The Ballina native joined the Bit O’Red in 2012, winning the league in his first season with the club.
In 2013, he was part of the squad that won the FAI Cup, and in 2014 won the Setanta Cup.
Cawley became captain in 2015, but then left to sign for St Patrick’s Athletic for the 2016 season.
In 2017, he joined Galway United, and then returned to the Bit O’Red for the 2018 season, where he has remained since.
The 31-year-old is part of the furniture at the club, and is the first player to get a testimonial since Raff Cretaro in 2018 and Gavin Peers in 2016.
“It’s a real honour, I’m grateful to the club for granting it” Cawley said last week.
“It’s been a quick ten years, I must say. The years bomb on, especially as you get a little bit older yourself.”
Members of the league and cup winning squads are likely to be returning to The Showgrounds for the testimonial game , with the current squad taking on a team of Cawley’s former team-mates.
The game will take place on August 12th, with full details to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
“As the next few weeks go on, I’ll be confirming lads as they get back to me. Hopefully between league winners in 20212 and cup winners and a few local legends.
“I’ll gradually announce them as I get them confirmed.”
For Cawley, the ten seasons have brought everything from trophies to barren years.
But, The Showgrounds is his home, and Sligo Rovers is his club.
“It’s a place where I’ve called home for long enough. I’m from not too far down the road, plenty of fans come from up and down the Ballina/Ennsicrone area that I would see day to day when I go out and about through town at home.
“Plenty of lows, couple of highs but we like to focus on the highs because when they do come, they are special.”
Sligo Rovers manager John Russell, who has played alongside Cawley previously and is now his manager, paid tribute to his contribution over the years.
“He’s been top class. What a player he’s been for the club and still is.
“He was rolling back the years on Saturday night, great for him (win over Derry City). He’s a top professional, it was frustrating for him earlier in the season, he wasn’t getting many minutes but his professionalism, the way he trains, he led by example for any players coming into the club to see him.
“It’s easy to feel sorry for yourself but he kept doing the right things and now he’s back in the side, performing really well.
“I’m delighted that the club have granted him a testimonial.
“For a player to spend that many years at a club, being there through the successful period of winning trophies, playing in Europe, even last year, playing against Motherwell home and away, he was outstanding.
“Hopefully it will be a special night for him and his family.”