Roscommon running out of road
Roscommon defender, Evan Flynn, shows his disappointment following last Saturday evening's loss against Dublin in Croke Park. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
This time last season, Roscommon had six points on the league table and their passport stamped for another season in Division One. Twelve months later, the Primrose and Blue are heading for a serious meeting with emigration officials to argue their case to remain in their top flight accommodation.
As Roscommon supporters left their Croke Park seats and headed out into the Dublin City streets last Saturday evening, they started to realise that Davy Burke’s side are running out of road in terms of staying in Division One, unless there is a dramatic upturn in fortunes.
One point from three games has Roscommon in the relegation places after All-Ireland champions Dublin finally broke their duck, which lit the torch for Dessie Farrell’s side’s survival bid.
Roscommon dug deep and were competitive for 40-odd minutes until Dublin upped the ante as Con O’Callaghan ripped the heart out of Roscommon’s challenge.
The green shoots to take into next Sunday’s Monaghan game — Brian Stack’s calmness; Niall Higgins has been impressive at corner-back; Daire Cregg brought his UCD form to the table; the return of Cathal Heneghan added pace up front, and Roscommon created three goal chances.
Areas of real concern — Roscommon are playing too cautiously; for the third game in a row, there was a different midfield partnership, opponents are finishing games stronger; the forward play is sluggish and pedestrian, averaging only 11 scores per game.
I also firmly believe Diarmuid Murtagh is missing his brother Ciarain’s presence up front, including his ability to thread an eye of a needle pass. At the moment, the vice-captain is just not firing on all cylinders.
As they pass the halfway mark, the Roscommon intermediate ladies’ footballers are edging towards securing one of the two promotion places from Division Three and a swift return to Division Two football for 2025.
With two home games next on the menu against Wexford and Offaly — the only realistic challengers to table toppers Roscommon and Clare — Oliver Lennon’s side could clinch promotion at home to the Faithful County on St. Patrick’s Day.
With the Roscommon senior men’s footballers playing Kerry on the same day in Dr. Hyde Park, wouldn’t it be great if the ladies could be on the same bill. Imagine promotion being secured in front of a huge home crowd. It would make it special for the county’s flagship ladies’ football team.
Roscommon are proving, after relegation from the second tier last season, that they are a cut above what Division Three has to offer. If Roscommon hold their nerve against Wexford, then promotion will be on the line against Offaly.
Hopefully, communications can take place, so that this game forms a St. Patrick’s Day double bill at Dr. Hyde Park.
I fully appreciate that the venue was already selected before the Sigerson Cup football competition got underway last month as Tralee was chosen as the host venue for the final.
Ulster University and UCD reached the decider, which meant a ridiculous long haul for both third level colleges, especially for supporters and family members for a 7.30 p.m. throw-in down south.
With the two colleges involved, it would have made more sense to have the game fixed for a more suitable venue closer to both teams, which would have made life so much easier for supporters to attend.
Having said that, the performance of the Canavan brothers, Darragh and Ruairi for Ulster University, and Daire Cregg, who scored 0-9 for UCD, made the long journey worthwhile. All three players produced outstanding performances.
The Boyle man showed his class with majestic scores. The hope is that he can repeat his heroics with Roscommon this season. It was a pity that Ben O’Carroll was ruled out through injury. Daire Cregg’s brother, Oisín, was also part of the UCD panel.
Having seen the Canavan brothers earlier this year against Roscommon in the league for Tyrone, they are exceptional footballers with a huge array of skills.
How appropriate that last week’s Teaser came out of the oven on Shrove Tuesday morning as many had a great time putting all the ingredients together in their attempts to flip the perfect answer.
Can you name the last Connacht man who managed another county outside of his province to win the NFL Division One title? It was Mayo native Tommy Lyons who managed Offaly to win the league in 1998.
QPR, Frenchpark, was first to serve up his dish, with John Croghan, Bundoran; Liam Dooley, Ballyhaunis; Brian Stenson, Castlerea; Michael Scally, Ballaghaderreen; Murt Hunt, Ballyhaunis; Mary Gilfillan, Kilmore; Mick Fetherston, Dublin; Luigi, Ballyhaunis; Paddy Duignan, Castlerea; Pat, Sligo; Larry Cunningham, Glinsk; Longford man; Paddy Boland, Youghal, County Cork; Mary McCarthy, Holloway; Seán Toolan, Heston, and Michael Kearns, Clapham, adding plenty of flavour to their recipes.
Answers by e-mail to willieefc@gmail.com or by text to 086-8356227. This week’s Teaser comes from London.
Star pupil: Ryan O’Rourke scored a hat-trick of goals, including a sensational injury time winning penalty for Leitrim against Wexford.
Crucial win for: Galway away in Omagh, which edges the Tribesmen away from the bottom of the Division One table.
Much do better: Offaly coughing up a nine-point lead to Clare will be hard to erase from the memory.
Spot of bother: There was a very small crowd in Croke Park last Saturday evening — the game could have taken place in Parnell Park.
Weekend highlight: The contest between Brian Stack and Con O’Callaghan was one to relish in Croke Park last Saturday evening.
What a cracker: The Carabao Cup final at Wembley next Sunday could be interesting.
Liverpool will be mad to end Jurgen Klopp’s departure with silverware while Chelsea have suddenly found real form under Mauricio Pochettino.
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
That three teams will be relegated from Division 2B of the National Hurling League this season, where Roscommon are based. There will be a new-look Division Three in 2025.
The top three sides will be promoted to Division Two next season.
Forget about AC/DC tickets as both the All-Ireland senior football and hurling champions are on the same double bill in Croke Park this (Saturday) evening.
Dublin play Kerry in a crucial NFL encounter. Beforehand, Limerick face Dublin in the hurling.
