Danny O’Leary has departed Sligo Rovers as he takes up a new role with the FAI as High Performance director for Sligo, Leitrim and Mayo. 

O’Leary, who had a lengthy League of Ireland career as a player, has also enjoyed a spell as Head of Youth Development with Rovers along with coaching the U-17 boys with Colm Jinks at that time.

He has been involved in coaching for years in the region, including Mayo senior side Manulla and the Mayo League Oscar Traynor team for a brief period before joining the Bit O’ Red.  

However Danny has been particularly important to Rovers in leading our women’s teams in the last year, both with the Under-17s and now the new Under-19s. 

His experience and ambition for the women’s game was a huge help to the club and as he departs today, the club thanks Danny for the groundwork and for being such a positive influence on the players. 

Sligo Rovers CEO Colin Feehily added: “Danny is a hugely-respected coach and was highly-regarded by everyone at the club. 

“It is no coincidence that Danny was leading the early days of both our men’s and women’s youth teams and now they are elevating in all aspects every year. 

“He has been at the forefront of developing some of the players now in the senior men’s team by heading up youth development and taking on two teams in the last year with the women’s side. 

“He has laid tremendous ground work and I know that the staff here and the management committee of the club are very grateful. We wish him success in his new position.” 

Sligo Rovers head of academy Conor O’Grady said: “Danny has been a huge influence in the club in the last number of years in various roles and has done so largely behind the scenes with a lot of dedication. 

“As he takes up the position with the FAI, I would like to thank him for being a popular figure at the club among our young players and with his fellow coaches and friends here. 

“I have no doubt we will work closely because of his new role in the region and I look forward to it because it’s a pleasure to do so.”

The new manager of the Women’s Under-19 side will be announced shortly.