‘ No other club boasts volunteer ethos we have’
THE stellar work, dedication, time and loyalty of Sligo Rovers’ many volunteers is the backbone of the club, secretary Brendan Lacken said during the AGM. During the arduous 2015 season, when the club battled hard to remain in the SSE Airtricity League, the club’s fans rallied around to raise thousands for the club. Mr Lacken said: “These are the people who make this club so unique. No other club in the country can boast of the volunteer ethos Sligo Rovers has. 2016 was another financially challenging year. We have however managed to work through the challenges . This in no small way is down to our tremendous fundraising efforts. We have had an enormous contribution again from the 500 club, Lotto, Annual Draw and Christmas draw. In 2016 we had a hugely successful number of club ambassador events culminating in the hugely successful fashion show. On match night the club could not function without the many volunteers who help make our match nights happen. To all of our volunteers I would like to say a very sincere thank you.”
Another important aspect in the running of the club is sponsors. The secretary said: “I would also like to acknowledge all of our sponsors and thank them for their continued support. Sponsors play a huge part in the financial well- being of this club and I would appeal to all of our members and fans to support our sponsors where they can.”
A number of committee members were thanked who were not seeking re- election. They were Michael Mooney, Gerry Monaghan, Maurice Monaghan, Andy Kilfeather and Kevin Lydon. Outgoing media officer Trevor Kelly was also praised for his hard work over the years.
The secretary also honoured the work of the Showgrounds staff for making the grounds look impeccable. “Can I also acknowledge the great work done by Vincent Nally over the last year. In particular he has over seen a welcome makeover of the Showgrounds. It is fair to say the grounds have never looked as well and as welcoming.
“As we prepare for the new season we look forward to the continued support of all our members and fans,” the secretary said.
During his address, Mr Lacken acknowledged the organising efforts going into a new U12 Tournament taking place in The Showgrounds later this summer.
He said: “Another very positive and exciting development is the recent announcement of the inaugural Sligo Super Cup taking place over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
“This is an elite U12 tournament which will take place in the Showgrounds. This sees Sligo Leitrim, Sligo Rovers and the FAI through the two local Regional Development Officers for Sligo, John Russell and Damon Kearney coming together to make this happen. Cities like Derry, Limerick and Galway have been hosting elite underage tournaments for years now so it is only fitting that a football stronghold like Sligo should host a tournament of its own,” he added.