Roscommon Senior & Minor "A" Football Cship Finals 2010

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael

Coiste Chontae Ros Comáin

Páirc de hÍde, Ros Comáin

Dé Domhnaigh,26th Mean Fómhair 2010

Rúnaí

Cluiche Ceannais Peile 2010

Clár Oifigiúil • Luach €3

Roscommon County Final 2010 22/9/10 16:08 Page 1

Roscommon County Final 2010

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Cumann Lúthchleas Gael

Coiste Chontae Ros Comáin

Dé Domhnaigh, 26th Mean Fómhair 2010Páirc de hÍde, Ros Comáin

Shannonside FM Roscommon Senior Football Championship Final

Naomh Brídv

Ail Finn4.30 p.m.

Referee: Michael Brennan [Boyle]

Abbey HotelDivision 1 Minor Championship Final

Gaeil Roscomáinv

Mainister Na Buille 2.30 p.m.

Referee: Paddy Neilan [St Faithleachs]

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Teachtaireacht an CathaoirleachAr son Coitse Contae Roscomáin cuirim fáilte roimh gach duine go dtíPáirc de hÍde inniu.Ta siúl agam go mbeidh cluiché maith againn agusceapaim go mbéidh an caidheán peile go maith freisin.

On behalf of Roscommon Co Board I welcome the players and officials ofSt Brigid's, Elphin, Roscommon Gaels and Boyle and their supporters tothe Hyde Park for our Senior and Div 1 Minor finals. I look forward to twokeenly contested games and I have no doubt that we will witness a highstandard of play in these finals.

Our senior championship has produced excellent games in the group stages and during the knockoutphases. Our two finalists are here on merit and I hope that we have a game which is full of goodfootball and gives our loyal supporters much to cheer about.

Reaching a Co Final is a special occasion for any club. For Elphin it is the end of a long wait to getto this stage. Elphin is a club steeped in history and their absence from the roll of honour since 1957is hard to credit given the club’s history. This Elphin team will be attempting to end this faminetoday against worthy opponents.

The return of St Brigid's to what they see as their rightful place in the final after an absence of 3years will motivate the Kiltoom men. They have a keen rivalry with Elphin going back to the late1950s when they met in a number of finals. St Brigid's are worthy finalists and will be most anxiousto get back on to the provincial stage again this season.

We wish our minor finalist well with two teams laced with emerging talent. Roscommon Gaels arelooking for three in a row today but their opponents Boyle will not make it easy for them .

We have had a wonderful year in Roscommon. The successes of our U 16, U21 and Seniorfootballers at provincial level have made this a special year for us all. I want to thank all players,managers, management teams and officials who made this possible. The GAA is in a strongerposition in the county than it has been for a while. We have a duty to build on these successes andaim to win national titles in the near future.

The passing of Dermot Earley this year has left a void in our lives. Dermot epitomised all that wasgood and decent in life. His kindness, his thoughtfulness and his commitment to his home place, hiscounty and his country is an inspiration to us all. There is no better way to honour his memory thanstriving to match the ideals by which he led his life and give back to our communities more than wetake from them.

I finish my term of office at the end of this year. I have enjoyed the role of chairman and hope thatI have managed to strengthen the GAA in Roscommon. I want to thank all who helped me and tosay a special thanks to club officers and the Roscommon supporters who stood behind the countyand our teams in what were , on occasion, very trying and difficult times. Your words and messagesof support during the past five helped me to face the challenges of office with courage anddetermination to do the right thing for Roscommon.

Finally I want to thank our sponsor Shannonside FM for their continued support of our seniorcompetition, our referees’ linesmen and match officials and all who contributed to the preparationsfor today’s final.

Micéal MacGuidhirCathaoirleachCoiste Contae Roscomáin

Micheál Mac GuidhirCathaoirleach


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Roscommon GAA and Shannonside FM would like to welcome all supporters to this year’sSenior Club Championship final.

I would like to congratulate both St Brigid’s and Elphin for winning their place in this year’sfinal. Both teams will, in what is a repeat of the 1957 final, fight to the last minute, for thechance to win this year’s title and proudly represent Roscommon in the ConnaughtChampionship. May the best team win!

2010 will remain in our memories as a year of joy, achievement and sadness. Congratulations toall our senior football team for winning the Connacht title and making us proud in Croke Park!I would like to remember and celebrate the memory of Dermot Earley, a dedicated GAA heroand a great servant to this country.

I would like to thank the Roscommon GAA staff, players and volunteers whom we have workedwith over the last 3 years. Their dedication to Roscommon football is simply tremendous andwill lead us to further successes at all levels.

On Shannonside, our coverage of everything connected with Roscommon GAA would not bethe same without the passionate and honest commitment of Willie Hegarty, Donie Shine andJohn Lynch, Shannonside’s sports editor.

Thanks to all Shannonside listeners for tuning in for every game we broadcast and sending intheir thanks every Monday. Tune it to Sportsbeat on tomorrow at 6pm to hear all about thegame. You can also listen to Shannonside on line at http://www.shannonside.ie/ and on yourIphone (free download app)

Joao SoaresGeneral Manager – Shannonside Northern SoundAnd Roscommon Football supporter.


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Na Réiteoirí...Na Réiteoirí...Na Réiteoirí

MINOR DIV 1 FINAL

Paddy Neilan [St Faithleachs]

Today’s minor referee Paddy Neilan began referring in 2006. Taking charge of today’sMinor final is his first appearance in a major Co final.During his short career Paddy has refereed O’Rourke and O’Gara cup games, juniorand intermediate championship games while this year he had charge of the U 14 feilefootball final.At intercounty level Paddy has been in charge of Webb and Manning Cup games andthis year he referred the Webb Shield final between Galway and Mayo.

An electrician by trade Paddy has won minor league and championship medals withSt Faithleachs as well as a Co Intermediate medal in 2002.

Paddy’s umpires today are Tom Morris, Paul Enright, Damien Rooney and RaymondFarrell –all members of the St Faithleachs club.The Linesmen are Kevin Naughton andAnthony Mahedy. Fourth Official is Gavin Flood.

SENIOR FINAL

Michael Brennan [Boyle]

Michael Brennan takes charge of his first senior final today. Michael is anexperienced referee having started refereeing in 1992. During his refereeing careerhe has refereed Co Finals at all levels at underage including the 2009 Div. 1 minorfinal. He also has had charge of the Co Intermediate and Junior football finals. Atinter county level he had charge of Connacht minor league fixtures, Webb cupcompetition games and Manning and Hasting cup matches.

A former player with the Boyle club Michael was part of the Boyle side that won theCo Intermediate championship in 1983.

Michael is employed as caretaker in the Abbey Community College in Boyle. He ismarried to Mary and they have three children John, who is an umpire today, Aislingand Roisín.

As well as Michaels son John his other umpires are Bill Hanamore, David O’Connor,and Bernie Shannon all members of the Boyle club.Today’s senior final linesmen are Marty Parker and Francie Keane.The Fourth Officialis Damien Wallace.


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THE NATIONAL ANTHEM WILL BE SUNG BY EMMA BROGAN[STROKESTOWN] 2009 SCÓR NA nÓG SOLO SINGING CHAMPION

Amhrán na bhFiannSinne Fianna Fáil, Atá faoi gheall ag Éirinn,

Buíon dár slua Thar toinn a ráinig chugainnFaoi mhóid bheith saor Sean-tír ár sinsear feasta

Ní fhágfar faoin tíorán ná faoin tráillAnocht a théam sa bhearna baoil

Le gean ar Ghaeil chun báis nó saoilLe gunna scréach faoi lámhach na bpiléar.

Seo libh canaig Amhrán na bhFiann.

Clár an Lae

2.30 i.n. Abbey Hotel Division 1 Minor Championship Final

Gaeil Roscomáin v Mainister Na Buille

Réiteoir Paddy Neilan [St Faithleachs]

3.50 i.n. Presentation of Minor Cup to winning Captain

4.00 i.n. Cumann na mBunscol Exhibition games

4.10 i.n. Senior Teams take the field.

4.20 i.n Parade of Senior Teams led by Castlerea Brass and Reed Band

423 i.n. Amhráin na bhFiann.

4.30 i.n. Shannonside FM Roscommon Senior Football Championship Final

Naomh Bríd v Ail Finn

Réiteoir Michael Brennan [Boyle]

5.50 i.n. Presentation of Fahey Cup to the winning captain

Admission €15 • OAPs and Students €10


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Fáilte ón gCathaoirleach Coiste Mionúir

Thar son Coiste Contae Mionúir Roscomáin ba mhaith liom fáilte mór a churroimh gach duine agus go háirithe roimhe luch leannúna Gaeil Roscomáin agusMainistir na Buille go Páirc Dubhghlas de Híde ar son cluiche craobh mionúirroinn a haon inniú. Roscommon Minor Board welcomes everyone here today and especially thosefrom Roscommon Gaels and Boyle who are contesting this year’s Abbey Hotelminor division one championship final. Well done to both clubs on reaching thisstage of the competition and we wish all concerned the very best of luck today. Thank you to all the clubs who competed in all competitions run by the minorboard this year. A special word of thanks also to our sponsors; U12-Vitto’sRestaurant, Carrick on Shannon; U14-Cooney Motors, Boyle; U16-LiamMcNeill Catering and Minor-Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Your support is verymuch appreciated. I would also like to thank all of the referees who officiated at underage games thisyear. I welcome Paddy Neilan and his officials who will be taking charge of today’sfinal and I wish them the very best of luck. I would like to commiserate with our county minor panel and management andcommend them for their efforts put in this year. The sponsors of our county minorteam were Hollybrook Development and again I thank them for their generoussupport. Congratulations to our U16 team and management who captured the Tedd WebbCup on August bank holiday Monday, defeating Sligo in the final in Ballyhaunis.Very well done to all concerned and again many thanks to Warm Cosy homes fortheir sponsorship of this team. In conclusion I hope everyone has an enjoyable county final day and the very bestof luck to everyone taking part in today’s games. Tá súil agam go mbainfidh sibh sult agus taitneamh as na cluichí inniú agus go n-éiri an t-ádh libh go léir.

Óilibhéar Ó CeallaighCathaoirleach, Coiste Mionúir RoscomáinOliver KellyChairman, Roscommon County Minor Board.


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Roscommon County BoardMembers Draw Results 2010

€50,000 John Gill, Carrick on Shannon (Ticket seller: Elphin)

€15,000 Jim O'Kelly & Gerard Cooney, Tibohine (Ticket seller: Western Gaels)

€10,000 Joe & Anne Connaughton, St. Johns, Lecarrow

(Ticket seller: St. Dominic's)

€5,000 Brendan Crawley, Carrowbehy, Castlerea (Ticket seller: Eire Óg)

€3,000 Patrick McKeon Snr, Lecarrow, Croghan (Ticket seller: Elphin)

€3,000 Gerry Ryan, Ardnaglug, Ballydangan (Ticket seller: Padraig Pearses)

€3,000 Canon P Lavin, Knockcroghery (Ticket seller: St. Dominic's)

€2,000 Mattie Kilroy, Caltra, Ballinasloe (Ticket seller:Castlerea St Kevins)

€2,000 John Costello, Kielty, Athlone (Ticket seller: Clann na nGael)

€2,000 Gerry Gill, Fuerty (Ticket seller: Fuerty)

€1,000 Deirdre Markham, Killygordon, Co. Donegal

(Ticket seller: Michael Glaveys)

€1,000 Pat & Sarah Keena, Cornafulla, Athlone (Ticket seller: Clann na nGael)

€1,000 Kieran & Peggy Fallon, Clooneenbane, Roscommon

(Ticket seller: Oran Hurling)

€1,000 Joe Coyle, Lanesboro Rd, Roscommon (Ticket seller: Roscommon Gaels)

€1,000 Paul Kelly, Keadue, (Ticket seller: St. Ronans)

The County Board thank all our clubs and supporters who purchased tickets in this year’s draw.


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Cumann na mBunscoil Exhibition Games

Boys Representatives

Name School1. Sean Kenny .....................................Ballymurray N.S.2. Shane Downey ................................Castlesampson N.S.3. Breen O Falluin...............................Gaelscoil De hIde4. Fergal Guihen .................................Strabraggan N.S.5. Brendan Mulry ................................Ballintleva N.S.6. Cormac O Rourke...........................Dangan N.S.7. Daire Keenan ..................................St. John’s N.S., lecarrow8. Aran Kenny.....................................Scoil Bhride, Fourmilehouse9. Colman Earley.................................Aughrim N.S.10. Robert Kearney ..............................St. Joseph’s B.N.S.11. Michael Waldron ............................Cloonbonniffe N.S.12. Jamie Curley....................................Camcloon N.S.13. Gerry Galvin ...................................Kilmurry N.S.14. Paul Brandon...................................Cloverhill N.S.15. Diarmuid Martin .............................Cootehall N.S.16. Dion Dwyer .....................................Frenchpark N.S.17. Eoghan Mollahan...........................Abbeycarton N.S.18. Niall Higgins ...................................Abbeycarton N.S.19. Eoghan Grady .................................Lisaniskey N.S.20. Ciaran Lavin ...................................Lisacul N.S.

Referees: Liam O’Coisdealbha, Roscommon GaelsDeclan Hanly, Kilbride

Girls Representatives

Name School1. Chloe Kelly .....................................Slatta N.S.2. Grainne Gaynor ..............................Cloonfour N.S.3. Geraldine Farrell .............................Whitehall N.S.4. Emma o Beirne................................Croghan N.S.5. Chloe Lynch....................................Greaghnafarna6. Katie Cullen ....................................Newtown N.S.7. Megan Kelly ....................................Tisrara N.S.8. Casey Keane ....................................Scoil Bhride, Fourmilehouse9. Siobhan Doolan ..............................Athleague N.S.10. Dianne O Connor...........................Kilcroan N.S.11. Sarah cox.........................................Abbeycarton N.S.


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12. Chelsea Devine ...............................Abbeycarton N.S.13. Gráinne Whyte ...............................Lisaniskey N.S.14. Jade Hatter, .....................................Convent of Mercy N.S., Boyle15. Rachel Fitzmaurice..........................Fuerty N.S.16. Niamh Kilroy ..................................Castlesampson N.S. 17. Amy Byrne ......................................Ballintleva N.S.18. Aisling Bruen ..................................St. Mary’s Ballinagare19. Caoimhe Lennon ............................Cornafulla N.S.20. Karen Drury.....................................St. Anne’s N.S.

Cumann na mBunscol Football Winners 2010

Grade SchoolTop Schools, Boys ...................................Cornafulla N.S.Large Schools ,Boys.................................Roxboro N.S.3&4 Teacher Schools Boys .....................Corrigeenroe N.S.2 Teacher 7 a-side Boys..........................Granlahan N.S.2 Teacher 5 a-side Boys..........................Rahara N.S.Large Schools ,Girls ................................Cornafulla N.S.3&4 Teacher Schools Girls.....................Croghan N.S.2 Teacher Girls.......................................Aughrim N.S.

Best Wishes to Elphin Senior Football Team

Glancys of Elphin

Supermarket & Service Station

Elphin Agricultural & Fuel supply Centre.

Telephone 071/9635025.


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Dermot Earley – An AppreciationI would like to thank Roscommon Co Board for allowing me the privilege to pen mythoughts on the late Dermot Earley who passed away recently. Dermot Earley is for methe greatest Roscommon person I have known.

I first met Dermot Earley in 1966 when I was nine years old and Dermot was eighteen.We met at Fullards filling station in Roscommon town. It was a Sunday evening andDermot was on his way back to the Curragh. I was in the back of my family’s blackAnglia. I was so excited to meet this fine, strong Roscommon footballer with the crewcut hair style. Even then he made an impression on me. For the next few years playingfootball at home in Kilteevan and elsewhere I was, in my own mind, Dermot Earley. He was simply my idol.

You can imagine the feelings of joy and awe when years later the then Roscommon seniorteam manager Tom Heneghan informed me that I was selected to play midfield besideDermot in the National Football league of 1978/79. To play alongside my boyhood herowas something special.

We won the League that season and went on to play together in the 1980 All Ireland Finalagainst Kerry. Our eight year midfield partnership lasted until Dermot retired in 1985.Dermot was a mighty man to play with, welcoming us young fellows onto the team,encouraging and praising all the time –“your ball” mighty catch”, and “well done’ rangout from him during a game or on the training pitch. His words of encouragement madeus younger players feel bigger, faster, stronger, and eager to win all our games for Dermot’sand our beloved primrose and blue.

Dermot Early is carried from Hyde Park by Mayo players after his last Connacht Final in 1985


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We all looked up to Dermot and he was some hero and role model for us. That team ofthe 1970’s and 1980’s remain very close to this day. We were all stunned and saddenedby the passing of Dermot this year.

Even after we stopped playing, meeting Dermot was still a special and memorableexperience. With his great handshake, his big smile, his hand on your shoulder, hisgenuine words of ‘good to see you’, we knew we were with a very special man and friend.

He was always upbeat about Ireland and Roscommon and life in general. After spendingtime in Dermot’s company one would walk away feeling good about life. This was a veryspecial and wonderful gift that Dermot had. He had many other fine qualities also thatare all too rare in people and that we could do with finding in the Ireland of today.

In the 1990’s when Dermot was asked to manage Roscommon. He did it with great prideand enthusiasm. He invited myself and John McGowan to be his selectors-an honour forboth of us. We all loved Roscommon but none more so than Dermot as he proved timeand again when he was asked to do so many things for his native county and clubs in andaround the county.

Dermot was the greatest ambassador that Gortaganny, Roscommon and Ireland couldhave. He made us proud of who we were and where we are from. He was proud andemotional about his roots and he delighted in Mary and their fine family yet was humbleabout his stature in Irish society and the esteem in which he was held in the GAAcommunity.

When news broke that Dermot was not well we all wondered how such a strong mancould be brought down like this. Alas for us there will be greater interest in the AllHeaven final this year. I am sure Dermot will have some role to play either as a player orteam manager or match analyst in the proceedings.

To his mother Kitty, his wife Mary, who was always at his side, his children andgrandchild, his brothers and sisters it is difficult to find words that offer any consolationin your great loss but rest assured that we know Dermot will share in the laughter andspecial memories whenever we meet and recall the many great memories that we haveof this very special man.

As for my Roscommon team mates we were privileged and honoured to have played withsuch a man on the playing fields of Ireland and especially here in Hyde Park. Every timea ball is plucked from the sky in this great theatre of Gaelic games we will know that wehave seen it done more gracefully and skillfully by Roscommon’s mighty No 8 DermotEarley. We are confident that Dermot will continue to inspire future generations ofyoung players in his beloved primrose and blue.

Many fine, accurate words have been penned to describe Dermot Early, an officer, agentleman, an ambassador, a legend, possibly the greatest footballer never to have won an AllIreland Senior medal. Personally, I know one thing; I have lost a true and genuine friend.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh do anam dilís Dermot.

Seamus Hayden


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Minor Board Competition Winners 2010

U12 league Division 1: St.Brigids

U12 league Division 2: Éire Óg

U12 league Division 3: St.Croans

U12 league Division 4: St.Michaels

U14 League Division 1: St.Brigids

U14 league Division 2: Western Gaels

U14 league Division 3: Kilmore

U14 league Division 4: Clann na nGael B

U14 Championship Division 1: Clann na nGael

U14 Championship Division 2: St.Croans

U14 Championship Division 3: Shannon Gaels

U14 Championship Division 4: St.Barrys

Féíle: St.Brigids

U16 Championship Division 1: Strokestown

U16 Championship Division 2: Western Gaels

U16 Championship Division 3: St.Croans

Special Minor League Division 1: Roscommon Gaels

Special Minor League Division 2: St.Ciarans

Special Minor League Division 4: St.Ronans

Connacht Club Senior Football Championships 2010

Sunday October 17th

Preliminary Round

Roscommon V Sligo

Sunday Nov 7th

Mayo V Galway

Leitrim V Winners Sligo /Roscommon

Final Sunday November 21st


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1960 Jim MC Hugh [United Stars]

1961 Tony Whyte [Clann Na Gael]

1962 Eddie O Connor [Roscommon Gaels]

!963 Gerry O Malley [St Brigid's]

1964 Aidan Kelleher [Shannon Gaels]

!965 Frank Beirne [St Faithleachs]

!966 Tony Whyte {Clan Na Gael]

1967 Jackie Cleary [Castlerea]

1968 Tommy Curran [Castlerea St Kevin’s]

1969 Frank Kenny [St Brigid's]

1970 Tony Whyte [Clann na Gael]

1971 Paddy Duignan [Castlerea St Kevin’s]

1972 Gerry Coffey [Roscommon Gaels]

1973 John Kerrane [Castlerea St Kevin’s]

1974 Michael McNamara [Roscommon Gaels]

1975 John O Gara [Roscommon Gaels]

1976 Liam O Neill [Clann Na Gael]

!977 Eamon McManus (snr) [Clann Na Gael]

!978 Mick McNeela [Roscommon Gaels]

1979 Johnny Neill[Clann Na Gael]

!980 Larry O Gara [Roscommon Gaels]

1981 Vincet Harney [Clann Na Gael]

1982 Mike Keegan [Clann Na Gael]

1983 Jimmy Connellan [Kilmore]

1984 PJ Glynn[Clann na Gael]

1985 Tony McManus [Clann Na Gael]

1986 Fran Nicholson [Clann Na Gael]

1987 Owen McManus [Clann Na Gael]

1988 Paul McManus [Clann Na Gael]



1991 Joey Connaughton [Clann Na Gael]

1992 Donal Hanley [Strokestown]

1993 Enon Gavin [Clann Na Gael]

1994 Kevin McStay [Roscommon Gaels]

1995 Keith Gavin [Clann Na Gael]

l996 Keith Gavin [Clann Na Gael]

1997 St Brigid's [Tom _g O’Brien]

1998 Roscommon Gaels [Michael McHale]

1999 Roscommon Gaels [Ciaran Heneghan]

2000 Stephen Lohan [Kilbride]

2001 Ross Shannon [Roscommon Gaels]

2002 Donal Hanly [Strokestown]

2003 Niall Finnegan [Castlerea St Kevin’s]

2004 Brian McNeela [Ros Gaels

2005 Brendan O Brien [St Brigid's]

2006 Mark O Carroll [St Brigid's]

2007 Frankie Dolan [St Brigid's]

2008 Nigel Dineen [Castlerea St Kevins]

2009 Nigel Dineen [Castlerea St Kevins]

Co Final Winning Captains 1960-2010

THE FAHEY CUP

The trophy for the winners of todays senior football championship is the Fahey Cup. The cup honours the late J J Fahey who was secretary of the Roscommon Co Board from

1937 to 1948. He also served as Treasurer of the Connacht Council from 1935 to 1972 andwas secretary of the Connacht Council from 1969 until his death in 1974.


1985Clann na nGael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10 Roscommon Gaels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4Top Scorer: Eamon Jnr. McManus (Clann na nGael):1-8

1986Clann na nGael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-9 Elphin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-5Top Scorer: Eamon Jnr. McManus (Clann na nGael):1-2

1987Clann na nGael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9 Kilmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-7Top Scorer: Tom Lennon (Clann na nGael): . . . . . . . . . . .0-5

1988Clann na nGael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12 Strokestown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-5Top Scorer: Tony McManus (Clann na nGael): . . . . . .1-1

1989Clann na nGael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11 Strokestown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1Top Scorer: Emmet Durney (Clann na nGael): . . . .1-5

1990Clann na nGael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-13 Castlerea St. Kevin’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7Top Scorer:Eamon Jnr. McManus (Clann na nGael) . . .2-6

1991Clann na nGael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9 Strokestown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-10Top Scorers: Tony McManus (Clann na nGael): . . . . . .0-4Fergal Shine (Clann na nGael) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-4Luke Dolan (Strokestown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-4

1992Strokestown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-10 Roscommon Gaels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-10Top Scorer: Tom Corcoran (Strokestown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

Strokestown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-14 Roscommon Gaels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-10Top Scorers: Michael Donlon (Strokestown): . . . . . . . . .1-2Luke Dolan (Strokestown): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-5Aidan Heneghan (Roscommon Gaels): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-5

1993Clann na nGael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-12 Castlerea St. Kevin’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-7Top Scorer: Shane Curran (Castlerea St. Kevin’s): . . .0-4

1994Roscommon Gaels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-12 Strokestown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-6Top Scorer: Brendan Penney (Ros Gaels): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-4

1995Clann na nGael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-12 Strokestown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-8Top Scorer: Luke Dolan (Strokestown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-5

1996Clann na nGael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-11 Michael Glavey’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6Top Scorer: Emmet Durney (Clann na nGael): . . . . . . .0-5

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Twenty /six Years of County Final Scores & Top Scorers


1997St. Brigid’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-8 Clann na nGael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-8Top Scorers: Frankie Dolan (St. Brigid’s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-4Emmet Durney (Clann na nGael) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-4

1998Roscommon Gaels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-15 Kilmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-9Top Scorer: Alan Nolan (Roscommon Gaels) . . . . . . . .0-11

1999Roscommon Gaels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-10 Kilmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-6Top Scorers: Michael McHale & Clifford McDonald (Gaels) 0-4 each

2000Kilbride 1-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .St. Brigid’s 1-8Top Scorer: Eddie Lohan (Kilbride) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-5

2001Roscommon Gaels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-12 Kilmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-8Top Scorer: Ken Hegarty (Roscommon Gaels) . . . . . . . .0-3

2002Strokestown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11 St. Brigid’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-11Top Scorer: Kevin J. Dolan (Strokestown) . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

2003Castlerea St. Kevin’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-11 St. Brigid’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6Top Scorer: Ger Heneghan (Castlerea St. Kevin’s) . . . . .0-8

2004Roscommon Gaels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-10 Kilbride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-8Top Scorer: Alan Nolan (Roscommon Gaels) . . . . . . . . 0-5

2005St. Brigid’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9 Pádraig Pearse’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-11Top Scorer: Seán Fahy (Pádraig Pearse’s) . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-7

2006St. Brigid’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7 St. Faithleach’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5Top Scorer: David O’Connor (St. Brigid’s) . . . . . . . . . . .0-4

2007St. Brigid’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-12 St. Faithleach’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-9Top Scorer: Benny O’Brien (St. Brigid’s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

2008Castlerea St. Kevin’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-9 Pádraig Pearse’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-12Top Scorer: Ger Heneghan (Castlerea St. Kevin’s) . . . . .1-6Castlerea St. Kevin’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-9 Pádraig Pearse’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-8Top Scorer: Ger Heneghan (Castlerea St. Kevin’s) . . .0-5

2009Castlerea St. Kevin’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-10 Western Gael’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-6Top Scorer: Ger Heneghan (Castlerea St. Kevin’s) . . . . .0-4Top Scorer: Derek Moran (Western Gael’s) . . . . . . . . . . . . .0-4

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18


Pension’s & Investments/Life & Illness Cover /Mortgages,

Elphin & Sligo

Tel: 071 9155560

Fax: 071 9155561

Proud Sponsors of Elphin GAA Club Lotto

TIMC Limited T/A IQ Financial and The Independent Mortgage Company is regulatedby the Financial Regulator. Registered Office: Quayside Shopping Centre, Quay

Street, Sligo. Registered in Ireland. Company reg. no. 405801. A private companylimited by shares and having a share capital. Directors: Coman Brady & Enda Brady.

Best of luck to Elphin in today’s County

Final

From Coman & Enda Brady


19


Shannonside radio FM sports commentatorWillie Hegarty takes a look at the

championship of 2010The buzz word over the past week on the political scene has being the ‘think ins’ with someparties more stable than others and here in Roscommon GAA circles if a think in was had lastFebruary or March would we have forecasted what a wonderful summer of emotion, greatmemories and a rollercoast ride all the way to Croke Park in early August was in the offering.

To cap off an unexpected Connacht senior title, a deserved Connacht U21 success was alreadyin the bag while the young guns and the next generation captured the Connacht U16 Ted Webbcup, and to put the cherry on top of the cake would be a cracking county final.

The ingredients are in place as St Brigid’s are back dining at the head table for first time since2007, a young, fresh and exciting Elphin team back in their first county final since 1986 will bringcolour and excitement to the show piece of Roscommon club football. So far the championshiphas being a slow burner with plenty of hard effort on show without real quality.Three of the group’s round robin sections finished on scoring difference which proved on anygiven day little separates most sides in the senior grade. Of the twelve teams taking part elevenwon one match with only Castlerea St Kevin’s pulling off two group wins. It was Elphin wholanded the first real punch as they left last years beaten finalists Western Gaels on the canvassfrom which the sky blues never recovered as Elphin signalled their intent for the summer of 2010.Holders Castlerea St Kevin’s progressed to the last eight in typical fashion as they ground out

wins over Padraig Pearses and St Brigid’s to keep their three in a row bid on track. New kids onthe block St Croan’s came up with the win of the year as they left Kilbride feeling even worsethan Brian Cowen last week as the Green and White left Ballinatubber with more than a sorethroat. The toughest group of all saw Clann Na nGael and Kilmore just squeeze past St Aidans as thesegames proved as tight as All Ireland tickets in Down. In the end a kick of a ball divided all threeas Kilmore’s lions den home proved too much for Clann who found out how tough it is to win inNorth Roscommon.


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Roscommon Gaels brought Elphin’s early high hopes crashing down and then survived a nervyfinish to edge out Western Gaels who left themselves to much to do as they spend the wintersmonths wondering what might have being. Behind the scenes St Faithleachs and especially StBrigid’s slipped into the last eight as the Kiltoom men keeping as quite as kids in a sweet shop astheir journey began to gather pace.County players from all clubs were beginning to perform well and the pressure grew as knockout

football entered the arena. St Brigid’s won the South Roscommon clash, Clann Na nGael hadthe place decorated to the last even a DJ was on the job. Then the heavens opened as the homesides hopes were washed away by their rampant neighbours. Elphin’s defence once again couldn’tbe breached as Peter Carneys charges ended St Croan’s romantic journey. St Faithleachs brushedaside Roscommon Gaels with ease to reach the last four.The big battle of the quarter finals took place in Elphin. Injury time drama, late scores; red cardsall part of a heated showdown between Kilmore and Castlerea St Kevin’s. The replay wasn’t forthe faint hearted as 13 man Castlerea St Kevin’s survived Kilmore’s stern challenge. The championship house had now four tenants as the bar rose another notch, dream final still onas St Brigid’s and Castlerea St Kevin’s were in opposite corners. St Faithleachs teased andtormented the Kiltoom men but couldn’t land the crucial punch as St Brigid’s class told asFrankie Dolan rewound the clock with his persormance. The holders arrived in town minus two key players to suspension, Elphin arrived without BrianHiggins. Elphin had a plan, stuck to it and played Castlerea at their own game. It was cat andmouse until Paddy O Connor blasted home a penalty, Elphin took off and went four clear comingup the home straight and despite some late nerves held on for a super win. Castlerea’s reign and16 match unbeaten record gone as youthful Elphin are back in the big time.Its being a great year, three Connacht titles, Fergal O Donnell back for another two years, nowwhere’s that cherry to put on top of the cake as experience take on youth. Let’s hope for a greatfinal, enjoy it folks and remember it is Roscommon’s big day out at local level?

The pride of the club, parish and community. Where would we be without the GAA?

Good luck to both teams and the young minor players in the division one football final.

Highlights of today’s final on

TG4For the thirteenth successive season, TG4 will be covering various county

finals, and we make our third visit to Roscommon, having been here before in 2001 and again in 2006.

We will feature the best of today's clash in our GAA2010 programme, which airs at 8.00 on TG4 tomorrow night.

We will also feature the best of today's Ladies' All Ireland finals. Ná caill é- don't miss it, oíche amárach, ag 8.00, ar TG4!


21


Kilglass Gaels G.A.A. Club represent Connacht in the

Kelloggs Field of Dreams CompetitionMarty Morrissey is our mentor and he has appealed for your support to ensure anAll Ireland Title for the Club, County and Connacht

Please vote by: Text / Email / By PostText: Kelloggs connacht to 53799 (cost 20c)Visit www.kelloggs/fieldofdreams and vote for ConnachtPost 5 Vote tokens from promotional boxes of Kelloggs Cornflakes / Crunchy Nut(you are automatically entered into a draw for €5,000 Holiday)

(When you vote by text you will get a reply message which will have a url numberwith it and if you wish you can forward this number to 087 0991011)

Your support would be really appreciated - so please help our Dream become a Reality!

MICHAEL CUDDY AND CO.CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS,

FRY PLACE, ATHLONE.

CONTACT,ANNE MARIE, CHRISTINE,

PATIENCE OR JOHN ON (090) 6494311,FAX (090) 6494322

EMAIL; [email protected].

WISHING St Brigid's ALL THE BEST


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Shannonside FM Senior FootballChampionship Results 2010

Shannonside FM Senior FC Group A:

Padraig Pearses 1-8 Castlerea St Kevins 2-6 Pairc an Piarsaigh Castlerea St Kevins 1-7 St Brigid's 0-8 O’Rourke ParkSt Brigid's 0-15 Padraig Pearses 0-10 Kiltoom

Shannonside FM Senior FC Group B:

Kilbride 0-14 St Faithleachs 0-13 KilbrideSt Croans 2-13 Kilbride 1-11 EnfieldSt Faithleachs 2-7 St Croans 0-8 Ballyleague

Shannonside FM Senior FC Group C:

St Aidans 1-9 Kilmore 0-10 BallyforanClann na nGael 0-13 St Aidans 0-9 JohnstownKilmore 0-12 Clann na nGael 0-11 Kilmore

Shannonside FM Senior FC Group D:

Elphin 2-10 Western Gaels 0-9 ElphinRoscommon Gaels 0-7 Elphin 0-5 Hyde ParkWestern Gaels 1-14 Roscommon Gaels 2-7 Frenchpark

Quarter-Finals

Elphin 012 St Croans 0-8 O’Rourke ParkCastlerea St Kevins 1-9 Kilmore 1-8 Elphin[Replay] Castlerea St Kevins 1-10 Kilmore 0-8 ElphinSt Faithleachs 1-9 Roscommon Gaels 0-6 TarmonbarrySt Brigid's 1-9 Clann Na Gael 0-7 Johnstown

Semi-Finals

Elphin 1-7 Castlerea St Kevins 0-9 Hyde ParkSt Brigid's 1-13 St Faithleachs 0-9 Hyde Park


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LAST FINAL MEETING 1959St Brigid's 1-12 Elphin 0-4

The 75th Anniversary final was a repeat of the 1958 encounter when St Brigid's overcame thechallenge of Elphin. Having stopped Elphin in their quest for four in a row in 1958 St Brigid'semphasised their dominance with a convincing victory in the 1959 final.

The Roscommon Herald in its report on the final described St Brigid’s performance as adelightful display of polished football while Elphin lived up to their reputation of being hardchampionship battlers.

This county final did not live up to expectations. St Brigid's as reigning champions had apronounced superiority throughout. Brigid's intentions were evident from early on and were awell trained fast and fit fifteen whose polished brand of football had the Elphin defence in direstraits throughout the hour.

The dominant figure in the St Brigid's attack was Don Feely whose personal tally of nine pointsreflected his best ever display.In defence the Kiltoom side had the unbeatable Gerry O’Malley as pivot of a sound defence whowere caught only once and on this occasion Elphin were quick enough to seize the chance thatbrought the only goal of the match.

The winners owe their success to their balanced lineout, a superb defence, a hard working midfieldand slick forwards. Against any other side but Elphin they would have won by a record score. It isa tribute to Elphin’s fighting qualities that they held the champions to a respectable score.

P.J Duffy, Aidan and Kevin Brady and Eddie Murray were prominent in the Elphin defence DesDockery, Eamon Brady and P J Shanagher were the best in attack.

As well as O’Malley and Don Feely, Tom O’Brien, Jimmy Martin and Frank Kenny were mostprominent.

St Brigid's: T. Gavin; E.Feeley,T O’Brien, F.Daly; J.Martin,G O’Malley,T.Mannion; F.McKevitt, N.Murray;Des Feeley, Don Feeley (0-9) , L. Feeley ; A. Fallon , F. Kenny(0-3) , P. McKevitt.

Elphin:K. Brady; E. Murray, A. Brady, P. J. Duffy; M. Mulleady, E. J. Scott, G. Curley; P. Glynn, MHynes; P. Gannon, D. Dockery (0-3), P. Shanagher (1-1); B. Glancy, E. Brady, F. Carroll.Sub: P. Diamond for Carroll.

Referee Johnny Mulvey (Mayo).


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Best wishes to Elphin Senior team and Management

An Bothar RuaCatahl & Gordon Murray.

Main Street.Elphin.

Co Roscommon.

086/2879721

Boyle GAA Minor ClubIt is fair to say that Boyle G.A.A. Minor Club is in one of the best positions it has beenfor a very long time. Their presence in today’s county minor final is indicative of that.A couple of weeks ago, though well beaten by Strokestown, the U 16s’ took part intheir county final also. All teams are in the ‘A’ division as of right. At U 12 level theclub has two teams one in the ‘A’ division with a second team in Division 4. In thisyear’s team there are many players of quality. Four of the team have been on the minorpanel; Donal and Enda Smith, Tadgh Lowe and Ciaran O’Neill while there were alsofour players involved with the county U 16 team; Enda Smith, Tadgh McKenna, BrianFurey and Jason McDermott. There are many more involved in various developmentpanels. So, the future is encouraging and a testimony to the work being done by thevarious trainers and the strength of the club structure and facilities in the recent past. It is hard to believe that a Boyle team has not won a minor championship since 1939having also won it in ‘38. Boyle were Division 2 Minor Champions in 1998. A linkwith those teams, as in so much of Boyle’s GAA history, is the Club and County BoardPresident and a member of the great Roscommon team of the forties who is with ustoday, John Joe Nerney, a sprightly 88 years of age. The Officers of Boyle Minor Club are as follows; Chairman, Gerry Cregg; Secretary,Charlie Candon, Treasurer, Mary Halligan; Registrar, Mary Clifford.



Meet the St. Brigid’s PlayersName: Mark O’CarrollAge: 26Position: MidfieldHonours to date: U12, U14,2xU16, Minor, 3xU21, 3xSenior, 1Connacht Title.Biggest Disappointment todate: Missing the 2010ChampionshipMost Difficult opponent: KarolMannion

Name: David NestorAge 22Position Corner BackHonours to date U12, Minor,4U21’s, 3 Senior, 1 Connaught Biggest Disappointment to dateMy Performance in Cape TownMost Difficult opponent Conor(Flower) McHugh

Name: Seanan KilbrideAge 25Position Full ForwardHonours to date 1 ConnaughtSenior, 1 Connaught Club, 3County Senior Championship, 3Senior League, 5 U21, 1 Minor Biggest Disappointment to dateLosing Connaught Club Final2007Most Difficult opponent SeanMcDermott

Name: Cathal McHughAge 21Position ForwardHonours to date 2 Senior, 5 U21,Minor, U16, U12, 1 ConnaughtClub, Connaught Minor, AllIreland Minor, 2 Schools AllIrelandsMost Difficult opponent DaraghShovels Sheehy

Name: Darren DolanAge 20Position Wing ForwardHonours to date 1 SeniorChampionship, 2 Senior League,3 U21 Championship, 1 MinorLeague, Leinster Colleges ALeague & Championship, U21Connaught Medal, U21 HastingsCup.Biggest Disappointment todate; Losing to Dungannon inAll Ireland Colleges Semi FinalMost Difficult opponent; MarkBattersby

Name: Frankie DolanAge 32Position ForwardHonours to date 5 Senior ClubChampionships, 1 U21 Club, 1Minor, 1 ConnaughtChampionship, 6 Senior League,1 Connaught U21 Roscommon,1 Senior ChampionshipRoscommonBiggest Disappointment todate; Losing to Ballina inConnaught Club Final in 2007Most Difficult opponent; James“The Minskey”Comiskey.

Name: John TiernanAge 31Position MidfieldHonours to date; 4 County TitlesBiggest Disappointment todate; Losing All –Ireland clubsemi final to Crossmaglen.Most Difficult opponent; JohnMannion

Name: Connor McHughAge 23Position ForwardHonours to date 2 U12 CountyTitles, 1 Minor, 5 U21, 2 Senior

League, 1 Fresher’s “A” All IrelandNUIGBiggest Disappointment todate; Losing Connaught MinorFinal 2004.Most Difficult opponent; DavieNestor.

Name: Damien KellegherAge 24Position Half ForwardHonours to date; U21 CountyTitle, 2 Senior County Title, 1Connaught ChampionshipBiggest Disappointment todate; Losing to Ballina inConnaught Final.Most Difficult opponent; SeanMcDermott .

Name: Eoin SheehyAge 20Position Half Forward Honours to date; Best DressedMan 2009, Connaught U212010, 2 All Ireland Schools,3 U21 Championships.Biggest Disappointment todate; Losing to Mayo Minor2008.Most Difficult opponent; Leon“Elton” O’Connor

Name: David O’ConnorAge 29Position ForwardHonours to date U16 , U21, 2Senior Championship, 1Connaught Club Championship,5 Senior LeagueBiggest Disappointment todate. Losing All Ireland clubSemi Final.Most Difficult opponent DamienBurke (Corofin) Francie Bellew (Crossmaglen).

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Meet the St. Brigid’s PlayersName: Richard BlaineAge 23Position Half ForwardHonours to date 2x U12, 1Minor, 2 xU21, 1 Junior, 1 JuniorA, 1 O’Rourke Cup, 1 SeniorBiggest Disappointment todate; Losing Connaught clubfinal 2007.Most Difficult opponent; RoryMcIlory

Name: Leon O’ConnorAge 21Position Corner ForwardHonours to date 3x U21, U21Connaught & Hastings CupMedal, Minor LeagueBiggest Disappointment todate; Losing to Dublin in U21 AllIreland FinalMost Difficult opponent:Eddie Convey & Keith Kildea

Name: Robert GilliganAge 21Position MidfieldHonours to date Underage &Senior Medals, Minor All Ireland Biggest Disappointment todate; All Ireland Schools Finaldefeat.Most Difficult opponent;Kevin Higgins

Name: Karol MannionAge 30Position MidfieldHonours to date 1 ConnaughtSenior Medal, 1 Connaught ClubMedal, 3 County Senior Medals,1 All Ireland Junior Medal, 2Connaught Junior Medals, 5O’Rourke Cup MedalsBiggest Disappointment todate; All Ireland Semi FinalDefeat CrossmaglenMost Difficult opponent EndaKenny

Name: Ian KilbrideAge 27Position Half BackHonours to date U12, U14, 3U16, Minor, 3 U21, 3 SeniorLeague, 3 Senior Championship,1 Connaught County (senior) 2Connaught County Junior Biggest Disappointment to date2005 Connaught Final v Salthill Most Difficult opponent DermotEarley

Name: Darragh DonnellyAge 24Position Full BackHonours to date U12, U21 x 5, 3Senior League, 3 SeniorChampionship, 1 ConnaughtClub.Biggest Disappointment to date2007 Connaught Final v BallinaMost Difficult opponent NiallMcNamee

Name: Mark GrehanAge 26Position DefenderHonours to date U16 Minor, 4 xU21, 3 Senior, 1 ConnaughtMedal, 1 Junior ABiggest Disappointment to dateLosing All Ireland Club SemiFinal 2006Most Difficult opponentMichael Meehan

Name: Gearoid CunniffeAge 23Position Forward/BackHonours to date 1 U12, 1 U18, 5U21, 2 Senior, 1 Connaught, 3Senior LeagueBiggest Disappointment to datelosing in Quarter Finals in thelast 2 years Most Difficult opponent DonalO’Connor

Name: Robbie KellyAge 26Position Corner BackHonours to date U12, U14, 2U16, Minor, 3 x U21, 3 SeniorLeague, 1 Connaught Club, 3Senior Championships, 1 DenHoey Invitational Tournamentwith Blackrock CollegeBiggest Disappointment to date2003 County Final DefeatMost Difficult opponent NiallMcNamee

Name: Donal O’ConnorAge 26Position Wing BackHonours to date U12, U14,2xU16, 2xU18, 3xU21, 3 SeniorChampionship, 3 Senior League,Biggest Disappointment todate; Losing All Ireland clubSemiMost Difficult opponent SeananKilbride.

Name: Darragh SheeyAge 21Position Half BackHonours to date 4 U21 CountyTitles, Minor, U-16 County Title, 2All Ireland ShcoolsBiggest Disappointment to dateLosing All Ireland Final to TraleeITMost Difficult opponent DavidCrean.

Name: James MartinAge 23 Position Goalkeeper Honours to date 3 SeniorCounty Medals, 5 U21, 1 Minor, 1Junior, 2 U12, 1 U14 LeinsterSchools A Medal, 2 Connaughtjunior Medals, 3 Senior LeagueMedals, 1 Junior A LeagueMedal, 1 Junior B League Medal Biggest Disappointment to date

26


Meet the St. Brigid’s Players

27


2008 Connaught U-21 Final vMayoMost Difficult opponent; TheHigh Ball

Name: Philip MartinAge 26 Position GoalkeeperHonours to date 4 U21’s, MinorChampionship, 1 county league.Biggest Disappointment todate Most Difficult opponentDermot O’Connor

Name: Vivian ClabbyAge: 21Position: DefenderHonors to date: U16 countychampionship, minor countychampionship, 3 U 21 countychampionshipsBiggest Disappointment todate: All Ireland Fresher’s Final

Name: Garvan DolanAge; 26Position; MidFieldHonours to date; Minor, 3 x U21,3 Senior League, 1 ConnaughtClub, 3 Senior Championships,Biggest Disappointment todate; Losing Connaught Clubfinal 2007.Most Difficult opponent; GerAherne.

Name: Brendan O’BrienAge 34Position Full ForwardHonours to date 1 ConnachtClub Medal, 4 SeniorChampionships, 4 SeniorLeagues, 1 Junior AChampionship.Biggest Disappointment todate: Losing the All Ireland ClubSemi Final to CrossmaglenRangersMost Difficult Opponent :Clifford McDonald (Roscommon Gaels)

Name: Peter DomicanAge 22Position centre backHonours to date: u-12,u-16,minor,5u-21,2 senior countychampionships. 1 connachtclub medal, 1 all-Irelandvocational schools medal, 1connacht minor medal, 1 all-Ireland minor medal, 1connacht senior medalBiggest Disappointment todate: Losing 2007 connachtclub final to ballinaMost Difficult opponent:Darragh “shovels” Sheehy

Name: Mark O’CarrollAge: 26Position: MidfieldHonours to date: U12, U14,2xU16, Minor, 3xU21, 3xSenior, 1Connacht Title.Biggest Disappointment todate: Missing the 2010ChampionshipMost Difficult opponent: KarolMannion

Name: Ger AherneAge : 25Position: DefenderHonours to date1 x16 Championship2 x minor championship4 x u-21 champ3 x senior champ3 x senior league1 x Connaught club1 x all Ireland colleges2 x Connaught collegesBiggest Disappointment todate: Mark O’Carroll’s injuryMost Difficult opponentPat Regan


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HISTORY OF ELPHINFOUNDED: APRIL 1888SENIOR TITLES(FOOTBALL): (14)1889, 1891, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905,1931, 1932, 1937, 1950, 1951, 1955, 1956, 1957.SENIOR TITLES(HURLING): (1)1925 INTERMEDIATE TITLES: (2)1979, 2003UNDER 21 TITLES (DIV.1): 1981MINOR TITLES (DIV. 1): 1943,1948,1977,2000,2003,2004,2006MINOR TITLES (DIV. 2): 1999, 2008

CLUB CREST:The Elphin crest is divided into four segments, representing distinct aspects of our heritage. In thetop left we have a rock, symbolising “The rock of the clear spring”, which is the translation of theIrish word “Ail Finn”. The Bishops mitre represents the fact that Elphin was the seat of the Bishopsof Elphin for centuries. The apple represents the Orchard Park, our spiritual home for almost acentury, while the quill and parchment represent our connections with Percy French and OliverGoldsmith who lived in the locality for many years.

HISTORY:Elphin is one of the oldest clubs in the country. It is reasonably certain that it was formed in April1888. Following the formation of the first Co. Board in Boyle in January 1889, Elphin was one ofeighteen clubs affiliated and it has continued as a club to the present day. Indeed, according to astrongly held belief, Michael Kelly club secretary for many years, was one of number ofRoscommon men to attend the first famous meeting in Thurles in 1884.From 1888 to 1906 the Elphin team was known as the ``William O`Brien`s`` .He was the famous M.P.and editor of ‘United Ireland’.The William O’Briens was the leading team in the country in that periodand won five finals in a row from 1901-1906. They represented Connacht in Jones’s Road in 1906defeating Monaghan, the Ulster champions, but lost the final, at the ‘Market’s Field’ in Limerick tonone other than Kerry. During the following two decades success on the field was very limited but“The Orchard” was acquired and opened as one of the first G.A.A. pitches in the county in 1916.From 1927 to 1937 another Elphin team, ``The All Blacks`` became the best team in the county. Havingwon the Junior Title in 1927, they won the Senior title 1931, 1932 and 1937.Their title was fromed fromthe colour of their jerseys, which were black only.There are two reasons given why they changed fromtheir original green and gold: one that there was not enough money to buy a two-tone jersey and that“The All Blacks”of New Zealand Fame were touring here in 1927, and so the blackstrip.

It is not widely known that Elphin won a Senior Hurling title in 1925,though the final was played in 1926.

Lean times followed once again until a Junior championship win in 1945 and a Minorchampionship in 1948 formed the basis of what was known as the ``1950`s team`` .The periodfrom 1948 to 1961 was a `Golden Age` for Elphin at senior level as the club contested all but 2county finals. This team won five senior championships, 1950 and ‘51 and three in a row in 1955,‘56 and ‘57. This team broke up after the 1961 defeat in the county final to Clan na Gael.

The senior team struggled in the championship through the 1960`s ,with many first round exits,but did contest the 1966 county final, again losing to Clan na nGael. However, poor results

PER ARD UA SURGO IN SPEC


29


continued in the following years, resulting in relegation to intermediate ranks in 1972.Things slowly improved through the 1970`s. The under 12`s won their championship in 1971. Theunder 14 team contested the `73 final and then won the `74 county u14 title. In `76 the senior teamwon the intermediate league, which meant league football in the senior ranks but not thechampionship. 1977 was a great year for the underage teams.The under 14`s again won the countyfinal, as did the minor team. The minors also contested the All ireland 7 a side final, losing toTullamore. Finally, after nearly a decade in the lower ranks, Elphin finally won the Intermediatechampionship in 1979.

The 1980`s began with more underage success.The under 12 team winning the county final in `80and the under 21`s winning their championship in `81. Our senior team reached the 1986 countyfinal, 20 years after the last appearance in one. Again it was Clan na nGael who beat us. This was agreat Clan team that contested no fewer than 5 all ireland finals during this decade.

The beginning of the new decade saw the reopening of the Orchard Park after some majorredevelopment to the pitch making it an all weather surface. The `86 senior team broke up in theearly 1990`s and again the team struggled to maintain its senior status. In 1994 we were relegatedto the O`Gara Cup but managed to come back up the following year beating Western Gaels in the`95 league final. However the slide continued and the team was relegated to the intermediatechampionship in 1998 and back to the O`Gara cup in `99. But things at underage level werelooking much brighter with a lot of hard work put in. The under 12`s won the `95 county final, theunder 14`s the `97 title and the minors won the `99 Div. 2 final.

The new century started in great style with the senior team returning to the senior league bywinning the 2000 O`Gara cup and the minors winning our 1st Division 1 minor title for 23 years.The seniors also returned to the senior championship ranks in `03. Having lost to St. Faithleach`s inthe `02 intermediate final by a point, we beat St. Croans in the following years decider.2003 was one of the clubs most successful years in recent times and resulted in Elphin beingnamed Roscommon Club of the year. Not only did we win the intermediate county title, but2003/04 also saw us capture the inaugural Connaught Intermediate championship, beatingLouisburgh of Mayo in the semi final and Cortoon Shamrocks of Galway in the final.We bowed outin the All Ireland semi-final losing narrowly to Ilen Rovers of Cork, who went on to easily win thefinal. 2003 also saw our minors do the 1st division league and championship double.Our bestperformance to date since returning to senior ranks was a semi-final in 2005, when we weredefeated by Padraig Pearses in a replay. Pearses scoring a goal late into injury time to win by 1point.This decade has seen huge success at minor level. As mentioned already, our minors won the 2000and 2003 championships. They were also runners up in `01, but won the league. Werechampionship semi-finalists in `02, winners in `04 and winners of the never to be forgotten `06final v Clan na nGael when the lads came back from 6 points down to score 3-1 in injury time andwin by 4!!! 2008 saw our Minors capture their 6th County title in 10 years when they defeated St. Aidans in thedivision 2 decider. Our Under 21`s also reached the division 1 final losing to St. Brigid`s whocollected their 7th title in a row.The Club has supplied one G.A.A. President, Dr. Donal Keenan and Dr. Mick Loftus, another GAAPresident lived in Elphin for a number of years as a very young boy. All in all, the club can be proudof its contribution to the G.A.A. in the County and in the Country


30


Roscommon U-16 Footballers - Ted Webb Cup Champions 2010

Roscommon Development Panal 2010

Roscommon Development Panal 2010


31


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32


HISTORY OF ST BRIGID’S

While the name of Craobh Cumann Naomh Brid did not make its first affiliated appearance

until 1944 we know of course that our games were being played officially for many long years

before then under the names of Kiltoom, Curraghboy or Brideswell depending I suppose on

where the most enthusiastic bunch of players came from at the given period.

The Clubs major breakthrough of course came in 1952-53 with the winning of the county

Junior title and resultant Senior final at the very first attempt. Thankfully succeeding in

holding on to its Senior status since then Craobh Cumann Naomh Brid has continued to

flourish through the intervening years with huge strides being made in the areas of underage

activity and development of games facilities which of course is only possible because of the

massive and greatly appreciated support financially and otherwise from the entire

community.

While the Senior mens side made their own piece of history in 2007 by capturing their third

county title in a row not forgetting of course that great Connaught Title in 2006, they were

well and truly upstaged by their U21 counterparts who captured an amazing eight

consecutive county title in 2009. We acknowledge the importance of underage structures

within a club and continue to work at developing the skills level of our underage members

with this in mind we have now established a nursery programme for children from 4 years old

to help improve skill and co-ordination in a fun environment.

The Clubs headquarters of course stands at Newpark in Kiltoom where development has

continued through the years since the original purchase of five and a quarter acres for the

large sum of one hundred and fifteen pounds in 1953.Thanks in no small way to the

continued support of the community and the Clubs many generous sponsors St Brigid's can

now boast of 3 Floodlit pitches as well of course as its Handball complex at Curraghboy and

can feel justly proud of its achievements.

Club Officers

Chairperson Gerry McInerney

Vice Chairperson Jimmy Mannion

Secretary Diane Dennehy

Assistant Secretary Bernadette Sammon

Treasurer PJ Martin

PRO Michael McDonnell


33


Roscommon Gaels - A Brief HistoryG.A.A in the County Town dates back to 1885, with the present name ‘’Roscommon Gaels ‘’adopted in 1959. Roscommon Gaels is celebrating 51 years in existence this year.

Roscommon Gaels first juvenile title was won back in 1959 and the boys who brought the first titleto the club were Danny Gahan (St Ciaran’s Pk), Liam Hourican (Crubyhill), Michael Hanlon (StCiaran’s Pk), Denis Harlow (Kilteevan), Tom Callery (Stonepark), Anthony Brophy (Castle Street)captain, Eugene McNamara (The Walk) Michael Costello (Lanesboro Street), Michael Burke(Stonepark), Gerry Flanagan (Ballybride), Tom J Carr (Lisnamult), Tommy Dolan (Kilteevan),Eamon Lalor (Ballybride), Ollie Finn (Abbey Street), Gerry Keane (Newtown).

The club now fields teams in all grades from U8 to Senior in Hurling, Football, Ladies football as wellas a very active Camogie section.

To date the club has won 28 Minor Football & 6 Minor Hurling titles. It’s most recent Underage CoTitle was in the 2009 Minor decider against Padraig Pearses.

The club has developed new playing facilities in Lisnamult to cater for the numbers playing ourNational game in the County Town and this facility is now operational since 2009, with pride ofplace been the all weather floodlit football pitch which had its first competitive game in May 2010.

Clive Richardson Ltd (laid new pitch in Croke Park) constructed the playing surface with Fencingand Footpath works were constructed by Tom Connolly & Sons. Musco lighting provided the floodlights for the new pitch.

Sean Doyle & Sons Windows and Doors

PVC/Hardwood/Aluminimun

Over 30 yrs in BusinessTomorrows Windows Today

Circular Road ,Roscommon

Tel No.: 090 6626753 or 090 6627153Email [email protected]

www.seandoylewindows.ie


34


Roscommon Gaels(Gaeil RosComáin)

Fir Ionaid

16 John Connaughton

17 Ben Duignan

18 Niall O'Rourke

19 Patrick Clinton

20 Eamon Deane

21 Cormac Dowd

22 David Hoare

23 Daragh Gilleran

24 Eamon Regan

25 Leonardo Aravjo

26 David O’Malley

27 John Horan

I William Doherty

2 3 4Oliver Hannon David Shannon Niall Hunt

5 6 7Michael McNeill John McManus Michael Coll

8 9Mark Nally Mark Healy

10 11 12Cillian Egan Cian Connolly Kieran Kilcline

13 14 15Daniel Hoare Enda Lannon Michael Hannon

Cúil Cúilíní Seachaí 45m Saor Ciceanna

1adh Leath

2adh Leath

IOMLÁN

Manager: David KellySelectors: James Comiskey, Pat Lindsay, Harry Hoare.

DATHANNA: COROCRA AGUS BUÍ


35


Management: Vincent Flanagan, Mike Smith & Tom Kearney

Fir Ionaid

17 Cian McLoughlin

18 Cian Griffin

19 Paul Sweeney

20 Ryan Daly

21 Dylan East

22 Jonathan Draper


1adh Leath

2adh Leath

IOMLÁN

1

Jason McDermott

2 3 4

Luke Harrington Mark Goldrick Brian Furey

5 6 7

Conor Lavin Killain Cox Michael Hanmore

8 9

Enda Smith Donal Smith

10 11 12

Tadhg McKenna Tadhg Lowe Niall Keville

13 14 15

Marc O’Connor Ciaran O’Neill Colm Goldrick

Boyle(Na Piarsaigh)

DATHANNA: MARÚN AGUS BÁN


FOOTBALL ROLL OF HONOUR1890 Boyle Young Ireland's

1891 Elphin

1882 1901 No records

1902 Elphin William O’Briens




1906 Kilbride

1907 Kilbride

1908 Kilbride

1909 Kilbride

1910 Tulsk

1911 Roscommon“The Blues”

1912 Strokestown

1913 Roscommon “The Blues”

1914 Kilbride Emmets

1915 Strokestown

1916 Strokestown

1917 Strokestown

1918 Donamon

1919 Donamon

1920 Donamon

1921 No competition

1922 Strokestown

1923 Tulsk Lord Edwards

1924 Tulsk Lord Edwards

1925 Donamon

1926 Strokestown

1927 18th. Battalion, Boyle

1928 Strokestown

1929 Fuerty

1930 Roscommon

1931 Elphin

1932 Elphin

1933 Strokestown

1934 Fuerty

1935 Tarmon

1936 Roscommon

1937 Elphin

1938 Roscommon

1939 Tarmon

1940 Tarmon

1941 Tarmon

1942 St. Patrick’s,Knockcroghery.

1943 St. Patrick’s,Knockcroghery

1944 Tarmon

1945 St. Patrick’s,Knockcroghery

1946 St. Patrick’sKnockcroghery

1947 Tarmon

1948 St. Patrick’s,

Knockcroghery

1949 St. Patrick’s,

Knockcroghery

1950 Elphin

1951 Elphin

1952 St. Coman’s,

Roscommon

1953 St. Brigid’s

1954 St. Coman’s,

Roscommon

1955 Elphin

1956 Elphin

1957 Elphin

1958 St. Brigid’s

1959 St. Brigid’s

1960 United Stars

(Creggs & Oran)

1961 Clann na nGael

1962 Roscommon Gaels

1963 St. Brigid’s

1964 Shannon Gaels

1965 St. Faithleach’s

1966 Clann na nGael

1967 Castlerea

1968 Castlerea, St. Kevin’s

1969 St. Brigid’s

1970 Clann na nGael

1971 Castlerea, St. Kevin’s


1973 Castlerea, St.Kevin’s



1976 Clann na nGael

1977 Clann na nGael


1979 Clann na nGael


1981 Clann na nGael

1982 Clann na nGael

1983 Kilmore

1984 Clann na nGael

1985 Clann na nGael

1986 Clann na nGael

1987 Clann na ngael

1988 Clann na nGael

1989 Clann na nGael

1990 Clann na nGael

1991 Clann na nGael

1992 Strokestown

1993 Clann na nGael

1994 Roscommon Gaels1995 Clann na nGael

1996 Clann na nGael1997 St. Brigid’s1998 Roscommon Gaels


2000 Kilbride


2002 Strokestown

2003 Castlerea St. Kevin’s


2005 St. Brigid’s

2006 St. Brigid’s

2007 St. Brigid’s

2008 Castlerea St. Kevins

2009 Castlerea St. Kevins

36



37


NAME: Niall Grehan.

Age: 23

Height: 5 ‘11

Weight: 12st.

Occupation: Engineer

Biggest influence on your Gaelic footballcareer to date: Parents.

What do you think is the greatest skill ofGaelic football? Attitude.

What is the hardest part of your sportinglife? Time Management.

Favourite sportsperson: Paul O’Connell

Most difficult opponent: StephenKernan

Hardest player to mark in training?Garvan Dolan

Who is the joker on the panel? GerAherne

Favourite Venue: Kiltoom

Most memorable sporting moment todate: Winning Connaught Club Final2006.

Least memorable sporting moment in thepast: Losing All Ireland Club Semi toCrossmaglen.

Other sporting interests? Rugby, Soccer,watching most sports.

Sporting event you would pay most tosee..... Ireland contest the 2011 Rugbyworld cup final.

Your sporting wish for 2010? For StBrigid's to continue playing good footballuntil the end of the year.

The best invention is.... Car I would belost without it.

If you won the lotto what would be thefirst thing you would buy? Round theworld trip.

One thing you may not know aboutme… Keeping this one to myself !

Favourite Food: Salmon.

Favourite Music: Mumford and Son andPaulo Nutini.

ST. BRIGID’SCAPTAIN’S PROFILE


38


ST. BRIGID’S(Naomh Bríd)

DATHANNA: GLAS AGUS DEARG

Fir Ionaid 16. James Martin

Séamus ÓMáirtín

17. Eoin SheehyEoin Ó Síthigh

18. David O ConnorDaithí Ó Conchubhair

19. Richard BlaineRisteard Mac Giolla Bláin

20. David NestorDaithí Mac an Adhastair

21. Ger AherneGearóid Ó hÉathrinn

22. Mark GrehanMarcus Ó Gréacháin

23. Robert GilliganRiobeard Mac Giollagáin

24. Garvan DolanGarbhán Ó Dúláin

25. Darragh SheehyDarrach Ó Síthigh

26. Donal O ConnorDónall Ó Conchubhair

27. Leon O ConnorLeon Ó Conchubhair

28. Brendan O BrienBreandán Ó Briain

29. Vivian ClabbyBéibhinn Ó Clabaigh

30. Mark O CarrollMarcus Ó Cearúill

1PHILIP MARTIN

Pilib Ó Máirtín

2 3 4ROBBIE KELLY DARRAGH DONNELLY NIALL GREHAN

Riobeard Ó Ceallaigh Darrach Ó Donnghaile Niall Ó Gréacháin (Capt)

5 6 7IAN KILBRIDE PETER DOMICAN GEAROID CUNNIFFE

Eoin Mac Giolla Bhríde Peadar Ó Domagáin Gearóid Mac Conduibh

8 9JOHN TIERNAN KAROL MANNION

Sean Ó Tiarnáin Karol Ó Mainnín

10 11 12DAMIEN KELLEGHER CATHAL MCHUGH DARREN DOLAN

Damian Ó Céileacháir Cathal Mac Aodha Dáire Ó Dúláin

13 14 15CONOR MCHUGH SENAN KILBRIDE FRANKIE DOLAN

Conchubhar Mac Aodha Seanán Mac Giolla Bhríde Proinsias Ó Dúláin


1adh Leath

2adh Leath

IOMLÁN

Manager Noel O BrienSelectors Michael O Brien, Ger Paul CunniffePhysio: Pat ReganTeam Secretary: Noel Murray


39


Fir Ionaid

16 Brian Oates

17. Shane Tiernan

18. Michael Callery

19. John Collins

20. Gerry Brady

21. Martin Mc Caffrey.

22. Martin Cregg

23. David Hynes

24. Daire Neary

25. Brendan Neary

26. Shane Reynolds

27. Gerry Cregg

28. Shane Mc Dermott

29. Damian Donlon

30. Eanna Tiernan

31. Brian Higgins

ELPHIN(Ail Finn)

DATHANNA: TÁINSÉIRIN AGUS DUBH


1adh Leath

2adh Leath

IOMLÁN

1RONAN COLLINS

R.O Coileain

2 3 4JASON CARNEY RONAN BRADY DAMIAN CREGG

I o Cearnaigh R. O Bradaigh D.de Creag

5 6 7CONOR BEIRNE PATRICK O CONNOR SHANE BEIRNE

C.O. Beirn P. O Conchuir S.O Beirn

8 9BRIAN CREGG PAUL KELLEGHER

B.de Creag (Captain) P.O Ceileachair

10 11 12MICHAEL GLANCY FINTAN CREGG KEVIN BRADY

M.O Fhlannchaidh F. De Creag C.O Bradaigh

13 14 15BRENDAN ROCK COLM ROCK FRANKIE CREGGB.Mac Concharraige C.Mac Concharraige P.de Creag

Management Peter Carney, Pat Fox, Martin Beirne, Matt Hynes.

PER ARD UA SURGO IN SPEC


40


NAME: Brian Cregg.

Age: 24

Height: 6.2

Weight: 13st

Occupation: Plumber

Biggest influence on your Gaelic footballcareer to date: Dermot Neary.

What do you think is the greatest skill ofGaelic football? Good Tackling

What is the hardest part of your sportinglife? Time off work

Favourite sportsperson: Martin ClarkeMost difficult opponent: Mark O’ Carroll

Hardest player to mark in training?Frankie Cregg.

Who is the joker on the panel? ColmRock

Favourite Venue: Kiltoom

Most memorable sporting moment todate: Reaching todays final

Least memorable sporting moment in thepast: Minor League final defeat toCroans 2004.

Other sporting interests? Soccer. Boxing. Badminton.

Sporting event you would pay most tosee.....All Ireland Football Final

Your sporting wish for 2010? To win CoChampionship.

The best invention is.... Bed.

If you won the lotto what would be thefirst thing you would buy? A new gatefor Orchard Park.

One thing you may not know aboutme… I have 5 brothers ( all on panel)and 6 sisters.

Favourite Food:T.bone Steak.

Favourite Music: Cyril Mc Dermott

ELPHINCAPTAIN’S PROFILE


41


Best of Luck to the Elphin Lads From

Joe Burke

McCartan and Burke Solicitors

Iceland House.Smithfield.Dublin 7.

For a professional friendly and efficient service.Contact Joe Burke on (01) 8725944Email: [email protected].

Or visit our website www.mccartanandburke.ie

Wishing the Elphin Senior team and management

all the best today

McDermottsCentral Bar

Main Street.Elphin.

Co. Roscommon.


ST.BR

IGID

’S


42

Back row

l to rC

athal McH

ugh, D D

olan, K M

annion, R G

illigan,I Kilbride, C

onor McH

ugh, D D

onnelly, P Martin, D

avid O’C

onnor, Donal

O’C

onnor, S Kilbride, G

Dolan, N

oel O’B

rien (Manager) N

Murray, G

er Cunniffe (Selector).

Middle row

L to RM

O’C

arroll, B O

’Brien, D

Nestor, F D

olan, E Sheehy, N G

rehan ( capt), R K

elly, D K

ellegher, Michael O

’Brien (Selector).

Front row L To R

P D

omican, V

Clabby, G

Cunniffe, L O

’Connor, J M

artin, J Tiernan, D Sheehy, M

Grehan.

Missing from

photo R B

laine and G A

herne.


43


ELP

HIN

Bac

k R

ow (

L-R

) Pe

ter

Car

ney,

Sha

ne T

iern

an, R

onan

Bra

dy, B

rian

Oat

es, D

avid

Hyn

es, P

aul K

elle

gher

, Joh

n C

ollin

s, B

rian

Cre

gg (

Cap

tain

),Fr

anki

e C

regg

, Ron

an C

ollin

s, Ja

son

Car

ney,

Dai

re N

eary

, Pad

dy O

'Con

nor,

Shan

e R

eyno

lds,

Pat

Fox

Mid

dle

Row

(L-

R)G

erry

Cre

gg, C

onor

Bei

rne,

Ger

ard

Bra

dy, M

arti

n M

cCaf

frey

, Bre

ndan

Roc

k, M

icha

el C

alle

ry, M

arti

n C

regg

, Kev

in B

rady

,D

amie

n D

onlo

n, M

atth

ew H

ynes

Fron

t R

ow (

L-R

) M

arti

n B

eirn

e, M

icha

el G

lanc

y, S

hane

Bei

rne,

Fin

tan

Cre

gg, C

olm

Roc

k, D

amie

n C

regg

, Kev

in B

eirn

e.


44


Micheál Ó Muircheartaighby Fr. Liam Devine, Former Co. Board P.R.O.

Sunday afternoons will never be the same again. The distinctive lyrical voice of Micheál Ó

Muircheartaigh that reached into every corner of the country and thrilled countless thousands of

G.A.A. followers will no longer be a feature of our Sunday afternoon entertainment. The legendary

sports commentator broadcast his last All-Ireland final last Sunday after 60 years of radio

commentary on G.A.A. games. When asked about his unique style of broadcasting which he most

certainly had, he modestly said: “I don’t know about style. I never set out to have any style except

to be myself. Your job is to relay what’s happening. You just describe it.” His voice must certainly be

the most recognizable in Irish sport. It is the also the most mimicked. Every budding comedian in

every country hall in Ireland must have tried to take off the voice of Micheál. Often imitated but

never emulated.

Listening to Micheál’s radio broadcast was about as enjoyable a way to spend an hour as you could

think of. It was a lesson in history, geography, sociology, genealogy, statistics, greetings and nuggets of

personal information about the players that only a man of his intense interest in the game could have

gleaned from his travels around the country. He could lace his descriptions with phrases “as Gaeilge”

as he told you of old men living alone on hillsides or a family that had emigrated to Sydney or

someone’s uncle who had a greyhound racing in Shelbourne Park the following Saturday night. His

commentaries were always impartial and without bias even when his beloved Kerry were playing.

Some of his sayings are now part of folklore. Like when he said of the Cork hurler Seán Óg Ó

hAilpin; “Seán Óg Ó hAilpin - his father is from Fermanagh, his mother is from Fiji ... neither a

hurling stronghold” Or what he said about Colin Corkery: - “Colin Corkery on the ‘45 lets go with

his right boot. It’s over the bar. This man shouldn’t be playing football. He has made an almost

Lazarus-like recovery from a heart condition. Lazarus was a great man but he couldn’t kick points like

Colin Corkery.” Micheál was a great man to pick up on an unusual situation or to focus on strange

names. “Pat Fox has it on his hurl and is motoring well now ... but here comes Joe Rabbitte hot on

his tail ... I’ve seen it all now, a Rabitte chasing a Fox around Croke Park.” Making the point of a

level game he once said: “1-5 to 0-8 ... well from Lapland to the Antartic, that’s level scores in any

man’s language.” Or what he said about the McCarthy’s from Cork; “Teddy McCarthy to John

McCarthy, no relation, John McCarthy back to Teddy McCarthy, still no relation.”

He was a master of the little nuggets of information that were to his commentaries what raisins are

to a cake. “Pat Fox out to the 40 and grabs the sliotar, I bought a dog from his father last week. Fox


45


turns and sprints for goal. The dog ran a great race last Tuesday in Limerick. Fox to the 21, fires a

shot, it goes to the left and wide ... and the dog lost as well.” Micheál was a superb story teller.

Telling a tale while Tyrone’s Brian Dooher receives treatment for an injury. “... and Brian Dooher is

down injured. And while he is, I’ll tell ye a little story. I was in Times’ Square last week and I was

missing the championship back home. So I approached a news stand and I said. ‘I suppose ye wouldn’t

have the Kerryman (newspaper) would ye?’ To which the Egyptian behind the counter turned to me

and said, ‘Do you want the north Kerry edition or the south Kerry edition?’ ... he had both ... So I

bought both. And Dooher is back on his feet ...”

I turned down the television commentary and listened to Micheál’s last commentary on the All-

Ireland final. It was a nostalgic experience for the great Dún Síon man. Just as the ball was thrown

in he informed us that Mickey Joe Padden was listening in the city of Budapest. Before ten minutes

had elapsed he told us of “Dr. Fintan O’Rourke and his wife in Sydney - everyone in Warrenpoint is

hoping they’ll get good reception below in Sydney.” Sometimes he left you in suspense as he started

a story but the intensity of the game meant that you had to wait for another time of place to hear the

end of it. Midway through the first half when Down’s Marty Clarke was lining up to take a free he

said, “He’ll be known as the man who came home from Australia. Just like the man who used to come

home to the Dingle races - a very famous man - from South Africa ... and Marty Clarke drops it over

the bar.” He never got around to telling us who this famous man was.

Near the end of the game he talked about a man from Dunmanway, the home of Sam Maguire,

“Wherever you are - Johnny Crowley from Dunmanway, of all places he’s listening to the match in

... Dunmnanway. And Noel O’Leary was very harshly treated by the referee there.”

Micheál could turn the world into a village. There wasn’t a parish in Ireland that he wasn’t familiar

with. I met him on a few occasions when I was PRO of Sligo County Board. He was thorough in

gleaning information about players; what they worked at, if they had a nickname, what was their

father’s name and so on.

I met him a few times since I came back to Roscommon. I always found him a perfect gentleman. He

was a brilliant story teller and he could stitch Irish phrases into the scéal like a woman darning a sock.

He loved people and he particularly loved characters. He was a mine of information on G.A.A.

affairs.

It is sad that we have heard the distinctive voice of the G.A.A. for the last time. He certainly

enriched all our lives and left us with many happy memories. May he live many years to enjoy his

retirement. Thanks for the memories, Micheál!


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47


Best wishes to all todays finalists from

JOHN CORCORANMENSWEAR &

DRESS SUIT HIRE

SPONSORS OF THE O’GARA CUP

Church Street, Roscommon. Tel: 090 6626097

Wishing Elphin Senior Team and the management

all the best in the county final

Timmy Murray

Main Street,

Elphin,

Co. Roscommon.


Morris Meats

48


Abattoir No. RN2, Elphin

Benedict & Ronan

Prime Heifer Beef and choice Lamb

All Farm Fresh, locally sourced and slaughtered in own Aboittoir. Wide range of Pork, Bacon and Poultry.

Good Luck to

ELPHIN

From

Cllr. Valerie byrne


49


ROSCOMMON INTERCOUNTYFOOTBALL RESULTS 2010

Senior

National Football League Division 3Roscommon 1-10 Cavan 2-20 Hyde Park Feb 7th Roscommon 0-11 Fermanagh 2-6 Brewster Park Feb 13th Roscommon 2-13 Offaly 2-14 O’Connor Park March 7thRoscommon 0-14 Antrim 0-16 Hyde Park March 14thRoscommon 0-13 Louth 1-9 Drogheda March 21stRoscommon 1-9 Wexford 1-12 Hyde Park March 28thRoscommon 0-13 Sligo 0-20 Markievicz Park April 4th

Connacht Senior Football ChampionshipQuarter FinalRoscommon 0-14 London 0-6 Ruislip May 30th

Semi FinalRoscommon 1-13 Leitrim 0-11 Hyde Park June 20th

Connacht FinalRoscommon 0-14 Sligo 0-13 McHale Park July 18th

All Ireland Quarter FinalRoscommon 0-10 Cork 1-16 Croke Park August 1st

FBD Connacht LeagueRoscommon 1-6 Sligo IT 1-7 Ballinode,Sligo January 17thRoscommpon 0-7 NUIG 0-6 Dangan, Galway January 24thRoscommon 0-8 Mayo 1-9 Ballinlough January 31st

Junior

Connacht Junior Football ChampionshipRoscommon 0-6 Galway 1-12 Ballyforan May 14th

U21

Connacht U21 Football ChampionshipRoscommon 2-11 Mayo 1-13 Hyde Park March 17th

Connacht FinalRoscommon 1-6 Sligo 0-4 Markievicz Park April 4th

All Ireland Semi FinalRoscommon 0-8 Dublin 2-10 Breffni Park April 17th


50


TWENTY QUESTIONSI In what year did Elphin win their last Co senior title

2 In what year did St Brigid's win their first Co Senior Title?

3 Who was the Roscommon u21 captain in 2010?

4 Name the 2010 Div 1 Allianz NFL champions.

5 Who captained Tipperary in the All Ireland hurling in 2010?

6 Who are the current Connacht club senior football champions?

7 Name the current manager of the Roscommon senior hurling team

8 Where is Brewster Park?

9 Who are the Conacht representatives in this year Cadburys field of dreams competition?

10 Where is Fraher Field?

11 What is the name of the trophy awarded for the Roscommon minor Div 1 football title?

12 Who defeated Tipperary in this years Munster hurling championship?

13 When did Roscommon win their only NFL title?

14 The late Dermot Earley played his club football with which Roscommon club?

15 Michael Meehan [Galway] plays his club football with which Galway club?

16 The Webb cup is awarded to winners of which Connacht competition?

17 Name the manger of the Roscommon minor football team in 2010

18 Two Roscommon club teams have won the Connacht senior club hurling title.

Can you name either?

19 Aidan Brady was a star player with what Roscommon club during the 1950s and 1960s?

20 How many Connacht senior medals did Gerry O’Malley win with Roscommon?

Answers.1) 1957.2) 1953.3) Niall Collins [Castlerea St Kevin’s].4) Cork.5) Eoin Kelly.6) Corofin [Galway] 7)Seamus Qualter.8) Enniskillen.9) Kilglass Gaels.10) Dungarvan.11) O’Flynn Cup.12) Cork.13) 1979.14) MichaelGlavey’s.15) Caltra.16) U16 football.17) Ross Shannon 18) Tremane;Four Roads.19) Elphin.20) 4


51


Meet the Elphin PlayersName: John CollinsAge:24Position: ForwardHonours to Date:2 Div 1MinorChampionship and Leagues.FrManning Cup. Hasting Cup.Freshers UCGBiggest Disappointment toDate: Missing the ConnachtMinor Final 04 V Galway withinjury.Most Difficult Opponent. JamesCallery.

Name: Ronan BradyAge: 22Position: Full BackHonours to Date: Connchampionship 2010, 2 Div 1minor titles 03,04Biggest Disappointment toDate: Losing U-21 Co Final 08Most Difficult Opponent: SenanKilbride

Name: Frankie CreggAge: 19Position: Corner ForwardHonours to Date: Div 1 minortitle 06, Tansey cup 08, LeoKenny cup 2010, U-14 Div 1leagueBiggest Disappointment toDate: Losing U-21 Co Final Most Difficult Opponent : PingPing (Shane Beirne)

Name: Fintan CreggAge: 24Position: MidfieldHonours to Date:All Ire Minor, 3Co minors,Biggest Disappointment toDate: Not winning U-21 titleMost Difficult Opponent: ConorBeirne

Name: Kevin BeirneAge:20Position: Corner BackHonours to Date: U11 KeenanCup. U 14 Div 1 League, U16

League, Div 1 &2 Minor Champ.Tansey Cup.Biggest Disappointment toDate:Losing U21 FinalMost Difficult Opponent MartinBeirne.

Name: Eanna TiernanAge: 19Position: Centre ForwardHonours to Date: Div 1 + Div 2county minors, u-14 div 1league, Connacht u-21 title2010Biggest Disappointment toDate: Losing senior to Clan naGael 2 years agoMost Difficult Opponent: JackSharkey

Name: Brendan RockAge: 27Position: ForwardHonours to Date: 2 Co. Minors,Co + Connacht intermediate 03,Leo Kenny 2010, . New SouthWales title. Toronto Sevens.Biggest Disappointment toDate: Losing All IrelandIntermediate finalMost Difficult Opponent: NeilCox

Name: Paddy O ConnorAge: 26Position: Centre BackHonours to Date: Div 1 + Div 2Minor titles, Co + Connachtintermediate 03, Sigerson CupBiggest Disappointment toDate: Losing Intermediate SemiFinal.Most Difficult Opponent:Donnacha O Connor (Cork)

Name: Daire NearyAge: 25Position: DefenderHonours to Date: Co Minorleague+Champ Div1, U-16League. Leo Kenny Cup 2010Biggest Disappointment to

Date: Not Winning an U-21 Titleor Senior to dateMost Difficult Opponent: MattHynes

Name: Michael GlancyAge: 25Position: ForwardHonours to Date: Co minorDiv1+2, Tansey Cup, Co andConnacht intermediate, collegeA juvenile + junior Connachtchampionship.Biggest Disappointment toDate: Not winning an u-21 Titlewith ClubMost Difficult Opponent: JasonCarney

Name: Ronan CollinsAge: 22Position: GoalkeeperHonours to Date: 2 Div 1 minor.Biggest Disappointment toDate: Losing U-21 Final 2008Most Difficult Opponent: ConorMcLoughlin

Name: Paul KelleherAge: 21Position: MidfieldHonours to Date: Minor Champ,u-14 div 1 league, garda cup, U-16 Div 2league, Keenan CupBiggest Disappointment toDate: Loss to Ros Gaels u-212009Most Difficult Opponent: BrianCregg

Name: David HynesAge: 21Position: MidfieldHonours to Date: Co minor Div1, U-16 leagueBiggest Disappointment toDate: losing county U-21 FinalMost Difficult Opponent: FintanCregg


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Meet the Elphin PlayersName: Jason CarneyAge: 24Position: BackHonours to Date: 2 Minor Div1,Co and Connacht intermediate.Biggest Disappointment toDate: Not winning an U-21 orSenior title to dateMost Difficult Opponent: MickGlancy

Name: Michael CalleryAge: 21Position: Wing ForwardHonours to Date: 2 Minor titles,U-16 league, U-14 League,Tansey CupBiggest Disappointment toDate: Losing U-21 final 2008Most Difficult Opponent:Damien Cregg

Name: Kevin BradyAge: 21Position: Wing ForwardHonours to Date: Leo KennyCup, Minor Championship 06Biggest Disappointment toDate: Losing to Laois 07Most Difficult Opponent: ZachTuohy

Name: Gerard BradyAge: 21Position: Half BackHonours to Date: Leo Kenny2010, Minor Champ 06Biggest Disappointment toDate: Missing training due tooperation

Name: Gerry CreggAge: 18Position: ForwardHonours to Date: Minor Div 1 +2 06, 08. Tansey Cup, Ted web2008Biggest Disappointment toDate: Losing U-21 2008Most Difficult Opponent: PingPing (Shane Beirne)

Name: Shane BeirneAge: 20Position: Wing BackHonours to Date: Garda Cup, u-14 div 1 league, u-16 div 1league, Tansey Cup, Minor Div 1and 2, Keenan Cup, Leo KennyCupBiggest Disappointment toDate: Losing U-21 Final 2008Most Difficult Opponent:Frankie Cregg

Name: Damien CreggAge: 23Position: BackHonours to Date: Mantua N.Sfirst co title, u-10, u-12,u-14,u-16and minor championshipsBiggest Disappointment toDate: :Losing Brian HigginsMost Difficult Opponent: JohnLambert

Name: Shane TiernanAge: 28Position: MidfieldHonours to Date: Minor Div1+Div2, co intermediate andConnacht championship.Biggest Disappointment toDate: Losing U-21championship semi final to St.Brigid'sMost Difficult Opponent:Seamus O Neill

Name: Conor BeirneAge: 32Position: BackHonours to Date: County andConnacht intermediate (elphin),Senior championship Tir ConalGaelsBiggest Disappointment toDate: Losing All Ireland Semifinal V illen Rovers(Cork)Most Difficult Opponent: MarkCarpenter Carlow

Name: Colm RockAge: 25Position: Full ForwardHonours to Date: 2 Minor Div 1,Co and Connacht intermediate.Biggest Disappointment toDate: Under 14 County Final1999 against Clann na nGaelMost Difficult Opponent:Dermot Neary

Name Shane Mc DermottAge: 20.Position. Back.Honours to Date: Minor Division2. U 16.Div 1 League, U14. Div 1League. U 11 Keenan CupBiggest disappointment todate. Losing U21 Final.Most Difficult opponent. GerryCregg.

Name Martin CreggAge: 27.Position: Corner Forward.Honours to date: Minor Div 1&2Championship &League. TanseyCup. Intermediate champ,Connacht &Club intermediatefinals . Leo Kenny Cup.Biggest Disappointment todate: Not wining an U21 orsenior Champ.

Name Martin Mc CaffreyAge : 20.Position: ForwardAll Ireland Schools title.Div 1Minor Title 06. Tansey Cup 08.Leo Kenny Cup. U14 Div 1League.Biggest Disappointment todate. Losing Under 21 Final.Most difficult opponent. ShaneBeirne.


53


Meet the Elphin PlayersName: Brendan NearyAge:35Position Backs.Honours to date: O’Gara Cup1995. 2000. IntermediateChamp 2003. ConnachtIntermediate championship2003. Tansey Cup 2007.Biggest disappointment:Losing 2005 semi – final replay.Most difficult opponent.Dermot Washington.

Name: Brian OatesAge 19 Position. : Sub GoalieHonours to date: 2 Co. MinorsTitles, Div. 1 &2. U14 League.

Biggest Disappointment todate: losing All IrelandVolleyball.Most Difficult opponent.Frankie Cregg.

Name: Shane ReynoldsAge: 22Position. Goalkeeper.Honours to date: 2 Minor Div 1Championship.2 Trench Cup medals.Biggest Disappointment todate: Losing to PadraighPearses , 2005 Co semi-final.Most Difficult opponents RonanCollins, Brian Oates.

Name: Brian HigginsAge.30Position. Centre Field.Honours to date: Co andConnacht intermediate medals.Connacht Championship 2010Biggest disappointmentmissing today’s Co FinalMost difficult opponent: NigelCrawford (Meath)

THE BEST OF LUCK TO ELPHINfrom Cathal & Mary Brady

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54


1960 Bill Jackson [Tarmon]

1961 Jimmy Martin [St Brigid's]

1962 Patsy Geraghty [Galway]

1963 Paddy O Connor [Roscommon Gaels]

1964 Jimmy Martin St Brigid's

1965 Paddy O Connor {Roscommon Gaels]


1967 Leo McCormack [Ballymahon]

1968 Tom Boyle [Ballinasloe]

1969 John Dowling [Offally]



1972 Attie Hynes [Elphin]

1973 Attie Hynes [Elphin]


1975 Joe Moore St Aidan’s [Draw and replay]

1976 Sean McManaman[Castlerea St Kevin’s]

1977 P F Dwyer [Oran]

1978 Sean Mc Manaman [Castlerea St Kevin’s]

1979 Sean Mullaney [Kilbride]




1983 Mickey Durney [Clann na Gael]

1984 Michael Fahey [Roscommon Gaels]



1987 Joe Kearney [Roscommon Gaels]

1988 Sean Mullaney {Kilbride]

1989 Michael Carroll [St Croans]

1990 Noel O Brien [St Brigid's]

1991 Joe Kearney [Roscommon Gaels]

1992 Sean Mullaney [Kilbride]-Draw and Replay


1994 Anthony Flaherty [Athleague]

1995 Jimmy Tarmey [St Faithleachs]

1996 Haulie Beirne [Tulsk]

1997 Bob McCormack [St Faithleachs]

1998 Johnny Cox [St Barrys]

1999 Jimmy Tarmey [St Faithleachs

2000 Haulie Beirne {Tulsk]

2001 Bob McCormack [St Faithleachs]

2002 Gearóid O Cinnaimhe[Clann na Gael]

2003 Peter Carney [Elphin]

2004 Jimmy Reilly [St Josephs]

2005 Peter Carney [Elphin]

2006 Declan Hunt [St Josephs]

2007 Seamus Regan [Eire Og]

2008 Ollie Kelly [St Faithleachs]

2008 [Replay] Declan Hunt [St Josephs]

2009 Haulie Beirne [Tulsk]

2010 Michael Brennan [Boyle]

CO FINAL REFEREES 1960-2010


Peter Domican Roscommon seniorfootball captain reflects on a season thatstarted badly for Roscommon but, assummer arrived, the performances of theteam became part of Roscommon footballfolklore culminating with the magnificentwin in the Connacht final and a fightingperformance in the All Ireland quarterfinal in Croke Park.

Peter how did find out you were going tobe captain for the 2010 season?Peter Domican: Fergie contacted me beforethe start of the league and asked me if Iwould act as captain for a few games and tosee how it would go. I accepted and itcarried on from there. He wanted me tolead by example on the pitch

Were you surprised?PD I was. There were a lot moreexperienced players on the panel besidesme. This is only my second year on thepanel and it came out of the blue.

Had you been captain before.PD I had never captained a Roscommonteam before but I had been captain of a fewunderage teams in my club St Brigid's.

When you became captain did you seeyourself playing any particular role or wasit just a matter of just standing in for thetoss at the start of the game?PD. Nothing specific just lead by example

and encouraging players around me andtalking to players to get the best out ofthem.

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Interview with Peter Domican Roscommon Senior Football Captain 2010


56


Good Luck to Todays Finalists

from

Down the HatchChurch street, Roscommon.

Tel: 090 6627100

Props: Seamus Hayden & Larry Brennan


57


Did the role of captain impact on yourown game?PD No not really. I would talk to playersaround me anyway and also encourage themso it didn’t really impact on the game.

Did the role of captain bring extrapressure on you?PD No I didn’t feel any extra pressure onme at all

The league campaign in spring was poor.As captain how did you feel about theteam’s league performance?We were all aware that this was so. It wasdue to a number of factors-new players,younger fellows coming in, new tactics, anumber of experienced players injured It’shard to gel as a team with this situation andalso a number of the team were playing inSigerson. We improved as the league wenton but it’s hard to pinpoint anything inparticular to explain our form.

At any stage were you told that you wouldbe continuing as captain?PD No not really, it just continued.

After the league had ended andRoscommon had been relegated did youstill feel that the team had turned acorner?PD. No .We felt that we had a good panel ofplayers. In our last league match against Sligowe were without seventeen players that wecould not choose and yet we lost by a fewpoints. Karol Mannion played his first game ofthe season that day. We knew that we had astrong panel going into the championship andwe could gel into a good side.

Prior to the London game and especiallyon the day of the game there seemed to bea sense of apprehension among the panel

about the game. As captain how did youfeel about the team’s chances againstLondon?PD We were over in London just to do ajob. The media were building up Londonand we had a lot of players who hadn’tplayed there before. So we talked to theolder players about London and playing inLondon and we knew if we got on andplayed well we would win.

Was there any stage in the game when youfelt that Roscommon were underpressure?PD No not really. I thought that we had agood start and were playing well. We mayhave relaxed a bit in the second half andmaybe we should have pushed on a bit morein that half.

Did Mark O Carroll’s injury affect theteam? PD No. We were not aware that Mark hadsuffered such a serious injury. Everyone wasconcentrating on their own game andgetting on with the game.

Confidence seemed to grow within thecamp after the London victory. How didpreparations go for the Leitrim game go?PD Training went well. We were playing alot of challenges and we were playing well.Training was comfortable as well and therewas competition for places. We werepushing each other and this is what youwant. Everyone knew that there were placesup for grabs and that pushed us on.There was pressure on us because it was ahome game and the pundits had made usfavourites. The fact that it was Leitrim weplaying probably made us favourites but weknew it was going to be tough-every gameagainst Leitrim is tough.


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Did the fact that you were favouritesmake it hard for the team or do you payany heed to that sort of stuff?PD. No not really. We knew that if weplayed well we would beat them and if wedidn’t we would lose. It didn’t matter if wewere favourites. We had to play well to win.

In the first half Roscommon weretentative. The second half saw atransformed performance. What broughtabout the change?PD I felt we played well but they scored a

lot of frees. We trended to start a lot ofgames slowly and then come into it. I don’tknow that anything changed. We just cameout and played with confidence, confidencein ourselves and won the game.

How did the panel approach the Sligogame?PD. We looked a lot at the videos of Sligo.We knew that if could dominate the Sligomidfield, keep Mark Brehoney and DavidKelly quiet we had a great chance. MikeFinneran and Karol Mannion could do thejob at midfield while Seanie McDermottand Seanie Purcell could handle Kelly andBrehoney, while Donie could deliver thescores.

Despite Roscommon’s poor competitiverecord in 2010 there was a huge air ofconfidence among the squad in the weekleading up to the Connacht final. Our lastcompetitive game in Castlebar in 2009had been very poor .Can you explain thereason for this confidencePD As I said we had played a number ofchallenge games in the build up. We hadplayed Down with an experimental teamand had played well losing by a few points.You can only beat what is put in front of youso Sligo were there and we felt we would

beat them. We had the talent to beat themand the confidence was there to do so.

Your second year on the panel and nowcaptain of a team in a Connacht final.How did this feel?PD A very proud moment for me and myfamily. I never expected it and it was great.

At any stage in the final were you uneasy?PD I knew that they would come back at usand they did. But Johnny Dunning won thevital free towards the end and Donieknocked it over. Then Kevin Higgins madea vital block down and we regainedpossession from that.

How did you feel when Donie’s free wentover?PD. Brilliant. I found it hard to believe.

The reaction of the Roscommon fans wasfantastic. When you looked down on thecrowd with the Nestor cup in your hand itmust have a special moment.PD. Marvellous. It brought memories of2006 and Ennis when the crowd came outon the pitch. It made up for all the hardwork and the disappointments of theprevious year and a half.To play well in the championship isimportant and winning Connacht provedto ourselves and to everyone in Ireland thatwe were a good side.

You are now Connacht champions. In theAll Ireland quarter finals you faced Cork,the favourites for the All Ireland. Whatwere the expectations among the panel?PD.WE had looked at their games and wehad seen them play Limerick. They hadn’tplayed particularly well. We had playedLimerick a few times in the last year or soand had beaten them and been close to


59


them in every game. We felt we had a greatchance against Cork.We felt if we could stop them getting goingand winning possession and prevent themgetting the ball into the full forward linethat we could win. We needed to putpressure on them and match the level ofintensity that they had and we felt we coulddo that.The occasion was huge and we wereprobably a bit overawed. We did play well inthe first half but the strength in their paneltold. They could bring on two All Stars andit was hard for us to counteract that.

There was a huge sense of disappointmentamong the panel and management afterthe game.PD. People expected us to be blown out ofthe water but we were level at half timewith them. We were disappointed as we

genuinely believed that we could beatthem. During the game we felt that also.

The reaction of the media and theRoscommon fans after the game was verypositive. Looking to 2011 what are yourhopes for the new season give the raisedexpectations in the county?PD. Well we would hope to reach theConnacht final and win it. We have this year’sU21Ss coming up and the experience we haveof playing the likes of Cork will be beneficial.We shouldn’t fear anyone and hopefully we cando Connacht again next year.

Roscommon supporters wish you Peter, yourcolleagues and team management all the bestfor 2011. We were all genuinely delightedwith the memories you gave us in 2010.MF


60


5 THINGS GAA CLUBS CAN DO

TO PREVENT DRUG & ALCOHOL PROBLEMS

Over the past few years the GAA Alcohol &Substance Abuse Prevention Programme hasbeen quietly working away to help clubs respond toalcohol and other drug related problems.

Here is our “Top 5” list of what clubs can do toprevent problems happening in their area.

1. Appoint an A.S.A.P. Club OfficerAn A.S.A.P. Club Officer is the key person wholinks the club to the A.S.A.P. Programme. TheA.S.A.P Club Officer works with the A.S.A.P.County Officer to implement the Programme inthe club. He or she doesn’t have to be an expert ondrugs but rather someone who is interested in thisissue and respected in the club.

2. Develop a Club Drug & Alcohol PolicyDeveloping a Club Drug & Alcohol Policy mightnot seem to be the most exciting of things to do butit is one of the most important! A policy isessential to guide the club in how to preventproblems from arising, educate the members of the

club and respond to issues should they arise. If your club already has a policy it may need updating asthere have been changes to laws on drugs this year. All the details on how to do this are availablefrom the A.S.A.P. County Officer and on www.gaa.ie/asap

3. Arrange a drug/alcohol education eventThere are lots of different types of education events to choose from and they fall into two basiccategories, one type is aimed at adults and the other at young people. Education for adults is usuallyfocused on the effects of drugs, the signs and symptoms of drug use, how to talk to young people aboutalcohol and other drugs and where they can get help. Education for young people tends to be morehealth focused and include confidence building, drug-refusal skills, where to find help and how to askfor it. Most agencies that provide these types of education services do so for free and are just waitingto be invited!



4. Make a statementInstead of just hoping that problems won’t arise, declarethat your club is doing something about it! Gettingactive about this issue shows the club cares about all itsmembers and the wider community. Put up some posters,distribute health information about alcohol and otherdrugs, compile a list of local helping agencies, etc. Thereare many things clubs can do to show where they standand how they are willing to help.

5. Organise alternativesWhen asked many young people say that they don’t have places to socialise. GAA clubs are oftenthe only place available in rural areas to meet others. Many of our clubhouses have facilities thatcould be put to great use as a drug/alcohol-freeplace for young people to socialise. Considerlinking up with some of the local youth services toprovide other activities for our younger members.The actions we take now to prevent the spread ofdrug and alcohol problems will be decisive inproviding safe and enjoyable places for people tomeet, to take part in our games and to build thekinds of communities we want to live in.

Further information and resources can be found onthe ASAP Programme website on www.gaa.ie/asap Noel Collins ASAP Oficer

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62


Roscommon GAA Supporters Club Forthcoming Events

Roscommon G.A.A. supporters club are delighted to announce that our annualawards banquet will this year take place on Friday night the 5th of November 2010in the Abbey hotel in Roscommon. Our special guest on the night will be DermotEarley Junior.

17 awards will be presented on the night. For more information on the awards andhow to nominate who you think should win visit gaaroscommon.ie/supporters awards.

On Saturday night the 27th of November the supporters club will be hosting thepresentation of the Connacht senior and U-21 medals in the Abbey hotel to thesuccessful Roscommon teams.

Both nights will no doubt be a sell out. Details on availability of a limited number oftickets for each night will be announced soon.

More details contact Roscommon GAA supporters club chairman Brian Carroll on087-2420896 or the secretary Seamus Donoghue on 086-8368031 or [email protected]


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BEST OF LUCK TO ST Brigid's GAA CLUB FROM ALL AT

HAMROCKS BAR AND LOUNGE

BRIDESWELL

CUMANN LUTHCHLEAS GAEL AILFINN

The Elphin Club wish all Elphin players

the best of luck in today’s county final.

Thanks to all our sponsors, advertisers and supporters

for your assistance and help

during the year.


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ScórThe Football and Hurling competitions are drawing to a close and the days are getting shorter it can onlymean one thing – Scór season is just around the corner.

For readers who are unfamiliar with Scór here is a brief summary. Scór is a GAA competition thatcombines all the colour and rivalry of Gaelic Games with the social/fun element of Ireland’straditional past-times. The competition was established by the GAA in 1969 with the aim ofpromoting Ireland’s traditional pastimes and culture while offering club members the chance to meetup, have fun and represent their club during the winter months while Football and Hurling hadceased.There are eight events/disciplines in Scór that cover all aspects of Irish culture: Figure/Céilí Dancing,Solo Singing, Instrumental Music, Recitation, Ballad Group, Novelty Act, Question Time and SetDancing. The competition is divided into two age levels, Scór Na nÓg, for young people under 17and Scór Sinsear, for those over 17. Many counties also run a competition called Scór Na bPaistí orScór na mBunscol for Primary School children. Just like the Clubs competing in the County Finaltoday Clubs taking part in Scór must first take part in a county championship. The winners go on tothe Provincial Final and then the All-Ireland Final, where the four provincial winners meet to decidethe All-Ireland Champion. It is interesting to note that the All-Ireland Scór Champions arepresented with their medals by the President of the GAA and the medals are the same as those givento the All-Ireland Football and Hurling Champions!

All-Ireland success in 20102010 was another successful year for Scór activities in the county. Participation was bigger and betterthan ever before, the County Final was held in the sold-out Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone and thehighlight had to be the All-Ireland Scór na nÓg win for the Ballinameen Question Time Team.

On Saturday February 20th Laura McDermott, Finbar McDermott and Gerard McDermottroerepresented their club, county and province in one of the most riveting and closely contested Trathna gCeist finals in recent years. Silverbridge from Co. Armagh, Leinster champions Allenwood, fromKildare and Cork’s Botherbue provided the opposition and they all put up a great fight. After thethree rounds of individual questions, the half time score was revealed with Ballinameen and theirMunster counterparts Botherbue both on full marks (36 points). Silverbridge and Allenwood wereclose behind on 28 points. Four team questions followed but Ballinameen and Boherbue could notbe separated, both scoring full marks of 60 points. The competition went to “extra time” with threeadditional questions being asked and again both teams could not be separated; both scoring three outof three. The drama continued as another set of Tie-Breakers were called for. The 1500 strong crowdwere on the edge of their seats as the answer sheets were collected and you could hear a pin drop asthe Máistir na gCeist, Liam Rabbitte, read out the answers. He commiserated with Boherbue andcongratulated Ballinameen on becoming champions; their answering was once again flawless whileBoherbue missed just one; So near and yet so far.Ballinameen’s win meant that five of the last seven All-Ireland Question Time Titles have gone toteams from Roscommon, with Kilglass Gaels winning the other four. Another interesting fact is thatit was almost 25 years to the day since Elphin won Roscommon’s first Scór na nÓg Question Timetitle.Although Ballinameen’s win took the headlines great credit must go to the county’s otherrepresentative in the All-Ireland Final; Grace Dooley, from Padraig Pearses. Despite encountering


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some technical problems Grace put in a great performance in the Recitation competition andnarrowly lost out to Brian Murphy from Kerry. It was a great achievement for someone so young toreach the All-Ireland Final – Grace was one of the winners at the Roscommon Scór na bPaisti(Primary School) competition last October. Below is a full list of our County Champions from lastseason:

Scór na nÓg County Champions 2010Figure Dancing: Deirdre Naughton, Aislinn Farrell, Liosa Kilcline, Rachel Connaughton, SarahHurley, Ciara Mullally, Tara & Megan Kenny (St. Dominic's)Solo Singing: Emma Brogan (Strokestown)Instrumental Music: Melissa Maloney, Cian & Evan Cunniffe (Clann na nGael)Recitation: Grace Dooley (Padraig Pearses)Ballad Group: James Murray, Sean Naughton, Liam Kilcline, Diarmuid Murray & ShaneMcCormack (St. Dominic's)Question Time: Laura & Finbar McDermott, Gerard McDermottroe (Ballinameen)Novelty Act: James Murray, Diarmuid Murray, Shane Finneran, Sean Naughton, Aoife Coyle,Ronan Morris, Colm Conroy, Eoin Kelly (St. Dominic's)Set Dancing: Deirdre Convey, Emma Brogan, Avril Compton, Grainne Kelly, Lauren McMahon,Catherine Hanly, Olivia Rogers, Claire Geoghegan (Strokestown)

Scór Sinsear County Champions 2010Figure Dancing: Louise Tully, Karen Harte, Laura Keavney, Antoinette McCormack, CiaraMcGuire, Katie Nugent, Emer Reynolds, Nicola Tully (Kilglass Gaels)Solo Singing: Joe Cassidy (Oran)Recitation: Linda Corcoran (Kilglass Gaels)Ballad Group: David McCormack, Claire Finan, Noel Dervan, Lorretta Connaughton, SylviaKilcline (St. Dominic's B)Question Time: Tom Harney, Sean Murray, Tom Nolan (Clann na nGael)Novelty Act: Emma Compton, Rosaleen Gallogly, Patrick McGuire, Stephen McHugh, SeamusNugent, Joe Rogers (Kilglass Gaels)Club of the year winners: St. Dominic's

Scór na bPaistiThe start of the 2011 Scór season is fast approaching but before that ,the Culture and ScórCommittee of Roscommon GAA are running Scór na bPaisti - the events that introduce PrimarySchool Children to Scór. The events have proved very popular since they began in 2006 with over130 entries from 25 different schools and GAA clubs* taking part last year. *Note: children can represent either their club or school but not bothSeven of the categories from the standard Scór competitions feature in Scór na bPaisti: FigureDancing, Solo Singing, Instrumental Music, Recitation, Ballad Group, Novelty Act and SetDancing. However there are some minor adjustments to the rules and a copy of the amended ruleshave been distributed to all Schools and Clubs. The deadline for entries is Friday, October 8th andentries can be submitted online (by Teachers or Scór officers) via the Scór link onwww.gaaroscommon.ieScór na bPaisti Day One takes place on Friday, October 22nd in St. Marys Hall, Ballyleague at 7pm.Day Two takes place in the same venue on Saturday, October 23rd at 5pm. Entrants will benotified of their allotted day via their School / Club.Roscommon GAA also holding a Table Quiz for Primary School Children in St. Marys Hall,


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Ballyleague on Sunday October 17th at 3pm. The Quiz is free to enter, Teams can have up to fourmembers and entries will be accepted on the day.

Scór na nÓg 2011 – The Road to Castlebar....The County Championships of Scór na nÓg 2010 / 11 get under way in the Elphin CommunityCentre on Friday November 5th. This is the first of two Quarter-Finals to be held in the North ofthe county with the remaining Quarter-Finals being held in Taughmaconnell Community Centre(full details below).Following the success of last years County Final this year’s Final will also be held in the Dean CroweTheatre, Athlone. This season the All-Ireland Final will be held in The Royal Theatre, Castlebaron Saturday, February 19th 2011. If you know someone that likes to to play traditional music, sing,dance or act tell them that this is their chance to perform on the same stage that has hosted SnowPatrol, Riverdance and many of Ireland’s top acts. Entry forms will be distributed to Clubs shortly andfor further information please contact your clubs Culture and Irish / Scór Officer or call 086-7821022. The County Committee is available to offer advice and assistance to all Clubs, especiallypeople from Clubs who have not taken part in recent years. If you would like to talk to someoneabout establishing Scór activities in your area call 086-0587702

Although the County Championships will not be starting until November it’s never too early to startpractising. Who knows, an entry in Scór could end up in your club winning a county, provincial orAll-Ireland medal – and without the need training in muddy pitches in the cold and wet Winterevenings!

Roscommon GAA Scór na nÓg Championship 2010 / 11Closing date for entriesQuarter-Finals (North Region) Friday 5th & Saturday 6th November in Elphin Community Centre at 7:30pmQuarter-Finals (Mid-South Region) Friday 12th & Saturday 13th November in Taughmaconnell Community Centre at 7:30pmSemi-FinalsFriday 26th & Saturday 27th November in St. Marys Hall, Ballyleague at 7:30pmCounty FinalSunday 12th December in the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone at 1pm

Roscommon GAA Culture and Scór Committee 2010 / 11Chairperson: Diane DennehyVice Chairperson: Michael GunnSecretary: Thomas MurrayAssistant Secretary: Nuala DiffleyPRO: Colm BeirneJoint Treasurers: Pat Dennehy and Ann HalpinDevelopment Officer: Alastair BeeganThe Committee would like to thank Margaret Hanly (Strokestown), for all her hard work over the past fewyears. Margaret stepped down as Joint-Treasurer at our AGM earlier this year.

Stay up to dateFor all the latest Scór news visit the Scór section on www.gaaroscommon.ie or sign up for ourNewsletter by sending an email with NEWS in the subject line to [email protected].


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ROSCOMMON COUNTY BOARD

A Word of Thanks to

All the competing clubs for their co-operation in producing this years Co FinalProgramme. A special word of thanks to Michael McDonnell [St Brigid's] AnneRock [Elphin] Gaels], Paul Hoare [Roscommon Gaels] and Tony Conboy [Boyle].and Anne Walsh, PRO, Roscommon Minor Board.

Michael McCormack, Ian Cooney [Roscommon Herald], Willie Hegarty[ShannonsideFM} and Henry Wills [Western People] for the provision of photos andmaterial.

Joao Soares and John Lynch of ShannonsideFM sponsors of the SeniorChampionship.

The Abbey Hotel Roscommon for their sponsorship of the Minor Div 1 and otherunderage competitions.

All sponsors of our competitions including Corrib Oil, John Corcoran MenswearRoscommon; George Bannon Sports Roscommon.

Sponsors of our inter county football teams Sierra Communications, KDMConstruction Hollybrook Developments and Warm and Cosy Homes.

Peter Domican, Canon Liam Devine,Colm Beirne and Anne Walsh, PRO, RoscommonMinor Board, for their time assistance and material.

The staff of Roscommon Library for their help and assistance.

Cathal, Noeleen and all the staff at Temple Printing for their patience and help.

To all officers of the county Board, club officials, stewards, gatemen and refereesand linesmen for their work on the competitions during the year.

All our supporters and patrons for your support of all our competitions andchampionships during the 2010 season.



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Action from Elphin v Castlerea

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Action from St. Faithleachs v St. Brigids


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BrendanO'Brien - 2005

MarkO'Carroll

- 2006

BrianMcNeela

- 2004

NiallFinnegan- 2003

RECENT WINNING CAPTAINS



2010?

Frankie Dolan - 2007

Nigel Dineen 2008 & 2009

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Documents

Roscommon Senior & Minor "A" Football Cship Finals 2010