Focus turns to club action
FLYING THE FLAG: Fiona Thompson and Sinéad Finn supporting Roscommon in the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship quarter final in Carrick-on-Shannon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
As a pioneer, I’ve never experienced one and have no intention of starting now, but for the Roscommon senior footballers over the last few weeks, it must have felt like they were nursing a massive hangover. I’m reliably told there are different methods to ease the pain like a long sleep, the full Irish or lots of water but the best cure for the Primrose and Blue players will be lining out for their clubs.
The battle to be crowned All-Ireland SFC champions is down to the fab four as Roscommon players, management and supporters' thoughts turn to the club football championships at the end of July. Over the past decade Roscommon club championships have become one of the most competitive in the country with our county champions able to hold their own against the best of them. The O’Rourke Cup Division One League and O’Gara Cup Division Two League finals take place this weekend.
For every other club, championship mode has already kicked in as the county players started making their return. If we go by the league, defending champions St. Brigid’s start the race in pole position and once they have everyone back on board, they will take some stopping from securing back-to-back titles. After that, it’s anyone’s guess who will challenge the Green & Red.
Pádraig Pearses, despite a low-key league, are expected to lead the charge, with Clann na nGael and Boyle also aiming to peak when knockout football comes around. Roscommon Gaels changed drivers mid-stream with Deckie Hoare back in the managerial hot-seat after the town club parted ways with Brian McGarry. Can group stage darlings Oran develop the mindset to win a quarter-final game?
Tulsk, St Dominic’s, Éire Óg and Fuerty look set to be the front-runners in the race for intermediate glory, but keep an eye on St Michael’s, who could emerge as a dark horse with the potential to ruffle a few feathers. St Aidan’s appear best equipped to challenge for the junior championship, while Clann na nGael’s second team will be dangerous if they can keep their panel together.
Kilbride might just be a year or two away from making a return to Intermediate football but the longer the Mid-Roscommon club stay in the championship, the more dangerous they become. They could take out one of the leading lights. By the time it all begins the intercounty hangover will be over with another productive, entertaining season ahead and new players catching the eye of Mark Dowd.
Last week saw two of the longest-serving primary school principals called full-time on the illustrious careers as brothers Ger and Kieran Dowd stepped away. Ger, principal of Creggs NS, and Kieran, principal of Tarmon NS, leave behind a lasting legacy that will endure for generations in both school communities. I have always believed that teachers can have a huge influence on their students. I was fortunate to have brilliant teachers at both primary and secondary level who shaped my outlook on future employment and nurtured my love of sport.
The Dowd brothers fit firmly into that category, having left every child in their care a better student. From the moment you entered either school, it was clear how smoothly things ran—always on calm waters—with teachers who shared their commitment to ensuring every child was given the opportunity to be the very best they could be in an environment that recognised and catered for their individual needs. Both schools had a wonderful educational ethos, matched with sporting activities. Sport was crucial with every single child taking part in so many varied activities.
In my previous job as Roscommon Coaching and Games Development manager I had the great pleasure of coaching in both schools. First up was Tarmon NS, long before it became the incredible place it is now. Several times over the years, I would arrange challenge games between Kilmurry and Tarmon with the rushes and nettles on the famous school pitch bigger than some of the players.
After the battle - when it was nearly impossible to beat Tarmon on home soil - you were always treated to a lovely cup of tea and something sweet. Over the years, through hard work and persistence, Tarmon has developed into one of the finest primary schools in the county, the envy of many with its fabulous indoor and outdoor facilities.
In Creggs, one thing that always struck me was Ger Dowd’s determination that every child would take part, regardless of ability, while his fifth and sixth classes consistently looked out for the younger pupils in the school. When I decided to make a career move over three years ago, Ger was a huge influence and source of support in my becoming a Special Needs Assistant (SNA), a path that ultimately led to my full-time position in Roscommon Community College. He gave me sub days and July Provision in 2023 which equipped me with the tools and the desire to be an SNA.
Both gentlemen can now enjoy their retirement, safe in the knowledge that they have been outstanding ambassadors and role models to the thousands of children fortunate enough to have passed through their school gates, as well as to the teachers who benefited from their guidance and expertise.
Last Wednesday, Dympna and I popped out to Creggs NS for Ger’s retirement celebration, where a wonderful day was enjoyed by a large gathering as the legend, as he is fondly known, received the send-off he truly deserved. Kieran, likewise, was honoured last Friday.
So far it's been a striker's paradise in the World Cup with last week’s teaser slotting nicely into the equation.
Can you name the youngest goal scorer at a World Cup soccer finals? It was Pele at 17years and 239 days in 1958.
First to find the target was QPR, Frenchpark. Liam Dooley, Ballyhaunis; Michael Scally, Ballaghaderreen; Fr. John McManus, PP Castlerea; Murt Hunt, Ballyhaunis; John Croghan, Bundoran; Martin Walshe, Carrowbehy; John Wynne, Kilteevan; Mary Gifillan, Kilmore; PJ Martin, Kiltoom; Bernard Duffy, Longford/Loughglynn; Mick Fetherston, Dublin; Luigi, Ballyhaunis; Mary McCarthy, Holloway; Kevin Flanagan, Dartford; Sean Toolan, Heston; Marcus Ward, Lytham; Michael Kearns, Clapham and Paddy Boland, Youghal chasing the golden boot award.
This Week’s Teaser: Can you name the only hurler to win Liam McCarthy, Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher medals? Answers by email to willieefc@gmail.com or by text to 086-8356227. This week’s teaser came from Dublin.
Star Pupil: Darren McCurry scoring 0-10 for Tyrone in 26 second half minutes against Kerry.
Crucial win for: Roscommon LGFA Intermediate ladies footballers after a brilliant win over Leitrim in the All-Ireland quarter-final.
Must do better: Tipperary U-17 minor hurlers letting a three point lead slip in injury time against Limerick in the All-Ireland final.
Spot of bother: Scotland’s players and supporters having to wait four days to find out they were going home from the World Cup was utter madness.
Weekend highlight: What a 24 hours for Gaelic football, with Louth’s outstanding win over Monaghan the standout moment of an incredible All-Ireland SFC season so far.
What a cracker: If Clare rise to the occasion they have the talent to rattle Limerick’s cage ensuring Sunday’s All-Ireland SHC semi-final can go the distance.
Hegarty’s Motivational Quote: “If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes”.
Did you know: Last year was the only time since the introduction of the new hurling championship format in 2018 that the beaten Munster finalists failed to win their All-Ireland SHC quarter-final, with Limerick failing to Dublin.
Finally for this week: At this stage, Cape Verde has become Ireland’s adopted team at the World Cup, with the first-timers capturing the nation’s imagination - and now it’s David (Pico) versus Goliath (Messi) on Friday night.
Don’t be fooled by the recent Munster SHC final and while it was a wonderful occasion, it turned out to be little more than a free taking contest between Limerick and Cork. Yes, the weather had a big bearing on the type of game played. Both teams went out with only one intention to stop each other from playing free-flowing hurling.
Clare’s time is now as they can’t keep waiting to produce the type of performance they can deliver with the talent at their disposal. While they have injuries surely the Banner will not lie down when faced by the green jersey of their neighbours.
The rivalry is fierce, and while Limerick will be overwhelming favourites to return to in two weeks’ time in pursuit of another All-Ireland title, Clare have enough quality to make this a serious contest.
Verdict: Limerick.
Galway will relish this challenge. We are being told the All-Ireland final pairing is destined to be Limerick against Cork, but the Tribesmen, who have never feared Cork in -Ireland semi-finals down the years, will arrive with an ambush in mind. The only concern is the credibility of the Leinster SHC, with Dublin and Offaly both left on the canvas after heavy defeats to and Cork respectively.
This poses the question where does this leave Galway’s provincial win and can they bring their game to another level to take on a Cork side with problems of their own trying to erase big game losses in to and Tipperary in successive seasons.
Galway was the last team in 2017 outside of Munster to win the All-Ireland as the last eight 's have all headed South.
Verdict: Cork
