All eyes turn to divisional sides
WATCHING BRIEF: Ciarán Sirr, Ballintubber, taking in the intermediate football championship game between Elphin and Fuerty in Enfield on Saturday evening. Picture: Gerard O'Loughlin
The eyes of the nation were on new Late Late Show host, Patrick Kielty, on Friday evening. By the full-time whistle, his performance represented a resounding success for the County Down native.
As the Roscommon SFC reaches the quarter-final stages this weekend, the attention will be on the county’s two divisional sides — West and North Roscommon who face heavyweights St. Brigid’s and Pádraig Pearses next Saturday.
It was a brave move by Roscommon GAA to opt for a championship format that included divisional teams from intermediate and junior clubs, affording their players the opportunity to play senior championship football.
Respective managers Michael Jordan and Peter Bolger have done everything possible to get the best players available for the two crucial games. But these players have given their commitment to their clubs in their respective club championship campaign. The last thing Roscommon GAA needs is two heavy defeats, which would leave a lot more questions than answers.
A fully-tuned in St. Brigid’s could do serious damage to North Roscommon if the Kiltoom-based side open up and play the type of football they’re capable of.
If West Roscommon have everyone on board, they could test Pádraig Pearses. But they will need a full crew on deck, which is unlikely due to the upcoming intermediate football championship semi-finals.
The general opinion of amalgamated teams is that if it works in Kerry, it can work in any county. Sadly, that is not the case. If the Kerry SFC was a Leaving Cert higher level maths exam, one would need extra grinds, such is the complicated nature of the championship down south.
I’m sure St. Faithleach’s, St. Dominic’s and Tulsk will be watching with interest on Saturday. Essentially, the new formula, which was voted in by Roscommon County Board delegates, deprived them of a play-off place. All three will feel aggrieved if the divisional teams are well beaten.
St. Faithleach’s were particularly unlucky as they became the meat in the Roscommon Gaels and Boyle sandwich. Tulsk beat last season’s champions Strokestown, while St. Dominic’s beat Michael Glaveys and went on to produce their best performance against Pádraig Pearses.
While this exercise has merit in giving all players a chance to play senior championship football, it will require more thought later in the year if it is to become part of the Roscommon senior club championship fabric.
A player’s first responsibility is to his club. It also puts club managers in a difficult situation as they want full access to their players as they try to win their respective championships.
Michael Jordan and Peter Bolger have been feeding off the crumbs from the table over the last few weeks. They haven’t enjoyed the window to get collective training done.
Both divisional sides will give it everything when the cameras roll on Saturday. It’s what happens by the finish that will decide if this new system has a future.
My suggestion going forward is that the three teams — 7, 8 and 9 after the group stages of the SFC would see Team 8 play Team 9 with the winner joining Team 7 to play the two divisional teams for the right to fill the last two places in the SFC quarter-finals.
That way, it would be a fair roll of the dice for everyone.
After the summer recess, there were plenty of political party think-ins last week. The same discussions applied to my weekly Teaser gatherings as plenty of debate was required before the findings were released.
Can you name the player who scored hat-tricks in two different codes for two different counties in All-Ireland senior camogie and football finals?
Mary Geaney scored a hat-trick for the Kerry ladies in the All-Ireland senior football final against Offaly in 1976 and for Cork against Dublin in the 1978 All-Ireland senior camogie final.
QPR, Frenchpark, was first to get his motion through, with Fr John McManus, PP Castlerea; Liam Dooley, Ballyhaunis, Paddy Boland, Youghal, County Cork; John Croghan, Bundoran; Murt Hunt, Ballyhaunis; Michael Scally, Ballaghaderreen; Mary Gilfillan, Kilmore; Mick Fetherston, Dublin; Seán Farrell, Dublin; Luigi, Ballyhaunis, and Pat, Sligo, also getting their bill through the Seanad.
Answers by e-mail to willieefc@gmail.com or by text to 086 8356227. This week’s Teaser comes from Galway.
There is a very special event taking place at the Roscommon Community Park in Lisnamult on this Friday evening, September 22nd, at 7 p.m. when a Roscommon Special Olympics team take on a Roscommon Garda selection in their annual tournament.
This is the third year of this wonderful tournament as the Special Olympics team are chasing three-in-a-row over the Boys in Blue. They have been training very hard over the past few months in anticipation of the big game and deserve great support as they are a superbly committed group of athletes.
Make it a date in your diary and enjoy a wonderful evening of entertainment and fun.
Star pupil: Conor Cox who scored 0-8 for Éire Óg as they reached the IFC semi-final with a four-point victory over St. Croan’s on Sunday.
Crucial win for: Michael Glaveys as they preserved their SFC status with a famous win over Strokestown.
Much do better: Fuerty will be disappointed to have only scored 1-2 in their IFC quarter-final defeat to Elphin.
Spot of bother: Australia losing to Fiji in the Rugby World Cup has thrown the Wallabies, and Eddie Jones’ plans, into chaos.
Weekend highlight: Galway United, who are Premier League-bound as First Division champions-elect, showed their potential by thumping Dundalk 4-0 in the FAI Cup quarter-final last Friday night.
Of course, the Tribesmen are managed by County Roscommon native, John Caulfield.
What a cracker: A rampant Ireland facing World Cup Rugby champions South Africa in a blockbuster battle next Saturday night.
“Beginnings are usually scary, and endings are usually sad. But it's everything in between that makes it all worth living.”
New Late Late Show presenter Patrick Kielty won an All-Ireland minor football medal with Down in 1987.
Only Clann na nGael’ second team can prevent an intriguing Junior A Football Championship final as St. Michael’s, Kilglass Gaels and St. Ronan’s remain in the hunt.
