Cawley “disappointed” to part ways with Sligo

The disappointment of David Cawley was obvious as the Ballina native announced on Friday that he has played his final game for Sligo Rovers.

One of the club’s longest-ever serving players, the midfielder enjoyed a testimonial earlier this year having made well in excess of 300 appearances for the Bit O’Red across ten seasons.

Cawley, however, revealed that he has been let go by manager John Russell – and that the decision has upset the 32-year-old was plainly obvious in the tone of his statement on social media.

“Today I was informed that unfortunately I have played my last game for Sligo Rovers,” David Cawley said on Friday evening.

“I’m disappointed as this is not the way I had wanted it to end as I feel I still had more to give, but that’s out of my control and I have to try and accept the manager’s decision.” 

Cawley played youth football for Ipswich Town during Roy Keane’s reign as first team manager and also had spells at Galway United and St Patrick’s Athletic, but it was with Sligo Rovers where he enjoyed his greatest successes, winning both Premier Division and FAI Cup titles.

“It was an honour to captain the club for so long, I’ve always tried to set an example by working hard and training hard, giving nothing less than 100% when I crossed that white line,” said Cawley, calling Sligo Rovers a “special club” and its supporters “heartbeat.” 

“I wish the club all the best in the future and I will always have happy memories of my years here,” he concluded.

The news of David Cawley’s departure came just days after Sligo Rovers confirmed that John Russell would remain as manager for the 2024 season. Russell’s first sull season in charge of the Bit O’Red saw the team end a difficult campaign in eighth position, but in a statement the club said: “We have faith in John to move the club forward. Our priority is to build a squad for the new season and have a much improved year in 2024.

“As a young manager John will take the experience of this season and use it to move the side in a positive direction.” 

Club chairman Tommy Higgins did, however, pay tribute over the weekend to club captain David Cawley following confirmation that the Mayo man, who sits seventh in the list of all-time appearance holders for Rovers, was not part of the manager’s plans going forward.

“David has been a vital figure for the club since first wearing the shirt over 11 years ago,” said Higgins.

“We have been honoured to have him represent Sligo Rovers for many reasons. While some will consider the trophies and medals he won at the club the highlights, David’s longevity and impact over such a lengthy period of time is what stands him out as one of our greatest ever servants.

“He quickly understood what our club is about since those early days in 2012. His standing among our supporters, particularly our young fans and families, speaks volumes about him as a person and role model. We are very grateful for the example he played off the pitch.” 

The Rovers chairman went on to say that David Cawley was someone the club had always been able to call upon “to demonstrate what it means to play for Sligo Rovers”.

“While we part ways now we know he will be a big part of our club’s history and will be forever welcome in The Showgrounds. We wish him and his family a wonderful future in life and in football and thank him for his incredible service at the club,” Higgins concluded.