Roscommon’s Connacht semi-final opponents will be Mayo, who recovered from a poor start to defeat Leitrim on Sunday by 2-15 to 0-10. Roscommon and Mayo will now meet this Sunday in Dr. Hyde Park (1.30 pm).
Having had two weeks since the league game against Cavan to prepare for the game against Mayo, Roscommon manager Anthony Cunningham says that while it has been tough on the players in the current situation, he is very happy with the effort and the level of commitment being shown by the players.
“The weather has really turned bad over the past few weeks and it is not easy for the players to be travelling to training, but I have nothing but the highest of respect for the commitment that they are giving. They are putting in such a huge effort to bring people a bit of enjoyment. They are fantastic young men and remember that they are not professionals. But they are putting in a huge effort and one could only admire them for what they are doing”.
Needless to say Anthony knows what Roscommon will face next Sunday. “Look, we were thinking that this fixture might well take place from the time the draw was made and now it’s a reality. Mayo have been the second best team in the country for the last decade and are a fantastic team. But it is brilliant to be playing in these big matches. It is a huge challenge for us but I have to say it can’t come quickly enough”.
Anthony says that he will (hopefully) have a full squad to pick from as Conor Daly has recovered from the injury he sustained against Armagh.
“We have a full side to pick from thankfully which is great, but you never know what can happen in training – but fingers crossed we hope to have everyone in contention for a starting place”.
