Kiltoom to host Tipp clash as new Roscommon sponsor is revealed

ROSCOMMON begin their Allianz Football League Division 3 campaign with a home fixture against Tipperary at Kiltoom this coming Sunday (2.30pm). Under new management since Des Newton was appointed in the wake of Fergal O'Donnell's departure last October, the Rossies showed patchy form in the FBD Football League series, drawing the opening fixture against GMIT, before losing to both Leitrim and Mayo. However, since taking up the post as Roscommon manager, Newton has not been able to work with anything approaching a full complement of players, and has to deal without the St Brigid's contingent - including Peter Domican, Senan Kilbride and Karl Mannion - due to their ongoing involvement in the All-Ireland Club SFC. Tipperary, for their part, lost to Cork in the McGrath Cup final last weekend, but will be seen as a tough test for Roscommon. The remainder of Division 3 consists of Antrim, Cavan, Longford, Offaly, Sligo and Wexford. Meanwhile, Nigel Dineen's Roscommon U21 footballers defeated Leitrim in the Hastings Shield decider last weekend, with Roscommon triumphing on a 0-19 to 0-12 scoreline after extra-time. The game - played at Rathcline, Co. Longford - finished 0-11 apiece at full-time. Roscommon GAA are also delighted to announce that Castlerea couple John and Lily Murphy will be the new jersey and leisurewear sponsors of their senior football team. The couple have been long-time supporters of Gaelic Games in the county, and have requested that the jersey and leisurewear feature details of another organisation which is close to their hearts - the Hospice Movement. John is currently Chairperson of the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation, which is a voluntary organisation set up in 1992 to help provide Specialist Palliative Care Services for the people of the two counties. Since 1992, the Hospice Palliative Care teams have assisted in the care of over, 5,000 patients and their families.