Who will fill Finbar and Shane’s shoes?
Shane Moran had a flawless record in Connacht as Roscommon minor football manager. Picture: INPHO/Tom O’Hanlon
How do you follow an All-Ireland-winning intermediate ladies’ football manager and a man who never lost a provincial U-17 football championship game, compiling a remarkable ten wins from ten over a two-year period?
Roscommon LGFA and Roscommon GAA are seeking managers to replace Finbar Egan and Shane Moran, two men who gave supporters wonderful days out that ultimately ended in silverware.
Roscommon's ladies’ footballers claimed the All-Ireland title, while Moran's brave young side secured a thrilling Connacht U-17 championship victory over Galway in Tuam Stadium, delivering back-to-back minor crowns for only the second time in the county's history.
Filling their shoes will not be easy. Both men extracted the maximum from their teams.
With Frank Browne stepping away from his role as Westmeath intermediate ladies’ manager, the smart money is on Egan taking over in the Lake County. Westmeath, of course, were beaten by Roscommon in the All-Ireland semi-final. Should that move materialise, Egan would be chasing back-to-back All-Ireland intermediate titles next season.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but there had been speculation that Egan was always likely to step aside after Roscommon's championship campaign. Ending it with success in Croke Park was the perfect finale.
While the Roscommon ladies' job has its pitfalls, it remains a very attractive position. The team will be competing in the All-Ireland Senior Championship in 2027 and the opportunity to keep the Primrose and Blue in the top flight would be both a significant challenge and a major achievement for any ambitious coach.
At present, no obvious successor stands out, with an outside appointment appearing the most likely outcome.
Meanwhile, Shane Moran is expected to take a year out, although a future county U-20 role or a sought-after senior club coaching position would surely appeal to him.
Roscommon underage football has been fortunate to attract quality coaches in recent years, greatly benefiting players at both U-17 and U-20 level.
It is vital that trend continues. Perhaps Colm Garvey, who has been involved with Moran's management team over the past two years, could step up. Niall Carty, who joined the backroom team last year and was Garvey's team-mate on Roscommon's All-Ireland-winning minor side of 2006, may also come into consideration.
Coaches from outside the county are certain to show interest, while successful club managers are also likely to be targeted.
As Egan and Moran pass on the baton, they can take satisfaction from knowing that they were outstanding leaders who inspired their players and left their respective teams in a strong position.
Two of the bottom four teams battling relegation from the League of Ireland Premier Division have been handed a welcome distraction, with two of them guaranteed a place in the FAI Cup semi-finals.
In-form Waterford FC — unbeaten in ten games — host Sligo Rovers, while Drogheda United also enjoy home advantage against Galway United.
While survival remains the priority, the cup draw has presented a golden opportunity. The prospect of reaching the Aviva Stadium for Irish football's showpiece occasion is one that must be grasped with both hands.
The tie of the quarter-finals sees St. Patrick's Athletic face Dublin rivals Bohemians. Stephen Kenny's side have taken the hard road to the last eight, edging out Shamrock Rovers after extra time in the previous round.
Meanwhile, Derry City, whose season has been a mixed one, take on Dundalk at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
The beauty of all four quarter-finals is that each one could go either way, adding to the intrigue and romance of the competition. While the four home sides hold a slight advantage, if there is to be an away winner, don't be surprised if Dundalk upset the odds in Derry.
My readers had an extra week off due to my visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
Can you name the two teams that produced the highest-scoring game of the 2026 All-Ireland senior football championship? It ended a draw as Armagh v Fermanagh (2-32 to 1-24) and Derry and Monaghan (3-23 to 1-30) finished on 65 points.
I accepted either answer, so first to reach the tally was Liam Dooley, Ballyhaunis.
QPR, Frenchpark; Joe Henry, Castleplunkett/Tooreen; Michael Scally, Ballaghaderreen; Murt Hunt, Ballyhaunis; John Croghan, Bundoran; Luigi, Ballyhaunis; Mick Fetherston, Dublin; Pat, Sligo; Mary Gilfillan, Kilmore; Paddy Boland, Youghal; Mary McCarthy, Holloway; Kevin Flanagan, Dartford; Seán Toolan, Heston, and Michael Kearns, Clapham, were also elected.
This week’s Teaser: Before Andy Moran this season, who was the last first-time All-Ireland winning Sam Maguire boss?
Answers by email to willieefc@gmail.com or by text to 086 8356227. This week’s teaser came from Sligo.
Star pupil: Dara Curran was majestic for Castlerea St. Kevin’s as he floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee against Oran.
Crucial win for: Elphin over St. Faithleach’s along with an injury-time equalising point by Castlerea St. Kevin’s forward, Adam McDermott, helping the Orchard Park-based club to survive in the senior football championship in dramatic fashion.
Much do better: St. Michael’s defeat to Shannon Gaels cost the Cootehall men top spot in their intermediate football championship group.
Spot of bother: Last year's senior football championship semi-finalists, Clann na nGael and St. Faithleach’s, along with annual guests Western Gaels, are sucked into a relegation battle.
Weekend highlight: Castlerea St. Kevin’s and Oran produced the game of the senior football championship, containing 40 scores over an enthralling hour’s football.
What a cracker: Just like Electric Picnic, St. Pat’s and Bohemians will make sweet music in the FAI Cup quarter-final at Richmond Park.
“A wise man is never cheated, a virtuous man is never worried, and a courageous man is never afraid.”
Shamrock Rovers became the first League of Ireland club to be knocked out of three different European competitions — Champions League, Europa League and Conference League — in the same season.
It’s show-time in Croke Park on Saturday night as Katie Taylor steps into the ring in front of a sold-out arena for the final time in her illustrious career.
RTÉ have jumped on the bandwagon, showing the fight live from the home of the GAA.
