BUCCANEERS 21 CORINTHIANS 26

BUCCANEERS suffered their first home defeat since February last year when they went down 26-21 to Corinthians in the opening round of the Connacht Senior League in a game that was switched to Dubarry Park on Saturday. Buccs were very understrength for this encounter as, in addition to their sizeable Connacht contingent not being available for CSL fixtures, injury ruled out key backs Alan Gaughan, Jordan Conroy, Callum Boland and Mata Fifita. Consequently, the Pirates fielded a particularly young crew with no less than eight U-20s from the past two seasons named in the starting XV as well as a number of players operating out of their normal positions. Meanwhile, Corinthians looked the physically stronger and more settled outfit.

In near ideal conditions, Buccs had the first opportunity but an early clever diagonal ball bounced away from Rory O’Connor. The visitors opened the scoring after just 7 minutes, the homesters losing possession in midfield and Corinthians countered at pace with David Panther’s touchdown wide on the left being allowed despite what seemed a fairly obvious knock on in the build up to this try which Jack Feeney was unable to convert. The midlanders replied within four minutes, O’Connor intercepting on the ten metre line to hare in for a try which Eoin O’Reilly converted for a 7-5 lead.

A teasing break by Liam Marmion was halted before Buccs No.8 Jack Delahunt was yellow carded after 23 minutes for what the referee deemed to be a deliberate knock on when it looked like the U-20 player was stretching to intercept. The Athlone side did not concede any score while temporarily depleted but good hands with captain Panther to the fore yielded a 34th minute Marmion try following a penalty that had been punted to touch on the right. Feeney added the conversion. Ger Fallon had a chance to reduce the arrears but his penalty from the ten metre line three minutes later was off-target. However, Buccs regained the lead in the final move of the half with their try stemming from a penalty to the left. Good lineout ball was tapped to Frankie Hopkins whose snipe stretched the Corinthians cover and Shane Layden powered over for a try which Fallon converted to edge the Pirates 14-12 ahead at the interval.

Corinthians quickly regained the lead following the change of ends with Joe Murphy finishing off a move for an unconverted try on the right. Play was particularly scrappy in this quarter with errors aplenty on both sides although the westerners made much better use of the breeze in this half than the Pirates had in the first. The home pack was driven back at scrumtime on 67 minutes and former Bucc Feeney edged the Galway side 20-14 ahead with the resultant penalty. Three minutes later Buccs incurred a second sin-binning with substitute Harry Hughes having no complaint when his knock-on was ruled deliberate. Feeney drilled over the resultant penalty from the left to give Corinthians more breathing space, now 23-14 to the good.

But the defending champions struck back with O’Connor again intercepting, this time deep inside his own half, and the winger displayed pace and awareness to touch down between the posts for a 75th try with skipper Layden’s drop-kicked conversion narrowing the arrears to 21-23. However, virtually from the restart, Buccs were guilty of hands on the ground to concede a straight-forward penalty in front of their posts. Feeney was not going to miss that gilt-edged opportunity and his placekick sealed victory for Corinthians on a 26-21 margin.

Marmion, brother of Ireland scrumhalf Ciaran, was a constant thorn for the hosts. His centre partnership with Panther was solid and threatening throughout while lock Aaron Broderick was pick of the Corinthians pack. Fielding such a callow squad and with a number of players not in their usual berths meant Buccaneers were very likely to struggle and that’s how it unfolded. Martin Staunton and John Sutton battled gamely in the forwards contest while O’Connor, Layden and Thomas McGann looked the most potent in the home backline.

BUCCANEERS:- C.Forde; R.O’Connor, S.Layden (captain), E.O’Reilly, T.McGann; G.Fallon, F.Hopkins; M.Staunton, R.Grenham, N.Farrelly; R.Byrne, S.Meagher; J.Sutton, E.Maher and J.Delahunt. Replacements:- H.Hughes (for O’Reilly, 29 mins), R.Flanagan (for Maher, inj. 30 mins), D.Buckley (for Grenham, 60 mins), O.Cooney (for Farrelly, 60 mins), S.Flynn (for Forde, 67 mins), C.Cleary (for Staunton, 67 mins) and R.Grenham (for Delahunt, 70 mins).

CORINTHIANS:- S.Horan; J.Murphy, L.Marmion, D.Panther (captain), C.O’Donovan; J.Feeney, G.Faherty; C.Joyce, S.Faulkner, C.Hansberry; A.Broderick, J.Campbell; N.Hogan, M.O’Connor and S.McCormack. Replacements used:- K.Gavin, A.Bourke, J.Noone and C.Breathnach.

REFEREE:- Brian Deignan (Connacht).

BUCCS HOME TO SLIGO ON FRIDAY NIGHT

BUCCANEERS get a swift chance to bounce back when they entertain Sligo in the Connacht Senior League under the Dubarry Park floodlights on Friday night with this game kicking off at 8 p.m. Sligo proved the Athlone side’s most awkward opponents in last season’s CSL and they went on to have a pretty decent campaign in Division 2C of the AIL where they finished runners-up to Navan. They will be further encouraged by last Saturday’s comfortable 37-19 opening day bonus point victory over Galwegians so Buccs will need to field a more resourceful squad on Friday.

Young loosehead prop Kuba Wojtkowicz won the Ulster Bank League Division 2C Player of the Year award for last season and, with Conor Mitchell at tighthead, provides a solid anchor for the north-westerners. Shane Boyle, Diarmuid O’Dowd-Hill and Jamie Bowes are other members of a competitive pack. Mike Wells and Ryan Fehilly form an effective partnership at half-back while Conor Kerins provides a scoring threat in their backline.

Buccs will look to their New Zealand recruit Dan Law to make an impact on his debut. The versatile forward looks a dynamic performer with ball in hand, be it at lock or in the backrow. Ronan Farrell could be in contention for the home pack while Alan Gaughan should be fit to resume action in the vital fly-half role. But with so many absentees, it looks a formidable task for Buccaneers.

TG 4 INTERMEDIATE LADIES UPDATE:

Commiserations and hard luck has to go to The Ward Bros sponsored Roscommn intermediate ladies who were defeated in their all-Ireland semifinal by neighbours Sligo on a score line of 3-08 to 1-06 in Carrick on Shannon on Sunday afternoon last. This was a disappointing defeat for Michael Finneran’s charges as unfortunately they chose the wrong day to have one of their poorest performances of the year. Difficult weather conditions did not help the situation and hopefully this young squad will learn from this and move on to greater things. A full detailed report appears elsewhere in this week’s publication but for now again a big well done to all involved.

Roscommon team and subs: Helena Cummins, Shannon Dowd, Rochelle Mullaney, Rachel Brady, Aisling MacAuliffe, Bronagh McHugh, Niamh Feeney, Joanne Cregg, Laura Fleming, Alice Kelly, Jenny Downey, Louise Brady, Natalie McHugh, Rebecca Finan and Jenny Higgins. Subs: Marie Kelly, Tara Taylor, Caroline Gunning, Sinéad Kenny, Rachel Fitzmaurice, Martina Freyne, Gillian Dufficy, Sheila Brady, Niamh Fleming, Amanda McLoone, Mikaela McHugh, Caoimhe Lennon and Sinéad Farrell

 

 

Adult Championship knockouts began:

The first of the adult champions semi-finals were held on Saturday last when Castlerea took on St Barry’s in the Keenan’s Bar and Restaurant sponsored Junior A semi-final in Ballintubber and it was the Barry girls who came out on top on a score- line of 2-08 to 0-10. They now progress to the final on the 14th September where they will play the winners of the other semi between St Faithleachs and St Mary’s which will be played this weekend coming.

Its Semi-Final time:

As the county scene departs the focus firmly switches 5to the club scene as they semi-finals of the senior and Junior Championships take place next weekend with the venues and fixtures as follows:

 

Abbey Hotel Senior championship:

Clann nA nGael V Strokestown (Saturday 7pm Knockcroghery)

Kilbride V Shannon Gaels (Saturday 7pm Elphin).

 

Keenans Bar and Restaurant Junior A Championship:

St Faithleach’s V St Mary’s  (Saturday 7pm Tarmonbarry).

 

Minor Championship continues:

The Joe Simons builder’s providers Boyle club minor championship continued last week with some games taking place on the Thursday and some more taking place last night Monday. For the late results of last night’s games please check out our website for details. Results to hand are as follows:

 

Division 1:

Clann nA nGael V St Dominic’s (played Monday)

Padraig Pearses V St Faithleach’s (played Monday).

 

Division 2:

Boyle  Kilbride

St Brigids V St Mary’s (played Monday).

Oran  St Croans.

 

Division 3 A:

St Ciarans  6-10 Roscommon Gaels 3-04.

St Barry’s V St Michaels\Kilglass Gaels (played Monday).

Western Gaels V Shannon Gaels (played Monday).

 

Division 3 B:

Four Roads  Castlerea.

Elphin/Kilmore V Michael Glavey’s (played Monday)

Strokestown 1-15  Eire Og 2-07.

 

Fixtures:

 

The minor championship continues this Thursday at 7.30pm with round 3 of all groups taking place and as usual first named team playing at home:

 

Division 1:

St Faithleach’s V Clann nA nGael (Monday 28th 7pm)

St Dominic’s V Padraig Pearses.

 

Division 2:

Boyle V St Brigids.

Kilbride V Oran (Monday 28th 7pm).

St Croans V St Mary’s  (Monday 28th 7pm)

 

Division 3 A:

St Ciarans  V St Barry’s

Roscommon Gaels V Western Gaels.

Shannon Gaels  V St Michaels\Kilglass Gaels (Monday 28th 7pm)

 

Division 3 B:

Elphin/Kilmore V Four Roads

Eire Og V  Castlerea.

Strokestown V Michael Glavey’s (Monday 28th 7pm).

 

 

 

U14 Championship also continues:

 

In what is a very busy period for our games the Lawlor and Hynes construction U 14 championship began in a flourish last Sunday evening and round 2 continues next Sunday with both the results and fixtures to hand listed below.

 

Round 1 Results:

 

Division 1

Group A

Elphin / Kilmore v St.Brigids (Wednesday 23rd)

 

Group B

St.Dominic’s 7-00 Clann nA nGael 7-09.

 

Division 2

Group A

St.Ciarans 11-11 Western Gaels 3-04.

 

Group B

Padraig Pearses 5-10 Kilbride 4-09.

 

Division 3

Four Roads v Castlerea (Result not in)

Roscommon Gaels v Shannon Gaels (Result not in)

 

Division 4

Group A

Strokestown v Ballinameen (Result not in)

Kilglass Gaels v St.Michaels (Result not in)

 

Group B

Michael Glaveys v St.Marys

 

 

Round 2 Fixtures:

 

Division 1 A:

Eire Og V Elphin/Kilmore.

 

Division 1 B:

Clann nA nGael V Boyle.

 

Division 2A:

Oran V St Ciarans:

 

Division 2 B:

St Barry’s V Padraig Pearses.

 

Division 3:

Castlerea V Roscommon Gaels.

St Croans V Four Roads.

 

Division 4 A:

Strokestown V St Michaels.

Ballinameen V Kilglass Gaels.

 

Division 4 B:

St Mary’s V St faithleachs.

 

 

Development update:

 

Our development squads are busy with preparations this weather as training continues for all. The U15’s and the U17’s train in the community collage grounds in Lisnamult on Saturday mornings and the U13’s also train at the community collage but on Wednesday evenings. This project is the first of its kind in Roscommon ladies football and is proving to be a huge success so a big thanks goes to the coaches who are giving up their time to coach and organize these squads in which will surely be of benefit to Roscommon ladies going forward.

 

U17’s enjoy massive day out in Abbotstown:

First up of the development squads was the U17’s who along with their management team of Ollie Colgan, Shane Curran, Jennifer Higgins, Joanne Gregg and Brendan Gregg headed to the splendid national centre of excellence in Abbotstown Dublin on Tuesday last to take part in the All-Ireland national under 17 blitz competition, and what a day they had and how well they represented the county of Roscommon. Pitted in a very tuff group with the mighty Kerry, Tipperary, London and Donegal the rossie girls were superb, winning three of their games, drawing one and losing one narrowly to eventually finishing in third place in the group to qualify for the plate semi-final.

In the opening game the girls took on the mighty kingdom and lost out narrowly by 2-5 to 1-4, perhaps they early morning had told its toll. Facing into premier kingpins Tipperary next the Roscommon girls showed tremendous resolve to etch out a draw on the score line of 1-3 apiece, indeed if it were not for some wayward shooting it could have been a victory. Next up was the girls from the hills of Donegal and this was a must win for the girls as a defeat would mean no progression from the group. And what a performance the Roscommon girls put in, dominating in all sectors to run out 1-5 to no score winners inflecting a first defeat on Donegal.

This was the result that boosted the Roscommon girls and give them the confidence to drive on, they blitzed the tourists London in the last group game 2-6 to no score to leave them third in the group behind Donegal and Kerry. The draw against Tipp just denying them a possible top spot finish. Nonetheless a plate semi-final waited against the lilywhites of Kildare. There was no let up from our girls as they smashed Kildare by 5-4 to no score to emerge into a final against Limerick. This it has to be said was the third game that Roscommon conceded no score a truly remarkable achievement. Unfortunately with injuries mounting and tired limbs getting wearier the final proved to be one bridge to far as the Shannon-siders who got off to a perfect start with two goals never relinquished their lead and eventually ran out winners on a score line of 2-6 to 1-4 despite Roscommon’s gallant effort. But this outing was not about winning it was about taking part, fun, bonding and most of all giving exposure to the girls at a high level of competition. A massive thank you to the girls who trained hard for the event and also to their coaches who gave up their time freely to help the squad out and look after them so well for the day. This is not the end though as this squad will be added to in the coming weeks and training will continue over the coming months as a winter programme will be set out for the squad in preparation for next spring’s upcoming championships, ensuring the best possible preparation and development of our 2018 minor squad.

Roscommon Team and Mentors: Sasha Lavin, Tara Kenny, Adel Corcoran, Caoimhe McIntyre, Sorcha Casey, Aoife Gavin, Ciara Corcoran, Clare Sampey, Aine Early, Amy Malone, Alanna Hanmore, Shaunna Fleming, Niamh McNarma, Shannon Caulifield, Keeley Byrne, Emily Thomson, Chloe Finan, Lorna Flynn, Anna Loftus, Jillian Banahan, Sarah Hoare, Coaches: Ollie Colgan, Shane Curran, Jennifer Higgins, Joanne Gregg and Brendan Gregg.Helpers: Ellen Irwin, Kate Nolan and Sarah McVeigh.

 

The Roscommon under 17 team will play Tyrone in their All Ireland final on Sunday next at 11.45 in Croke Park. Calls have been made over the past twenty four hours to move the match to Saturday as a curtain raiser to the All Ireland Senior semi-final replay between Kerry and Mayo. With the red hand county providing the opposition to Roscommon and their senior team playing Dublin later on Sunday in the second of the senior semi-finals it is unlikely that Roscommon’s All Ireland final will be brought forward to Saturday despite this move freeing up more tickets for those wishing to attend the match.  The GAA’s CCCC will meet later today and it’s expected confirmation of the Fixture will be given then.

The Roscommon senior Football championship resumed over the weekend with a number of games down for decision. In Group “A” the defending champion’s St Brigid’s were defeated by Boyle. The match was a repeat of last year’s Championship semi-final. Elsewhere in section “A” the beaten finalists from last year Padraig Padraig Pearses were defeated by St Faithelachs in a vital game for the two sides. Roscommon Gaels continued with their impressive championship form by registering a two piont win over Western Gales.

In Section “B” the champions from 2015, Clan na nGael enjoyed a narrow win over Castlerea, Strokestown had three points to spare over Elphin in a local derby and Kilmore were defeated by St Croan’s

 

The Full list of results from Roscommon: Seamus Carthy Auctioneers AFL Division 5 Wed, 16 Aug, Wed, 16 Aug, Venue: Ardcarne Park, St Barry’s W/O St Michael’s – Wed, 16 Aug, Venue: Kilglass Gaels GAA Grounds, Kilmore W/O Kilglass Gaels –

Hodson Bay Hotel Group SFC – Section A Sat, 19 Aug, Sat, 19 Aug, Venue: O’Rourke Park, Boyle 3-15 St Brigid’s 3-9 Sun, 20 Aug, Sun, 20 Aug, Venue: Orchard Park, Roscommon Gaels 1-10 Western-Gaels 0-11 Sun, 20 Aug, Venue: Athleague, St Faithleach’s 1-13 Pᤲaig Pearses 0-14

Hodson Bay Hotel Group SFC – Section B Sat, 19 Aug, Sat, 19 Aug, Venue: O’Rourke Park, Clan na nGael 1-14 Castlerea St Kevin’s 1-13 Sun, 20 Aug, Sun, 20 Aug, Venue: Orchard Park, Strokestown 2-7 Elphin 0-10 Sun, 20 Aug, Venue: Kilmore GAA Grounds, St Croan’s 2-10 Kilmore 0-14

Mulryan Construction IFC – Section A Sat, 19 Aug, Sat, 19 Aug, Venue: Mulhern Park, Fuerty, Michael Glaveys 3-15 Fuerty 0-12 Sun, 20 Aug, Sun, 20 Aug, Venue: Athleague, Oran (Football) 1-15 Eire ӧ 0-9

Mulryan Construction IFC – Section B Sat, 19 Aug, Sat, 19 Aug, Venue: Tarmonbarry, St Barry’s 1-16 Shannon Gaels 0-13 Sun, 20 Aug, Sun, 20 Aug, Venue: Creggs GAA Pitch, Creggs 0-11 St Dominics 1-7 Sun, 20 Aug, Venue: Kilbride GAA Park, Kilbride 2-15 St Michael’s 1-10

Seamus Carthy Auctioneers JAFC – Section A Sat, 19 Aug, Sat, 19 Aug, Venue: Pairc an Phiarsaigh, Western-Gaels 2-15 Pᤲaig Pearses 2-9

Seamus Carthy Auctioneers JAFC – Section B Sat, 19 Aug, Sat, 19 Aug, Venue: Mulhern Park, Fuerty, Roscommon Gaels 0-17 St Dominics 0-11

Seamus Carthy Auctioneers JBFC – Section A Fri, 18 Aug, Fri, 18 Aug, Venue: Rockfield,Oran, Kilbride 3-13 Oran (Football) 2-10