Rovers narrowly beaten by Pat’s in seven goal thriller

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

Team News – Saint Patrick’s Athletic away

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

Countdown to the New Women’s Season

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.

Defeat for Rovers in Drogheda

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

Team news – Drogheda United away

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 

Rovers beaten on frustrating first night out

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

Team news – Waterford

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 

Jake Doyle-Hayes signs for Sligo Rovers

Sligo Rovers are excited to confirm that midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes has agreed to join the club. The former Republic of Ireland underage international has signed a one year deal and is available to go straight into the squad for Saturday’s season opener against Waterford at the Showgrounds.

The 26-year-old began his career at Aston Villa at 16 before enjoying successful loan spells with both Cheltenham Town and Cambridge United. 

The Cavan man then moved to the Scottish Premiership and to St Mirren in 2020 before Hibs made a play for him one year later where he became an established first team player. 

Doyle-Hayes departed the Edinburgh club last month having played just short of 70 times for the Easter Road outfit. Having attracted interest from a multitude of clubs both domestically and abroad in recent weeks, the Ballyjamesduff native has now elected to choose the Bit O’Red for the coming year. 

“There was obviously a lot of interest in Jake given his quality and experience”, Rovers boss John Russell tells sligorovers.com, having clinched the deal.  

“The level he has played at is extremely high and he brings a lot of experience to the group, so I’m delighted to bring him to the club. 

“Jake brings real energy and aggression to our midfield. He is very comfortable on the ball and I think he will fit in perfectly with the way we want to play. 

“It was important we added some experience to our group in the window and I feel Jake can make a big impact with us.” 

Looking forward to his first year in Irish football, Doyle-Hayes says he is excited to get involved in what is shaping up to be a big year for Rovers. 

“After the manager got in contact, I spoke to people who I consider to have a good knowledge of the League of Ireland”, he says. 

“They all mentioned how competitive it was last year and how that’s not likely to change this year. So that’s exciting for me as I know I can make a difference in big moments. 

 “A few lads I would have played with have played here at home too and they all had great things to say about the league. I also know a few who played here with Rovers and everything they told me was positive. There’s a big fan base here and I can’t wait to get out there in front of them. 

“I was impressed with what John had to tell me about his plans and how he wants the team to play. I’m looking forward now to getting to know the club and my new teammates and getting the season started.  

The past year has thrown up both physical and mental challenges for Jake with a persistent ankle injury plaguing his 2024. But the midfielder believes he is over the worst and is ready to focus on what’s ahead of him on the pitch. 

Even at 26, he is also ready to step up as one of the leaders in what is a young squad given his experience in the UK.

“I’ve had ten great years over there. I moved over quite young but had a lot of exposure to some great coaches from a young age. I’ve also played with some top players and have gathered knowledge from them and by being in some really experienced changing rooms. It’s been a tough couple of years for me recently but I’m looking forward to playing as many games as I can for Rovers and getting back to my best. 

“I’ll do my best to add to what we already have here. I think this squad is more than capable of finishing high up the league table.”

David Goulden

Supporter Information – 2025 season

OPENING HOME GAME THIS SATURDAY NIGHT

We return to the Showgrounds this Saturday night in the much anticipated curtain raiser to the 2025 season. 

Online tickets are currently available for the game and we would encourage supporters to secure their ticket early to avoid disappointment. Ticket sales have been strong and as last year’s opening home game had a full house, we are expecting another large crowd.

This Saturday, 15th February 7:45pm v Waterford FC

HOME LEAGUE GAME ENTRY PRICE

Ticket prices for our men’s 18 home league games will be as follows:

  • Adult – €20
  • Concession – €15
  • U12 – €10

*Please note to meet online ticket charges, there is a €1 booking fee per ticket when purchasing online.

SEASON TICKETS

Supporters are encouraged to purchase a Season Ticket which remains, both the best value, and best way to support our supporter-owned club for the year ahead.

Season Tickets ordered on or before Friday 7th February can be collected this week in the Showgrounds during normal working hours until Friday. There will also be a short collection period this Saturday from 2pm – 4pm in the Showgrounds.

For orders made after Friday 7th February, supporters can use the e-version of the Season Ticket for this Saturday night’s game, with the physical card to follow in due course. An e-version of the Season Ticket will have gone out by email on all email orders. All Season Tickets (physical or digital) will be scanned on entry to avoid duplicate entries on match night.

The full adult price for 2025 Season Tickets is €290 with concessions available detailed in the link below.

Super Reds continues to be the best value for under 12s with a season pass, which also includes a complimentary training top for only €90.

SECURE YOUR SEAT

Seating is open in the Showgrounds except for those seats reserved through Adult Gold (Secure Your Seat) initiative. 

Season Ticket holders can reserve a specific seat for all home league games for an additional cost of €60 with all funds going towards the cost of running the club.

Should you have already purchased your Season Ticket and wish to secure your seat you can arrange in the Showgrounds by this Friday 14th at 12am for it to be ready for the opening game on Saturday night.

HERITAGE NEWSLETTER

The Sligo Rovers Heritage Group matchnight newsletter proved to be a huge success in 2024 and the Heritage group will continue the popular production in 2025. The newsletter will initially expand to eight pages at a cost of €3.

Funds raised from the newsletter go toward heritage projects and running costs of the club and supporters are encouraged to purchase on match night.

WOMEN’S TEAM

The Women’s team’s season begins on Saturday 8th March at home to Bohemians in the Showgrounds at 3:00pm. There will be 11 home league games with a new regular start time of 3:00pm on a Saturday, unless otherwise advised. 

Supporters are encouraged to show their support by purchasing a Season Ticket and attending home games for 2025. The cost of a Season Ticket is €50 and helps fund the growth of our Women’s team which is in its fourth year. Season Tickets can be purchased below:

VOLUNTEERING WITH OUR CLUB

Our supporter-owned club is built on the dedication and hard work of our committed volunteers. If anyone is interested in becoming involved as match-night volunteer for 2025, they are encouraged to use our contact form on our website by selecting volunteer in the drop down menu.

Our match-nights are made possible by volunteers and we appreciate any new volunteers willing to assist for any number of our 18 men’s home league games or 11 women’s home league games.

As always volunteers are free to choose which games they are available to help. Match-night roles include security, half-time raffle, BORST clubhouse, club shop.

If anyone would like to volunteer in any capacity with the club, we would encourage you to please let us know through our website contact form or a member of the committee or club staff.

SHOWGROUNDS REDEVELOPMENT

The award of funding from the government made 2024 a historic year for the club. Work continues with the Project Team working through the detailed design stage for the redevelopment with Rhatighan Architects. The Project Team expects to give a full update to supporters on the project at the club AGM, which will take place in the coming months.

THANK YOU

Thank you again to all our supporters, volunteers, commercial partners and sponsors who keep our supporter owned club strong. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Showgrounds for the 2025 season.

AbbVie academy graduate Elding signs two year extension

Sligo Rovers have been handed a timely boost on the eve of the 2025 season with the news that Owen Elding has signed a new deal with the club. The attacker, who turns 19 in March, has agreed to extend his current deal to the end of the 2027 season.

A product of the Bit O’Red’s AbbVie academy, Elding followed in the footsteps of his father and FAI Cup winner Anthony when he signed his first professional deal with the club before the start of last season. Having played 29 times in two seasons for the first team, Owen’s journey at Rovers goes back to his childhood when he joined the club’s under 13 side when he was twelve. He has gone on to progress and impress in each of the following years and regularly finished as top scorer at the end of the year. 

Elding’s contract extension further rubber-stamps Rovers’ commitment to bringing our own young talent all the way through the academy to first team level.  

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Elding, who can also operate out wide or as a striker, spoke of his own personal pride having risen through the ranks to become a familiar face to the Showgrounds faithful.   “Signing my first pro deal last year was a proud moment but to add two years on to it is just very special”, he beams. 

“It’s nice to feel that the manager and club has the trust in me to offer me two more years. 

“Last year was a huge progression in my career. In 2023, I got a few minutes from the bench just to get used to first team football but last season, John Russell gave me a lot more minutes. I think both John and Ryan Casey have improved me as a player so much by working with them. I think when a young lad like myself signs on a two year deal, it shows what the club is trying to do in terms of bringing players through and trusting the youth in being good enough to progress. It’s becoming more and more the way here and it’s great to see. 

“Starting at Rovers when I was twelve and working my way through to the first team is something that makes me very proud. It’s a special feeling to be training day in, day out with the likes of Kyle McDonagh and Daire Patton who have come through the system with me and signed professional deals also. It shows Sligo Rovers is trying to produce its own and huge credit has to go to the coaches and Conor O’Grady as head of the academy.”

Elding has been in flying form throughout the 2025 pre-season campaign, scoring five times in six games. He is yet to mark a first senior goal off his card, but Owen knows that duck isn’t far off being broken.  

“I feel like a new player”, he continues. “I’m playing with a lot of confidence. I know I’m still chasing that competitive goal but I feel I’m in a great shape to do so now. I’ve managed five goals in pre-season so I’m hoping I’ll start strong in 2025 and be in the manager’s plans to start games.

 “I want to open my account as quickly as I can because once I do that, I feel my game can go to the next level.” 

As for 2025. Elding wants his team to look as high as possible ahead of this weekend’s Premier Division kick-off. 

“As a team we know we’re good enough to be challenging up towards the top of the table. The fans are desperate to see us back in Europe and we’re desperate to give them that. We’ve all come back in top shape and we’re buzzing now for Waterford on Saturday.” 

Speaking following the agreement between player and club, Rovers boss Russell says 2025 can be a big year for Riverstown native Elding.

Russell said: “Owen has progressed really well over the last 12 months and we’re delighted to reward him with a new deal. Along with the likes of Conor Walsh, Daire Patton, Kyle McDonagh, Conor Reynolds and Gareth McElroy, he is another product of our academy. Owen being signed up to a long term deal having progressed through our youth ranks shows that this club is serious about sustainability and bringing through our own. Huge credit must go to his coaches at all levels. 

“We feel Owen has more than enough potential to make a big impact in the coming season. He has all the attributes you want to see in a forward. He has pace, power, intelligent movement and a real eye for goal.” 

“We’re very excited to see how he develops over the coming years.” 

David Goulden