wicklow man was slightly behind Elding’s assist as he could only wrap the ball the wrong side of Chorazka’s far post. While the Pole had to use both hands to push Fitzgerald’s lusciously struck half-volley over his crossbar 60 seconds from the interval.  

The Dubliners spurned a great chance to extend their lead on 63 minutes when Dayle Rooney blazed over after Denham got the ball stuck under his feet. 

Elding should have had Sligo level on 76 minutes but shot wide with the goal at his mercy. The group of Bohs defenders in close proximity did enough to put off the teenager. 

Russell’s side were to regret this six minutes later when Connor Malley conceded play in midfield. Devoy was allowed travel unchallenged before finding Meekison whose neatly struck effort flew past McGinty. 

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; JR Wilson, Niall Morahan, Ollie Denham, Reece Hutchison; Jack Henry-Francis, Conor Malley; Will Fitzgerald, Kailin Barlow (Stefan Radosavljevic 67), Owen Elding; Simon Power.  

Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka; Martin Miller, Jake Carroll, Cian Byrne, Paddy Kirk; Adam McDonnell (Danny Grant 78), Jordan Flores; Archie Meekison (Jevon Mills 92), Dawson Devoy, Dayle Rooney; James Clarke (Alexander Greive 84). 

Referee: Rob Harvey

Attendance: 3,436

David Goulden

Sligo Rovers recently conducted a comprehensive survey among supporters to understand their views on climate change, its impacts on the community, and how the club can play a role in driving sustainable action. With the support of the European Football for Development Network (EFDN) and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), the survey saw over 600 fans sharing their insights and concerns.

We are delighted to share the full results, analysed by the EFDN, which demonstrate the commitment of the Rovers community to tackling climate challenges. The findings reveal that fans are not only concerned about climate change but also recognise the unique role Sligo Rovers can play in promoting sustainable practices.

The Rovers community is not immune from the real impacts of the climate emergency, and we all have a role to play in helping create a sustainable future for this and future generations of supporters. We will keep everyone informed of the next steps in this process.

Key Findings and Next Steps:

Survey responses highlighted barriers such as cost and awareness in adopting climate-friendly solutions, with nearly 90% of fans expressing that affordability is essential for broader climate action. The results also underscore a strong desire for Sligo Rovers to lead by example, with over 75% of fans advocating for the club’s active involvement in sustainability efforts.

Jamie Murphy, Football and Social Responsibility Officer at Sligo Rovers, commented:
“We are absolutely delighted with the levels of engagement we received on our Community Climate Captains survey. It demonstrates that a large majority of supporters recognise the serious threat posed by climate change while also acknowledging the role we as a club have to play in helping tackle those issues. The results of the survey strongly support the fact that Rovers, like other parts of society, have a responsibility to act and we are looking forward to doing that”

In response to these findings, Sligo Rovers is exploring a range of initiatives to support sustainable action.

We invite all fans to read the complete report and learn more about our ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Please see the full report below.

For further information, please contact fsr@sligorovers.com.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that no less than four academy graduates have agreed professional deals with the club. 

Daire Patton, Kyle McDonagh, Gareth McElroy and Conor Reynolds have each committed to pro-contracts for next year, further strengthening the Bit O’Red’s commitment to nurturing and developing players from within its own ranks. 

The news comes as a further boost to the club following the news that first team manager John Russell has signed a new two year deal. 

18-year-old Patton has been at the club since he was 13 and was a stand-out talent as he rose through the ranks at both club and schoolboy level for Summerhill. The skillful midfielder has represented the Republic of Ireland at schoolboy level and has featured twice for Rovers’ senior team, making his debut against Bohemians earlier this year. 

McDonagh has played three times for the first team and has also represented his country. The Tubbercurry native made his senior debut against Derry City at the Brandywell when he replaced Stefan Radosavljevic back in May. 

Rovers supporters will already be familiar with Burnfoot born McElroy who has impressed since his first team debut in a win over Waterford at the Showgrounds in September. A commanding centre-half, McElroy has slotted into the heart of the Sligo defence on three occasions this term following the departure of Nando Pijnaker. The 19-year-old also played a key role in the club’s under 20s team this season.

While Reynolds, another centre half, made his debut back in 2023 against Cork City and has gone on to line out for the first team on three more occasions. An unfortunate leg injury cut short his opportunities for senior football after he sustained the knock in the win over Shelbourne at Tolka Park back in May. Although there was good news for the Westport native who continued his recovery with a brief appearance in the mid-season friendly with Celtic earlier this week. Reynolds has also been capped at international level. 

Commenting on the deals, Russell says the news is further proof of how the club’s underage structures are run. 

“Developing players through the academy system and bringing them to a level where they are ready for first team football is what the underage set-up at the club is there for”, he said. 

“Daire, Kyle, Gareth and Conor are each proof of the great work the academy coaches are doing here at Rovers. It shows that the academy structures are in good shape and it’s a huge boost for the first team when we can call on the young lads when needed. All four have reasonable first team experience at young ages and each have excelled when called upon. It’s an indication of how healthy a state the club is in when you have groups of players rising through to sign professional deals. 

“We are always keen to give youth a chance here at the Showgrounds and we will be looking to further develop and sign from our own academy as the years go on.” 

David Goulden  

Ten-man Sligo Rovers were unlucky not to take all three points at the Ryan McBride Brandywell on Monday evening.

A stunning Connor Malley strike in the first half had Rovers in a more than deserved lead against Derry City, however an unfortunate Reece Hutchinson own goal allowed the hosts slip back into this game.

Rovers were up against it for the last quarter of this tie when Luke Pearce was shown a second yellow card following a challenge on City goalkeeper Brian Maher. However, John Russell’s side remained a constant threat and looked the most likely to claim a winner which never arrived. 

The draw sees Rovers keep pace with the sides near the summit of the league, sitting just six points off leaders Shels. 

The away side hit the front on 34 minutes when man of the match Jack Henry-Francis teed up Malley for a sumptuous long range strike into the corner of Maher’s goal. 

Derry emptied their talented bench at the interval in an attempt to wrangle a way back into this one and were handed an equaliser on 53 when a mix-up between Hutchinson and Ed McGinty saw the former turn the ball into his own net. 

Now also up against a buoyed home support, Rovers steadied the ship with a few super saves from McGinty.

While both Will Fitzgerald and Ellis Chapman fashioned chances at the far end as Derry held on. 

Pearce was shown a second yellow on 75 for what looked like an innocuous challenge on Maher. 

Despite the disadvantage, it was a determined Rovers who looked most likely to produce a winner.

Fitzgerald fired narrowly over from an Owen Elding cross with seven to go. 

Derry City: Brian Maher, Ronan Boyce, Mark Connolly, Andre Wisdom (Colm Whelan, Ciaran Coll; Sadou Diallo (Sean Robertson 85), Adam O’Reilly (Patrick McEleney HT), Will Patching (Jacob Davenport HT); Michael Duffy, Pat Hoban (Daniel Mullen 36), Paul McMullan

Sligo Rovers: Edward McGinty, John Ross Wilson, Niall Morahan, Oliver Denham, Reece Hutchinson; Jack Henry-Francis, Connor Malley; Ellis Chapman (Owen Elding 73); Simon Power, Luke Pearce, Will Fitzgerald.

Referee: Paul Norton (Dublin)

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that no less than four academy graduates have agreed professional deals with the club. 

Daire Patton, Kyle McDonagh, Gareth McElroy and Conor Reynolds have each committed to pro-contracts for next year, further strengthening the Bit O’Red’s commitment to nurturing and developing players from within its own ranks. 

The news comes as a further boost to the club following the news that first team manager John Russell has signed a new two year deal. 

18-year-old Patton has been at the club since he was 13 and was a stand-out talent as he rose through the ranks at both club and schoolboy level for Summerhill. The skillful midfielder has represented the Republic of Ireland at schoolboy level and has featured twice for Rovers’ senior team, making his debut against Bohemians earlier this year. 

McDonagh has played three times for the first team and has also represented his country. The Tubbercurry native made his senior debut against Derry City at the Brandywell when he replaced Stefan Radosavljevic at just 16 back in May. 

Rovers supporters will already be familiar with Burnfoot born McElroy who has impressed since his first team debut in a win over Waterford at the Showgrounds in September. A commanding centre-half, McElroy has slotted into the heart of the Sligo defence on three occasions this term following the departure of Nando Pijkanker. The 19-year-old also played a key role in the club’s under 20s team this season.

While Reynolds, another centre half, made his debut back in 2023 against Cork City and has gone on to line out for the first team on three more occasions. An unfortunate leg injury cut short his opportunities for senior football after he sustained the knock in the win over Shelbourne at Tolka Park back in May. Although there was good news for the Westport native who continued his recovery with a brief appearance in the mid-season friendly with Celtic earlier this week. Reynolds has also been capped at international level. 

Commenting on the deals, Russell says the news is further proof of how the club’s underage structures are run. 

“Developing players through the academy system and bringing them to a level where they are ready for first team football is what the underage set-up at the club is there for”, he said. 

“Daire, Kyle, Gareth and Conor are each proof of the great work the academy coaches are doing here at Rovers. It shows that the academy structures are in good shape and it’s a huge boost for the first team when we can call on the young lads when needed. All four have reasonable first team experience at young ages and each have excelled when called upon. It’s an indication of how healthy a state the club is in when you have groups of players rising through to sign professional deals. 

“We are always keen to give youth a chance here at the Showgrounds and we will be looking to further develop and sign from our own academy as the years go on.” 

David Goulden