GAA clubs at the hub of the community
Nuala and Rebecca Brennan supporting the Fuerty intermediate footballers against Creggs in Lisnamult recently. Picture: Gerard O'Loughlin
Christy Moore had a hit song called “The Voyage”. Over the past six weeks, I have been on my own “voyage” in the Roscommon SFC, winding my way through the county.
I have been to eight different venues covering games for Shannonside FM. Each one has been a wonderful experience, with the host club rolling out the red carpet.
It proves once again the GAA club is still the hub of our local communities. Car parks have been full of volunteers, directing traffic and ensuring that everyone has got into the ground on time. Shops and press facilities alongside the half-time Go-Games for the boys and girls have been major highlights.
I know the old chestnut of online bookings can cause problems for elderly supporters but it’s a great system to get people into grounds quickly. There’s no messing with cash at the turnstiles. To me, the one good thing that came out of Covid was online ticket sales for games.
The kettle has been constantly on the boil in various clubrooms alongside a table full of goodies as if one was out for afternoon tea.
My tour began on the August Bank Holiday weekend in Johnstown as the host club, Clann na nGael, sent their neighbours Padraig Pearses packing with their tails between their legs after a dramatic late sucker punch.
Then I had the pleasure of a West Roscommon double-header, visiting O'Rourke Park, Castlerea, for its return to senior football against Roscommon Gaels. At the time, the town was caught up in its summer festival and the excitement of local hero Aoife O'Rourke competing in the Olympic Games.
Peadar Early Park in Ballinlough welcomed the beaten All-Ireland club finalists St. Brigid’s who treated the home side with the same respect as if they were playing Corofin or Glen from Derry.
After a week’s siesta, I headed for the home comforts of Tulsk. But the men from the next parish, Castlerea, and Adam McDermott’s magical left foot pick-pocketed the Maroon and White in a game that changed the direction of the wind for both clubs.
Twenty four hours later, I set sail for the club with a pitch at the crossroads on the N5 as Frenchpark craved for a Western Gaels win. But Michael Glaveys rained on the locals’ parade as Iain Daly’s troops headed back down the road with the goodies.
Seven days later, there was sunshine and dark clouds in Ballyleague. With Lough Ree nearby, St. Faithleach’s swam to safety, leaving Western Gaels cast ashore with no life jacket as Ciaráin Murtagh stole the show.
Last weekend, I concluded my duties as a pub spy on the football field by arriving at Strokestown whose facilities wouldn’t have looked out of place at the Olympics in Paris. Oran relished the battle against Castlerea so much. They’ll want all their remaining games on a pitch that could hold a World Bowls final.
I concluded my journey on Saturday where I began — in South Roscommon — and in the house of the 2021 county and provincial champions Pádraig Pearses. An evening game with the sun shining in Woodmount is my idea of heaven.
I know that every club in all three championships has put in a massive effort hosting games. Despite the hit and miss summer, the weather has been largely beautiful for my eight road trips.
In a nutshell, St. Brigid’s have yet to be tested, Pádraig Pearses are building momentum, Michael Glaveys are the most improved side of the final eight, and Boyle are still standing.
Clann are lying dangerously in the long grass, Roscommon Gaels are putting the jigsaw pieces together and Oran are coming to the boil nicely.
The shadow boxing is over as knockout football (Boyle v Castlerea St. Kevin's) enters the ring next weekend.
Entry into last week’s Tuesday Teaser ballot wasn’t as complicated as trying to secure over-priced Oasis tickets.
Can you name the last player to score two goals in an 80-minute Connacht SFC match? It was Liam Salmon for Galway in the 1974 Connacht SFC final.
Michael Scally, Ballaghaderreen, was first in the queue with the correct answer. QPR, Frenchpark; Liam Dooley, Ballyhaunis; Mary Gilfillan, Kilmore; Murt Hunt, Ballyhaunis; John Croghan, Bundoran; Luigi, Ballyhaunis; Bernard Duffy, Longford/Loughglynn; David Callaghan, Castlerea; Pat, Sligo; Paddy Boland, Youghal; Kevin Flanagan, Dartford and Michael Kearns, Clapham also best the rush and got their hands on tickets.
Answers by e-mail to willieefc@gmail.com or by text to 086 8356227. This week’s teaser came from London.
I would like to wish Mick Fetherston of Dublin — one of my most loyal and trusted Tuesday Teaser contributors — a speedy recovery after his recent operation.
Over the past few weeks, Mick has been missing in action. I want to express my appreciation to a family member for letting me know that he had undergone surgery. Thankfully, he has been making great progress and is looking to reading the Roscommon Herald to aid his recovery even further over the coming weeks.
Mick is one of the great Rossies living in Dublin.
Star pupil: Ryan Dowling who scored the last four points for Kilbride to clinch a dramatic rescue mission against Padraig Pearses and secure their place in the quarter-finals of the intermediate football championship.
Crucial win for: Pádraig Pearses over Boyle in the senior football championship. Frank Canning’s side are building real momentum.
Much do better: St. Joseph’s are out of the Junior A championship after being beaten by Roscommon Gaels.
Spot of bother: The three clubs — St. Dominic’s, Tulsk and Western Gaels — sitting in the SFC relegation places were beaten by a combined tally of 56 points last weekend, which suggests confidence will be on the floor in their attempts to avoid the drop.
Weekend highlight: A proper contest as Pádraig Pearses and Boyle delivered the best game of the Roscommon SFC in Woodmount on Saturday evening.
What a cracker: Right now, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is on a different planet to everyone else after bagging two hat-tricks in a week.
“Between yesterday’s mistakes and tomorrow’s hope, there is a fantastic opportunity called Today.”
The three Walsh brothers scored 1-13 for Oran in their SFC victory over Castlerea St Kevin’s with Darragh (0-9), Shane (1-3) and Colin (0-1) finding the target.
What a cash cow for Shamrock Rovers if they could win a couple of games in their Europa League Conference group, which includes a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in December.
