IT Sligo FC in Division 1 final with Limerick
IT Sligo FC will play Limerick IT in the Rustlers Division 1 Final on Monday, March 12th in Abbottstown.
The final was due to be played last Wednesday but was postponed due to Storm Emma.
A win will see IT Sligo return to the College & Universities Football Premier League
IT Sligo will also play in the Rustlers Plate Final in Galway with GMIT today in Galway. IT Sligo beat Bray to qualify.
The Division 1 Final takes place at the FAI headquarters in Abbottstown, kicks off at 2pm on Monday.
The team made the finals after beating Blanchardstown IT 5–4 on penalties after a 1–1 extra time draw in the semi-final playoff.
Many of the players in the squad are on IT Sligo’s Sports Scholarship Programme which helps talented student athletes reach their sporting potential.
Head coach Colin Jinks: “I’ve been with Sligo Rovers since 2014 starting with the 19s and moving to the 17s when they started in 2015, and coaching with them since. This is my first year managing IT Sligo with assistant Darragh Healy.
“We started back September with this group and they haven’t looked back since. They are a small panel but that’s what makes them a close group that get on so well and work extremely hard every game for one another with each player showing how talented they are and have taken to the style of play we have implemented with ease.
“The college has been great with helping the lads get off classes to attend training and games which were very thankful.
“To finish 3rd in the league was good and gave the lads confidence heading into the quarter finals v MIC Limerick away from home and to win 5-2 was fantastic.
“Having then drawing IT Blanch in the semi-finals was a huge game for the lads and in my opinion are one of the best sides proving that by finishing top of our group with 5 wins from 5.
“We went into that game with confidence and it showed drawing 1-1 after full time and extra time to win on pens was a fantastic feeling especially with penalties you never know. We head into the final on the 12th against a class Limerick IT side knowing we will have to be at our very best to beat them but before that we have a Cup final to take care of against GMIT in Galway which again shows how good the lads have been all season.
“We have a few injuries to deal with but what team hasn’t so we just got to get on with it and do our best for IT Sligo.
“We would like to thank Jack Mannion who was our goalkeeper and played a huge part till he left in January to finish his studies in England.”