Westport to host League of Ireland friendly fixture for worthy cause this weekend
SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, Eamonn Deacy Park, Galway 25/10/2024 Galway United vs Sligo Rovers Sligo Rovers Manager John Russell with Galway United manager John Caulfield before the game Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Some of the country's finest professional footballers will be in action in Westport on Saturday next, January 25th when Sligo Rovers meet Galway United in the Annual Adam Mulchrone Memorial game.
This year, for the first time, the winning team will leave Abbvie United Park with a trophy – the Adam Mulchrone Memorial Cup.
Both squads will be travelling full strength as the build-up continues to the League of Ireland season. Rovers and United had very good seasons last time round and were in contention for the title right up until the dying embers of the season.
The two managers – John Russell (Sligo) and John Caulfield (Galway) have been busy during the close season adding quality players to their squads.
There’s a real local Westport feel to the Sligo Rovers team. John Russell cut his managerial teeth with Westport United while players like Conor Walsh, Conor Reynolds, Conor Cannon and Jamie O’Malley all came through the United ranks at underage level before moving on to the Showgrounds. Expect to see those players involved at some stage on Saturday.
The Tribesmen's links with Westport United are also strong. The current Westport manager and Director of Football, Anthony O’Neill, was a former player with the club and until his move to Westport was a member of the Galway United management team.
The game itself marks the life of the late Adam Mulchrone who passed away in January 2019. Adam was a much-loved player with the club and his passing left a massive void in the lives of his family and his club.
Once again ACT for Meningitis is the charity partner for the game.
