A Challenging Start

Roscommon’s recent victory over London in the Connacht Senior Football Championship provided a necessary win and a secure promotion back to the top tier, but the performance revealed underlying issues that demand attention. Led by manager Davy Burke, the Rossies navigated a challenging match, initially struggling against a strong gale as they trailed 1-07 to 0-01 at half-time. However, a second-half surge, fueled by goals from Ciaran Murtagh and Diarmuid Murtagh, secured a 10-point victory.

Burke’s Candid Assessment

“Some of the criticism is probably fair too. You give a bit, you get a bit.”

Davy Burke acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and the validity of external criticism.

Burke emphasized the need to remain focused, particularly when facing a significant weather advantage, and highlighted the team’s plan to “squeeze their kickouts” to maintain control. He also stated, “We’re rolling on into a Connacht semi-final in two weeks time. We’re looking forward to hopefully being in Salthill in a couple of weeks.”

Doubts Surround Consistency

Despite the win, questions remain. Roscommon’s season has been marked by inconsistent results, including losses to Meath and Cavan and a draw against Westmeath. Dessie Dolan recently voiced concerns about a perceived ‘stagnation’ within the squad, suggesting that defensive weaknesses haven’t been addressed despite their promotion.

London’s Perspective

“It’s just to go toe-to-toe with a team who got promoted to Division 1.”

Liam Gallagher, London’s player, acknowledged the difficulty of competing against a strong Roscommon side.

Gallagher, who scored London’s first two-point score of the match, highlighted the difficulty of challenging a strong Rossies team, particularly when caught in a prevailing wind. He admitted his score provided a much-needed momentum shift, giving his team a foothold in the contest. “It’s just to go toe-to-toe with a team who got promoted to Division 1,” Gallagher said. The Londoners, focused on the Tailteann Cup, viewed the Ruislip contest as a valuable experience, recognizing it as a pathway to Croke Park.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Roscommon’s sights are set on a Connacht semi-final appearance, with a potential clash against Galway depending on the outcome of the Galway versus London match. Burke is confident in his team’s resilience and determination, setting a clear goal: “Ultimately, what’s everyone in that dressing room wants to do is to play big games for Roscommon.”

FAQ

Did you know? Liam Gallagher’s two-point score was the first two-point score of the match, momentarily shifting the momentum in London’s favor.

Pro Tip: Roscommon’s success hinges on tightening their defense and capitalizing on their advantages in wind conditions.