Masita All-Ireland Colleges SF ‘B’ final: Roscommon CBS v Patrician High School, Carrickmacross on Sunday at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, Longford at 2 pm

Memories of great days in 2011 and 2019 will come flooding back as CBS Roscommon face into another All-Ireland final this weekend. They meet Patrician High Schoool of Carrickmacross on Sunday in Longford.

Memories of those two glory days (when CBS won All-Ireland titles) are sweet, but this team has a chance to write their own names into the Schools GAA history books on Sunday.

Joint managers Noel Moran and Eoghan Coll and their selectors and coaches have presided over a very successful campaign so far. After the win against a very strong Oranmore side in the Connacht semi-final, the prospect of a long run in this championship beckoned – and so it has materialised.

A solid but unspectacular display against Scoil Mhiuire, Strokestown secured a Connacht title and then a superb performance in the semi-final against Dunboyne now sees the Roscommon town school back in the national final.

Not having seen Carrickmacross in action, it is hard to say what their form is like – but you can rest assured that they will be a top class side having emerged from the Ulster Championship which is always highly competitive. They defeated Carrickmore of Tyrone after a replay in the Ulster final so they will be battle-hardened. They have a number of top class performers such as Conor Mulligan, Tom Maguire, Fergal McEneaney and Joe O’Farrell, and will travel to Longford with confidence.

CBS will be hoping that their main players like Michael Gillooly, Eoghan Carthy, Colin Murray, Owen Rogers, Sam Hannon and Cian Duggan can lead by example on the day and produce the scores that will be required if victory is to be achieved.

That said, a huge work rate all over the field will be needed if Roscommon CBS are to win this title. If they can invoke the spirit of Mullingar in 2011 and Croke Park in 2019 they will be halfway there.

There is a history between these teams as Carrickmacross defeated Roscommon CBS in the 1997 All-Ireland ‘B’ final in Croke Park by a single point (0-15 to 1-11). One man who will want to see that result reversed is present-day CBS coach and selector Gerry Lohan who was one of the CBS stars that day 28 years ago. Lohan of course went on to have a distinguished senior inter-county career with Roscommon.

The fact that Roscommon CBS are improving in every outing is a very positive sign ahead of Sunday’s match. There is little doubt that this game is set to be tight, hard-fought and very intense. The CBS will have a big following in Longford and hopefully that will be a positive factor too. Roscommon CBS have momentum. If they get the breaks on the day they can win the title.

Prediction: Roscommon CBS.

‘Those lads are heroes in my eyes’

A very proud Leitrim man is Kevin Scollan, who is the principal of Roscommon CBS. He spoke to People Sport about this weekend’s final.

“The excitement around the school is phenomenal. It is an honour and a privilege for me to be the principal of the school at such a special time.”

Kevin was full of praise for the team and the management.

“They are fantastic. It is great to be in the school long enough to remember Eoghan (Coll) being involved. I can’t recall Noel (Moran) playing because that was just before my time but the bunch of lads that are there are absolute gentlemen.

“You meet one who is so mannerly and you meet the next one who is even more mannerly! They are products of their environment. They come from great homes and their parents should be very proud of them.”

So what would a win mean to all associated with the school?

“To win this final would be the cherry on top of the cake for us. As I said to the lads earlier – win, lose, or draw, those lads are heroes in my eyes. They are role models for the whole school with the younger lads looking up to them. We wish them the very best of luck.”

‘These players are always willing to listen and learn’

One of the great side stories in the build-up to this All-Ireland final is that CBS selector and coach and former Roscommon senior star Gerry Lohan was an integral part of the Roscommon CBS team when they were defeated by Patrician High School of Carrickmacross – this Sunday’s opponents – in the All-Ireland Colleges ‘B’ final of 1997. Gerry recalled that day when he spoke to People Sport.

“I can remember it well. They beat us by 0-15 to 1-11 and they scored a free in the dying minutes to win it. It was tough to take at the time. A heartbreaking defeat in Croke Park.”

So how does Gerry rate this year’s CBS team?

“We have a very good side. We are strong defensively and we have a good panel up front too… we don’t have any weakness in the team. Any one of the players on the panel from number one to number 24 can come in and do a job. They are a great bunch to coach and they are always willing to listen and learn. They are very hard-working on the field.”

As for Carrickmacross, he had this to say: “They are a very good side by all accounts. They will be very defensive but they break at pace and they like to kick scores from distance.”

Gerry says that it’s a massive achievement for the CBS to be in the final, noting that the ages of the players involved range from 15 up to 18.

“They might never get another chance to play in an All-Ireland final. That’s the reality. In the Connacht final only five 6th years started and in the All-Ireland semi-final only four started so it’s a very young team.”

Adamson delighted with ‘team ethic’

One of the most experienced coaches and selectors on the GAA circuit is Sean Adamson, who has been involved with teams from around the country for many decades. He was also involved with the CBS in 2019 and is now enjoying his role with the school team in 2025.

Sean says that the team has improved since the season started, admitting he wasn’t overly confident about their prospects at the beginning of the campaign.

“As the year has gone on they have got better and better. They have sprung to life as the campaign has gone on and it’s been great to see it.”

Sean echoed the thoughts of joint manager Eoghan Coll when he says that there are too many demands on these young players.

“The players are being pulled in many directions. There is club and county minor, and club and county U-20, so it’s very hard to handle all that… and you have to be conscious of that.”

So does Sean see a team that can win an All-Ireland title this year?

“Yes, we have a team that can win it. We had teams in the past that may have had more skilful players but there is a great team ethic this year. They have a great chance. The Monaghan side will be good for sure and we will have to stop their main players on the day.”

Adamson says that it is easy to see the bond that has formed within the group of players on the panel.

“That’s very evident. It helps that this is a small school. They are studying together, they are training together, and playing together so that’s a huge factor and hopefully that will tell in the final” he concluded.

About Patrician High School…

Roscommon CBS’s opponents, Patrician High School from County Monaghan, caters for about 400 boys. On the GAA front, it has a great record in the Ulster and All-Ireland ‘B’ championships, having won five Ulster titles and one All-Ireland crown.

That All-Ireland title was won in 1997 at Croke Park. Their opponents that day were none other than Roscommon CBS, with Patrician High School winning by a point, 0-15 to 1-11. One of the CBS stars that day was current team selector and coach, Gerry Lohan.

The Monaghan side came through a very tough Ulster campaign this year, defeating Carrickmore of Tyrone 1-10 to 0-12 in a provincial final replay, having drawn 0-13 to 1-10 in the first encounter.

In the All-Ireland semi-final they defeated Munster champions Cashel Community School by 1-11 to 0-3, pulling away impressively having led 0-5 to 0-3 at half-time.

They are a strong, physical side. The likes of Conor Mulligan, Joseph McArdle, Tom Maguire, Fergal McEneaney, Oran Connolly and Joe O’Farrell have been very prominent for them in this campaign so far.

The Carrickmacross-based side are managed by Dylan McEnaney and their selectors are Dylan Finnegan and Sean Raftery.

‘Players are focused and ready’ – Moran

The Roscommon CBS team are jointly managed by Noel Moran and Eoghan Coll. Coll was the manager back in 2019 when the CBS won the All-Ireland title, beating Rathmore of Kerry by a point in the final at Croke Park, while Moran was a selector on that occasion.

Looking ahead to this weekend’s final, Noel Moran says: “It’s super to be in a final, not only for the school but for the local community as well. We had great support in Abbotstown for the semi-final. We outnumbered Dunboyne on the day and the venue was only a few miles away from them. We got great support from the various clubs and the public in general, and that was a big boost to us.”

Moran says that bringing the players back down to earth after the semi-final was important.

“We got them back training on the Tuesday after the semi-final and they seem to be well focused now and they know what’s ahead. Our job is to keep them on the straight and narrow and hopefully they will rise to the occasion on Sunday.”

The joint manager reflected on what he says was a tough campaign to get to the final.

“Connacht was tricky. We played Headford and St Nathy’s and we had a really tough game against a very strong Oranmore side (CBS won by a point). When we came through that test we felt that we were in with a chance.

“We settled down for the Connacht final against Strokestown and we had to work hard to win that match. In the semi-final we had a great battle against Dunboyne.

“We have had great buy-in all year from this group of lads. We started with a panel of 40 and then whittled it down to 32. We put a tough programme in front of them. We did 35 or 40 training sessions and played eight or nine challenge games against strong teams. You can’t beat hard games in preparation.”

Noel says that Pearse Park in Longford will be an excellent venue for the decider.

“We were delighted with the choice of venue. We wanted to play the final in a recognised county ground. You saw what happened in the semi-final with the match played in Abbotstown. It’s great for these young lads to be playing in Longford and the fact it’s not too far away will mean that we should have a good following on the day.”

So what does Noel know about the opposition from Carrickmacross?

“We know that they have come through a very difficult Ulster campaign. We also know how tough football is in Ulster and we are expecting that they will be a physical side. We might not be the most physical in the world so that is something we will be working on. They defeated a very strong Tyrone side (Carrickmore) to win Ulster after a replay and that’s a good sign for them. They won the All-Ireland semi-final easily so we know what’s ahead. No All-Ireland title is easily won is one thing we can say” he concluded.

Coll hoping to revisit glory of 2019

Eoghan Coll has plenty of experience at this level. In fact he was the manager when Roscommon CBS won the All-Ireland title by a point in dramatic style at Croke Park in 2019.

He says that having been there before means that it makes preparations a little easier.

“The logistical side of things are certainly not as difficult. That end of things takes a little time but we have most of that off-field stuff looked after and we can concentrate on the important stuff now.”

Coll says that to have a strong panel is probably the most important aspect of their preparations. The selectors made a few changes during the campaign in terms of the starting 15 and they have paid off so far.

“There is not a lot between the players on the panel ability-wise, and we are telling them that all the time. There is no point preaching to them that there is competition for places and then picking the same 15 for every match.

“The team is picked on performance and on training and that bit of competition between them drives them all on. We would have a few players who are strong and would be first choice but there are a lot of lads chomping at the bit to get into the team for the next day and that’s very healthy.”

Eoghan says he is expecting the final to be a much different game to the semi-final.

“There was a lot of space up front in the semi-final and I wouldn’t envisage that there will be too much space in that regard in the final so we will have to plan for that. But we have done that all year and you have to take it game by game.

“From what we have heard we expect Carrickmacross to go quite defensive and we are going to have to figure a way around that. We have to make sure that we find the space and make the chances on the day.”

Eoghan says that Roscommon CBS will have to be tactically aware on the day.

“We have to be clever with our use of the ball. There is no point kicking a ball into a crowded area because it will come straight back. We have to be pragmatic about it and mind the ball, and then work the space when we can.”

The joint team manager says that for young lads on a  big occasion such as Sunday’s, it’s all about how they handle it.

“You can try as much as you can to prepare them. Some lads will handle it fine and then other lads not so much. It’s all about chatting to them. It’s important that they enjoy it but that they understand what they have to do. The build-up and the craic in the school is great but you cannot let that dominate too much.”

Finally, Eoghan says that it is a huge boost to Roscommon GAA to have a team in an All-Ireland final. “It’s great for underage football in the county. Strokestown were very good this year too and for our lads it’s brilliant because they are being dragged in all directions between club teams, county minor and U-20s.

“We have such a narrow window in schools football. It’s far too tight in my view but that’s for another day. Remember too that these lads are in school to study for their exams so it all has to be factored in” he concluded.

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Cork 4-17 Roscommon 2-9

Roscommon’s first ever outing at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh ended with a 14-point defeat last Saturday, and although the margin would suggest a very one-sided match, Finbar Egan’s charges performed admirably on a cold but dry day down by the River Lee.

Cork had just too much class, particularly up front. Indeed, in a very open first half, the Rebelettes scored four goals. It could have been even more, but Roscommon can be thankful to goalkeeper Helena Cummins who made a number of excellent saves to keep her side in the contest.

These are the games that will bring Roscommon on in preparation for later in the year. They will be encouraged by having competed well with teams such as Cork, Galway and Donegal, and with matches to come against Tipperary and Westmeath it is entirely possible that Roscommon can stay in this division.

Cork had the ball in the Roscommon net after just 25 seconds when Elizabeth Coppinger sliced through the Roscommon defence, and points from Abigail Ring and Kate Quirke saw the home side ahead by five after only four minutes.

Roscommon were dangerous on the break, and in the 7th minute Aisling Hanly stole in behind the Cork cover to shoot low past Sarah Murphy. Cork were on the goal trail again just a minute later when Emma Cleary converted a penalty after a foul on Elizabeth Coppinger.

Play was held up for over 10 minutes because of an injury to Orla O’Neill (a ligament problem), and when the action resumed Roscommon scored their second goal. A long ball from Laura Mannion in the 29^th minute flew all the way to the net, reducing the margin to just two.

The home side were to strike for three-pointers twice in the remaining minutes of the first half, Emma Cleary and Elizabeth Coppinger scoring their second goals of the match in the 35th and 39th minutes respectively. Half-time score: Cork 4-6 Roscommon 2-5.

Cork kept Roscommon at arm’s length in the second half as both sides ran their respective benches to give their full panels game time. Cork comfortably maintained their lead and knocked over some impressive points late on when the game was over as a contest.

For Roscommon, Helena Cummins was outstanding between the posts while Laura Mannion, Aisling Hanly, Rachel Brady and Caoimhe Lennon were very prominent all through.

For Cork, Laura O’Mahony had a superb game, popping up to good effect all over the pitch throughout. Emma Cleary, Abigail Ring, Katie Quirke and Elizabeth Coppinger were also excellent for the home side on the day.

Player of the match

Laura O’Mahony (Cork)

Note: A couple of weeks ago we highlighted the problem some supporters were having in trying to make out the numbers on the backs of the senior men’s jerseys. That was cleared up very well by the powers that be. There is a similar problem now with the ladies jerseys. Several people (including members of the Cork media) spent most of the game asking us to help identify Roscommon players. It is certainly very difficult to make out the Roscommon players’ numbers. Over to you, Roscommon LGFA.

Teams & scorers

Cork: Sarah Murphy; Melissa Duggan, Shauna Kelly, Anna Ryan; Emma Cleary (2-1, 1-0 pen), Sarah Leahy,  Roisin Ni Chorcha (0-1); Maire O’Callaghan, Abigail Ring (0-4); Abbie O’Mahony (0-1), Shauna Cronin, Aimee Corcoran (0-2); Laura O’Mahony (0-1), Elizabeth Coppinger (2-0), Katie Quirke (0-6, 4 frees). Subs used: Emma Hurley, Orlaith Roche, Siobhan Callinan, Amy McDonagh, Laura Cleary, Sabh McCormack, Katie Horgan, Leah Hallinan (0-1).

Roscommon: Helena Cummins; Rachel Brady, Ellen Irwin, Megan McKeon; Orla O’Neill, Saoirse Wynne, Ria Lennon; Abby Curran, Niamh Watson; Shannon McGuinness, Laura Mannion (1-5, 2 frees), Lisa O’Rourke; Aisling Hanly (1-1), Ella Thompson (0-1), Caoimhe Lennon (0-1). Subs: Niamh Feeney for O’Neill (22), Caoimhe Cregg for McGuinness (40), Roise Lennon for C Lennon (40), Marian Nolan (0-1) for Hanly (51), Megan Kelly for Brady (52), Amy Malone for Watson (53), Aine O’Meara for O’Rourke (57), Lauren Shanagher for Fitzmaurice (67).

Referee: Barry Redmond (Wexford).

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The Kilkerrin side got off to a great start and were 1-0 up with just six minutes played. Enda Keane got on the end of a corner kick and he finished with a neat volley. With 20 minutes played a fine solo goal from Darragh Nolan gave his side a two-goal advantage.

The Norio’s Premier Division is finely balanced with just three points separating St John’s Athletic, Boyle Celtic and Castlerea Celtic. All three have just four games left to play and that’s not forgetting Moore United who are four points behind the leaders but have a game less played.

It’s going to be a thrilling finish to the Premier Division with all the top teams playing teams from the top section before the end.

The big game of last weekend was the clash between Moore United and St John’s Athletic at Moore on Friday night. St John’s won 3-1.

Castlerea Celtic travelled to Newbridge where they played a Shiven Rovers side who are just above the relegation area. It turned out to be a close contest, Castlerea winning 3-2.

Boyle Celtic had a convincing 5-2 win over Ballaghaderreen at Ballaghaderreen. Skyvalley Rovers had a valuable 3-0 win over Cloonfad United at Cloonfad. They are now competing with Ballinasloe Town and Moylough for the Division 1 title.

Ballinasloe Town were held to a 1-1 draw away to the Glenamaddy side Glen Celtic.

Roscommon United had an impressive 6-2 win over Moore United’s second side at Falty Park, Moore on Sunday.

In the preliminary round of the DK Shield St Cuan’s/Ahascragh United edged out Rahara Rovers in a game played at Ahascragh. This game went all the way to penalties after finishing 2-2 at the end of extra-time with St Cuan’s/Ahascragh winning the shootout 4-3.

Women’s Shield

In the Connacht FA Women’s Shield Dunmore Town beat Shiven Rovers 1-0. Siobhan O’Grady scored what turned out to be the winner with just six minutes played.

Kilkerrin United were unlucky to be beaten on penalties away to the Mayo side Manulla. The game ended 1-1 with Samantha Fahy scoring for Kilkerrin but they were beaten 4-3 in the penalty shootout.

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While Cork got off to a good start (leading 0-5 to 0-3 after 20 minutes or so), once Roscommon settled into the game a series of scores before half-time laid the foundation for a big win. On another day the margin might not have been so substantial. Cork did miss a lot of chances, and struck the crossbar twice with goal attempts. But Roscommon were good value for their big win. It was good to see the attack flowing again, good too to see Roscommon being ruthless.

This was a performance which essentially banishes the memory of an unsatisfactory outing in Navan, where Roscommon lost to Meath. Whether it’s akin to the setback of Navan or the commanding display of last weekend in Cork, there will, as Van Morrison sang, be days like this.

The main thing is that the trend is good. It’s now four wins from five for Roscommon in Division Two. A real positive of this league campaign to date is the breadth of options now available to Davy Burke, with new players doing really well and established first-teamers returning in fine form.

Introducing…  the ‘Meath Mourinho’

Meath senior football manager Robbie Brennan has a colourful, straight-talking style. His team is flying. Last Sunday, Conor Duke scored a controversial late goal (allegedly it came three seconds after the hooter had sounded) to secure a win over Westmeath.

Here’s what Brennan had to say about the finale to the game when asked by LMFM Radio: “I don’t know… I was giving out to the linesman like I was for most of the half so I didn’t actually see it, all I know is when Dukey rattled the net I was gone off like Jose Mourinho down the line like a mad man.”

The ‘Meath Mourinho’ was just as open when saying this of the new rules: “My own honest opinion is they’ve lost the run of what we’re trying to do. The whole idea here was to try and protect the game and we’re not doing that. That’s not Gaelic football… you turn your phone on and it’s 17-0 to somebody, it’s a joke to be honest with you the way it’s gone. It’s a mix of outdoor basketball with a breeze, soccer-style defending with eleven behind the ball in zonal stuff, and a bit of rugby thrown in for a few scrums around the middle – God forbid we forget our rugby brethren”.

Brilliant!

Wishing CBS well on Sunday

Roscommon CBS is a school with a proud sporting tradition. For decades, that was primarily in GAA terms, but like other schools in the region, Roscommon CBS now excels across a range of sports.

This Sunday in Longford, the current CBS Gaelic football team is on the cusp of greatness. After a fine campaign during which they have grown in confidence – impressing more and more in each outing – they enter an All-Ireland final with every chance of success. It won’t be easy however. Patrician High School (County Monaghan) have their own proud tradition, their own impressive journey this season to inspire them, and their own legitimate dreams of glory this weekend.

It’s likely to be close. It seems certain that the title will go to the hungriest team, provided they have a bit of luck on their side too. All of County Roscommon is behind the CBS. We wish the players, management and all at the school every success on Sunday. (See our preview on pages 38-44).

Don’t forget your ladder

(five years ago)

Five years ago this month, then-Taoiseach Leo Varadkar addressed the Irish people on the immediate threat posed by the emerging Covid-19 pandemic. The main concern then, and in the perilous months that followed, was for the health and welfare of our people. It was a health crisis, and very soon it was an economic one, and a wider societal nightmare.

Very quickly, sport was impacted greatly. The sporting world as we knew it came crashing down, with hundreds of sports forced to cancel competitions.

Massive international events such as the summer Olympics and Paralympics of 2020 were postponed and ultimately not held that year.

At first, the absence of competitive sporting action was a terrible blow for supporters. The only consolation was that TV companies, radio stations and podcast presenters stepped in with some creative ideas.

Suddenly, watching Alan Shearer (yes, even Alan Shearer) and Gary Lineker and other pundits such as Ian Wright and Micah Richards select their ‘Top 10s’ (players, matches, goals, etc) was a saviour for fans bereft because of the abrupt absence of live action. Suddenly, Aan Shearer was Billy Connolly (well, not quite).

Then there was a limited amount of live sport being  played ‘behind closed doors’, i.e. with no spectators present. This was very welcome, although the lack of atmosphere undoubtedly took from the viewing experience. Still, we were grateful for some competitive sport to enjoy.

When GAA club games resumed, the novelty of an Irish solution to an Irish problem brought some amusement, with photos appearing of innovative supporters (a handful at least) bringing ladders to venues and catching some of the action by glimpsing over walls. One fan even placed a ladder against the wall in St Coman’s cemetery so that he could view a game in Dr Hyde Park!

Yes, it’s not a dream… we lived through such times.

The name game…

I see that Cusack Park in Clare is to be renamed ‘Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg’. Our thoughts are with our colleagues in the local media in Clare; we are here for them at this difficult time.

Costello shines in Spain

Olivia Costello’s tremendous progress continues. The Roscommon Town golfer had a sensational week at the Women’s Spanish Amateur Championship, underlining her class.

After a fantastic run in earlier rounds, Olivia reached last Sunday’s final, where she met Nagore Martinez Salcedo of Spain.

The Roscommon golfer went two holes up after four, and led by three after the first nine. However, the home golfer began to rein Costello in, finally making it all square after 15. The duo shared holes 16 and 17 before the Spaniard won the 18th, taking the title by the narrowest of margins.

This was a wonderful performance (all week) by Olivia Costello. It was a magnificent achievement to finish runner-up in this tournament, having defeated several top players in a high-quality field.

Serial winner Higgins spanning the decades

When John Higgins won his first professional snooker tournament (1994), it was the year of OJ Simpson’s arrest, Bill Clinton was US president, the first episode of Friends was released in America, and Tony Blair was elected leader of the Labour Party in the UK.

Last weekend, Higgins became the oldest winner of a ranking tournament in 43 years, just short of his 50th birthday (in May).

Higgins defeated Joe O’Connor 10-6 in the final of the World Open, played in China. He did it in style too, winning the decisive frame with a century break.

Higgins is now the second-oldest winner of a ranking tournament in snooker history; the distinction of being oldest winner still lies with the late Ray Reardon, who was 50 when he won the Professional Players’ Tournament in 1982.

Playing to the crowd!

Here’s an annoying thing that some soccer players do (I’m sure readers will agree).

It’s a home game. Let’s say their team has been under pressure for 5/10 minutes… basically they’re being outplayed. Player X makes a good defensive tackle, or perhaps an average run forward which wins a throw, or a corner.

Then, in order to draw attention to the fact that it was their play that broke the other team’s momentum – however unspectacularly – Player X simply (but prominently) gestures to the crowd with their arms. It comes across as a rallying gesture, demanding more vocal support from the stands, while ensuring to convey the message that it was Player X who has suddenly lifted the whole team.

I’m sure there are times when this type of thing is totally genuine and heartfelt, but there are also times when it’s self-serving, opportunistic attention-seeking!

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It was a very competitive match all through.  Roscommon started well and with Tara Naughton and Sarah Dooley playing well, the visitors forged ahead. They led by 0-6 to 0-1 after 20 minutes but late in the half the home side got into the game. At half-time Roscommon led by 0-7 to 0-5.

Roscommon continued to lead throughout the third quarter with Rachel Fitzmaurice and Sally Bolger also prominent.

Kildare got in for a goal inside the final ten minutes to edge ahead, but two points from Rachel Fitzmaurice saw Roscommon go in front close to the end of the game. Then a late converted free from Kildare’s Lara Sutton brought the sides level at the final whistle.

Roscommon’s next league fixture is away against Laois on March 22nd. Roscommon’s scorers were as follows: Tara Naughton (0-5, 1 free, ’45), Sarah Dooley (0-3), Rachel Fitzmaurice (0-3), Sally Bolger (0-2).

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In darts, the annual INDO Inter-counties was held in the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, County Kerry last weekend. Roscommon had both ladies and men’s teams competing. What a weekend it turned out to be!

Our men faced a daunting task in their group, which included Kerry, Meath, Limerick and Longford. A narrow 8-5 loss to Kerry (wins for Sean Fleming (twice), David Concannon, Mick Egan and Kieran Mullen) was followed by a 9-4 defeat to Limerick (Mick Egan, Sean Fleming, Aaron Blaides and Padraig Kearney with the Roscommon wins).

A victory was needed to keep hopes of a last 16 berth alive, and an 8-5 win over neighbours Longford was just what was required.

Wins for David Concannon, Kieran McCormack, Thomas Concannon, Darren O’Brien, Mick Egan, Padraig Kearney, Kieran Mullen and Aaron Shannon ensured Roscommon stayed in contention.

Roscommon needed to beat Meath in their final game, but despite wins for Darren O’Brien, David Concannon, Aaron Blaides, Mick Egan, Kieran McCormack and Padraig Kearney, a 7-6 loss meant that Roscommon would progress to the shield event on Sunday.

Roscommon received a bye to the quarter-finals, where they would yet again meet Longford. A 7-5 win for Roscommon was built on wins for David Concannon, Darren O’Brien, Thomas Concannon, Sean Fleming and Mick Egan before Aaron Shannon hit the winning double to secure a semi-final place.

A tough Westmeath team awaited. Despite losing the first two games, Roscommon regained composure to take a 3-2 lead thanks to wins for Padraig Kearney, Sean Fleming and Thomas Concannon. Games were exchanged back and forth, as Kieran McCormack, Aaron Blaides and Darren O’Brien all played their part with wins. However, with the score tied at 6-6, it would go to a final game. Sean Finan showed great determination in overcoming a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1 to send Roscommon to the Shield Final.

In that final, Roscommon’s opponents were an experienced Carlow outfit. Roscommon were slow out of the traps, Carlow taking a 2-0 lead. Roscommon rallied, wins for David Concannon, Thomas Concannon, Sean Fleming and Mick Egan putting them 4-2 ahead. Games were exchanged on two occasions from here, with wins for Padraig Kearney and Aaron Blaides putting Roscommon 6-5 in front.

Next up was Darren O’Brien who held his nerve superbly in his first year playing county darts with Roscommon, recording a 2-1 win and sealing a national title for Roscommon on a 7-5 scoreline.

Congratulations to all players who put in the work both this year and over previous years. Special thanks to our management team of Tommy Beirne and Brendan Mullarkey for all their preparations over recent months.

Meanwhile, it was a momentous occasion for our ladies team, who after forming last year competed in the event for the first time.

Laois, Donegal and Galway awaited in an extremely tough group. A 6-1 loss to a hugely experienced Galway team (Barbara Victory with the Roscommon win), was followed by 5-2 defeats to Donegal (wins for Katie Walshe and Elaine Hannon) and Laois (wins for Barbara Victory and Jane King).

Valuable game time and experience on the main stage was gained throughout the group stages, while the ladies progressed to the Shield event on Sunday.

A bye to the quarters paired them against a strong Louth outfit. Despite going 2-0 down, the ladies showed great resolve, as wins for Katie Walshe, Elaine Hannon and Barbara Victory put them 3-2 ahead and only one point from victory. However, it was not to be as Louth edged it on a 4-3 scoreline.

Well done to out ladies team on a highly successful year. Thanks to the players and manager Martin King for all their efforts throughout the year.

Finally, as always, we extend special thanks to Hannon’s Hotel for their continued sponsorship of darts in Roscommon.

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It was a momentous week for club member Olivia Costello who reached the final of the Women’s Spanish Amateur Championship last Sunday and was only beaten on the very last green (see separate story in this issue).

Simon Walker competed in the R&A Student Tour Series in Portugal (representing Maynooth University) last weekend where he finished in the top 15.

LADIES: Winner of the 9-hole re-entry competition (18th to 24th February) was Sinead Healy with a super score of 25 points.

This week the 9-hole re-entry continues, playing holes 1 to 9. Spring League draw has been done with four teams of eight and three reserves. March is the month for foursomes with all team captains getting their pairings ready for an exciting month ahead.

SENIORS: Latest results: Winner: Peter Geraghty (30 pts); 2^nd: Jackie Kilroy (26 pts); 3rd: Michael Dolan (26 pts). 26 played and Peter Geraghty had the only deuce of the day.

MEN’S COMPETITIONS: Last weekend’s results (15-hole) were as follows… 1^st: Michael Sharkey; 2^nd: Mark Cunniffe. Our first sponsored club competition of the year was last weekend. The 17-hole re-entry event was sponsored by John Corcoran Menswear. The results were: 1^st: Tony McManus (39 pts); Category 1: Brian Cleary (37 pts); Category 2: Tom Og Reddington (37 pts); Category 3: Ger Broderick (38 pts); Gross: Cian Duggan (34 pts).

This weekend’s competition on Saturday and Sunday (17-hole) is kindly sponsored by Topline Wards.

JUNIORS: The Junior Committee will be at the clubhouse this weekend to assist with registration for the year ahead, as follows: Friday, 7th of March from 6 pm to 7.30 pm; Saturday, 8th of March from 10 am to 11.30 am. New junior members welcome.

The post Short Putts – 7/3/25 appeared first on Roscommon People.

Cora Systems Division 1 O’Rourke Cup

Woodmount: Pádraig Pearses v St Faithleach’s. 8 pm

Johnstown: Clann na nGael v Boyle. 8 pm

Strokestown: Strokestown v Michael Glaveys. 8 pm

Kiltoom: St Brigid’s v St Dominic’s. 8 pm

Doormotion Division 3 Tansey Cup

Tarmonbarry: St Barry’s v St Aidan’s. 8 pm

Saturday 8 March

Cora Systems Division 1 O’Rourke Cup

Nash Park: Western Gaels v Oran. 4.30 pm

O’Rourke Park: Castlerea St Kevin’s v Roscommon Gaels. 4.30 pm

Donnellan & Co Division 2 O’Gara Cup

Ardcarne Park: St Michael’s v Tulsk Lord Edwards. 4.30 pm

Croghan: Shannon Gaels v St Dominic’s. 4.30 pm

Orchard Park: Elphin v Fuerty. 4.30 pm

Creggs: Creggs v Éire Óg. 4.30 pm

Kiltoom: St Brigid’s v St Croan’s. 7 pm

Doormotion Division 3 Tansey Cup

Strokestown: Strokestown v Ballinameen. 7 pm

Sunday 9 March

Donnellan & Co Division 2 O’Gara Cup

Kilmore: Kilmore v Pádraig Pearses. 12.30 pm

Doormotion Division 3 Tansey Cup

O’Rourke Park: Castlerea St Kevin’s v Kilglass Gaels. 12 noon

Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v Western Gaels. 12 noon

Abbey Park: Boyle v Kilbride. 1.30 pm

The post Local GAA fixtures – 7/3/25 appeared first on Roscommon People.

Among the talented squad set to take the field against Scoil Mhuire agus Íde, Limerick, are 14 outstanding representatives from the Michael Glaveys GAA Club, who have played a crucial role in the team’s journey to this stage.

The road to the semi-final was paved with determination and resilience, highlighted by a thrilling Connacht Final victory over Glenamaddy Community School.

The weather provided the perfect backdrop for an exhilarating match, as the BCS Junior girls started strong with three early goals, establishing a commanding lead going into the second half. Glenamaddy mounted an impressive comeback, equalising with ten minutes to go, but the BCS girls held firm and secured a last-minute goal to clinch the win. The final score was BCS 6-7, GCS 5-6. This win secured their place in the All-Ireland semi-final. Congratulations to their management team – Mr Folan, Ms McGuire, and to all the players.

The Michael Glaveys contingent includes: Emma McGuire, Ruby Coggins, Caoilagh Kelly, Vivienne Gannon, Erin Hibbet, Robyn Keane, Aoife Burke, Leanne Burke, Rachel Lawless, Rachel Fleming, Emily Gormley, Sarah Ryan, Meabh Scally, and Chloe Hurley.

Guiding the team from the sidelines is coach Caroline McGuire Falls, another proud Michael Glaveys representative, whose expertise and leadership have been pivotal in preparing the players for the challenges ahead.

This semi-final appearance represents a fantastic achievement for Ballyhaunis Community School and an incredible moment for the young stars of Michael Glaveys. Their presence on the squad is a testament to the strength and depth of underage football in the club, highlighting the dedication of players, coaches, and mentors who have helped develop these talented athletes.

Local support will be vital as Ballyhaunis Community School aims to book their place in the All-Ireland final. With a strong connection to their club and community, these players will no doubt give it their all as they strive for victory. Best of luck to all involved!

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For four days every March, the normally silent hills of the Cotswolds will ring out with a cacophony of cheers, song, and some (but very few) tears. The festival opens with seventeen entries, only two British runners, in Supreme Novice Hurdle, honouring the late Micheal O’Sullivan. Willie Mullins trains odds-on favourite Kopek Des Bordes at 8/11 followed by Gordon Elliott’s Romeo Coolio, his stablemate Salvator Mundi and Dan Skelton’s The New Lion.

I fancy Romeo Coolio to give Jack Kennedy a winning start to the festival in a race with a good record for Irish runners.

In the Arkle 9 go to post and Marjborough at 8/13 looks a good thing to get JP McManus off the ground in what should be a double for Mullins.

There are 49 still in the Ultima Handicap chase where they go 8/1 the field and this is best left alone. Nicky Richards’ Famous Bridge, in the Trevor Hemmings green and white quarters will have an e/w chance.

There are fifteen in the Mares Hurdle where Mullins has the market leaders in Jade De Grugy and Lossiemouth. Nicky Henderson’s Joyeuse has been supplemented at a cost of £4,800 and JP McManus’s horse must be considered.

I opt for Lossiemouth (who is also in the Champion Hurdle) if she runs here. If not, Joyeuse. Home side is best represented by Jeremy Scott’s Golden Ace and Joyeuse.

In the big race of the day, odds-on Constitution Hill at 4/6 heads the 8-runner field with the rest headed by 3 Irish trained horses. Gordon Elliott’s Brighterdaysahead, who is missing the Mares to run here, looks the main danger at 2/1 with the WP Mullins’ trained pair Lossimouth who is still in the Mares, 11/2, and State Man, 10/1 also to be considered.

In a race with four of the best horses around taking each other on, Constitution Hill will have to be at his very best to repel the Irish challenge the best of which looks  to be Elliott’s charge, who could give Jack Kennedy a dream return to the saddle.

The Juvenile Handicap Hurdle has still 47 left in, 22 Irish trained, and is another to stick a pin in the paper. I like the look of Joseph O’Brien’s Beyond Your Dreams if he runs.

There are 29 in the National Hunt Challenge Cup for amateur riders, 11 Irish. Cromwell runs Now Is The Hour, the favourite. An Irish trained outsider with a chance is 14/1 shot Sa Majeste trained by Mullins for McManus.

My e/w Yankee selection for opening Tuesday is Romeo Coolio, Famous Bridge, Golden Ace, and Sa Majeste.

On Wednesday, there are 52 in the opening Turners Novices Hurdle. Dan Skelton’s The New Lion is 15/8 favourite, and the only home trained horse in the betting under 14/1 with four Irish trained horses behind him, three trained by Mullins and one by Elliott. The New Lion to break Ireland’s stranglehold on this race.

Of the 23 entries in the Brown Advisory Novice Chase thirteen are trained in Ireland with seven of the leading the betting headed by WP Mullins’ Ballyburn at 13/8, with stablemate Dancing City 7/2, 8/1 bar. Paul Townend’s selection to win.

This race is followed by the Coral Cup, a handicap hurdle, with 96 entries, 46 trained in Ireland, and with only 26 runners, this is normally best left alone.

Dan Skelton’s Be Aware heads the betting at 7/1 from Clouston’s Kopeck De Mee at 8/1 12/1 bar two. Kopeck to win for owner JP McManus but an Irish outsider that catches the eye if he gets a run is Lorna Fowler’s Colonel Mustard who never runs a bad race. The Glenfarclas Cross Country handicap Chase has 30 entries, 15 Irish trained but there are only 16 runners allowed. Gordon Elliott runs Galvin but the Gavin Cromwell’s Stumptown having won a handicap over the course in November is seeking a four-timer and should win here.

In this year’s Queen Mother Champion Chase with 19 entered, 12 from Ireland, Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon is one of JP McManus’s hot pots at 5/6 with 5/1 bar. He will get plenty to do from Barry Connell’s Marine Nationale and Mullins’ Energumene. Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge, on his King George run, has a great e/w chance at 20/1. The Grand Annual Chase has 46 entries, limited to 20 runners, and is wide open, and the advice is to leave this race alone. Evan Williams’ outsider Dr T J Eckleberg who is a big price and rarely runs a bad race, is a live chance if he gets in.

There are 33 entered in the Wetherby’s Champion Bumper, 18 of them Irish trained with WP Mullins having 8 and Elliott 5. With 7 of the Irish horses unbeaten there should be an Irish winner of this race again, but maybe not either of the big 2.

Gavin Cromwell, a very successful raider to Britain this season, has Champagne Jury, a winner at Nass in January and had a warm-up race over hurdles where he finished second to the odds-on Honesty Policy at Leopardstown earlier this month. Keep an eye out for top Irish amateurs riding on the card for British trainers; they would have been booked well in advance.

My e/w Yankee selection for Wednesday is Kopeck De Mee, Jonbon, Dr TJ Eckleburg and Champagne Jury.

Here’s wishing all you punters a successful week. There will be a detailed look at next Thursday and Friday’s racing in next week’s edition when all fields will be finalised before assessment unlike this week.

Upcoming meetings

Racing takes place this afternoon (Thursday) at Thurles, with first race at 2.30 pm. Tomorrow evening there is flat racing on the all-weather at Dundalk, away at 4.55 pm.

On Saturday, Irish racing takes place at Gowran Park featuring the Shamrock Handicap Chase and Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase for point-to-pointers, with first race at 2.10 pm. On Sunday, racing will be at the punters graveyard Naas where the card is sponsored by Bar One Racing featuring the Leinster National, a handicap worth €100,000, off at 2.10 pm.

Racing review

At Navan last Saturday, the Grade 3 Flyingbolt Novice Chase was won by the Willie Mullins trained and Paul Townend ridden Champ Kiely at odds-on. No such luck for the connections with El Fabiolo, 4/11, who was beaten by 50/1 shot Senecia in the Grade 2 Webster Cup Chase.

Racing news

Watch out for the Gilligan family from Craughwell in Co Galway, as four members of the family could be in action at the festival.

Trainer Paul sends over three horses and sons Danny, Jack, and Ollie could have rides in Cheltenham.

Danny is one of Gordon Elliott’s jockeys, Jack will ride his father’s horses, and Ollie, a young amateur claimer, could ride his father’s horse Tradonthebay in the bumper. A fourth brother Liam trains point-to-pointers at home in Craughwell. Paul trained a festival winner with his first festival runner in 2017 when Bertie’s Dream won the Albert Bartlett, ridden by Andrew Lynch.

Gabriel Leenders’ French trained Gold Tweet will not run at the Cheltenham Festival next week. The 8-Y-O was a surprise winner of the Cleeve Hurdle on Festival Trials day in 2023 and finished 8th in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Festival. He was in three races, the Ultima, the Coral Cup and the Stayers’ Hurdle, for a second time.

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