The Friends Of Sligo Rovers 500 Club has made another infrastructural investment in the Bit O’ Red with the purchase of a John Deere 2653B triplex mower for the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division club’s grounds staff.

From left: Colin Feehily, Noel Bennett of Dublin Grass Machinery, Vincent Nally and Peter Henry of the 500 Club Committee

The five-figure purchase will help the upkeep of the Showgrounds surface and is the latest project by the 500 Club, having helped fund the reseating of the Treacy Avenue Stand two years ago. 

The mower was purchased from Dublin Grass Machinery and their sales manager, Noel Bennett, delivered the mower to the club. “We're sure the machine will keep the Showgrounds pitch looking great for this season and many more to come”, said Noel.

Founded in 2003, the 500 club continues to be one of Sligo Rovers most solid fundraising project. In the last financial year, the 500 Club provided €90,000 to Sligo Rovers.

Groundsman Martin Cleary tries out the John Deere 2653B mower

It was particularly important during the Covid-19 period as it provided steady income for the club when all other streams had been negatively affected.

The John Deere lawnmower is state-of-the-art and will allow for greater maintenance of the pitch, which is vitally important for all of their teams.

The 500 club, led by a very dedicated 500 Club Committee continues to grow.  The increase in membership will allow for more projects outside of the regular income it provides to club finances.