Celtic commit to prestigious friendly against League of Ireland club next month
The game, which takes place during the international window, will be held to honour the memory of Tommie Gorman
Sligo Rovers will face Glasgow Celtic in a game to honour the memory of the late Tommie Gorman. The Bit O'Red will host the friendly fixture on Wednesday October 9 (kick-off 7.30pm).
Gorman was a lifelong Sligo supporter and was instrumental in initiating this visit of Celtic to Sligo before he sadly passed away in June.
A priority window for tickets for Rovers supporters will take place at the Showgrounds for season ticket holders, Super Reds, 500 Club members and full members of the club on Monday, September 9th and Tuesday, September 10th between 10am and 5pm.
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All those purchasing tickets must provide proof that they are eligible to purchase tickets under one of the aforementioned categories.
Tickets will then go on general online sale on Wednesday, September 11th at 10am. Tickets are €25 general admission and there will be a limited number of concession tickets available, with OAPs/students/over 12s costing €18 and U12s costing €12. All online tickets are subject to a €2 booking fee.
The Scottish giants have a big historic link to Sligo, with the Showgrounds just a few miles from the birthplace of Andrew Kerins, who was better known as Brother Walfrid - a Ballymote native who founded Celtic all the way back in 1888.
Statues honouring Brother Walfrid are erected both at Celtic Park and in Ballymote town itself.
Sligo man Sean Fallon played for both clubs and was Celtic's assistant manager when the famous Lisbon Lions beat Inter Milan in the 1967 European Cup final.
Celtic first team manager 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 to 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.”
Rovers boss John Russell also commented on the announcement of the fixture.
"It'll be a great day for both clubs given the history Celtic have here in Sligo", said Russell, who has guided his team to third in the Premier Division this season.
"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.
"The excitement in the area when Everton visited in the summer was amazing and I'd expect a huge amount of attention will be focused on this game also."
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