Brigid's look likely again as Roscommon club championships begin
The Roscommon club football championships kick off this Friday night, July 31, with senior champions St Brigid's and Pádraig Pearses among the teams in action.
St Brigid's are also the reigning Connacht champions and, of course, they came agonisingly close to winning the All-Ireland club crown last January when they were edged out by Dinge of Kerry after extra-time in a thrilling final at Croke Park.
No doubt, the Kiltoom outfit are strong favourites to at least retain their Roscommon title this year, having defeated Pearses in the 2025 final following a replay.
St Brigid's now have Crossmolina native Damien Mulligan in charge after he succeeded Anthony Cunningham as manager, and they will host Michael Glaveys in the opening round on Friday night (8pm).
The strong pedigree of Brigid's makes them the team to beat once again and the return to form of attacking ace Ben O'Carroll during this year's O'Rourke Cup campaign is another source of optimism for their supporters.
2024 champions Pearses have been hit hard by the absence of key players and they needed to win a play-off to stave off relegation in the O'Rourke Cup. Both Conor Ryan and Seán Canning have suffered dreaded ACL injuries, while Eoin Colleran is in the USA at present. Now managed by Niall Murray, assisted by Alan Flynn in a coaching role, it remains to be seen if Pearses can compete at the level they have in recent years.
The Moore/Taughmaconnell outfit open their campaign on Friday night (8.30pm) at home to Roscommon Gaels, who now have the experienced Declan Hoare in charge.
Clann na nGael, who still lead the Fahey Cup roll of honour with 21 titles, will be looking to improve on their showings from recent years. Now managed by Declan O'Flaherty, who has taken over from Pat Fallon, Clann have a difficult opening round assignment against Boyle at Abbey Park on Saturday (5pm). Last year, Clann reached the semi-finals where they were defeated by arch rivals St Brigid's.
Bidding for their first Roscommon SFC success since 1927, Boyle are probably regarded as the most likely team to have a realistic chance of dethroning Brigid's.
Boyle, who have plenty of scoring power in their ranks, will take encouragement from winning the O'Rourke Cup (Division 1 Football League) recently, defeating Brigid's in the final. But team manager Fergal O'Donnell won't need to be reminded that the county champions fielded a considerably depleted team in that final.
Fifteen of the last 16 Roscommon senior football titles have been won by the southern powerhouses of St Brigid's, Pádraig Pearses and Clann na nGael. The exception was Strokestown's surprise march to glory in 2022 and it looks highly unlikely that anybody can emerge from the pack in similar fashion this year.
At intermediate level, much of the local interest will revolve around St Dominic's, who are away to Tulsk Lord Edwards in their opening assignment on Friday evening.
St Aidan's, having recently won the Tansey Cup, will be looking to build on this boost in the Roscommon Junior 'A' Football Championship. The Ballyforan/Dysart men travel to Knockcroghery to face the St Dominic's second team in the opening round on Sunday (12.30).
In preparation for the new championship season, Roscommon GAA held its official club championship launch at Strokestown Park House and the Irish National Famine Museum earlier this month. Representatives from all 37 participating teams gathered in the magnificent surroundings of one of Co. Roscommon’s most iconic heritage locations.
The occasion also brought together the sponsors of the three adult football championships. The Hodson Bay Group, sponsors of the Senior Football Championship, were represented by Tim Hayes (Managing Director) and Johnny Connaughton (General Manager). McNulty Furniture, sponsors of the Intermediate Football Championship, were represented by John Mee, Club Rossie Business Liaison officer, while King & Moffatt, sponsors of the Junior Football Championship, were represented by Damian Glover (Director).
Roscommon GAA has sincerely thanked each of the sponsors for their continued support and commitment to Gaelic games in the county.
"With championship fever beginning to build, Roscommon GAA looks forward to another season of thrilling football, memorable moments and tremendous support from clubs and communities throughout the county," Roscommon GAA said.
Roscommon GAA has also extended sincere appreciation to Ger Ahern, John O’Driscoll and Eilish Canty, together with the entire team at Strokestown Park House and the Irish National Famine Museum, for “the warm welcome, outstanding hospitality and professionalism” shown throughout the launch evening.