Sligo Rovers say state aid for new home would be ‘fitting legacy’ for Gorman
Sligo Rovers are hopeful their application for state funding for a new stadium will bear fruit and leave them with one of the most up-to-date venues in the country.
And the club have thanked the late RTÉ journalist Tommie Gorman for the contribution he made in opening doors at government level which led to a visit to their Showgrounds home from Taoiseach Simon Harris.
Sligo unveiled their plans for the new stadium in 2021, with an initial price tag of €17m and a hope of being in the new ground for the club’s centenary in 2028.
“If this funding application is successful, our development will be a fitting legacy to the tireless work of Tommie Gorman on behalf of his beloved Rovers, not just on this project, but throughout his lifetime,” club chairman Tommy Higgins said.
Rovers yesterday confirmed they had submitted their application to the Large Scale Sport in Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) for a complete revamp of the Showgrounds which will, as is standard now with state funding for stadiums, be used by other sports.
Meanwhile, Ireland U-21 cap James Abankwah could be on his way back to St Patrick’s Athletic from Italy on loan.
The defender is under contract with Udinese until 2026 but for now faces an uncertain future there as he bids to get first-team football.
Udinese had asked for expressions of interest in a loan from lower-league clubs in Italy but reports claim that discussions have already taken place with former club Pat’s about a loan deal.
A move back to Inchicore would give him first-team football and exposure in European competition, as the Saints play Liechtenstein’s Vaduz in the second qualifying round of the Europa Conference League later this month.