Muireann Devaney signs for 2024

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to announce the signing of midfielder Muireann Devaney ahead of the 2024 League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division campaign.

Leitrim native Devaney signs for the Bit O’Red, having spent three seasons with Athlone Town. The 20-year-old returns to Rovers having played for the club’s Under 17 side in 2019 and 2020. Devaney was named Rovers’ women’s Under 17 player of the year in 2020.

She departed the Bit O’Red and joined Athlone Town in 2021, where she went on to impress throughout her stay in the Midlands. In 2022, the Manorhamilton native was rewarded for an incredible season by being named in the team of the year for the season.

Devaney said: “I’ve had three great seasons with Athlone, it started off with Tommy as the manager. I really enjoyed it. We won the cup last year. I always wanted to come back to Sligo at some stage, and I felt that this season was the right season to do it.”It’s good knowing who is managing and what he brings to it. I think Tommy is going to bring Sligo on leaps and bounds.”

“Travelling for the last number of years was hard, but Sligo is only in the road. It’s going to make it a bit easier for me, having friends and family in the stand when it’s so close. I hope it’s going to be a good year.”I went to Athlone with the ambition of winning something and getting my place in a senior team. I’ve had that experience now, and I hope there’s something I can bring to Sligo with that experience.”

Manager Tommy Hewitt added: “Getting Muireann back to Sligo, we always had these conversations every season, I encouraged her to have a look at Sligo. Muireann is massive, I think she’s the most under-rated player in the league. I’ve always said that to her. I think by now she should be a senior international and hopefully with her performances now at Sligo that will happen.

“She brings an awful lot of experience for such a young girl. For me as a manager to sign a player twice, and a player of Muireann’s quality, it’s fantastic. When we signed Kelly (Crompton), I said it was like Christmas morning; this is like everything rolled into one. When Muireann agreed to sign, I was over the moon.”

Kerri O’Hara Signs for 2024

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce the re-signing of Kerri O’Hara for the 2024 season.

Kerri, or Pixie as she is more commonly known, made her debut for the senior team in 2022, having progressed from the academy.

The 18-year-old Tubbercurry native can play in numerous positions and has previously had several call-ups to The Republic of Ireland Under 19 Women’s squad.

Speaking with Sligorovers.com, Pixie said, “I am delighted to have re-signed for the 2024 season. I’m a bit disappointed with how last season went for me, so I’m looking forward to this season working with Tommy and his team and getting back in with all the girls.”

Tommy Hewitt expressed his delight in having Pixie back for the season. “I’m delighted Pixie has re-signed for the club. Pixie is one of the brightest young talents in our league, and I’m really looking forward to working with her this season.”

Amy Roddy signs for 2024

Sligo Rovers are thrilled to announce the re-signing of defender Amy Roddy for the 2024 season.

The Ballina native returns for a 3rd season with the Bit O’Red. Over the past two years, she has become a regular in the squad, making 38 appearances.

Speaking with sligorovers.com, Amy said,” I’ve been in two minds about my playing career for the past few weeks. It’s hard to stop when I’ve been playing football for so long. When I got the call from Tommy, I was delighted, and I don’t want to take these opportunities for granted. 

I’ve loved playing with Sligo Rovers over the past two seasons. Steve and his staff created an amazing culture for us to develop in and I’m looking forward to building on it with Tommy. This season will be a big one for us and I can’t wait to get stuck in again.”

Tommy Hewitt said 

“It’s great to have Amy back at Sligo for next season. Amy has been a vital part of Rovers Women over the last two seasons. I’m looking forward to working with Amy for the season ahead.”

Open Day for Super Reds on 14th January

The 2024 Super Reds open day will take place on Sunday 14th January in The Showgrounds.

Registration for the event itself will open from 1.15pm in our clubhouse, with activities on the day commencing from 2pm and finishing at 3:30pm.

Please note this event is exclusive to our Super Red members for 2024 however there is still time to become a Super Red by purchasing a Super Red Season Ticket using the link below:

https://srfcdirect.com/season-tickets-2024/

Our Super Reds will receive their free training kit on the day along with their 2024 Season Ticket. (Providing the application is received by the club before January 12th). As always, all new Super Reds are welcome and encouraged to join.

Along with this, every Super Red member will get the opportunity to meet our first team players, whilst also enjoying fun and games on the clubs astro pitch with them.

The club requests that all Super Reds must be accompanied by a parent on the day.

The clubs merchandise shop will be open from 1.30pm.

If you would like your child to become a Super Red for 2024 there is still time. You can apply by selecting Super Red Season Ticket in the below link:

https://srfcdirect.com/season-tickets-2024/

Sligo Rovers FC Football & Social Responsibility (FSR) Officer

Sligo Rovers wish to recruit a Football & Social Responsibility (FSR) Officer who will be responsible for delivery of a Football Community Engagement Strategy for the Club.

The Full Time role will involve the development and implementation of the Club’s social responsibility policy and procedures using football as the mechanism to have a positive and sustainable impact on the community in the region.

Specific Duties

  • Act as a single FSR point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Coordinate and oversee the club’s FSR and sustainability strategy, using UEFA’s Football Sustainability Strategy 2030 and the forthcoming FAI FSR Strategy 2024-2028 as a framework.
  • Develop and promote FSR guidelines, policies and activities.
  • Guide decision-making processes to improve overall club performance and support strategic objectives.
  • Advocate for sustainable practices in all aspects of Sligo Rovers FC’s operations, ranging from resource management to waste control.
  • Contribute to the achievement of measurable long-term sustainability objectives and KPIs.
  • Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to coordinate the design, development and delivery of socially focussed programmes, services and events in the football club’s local community.
  • Liaise and cooperate with a broad range of community service providers including the Local Authority, Sports Partnership, Social Services, various Government Departments and other relevant statutory agencies in the design, development and delivery of socially focussed programmes.
  • Liaise and cooperate with a variety of community groups and organisations to develop and maintain the club in community relationships and to identify target clientele for the club’s FSR programmes.
  • Co-ordinate the delivery of a range of football themed education/health focussed programmes in the community including (but not limited to) programmes for schoolchildren, older people, people with disabilities and other groups from marginalised and disadvantaged areas.
  • Plan your own work schedule and set work targets in consultation with Club Management Committee
  • Approach the role with a strategic mindset with a view to the growth and sustainability of the club’s FSR remit.
  • Keep up to date with local, regional and national developments in the education, health and welfare sector, in relation to both policy and practice.
  • Identify opportunities to create new income streams via fundraising events, philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, charitable foundations and EU and statutory funding avenues and apply for relevant grants related to the club’s ongoing FSR work.
  • Liaise with the Club Board to explore and develop the commercial potential of the services delivered by the Club’s FSR activity.
  • Collate information and prepare reports for the Club Board and programme funders.

Key Skills Required

  • Experience of working in community development projects/social inclusion programmes with economically, socially, geographically and / or educationally disadvantaged people
  • Experience of leading / managing projects or programmes
  • Demonstrate strong stakeholder management skills with ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Have an understanding of the third sector (not-for-profit sector) and how it is funded
  • Have an understanding of how social enterprises operate
  • Knowledge and experience of fund-raising for not-for-profit organisations(s) would be an advantage.
  • Knowledge of national and local statutory agencies which could directly affect the project is essential in particular, Local Authorities, Education and Training Boards and the Health Service Executive.
  • Have a sound understanding of the promotion of social inclusion through sport.

Education

  • Third level academic qualification in Sport, Social Science / Social Care, Youth Community Studies or Business Studies or other relevant qualifications or experience.
  • A recognised training qualification (e.g. Train the Trainer QQI level 6) although not essential would be an advantage.

Other desirable abilities, skills and knowledge

  • A knowledge of the role of the local statutory and voluntary sectors in relation to sports development
  • A knowledge of the local and regional football landscape and how League of Ireland clubs operate although not essential would be an advantage
  • Proven ability to think and plan strategically with a focus on future challenges
  • A highly motivated professional, solution focused and accountable in all that you do
  • Energetic personality – resilient, results driven and flexible in both working hours and in approach to unfamiliar/changing situations.
  • Excellent administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
  • Strong interpersonal skills are essential to the role with the ability to interact with sensitivity, efficiency and professionalism.
  • Have good listening skills, be non-judgemental and possess an empathetic and understanding nature.
  • Creative, innovative, proactive and pragmatic
  • Be resourceful with excellent problem-solving skills.
  • Strong and confident communicator (both written and verbal) including ability to draft summary information and correspondence.
  • Proven self-initiative.
  • Excellent presentation skills
  • Competence in IT systems
  • Resilient and results focused.
  • Excellent report writing skills.
  • Flexible and adaptable in approach
  • A keen interest in football is essential.
  • Full driving license.

Application Process

The Club reserves the right to select a shortlist from the applications received.

This appointment is supported through and by Sligo County Council. Sligo Rovers is an equal opportunities employer.

Interested applicants should forward application and CV to the following email address – andrew@sligorovers.com – before 5pm on 31 January 2024.

Owen Elding signs first professional contract

Owen Elding has signed his first professional contract with the club. The 17 year old striker joins a number of players who have come through the Rovers academy.

Owen Elding: 

“I’m really happy to sign my first professional contract, it’s a dream come true. I have worked my way through the academy and am very thankful it has paid off. 

“I made 4 appearances last year and it was a proud day when I made my debut. I have grown up going to the games and taking in the atmosphere, and I hope there’s more to come next year”

John Russell:

“Owen is a really good prospect, he’s a player of huge potential. He has proven he can goals at each age group through the academy level”

“We know him from last year obviously where he got some game time which was a fantastic achievement. He’s only 17, and his game is only going to get better but we feel he is capable of making the step up to senior level”

https://srfcdirect.com/season-tickets-2024/

Connor Malley signs for 2024

Sligo Rovers are pleased to announce the addition of 23 year old central midfielder Connor Malley. The midfielder who has had previous spells with Middlesbrough and Rochdale joins the club after spending last season with Dundalk FC.

John Russell:

He’s a marquee signing for us. He’s a player I’ve been very impressed since he came into the league last year. He’s a player that transform our midfield in terms of creativity, carries the ball well, goes past players, can score goals, can assist, and I think he’ll fit in with our style of play. He works hard for the team, a box to box midfielder, I think he’s excited about coming to Sligo and playing in our system and our style, and I’m looking forward to what he can bring to our team next year”

Connor Malley becomes the fifth new addition to the squad following the signing of JR Wilson, Wilson Waweru, Simon Power and loan signing of Ellis Chapman.

Season Tickets for the 2024 season are on sale at srfcdirect using the link below.

https://srfcdirect.com/season-tickets-2024/

500 Club Results – October/ November/ December

The 500 Club members draw for October, November and December was made recently by the 500 Club Committee.

These monthly draws see ten members drawn each month for cash prizes, with the top prize being €500.

The 500 Club continues to be one of the club’s most important Fundraisers and we wish to thank all members, and the 500 Club committee for their continued hard work.

October 2023

  • €500 Michael Cawley – Castletown, Waterford
  • €100 Eddie Grey – Cartron Heights, Sligo
  • €100 Blaine Gaffney – Summerhill Village, Sligo
  • €100 Michael Morahan – Leitrim Village, Co. Leitrim
  • €100 Geoffrey Rose – Bennets Bridge, Co. Kilkenny
  • €100 David Cummins -Hazlewood Ave, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Marcel Gordon, Knocknahur, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Dermot O’Hara, Five-mile-bourne, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Mark Dunne, Charles St., Sligo
  • €100 Bryan Armstrong, Rosses Point, Co. Sligo

November 2023

  • €500 Joe Gilroy – The Orchard, Kevinsfort, Sligo
  • €100 Paul Mulligan – Rosehill, Sligo
  • €100 Jane Nugent – Ballygawley, Sligo
  • €100 Brian McDonagh – Strandhill Rd, Sligo
  • €100 Michael McDonnell – Knocknarea, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Conal McGlone – Knocknaganny Park, Sligo
  • €100 Peter Houze – Cartron Bay, Sligo
  • €100 Ray McSharry – Pearse Rd, Sligo
  • €100 James Cafferty – Charlestown, Co. Mayo
  • €100 Peter Kilgallon – The Mall, Sligo

December 2023

  • €500 Brenda Kearns – Boyle, Co. Roscommon
  • €100 James Creed – Rosses Point, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Ryan Quinn – Tonaphubble, Sligo
  • €100 Padraig McGlone – Chapel St, Sligo
  • €100 John Toolan – Gurteen, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Eamon Fox – Crozon Downs, Sligo
  • €100 David Chatterton – Homechurch, Essex, England
  • €100 Ciaran Coleman – Riverstown, Sligo
  • €100 Eoin Armstrong – Rosses Point, Co. Sligo
  • €100 Gary Kelly – Carndonagh, Co. Donegal






Emma Doherty signs for 2024

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce the re-signing of Emma Doherty for the 2024 season.

The Buncrana native joined Rovers ahead of our inaugural season in the Women’s National League in 2022 and has since made 51 appearances and is the club’s leading goal-scorer, having scored 24 times for the Bit o’Red. 

The ATU Sligo scholarship recipient’s impressive performances throughout the season seen her awarded the club Player of the Year award for 2023.

Doherty is delighted to have signed back and is looking forward to the new season: “I’m delighted to have signed back and am looking forward to the new season. I have spoken with Tommy a few times and can see that he wants us to push on and challenge for trophies, and I want to be a part of that. Getting to the Cup semi-final last season gave us a taste of what it is like to challenge for major honours, and we all want that feeling again.”

Speaking to Sligorovers.com on Emma’s re-signing, Tommy Hewitt said, “To have Emma staying at the club is a big boost for everyone. Emma is a top-quality player and is getting better every season. She has an incredible hunger to succeed and push Sligo up the league. I’m really looking forward to working with Emma this season.”

Ellis Chapman joins Rovers on loan

The club are pleased to announce the signing of Ellis Chapman from Cheltenham Town FC. The 22 year old midfielder will join the club on loan until the end of June.

John Russell:

“Yeah, I’m really happy to get a player like Ellis into the club. He’s a box to box midfielder with a really good passing range. For such a young player he has a really good pedigree of experience, he’s only 22 but he has played a lot of games at a high level.

“He was with Cheltenham when they won League Two, and played a lot of games with them in League One as well. In conversations with him I know he is excited to come over big impact on the team, and I’m delighted to get him on board”

Ellis Chapman:

“I knew about the club and the ambition the club had from obviously Reece Hutchinson who I’m very close with. Then meeting up with the manager confirmed everything for me, talking about the way his team plays and the ambitions he has with the team.

“Coming to Sligo will be a new, fresh start for me which is something I’ve been looking for, I would like to get a run of games and show the fans and the club what I can do. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and with no hesitation I will give my all for the club. I cannot wait to get started and with hard work hopefully getting the club back competing towards the top end of the division”

The club would like to thank all supporters who have purchased their Season Tickets for 2024, and expect to announce more squad news in the coming weeks.

https://srfcdirect.com/season-tickets-2024/