Don Connellan remembered; ladies' championships get underway and rounders success
Anthony Cahill, Cahill's SuperValu, Castlerea, presents a set of match balls to Éire Óg intermediate football team manager, Brendan Greene, and team captain, Colm Lavin.
SUMMER DRAW: The club’s summer draw took place in The Cross Bar, Ballinameen, on Saturday night. The winners were: Trip to New York, sponsored by 5th & Mad, Mary King; Centre Parks voucher, sponsored by McNulty’s Furniture, Roscommon, Monica McDermott; €500, sponsored by Boyle Country Meats, Ian Finneran; €500 sponsored by Image Furnishings Ltd, Grace Flanagan; two tickets to a Liverpool game, Tom Byrne; two tickets to a Man United game, Olvan McDermott; €200 sponsored by Into the West, Ann Kenoy; €200 sponsored by The Cross Bar, Nancy Healy; signed Roscommon jersey, Thomas McDermott. OTHER NEWS: Best of luck to the Benetti Menswear sponsored junior footsball team who take on Roscommon Gaels in Davonna Park on Sunday at 12.30 p.m.. Well done to the Elphin/Ballinameen minor team who defeated Kilbride in the Division Two championship last Wednesday. Their next game is away to St. Ciaran’s on August 26th.
LGFA NEWS: The U-16 girls will play Clann na nGael on Tuesday, August 12th, in Johnstown at 7 p.m.. The U-19 girls will play their championship quarter-final on August 14th (details to be confirmed).
MINOR FOOTBALLERS: The minor footballers will line out against Western Gaels in Frenchpark on August 13th at 8 p.m..
ADULT TEAMS: The McGovern Civils sponsored senior men’s football team will play Castlerea St. Kevin’s in the second round of the championship on August 16th in O’Rourke Park at 6 p.m.. The Cooney Motors sponsored junior team will play St. Joseph’s in the Abbey Park on Sunday next at 1.30 p.m..
LOTTO: There was no winner of last weekend’s lotto jackpot. Lucky dip winners were Caolin Bruen, Ellen Flynn, Vincent Finan, Fintan Cregg and Rebecca Canty. The next draw takes place in Tully’s Hotel for a jackpot of €5,000.
SENIOR FOOTBALLERS: The senior footballers return to championship action on Saturday evening when they entertain Boyle in O’Rourke Park at 6 p.m.. Best of luck to the players and management. Support would be appreciated.
WELL DONE DARA: The club congratulates Dara Curran who was selected on the Electric Ireland Minor Football Team of the Year. It is a great achievement for Dara who was worthy of his place on the team.
LGFA NEWS: Well done to the junior ladies’ football team who drew with Kilmore/Kilglass Gaels in the opening round of the championship on Sunday last.
DON CONNELLAN, RIP: Condolences to the Connellan family, Kilmore and Moycullen, and Kilmore GAA Club on the passing of Don last week. Don was a great man who was highly respected in all walks of life. May he Rest In Peace.
UNDERAGE TEAMS: Thank you to St. Michael’s/St. Ronan’s who hosted the minor team in a challenge game. Well done to the U-12 team who recorded wins over St. Ciaran’s and Pádraig Pearses last week.
DON CONNELLAN, RIP: Elphin GAA Club extends its sincere sympathy to the family of the late Don Connellan who passed away last week. To Don’s wife Linda, sons Eoin and Conor, mother Nellie, brothers Adrian and David, and the extended Connellan and Clancy families and Kilmore GAA Club, the club’s thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad and difficult time. May Don Rest In Peace.
SENIOR FOOTBALLERS: The senior footballers take on Michael Glaveys on Sunday next in the second round of the championship in Peader Earley Memorial Park at 1 p.m.. Best of luck to the team and management. Support would be appreciated.
ROUNDERS: Well done to the Elphin ladies’ rounders team who have qualified for the All-Ireland final in Meath on August 31st. It is a huge achievement for the ladies and everyone associated with Elphin Rounders Club. The ladies defeated Castletown Liam Mellows from Wexford on a scoreline of 11 v 2 with a bat in hand. A big thank you everyone who has shown support to the team so far. Keep an eye on social media for dates and times for the final.
OTHER NEWS: Congratulations to all the dancers and medal winners from Elphin who took part in the All-Ireland Fleadh in Wexford last week.
U-16 FOOTBALLERS: The U-16 boys produced a commanding performance to secure a resounding 2-17 to 0-7 victory against St. Ciaran’s in Fuerty. Team: Harry Trimble, Tadgh Bracken, Seán Fox, Aaron Leonard, Harry Trimble, Mark Fox, Rory Lally, Jack Lally, Dara Kelleher, Tomás Lohan, Luke Hayes, Charlie Madden, Seán Sexton, Mark Naughton, Mark Farrell, Patrick Healy, Ben McHugh, Jake Donlon, Cathal Farrell.
JUNIOR LADIES: The Rocky’s Rebels — Kilbride’s junior team — kick off their championship journey next Friday evening, August 15th, with an away fixture against Shannon Gaels at 7 p.m.. This team have come together in a special way this season, honouring the memory of their beloved team-mate, Rochelle Mullaney, who sadly passed away just over a year ago. Her spirit continues to inspire every player who wears the Kilbride jersey. Best of luck to Mike, Alice, Eilish, and all the players as they begin their campaign.
U-19 LADIES: The Kilbride U-19 ladies’ team secured a gutsy and well-earned 4-9 to 4-5 victory over Shannon Gaels in the third round of this year’s championship in Croghan on Thursday evening. Shannon Gaels hit two early goals but a rapid-fire brace of goals from Laura McSharry hauled Kilbride back into contention. The second half belonged to Kilbride. A burst of energy from the throw-in saw Bea O’Grady and Laura McSharry add two more goals, pushing Kilbride five points clear. Shannon Gaels struck back with another goal, keeping the pressure on, but Kilbride’s composure in the final quarter proved decisive. Clara Tully was outstanding from placed balls, scoring five points from frees. After two tough losses in earlier rounds, this win was a timely boost ahead of the quarter-final next Thursday, August 14th, against Northern Harps at 7 p.m.. Team: Ciara Cronin, Katie Cleary, Grace Dowling, Clodagh Murray, Keela Kelly, Sophie Hanley, Megan Molloy, Sadhbh Shally, Aisling Shanagher, Clara Tully, Laura McSharry, Aoibhinn Neary, Carla Griffin, Bea O’Grady, Roisín O’Grady. Subs: Laura Fannon for Carla Griffin, Saoirse McNeill for Roisín O’Grady, Lily Mae Gavigan, Ali Fallon.
INTERMEDIATE LADIES: The intermediate ladies’ footballers were defeated by St. Croan’s in the opening round of the championship at Enfield on Sunday morning (see round-up, page 7). The team play Pádraig Pearses in Kilbride on Sunday next at 11 a.m.. Team: Ciara Cronin, Aoife McLoughlin, Niamh Tully, Katie Kelly, Caoimhe Neary, Laura McSharry, Mairead Tully, Sadhbh Shally, Aisling Shanagher, Grace Dowling, Fiona Tully, Casey Keane, Ellen Tully, Aisling Hanly, Aoife Tully, Clara Tully, Amy Shanagher, Enya Neary, Jolene Reilly, Karina Leonard, Leah Fallon, Sarah Shanagher, Aine Griffin.
FIXTURES: Tuesday, August 12th, U-16 girls v St. Dominic’s in Kilbride at 7 p.m.. Thursday, August 14th, U-8s v Roscommon Gaels in Kilbride at 6.30 p.m.. U-19 ladies v Northern Harps in Ballinmeen at 7 p.m.. Friday, August 15th, junior ladies v Shannon Gaels in Croghan at 7 p.m.. Saturday, August 16th, U-10 boys v Strokestown in Kilbride at 11 a.m.; Intermediate men v St. Brigid’s in Kiltoom at 6 p.m.. Sunday, August 17th, intermediate ladies v Pádraig Pearses in Kilbride at 11 a.m.. U-12 girls v Western Gaels in Kilbride at 6 p.m..
DON CONNELLAN, RIP: The last seven days have been a very difficult time for the club and community. On Monday evening, everyone’s hearts were broken when the club learned of the devastating news of the death of its great friend and true Kilmore legend, Don Connellan. No words can truly do justice to what Don meant to Kilmore GAA. He represented the club with distinction over many years — as a player, coach, and manager — showing immense pride, honesty, integrity, and leadership both on and off the pitch. Don was a key player for Kilmore on countless occasions and played a vital role in the senior team that reached three county senior finals in 1998, 1999, and 2001, narrowly missing out on claiming the senior championship title. Away from the GAA, Don was an exceptional person — a loyal friend to so many and someone who lived his life with the utmost integrity. His passing leaves a void that we, as friends and a community, will struggle to come to terms with in the days, months, and years ahead. But perhaps Don’s greatest quality was the love he had for his family and home. From his childhood in Clooncoose to his life in Moycullen, home and family meant everything to him. Nothing brought him more joy than his regular visits back to Kilmore to see his parents — his late father Donal and his mother Nellie — his brothers Adrian and David, the wider Connellan family, and his many friends in Kilmore. Don loved Kilmore, and Kilmore loved Don. As a club and community, Kilmore has been left devastated by Don’s loss. But the club’s grief is nothing compared to the unimaginable pain that Linda, Eoin, Conor, Nellie, Adrian, David, and the extended Clancy and Connellan families are feeling. Kilmore extends its deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to them all. In the days, weeks, and months ahead, the club will do everything it can to bring some comfort and light during this dark time. Don, you will be deeply missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know you. Thank you to everyone who took part in the club’s guard of honour last Thursday, and thanks to everyone who represented the club over the two days in such large numbers in Moycullen for the funeral. A special thank you to all the clubs throughout County Roscommon who have offered their sympathies on the death of Don. Rest easy, Don — you were one of the best.
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP: The very best of luck to the intermediate footballers who face Fuerty this Sunday in Mulhern Park at 2 p.m..
FIXTURES: Tuesday, August 12th, LGFA U-16 Division Two, Kilmore/Kilglass Gaels v Castlerea St. Kevin’s in Kilglass at 7 p.m.. Thursday, August 12th, U-18 Division One, Roscommon Gaels v Kilmore/Shannon Gaels in Lisnamult at 7 p.m..
ROUNDERS: The junior men’s team recorded a fantastic 11-9 victory over Inniskeen Grattans in the All-Ireland Junior Men’s semi-final in Galway on Saturday, August 9th. This great result sees the lads progress to the All-Ireland final where they will take on St. Senan’s (Limerick) on Sunday, August 31st. Before the game, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of Don Connellan. Sincere thanks to referee Áine McLaughlin and to Galway Rapparees for hosting the semi-finals. Thanks to team sponsors, Carroll Consultancy and Taylor’s Bar, for their ongoing support.
SENIOR FOOTBALLERS: After their win in their first round away to Western Gaels, the senior footballers turn their attention to the next round, which is a home match next Sunday when Elphin will be welcomed to Peadar Earley Memorial Park. The match is due to start at 1 p.m. and a big crowd is anticipated. A win will put the team in a strong position, so support for the players and management would be welcome.
LGFA NEWS: Well done to the intermediate ladies’ football team who got their championship campaign off to a great start with an away win against Western Gaels in the first round on Sunday last. Well done to the U-19 girls who defeated St. Faithleach’s in the championship and have qualified for the quarter-final against Tulsk in Ballinlough on Thursday evening at 7 p.m.. Please support.
U-14 FOOTBALLERS: Northern Gaels defeated Corofin B, 3-10 to 0-6, in their championship quarter-final at Belclare. Goal scorers were Dylan, Dathaí and Jack Burke. Point scorers were Conor Neary, Dathaí, Cillian, Sam, Anthony, Conaire Brennan and Paddy. The semi-final takes place on Friday, August 15th.
OTHER NEWS: The U-9 team played Kilkerrin/Clonberne in Glenamaddy on Saturday morning. The players showed their ever-improving skills alongside brilliant teamwork. Thanks to all the parents and guardians for giving up their Saturday morning to support the team. Killererin were unable to field a team for a scheduled U-17 game on Sunday. The next game is in two weeks’ time against Cortoon Shamrocks at a home venue. Keep an eye on the club’s Facebook page and WhatsApp groups for fixtures and training schedules.
U-14 GIRLS: Well done to the Oran/Croan’s U-14 girls who defeated Tulsk in the second round of the championship in Rockfield on Sunday evening. The girls played well together in what was a very good game of football.
LATE SEAMUS NELSON: The club wishes to express its sincere condolences to the family of Seamus Nelson, Ballymacurley. Seamus was deeply involved in the Oran Parish Council and was a man who selflessly gave his time to his community. He will be sadly missed.
PILATES: Pilates begins in Clooneycolgan Community Centre on this Wednesday, August 13th. It is suitable for all levels. Check the club’s social media channels for more details.
NEW MOWER: The club has bought a new mower. Could everyone be mindful that there can be no rubbish left on either pitch, as it could cause damage. The club thanks everyone for their co-operation.
SENIOR FOOTBALLERS: Best of luck to the Cloverhill Renewables sponsored senior football team who play Roscommon Gaels in the second round of the championship in Lisnamult on Friday evening.
FIXTURES: Tuesday, August 12th, U-16 girls v St. Faithleach’s in Ballyleague at 7 p.m.; KSG U-18s v Roscommon Gaels in Lisnamult at 7.30 p.m.. Thursday, August 14th, U-19 ladies v St. Brigid’s in Kiltoom at 7 p.m.. Friday, August 15th, junior ladies v Kilbride in Croghan at 7 p.m.. Sunday, August 17th, senior ladies v St. Ciaran’s in Croghan at 11 a.m..
SPONSORSHIP: A big thank you to sponsors — Enda and Caroline Mc Hugh, Cortober Bingo, James Egan, and The Landmark Hotel — proud supporters of the club’s senior ladies’ football team.
FUNDRAISER: Best of luck to Paul Little who is swimming the 230km of the River Shannon for North West Stop. Safe swimming Paul.
LGFA CHAMPIONSHIP: Pádraig Pearses 4-9, St. Barry’s 1-9. The intermediate ladies’ footballers got off to the worst possible start in this year’s championship when they were soundly beaten by a hungrier and sharper Pádraig Pearses side Woodmount on Saturday evening. Leading by ten points, 2-6 to 0-10, at the break, the home side continued to dominate proceedings. A late flurry of St. Barry’s scores, including a well-taken Shannon McGuinness goal, took the raw look off the scoreboard, but Pearses for full value for their nine-point victory. There is still time for the girls to recover and get their campaign back on track against Michael Glaveys next weekend: St. Barry’s: Eimear Diffley, Oonagh Farrell, Rachel Frayne, Niamh Toolan, Erin Hagan (0-1), Shannon McGuinness (1-0), Denise Duffy, Gaby Compton, Georgia Gerrity (0-4), Orlaigh Tighe, Edel Beirne (0-3), Charlotte Trautt, Erica Jordan, Grace Cox (0-1), Emer Callaghan. Subs: Edel McMenamin, Madison Hagan, Aoife Tighe, Geraldine Farrell, Katie Rogers, Casey Pringle, Keeva Campbell.
INTERMEDIATE MEN: The intermediate men’s football team travel to Tulsk for the second round of the championship on Saturday next. Tulsk had a good win against St. Michael’s in the opening round, while St. Barry’s were beaten by Creggs. It will be a tough challenge against one of the championship favourites, but a positive performance is required.
U-10 BLITZ: It was a good day at the pitch for the U-10s on Saturday when they hosted Tulsk, Strokestown and Kilglass for a blitz. Well done to the parents and mentors who organised the event.
SYMPATHY: The club extends its sympathy to intermediate player, Cathal Connellan, his father Adrian, Jacinta and Rachel, the extended Connellan family and all St. Barry’s friends in Kilmore GAA Club on the untimely passing of Don Connellan. May Don Rest In Peace.
RESULTS: Well done to the St. Croan’s/Oran U-14 girls who recorded a great 5-15 to 5-2 win over Tulsk. Well done also to the St. Croan’s/Oran U-12 boys who played enjoyable matches against Castlerea and St. Brigid’s during the week. The U-10 girls participated in a blitz at Kiltoom against St. Brigid’s and Roscommon Gaels on Saturday. The girls enjoyed all their games with lots of skill on display. Well done girls, keep up the good work. Well done to the U-8 girls who participated in a blitz in Cootehall, playing games against St. Michael’s/St. Ronan’s and Shannon Gaels. The girls are improving all the time. Keep up the good work. The intermediate ladies’ footballers got their championship campaign off to a winning start with a 3-9 to 1-9 victory against Kilbride.
FIXTURES: Tuesday, August 12th, LGFA U-16 Division Two, St. Croan’s/Oran v Four Roads, Rockfield, 7 p.m.. Thursday, August 14th, LGFA U-19 Division Three Quarter-Final, St. Croan’s v Four Roads, Enfield, 7 p.m.. Sunday, August 17th, LGFA Intermediate Championship, St. Croan’s v Western Gaels in Frenchpark at 11 a.m.; GAA Junior A Football Championship, St. Croan’s v St. Ronan’s in Enfield at 2 p.m..
SPONSORSHIP: A huge thank you to everyone who has come on board to sponsor teams with new gear. Without their help, kitting out all of the teams in the club would not be possible. See the list of sponsors below. St. Croan’s Go Games: Nursery, Gateway Insurance and Investment; U-8 boys, Oakreed; U-8 girls, Desmond Egan Construction; U-10 boys, Gateway Insurance and Investments; U-10 girls, Michael Feeney Plastering; U-12 boys, Oakreed; U-12 girls, Michael Feeney Plastering. Different people also came on board to sponsor new combination jerseys for the St. Croan’s/Oran boys’ teams. The club is grateful for their support in helping to kit out these teams for games. U-8 boys, GCL; U-10 boys, GCL; U-12 boys, Gerry Maguire Dry-lining and Air Tightness; U-14 boys, Hanson Regan. A huge thank you to Gary Cunnane at Cunnane Insurance Brokers for sponsoring training tops for the club’s U-19 and adult ladies’ teams. Thank you to Kevin Brogan Tractors who sponsored a set of club bibs for the men’s management team. Thank you to Revins Tyres who have also come on board to sponsor the men’s team this year.
CARDS: Cards continue every Tuesday evening in the clubhouse. New players are always welcome. Refreshments served. First deal at 8.30 p.m..
CLUBHOUSE: The clubhouse can be used by club members for parties or other occasions. Contact Gerry Donlon or any committee member if you have any queries. SENIOR FOOTBALLERS: The senior footballers will take on St. Dominic’s in the second round of the senior football championship in Knockroghery on Sunday, August 17th, at 2 p.m.. The lads made a terrific start to the campaign, beating reigning champions, Pádraig Pearses, in Ballyleague. The club wishes the players and management every success. Please support. Tickets are available at RoscommonGAA.ie.
JUNIOR LADIES: The junior ladies’ footballers came up short in their opening game of this year’s championship against St. Mary’s, Tulsk, on Sunday last. Thanks to everyone who came along to support the team. The next game is in two weeks’ time.
MOO POO FUNDRAISER: Tickets are readily available for the club’s annual Moo Poo fundraiser. Tickets are €10 each. They are available online or from any club members. Keep an eye out for ticket sellers in local shops. The club thanks everyone for their support.
ST. MICHAEL’S
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP: The Joe Simon Home Garden and Build sponsored men’s intermediate football team play Creggs away in the second round of the intermediate championship this Saturday at 6 p.m.. All support welcome.
LGFA NEWS: The junior ladies’ first round championship game, scheduled for Sunday morning, was cancelled. Their second round game against Shannon Gaels is provisionally fixed for Friday, August 22nd. Well done to the U-14 girls who enjoyed another productive week. The Division Two team displayed admirable accuracy in a 2-19 to 1-12 victory over Kilbride, while the Division Four side had a titanic tussle with neighbours Boyle, just edging the contest on a 5-5 to 3-6 scoreline. The U-16 girls take centre stage on Tuesday, August 12th, when they play Strokestown in Ballyfarnon at 7 p.m. with a semi-final berth up for grabs. A similar prize awaits the U-19 ladies if they can get the better of their 2024 county final conquerors, St. Ciaran's, in this year's Division Three quarter-final. That game has been fixed for 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 14th, in Mulhern Park, Fuerty. Best of luck to all St. Michael’s/St. Ronan’s teams. Support would be welcome and appreciated.
U-8 GIRLS BLITZ: The club hosted a fantastic U-8 girls blitz in Ardcarne Park on Sunday last, welcoming teams from St. Croan’s and Shannon Gaels. The girls played with great spirit across all the games, and it was brilliant to see so many smiling faces enjoying the occasion. A big thank you to players, coaches, parents, and supporters who made the afternoon such a success, with a special word of thanks to the club’s newest Go Games referee, Maura Carty, who did an excellent job on her debut with the whistle.
LGFA PDP: Congratulations to all the girls who have, over the last number of weeks and months, participated in the U-13 Player Development Programme with Roscommon LGFA. It has been a hugely enjoyable and beneficial experience for the girls who have taken part in a number of training sessions and blitz days. A huge thanks to all the coaches involved, including those from St. Michael’s/St. Ronan’s.
COMMUNITY GAMES: Congratulations to Eleanor Reilly, Nikita Masyutin, Thomas Sharkey, Robyn McGarry and Saoirse Cox who represented Ardcarne Community Games at the Cairn Provincial Athletics finals in Athlone on Saturday. Best of luck to Roisín Cummins who will run in the U-16 100 metres at the national finals in Carlow on Saturday, August 23rd.
SYMPATHY: The club extends its sympathy to the Connellan and Clancy families on the unexpected death of Don last week. Don will be remembered as an outstanding footballer with both Kilmore and Roscommon, having represented the county at all levels. May his gentle soul Rest In Peace. JUNIOR A CHAMPIONSHIP: On Sunday next, St. Ronan’s travel to Enfield to play St. Croan’s in the second round of the Junior A Football Championship at 2 p.m.. Support would be appreciated.
LOTTO: There was no winner of the lotto jackpot in last weekend’s draw. Consolation prizes were won by the following: €70, Mark McTiernan, Ballyfarnon; €30, the Monaghan family, Knockvicar; €20, David Flanagan, Ballyfarnon; €20, Kevin Woods, Tarmon, Drumkeeran; €20, Geraldine Curneen, Geevagh. The jackpot for Sunday evening’s draw will stand at €13,800.
FUNDRAISERS: Check out the club’s social media pages for updates on the upcoming fundraisers being held for the 5 Peaks Challenge.
FIXTURES: Best of luck to the Sportsman’s Inn and Hanly’s Eurospar sponsored intermediate football team and the MWG sponsored Junior A team who are both in championship action this weekend. The fixtures are: Friday, August 15th, intermediate footballers v Shannon Gaels in Strokestown at 8 p.m.. Saturday, August 16th, Junior A footballers v Clann na nGael in Strokestown at 7 p.m.. Monday, August 18th, U-16 footballers v Kilglass Gaels/St. Barry’s in Kilglass at 7 p.m..
The club's PB Networks sponsored intermediate football team play St. Barry’s at home in Tulsk on Saturday evening in the second round of the championship. Throw-in is at 6 p.m.. Best of luck to manager Liam McNeill and his team.
SYMPATHY: The club extends its deepest sympathy to Nellie Connellan, Kilmore, formerly of Tulsk, on the passing of her son Don last week. Condolences to his wife Linda, sons Eoin and Conor, brothers Adrian and David and everyone in Kilmore and Moycullen GAA Club who will miss him greatly. May he Rest In Peace.
LGFA NEWS: Hard luck to the intermediate ladies’ footballers who suffered a defeat to Micheal Glaveys in their opening game in this year’s championship on Sunday morning last. Their next game is a home match against St. Croan’s on Sunday, August 17th, at 11 a.m..
CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION: The senior men’s football team play St. Brigid’s in Kiltoom on Friday evening at 8 p.m.. The junior men’s footballers play St. Aidan’s in Nash Park, Frenchpark, on Saturday evening at 5 p.m..
LOTTO: €20 winners in last Saturday evening’s lotto draw were Thomas McCann, Evelyn Mahon, Michelle Cox, Olivia Mahon, and Shiela McGullion.
