Herald Editorial: Rossies on the crest of a wave

Roscommon supporters have every reason to be buzzing with excitement at the moment.

This evening (Friday) in Tuam, the county’s minor footballers face Galway in the Connacht Final. On Sunday, attention switches to King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park where Mark Dowd’s men will be aiming to stop Galway getting their hands on the Nestor Cup for the fifth successive time.

Should both Roscommon teams come through victorious - following the U20 footballers’ thrilling Connacht final win over Mayo in Tuam - it would complete a remarkable hattrick of provincial titles across three grades in the space of just over a week.

Those pending results aside, it does feel like the Rossies are riding on the crest of a wave at the moment – that sense of anticipation being bolstered by the U-20 footballers’ upcoming All-Ireland semi-final clash against Kerry.

On Sunday, Roscommon will be chasing a first provincial senior title on home turf since 2001. Expectations have certainly risen since the team’s magnificent semi-final victory against Mayo in Castlebar, and Hyde Park will be alive with colour and noise.

Beyond the football, this big game will deliver a welcome economic boost to Roscommon Town, with local businesses benefitting from the influx of supporters.

Time and again, Roscommon football continues to punch above its weight. For a county with a modest population, consistently competing with the bigger counties is no small achievement.

Roscommon can also be portrayed in Connacht as the poor relations sometimes when it comes to football matters - living in the shadow of its more decorated neighbours.

However, this week reminds everyone that pride, tradition and ambition run deep. Success on the field lifts the mood of a county, sparks conversation in homes, shops and pubs, and gives communities something to rally around.

And of course, none of this happens by accident. The road to progress involves lots of hard work, significant investment and dedication by all involved, not least the players themselves. Great credit is due to Roscommon GAA, Club Rossie, coaches and sponsors who are all creating an environment to allow success to flourish.

Across minor, U 20 and senior level, the Primrose & Blue is flying at the moment - long may the joy our players are bringing continue.