Stack handed Roscommon senior debut in Leitrim clash

 

By Kieran Galvin

Ronan Stack of St Brigid's is one of three senior championship debutants in the Roscommon team for this Sunday's Connacht SFC clash against Leitrim.

Roscommon manager John Evans has also handed debuts to Ciarán Cafferky and Ciarán Murtagh for the opening round meeting with Leitrim at Dr Hyde Park (3pm).

Overall, the team shows just one change from the side that defeated Cavan in the Allianz Football League Division Three final, with Stack coming into the side at left half-forward.

Stack won an All-Ireland club medal with St Brigid's in 2013 when he lined out in defence. But he's been given a chance to impress at wing-forward for Roscommon on Sunday, though he's quite possible he could be given a roving role. 

Niall Carty of Padraig Pearses captains the Roscommon team from full-back with his club-mate Niall Daly at centre-back. Cathal Shine and Kevin Higgins form the midfield partnership.

Up front, Roscommon will be looking to Donie Shine, Senan Kilbride and Cathal Cregg to continue their impressive league form.

Leitrim have been hit with a double blow as Fergal Clancy and Ciaran Egan have both been ruled out through injury for the clash against the Rossies.

While Roscommon earned promotion from Division 3 this year, Sean Hagan's Leitrim charges were unable to get out of Division 4.

 

Roscommon (Connacht SFC v Leitrim) 

1. Darren O'Malley (Michael Glaveys)

2. Seánie McDermott (Western Gaels)

3. Niall Carty (C) (Padraig Pearses)

4. Neil Collins  (Castlerea St. Kevin's)

5. David Keenan (St. Barry's)

6. Niall Daly (Padraig Pearses)

7. Ciarán Cafferky (Western Gaels)

8. Cathal Shine (Clann na nGael)

9. Kevin Higgins (Western Gaels)

10. David O'Gara (Roscommon Gaels)

11. Donie Shine (Clann na nGael)

12. Ronan Stack (St. Brigid's)

13. Senan Kilbride (St. Brigid's)

14. Cathal Cregg  (Western Gaels)

15. Ciarán Murtagh (St. Faithleach's)?