Sligo Rovers Academy have an exciting weekend ahead as we play five important Cup games at various age levels.

First up, our Under 17 Men’s side host Shelbourne at 1pm at The Sean Fallon Centre in the Mark Farren Cup 1/4 Final.

The legendary former Derry City striker has had the competition named in his honour for the past number of years and Anthony Elding’s side will be eager to progress to the semi-final.

At the same time, against the same opposition, Colm Jinks’ Under 14 side face the Dubliners at the brand-new Summerhill College Astro.

This will be the first time we use the new facility and we look forward to playing here in the future where many of our players have attended school down the years.

Our Under 19 Men’s side face a tough tie away to Shamrock Rovers on Sunday at 3pm at Roadstone in the Enda McGuill Cup 1/4 final.

Declan Boyle’s side come into the game on the back of a 3-2 win over Longford Town last weekend. Top scorer Owen Elding bagged a brace and Bridel Bosakani scored his 9th goal of the season at Bishopsgate, a win which gives the squad confidence ahead of Sunday’s game.

Our Under 19 Women host Dundalk at 5pm, following our Women’s senior team cup match against Bonagee United on the main pitch, at The Sean Fallon Centre.

Darragh Healy’s side are yet to face the Lillywhites this year and an entertaining game is expected.

Our Under 15 side, managed by Darryl Keaney, host Bohemians at 1pm at Summerhill College on Sunday in the Under 15 Cup 1/4 final. The lads are unbeaten since mid-July and are full of confidence ahead of the game.

Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney took his team to Athlone last Saturday as the action resumed in the Women’s Premier Division after an almost two-month break for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, writes Conall Collier.

“Leading up to the break I didn’t actually realise how big an impact it would have, it was way too long, we were off from the League from early June until mid-August with the Avenir Sports Cup providing three games,” commented Steve after the 2-0 defeat in Athlone.

“That (Avenir Sports Cup) was useful and it was a good competition, but playing each week in the League is what will stand to a team in terms of development and progress.

“We have also picked up a few injuries in the last three weeks that we were going through a type of pre-season routine again.

“We have a very inexperienced team, we have a 19-year-old captain and we finished the game in Athlone with a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old playing in the centre-half positions.

“I thought we competed well, the plan was to let Athlone have more of the ball and stay in the game.

“We were disappointed with the two goals we conceded, they were preventable and from our side we really didn’t cause Athlone enough problems.

“Nevertheless, it was pleasing to see the attitude and the effort of the players and we need to build on that and make sure we are more of a threat going forward.

“Going in at the interval after conceding that second goal just on the stroke of half-time, I wasn’t convinced that it was a goal, but the assistant-referee gave it, I thought it might have been a bit of a guess.

“If we had gone in at 1-0 down, I felt that we would have had more of a chance in the second-half, but then to counter that, Athlone could claim that they created many other chances that they didn’t finish.

“We had to plan without Keela Scanlon and then we lost Sarah Kiernan in the first-half, hopefully her injury isn’t too serious, but Keela will be out for the remainder of the season.

“Keeva Flynn went in for Sarah and she did well and Jodi Loughrey also was playing out of position.

“Then we had Eimear Lafferty playing her first game in a back three that she wouldn’t be familiar with, all gave encouraging performances, but we need to start winning games.

“We finished the game well against Athlone, we pushed on a bit and created some chances, but at times we made the wrong choice.

“The players will benefit from the game and Athlone are one of the stronger teams, the League position for them at the moment is not a true reflection of what they can do.

“They have a strong squad, they are probably in a false position, it was a serious work out for us and that will stand to us in the next game, the FAI Cup against Bonagee Utd,” he concluded.

Our Academy teams were all in action last weekend apart from our Under 14 side who had no fixture following their recent Galway Cup success.

Our two Under 17 sides played on Saturday afternoon however, with our Under 17 Womens team taking on Drogheda United at Weavers Park.

The girls won the game 2-0 thanks to goals from Casey Ruane and Kya McKenna.

It was McKenna’s first game at Weavers Park this week as she was also part of the Republic of Ireland Under 16 side that beat Faroe Islands 5-0 on Tuesday in a friendly. McKenna will be part of the squad who face the same opponents tomorrow in Dublin and we wish her all the best.

Our Under 17 Men’s team took on Athlone Town away from home later on Saturday afternoon and an entertaining game ended with Rovers winning 3-2 thanks to goals from Niall Kenny, Femi and Conor Cannon.

On Sunday, our Under 15 side were beaten 4-0 away to Longford Town at Bishopsgate.

This game was followed later by our Under 19 Men’s taking on the same opposition at the same venue, with Rovers winning 3-2 thanks to an Owen Elding brace and Bridel Bosakani.

Our Under 19 Women drew 2-2 with Peamount United on Sunday at The Sean Fallon Centre. Goals from Shania McGonagle and Orna Murphy earned a share of the points.

Our Under 17 Womens team face Longford Town away from home this evening, Wednesday with a 7.30pm kick-off at Bishopsgate.

Sligo Rovers FC seek a capable and enthusiastic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to guide our Club to a future full of potential. As CEO, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our Club, enriching the experience of our fans, and the community we are part of.

🏆 The Appeal of Sligo Rovers FC

Rooted in Community: Sligo Rovers FC is a community-owned and voluntarily-lead club with eight teams representing the club from under 14 to Men’s and Women’s Senior squads. As CEO, your task will be to cultivate and strengthen the bonds between our club and the community.

Ambition: You will have the unique opportunity to guide the club’s growth to achieve the objectives set out in our strategic plan as well as strategic development beyond.

Encouraging Innovation: We appreciate fresh perspectives and inventive ideas. Your innovative thinking will have a direct impact on devising and refining revenue strategies to grow the Club and its income, enhancing fan engagement and elevating the overall club experience.

Collaborative Approach: As CEO, you will work alongside a dedicated voluntary management committee, coaches, staff, and volunteers who share your passion for our Club and our community-focussed ethos.

🌐 Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all operational facets of the club, including finance, administration, marketing and community engagement.
• Implement and develop strategic plans that steer the club’s holistic growth and achievements.
• Introduce innovative income streams that ensure the club’s ongoing financial stability.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with sponsors, stakeholders, and the community.
• Manage, lead, and delegate to a team of staff and numerous volunteers, ensuring effective coordination.
• Leverage your marketing skills to enhance fan engagement and elevate our brand presence.

🎯 Desired Competencies:

• Demonstrated leadership experience with a knowledge of the League of Ireland, preferable.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Enthusiasm for community engagement.
• Ability to drive innovation while adapting to changing circumstances.

⚽ Interested?

Further particulars, full job specification and person specification as well as instructions as to how to apply available from administrator@sligorovers.com. Closing date for receipt of applications is 15^th September at 17:00.

Sligo Rovers FC is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will disqualify. If you would like a copy of our Recruitment Privacy notice, please request same by e-mailing administrator@sligorovers.com

Our upcoming SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division clash against Derry City will now take place on Friday, September 22nd at The Showgrounds with a kick off time of 7.45pm.

The game was originally scheduled for Saturday, September 23rd.

Tickets will be available online soon.

Sligo Rovers can confirm that CEO Colin Feehily will be stepping down from the role in the coming weeks to pursue other opportunities.

The process to recruit a new CEO will begin immediately.

In 2019 the Club’s management committee opted to create a CEO role, knowing it would be an essential requirement going forward for the development and growth of Sligo Rovers.

The club has been delighted with the results and the positive effect it has had, with the appointee Colin Feehily maximising the potential of the position in that time. 

Sligo Rovers chairman Tommy Higgins said: “In the last four years Colin has guided the club through a period of growth in many areas.

“He can take great credit for modernising the day-to-day operations of the club and putting in structures which were very much needed.

“We are very grateful for all of Colin’s work, for his extraordinary commitment and diligence and for representing the football club in such a reputable manner.

“While we are sad to lose Colin, we know he will be in The Showgrounds with us as a supporter, volunteer and a valued part of the Rovers community. 

“The club will look to appoint a new CEO in the near future to build on the great foundations he has laid. The process will begin immediately.”

Colin Feehily, who also served as equipment manager of the club, bringing his time in assisting and working for Rovers to over a decade, said: “I’d like to express my sincere thanks to the Club for putting their faith in me and giving me this opportunity in 2019.

“On one hand, I am sad to be leaving the club I love but on the other, I’ll be looking forward to something new and to also being back as a supporter.

“I’ll bring with me some wonderful experiences and memories to last a lifetime.

“I’d like to thank everyone I have worked with at Sligo Rovers over the years, including the staff, volunteers and supporters, as well figures in other clubs throughout the country.

“I wish everyone the best of luck moving forward and some great days ahead for Sligo Rovers.”

Our next SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division game takes place this coming Saturday at 7.45pm at The Showgrounds.

Rovers come into the game on the back of a narrow 1-0 loss away to Dundalk a week ago but will bring confidence into the game following a strong performance.

Shelbourne drew 1-1 with Shamrock Rovers in their last outing thanks to a 94th minute Gavin Molloy headed equaliser.

Tickets for home supporters can be bought here now:

https://srfcdirect.com/match-tickets/

Gates will open from the usual time of 6.30pm.

Athlone Town took the Women’s Premier Division Points with a 2-0 win against Sligo Rovers as the action resumed after the break for World Cup in front of 572 spectators, writes Conall Collier.

This was an energy-sapping contest for the Bit O’Red who were under pressure early on but the Rovers women finished the game with a bit of a flourish that will give them confidence going into next Sunday’s FAI Cup game against Bonagee Utd.

Manager Steve Feeney also gave game-time to 16 players with five substitutes utilised over the 90 minutes.  

Athlone Town started on the front foot and had a chance inside 60 seconds when Madison Gibson hit over.

Sligo Rovers absorbed that early pressure, but were fortunate not to concede from a well-struck Gibson free in the 15th minute that was deflected out for a corner.

Athlone continued to press and the opening goal arrived in the 28th minute when Dana Scheriff finished a Roisin Molloy cross for the lead.

Athlone continued to dominate and grabbed a second goal on the stroke of half-time when Chloe Singleton got enough on a Gibson corner to get the ball across the line.

Athlone dominated the second-half with Singleton and Gibson going close before the Bit O’Red forced three successive corners midway through the half, but didn’t overly burden Katie Keane between the posts for the hosts.


Athlone Town – Katie Keane; Kayleigh Shine, Shauna Brennan, Muireann Devaney, Gillian Keenan, Dana Scheriff, Chloe Singleton, Kellie Brennan, Lauren Karabin, Rosin Molloy, Madison Gibson.
Subs – Kate Slevin for Brennan and Lucy Jane Grant for Brennan both 67 mins, Isabel Ryan for Scheriff 89m,

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Leah Kelly, Alice Lillie, Sarah Kiernan, Kate Nugent, Katie Melly, Sacey Howe, Emma Doherty, Keri Loughrey, Eimear Lafferty, Jodie Loughrey.
Subs – Keeva Flynn for Kiernan 34 mins, Helen Monaghan for Lillie and Amy Hyndman for Melly both 58m, Ciara Henry for Lafferty and Jessica Casey for Nugent both 67m.
Referee – Jason Moore.
Assistant-referees – Emmet Dynan, Ciaran O’Reilly.
Fourth official – John McLoughlin. 

Our Annual Draw has now raised €40,000 so far, with the draw now four weeks away.

The draw takes place at our home fixture against UCD on Saturday, September 16th at half-time.

Our volunteer ticket sellers have been going around the region selling €10 tickets and have received a fantastic reaction to date.

The following areas have now been covered by our sellers:

• Cliffony
• Grange
• Carney
• Rathcormac
• Strandhill
• Ransboro
• Carraroe
• Coolaney
• Collooney
• Ballisodare
• Riverstown
• Ballinafad
• Castlebaldwin
• Ballygawley
• Dromahair

This weekend, the team of sellers make their way to South Sligo to sell tickets to locals who will be in with a chance of winning the top prize of €5,000.

Club Chairman Tommy Higgins has said the total raised so far is something to be proud of:

”With €40,000 raised so far, it just goes to show the great support that is out there for the Club.

”With over eight teams now at the Club, from all over the region and beyond, this draw is vital as we aim to provide the best possible facilities for all our players, staff, volunteers and supporters.

”Volunteers take up their own time to sell these tickets on behalf of the Club and for that, we are extremely grateful”.

If you haven’t got a chance to buy a ticket yet, or missed our when we were in your area, you can do so now from just a tenner via the link below:

https://srfcdirect.com/annual-draw-ticket/

There are a number of top prizes available from vouchers, overnight hotel stays and more.

Sligo Rovers’ latest Club Lotto jackpot winner David Purcell, sent his friend Cian O’Dowd to collect his €6,200 prize.

Cian is pictured with the Lotto Administrator Frank Beirne and Shane Crossan from the Club.

David, from Laois, went to his first Sligo Rovers game last Summer with a trip to Scotland for our win over Motherwell. Since then, David and his family have keenly following the Bit O’ Red. Cian is a life-long supporter and regularly attends games home and away.

This is our first Jackpot winner through the clubs online offer of 3 lines for €5.

While we still have our manual ticket sale outlets around Sligo, the online Lotto allows supporters who are further afield to take part in the draw and support their beloved Rovers.

You can take part here and be included in this Monday’s draw which will be for a Jackpot of €2,400

https://sligoroversfc.clubforce.com/products/sligo-rovers-fc-lotto

Best of luck to all our entrants.