Sligo Rovers FC 'The Bit o' Red' No. 18: Sligo Rovers v Shelbourne, 17 January 1998 matchday programme — the FIRST GAME EVER TELEVISED LIVE from the Showgrounds

Official Sligo Rovers programme, season 1997/98, No. 18, £1.00. Sligo Rovers v Shelbourne, F.A.I. Harp Lager National League, the Showgrounds, Saturday 17 January 1998, kick-off 3.00pm. Beamish Irish Stout on the shirt; sponsors The Star and Tohers; Mitre match ball.

Joe Molloy's editorial makes the claim that dates the issue: 'This game to-day is historic as it is the first time a game has been televised live from the Showgrounds.' He welcomes Shelbourne and their manager DAMIEN RICHARDSON, notes that Sligo had done Shelbourne a favour by knocking St Patrick's Athletic off the top in the last league game — 'let there be no more favours to-day' — and defends an 18-year-old local player who had been booed off after the Mervue United cup tie: 'Sligo people have called for more local players in the team, yet when one gets a chance, and was probably Rovers' best player on the day, he has to suffer a tirade of abuse from his own supporters.'

He also looks ahead to the League Cup final against these same opponents, with the first leg at the Showgrounds, and asks why the FAI could not have reversed the legs as they did two years before.

Player-coach NICKY REID's notes cover the cup escape against Mervue United and a week of three games in six days. Patron Ray McSharry; editor Joe Molloy. Twenty pages, with a 'Twelve to Think About' quiz on Shelbourne and Sligo history.

Author: Sligo Rovers Football Club

Publisher: Sligo Rovers Football Club

Publication Date: 1998

Binding: Single Issue Magazine

Condition: Used - Very Good