Lennon's resilience helps her make up for lost time

There were plenty of times where Róise Lennon could have called it quits.

Much like the story of Roscommon in 2026, Lennon’s entire intercounty career has been defined by rebounding to adversity.

Before making her debut against Leitrim in the Connacht final back in 2021, the Clann na nGael clubwoman didn’t enjoy an underage career with the county. Despite strong genetics with her brothers Ciaran and Fergal representing the county, Lennon admits that confidence in her game took time to develop.

“I never broke into the underage structure, really, to be honest. I don't know was it a confidence thing? Maybe not having that self-belief. It's a different step up from underage to adult football. But it never really happened for me at underage.

“It just goes to show that if there are young girls, or lads, out there, who don't get the chance to break through at underage, there's no reason why you can't go on to play senior football.

“Yeah it probably was (a chip on her shoulder starting out). People not thinking I was good enough, or maybe myself not thinking I was good enough then. But you like to prove people wrong. It's something that gives you a bit of extra edge,” she stated.

Despite her breakthrough into adult intercounty football, Lennon’s journey has been far from plain sailing.

After playing through the pain barrier, Lennon was forced to undergo surgery on a torn hip labrum in 2024. She underwent two keyhole surgeries and microsurgery, missing out on intercounty football entirely that year.

She admits that it was hard watching on from the sidelines but feels the recovery has only strengthened her love of the game.

“It can be tough. But it definitely tests your love for the game. This might sound funny but it's not the worst thing to go through. It reminds you why you play football and why you love it so much.

“I remember the first time getting into jumping, getting into straight line running and getting on the grass. You work your backside off in the gym to be able to do that. It’s the team-mates who are around you as well — your support network. They are huge if you're not feeling the best, or things aren't going your way in rehab. They are the ones that pick you up,” she noted.

With Roscommon set to square off against Fermanagh on Sunday next, half an eye naturally turns to the league game between the sides back on February 1st, a contest that ended in a draw.

In a dramatic seven-goal thriller at Tempo Maguires GAA Grounds, Lennon kicked the equalising score but saw her free with the last kick of the game rebound back off the post. And just in case there wasn’t enough drama on the day, the Roscommon team bus subsequently broke down on the way home.

Lennon laughs when reflecting upon that eventful Sunday, but she insists that, in a strange way, the transport troubles brought the group closer together.

“We are hoping the bus and logistics will all run smoothly to Croke Park, no more breakdowns. But, honestly, that was probably one of the most... I suppose it was, in a weird way, a bonding moment. It kind of galvanised us,” she noted.

For the self-described “football nerd,” winning in Croke Park would be special. With her mother Gobnait also a member of the backroom team, helping Roscommon claim their first All-Ireland intermediate crown since 2005 would be a seismic moment for the group and for Lennon personally.

“It would mean a lot. I think, as a group, it's obviously a long time since Roscommon have been in Croke Park. But, we're looking to change things.

“We're going to try and put this team on the map, especially with the underage structure strong. There is a lot of talent in Roscommon, and in Roscommon ladies’ football in general. So, it would mean a lot to this group, and it would mean a lot to me personally as well,” she concluded.