President Connolly learns about unique role of Sligo Rovers in local community and club’s ambitious plans for the future

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Day two of President Catherine Connolly’s visit to Sligo saw her visit the home of Sligo Rovers as players, staff, committee members and volunteers welcomed her to The Showgrounds. When visiting the club while on the campaign trail prior to the Presidential election last September her footballing skills grabbed the spotlight, but on this occasion Ireland’s First Citizen was more reserved as she spoke with club representatives about the unique community aspect of the club which benefits from 34,000 hours of volunteerism every year.

The relaxed nature of the visit saw President Connolly converse in an informal manner and pose for pictures with players from the women’s team and from the National Learning Network prior to being shown the outdoor museum which showcases the near 100 year history of the club.

Upon returning to the warmth of the hospitality area, the club’s Chairman Tommy Higgins issued a warm welcome to President Higgins and referred to her previous visit when her footballing skills captured the public imagination joking, “It is an appropriate time to welcome you here as we are in the market for a centre forward.”

Referring to the community aspect of the club Mr Higgins said, “Sligo Rovers is more than 11 people kicking a ball around a field.” He explained that between staff members, players and volunteers there are “250 people attached to the club,” adding, “We love the model, it’s the glue that keeps the whole thing going.”

Football and Social Responsibility Officer Jamie Murphy gave President Connolly further insight into the workings of the club when he explained, “It is a community owned club. It is all based around volunteerism and a small number of staff.”

Mr Murphy explained as well as the men’s and women’s teams the club also has male and female academy teams while a big emphasis within the club is placed on the social aspect of football with the club facilitating walking football, integration football, down syndrome football as well as running a sporting memories programme, run in association with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

A trip to The Showgrounds wouldn’t be complete without hearing about the club’s ambitious plans to transform it into a 6,000 capacity all-seater stadium in time for its centenary celebrations in 2028. Tom Kelly, a member of the club's Development Committee explained how The Showgrounds is owned by a community trust, for the people of Sligo. In fact, one of the people who had the foresight to establish that trust, Ray Gallagher, was present and was congratulated by President Connolly for his vision.

Mr Kelly explained to President Connolly that the cost of the redevelopment will be €23m with the club well on track to raise the required tally of €6.28m which along with a Government allocation of €16.4m will ensure the project is completed without putting the club in debt.

Mr Kelly also spoke of plans to have Sligo RFC and Connacht rugby games played on the new pitch as well as games involving local football clubs and Special Olympics as the new surface will be conducive to games being played all year round.

As well as continuing to provide, “An academy pathway for boys and girls,” Sligo Rovers will also be developing an indoor museum to house the treasure trove of artifacts and pieces of memorabilia associated with the club. It is also hoped to bring conferences and family events such as communions, birthday parties and weddings to The Showgrounds with Mr Kelly saying, “We will be creating more income generating facilities.”

Having learned about the club’s involvement in the community and its ambitious plans for the future, President Connolly said, “It is music to my ears, it is really far-seeing.”

Prior to her departure from The Showgrounds, Cllr Connolly was presented with gifts as a token of appreciation. She was presented with a hamper of fresh produce from the Organic Centre in Rossinver and she looked especially impressed when she was presented with the limited edition pink Sligo Rovers jersey that was worn by the women’s team last year, the proceeds from which went towards the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.