Sligo Rovers’ exciting youth development programme received a major boost this week with the announcement that local firm O’Brien & Associates have teamed up as official sponsors of the club’s under-15 team.
For the first time ever, Rovers will have an under-15 team competing in the League of Ireland, complimenting the club’s ongoing commitment to its under-19 and under-17 squads, both of which are excelling in their respective competitions.
They get their campaign underway against Finn Harps in Ballybofey this Friday evening.
The squad is below with the players’ former clubs in brackets. Bryan Lynch will captain the team:
1. James Robinson (Castlebar Celtic)
2. Tommy Scahill (Westport United)
3. Jason Devanney (Strand Celtic)
4. Liam Walsh (Kiltimagh/Knock Utd)
5. Bryan Lynch (Strand Celtic)
6. Dylan Walsh (Gurteen Celtic)
7. Oran Grourke (Castlebar Celtic)
8. Caoilte Brannigan (Strand Celtic)
9. Ultan O Grady (Sligo Rovers)
10. Sean Kerrigan (Real Tubber)
11. Rossa McAllister (Westport United)
12. Kailan Barlow (Merville United)
13. Ciaran Jennings (Valley Rovers)
14. Stephen Gill (Kiltimagh/Knock Utd)
15. Ben Feeney (Castlebar Celtic)
16. Sean McAteer (Merville United)
17. Johnny Kenny (Arrow Harps)
18. Peter Maguire (Manor Rangers)
19. Callum Lavelle (Castlebar Celtic)
20. Cillian Heaney (Castlebar Cetlic)
Meanwhile, U15 team sponsors O’Brien & Associates are public loss accessors, located on Abbey Street in Sligo.
Established almost 10 years ago by Conor and Enda O’Brien, the company is going from strength to strength, representing an increasing portfolio of clients.
The company acts on behalf of policy holders in relation to property insurance claims, ensuring that their clients obtain the maximum possible settlements under the terms of their insurances policies.
Typical claims to which they bring their expertise to include chimney fire claims, household fire claims, burglary and theft claims, escape of liquid (oil or water) flooding claims and storm damage claims.
“Basically we take all the hassle out of claiming against insurance companies as we liaise with them directly from start to finish on behalf of our clients,” Conor O’Brien explains.
“People would not contemplate going to court, for instance, without a solicitor, so our message is why should anyone deal with an insurance claim without availing of our expert guidance and know-how in these matters.”
Conor is delighted to be teaming up with Rovers with their logo on the club’s Under-15 shirt.
“Sligo Rovers is an institution in the region, and we are particularly impressed with their efforts to promote underage talent. We are proud, as a local company, to come on board and offer practical support to these efforts and we wish the management and players in the under-15 set up the very best for their inaugural season,” he said.
Welcoming the backing of O’Brien & Associates, Rovers chairman Martin Heraghty said it was yet another example of the community getting behind the club.
“As a community club with an ever expanding player base, now catering for under-19, under-17 and under-15 teams, with an under-13 squad in the offing, it is vitally important that we continue to have the support of the public to help us meet our increasing obligations.
“Fortunately, we have enjoyed generous sponsorship from a wide variety of local and regional businesses in recent years, and the practical backing of the under-15 team by Conor and Enda O’Brien provides a very timely boost. It is typical of the type of support which helps keep the club ticking over,” the chairman observed.
The under-15 team, under the management of former Rovers stalwart Conor O’Grady alongside Marcel Gordon and Paul Masterson, will play in a regional group which includes Derry City, Cavan/Monaghan, Finn Harps, Longford Town and the Mayo League.
(L-R) Thea, Emily, Jacob, Hope and Hazel O’Brien, with Conor and Enda O’Brien as well as David Rowe and Martin Heraghty of Sligo Rovers, and the U15 management team of Conor O’Grady, Paul Masterson and Marcel Gordon.
