Carroll opens new Elphin stand; adult and underage football championships take centre stage
Pictured at the opening of the new stand in Orchard Park, Elphin, which was performed by Roscommon GAA Chairperson, Brian Carroll, on Saturday last were (l-r): Martin Travers, Elphin GAA Club Chairperson; Brian Carroll, special guest; Noel Collins, Elphin GAA Club President, and Una Killoran, Elphin GAA Club Secretary.
LGFA: The U-14 Division One team will play Four Road on August 5th in the Abbey Park at 7 p.m.. The U-14 Division Four team meet St. Michael’s/St. Ronan’s in Cootehall on Wednesday, August 6th, at 7 p.m.. The U-19 girls will play St. Ciaran’s on Thursday next in the Abbey Park at 7 p.m.. The senior ladies play St. Ciaran’s in Fuerty on Sunday morning at 11 a.m..
CAMOGIE: The Boyle U-12 Leopards play Tulsk on August 5th in Tulsk at 7 p.m..
SENIOR FOOTBALLERS: The McGovern sponsored senior men’s football team made a great start to the senior football championship with a good 2-13 to 0-15 win against Roscommon Gaels on Friday evening (see match report, page 11). The Cooney Motors sponsored junior men’s team were unfortunate to lose out to St. Ronan’s, 0-12 to 0-10, in the first round of the Junior A championship on Sunday afternoon.
PADDY CONLON, RIP: A former Boyle GAA player, Mr Paddy Conlon, passed away in January of this year in England. The Conlon family is returning to Boyle on Saturday, August 9th for a Memorial Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Boyle, at 10 a.m..
WEDDING BELLS: Kilbride GAA Club extends its heartfelt congratulations to Tara Taylor on her recent marriage to Kevin O'Connor. Tara has been a hugely influential figure around the club’s ladies’ footballers team over the years. Her dedication, leadership, and spirit have made a lasting impact both on and off the pitch.
U-14 FOOTBALLERS: The U-14 footballers were defeated 7-7 to 5-9 by St. Dominic’s in the Division Two Championship in Knockcroghery on Friday evening. Kilbride showed flashes of brilliance in a game that swung back and forth before St. Dominic’s edged it with a late surge. Goals from Senan Lohan, Marcus Mahon and Ben McHugh (2) put Kilbride in control, although their 4-5 to 2-3 interval advantage wasn’t as commanding as it should have been. Turning around into a stiff breeze, Kilbride struggled to maintain their scoring rhythm. Nevertheless, they showed grit, with James O’Neill bagging a crucial goal and adding to a tally of 1-4. But St. Dominic’s found their stride and sealed a four-point victory.
MINOR FOOTBALLERS: The Kilbride minor footballers were edged out, 2-14 to 1-16, in a fiercely contested fixture against Elphin/Ballinameen at Orchard Park, Elphin. Luke Shally was his side’s scorer-in-chief during the opening half, but Kilbride trailed at the break, 1-8 to 0-10. Heartbreak came in the final minutes as Elphin/Ballinameen struck their second goal. Kilbride responded with a late free, but a final wide meant that the comeback fell just short. Kilbride: Cian Hayes, Joshua Donlon, Pierce Fannon, Harry Waldron, Dara Kelleher, Jack Lally, Eoin Kelleher, Brendan Tully, Cian Trimble, Luke Hayes (0-1), Marc Shally (0-1), Aaron Bracken (1-2), Mark Fox, David Cox, Luke Shally (0-11, five frees). Substitutions: Tomás Lohan for Eoin Kelleher (42 mins).
INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALLERS: The Kilbride intermediate footballers were defeated by Strokestown in the opening round of the intermediate championship in Kilbride on Friday evening (see match report, page 14).
LGFA NEWS: After a quiet week, this week ahead is much busier with several teams in action. The intermediate ladies’ footballers begin their championship campaign next Sunday with an away game against St. Croan’s at 11 a.m.. Best of luck to Ollie, his management team and, of course, the players. The U-19s face Shannon Gaels in Croghan on Thursday evening at 7 p.m.. The U-14s are away against St. Michael’s/St. Ronan’s in Ballyfarnon at 7 p.m.. The U-12s are at home to St. Dominic’s in Kilbride on Sunday evening at 6 p.m.. The U-8s are looking forward to taking part in the refixed blitz at Mulhern Park, which is being hosted by St. Ciaran’s, next Thursday.
COUNTY FINAL: Hard luck to the U-15 footballers who suffered a heavy defeat to St. Gabriel’s in the county final on Tuesday evening. Despite the loss, the team gave everything on the pitch. Thanks to all who came out to support.
U-11 BLITZ: Well done to the U-11s who played in the Ballygar Carnival Blitz. Northern Gaels fielded two teams of ten and both teams came home with the cups. Well done to everyone on their super performances and great team work.
OTHER NEWS: The U-14 footballers play Corofin B in the championship quarter-final on Friday evening in Corofin at 6.30 p.m.. Keep an eye on the club’s Facebook page and WhatsApp groups for further fixtures and training schedules.
U-14 BOYS: The U-14 boys had the honour of playing the first underage football game on the new pitch in Rockfield. It was a lovely evening for football, and although the lads were beaten by a very good Kilmore/Shannon Gaels team, it was a great occasion for everyone in Oran to finally get back to playing on the main pitch after two years. Everything looked so well — new goals, fencing and, of course, the “Prunty Pitch” in immaculate condition. The last two years would have been very difficult if Oran hadn’t access to the fantastic facilities of St. Croan’s in Enfield. A sincere thank you to St. Croan’s for all their help. It is hoped these young lads will have many good days on the pitch in Rockfield for many years to come.
U-16 BOYS: The Oran/St. Croan’s U-16 boys’ team lost out by the narrowest of margins to Kilglass/St. Barry's in Enfield on Monday evening. The visitors started the better with three points before Donnacha Sweeney finished off a great move to bury the ball in the back of the net after great work from Darragh Kelly and James Murray. Coman Shaughnessy and Darragh Kelly kicked a point apiece before the visitors pounced for a goal from the penalty spot. The home team hit a purple patch through Donnacha Sweeney, who kicked an excellent point, and Dan Monaghan, who scored a great individual goal, leaving two points between the sides at half time. The second half was equally as tight, with both teams having plenty of chances. The home side were well served at the back with Martyn Bikoi, Evan Fetherstone and John Garvey prominent throughout. Makeshift goalkeeper James O'Connor had a fine game, pulling off an outstanding save in the second half. Oisín Finan, Ciarán Cunnane, Coman Shaughnessy and Dan Monaghan completed the scoring but Oran/St. Croan’s just came up short by the narrowest of margins.
MINOR FOOTBALLERS: The Oran/St. Croan’s U-18 team recovered from the previous week’s setback to record a thoroughly deserved and comprehensive victory over Clann na nGael in Enfield in the Division One championship on Tuesday evening. The lads set the tone early with two outstanding goals from Rory Kelly and Rory Connolly to put them into the driving seat. To Clann’s credit, they orchestrated a penalty, but it was brilliantly saved by excellent goalkeeper, Nathan Flynn. It was a superb team performance with Eoin Collins in wonderful form, hitting long-range frees that kept the visitors at arm's length for the rest of the game. Everyone contributed to a brilliant display, including the subs who made sure that the home side won the two points on offer to gather momentum for the upcoming third round of the championship.
SENIOR FOOTBALLERS: After a two-year hiatus from Rockfield, Oran were delighted to host Castlerea St. Kevin’s in the first round of the senior football championship on Sunday. A huge thanks to everyone who helped prepare the grounds and to the stewards who helped out on the day. Oran prevailed by 3-23 to 3-10 (see match report, page 10).
LOTTO: The lotto jackpot stands at €17,700. To be in with a chance of winning, either purchase a ticket at a local business or follow the club’s social media channels.
FIXTURES: Tuesday, August 5th, U-14 girls v Northern Harps in Croghan at 7 p.m.. Thursday, August 7th, U-19 ladies v Kilbride in Croghan at 7 p.m.; KSG (Kilmore/Shannon Gaels) U-18 Division Three v Tulsk in Tulsk at 7 p.m.. Saturday, August 9th, junior ladies v St. Dominic’s in Croghan at 7 p.m.. Sunday, August 10th, U-12 girls v Strokestown in Croghan at 6 p.m..
50/50 DRAW: Play online now via the Shannon Gaels App or pick up an envelope from any of the club’s local businesses. The draw takes place every Sunday evening live on Facebook. Last weekend’s winner was Conal Tyre from Derry, who won €1,425.
SPONSORSHIP: A big thank you to sponsors, Cryan's Hotel, Noel Feeney Agricultural Consultants, FRS Farm Services, and KDM Homes, proud supporters of the men's intermediate team. The club is truly grateful to these businesses for their continued support and generosity. In the coming weeks, as other club teams begin their championship campaigns, Shannon Gaels looks forward to introducing the sponsors behind each of them.
LADIES’ CHAMPIONSHIP: The club’s adult ladies’ footballers will begin their 2025 intermediate championship campaign with a long trip to Woodmount to play Padraig Pearses on Saturday evening. The girls will be looking to go one step further than last year, but they will face a tough challenge against a Pearses side that won the junior grade last year. The club wishes the team the best of luck (see preview, page 2).
REALITY CHECK FOR MEN'S TEAM: The adult men’s team were soundly beaten by a strong and well-assembled Creggs side in the opening round of the intermediate football championship in Tarmonbarry on Saturday evening (see match report, page 13). The team are away to Tulsk in two weeks’ time. Team: Oisín Fallon, Eoin Halpin, Nathan Beirne, Scott Kidd, Cathal Connellan (0-1), Pauric Halpin, Trevor Murtagh, Shane McGarry, Ciarán McCormack, John McLoughlin, Eoghan Diffley (0-3), Conor Mulrennan Diarmuid Walsh, Cian Quinn (0-1), Emmett Burke. Subs used: John Murtagh (0-1), Rian Murphy, Cillian Campbell.
RESULTS: Well done to the U-10 girls who competed in a blitz against Castlerea during the week. Keep up the great work girls. The St. Croan’s/Oran U-16 Division Two team were defeated by Kilglass/St. Barry’s by the narrowest of margins, 2-13 to 2-12. Well done to the St. Croan’s/Oran minor boys’ team who defeated Clann na nGael on a scoreline of 2-20 to 1-7. Both St. Croan’s/Oran U-14 boys’ teams were in action last week. The Division Four team were defeated by Kilmore/Shannon Gaels, and the Division Two team were defeated by Kilglass/St. Barry’s. The U-19 girls’ team defeated St. Michael’s/St. Ronan’s on a scoreline of 4-16 to 3-7. They have finished their group games with two wins and a draw. Well done to the girls. The junior men’s football team kicked off their championship campaign against St. Joseph’s. It was a one-sided affair with St. Croan’s winning by 1-24 to 0-2. Well done to the U-12 girls who played St. Dominic’s. They are improving every week. Well done girls.
FIXTURES: St. Croan’s/Oran U-14 girls v St. Mary’s in Rockfield on Tuesday, August 5th, at 7 p.m.. St. Croan’s/Oran U-12 boys v Castlerea St. Kevin’s in Castlerea on Tuesday, August 5th, at 7 p.m.. LGFA U-10 Blitz v St. Brigid’s in Kiltoom on Saturday, August 9th (time to be confirmed). LGFA Intermediate Championship v Kilbride in Enfield on Sunday, August 10th, at 11 a.m..
PITCH FUNDRAISER: Support for the pitch development fundraiser would be appreciated where you could be the lucky winner of ten Aberdeen Angus calves, or €4,000 cash alternative. Tickets can be purchased from any executive members.
SENIOR FOOTBALLERS: The Kilduff Construction sponsored senior footballers were defeated by Clann na nGael, 2-12 to 1-8, in the opening round of the championship in Johnstown on Friday evening (see match report, page 7). The next game is against St. Faithleach’s in Knockcroghery on Sunday, August 17th, at 2 p.m..
LGFA NEWS: The U-14 girls showed great skill to come out on top in their first game of this year’s championship away to St. Barry’s on Thursday last. The Roscommon Leisure Zone sponsored senior and junior ladies begin their championship campaigns this weekend. The junior ladies are away to Shannon Gaels on Saturday, August 9th, at 7 p.m.. The senior ladies visit St. Brigid’s in Kiltoom on Sunday at 11 a.m.. Both teams are wished every success. Thanks to Roscommon Leisure Zone for their sponsorship.
CAMOGIE: The U-10 camogie team hosted Four Roads, Pádraig Pearses, Roscommon Gaels, and St. Oliver Plunkett’s from Mullingar in a fantastic blitz on Monday last. The U-14 camogie team recorded a great win against Carrick-on-Shannon in the third round of the championship. The girls produced an excellent display of teamwork and skill in a fast and competitive game of camogie. Well done to the team and management.
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP: The Joe Simon Home Garden and Build sponsored intermediate men’s football team kicked off their championship campaign against a strong Tulsk side in Ardcarne Park on Sunday (see match report, page 13). Tulsk started brightly, leading by 0-5 to 0-1 early on, but goals from Brian Reynolds and Fiachra Henry catapulted St. Michael’s into a 2-6 to 0-11 half-time lead. The visitors struck two quick points after the break and used their experience to edge ahead on a final scoreline of 1-21 to 2-10. There were plenty of positives to take ahead of the road trip to Creggs on Saturday, August 16th.
UNDERAGE GAA: The U-16 boys made their second trip of the year to Ballyforan where they overturned their earlier league defeat to St. Aidan's with their finest performance of the season — this time recording a convincing victory over their hosts. The minor footballers, boosted by the return of some of their walking wounded, welcomed Roscommon Gaels to Ardcarne Park on Tuesday evening and were unfortunate not to keep the points at home. A productive opening half saw St. Michael’s/St. Ronan’s hold a six-point lead at the interval, 3-4 to 0-7. The Gaels regained parity in the third quarter and edged ahead in the final stages to win by two points on a full-time scoreline of 3-15 to 4-10. In a week when goals were plentiful, the U-14 Division Four boys’ team shared ten with Boyle in a keenly contested affair in Ballyfarnon, with the visitors emerging on top on a 5-15 to 5-7 scoreline. Meanwhile, the Division Two team fought bravely in defeat against a formidable Pádraig Pearses outfit. The championship takes a break for the next fortnight with the club’s teams returning to action on August 19th to 22nd.
LGFA NEWS: The U-16 girls travelled to Johnstown on Tuesday last to open their championship campaign against Clann na nGael. A cracking encounter ensued over the course of the hour where both teams enjoyed periods of dominance. Thankfully, it was the visitors that registered the crucial late scores to take the spoils on a full-time scoreline of St. Michael’s/St. Ronan's 4-16, Clann na nGael 4-14. The U-19 ladies hosted St. Croan’s in their final group game at Ardcarne Park on Wednesday evening. A youthful side produced plenty of moments of quality in another encouraging performance but the more experienced visitors finished strongly to win on by 4-16 to 3-7. The U-14 girls take centre stage next week, with the Division Two team hosting their league conquerors, Kilbride, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5th, in Ballyfarnon. The Division Four team play Boyle on Wednesday, August 6th, in Ardcarne Park at 7 p.m.. Best of luck to the club’s representatives on Roscommon U-13 PDP teams that will take part in the Connacht Regional Blitz in Bekan on Saturday, August 9th. Best of luck to the junior ladies’ football panel and management who commence their championship journey on Sunday, August 10th, against Pádraig Pearses in Ballyfarnon at 11 a.m.. Support is welcome.
EXHIBITION GAME: Well done to the U-10 boys who played the Tulsk U-10s before and at half time during the intermediate championship game on Sunday afternoon last. It was a great experience for all the boys who played excellent football. Well done also to the U-8 boys who took part in a Go Games Blitz in Orchard Park, Elphin, on Saturday.
FUNDRAISING DRAW: Roscommon LGFA runs an annual confined fortnightly fundraising draw. Each club is allocated a number of tickets to sell in support of this initiative. The club had a winner last year, Aisling Bruen. There are prizes of €500 every fortnight — winner receives €350 and the selling club receives €150. Tickets cost €50 each. Entry includes all 26 draws throughout the year. Tickets can be purchased individually or shared among multiple people. To purchase a ticket, please contact any of the following: Dawn O'Connor, Emma Fallon, Jenny Bruen or Agnes Dowd. Payment by cash or Revolut.
ARDCARNE COMMUNITY GAMES: Ardcarne will be represented at the Cairn provincial finals in Athlone on Saturday, August 9th. The following athletes from the club will be involved — Saoirse Cox, U-12 100 metres; Thomas Sharkey, U-12 600 metres; Robyn McGarry, U-14 200 metres; Eleanor Reilly, U-14 800 metres; Nikita Masyutin, U-14 800 metres. All the athletes are wished every success.
SYMPATHY: Club members send their deepest condolences to the family of the late Tom Moran, Fourmilehouse, including his brothers, Michael and Charles. The club also extends its sympathy to the family of the late Berna Glynn (nee Lane), Dublin and late of Fostra, Knockvicar.
The junior footballers defeated Boyle, 0-12 to 0-10, in the first round of the Junior A championship in Kilronan Park on Sunday last. Having trailed by 0-8 to 0-3 at half time, a much-improved second-half performance saw St. Ronan’s earn a deserved two-point victory. The next game is in two weeks’ time against St. Croan’s in Enfield.
LOTTO: There was no winner of the lotto jackpot in last weekend’s draw. Consolation prizes were won by the following: €70 Julie Kilbride, c/o Killoran’s; €30, Stephen Sheeran, Ballyfarnon; €20, Patsy Daly, Glan, Arigna; €20, Gillian Devitt, Lurgan, Ballyfarnon; €20, Patrick Duignan, Geevagh. The jackpot for the draw on Sunday evening stands at €13,700. Enter the draw online at www.stronansgaa.ie. Simply enter four numbers between 1 and 30 along with payment details, and the club will do the rest.
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP: The club's PB Networks sponsored intermediate footballers got their championship campaign off to a winning start with a 1-21 to 2-10 win over St. Michael's on Sunday. Team: S. Martin, N. McNamara, J. Brady, K. Jennings, G. Callaghan (0-2), E. Flynn (0-1), D. Gaughan (0-3), Thomas O'Rourke (0-4), Tadhg O'Rourke (1-1), C. O'Rourke, D. Connolly (0-4), D. McNamara (0-4), P. Scott, R. Larkin (0-2), T. Murray. Subs used: C. Hussey, D. O'Rourke, J. Egan. Round Two versus St. Barry's is fixed for Saturday, August 16th, at 6 p.m. in Tulsk. Round Three versus Creggs is fixed for Saturday, August 30th, at 6 p.m. in Knockcroghery.
SYMPATHY: The club extends its deepest sympathy to Geraldine and the extended Beattie family on the passing of Geraldine’s mother, Bridie, recently. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.
RESULTS: The Hodson Bay Hotel Group Senior Football Championship and the King and Moffatt Junior A Football Championship kicked off last weekend. Unfortunately, there were no points on the board for both Western Gaels teams, despite good football being produced on both evenings. On Friday, the Western Gaels senior footballers were beaten by Micheal Glaveys in Nash Park, 1-20 to 2-15 (see match report, page 9). Team P. Gaynor (0-8), E. Nolan, A. Beirne, L. Kennedy, D. Higgins, S. McDermott, J. Higgins, A. Dowd, F. Cregg (1-0), L. Hester (0-1), C. Cregg (0-1), R. Hester (0-2), T.J. Hannon, K. Higgins (1-2), O. Ward. Subs: J. McDonnell, B. Creighton (0-1), O. Hester. On Saturday evening, the junior team travelled to Johnstown for their opening game against Clann na nGael but were beaten on a scoreline of 1-13 to 0-13. Team: N. Gaffrey, D. Carney, T. Devine, T. Drury, T. McCann (0-1), D. Ryan, B. Cafferky (0-1), A. Durr (0-2), D. Dowd, D. Cafferky (0-1), T. Gill, C. Flanagan, S. Ryan (0-2), E. Harrington (0-2), R. Higgins (0-3). Subs: C. Harrington (0-1), D. Kennedy. Round Two fixtures will take place on the weekend of August 15th/16th. Details on the club’s social media pages.
LOTTO: There was no winner of the lotto jackpot in the draw on August 2nd. €20 winners were Amanda Finn, Pat Murphy, Derek McDermott, Fergal Flynn, and Adrian Hardiman. The jackpot will be €3,900 for the draw on Saturday next, August 9th. Tickets are available online through Clubforce, the Clubforce app or from local outlets. Online ticket sales will close at 8.30 p.m. on Saturday evening.
SYMPATHY: The club extends its condolences to the McGarry family on the recent passing of Nuala McGarry, formerly of Demesne, Frenchpark.
