Roscommon building a strong panel
IN THE MIX: Aaron Brady has taken his chance as Roscommon goalkeeper during the team's opening two league games. Picture: INPHO/Andrew Paton
Mark Dowd’s feet are barely under the table, but it already feels like he is putting the foundations in place by building a panel to compete against the top counties over the next few years.
Davy Burke did so much right during his time at the helm, but it was felt in his final (third) year in charge that he didn’t freshen up the side by giving fringe players the opportunity to impress, or introduce more young players into the squad.
Due to the unavailability of the St. Brigid’s and Strokestown players, Mark Dowd has been left with no choice but to cast the net wide, looking at players who impressed in last year's club championship. He is also giving game time to a crop of young players from recent U-20 squads who won provincial honours under the guidance of Liam Tully in 2021 and Noel Dunning in 2024, and those who competed so well under Cian Smith in last season's U-20 campaign.
The manager has also decided that he wants pace in the side. Time will tell how many will survive but early signs are positive that Caelim Keogh, Senan Lambe, Conor Ryan and Darragh Heneghan will cut the mustard, bringing genuine competition when the St. Brigid’s crew return.
The likes of Paddy Gavin, Eoin Ward, Jack Duggan, and Eoin Colleran are learning to swim at the deep end by playing Division One football.
Imagine a half-forward line of Conor Hand, Enda Smith and Darragh Heneghan — full of pace combined with subtle ball skills. Dylan Ruane continues to be the team's Duracell battery and is the team’s most improved player in recent years.
Can Keith Doyle put a consistent run of games together? Is Aaron Brady keeping the goalkeeper's seat warm, or can he put pressure on his first cousin Conor Carroll for the number one spot?
Seven Division One League games and a potential Connacht championship semi-final against Mayo will test the fabric of the new players in a cut-throat environment.
For now, a new manager is trying to put the jigsaw pieces together. Old hands and new faces are aiming to impress, and, at the moment, Roscommon supporters have a smile on their faces.
If the Roscommon senior hurlers can depart the BOX-OT Athletic Grounds on Saturday with another win, Brian Hanley’s men will have made a solid start to life in Division Three following an opening round win over Wicklow.
After Saturday, Louth are next on the list, and if the Primrose and Blue have six points on the board, they will have propelled themselves into the promotion picture with games to come against the big two Donegal and Tyrone.
With both those encounters in King and Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park, the cards have fallen nicely if Roscommon keep winning before the two juggernauts arrive in town.
Having Wicklow, Tyrone and Donegal on home soil gives Roscommon a decent shot at promotion. Beating Wicklow — an established Christy Ring Cup team — was the perfect start. Coming from behind to win it at the death was equally impressive, which provided an early shot of confidence.
Armagh, after defeats to Louth and Wicklow, have switched their thoughts to survival but, in the past, have given Roscommon lots of problems in the Athletic grounds.
Conor Mulry, the Morris brothers, Keelan Ryan and Darragh Finn have taken their club form into 2026. If you take into consideration Roscommon’s Nickey Rackard Cup success last season, the Primrose and Blue are currently on a six-game unbeaten run.
By Saturday afternoon, that should be seven.
The Roscommon intermediate ladies’ footballers face a crunch game — a top of the table clash against Antrim this weekend after securing a cracking draw away to Fermanagh on Sunday.
Both teams have beaten Limerick but Antrim’s impressive victory over Clare on the opening weekend highlights how dangerous the Ulster side will be for Finbar Egan's side.
The good news is that Roscommon have scored seven goals in their last two games. Raising green flags is a wonderful trait to have.
This will be a massive test and whoever wins will have shot themselves into the driving seat for promotion. The experience of playing Division Two football last year gives Roscommon the edge.
Tuesday Teaser
Thanks to Colm for last week's mastermind of a teaser, which provided more head scratching and confusion than a Donald Trump comment.
Can you name the player who scored for both teams in an All-Ireland minor football final?
It was Roscommon’s John Rafferty in the 1951 All-Ireland minor football final against Armagh. The Primrose and Blue midfielder received a slight concussion in a collision with an Armagh player and, soon afterwards, he scored a point for the Orchard County. He was, however, quick to make amends by scoring a point for Roscommon.
Liam Dooley, Ballyhaunis, was first to make sense of it all. QPR, Frenchpark; Frank Coyne, Ballygar; John Croghan, Bundoran; Michael Scally, Ballaghaderreen; Tom Mullaney, Boyle; Murt Hunt, Ballyhaunis; Seán Farrell, Dublin; Luigi, Ballyhaunis, and Mick Fetherston, Dublin, also put the clues together to come up with the correct answer.
This week’s Teaser: Can you name the only club to have reached an All-Ireland senior club football final without having to play a semi-final?
Answers by email to willieefc@gmail.com or by text to 086 8356227. This week’s teaser came from Dublin.
A wonderful night of celebration ensued in the Abbey Hotel last Friday night as the victorious Roscommon U-17 football panel — Connacht champions in 2025 — received their provincial medals from three former county football stars.
Ciaráin Murtagh, Donie Smith and Niall Daly presented the young heroes with their medals. There were plenty of words of wisdom from the three wise men who wore the Primrose and Blue jersey with pride and distinction, decorating football fields all over the country with their skills and talent.
Shane Moran’s U-17 winners could not have better role models as they enter a crucial period in their academic and football careers. We are so lucky in Roscommon to have such wonderful ambassadors like Donie, Ciaráin and Niall.
Star pupil: Enda Smith displayed his leadership qualities, scoring 2-2 during Roscommon’s dominant win over Monaghan.
Crucial win for: Roscommon who delivered the performance, and the victory, they needed against Monaghan.
Much do better: For the second game in a row, Cavan lost a lead in stoppage time, leaving them pointless in Division Two.
Spot of bother: Longford losing at home to London in Division Four of the NFL is a huge setback.
Weekend highlight: Division One football being back in King and Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park along with two enthralling five-sets thrillers in the Australia Open men's tennis semi-finals.
What a cracker: A repeat of last season’s All-Ireland SHC final between Cork and Tipperary in Division 1A of the Allianz Hurling League in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, with the Rebels having a score to settle.
“If you’re going to overthink, at least overthink all the ways it could work out, in your favour — the best-case scenario, and every version of your life that turns out better than expected."
After two rounds of the Allianz Football Leagues, there have been 16 home wins, 12 away wins and three draws out of the 31 games played.
It’s great to see Roscommon and Pádraig Pearses footballer, Eoin Colleran, being top scorer from play in the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup with 2-16, helping the University of Galway reach the semi-finals.
