The Bit O'Red Sligo Rovers FC
Republic of Ireland · Founded: 1928
Sligo Rovers FC is an Irish professional football club based in Sligo on the west coast of Ireland. Founded in 1928, the club has been a consistent presence in Irish football for most of its history and joined the League of Ireland in the 1930s. Known as “The Bit O’Red,” they play their home games at The Showgrounds, a stadium that has been their permanent home since the club’s early years. The club is supporter-owned, which is relatively rare in modern professional football and reflects its strong community identity.
Throughout its history, Sligo Rovers has experienced several successful periods, particularly in domestic competitions. The club has won multiple League of Ireland titles, with notable championship victories including 1936–37 and 2012, and has also secured several FAI Cup wins across different eras. These achievements have helped establish Sligo Rovers as one of the more successful clubs outside Dublin, regularly competing at the top level of Irish football despite financial and structural challenges common in the league.
In more recent years, Sligo Rovers has continued to compete in the League of Ireland Premier Division while balancing periods of rebuilding and squad turnover. The club has also participated in European competitions, gaining experience against stronger international opposition, though without deep runs in tournaments. Despite ups and downs, Sligo Rovers remains an important regional club with a strong supporter base and a long-standing role in Irish football culture.
| Tournament | Count | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Championship | 3 | 1936-37 · 1976-77 · 2012 |
| 3 | 1938-39 · 1950-51 · 2011 | |
| 8 | 1934-35 · 1939-40 · 1956-57 · 1966-67 · 1995-96 · 2010 · 2013 · 2021 | |
| Cup | 5 | 1982-83 · 1993-94 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 |
| 6 | 1938-39 · 1939-40 · 1969-70 · 1977-78 · 1980-81 · 2009 |