Wonderful ending to LGFA season looms
WORK OF ART: Boyle player Shannon Kerins looking forward to Saturday's senior ladies' football final against Clann na nGael in Ballyleague. Picture: Gerard O'Loughlin
From the moment St. Dominic’s ambushed St. Brigid’s in senior ladies’ football championship quarter-final, the championship opened up.
The cheers could be heard in Clann na nGael and Boyle. With the defending champions out of the equation, the next two in line for the throne were given the chance to climb the mountain.
Clann na nGael’s last victory was in 2024, having won the deciders in 2021 and 2022. Boyle defeated Clann to win the club’s maiden senior title in 2023.
After convincing semi-final wins over St. Dominic’s and Éire Óg, the battle lines have been drawn as the two form sides have made their final journey towards the summit.
Both sides' key personnel, who played an instrumental part in Roscommon’s All-Intermediate ladies' football championship success, have carried that form into the club series. They have lifted the performances of their team-mates to another level.
Boyle were involved in the game of the championship. Their round-robin showdown against St. Brigid’s blew the lights out, such was the quality on show.
But Clann na nGael arrive into Saturday’s decider with serious experience. Another success would mean that the Johnstown-based side are the undisputed queens of the local club scene.
Boyle have shown that they are a match for any side. They are playing with no fear. They have savage scoring threats along with pace from their half-back line.
A wonderful ending to a fabulous season for Roscommon LGFA is about to be played out in Ballyleague. A wise move for supporters would be to get there early as the Junior A decider between St. Mary’s, Tulsk, and new kids on the block, Four Roads, is a novel pairing.
Verdicts: Clann na nGael and St. Mary’s
A huge occasion for Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday afternoon as they host Derry City in the FAI Cup semi-final. It is a great opportunity for the Tribesmen to reach their first cup final since 1991.
On that occasion, a Johnny Glynn goal defeated Shamrock Rovers on a historic day for the Westerners on their way to winning their first-ever FAI Cup.⯠With Bohemians and Waterford FC in the other semi-final, this year’s blue-riband event in the League of Ireland calendar has given all four semi-finalists hope that cup success is possible.
Terryland will be packed to the rafters, ready to roar John Caulfield’s side to victory.
It won’t be easy as Derry City have cup pedigree, winning the competition six times. They were beaten finalists two years ago, losing 2-0 to Drogheda United.
In their four Premier League clashes this season, Galway United hold the balance of power as they are unbeaten in three, with two wins and a draw. There has been one solitary win for Derry City.
Further good news for United is that they won both league games at home, which will fuel their desire to reach their first cup final in 35 years.
If you are lucky to have a precious ticket, enjoy what is sure to be a special occasion and do everything you can to get Galway United over the line.
It was always going to be a massive weekend in the Galway Senior Football Championship, but now it has become a blockbuster after the news that Éamonn Fitzmauriceâ¯is the new manager of the Tribesmen.
Likeâ¯wasps circling an ice cream van, there will be a huge media presence with the Kerryman in town.
There is little doubt that Sam across the border in Mayo has driven the Tribesmen mad with envy and jealousy.
It's a gamble by the former All-Ireland-winning manager from the Kingdom, and while it sounds great, he knows it is Sam or bust during his three-year term.
On the pitch, the action promises to be mouth-watering as the big hitters are still standing, with theâ¯senior football championship semi-finals on the menu this weekend.⯠Arch-rivals Salthill-Knocknacarra and Corofin are on a collision course, with county star Rob Finnerty bagging a hat-trick last day out for the Galway City side. This is the third year in a row these sides have met in the semi-final, with one win apiece.
Champions Maigh Cuillin are appearing in their eighth successive semi-final. They put 3-25 past Mountbellew-Moylough in the quarter-final are hot favourites against Annaghdown, who have lost their last three semi-final appearances in 2017, 2018 and 2022.
Last week's teaser required the same trickery as Troy Parrott’s wonder goal against Austria.
Can you name the last country of the 55 nations to win away from home in the UEFA Nations League? It was Northern Ireland, who achieved the feat against Georgia.
QPR, Frenchpark, was first to weave his magic, with Liam Dooley, Ballyhaunis;⯠Michael Scally, Ballaghaderreen; John Croghan, Bundoran; Murt Hunt, Ballyhaunis; Pat, Sligo; Mary Gilfillan, Kilmore; Mick Fetherston, Dublin; Paddy Boland, Youghal; Kevin Flanagan, Dartford, and Michael Kearns, Clapham,⯠displaying deft touches in front of goal.
This week’s Teaser: Since 1935, can you name the only two grounds outside of Croke Park to host All-Ireland SHC finals?
Answers by email to willieefc@gmail.com or by text to 086 8356227. This week’s teaser came from Athlone.
Star pupil: Conor Cox who scored 0-13 for Éire Óg — including five two-pointers — during their emphatic IFC semi-final win over St. Michael’s.
Crucial win for: Tulsk who reached the IFC final with a narrow victory over St. Dominic’s.
Must do better: Twelve wides and costly turnovers left Boyle deflated after a heart-breaking SFC semi-final defeat against Pádraig Pearses.
Spot of bother:â¯Fair play to the Republic of Ireland players who had to show remarkable courage during a tough Nations League window — on and off the field of play.
Weekend highlight: Epic, enthralling, entertaining as Pádraig Pearses and Boyle served up one of the most exotic scoring feasts in the club football championship in years.
What a cracker: â¯If the jigsaw pieces fall into place, Sunday’s senior hurling final should end the season on a high, with great hurlers on both sides.
“It takes nothing to join the crowd. It takes everything to stand alone.”â¯
Four Roads and St. Dominic’s are meeting in the Roscommon senior hurling final for the sixth time, with Four Roads 4-1 ahead.
The place to be this Friday night is the Lisnamult Community Sports Park for the annual soccer match between Roscommon Special Olympics and Roscommon Gardaí for the prestigious Maire Allen Memorial Cup.
After the incredible success by Roscommon Special Olympics at the recent National and European Swimmingâ¯Championships, a wonderful night is on the cards.
Kick-off is at 7 p.m..
