Sports PEOPLE Burke: ‘We back ourselves at the Hyde!’

Rossies set for top of the table clash with Armagh

Allianz National Football League Division

One (Round 3): Roscommon v Armagh at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday at 1.45 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

A big crowd is expected to descend on Dr Hyde Park this Sunday for the visit of Armagh for this somewhat unexpected top of the table clash in National Football League Division One.

Both Roscommon and the Orchard County unbeaten and know that another two points this weekend will put them in a strong position with four rounds of matches still to play.

Given the visitors’ recent form (beating Monaghan and drawing with Mayo) and the large support they have enjoyed in their first two league matches, this promises to be Roscommon’s toughest test so far.

Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, Roscommon manager Davy Burke said he was looking forward to the challenge.

“Armagh are a very good side but at Dr Hyde Park we have to back ourselves and go for the win. We have to aim to win our home matches and this one is no different,” he said.

Burke confirmed the return of Cian McKeon and

CBS fall at final hurdle…

Niall Kilroy ahead of Sunday’s game, and called on the Roscommon supporters to get behind his team.

“We are expecting a cracking atmosphere and a big crowd. We will be targeting a win and we need the crowd behind us. We know we are not going to win every game at this level but we are targeting our home games for wins,” he said.

While Roscommon football is riding the crest of a wave in recent weeks, Armagh, who have enjoyed a very good 12 months, are improving all the time.

Rian O’Neill remains the heart and soul of their team but there is plenty of talent available in each line. ‘Fly’ goalkeeper Ethan Rafferty is liable to pop up anywhere on the field while the likes of Aidan

Forker, Jarly Óg Burns, Ciaran Mackin, Stefan Campbell, Rory Grugan and Conor Turbitt will be confident of continuing the Orchard County’s excellent recent form.

You could be forgiven for regarding this as something of a ‘free hit’ for a Roscommon side which has taken maximum points so far but Davy Burke will want his charges to develop that winning habit.

There won’t be too much between the sides in what promises to be a fascinating contest, and while both teams will be confident of taking both points on offer, a draw looks the most likely outcome.

Prediction: Draw

< DAN DOONER

Roscommon hurling manager Francis O’Halloran announced that he was stepping down from his role following last Sunday’s disastrous National League Division 3A defeat to Louth. In a statement on Monday, the Clare native said both he and his management team had made the difficult decision following careful consideration.

The statement read: “Upon our appointment in late 2021, we committed to improving and developing the standard of hurling in Roscommon. We feel that significant progress was made in 2022 culminating with an appearance in the Nicky Rackard final in Croke Park.

“However, the commitment and efforts shown by the management team have not been matched in recent times by the playing mem- bers of the panel despite our best efforts. Therefore, we have taken the decision to step away from the Roscommon senior hurling team with immediate effect.

“We want to thank the Hurling Board for affording us the opportunity to manage and coach the team. We would also like to thank the Hurling Board Chairman Christy McDermott for his support and dedication behind the scenes.

“We as a management team would like to wish everybody associated with Roscommon Hurling the very best for the season ahead and the future”.

Hurling Chairperson Christy McDermott commented: “Roscommon Hurling Board and Roscommon GAA would like to thank Francis and his management for the work they did with the Roscommon senior hurling team in 2022 and pre-season 2023.

“The highlight of their time with us was reaching the Nicky Rackard Cup final in 2022. I would like to wish the management team and their families the very best going forward”.

The search is now on for a new senior hurling manager as Roscommon face into a relegation battle in Division 3A.

See more on page 38…

Former Roscommon hurling manager Francis O’Halloran. Pic: Roscommon GAA/Sportsfile