Intriguing U-20 football finals down for decision
Eoin Collins will spearhead Oran/St. Croan's efforts to retain their U-20 Division Two football title. Picture: Bernie O'Farrell
There will be plenty of interest this Saturday as the Roscommon U-20 Division Two and Three football finals are down for decision.
The Division Two decider between Kilbride and Oran/St. Croan’s promises to be an intriguing affair.
Kilbride defied the odds to beat St. Aidan’s 3-11 to 0-18 in their semi-final as county minor goalkeeper, Cian Trimble, saved an injury-time penalty to help his side secure a dramatic win.
Kilbride will be hoping that their injuries start to clear as they only had 15 players available for that last four clash. However, they possess quality within their ranks as the Shallys — Luke and Marc — alongside Brian Keegan are capable of getting scores.
Luke Shally bagged 1-7, including 1-4 from play, the last day, and will need another big performance to help his side to a memorable triumph.
Oran/St. Croan’s enter this contest looking to retain the title they claimed last year. They came through their own thrilling semi-final against Castlerea St. Kevin’s, prevailing by 3-21 to 1-23.
Eoin Collins has been a revelation for the St. Croan’s junior footballers this year, while Alan Conroy’s intercounty experience will be a huge boost. County minor Seamus Hussey gives them a strong platform, while Ivan Bikoi was central to Roscommon CBS winning the All-Ireland Post Primary Schools Senior B title in March.
The Division Three decider will see Tulsk and Kilglass Gaels/St. Barry’s square off this Saturday at 5 p.m. in Strokestown.
Tulsk came through a nailbiting semi-final, holding on to defeat St. Ciaran’s by 3-13 to 2-15 after leading by seven points at the break when enjoying wind advantage.
Their directness caused problems for St. Ciaran’s, with long balls leading to goals for Michael Kane and Cormac Neary. Tulsk have quality operators throughout the park. Jack Flynn bagged 0-7 during that semi-final, while Killian Hussey will be expected to stamp his authority on this game.
Kilglass Gaels/St. Barry’s will be eager to atone for their 2024 final defeat to Western Gaels. Just like last year, they overcame St. Michael’s/St. Ronan’s in the last four stage, with Cian Quinn’s late 1-1 helping them procure a dramatic victory.
U-20 intercounty footballer Cillian Campbell bagged 2-2 in that game, while county minor Tadhg Rogers and Tristan Hoey are likely to play key roles if the East Roscommon combination are to make up for last year’s disappointment.
