Egan enthused for new season despite injury concerns

For Finbar Egan, the show must go on.

Roscommon return to 2026 back in Division Three, while being forced to come through a championship relegation semi-final last season has left an itch to scratch for this group.

However, Roscommon should be among the teams vying for promotion while the return of the Connacht Intermediate Championship and the hope that comes with a new campaign means that Egan is enthused for what lies ahead.

Roscommon have been hit hard by absentees, mainly through injuries. They will be without Aisling Feely (travelling), while Caoimhe Cregg is set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines as she rehabs a meniscus injury. Ria Lennon, Saoirse Wynne and Saoirse Timon are also currently injured and will miss the team’s opening league game against Limerick next weekend.

Jenny Shine and Laura Mannion are still a few weeks away from returning to on-field training. Meanwhile, Egan hopes that Ruth Cox and Ciara Cunningham will be fit for this Sunday’s opening round game.

Kate Nolan is also back in contention after missing the entirety of last year’s intercounty campaign due to a cruciate ligament injury.

There is an infusion of youth in this year’s panel with Georgia Gerrity, Laura Glennon, Alison Nugent and Sally O’Hara involved.

Despite reducing the numbers within the panel, Egan feels as if he has developed a tight-knit group.

“Some of the girls last year were in the squad for the first time, so they are a good bit better. We have a few injuries, but they will clear up. We have a small squad this year because we are keeping it more compact to be a bit stronger and more unified.

“They are going very well so far. The girls are playing exceptionally well. We have the usual stalwarts and an injection of youth, so we have a very good blend this year.

The Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) has brought forward 12 rule changes that will be trialled during the league.

Half of these mirror the “rule enhancements” introduced in the men’s game with a kickout mark now introduced. The 3v3 rule will also be tested, as will two points being awarded for a score from outside the arc. The solo and go, frees being brought forward by 50 metres and dissent by team officials being punished by the awarding of a 13-metre free will all be introduced during the league.

The other six rules are specific to the ladies’ game and will mainly allow for more physicality in the tackle. Egan believes mirroring the rules of the men’s game makes sense but holds concerns over the increased physicality that will now be permitted.

“Are they good? We will find out in the season ahead. The change to the tackle has definitely made it more physical. Hopefully, it won’t get too physical as some of the challenge matches we have played have been very physical.

“I like the solo and go. I think it is a great idea. It keeps the game moving. The two-pointer may not have the same effect in the ladies’ game as it does in men’s. There are not going to be as many. We are lucky that we have some players who can kick the ball over from that range but you are never going to have as many shots from that range as you would in the men’s game.

“The three up is good. Some teams had gone very defensively but not an awful lot. The biggest rule is that you can guide people away but you can contact the player while you try and tackle the ball.

“That leaves a lot open to interpretation. What might have been a foul before might not be now. It will take time for it to settle down and get ironed out. When it is, then we will get a much better view on how to reflect on it,” he stated.

With three home games and four on the road, Roscommon know that they face a battle to secure an immediate return to Division Two. Egan admits promotion is the aim, but he is keenly aware that building for championship is imperative.

“I won’t lie and say we aren’t hoping to get promotion because we are. But if we can find a good, solid team and get ourselves well set for the championship, that will be a big plus. Obviously, we are hoping to get back out of Division Three. There is no point in pretending we’re not. But we will start with trying to make sure that we win our first game,” he concluded.