Roscommon face tricky test against All Ireland finalists

Roscommon’s ladies footballers face by far their biggest test of the Lidl Ladies NFL to date as they travel to Tuam Stadium to face 2024 All Ireland finalists Galway.

Finbar Egan’s side secured a highly impressive 3-13 to 0-8 win over Clare last time out in what felt a must win tie.

After a 0-7 to 0-6 defeat to Monaghan in the opening contest of the campaign, Roscommon knew they needed points on the board before facing a Galway side who will be seeking a direct return to Division One football.

Roscommon have given eight players their competitive debuts so far this year. Clann na nGael duo Caoimhe Lennon and Orla O’Neill have both made their competitive debuts against Monaghan as did St. Brigid’s pair Ria Lennon and Marian Nolan.

Shannon McGuinness (St. Barry’s) also made her inaugural Roscommon appearance in that one point defeat in Johnstown.

St. Croan’s Amy Malone, Pádraig Pearses’ Grainne Lohan and St. Brigid’s Caoimhe O’Reilly all made their debuts against Clare as Finbar Egan has opted to shuffle the deck.

Galway currently sit top of the table after a pair of victories as they defeated Cork last time out. 

With the Kilkerrin/Clonberne contingent back in action alongside the returns of Siobhán Divilly and Kate Slevin this year, Galway possess a deep squad to choose from.

Daniel Moynihan, now in his second season in charge, opted to use last year’s league to test partnerships and combinations for the championship ahead.

Although relegation followed, the Ballinasloe man’s decision was justified with Galway progressing to the All Ireland final.

Finbar Egan has spoken of his desire to play a positive brand of football but one would imagine Roscommon will be required to sit deep and defend for extended periods.

Roscommon showed against Clare that their attack can rack up the scores, but Galway appear to possess all the aces to help them avoid an enormous shock.