Hurlers commence Rackard Cup campaign
Kevin Sammon will be hoping that the Roscommon senior hurlers can get their Nickey Rackard Cup campaign off to a winning start this afternoon. Picture: Courtesy of Roscommon GAA
Roscommon’s recent national hurling league campaign could be best described as a curate’s egg — good in spots. They beat London and drew with Wicklow but were beaten by Derry, Tyrone and Donegal, leaving Kevin Sammon and his management team with much to ponder.
On the plus side, operating in Division 2B will have aided Roscommon‘s preparation. But with Mayo entering the championship on the back of their Division 3A League success, the Primrose and Blue will be locked in a three-way love affair with their provincial neighbours and Donegal to make the Nickey Rackard Cup final in Croke Park on Saturday, June 1st.
In Roscommon’s favour, they have both their main rivals at home. But they know that their recent league performances will not bring championship success.
After losing last year’s All-Ireland U-20 B final to Derry, this season’s crop has more potential, which suggests good hurlers are ready to come off the conveyor belt over the coming seasons.
If Roscommon can win their opening game against Louth on Saturday (this afternoon) and follow that up with away wins over Monaghan and Armagh, it will leave the Primrose and Blue ready for their moment of truth against Donegal and Mayo in their final two games.
I had the same problem as new Fine Gael leader Simon Harris last week as there were plenty of candidates jostling to get a place on the front bench.
Can you name the first Connacht player to win football and hurling Railway Cups? It was Keith Higgins of Mayo who won a hurling medal in 2005 and a football equivalent in 2014.
Michael Scally, Ballaghaderreen, was first to take his place, with QPR, Frenchpark; PJ Martin, Kiltoom; Paddy Conlon, Taughmaconnell; Murt Hunt, Ballyhaunis; Mary Gilfillan, Kilmore; Pat Deane, Williamstown; John Croghan, Bundoran; Mick Fetherston, Dublin; Liam Dooley, Ballyhaunis; Pat, Sligo; Luigi, Ballyhaunis; Larry Cunningham, Glinsk; Paddy Boland, Youghal; Mary McCarthy, Holloway; Kevin Flanagan, Dartford; Seán Toolan, Heston and Michael Kearns, Clapham, also earning promotions.
Answers by e-mail to willieefc@gmail.com or by text to 086 8356227. This week’s teaser comes from Dublin.
Star pupil: Aidan McCarthy who scored 2-10 for Clare in their NHL Division One final success against Kilkenny.
Crucial win for: Luton Town in their efforts to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Much do better: The Roscommon intermediate ladies’ footballers never got going in their Division Three League final defeat to Clare.
Spot of bother: Division Three football league champions, Westmeath, dumped into the Leinster SFC scrapheap by Wicklow.
Weekend highlight: Waterford winning their first game in the Munster SFC in 14 years.
What a cracker: The Connacht U-20 football championship is set for a thrilling conclusion as all five counties are in the mix, with lots of twists and turns still to come.
“You are not too old, too tired or too ‘anything’. You are younger than tomorrow, stronger than you realise, and wiser than you know. Don’t give up before you even try.”
That Leitrim’s Ryan O’Rourke was the top scorer from open play in all four divisions of the National Football League with 4-17.
Overall, Paddy Lynch from Cavan was the top scorer from dead balls with 0-41.
