Michael Glaveys lead the way in Roscommon Herald Team of the Week
Shane O'Malley has been selected on the Team of the Week following Michael Glaveys' win over St. Brigid's.
The Roscommon Herald Team of the Week returns after a memorable final round of group games.
Michael Glaveys’ stunning victory over St. Brigid’s sees them lead the way in our Team of the Week. Yet, the battle for places on the team was fierce across the board with the back seven and midfield seeing arguably the biggest competition for places this season.
Meanwhile, the forward line chosen here combined for 4-53 over the weekend. After another round of games laced with drama and excitement, we take you through the 15 players that caught our eye the most.
Despite the 1-14 to 0-6 final scoreline in favour of St. Michael’s against St. Barry’s, O’Dowd was crucial to his side’s success. His 0-7 tally, which included a ‘45’ and three frees from outside the arc — one of which was against the gale-force wind — showcased his expert ball-striking. Despite Tulsk’s Sean Martin and Clann’s Seán Kelly showing well, O’Dowd deserves his spot.
In Strokestown’s fluctuating clash with St. Brigid’s, Colm Neary’s ability to find trouble and deal with it effectively was key to his side’s victory. He simply popped up whenever and wherever his team needed him. His brother David also shone, kicking two points, but Colm’s composure in the face of a determined St. Brigid’s challenge sees him get the nod.
Michael Glaveys restricted the St. Brigid’s full forward line to just 0-3 over the course of the hour. None of Ciarán Sugrue, Bobby Nugent or Ben O’Carroll were able to register more than a point with O’Malley a key reason behind this. The entire full back line excelled but O’Malley anchored the defence perfectly to help Glaveys produce the result of the weekend.
Despite Pearses only finshing third in the group, they have built up momentum after their win over St. Dominic’s. Key to that triumph was Mark Richardson, who kept the talented Daire Keenan out of the game by turning over the ball, forcing spills and breaks, and generally being a thorn that stung the St. Dominic’s attack time and again.
Although Fuerty never hit top gear in their nervy win over Pádraig Pearses B, their defence laid the platform for this victory. Eamon Bannon starred in defence as Fuerty conceded just one score in the second half. Bannon’s calmness and composure helped Fuerty come through a real tricky test against a plucky Pearses outfit.
Although he started in midfield, Cahill’s flexibility and ability to perform numerous roles in this Éire Óg side sees him get the nod at centre back. Cahill was as lively as ever and was particularly dominant when Éire Óg controlled the first period. His thunderbolt goal kickstarted his side’s dominant spell and laid the foundations for a third win on the bounce.
Although he operated in midfield, Senan Lambe was as industrious as ever from open play. He was always at the heart of the Gaels’ attacks as he dictated the tempo his side operated at throughout. His two first half points, particular the lead score just before half-time, were hammer blows to Castlerea St. Kevin’s’ challenge and gave his side’s challenge valuable oxygen.
Key to Michael Glaveys’ terrific victory over St. Brigid’s was their ability to compete vigorously in the midfield sector. Niall Heneghan was excellent as he alongside his brother Darragh gave Michael Glaveys a platform to build off. The Roscommon U-20 footballer was majestic in the air while he linked defence to attack effectively throughout.
The man nicknamed ‘Tiger’ certainly came roaring into his side’s contest with Creggs at pivotal times. O’Rourke’s surge forward helped create Callum Fahey’s goal just moments after his side had fallen seven points behind. He won a crucial turnover that led to a Daniel Connolly score in the second half while his leadership was highlighted when he caught Seán Martin’s kickout after a Ronan Dowd two-pointer cut his side’s lead to three deep in injury time.
Kevin Higgins and Gunn were in a duel for Player of the Match during Western Gaels and Elphin’s crucial showdown. Higgins bagged 1-2 but when Evan Gunn kicked three late scores to take his final tally to 1-6, there was little doubt over who was best on show. Gunn’s goal and his three late points were examples of him rising to the occasion.
Even though he ended up on the losing side, it was impossible to ignore Dowd’s showing as he kicked 0-11 for Creggs in their narrow four point defeat to Tulsk. It was clear he was in the mood from the outset, as he kicked 0-8 inside the opening 20 minutes, with his tally including a pair of efforts from outside the arc. He continued to carry the fight in the second half.
A masterclass from Donie Smith, who finished with 1-13 after a scintillating second half showing against Oran. Having kicked 0-4 during the opening 30 minutes, four second-half two-pointers, helped Boyle overcome a tricky test. “Downtown Donie,” an apt nickname from Boyle GAA’s social media channels, produced a performance laden with leadership and accuracy.
Although he was guilty of some errant shooting towards the end of his side’s contest with Kilbride, Evan Corcoran led the way once more for Shannon Gaels as they survived a stern test of their credentials. Corcoran’s six point haul was decisive in his side’s win as his two-pointer just after the break highlighted his class.
An absolute shoe in for a place on this team. Lennon was simply majestic as he finished with 1-12 in Clann’s victory over St. Faithleach’s. Amazingly, 1-11 of his tally, came in the first half while he also set up Alan McManus for his 20th minute goal. His ability to win aerial duels and run at the heart of the St. Faithleach’s defence made him a nightmare to deal with.
Eoin Colleran had a strong case, but Ballinameen’s Adam Dwyer, who shot 1-5 in his side’s win over Kilglass Gaels, gets the nod. Although he wasn’t perfect in front of goal, Dwyer showed his leadership by taking on the opposition defence at every chance. His opening point, which was the game’s first score, and his late two-point free were examples of him standing up when needed most.
