Castlerea crowned minor football champions, Barry's ladies reach Connacht final
Joint Castlerea St. Kevin's minor football captains, James Hawkshaw, Jamie Dowd and Kevin Hester, receive the cup from Miko Kenny, Connacht Gold (competition sponsor), and Shay Galvin, Roscommon Minor Board Chairperson, after their side were crowned Division One minor football champions against Pádraig Pearses in Enfield. Picture: Gerard O'Loughlin
VOLUNTEERS NIGHT: The club is holding a volunteers' night out on this Saturday in the O'Rourke Centre at 7 p.m.. There will be food, music and fun on the night.
MINOR CHAMPIONS: Congratulations to the minor football panel and management that won the Division One championship title against Pádraig Pearses in Enfield on Saturday (see match report). A huge thanks to manager Noel Curran and his management team who have secured back-to-back minor titles for the club. It is a massive achievement. The club is very proud of the team and management. Supporters welcomed the team home on Saturday evening where there were bonfires at Lisliddy Cross and O’Rourke Park. Thanks to all the parents, supporters and anybody who helped out in any way.
LOTTO: There was no winner of the lotto jackpot in last weekend’s draw. Lucky dip winners were Gemma Towey, Des Egan, Ruairi O’Connell, Karl Freyne and Emer Conlon. Next week’s jackpot stands at €6,100 for the draw in McGourty’s Bar.
FUNDRAISER: Thank you to everyone who has sponsored a seat so far. Those who would like to make a make a donation or sponsor a seat should contact any member of the executive or Aidan Brady on 087 9188293. Help Elphin GAA Club to build on the excellent progress of recent years and create facilities that will benefit all ages in the community. With everyone’s support, the club will aim to raise €200,000 to help make the vision a reality. For more information, please, visit www.elphingaa.com/orchardproject.
GOAL MILE: Save the date for the GOAL mile, which is taking place in the Orchard on Sunday, December 7th at 1 p.m.. Registration gets underway at 12.30 p.m..
U-17 FOOTBALLERS: Best of luck to the Elphin/Ballinameen U-17 team who play Bhearna na Forbacha in the Connacht Minor B Championship semi-final on Tuesday evening in the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, Bekan, at 6.30 p.m.. Support would be greatly appreciated.
NORTHERN HARPS: Congratulations to the Northern Harps junior ladies’ footballers on a brilliant win against Swinford Killasser in the Orchard last Sunday. They now face Menlough Skehana in the Connacht final on Sunday next at 1 p.m.. Please come out and support the girls.
U-20 FOOTBALLERS: Best of luck to the Kilmore/Shannon Gaels U-20 footballers who face Éire Óg/Michael Glaveys in their Division One championship semi-final on Sunday at 12 p.m..
UNDERAGE NEWS: Kilmore Minor Board organised an end-of-season party for its underage players in the clubrooms on Sunday. U-12 children received new tops, which would not have been possible without the very generous sponsorship of Padraic King (King and Moffatt — their nominated charity Shalom on the top), Damien and Sinead Devine of Coolara Construction and Dermot and Yvonne Foley of Kalzen Tool Hire. Thanks to everyone for making the event such a great success.
LOTTO: There was no winner of the lotto jackpot worth €6,300. There was one match three winner, Freya Caslin.
LOTTO: The lotto jackpot stands at €6,200. To play, follow the club on social media or purchase a ticket at a local business.
CÉILÍ DANCING: Céilí dancing classes return to Clooneycolgan Community Centre every Tuesday at 8.30 p.m..
AGM: The AGM of Oran Football Club will take place on Saturday, November 22nd, in Rockfield. Please attend.
LISANISKEY FUNDRAISER: Lisaniskey NS is currently conducting a fundraiser to pay for their new prefab. To donate, please follow the club on social media. Thank you to everyone who took part in the school’s annual walk on Bank Holiday Monday.
U-20 FOOTBALLERS: Well done to the Oran/St. Croan’s U-20 footballers who beat Elphin/Ballinameen in the quarter-final of the Division Two championship in Rockfield on a scoreline of 3-14 to 1-10 on Saturday. They now play Castlerea St. Kevin’s in the semi-final.
JUNIOR FOOTBALLERS: The junior footballer took on neighbours Fuerty in the quarter-final of the Junior B Football Championship in Mulhern Park on Sunday. After a great effort in the second half, they won the game on a scoreline of 1-14 to 2-4. Well done to all involved. The team and management are looking forward to the semi-final.
SENIOR FINAL: The Paul Flynn Construction and RossGal Loss Assessors sponsored senior footballers will play St. Brigid’s in the county senior football final replay on Saturday next, November 1st, in King and Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park at 2.30 p.m.. The massive Pearses support on both sides of the field certainly played its part in the second half of the drawn game on Sunday, getting behind the lads and encouraging them in their efforts. More of the same will be needed again this Saturday afternoon.
CLUB FUNDRAISER: As Pádraig Pearses builds up to the replay on Saturday, the club would like to thank all who have supported its annual fundraiser. Interest in the draw has been fantastic and ticket sales over the October Fair weekends were excellent. As always, a massive thanks to draw sponsors: O'Rourke Fireplaces and Stoves; Matrix Bathrooms and Heating, Ballydangan; Keller Travel and Kelair Campotel, Ballinasloe; John Kelly, Moore; O'Connors Food Hall Ballinasloe. Thanks to the volunteers who manned the club’s numerous sales events and hosts Ballinasloe and Gort Marts; Dolan’s Centra; Corrib Oil, Brackernagh, and Ballinasloe Fair and Festival. With the draw due to take place this weekend, the club is asking ticket sellers to return tickets to the clubhouse or any member of the fundraising committee as soon as possible.
LOTTO: There was no jackpot winner in the recent lotto draw. Congratulations to Caithlin Curley, c/o Rory Curley, who scoops the €200 match three prize pot. A further €100 has been to the jackpot, which is now €8,700.
HURLING PRESENTATION: The Roscommon senior hurlers will receive their Nickey Rackard Cup medals on Friday, November 7th, in the Hodson Bay Hotel at a Club Rossie function. Anybody that wishes to attend should contact Roscommon Hurling Board Chairperson, Christy McDermott, on 086 7963932 before Tuesday, October 28th. Tickets cost €50 each.
JUNIOR B FOOTBALLERS: The Killeen’s of Togher Junior B footballers bowed out of the championship at the quarter-final stage following their 4-6 to 0-12 reversal against St. Dominic’s on Friday evening. Squad: Adam McManus, Paul Dolan, Brendan Connor, Seán Lohan, Shane Naughton, Jack Downey, Cathal Kelly, Darragh Finn, Ronan Finn, Terry McGowan, Eoin Keogh, Gary Caravan, Liam Creavin, Davy Grehan, Dan Staunton, Brian Croffey, Matt Comerford, James Butler, Conor Kelly, Keith Grenham, Eoghan Costello, Ian Curley, Seán Dunne.
MINOR FOOTBALLERS: Hard luck to the Hogan Engineering minor boys’ footballers who lost out in the Division One football championship final against Castlerea St. Kevin’s by 2-18 to 1-9 on Saturday afternoon. After an excellent season that included superb performances throughout, it was a difficult end of the campaign. But the lads can hold their heads high. They did themselves, the club and their families proud by reaching this stage in a very competitive Division One championship. Thanks to those, including the management and backroom team, who looked after the group all year — Padraig Kelly, Niall Carty, Mike Duignan, Alan Glynn, Nigel Moore, Pearse Dolan and Paul Whelan. Panel: Niall Doran, Keelan Doran, Kieran Cunningham, Euan Kelly, Darragh Glynn Desmond, Jack Brooks, Keelan Kelly, Donnacha Monaghan, Emmet Killeen, Enda Browne, Daniel Mooney, Ross Glynn, Dylan Goode, Seán Finneran, John Price, Jack Kelly, Michael Brooks, Callum Moore, David Kenny, Gavin Kelly, Joey O'Byrne, Daniel Goode, Oisin Kelly, Daniel Cruise, Aaron Hogan, Diarmuid Lyons, Dylan Ryan.
U-14 HURLERS: Hard luck to the U-14 hurlers who were beaten by Athleague/Tremane/Oran in their championship final in Ballyforan on Saturday last. Thanks to team and management for all their efforts in 2025. Panel: Senan Cunniffe, Jack Donnelly, Reese Johnston, Micheal Haverty, Eoghan Downey, Ciaran Murray, Gerard Glennon, Darren Grenham (captain), Oscar Killeen, Luke Mulvey, Keelan Dowd, Davin Finn, Ryan Coleman, Seán Flynn, Ben Price, Tommy Lynch, Eoin Canavan, Micheal Flynn, Callum Dowd, Joshua Gavin, Euan Costello, Sean Killeen, Rory Kelly.
CULTÚR UPDATE: Pádraig Pearses, in conjunction with Glór na nGael and the Joe MacDonagh Foundation, are holding free Irish cooking classes for club members from secondary school students to all ages. There are seven classes every Thursday evening at 7.30 p.m. between October 23rd and December 4th. For further information, contact Mary Darcy on 085 7760652.
U-20 SEMI-FINAL: The Kilmore/Shannon Gaels U-20 footballers are in Division One championship semi-final action against Michael Glaveys/Eire Óg on Sunday, November 2nd, in Croghan at 12 noon.
50/50 DRAW: Last week’s winner was Rosemary McDermott, who won €980. Play online via the Shannon Gaels App or grab an envelope from any of the club’s local businesses. Weekly draws take place every Sunday night live on Facebook. The winner takes 50 per cent.
SHOOTING STARS: The Shooting Stars nursery programme is back every Thursday (please note change of day) from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the sports complex, Carrick. New members are welcome.
CONNACHT FINALISTS: St. Barry's 1-9, Coolera/Strandhill 0-6. The St. Barry’s intermediate ladies’ football panel have progressed to the Connacht LGFA intermediate final following a hard-fought, but well-deserved win against Sligo champions Coolera/Strandhill in tough conditions at Tarmonbarry on Sunday morning (see match report). After a tough and closely-fought first quarter, Coolera/Strandhill led by 0-5 to 0-4, but a precise kick pass from Georgia Gerrity was well finished to the net by Cara Cox to give the home team a lead as half time approached. It was an advantage they would never relinquish. As the second half progressed, the Barry’s girls were dominating possession, but they left some scores behind to keep the Sligo girls in the game. Coolera/Strandhill carried a threat throughout, and the Barry's defence held firm, but still needed a fine save from Eimear Diffley midway through the half to maintain their lead. A brilliant score from the outside of the boot by Millie Hagan got the scoreboard going again, and with Georgia Gerrity knocking over the frees to keep the scoreboard moving, St. Barry’s ran out six-point winners. The girls progress to the final now — the first Connacht club final for St. Barry’s at any grade — where they will play opponents from Galway or Mayo. The final is provisionally fixed for November 8th. Many thanks to everyone who took part in the preparations for Sunday's game. The club grounds looked mighty, even in the dark, wintry conditions. They were a credit to all St. Barry’s members. Thanks to Mary for her magnificent rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann. St. Barry's: Eimear Diffley, Niamh Toolan, Rachel Frayne, Erica Jordan, Erin Hagan, Holly Rogers, Denise Duffy, Sarah McVeigh, Shannon McGuinness, Orlaigh Tighe, Edel Beirne, Georgia Gerrity (0-4), Cara Cox (1-2), Millie Hagan (0-1), Lisa Murtagh. Subs used: Gaby Compton, Oonagh Farrell, Grace Cox.
LONG YEAR CONTINUES: It’s always a sign of a good year when a club is playing competitive games in November. As well as the ladies’ footballers progressing to the Connacht final, the club still has two underage teams in in action. This weekend, the U-14 Division Four lads play St. Michael's/St. Ronan's in their championship final. The U-20 team are also involved in Division Three semi-final action (see GAA Update for details).
SYMPATHY: The club was saddened to learn of the passing of long-time supporter, Breda Mullooly, over the weekend. St. Barry’s sends its sympathy to Pat and the Mullooly family, as well as Breda’s neighbours and friends in Cloonmore. May Breda's gentle soul Rest in Peace.
U-20 FOOTBALLERS: Well done to the Oran/St. Croan’s U-20 footballers on their 3-14 to 1-10 quarter-final win over Elphin/Ballinameen in Rockfield on Saturday last. The semi-final against Castlerea St. Kevin’s has been fixed for Sunday, November 2nd, at 12 noon. Venue to be confirmed.
PITCH FUNDRAISER: Congratulations to Joe Comerford from County Offaly who was the winner of the Aberdeen Angus Black Gold Draw. Joe purchased his ticket in Dr. Hyde Park during Offaly’s All-Ireland minor football championship quarter-final game against Mayo. Congratulations Joe and best of luck. The club would like to sincerely thank everyone who purchased tickets for the draw. All proceeds will be going towards development works in Enfield.
500 CLUB DRAW: The winner of the recent 500 Club Draw was Valerie Callaghan, Castlerea. Congratulations to Valerie who won €2,500.
CHRISTMAS CLUB SHOP: The Christmas club shop with GOWA will open on Tuesday, October 28th. This will be the last club shop before Christmas, so get the orders in. A link will be posted on the club’s social media pages.
JUNIOR FOOTBALLERS: Well done to the Junior B footballers who defeated Pádraig Pearses by 4-7 to 0-12 in the quarter-final of the championship on Friday evening. Best for St. Dominic’s were Cormac Petrie in defence, and Seánie McDermott, Gearoid Keenan and Barry Gately in the forwards who scored 3-3 between them. Date and venue for the semi-final to be confirmed.
U-20 FOOTBALLERS: Best of luck to the U-20 footballers who are in Division One semi-final action against Roscommon Gaels on Sunday next in Ballyforan at 12.30 p.m..
SCÓR NEWS: The Scór na nÓg parish final for 2025 takes place on Sunday, November 2nd, in Culleen Hall at 4 p.m.. Best of luck to all the competitors on the day. Support would be greatly appreciated.
BON VOYAGE: Twenty-two girls from St. Michael’s and St. Ronan’s are set to make history as they travel from North Roscommon to Vannes, Brittany, for the inaugural Samhain Cup — the first-ever international girls’ U-15 Gaelic football tournament held in continental Europe — on October 31st. Hosted by Gwened Vannes GFC, the event will feature teams from Ireland and Brittany, including clubs from Dublin and Derry, alongside a Breton selection. The tournament celebrates the growing strength of women’s Gaelic football and the cultural ties between Ireland and Brittany. Players will compete in a morning blitz, representing their clubs before teams are mixed in the afternoon to encourage friendship and skills exchange. With over 70 young athletes taking part, the Samhain Cup marks an exciting milestone for youth sport and a proud moment for these County Roscommon girls on the international stage. There’s a strong contingent of almost 40 people from St. Michael’s and St. Ronan’s heading over, including players, coaches, mentors and supporters. Thank you to the generous sponsors for supporting the trip and sponsoring fabulous French-inspired gear. Sponsors include CDC Voice and Data, Gastrome Professional Ingredients, Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa, Lavin Blockwork, and McGuinness Centra. Bonne Chance et Bon Voyage!
AGM: The AGM of St. Michael’s GAA Club will take place in the clubrooms at Ardcarne Park on Saturday, November 29th (time to be confirmed). All motions and nominations should be submitted no later than Sunday, November 23rd, in writing or by e-mail to secretary.stmichaels.roscommon@gaa.ie.
U-20 FOOTBALLERS: The St. Michael’s/St. Ronan’s U-20 footballers will play Kilglass/St. Barry’s in the Division Three championship semi-final on Sunday, November 2nd, in Orchard Park at 12.30 p.m.. Support would be appreciated.
ALLEN GAELS: Congratulations to neighbours Allen Gaels on their victory in the Leitrim intermediate football final on Sunday last.
NEIGHBOURS’ SUCCESS: The club congratulates two clubs who are situated very close to the parish on their successes last weekend. Shamrock Gaels won the Sligo Senior Football Championship for the first time in over 30 years. Club Chairperson, Patrick McTiernan, is part of the management team. In Leitrim, Allen Gaels won the county intermediate title. A number of former club players have settled in the area and are very involved with Allen Gaels at various levels. St. Ronan’s wishes both clubs every success in their upcoming Connacht club championship campaigns over the coming weeks.
LOTTO: There was no winner of the lotto jackpot when the draw was held last weekend. Consolation prizes were won by the following: €70, Seán Coen, Ballyfarnon; €30, David Duignan, Arigna; €20, T. Lee, c/o Shivnan’s; €20, Delores Mc Cormack, c/o Killoran’s; €20, Kevin, Cindy, Conor, c/o Shivnan's. The jackpot next week will stand at €14,900 for the draw on Sunday evening. Enter the lotto online at www.stronansgaa.com. Simply select four numbers between 1 and 30 along with payment details.
SENIOR FINAL: Well done to club members who officiated at the county senior football final between St. Brigid’s and Pádraig Pearses in King and Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday last — referee Jimmy Donoghue, linesman James Murray and umpires Seamus Donoghue, Brendan O'Connor, Kevin Kenny and Liam Ryan. It was great to see so many club members involved in the biggest game in the county’s club calendar.
SYMPATHY: The club extends its deepest sympathy to former Treasurer Darena Hanly and family on the passing of her mother Patricia Dolan, Grange. May she Rest In Peace.
JUNIOR FOOTBALLERS: The club's PB Networks sponsored Junior B football team are through to the Junior B Championship semi-final following a 0-10 to 1-5 win over Clann na nGael in their quarter-final at Johnstown on Friday evening. The lads will meet St. Dominic’s in the semi-final. Fixture to be confirmed. Well done to the players and management.
U-20 FOOTBALLERS: The U-20 footballers will play St. Ciaran’s in their Division Three semi-final this weekend. Best of luck to all involved. See GAA Update for details.
U-16 BOYS: The U-16 boys’ Division Four final takes place against St. Brigid’s in Kiltoom on Thursday, October 30th, at 8 p.m.. Best of luck to the team and management.
LOTTO: There was no winner of the lotto jackpot in the draw on October 25th. €20 winners were Seamus Nolan, Micheal Gilligan, Gary Jordan, Oran Hester, and Christine Whitehouse. The jackpot will be €5,100 for the draw on Saturday next, November 1st. Tickets are available online through Clubforce, the Clubforce app or from local outlets. Online ticket sales for next weekend’s draw close at 8.30 p.m. on Saturday evening. A reminder to download the Western Gaels App and buy a recurring lotto ticket for a chance to win a cash prize of €200. Entries must be submitted by November 1st.
