A forward’s dream as Roscommon Herald Team of the Week named
Fuerty's Tadhg Lyons has been named on the Team of the Week after his hat trick against Kilmore. Picture: Gerard O'Loughlin
The Roscommon Herald Team of the Week returns after a weekend which saw big scores racked up by teams and forwards alike who continue to thrive under the new rules.
Pádraig Pearses’ crucial win over Clann na nGael sees the Woodmount based side enjoy the joint highest representation alongside Boyle and Michael Glaveys. There were some extremely difficult decisions to make in terms of inclusions and exclusions but without further ado here are the 15 players chosen this time around.
Saving a penalty and keeping a clean sheet on your second senior championship start is pretty good going and Cormac Heneghan gets the nod between the sticks for that. It wasn’t a sterling weekend for goalkeepers with some heavy beatings dished out, but once more Heneghan didn’t put a foot wrong.
Strokestown’s Ciarán Regan is unlucky not to be included as he excelled at corner back against Shannon Gaels. However, Senan Lambe gets the nod as he produced key moments in his side’s important win over Oran. His spade work that led to his brother Tim netting was arguably the most important contribution of the game.
Yes, St. Brigid’s had it all their own way in their win over Western Gaels, but Brian Stack still impressed in everything he did. His superb run from deep that led to Robbie Dolan’s goal encapsulated everything he brings to the table while he also marshalled the defence expertly and helped his side dominate the middle third battle.
Glennon’s return to action is a big asset for Boyle as the full back showed his quality against Castlerea. Eamon O’Hara’s side will face tougher tests, but Glennon appears equipped to tackle any challenge head on. Someone who goes about his business with the minimum of fuss, but he has been key to Boyle conceding just one goal in the championship to date.
Henry was once more at the coalface for St. Michael’s as he kicked three points including a beauty with the outside of his cultured left boot. He marshalled the St. Michael’s defence superbly and helped nullify much of Creggs’ attacking threat. Henry was also key in helping his side dominate the midfield exchanges in what was a defiant display.
Although Éire Óg’s encounter against Pádraig Pearses wasn’t a classic, Enda Crawley excelled once more. Crawley was desperately unlucky to miss out on selection for the Team of the Week after the opening round but he brought forward his form from the Fuerty game. He controlled the skies, drove his side forward while he was unlucky not to find the net. An excellent all round display.
Although St. Brigid’s B won at their ease against Kilbride, Eoghan Derwin was still highly impressive in kicking 0-8 from the half back line. Even when there was no way back for Kilbride, Derwin continued to inject energy with his runs from deep. His pass for David Cunniffe’s goal was superb while his long range kicking gave St. Brigid’s another outlet to hurt their opponents.
Tulsk possess a midfield that is the envy of teams in the intermediate championship. Tadhg O’Rourke is an invaluable asset for Tulsk but it was Thomas O’Rourke who excelled most in his side’s win over St. Barry’s. Thomas kicked five points, four from play, and gave his side the platform to enjoy another fine win.
Conor Ryan’s performance against Clann was another reminder if any was needed of his class. Ryan was the biggest factor in Pearses controlling possession as he excelled in the air to give his side the perfect platform to grab a much needed win. A player who may catch the eye of the incoming Mark Dowd in the weeks ahead.
An extremely competitive forward line but yet Tadhg Lyons could not be overlooked. The Fuerty wing forward blasted home a hat trick as Fuerty bounced back after their loss to Éire Óg. Lyons’ direct running and ability to win possession was evident against Kilmore and he showed his maturity in his assist for Fuerty’s third goal when he could have tried to rattle the net himself. A complete performance.
Darragh gets the nod over his brother Cathal, who scored a hat-trick, due to his influence over all the positive attacking play he was involved in. Darragh’s move to midfield following Caoileann Fitzmaurice’s injury showcased his versatility as he helped Michael Glaveys win the midfield battle while everything he did last Sunday was laced with quality.
Scott Oates was close to inclusion in the half forward line, but Tumulty could not be left out. Caelim Keogh and Eoin Colleran’s returning from America was important for Pearses in defeating Clann but in his first championship start of the year Jack Tumulty stole the show, kicking 1-4 from play and providing four assists. A huge performance when Pearses needed it most.
Shannon Gaels’ Evan Corcoran deserves a mention after kicking 1-8 against Strokestown but McGann deserves his place as he struck at critical times in his side’s win. The corner forward kicked 0-8 while his leadership was even more impressive as he nailed a crucial two-pointer down the stretch in what was the knockout blow.
St. Michael’s Niall Conlon excelled but it was hard to overlook Daire Cregg. The inter county forward marked his return to Boyle colours in fine style as he kicked six points from play while slicing through the Castlerea defence on numerous occasions. He also provided six assists as his fingerprints were over much of Boyle’s positive attacking play.
On a day when St. Faithleach’s saw 11 different players find the target as they registered 1-17 from play, they had no shortage of candidates for the team of the week. When Johnny Hussey punched over after surging on to Connell Kennelly’s pass to open his side’s account after seven minutes, it set the tone for an energetic display that saw him do much spade work yet provide classy touches close to goal.
