Young Rossies capture Dermot Earley Shield as local championships gets interesting

Ciara Carr and Meabh Smith supporting St. Faithleach's during the club's recent senior football championship game against St. Dominic's in Knockcroghery. Picture: Gerard O'Loughlin
SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP: The senior camogie team play their first game in this year’s Dermot Hughes Cars sponsored senior championship on Sunday evening next, August 24th, away to Roscommon Gaels in Lisnamult at 6.30 p.m..
GOOD LUCK: The club would like to wish the best of luck to members who will be receiving their Leaving Certificate results on Friday.
U-8 BLITZ: The club is hosting an U-8 blitz on Wednesday (tomorrow) evening in Athleague at 6.30 p.m. against teams from Boyle, Roscommon Gaels and Tulsk.
U-16 CHAMPIONSHIP: The U-16 team travel to Four Roads on Wednesday evening for their fifth round game in this year’s Keen Print sponsored championship.
LOTTO NEWS: There were two match three winners in last weekend’s lotto draw — Cillian Conboy and Jimmy Dwyer. The jackpot stands at €6,800. Those who sign up to the recurring lotto subscription on the Boyle GAA App before August 30th will automatically be in with a chance to win a 11” Samsung Galaxy A9 Tablet plus a full year of free lotto.
CAMOGIE: The U-16 girls will play Oran on Wednesday, August 20th, in Rockfield at 7 p.m.. The U-12 Cheetahs are up against Four Roads on August 21st, in Abbey Park at 7 p.m..
LGFA NEWS: The U-14 Division One girls play their third round championship game against Roscommon Gaels on Tuesday, August 19th, in Lisnamult. The U-14 Division Four girls play their third round game against St. Brigid’s on August 20th in Kiltoom at 7 p.m.. The U-19 Division Three girls are in semi-final action against Michael Glaveys in the College Field, Boyle, on August 19th at 7 p.m..
UNDERAGE FOOTBALL: The U-14 B team will be up against St. Ciaran’s on Tuesday, August 19th, in the Abbey Park at 7 p.m.. The U-14 A boys meet Clann na nGael in Johnstown on August 21st at 7 p.m..
ADULT FOOTBALL: The McGovern Civils sponsored senior football team recorded a great 3-19 to 1-9 win over Castlerea in the championship on Saturday last (see match report, page 11). They play Oran in Ballinameen on August 30th at 6.30 p.m.. The Cooney Motors sponsored junior team also came away with a win over St. Joseph’s on a scoreline of 1-18 to 2-11 on Sunday last. Their final group game is against St. Croan’s in Peadar Earley Memorial Park, Ballinlough, on Sunday, August 31st, at 12.30 p.m.. Support for all Boyle teams would be appreciated.
OTHER NEWS: Best of luck to senior ladies’ goalkeeper, Ruth Johnson, as she prepares to depart for the International Defence Rugby World Cup in the UK over the coming weeks. Her team-mates will miss her, but Boyle knows that Ruth will do her club and her country proud.
LOTTO: There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. Lucky dip winners were Karen and Tom Parsons, Chris Duffy, Michael Mulligan, Willie Gannon, and Seamus Mannion. The jackpot for next weekend’s draw in Mulvihill’s Bar will be €5,100.
FIXTURES: The U-14 boys’ team play St. Michael’s/St. Ronan’s in O’Rourke Park on Thursday at 7 p.m.. The minor boys travel to Johnstown to play Clann na nGael on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m.. The junior men’s team meet Shannon Gaels in Croghan on Saturday at 5 p.m..
SENIOR FOOTBALLERS: Hard luck to the senior football team who were defeated by Boyle on a scoreline of 3-19 to 1-9 on Saturday last (see match report, page 11). Thanks to all the stewards and everyone else who helped out on the evening.

MATCHES: Thanks to St. Faithleach’s for hosting the Elphin U-10 footballers during the week, and to Michael Glaveys for hosting the U-8 footballers during half time of last Sunday’s senior football championship encounter between the clubs. Well done to the U-12s who had a good win over Tulsk in the second round of their summer campaign. Best of luck to the Elphin/Ballinameen U-14 team who play Clann na nGael on Tuesday evening in Ballinameen. Best of luck also to the junior football team who begin the championship campaign on Saturday next away to Éire Óg at 6 p.m. (venue to be confirmed).
CHAMPIONSHIP MUSINGS: The men’s team have made it two wins from two against Roscommon Gaels and St. Brigid’s in the Junior A Championship. There is now a two-week break until Kilglass play Ballinameen to see who tops the group. The ladies have started their campaign with a win and a draw. They await details of their quarter-final in a few weeks’ time.
OTHER NEWS: The club’s Win a Massey fundraiser is in full swing — you could see club members anywhere from Arva to Moynalty, or from Mohill to Moate. Tickets are available online or, alternatively, contact any club official.
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Hard luck to the intermediate team who were defeated by Fuerty on Sunday (see match report, page 12). Next up is Éire Óg in two weeks’ time. The club wishes Paul Garvey a speedy recovery from his injury. The Junior B team are in action against St. Michael's on Saturday evening.
UNDERAGE FIXTURES: Tuesday, August 19th, U-14 Division Four, Kilmore/Shannon Gaels v St. Faithleach’s in Kilmore at 7 p.m.. Thursday, August 21st, Tulsk v Kilmore/Shannon Gaels in Tulsk at 7.30 p.m.. Friday, August 22nd, U-16 Division Four, Kimore/Shannon Gaels v Clann na nGael in Croghan at 7 p.m..
LGFA: Well done to the Kilmore/Kilglass Gaels ladies’ football team who defeated Oran in the championship on Sunday last. Club flags are being obtained for the ladies’ teams as it would be nice to have both crests on one flag. Those who wish to purchase a 5 x 3 foot club flag for €20 or a car flag for €8, please let Clare or Nicola know before August 20th. Flags will have to be paid for when ordering, preferably via Revolut. Please message Clare on 087 9471081 or Nicola on 086 3688352.
FAMILY DAY: The club’s annual family day takes place on Sunday next at the pitch. The event takes place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with activities for all the family. Later in the evening, Ronnie Duignan will take to the stage in Earley’s, Hillstreet, at 7 p.m.. Spread the word as it’s a day for young and old.

SENIOR FOOTBALLERAS: Well done to the senior men’s football team who recorded a 5-8 to 0-9 victory against Elphin in the second round of the championship in Ballinlough on Sunday afternoon (see match report, page 9). Their final game in the group is against St. Brigid’s on Saturday week in Lisnamult at 8 p.m.. Well done to everyone who had the pitch and facilities in such perfect condition. There was a great atmosphere at the grounds, with an U-8 and U-10 game at half time enjoyed by the large crowd.
LGFA NEWS: The U-19 ladies’ footballers won their quarter-final on a scoreline of 8-7 to 5-9 on Thursday evening. History was made on Friday evening when the club’s first-ever junior team took to the field where they secured a victory against St. Ciaran’s. On Sunday morning, the intermediates were beaten by St. Barry’s on a scoreline of 4-14 to 1-10 in Ballinlough.
WELL DONE: The club congratulates Dylan Carty and Conor Shaughnessy who were on the Roscommon U-15 football team that defeated Limerick to capture the Dermot Earley Memorial Cup in Peadar Earley Memorial Park, Ballinlough, on Saturday last.
U-14 SEMI-FINAL: The U-14 footballers travelled to St. Gabriel’s for their Group 4 Championship semi-final on Friday evening. Leading by 4-2 to 2-3 at half time, Northern Gaels prevailed by 6-11 to 2-7. The goals came from Dathaí, Sam, Cillian and Daniel with points from Cillian, Conaire Brennan, Sam, Paddy, Dathaí and Conor Neary. The subs made a big impact on the game when they came on. Well done lads. The final is due to be played on Friday next (details to be confirmed).
OTHER NEWS: Well to the U-11 footballers who played Monivea Abbey in Williamstown on Sunday evening. Northern Gaels fielded two teams of 11-a-side. There was some lovely football and teamwork on display. Keep an eye on the club’s Facebook page and WhatsApp groups for fixtures and training schedules.
U-8 LGFA BLITZ: Almost 90 players from St. Dominic's, St. Croan's, St. Brigid's, St. Kevin's, Oran and Boyle took part in last Sunday’s U-8 LGFA Blitz in Rockfield. Thank you to all the players, coaches, and parents for their support.
U-10 BOYS: Well done to the Oran/St. Croan’s U-10 boys who played a great challenge against Tulsk on Thursday. Thank you to Tulsk for facilitating the game. It was greatly appreciated.
PILATES: Pilates continues every Wednesday in Clooneycolgan. Details on the club’s social media channels.
LGFA NEWS: Oran 1-7, Kilmore/Kilglass 4-5. Hard luck to the Oran ladies’ footballers who lost out to Kilglass/Kilmore in Rockfield on Sunday. Despite a well-taken goal from Aine Earley and points from Orla Connolly, Anne Higgins and Laura Fannon, Oran just came up short on the day. Ciara Fannon and Erin McDermott were very good in the backline. Laura Fannon and Jessie Carthy were best up front.
SENIOR FOOTBALLERS: Hard luck to the senior footballers who lost out to Roscommon Gaels in a tight affair in Lisnamult on Friday evening (see match report, page 10).
ROCKFIELD OPENING: The club is delighted to confirm that the official opening of the new pitch at Rockfield will take place on September 20th. Guest of Honour will be the club’s great patron, Seán Mulryan. There will be an exhibition of underage football, hurling and camogie on the day.
RESULTS: U-16 ladies 5-10, St. Faithleach’s 8-9; KSG minors 1-12, Roscommon Gaels 0-10; U-19 girls 4-8, St. Brigid’s 5-13; Junior ladies 4-13, Kilbride 1-5; Intermediate men 1-15, Strokestown 1-22; Senior ladies, 1-6, St. Ciaran’s 1-16.
FIXTURES: Tuesday, August 19th, KSG U-14 Division Four v St. Faithleach’s in Kilmore at 7 p.m.. Thursday, August 21st, U-18 Division Three v Tulsk in Tulsk at 7 p.m.. Friday, August 22nd, KSG U-16 Division Four v Clann na nGael in Croghan at 7 p.m.. Saturday, August 23rd, junior men v Castlerea St. Kevin’s at 5 p.m.. Sunday, August 24th, junior ladies v Boyle in Boyle at 11 a.m..
50/50 DRAW: The winner of Sunday evening’s draw was Tony O’Donnell who collected €605.
WELL DONE PAUL: The club congratulates Paul Little who completed his 230km swim of the River Shannon for North West Stop Suicide Prevention.
LGFA NEWS: The intermediate ladies’ football team got the show back on the road with a solid 4-14 to 1-10 victory against Michael Glaveys on Sunday morning. A two-goal salvo midway through the half from Edel Beirne and Orlaigh Tighe provided the platform for victory, and second-half goals from Edel and Cara Cox cemented a much-improved performance. The next game is at home to Western Gaels.
MEN’S TEAM: The intermediate men’s team endured another tough day at the office against a strong Tulsk side on Saturday evening (see match report, page 13). The lads played until the end and have a big few weeks ahead of them to maintain their championship status. The highlight of the evening was the half-time entertainment provided by the St. Barry’s and Tulsk U-10 players where there was plenty of talent on show. Thanks to Liam, John and Emer who mentored the group, and to the parents and everyone who brought the kids to the game.
OTHER NEWS: Well done to the U-16 lads who travelled to Skerries to take part in the Brian Cullen Tournament on Saturday. Thanks to Skerries Harps and St. Barry’s team mentors for organising the day. The minor ladies’ footballers play Clann na nGael in their Division One semi-final on Thursday in Tarmonbarry at 7 p.m..
RESULTS: Hard luck to the St. Croan’s/Oran U-16 girls who were defeated by Four Roads on a scoreline of 3-9 to 2-8 in the second round of the championship. Well done to the U-19 girls who defeated Four Roads in their quarter final on a scoreline of 1-13 to 2-8. The girls will play their semi-final on Thursday (see fixtures below). Well done to the U-8 girls who travelled to neighbours Oran for their last county blitz of the season. The girls enjoyed four games against Oran, St. Dominic’s, Boyle and Castlerea. Thanks to Oran for a well-organised blitz. Well done to the intermediate girls who continued their great start to the championship with a 5-23 to 1-5 victory against Western Gaels on Sunday morning. The junior men’s footballers also continued their winning streak with a 3-20 to 1-5 victory against St. Ronan’s in Enfield on Sunday afternoon.
FIXTURES: Tuesday, August 19th, LGFA U-14 Division Three, St. Croan’s/Oran v Northern Harps in Elphin/Ballinamen at 7 p.m.; GAA Minor Division One, St. Croan’s/Oran v Roscommon Gaels in Lisnamult at 7 p.m.; GAA U-14 Division Four, St. Croan’s/Oran v Roscommon Gaels in Lisnamult at 7 p.m.. Thursday, August 21st, GAA U-14 Division Two, St. Croan’s/Oran v Pádraig Pearses in Woodmount at 7 p.m.; LGFA U-19 Division Three Semi-Final, St. Croan’s v St. Michael’s/St. Ronan’s in Enfield at 7 p.m.. Friday, August 22nd, GAA U-16 Division Four, St. Croan’s/Oran v Western Gaels in Frenchpark at 7 p.m.. Sunday, August 24th, LGFA Intermediate Championship, St. Croan’s v Pádraig Pearses in Enfield at 11 a.m.; LGFA U-12 Group D, St. Croan’s v Oran in Enfield at 6 p.m..
CONNACHT INTERPROS: Congratulations to club player Hannah Coen who lined out with Connacht as they defeated Munster in the Interpros Series on Saturday. The game finished 12-7 in Connacht’s favour.
ROSCOMMON U-13 PDP: Well done to Muireann Feeney who participated in the Roscommon U-13 PDP over the past 12 weeks. This was an excellent programme that was open to all girls, affording them the opportunity to develop their skills, meet new friends and wear the Roscommon jersey at numerous blitzes.
SENIOR FOOTBALLERS: The Kilduff Construction sponsored senior footballers were beaten by St. Faithleach’s in Knockcroghery on Sunday last (see match report, page 6). The next game is against Pádraig Pearses on Friday, August 29th, in Ballyforan.
LGFA NEWS: The Roscommon Leisure Zone sponsored junior ladies’ footballers defeated Pádraig Pearses on a scoreline of 2-21 to 5-7 in Woodmount on Saturday evening. Both teams kicked some fantastic scores during a highly entertaining contest. The Roscommon Leisure Zone sponsored senior ladies’ football team were edged out by Éire Óg in Knockcroghery, 2-7 to 0-12, on Sunday morning (see LGFA round-up on Page 2). The U-19 ladies travel to Lisnamult on Thursday to take on Roscommon Gaels in their semi-final at 7 p.m..
UNDERAGE SCENE: The minor footballers travel to Kilglass to take on Kilglass Gaels/St. Barry’s in the fourth round of the championship on Tuesday, August 19th, at 7 p.m.. The U-16 footballers are at home to Roscommon Gaels on Friday, August 22nd, at 7 p.m.. On Thursday, the U-14 footballers travel to Kilglass to take on Kilglass Gaels/St. Barry’s at 7 p.m.. The U-12 footballers are, once again, taking part in the Jim McHugh/Garrycastle GAA tournament this season. They have already played Moate in their first game. The U-12 hurlers played Oran on Wednesday last in Knockcroghery. It was a brilliant game of hurling between two very well-matched teams. Training continues every Wednesday evening. New players are always welcome.
JUNIOR A CHAMPIONSHIP: Boyle 1-18, St. Joseph’s 2-11. The junior footballers were narrowly beaten by Boyle in a pulsating championship encounter at a well-appointed Abbey Park on Sunday afternoon. Early well-worked scores from Cormac Dolan, Paddy Fannon (2), Liam Egan and Bryan Dolan saw Joe’s settle into their rhythm. The Boyle response was inevitable and they kicked on with three two-pointers. Paddy Fallon and a fisted point from Bryan Dolan left it 0-11 to 0-8 in Boyle’s favour at the break. St. Joseph’s thundered into the second half with some great scores from Bryan Dolan and an excellent goal from Kevin Glynn to retake the lead. Boyle replied with a goal before Ronan Garvey applied a fine finish to leave a point in it. With the game there to be won, some turnovers cost Joseph’s dearly, and Boyle kicked three points to confirm their victory. On the day, St. Joseph’s had some fine performances from Conor O’Malley, Eoghan Gilleran and Shane O'Malley in defence. At midfield, Eoin Kiernan and Ronan Garvey got through a lot of hard work, while, in the forwards, Kevin Glynn, Paddy Fannon, Liam Egan and Bryan Dolan had their moments. Many thanks to the club’s supporters for turning out in big numbers. The third round championship game takes place against St. Ronan’s on Sunday week.

CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION: Well done to the Joe Simon Home, Garden and Build sponsored intermediate team who battled hard to beat Creggs by 1-15 to 3-7 on Saturday evening (see match report, page 13). They face St. Barry’s on Saturday, August 30th, in a game both sides will be eager to win. The junior men’s team play Leitrim Gaels in a challenge game on Sunday morning. Thanks to Turlough Bruen for refereeing. The team commence their campaign against Kilmore on Saturday, August 23rd, in Ardcarne Park at 5 p.m.. Support would be appreciated.
LGFA NEWS: Well done to the U-16 girls who recorded a good win over Strokestown in their last Division Three Championship group game, confirming their place in the county semi-final in early September.
UNDERAGE GAA: The Division One minor footballers and U-14 Division Four footballers travel to Woodmount on Tuesday, August 19th, to play Pádraig Pearses. Throw-in for both game is at 7.30 p.m.. On Thursday, August 21st, the U-14 Division Two team are away to Castlerea St. Kevin’s at 7 p.m.. On Friday, August 22nd, the U-16 footballers will host Clann na nGael in Ardcarne Park at 7 p.m.. Best of luck to all club teams and coaches.
WELL DONE: The club congratulates its newest club official, JJ Keaney, and veteran official, Stephan Carty, who officiated in the Abbey Park, Boyle, on Sunday last. Well done to Conor Cryan and the Roscommon U-15 panel, and to coach Donal Kelly and the rest of the coaching team, on winning the Dermot Earley Shield final against Limerick on Saturday.
JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP: The junior footballers were beaten by St. Croan’s in the Junior A Championship game played in Enfield on Sunday last. The final round robin game is against St. Joseph’s in Croghan on Sunday, August 31st, at 12.30 p.m..
LOTTO: There was no winner of the lotto jackpot when the draw was held last weekend. Consolation prizes were won by the following: €70, Catherine Ruxton, Drumboylan; €20, Elaine Clarke, Meadowbank, Geevagh; €20, Noelle Burke, Drumshanbo; €20, Ethan McTiernan, Ballyfarnon; €20, Damien Kielty, Keadue. The jackpot for next Sunday evening’s draw will be €13,900. Enter the lotto online at www.stronansgaa.com. Select four numbers between 1 and 30 alongside submitting payment details, and the club will take it from there.
FUNDRAISER: The countdown is on to the 2025 Strokestown GAA 5 Peaks Challenge on Saturday next, August 23rd. The club is looking forward to an unforgettable day of hiking, stunning scenery and great fun. Everyone is invited to the post-hike party in The Percy French Hotel on Saturday evening at 9 p.m..
DON CONNELLAN, RIP: Strokestown GAA Club was shocked and saddened to hear of the recent passing of former Kilmore and Roscommon player, Don Connellan. Don was one of the finest players and competitors the club ever played against. In full flight on the GAA field, he was a joy to behold. Don’s love of his club and county always shone through. A natural leader, he was destined for the managerial success he had with Moycullen. Off the field, he was a true gentleman, and his sense of humour and sharp wit meant it was always a pleasure to be in his company. The club offers its sincere condolences to the Connellan and Clancy families, and to everyone in the Kilmore and Moycullen GAA Clubs. May he Rest In Peace.
CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS: Well done to the Sportsman’s Inn and Hanly’s Eurospar sponsored intermediate football team who made two wins from two in this year’s championship with a hard-fought win over Shannon Gaels on Friday evening (see match report, page 14). They will face St. Brigid’s in their final group game in a game that will decide who tops the group. Hard luck to the MWG sponsored Junior A team who were defeated by Clann na nGael in the championship on Saturday evening. Panel: Cathal Feehily, Kevin Curley, Conor Kelly, Damian Caslin, Evan Moran, Aidan Shiel, Michael McDonnell, Oisín Cusack, Jack Beirne, Tony Lavin, Thomas Shanagher, Jack Fallon, Gerard Collins, Luke Corcoran, Martin Parker, John McHugh, Nathan Greene, Seán McDonnell, Mikey Lannon, Aaron Convey, Jack Walsh, Keith Greene, Ryan Owens, Richard O’Beirne, David McDonnell.
FIXTURES: Tuesday, August 19th, U-14 Division Three Championship v Western Gaels in Strokestown at 7 p.m.. Thursday, August 21st, Minor Division Two Championship v St. Aidan’s in Ballyforan at 7 p.m.. Monday, August 25th, U-16 Division Two Championship v Boyle in Strokestown at 7 p.m..
CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS: The club's PB Networks sponsored intermediate football team recorded a 3-21 to 0-7 win over St. Barry’s in their second round championship game in Tulsk on Saturday evening (see match report, page 13). The club wishes Padraig Scott and Robbie Kelly a speedy recovery from the injuries they sustained in the second half. See fixtures for details of the club’s Junior B Championship, which starts next weekend. Best of luck to the players and management team of Padraig Scott, Kieran Donoghue and Joe O'Rourke.
ADULT MEN’S TEAMS: Both the senior and junior men’s football teams were defeated in their respective second round championship fixtures last weekend. The senior footballers suffered a 3-23 to 0-15 reversal against St. Brigid’s (see match report, page 8). Their final group game is against St. Barry’s on August 29th in Tarmonbarry. The junior footballers were edged out by St. Aidan’s, 1-13 to 1-12, in Nash Park on Saturday evening. Team: N. Gaffrey, D. Carney, C. Flanagan, T. Drury, R. Mc Garry, D. Ryan (captain), T. McCann, A. Durr, D. Dowd, D. Cafferky, S. Ryan (0-1), D. Cummins, M. Drury, R. Higgins (1-7), E. Harrington (0-1). Subs: C. Harrington (0-3, one 0-2), D. Moran. Their third and final group game will be against Strokestown in O’Rourke Park on August 31st.
LGFA NEWS: Hard luck to the intermediate ladies’ football team that were beaten by St. Croan’s on Sunday morning (see page 2). The third round is fixed for Sunday next, August 24th, against St. Barry’s in Tarmonbarry.
LOTTO: There was no winner of the jackpot in last weekend’s draw. €20 winners were Austin Beirne, Dettie Shannon, Ursula Cooney, Tom Beirne, and Niamh Egan. The jackpot stands at €4,100 for next Saturday’s draw.