Kailin Barlow signs professional deal with Sligo Rovers

Barlow has signed a two year contract with Sligo Rovers. Credit: Clare McCahill (ETPhotos)

Sligo Rovers have announced the signing of academy player Kailin Barlow to his first professional contract which will see him remain with the club for two years.

The Republic of Ireland under-17 international has spent the last four years with the Bit O’Red and he has represented the club at under-15, under-17 and under-19 level.

“It’s every kid’s dream to sign for their local club as a professional and that’s how it feels for me,” the 18 year old said, speaking to the club’s website.

“Earlier in the season Conor [O’Grady] said there’d be a chance that a contract could materialise. I’ve been in with the first team and then Liam Buckley met me one day about turning professional and offered me the deal. I was just over the moon, and it was a really proud moment.

“As a player I like to have an attacking threat, play between the lines and make things happen. I’ve seen all the players come through to play for the club and get that chance and in that time, it was my goal to emulate them.

“I think I had a decent season with the Under-19s this year. I’ve always felt my record was good in every team but I’ve been lucky with the great coaches I’ve had here and with Ireland.

“I’ve loved playing for the club and being part of each team so I’m just really excited to continue that as a professional.”

Sligo boss Liam Buckley was also pleased to finalise the deal with several academy graduates already playing for the first team at the Showgrounds this season.

“Kailin is a talented player and his progress over the time he has been here has been great. We’ve introduced him to the first-team environment at various points so he can get a feel for it.

“It’s wonderful for him to earn this opportunity now over the next two years. He’ll be part of the group next season and as we continue to show, the chance is there for any player in the academy.



“Again I have to congratulate the coaches at the club who have worked with Kailin to help him build towards signing as a professional.

“We will work with Kailin to help develop his game further and he can certainly go on to make an impact at first-team level in time as well as being eligible to play underage next year.”

    About Paul Corcoran

    Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams … View Full Profile