Celtic heading to Ireland for Sligo Rovers friendly

Celtic today announced a mid-season friendly in Ireland with the Hoops set to take Sligo Rovers on Wednesday 9 October at the Showgrounds, which is located just a few miles from the birthplace of Celtic founder Brother Walfrid…

When we reported on early news that Celtic were heading to the United States in the summer for three games, we also told you that we were hearing that there was going to be a game in Ireland too. However nothing came of that until now.

Celtic FC Season Ticket holders have a priority window to purchase exclusive tickets on the Sligo Rovers website now until 5pm on Tuesday 10 September.  Tickets will then go on general sale on the Sligo Rovers site on Wednesday, 11 September at 10am.

Speaking about the trip back to his homeland, Brendan Rodgers said: “When you’re working at a club like Celtic you are reminded every day of its history, so it’s great to be able to visit and play in Sligo, a place where the club has so many amazing links.

“The game takes place during the international window so it’ll be a good work out for the first-team players who aren’t involved with their countries that week. We know there is a huge Celtic following in Ireland, nowhere more so than in the north west, so it will be a great chance for so many so see the players in action.

“For myself personally, it’s always great to go home so this is a trip I am really looking forward to but for everyone else of course, both sets of fans and both clubs, I know this will be a great occasion.”

imago/Colorsport  Celtic  vs Airdrie – Scottish Cup Final Jock Stein and Sean Fallon – 03/05/1975

Another tie between Sligo Rovers and Celtic is Sean Fallon, the Sligo native who not only played for both clubs but was also Celtic’s assistant manager in the historic  1967 European Cup final. Fondly remembered as Celtic’s ‘Iron Man’, the astro-turf facilities at the Showgrounds are also named after Fallon.

The game will also honour the memory of the late Tommie Gorman, a lifelong Sligo Rovers supporter who was instrumental in initiating this visit before he sadly passed away in June. It will celebrate the friendship and close links between the clubs, along with marking Celtic’s historical links to the region.

Celtic v theRangers – Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers during the Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park, Sunday September 1, 2024.Photo Andrew Milligan

Rovers boss John Russell said of the visit:

“It’ll be a great day for both clubs given the history Celtic have here in Sligo. I’d expect the game to sell out straight away and it’ll be great to see the Showgrounds packed to the rafters. It’ll be a nice test for our boys to see how they get on against one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

Interest in this game is expected to be high and supporters are advised to secure their tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

General admission tickets are priced at €25 and there will be a limited number of concession tickets available at €18 for OAPs/students/over 12s and €12 for U12s. All online tickets are subject to a €2 booking fee.

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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