Rossies head to Castlebar hoping to banish nine year wait
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Roscommon senior football manager Fergal O’Donnell going through tactics with his charges ahead of Sunday’s Connacht Final clash with Sligo in Castlebar. GOL2808
NEXT Sunday Roscommon supporters will be making the long journey to Castlebar hoping Roscommon can bridge a nine year gap since they last won a Connacht title. Connacht finals have been rare events in recent years for the Primrose and Blue, having last played in a provincial decider in 2004 when they were beaten by Mayo. Rossies will be hoping though that some of the jubilant scenes from the 2001 success will be repeated next Sunday. In that incredible game, Gerry Lohan's late goal gave Roscommon a dramatic 2-10 to 1-12 win.
Some will also be looking to the fact that the captain that day is now the senior manager Fergal O'Donnell as a good omen for the Castlebar showdown.
However, Roscommon will be going into this game as underdogs following Sligo's wins over Mayo and Galway in the previous rounds but the return of several injured players in recent weeks has brought renewed hope to Roscommon supporters.
Championship fever is slowly gripping the county with many houses hanging out flags and sending good luck messages. In fact many sports shops in the county are reporting a brisk trade in Roscommon merchandise. A spokesperson for George Bannon sportswear in Roscommon confirmed said that there has been a good trade over the past couple of weeks in all forms of Roscommon merchandise and that they expect this to increase over the next few days.
Gardai have asked motorists to arrive early to avoid any delay in getting into the game, which throws-in at 4 pm. A spokesperson for Castlebar Gardai said there was plenty of parking being made available to supporters but that they must arrive early and follow all instructions given by Gardai. Motorists are also asked that no valuables are left in view and that cars are locked and alarmed in the appropriate manner.
The game will be preceded by the minor final between Galway and Mayo throwing in at 1.30pm. It is also a special occasion for Declan Hunt as the Roscommon official will be in charge of the Connacht final. All Roscommon Supporters are reminded to get their tickets early for the Connacht Final. Tickets are available ffom all clubs. They will also be available from the County Board office Monday to Friday 9.30a.m to 5p.m. and on Saturday 17th. July from 10a.m. to 1p.m.
(See Sport for main preview).
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