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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Roscommon 2-21 Cork 0-13

After a miserable day in Navan six days previously, Roscommon footballers put their promotion bid firmly back on track with an impressive and comprehensive win against Cork at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday night last.

A tentative enough first-half display from Davy Burke’s men was followed by a superb second-half performance as Roscommon were razor-sharp up front, looking dangerous whenever they were on the attack. Ben O’Carroll was back in the starting line-up and he looked back to his best, scoring 1-3. Meanwhile, Conor Hand continues to enhance his reputation.

Enda Smith was once again commanding around the middle of the field while Diarmuid Murtagh was unerring from the placed ball and Shane Cunnane turned in a fine display all through. It was also good to see Niall Daly back on the field (as a late sub). He weighed in with his customary long-range point in the final seconds.

In contrast, Cork were very wasteful and although they had plenty of possession they missed many chances over the course of the match. Their total of 13 wides to Roscommon’s three tells its own tale. In truth they were well beaten in the end.

Páirc Uí Chaoimh is a magnificent venue. After the drama of the Cork/Kilkenny hurling match that was on beforehand there was a low-key start to this game. Cork were competitive in the opening quarter and by the 16th minute they led by 0-5 to 0-3. Those scores for the home side came from Mark Cronin with four points (one two-pointer) and Conor O’Mahony.

A Robbie Dolan score, a cracking point from Ben O’Carroll, and a converted ’45 from Conor Hand kept Roscommon ticking over before the visitors had a purple patch, scoring six points with reply. A mark from the excellent Shane Cunnane, four points from Diarmuid Murtagh frees (one two-pointer) and another smart point from Ben O’Carroll saw Roscommon lead by 0-9 to 0-5 after 29 minutes.

Diarmuid Murtagh (free) and Mark Cronin exchanged two-pointers, and when Conor Hand pointed in the final seconds it meant Roscommon were ahead by 0-12 to 0-8 at half-time.

Roscommon were much more assured and clinical in the second half. Points from Ultan Harney, a two-pointer from the lively Conor Hand, and another Ben O’Carroll score helped them into a 0-16 to 0-11 lead by the 43rd minute.

In the 48th minute Ciarán Lennon was tripped in the Cork penalty area and Enda Smith converted the resultant penalty and now Roscommon were eight points to the good. Another excellent two-pointer from play from Hand extended the lead in the 54th minute, and the two league points were in the bag at that stage.

Cork did have plenty of possession but they missed chance after chance. Indeed they hit the crossbar twice late on. Sub Sean Powter’s shot went over after hitting the woodwork in the 58th minute while Brian O’Driscoll’s effort struck the crossbar and went out wide in the 65th minute.

Roscommon punished those misses ruthlessly. In the 64th minute Rory Maguire attempted to pass the ball back to his goalkeeper (not allowed under the new rules) and when the ball was pinched by Ben O’Carroll he made no mistake from close-range for Roscommon’s second goal.

There was a welcome sight late on as Niall Daly returned to action from the bench and the last play of the game saw the Padraig Pearses man shoot over from long-range (he was denied a two-pointer as Cork goalkeeper Doyle got a hand to the ball as it headed over).

This was a very satisfying win for Roscommon who now face Cavan at home and Westmeath away in their final two league games. A win in one of those fixtures should guarantee promotion and a place in the Division Two final.

Putting up a big score again will have pleased manager Davy Burke and his selectors and with the likes of Brian Stack, Conor Daly and Eddie Nolan still to return, the squad is taking shape ahead of the championship which is now only a few weeks away.

Note: This was the first time I had been to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh since it was refurbished. It is a superb venue with excellent facilities for supporters and the media alike.

Teams & scorers

Scoring key: tp = two-pointer from play; tpf = two-point free

Roscommon: Conor Carroll; Pearse Frost, John McManus, Niall Higgins; Shane Cunnane (0-1, mark), David Murray, Robbie Dolan (0-1); Enda Smith (1-0, pen), Keith Doyle; Ben O’Carroll (1-3), Ultan Harney (0-1), Conor Hand (0-6, 1 tp, 1 ‘45); Diarmuid Murtagh (0-7, 2 tpf, 2 frees), Cian McKeon, Ciarán Lennon. Subs: Ciaráin Murtagh (0-1, free) for McKeon (35); Ronan Daly for McManus (46), Eddie Nolan for Harney (52), Niall Daly (0-1) for Dolan (67).

Cork: Patrick Doyle; Sean Brady, Daniel O’Mahony, Neil Lordan; Brian O’Driscoll, Rory Maguire, Mattie Taylor; Ian Maguire, Colm O’Callaghan (0-1, free); Paul Walsh (0-1), Tommy Walsh (0-1); Sean McDonnell; Mark Cronin (0-8, I tpf, 1tp, 3 frees, 1 mark), Chris Og Jones, Cathal O’Mahony (0-1). Subs: Sean Powter (0-1) for Walsh (43), Ruairi Deane for O’Mahony (45), Sean Walsh for McDonnell (59), Conor Cahalane for Paul Walsh (60), Hugh O’Connor for Chris Og Jones (68).

Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick).

Stat Attack

Wides: Roscommon 3 (2, first half); Cork 13 (4, first half)

Red cards: 0

Black cards: 0

Yellow cards: Roscommon 1 (John McManus); Cork 0

Attendance: 5,000 (approx)

Man of the Match: Enda Smith (Roscommon)

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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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Mayo 3-25 Roscommon 1-12

Roscommon hurlers suffered their heaviest defeat of their league campaign in Tooreen last Sunday when they went down by a whopping 19-point margin to Mayo in what was a one-sided match, especially in the second half.

This result means that Kevin Sammon’s side will have to win at least one of their remaining games against Cavan or Sligo to stay in the division.

Roscommon competed reasonably well in the opening half with the wind at their backs and Cathal Kenny’s early goal gave the visitors a boost. But Roscommon were struggling to build up a lead, and after Mayo knocked over six points without reply a half-time scoreline of Mayo 0-11 Roscommon 1-6 did not bode well for the visitors who had to face the elements in that second period.

As it was, Mayo ran riot in the second half, with full-forward Cormac Phillips lethal in front of the posts, scoring 2-8 on the day. Liam Lavin scored the third Mayo goal. In fact Roscommon’s best player on the day was their goalkeeper Enda Lawless who prevented an even heavier defeat with several excellent saves.

The result is a worry for Roscommon as they face Mayo in the Nicky Rackard Cup in a few weeks time. Before that, they face a ‘must-win’ game against Cavan in the league this Saturday at 2 pm at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park.

Mayo: Bobby Douglas (0-1, free); Conor Murray, Oisin Greally (0-1), Conal Hession; Simon Thomas, David Kenny, Mark Phillips; Danny Huane (0-1), Kevin McDermott (0-2); Joe Burke, Sean Kenny, John Heraty; Liam Lavin (1-3), Cormac Phillips (2-8), Shane Boland (0-6, frees). Subs: Ryan Duffy (0-2) for S Kenny (14), Jack Trench for M Phillips (43), Matt Farrell (0-1) for S Kenny (52), Eoin Heraty for John Heraty (64).

Roscommon: Enda Lawless; Darragh Finn, James Dillon, Tom Gilmore; James Donnelly, Conor Cosgrave (0-4, 3 frees, ’65), Micheal Hussey; Ryan Conlon, Jack Dowling (0-1); Jack McGahon, Conall Kennelly, Cian Murray (0-3); Ben McGahon (0-1, free), Conor Mulry (0-1), Cathal Kenny (1-2). Subs: Brian Lawlor for J McGahon (h/t), Eoin Kiernan for B McGahon (h/t), Brendan Mulry for Kenny (h/t), Matthew Comerford for Cosgrove (54), Trevor Fallon for Conlon (61).

Referee: Niall Malone (Clare).

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Cork began well but with Shane Cunnane, Enda Smith and Conor Hand playing well Roscommon came into the game as the half progressed and at half-time the visitors led 0-12 to 0-8.
Goals from an Enda Smith penalty and Ben O’Carroll saw Davy Burke’s side pull away to win by 14 points.

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Cork kept Roscommon at arm’s length in the second half and ran out comfortable winners in the end. Roscommon play Tipperary and Westmeath in their final two league games. Today, Helena Cummins, Laura Mannion and Aisling Hanly were prominent on the day for Roscommon.

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What originally looked like a tricky trip to the banks of the River Lee on Saturday, March the 1st when the fixtures were first drawn up has now assumed critical importance for Roscommon footballers as the race for promotion to Division One has really heated up following last weekend’s results.

This time last week Roscommon were cruising along at the top of Division Two, with much praise being heaped on their style of play. However, one week and a substandard display later, the Rossies now find themselves third on the table (on scoring difference) with a battle ahead of them.

What makes this fixture even more interesting is that Cork, who have been very inconsistent so far, can draw level on the table with Roscommon if they win this clash. So it’s a very big game for them too.

Roscommon were well off their best against Meath and they will have to rediscover the energy and appetite for hard work that we saw in the opening three rounds. It is hoped that at least some of their injured players like Niall Daly, Eddie Nolan and Brian Stack might be back, which would be very welcome.

Roscommon’s attacking threat was there for all to see in the opening three games but it is a worry that Meath were able to virtually shut that down last Sunday and Davy Burke and his selectors will have to find a way to get Roscommon back on the front foot this Saturday. We cannot be depending on Diarmuid and Ciáráin Murtagh to win every game.

Cork are a very unpredictable side. Last weekend they were well beaten by Monaghan, conceding 3-16, and they have also lost to Down by a point (1-19 to 2-15). The Rebels have beaten Westmeath in a high-scoring encounter (3-18 to 3-17) and it is also interesting to note that they defeated Meath by 2-19 to 0-21 in round one. That result should be warning enough for Roscommon. We saw how good Meath were last Sunday.

One thing that’s clear from those results is that Cork are well able to rack up a big score. That said, they look vulnerable at the back and that is something that the Roscommon backroom team will be working on this week. But make no mistake Cork will not be easy to beat on their home turf.

Roscommon fans who are making the long trip south on Saturday can watch out for Daniel O’Mahony, Rory Maguire, top scorer Mark Cronin, Chris Óg Jones and Cathal O’Mahony.

Roscommon manager Davy Burke said after last Sunday’s loss to Meath that they would seek to ‘freshen up’ the team for this weekend, so players like Cathal Heneghan, Ben O’Carroll and Conor Cox might well feature on the starting 15.

Roscommon did not become a bad team overnight but they will have to work hard and play to their strengths if they are to get back on the winning trail. This is likely to be another high-scoring game. Roscommon are well capable of coming out on top by a few points.

Prediction: Roscommon.

Update: 11.44 am, Friday, February 28th, 2025

Manager Davy Burke has made four changes from the starting 15 against Meath, for Saturday’s Allianz National League match against Cork with David Murray, Robbie Dolan, Conor Hand and Ciaran Lennon coming into the team at the expense of Ruaidhrí Fallon, Dylan Ruane, Ronan Daly and Donie Smith.

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