Michael Glaveys pen Tales of the Unexpected
Shane O'Malley and Brian Stack in action for Michael Glaveys and St. Brigid's respectively during the clubs' recent senior football championship game in Lisnamult. Picture: Gerard O'Loughlin
Just as The Traitors Ireland hits our television screens, Michael Glaveys have penned their own version of “Tales of the Unexpected”, leaving the remaining seven contestants in the Roscommon SFC looking over their shoulders wondering if there is a shock in store for them.
The Traitors has 24 hopefuls trying to avoid being killed off to win the big cash prizes on offer. Currently, there are eight teams left standing in the race for the Fahey Cup.
Eamonn O’Hara’s men have the perfect poker face with three wins on the bounce and a forward line as sharp as a groomsman's suit.
Over the past few seasons, the North Roscommon men have lost two SFC finals by a point. After last year’s meek quarter-final surrender to Roscommon Gaels, it seemed that their chances of ending their Fahey Cup famine were gone.
But the Maroon and White are back and have a last eight blockbuster clash with Pádraig Pearses to look forward to.
The Ballinlough men have won six out of their last seven championship games. This season, they are unbeaten after three victories in their group. After taking St. Brigid’s scalp, Iain Daly’s side know that they have a great chance to get back to the semi-finals at St. Faithleach's expense.
While their attacking flair has got lots of credit, their defence has been as steady and as calm as their manager. Consequently, nobody will fancy taking on a team currently riding the crest of a wave.
On a given day, Clann can look like Kerry. On other days, they can look less than ordinary.
Somewhere in between is a decent team waiting to emerge and who are capable of troubling any of the sides left in the championship.
Pat Fallon’s men have struggled to break the last eight barrier in recent seasons but, with Elphin next up, this could be the season for Clann to reach the business end of the championship.
Steady without being spectacular is how Roscommon Gaels’ opening three games could be summed up.
After losing to Boyle, Mark Dowd’s men have hit double top with victories over Oran and Castlerea St. Kevin’s.
Senan Lambe, John McManus and Richard Walsh are playing great football. From one to nine, the Gaels are sticker than a stamp. But can they engineer enough scores to win a knockout championship game?
That doubt will linger with St. Brigid's waiting in the long grass.
Last season, after St. Brigid’s lost to Pádraig Pearses, there was no safety net. This time, after being left on the ropes by Michael Glaveys, they have a second chance.
Everyone has been telling Anthony Cunningham's team that they were champions in waiting but now they face a tough quarter-final opponent in Roscommon Gaels.
The Kiltoom men are skating on thin ice. Last time out against Michael Glavey's, their six forwards only managed 0-3 — incredible given the calibre of players they have.
The champions are taking the long road, but will come on leaps and bounds after getting the better of Oran on Wednesday evening.
Successive wins over Clann na nGael and St. Dominic’s had put the zip back into Frank Canning’s men who are soldering on without experienced generals Niall Daly, Niall Carty and Conor Daly.
The longer these boys stay in the championship, the tougher they will be to beat. Their game against Boyle will be worth the admission money.
Since landing a shot on the jaw of holders Pádraig Pearses, the Ballyleague men followed that with a crucial win over St. Dominic’s to book a last eight place.
A poor first half against Clann na nGael last time out brought Ian Bradley’s men back down to earth. But they will re-group, dust themselves down, go again, and be ready for Michael Glaveys.
Two weeks ago Elphin were up the creek without a paddle. They were doomed for a relegation battle until they pulled a rabbit from the hat against Western Gaels.
That confidence booster saw them jump another fence last Sunday against North Roscommon to secure their place in the quarter-finals. With the pressure lifted, Nigel Dineen’s men can play with the handbrake off against Clann na nGael.
While the action last weekend was at the K Club, my Teaser players were aiming to make the cut.
Can you name the only former Premier League team to be relegated to non-league football? It was Oldham Athletic.
QPR, Frenchpark, was first to tee off, with Liam Dooley, Ballyhaunis; Michael Scally, Ballaghaderreen; Gerard Browne, Ballinlough; Murt Hunt, Ballyhaunis; PJ Martin, Kiltoom; Mary Gilfillan, Kilmore; John Croghan, Bundoran; Martin Walshe, Carrowbehy; John Wynne, Kilteevan; Mick Fetherston, Dublin, Paddy Conlon, Taughmaconnell, Pat, Sligo; Bernard Shannon, Boyle; Luigi, Ballyhaunis; Paddy Boland, Youghal; Mary McCarthy, Holloway; Kevin Flanagan, Dartford; Seán Toolan, Heston; Gabriel Ward, Lytham, and Michael Kearns, Clapham, coming up the 18th with under par rounds.
This week’s Teaser. Can you name the Offaly player to have played in the most All-Ireland senior intercounty finals?
Answers by e-mail to willieefc@gmail.com or by text to 086 8356227. This week’s teaser came from Athlone.
Star pupil: Seán Canning as the Pádraig Pearses magician scored 0-11 to book a senior hurling championship semi-final spot for the South Roscommon men against reigning champions Four Roads.
Crucial win for: Castlerea St. Kevin’s who secured their SFC safety with a famous victory against neighbours Western Gaels.
Much do better: Tame exits for both Roscommon Gaels and Athleague in the Roscommon Senior Hurling Championships.
Spot of bother: A reality check for the Irish women’s rugby team during their World Cup game against New Zealand.
Weekend highlight: It was great to see a full house at the Aviva Stadium for a Republic of Ireland soccer game. It might be the last full house for a while
What a cracker: It’s hard to beat a knockout championship game under lights, and Kiltoom on Wednesday evening last didn't disappoint as Pádraig Pearses and Oran served up a thriller.
“I am not a product of my circumstances, I am a product of my decisions.”
After the group stages of the club football championships, Boyle were the overall top scorers with 76 points. The best defensive record went to St. Croan’s who only conceded 23 points.
I’m delighted that the FRC has recommended to change the hooter system for next year.
The game will now end on the hooter unless the ball is in flight or a free is awarded.
