Bit O’Red sign prodigal son John Mahon

John Mahon (right) with Ed McGinty after Sligo Rovers 4-0 away win against Dundalk in May 2021

John Mahon (right) with Ed McGinty after Sligo Rovers 4-0 away win against Dundalk in May 2021 Credit: Ben Whitley (ETPhotos)

Sligo Rovers have welcomed home their former club Player of the Year John Mahon as the defender has re-joined his home town club from St. Johnstone in Scotland.

This comes after the Bit O’Red confirmed last week the signings of Estonian International Bogdan Vastuk and Mayo native and another former Sligo Rovers player Gary Boylan.  

Mahon joined Rovers as an under-17 before progressing to the under-19 team and signing his first professional contract in 2017. The central defender made over 90 appearances for the Bit O’Red before moving to St. Johnstone last January.  

He expressed his delight with his decision to re-join Sligo when he spoke to the club’s media team.

‘’The moment I started speaking to John [Russell] I knew it was the best move for me as from working with him in the past I know he will give me a chance and opportunity to play football,” said Mahon.

”The season is just a few weeks away and I’m already looking forward to the opening game against Shams. I am happy to be home and back where I belong and to continue where I left off last year. There is some unfinished business and I can’t wait to get going”

Sligo Rovers manager John Russell thinks that the signing of the defender who is a proven quantity in the League of Ireland will be a boost for both his squad and the fans.

“I’m excited with the signing of John Mahon”, said Russell. “John has turned down much larger financial packages in order to return to Sligo Rovers but, this clearly demonstrates his loyalty, commitment and his love for the club.

‘’John has come up through the academy here and he knows the league well having put in some outstanding performances before making his move to Scotland last year.

"Being a proper defender, John is aggressive in and out of possession. He has a warrior mentality – he leaves everything on the pitch which I know the fans appreciate.”



Mahon will join the squad for their pre-season trip to England which includes two pre-season friendlies against Stoke City and Nottingham Forest under-21s on Friday 20 January 20th and Monday 23 January.

About Paul Walsh

Paul Walsh is a contributor to Bohemians' matchday programme and first wrote for Extratime.ie in 2011 View Full Profile