Clann na nGael’s amazing 25-point plan – unveiled in public at Hyde Park on Saturday – is a formidable manifesto that all opposition parties are still trying to come to terms with this week.
Clann blitzed Michael Glavey’s with an explosive display of point-taking, Liam Kerins’ men soaring to new heights during an already impressive campaign.
Clann’s remarkable display was the highlight of last weekend’s Roscommon SFC quarter-finals. The championship is a story made up of different chapters, each with their own dynamic. There was a story everywhere last weekend, even if it was Clann’s class that was the stand-out blockbuster.
St. Brigid’s, entirely predictably, have positioned themselves precisely where they wanted to be…in the last four, with more in their tank. They accounted for a determined and gallant Strokestown.
Doubts about Boyle have persisted throughout the campaign, which is not to say they haven’t added much to the competition. They have. But Pearses had some momentum going into last weekend’s north-south showdown, and it was no surprise that they prevailed, winners by four points after trailing by four. A serious team.
Roscommon Gaels have been like soldiers tiptoeing across a minefield…they are cautious, careful, disciplined…but ever-fearful that the journey will inevitably come to a premature end. Oran, brimful of confidence and quality – and in the dreaded role of favourites – were always going to put it up to the more seasoned Gaels. It was time for the Gaels to really stand up and be counted. They prevailed, by a point.
We selected Pearses v Boyle as our ‘Match Choice’ last weekend, and Roscommon Gaels v Oran as our Featured Match. See Seamus Duke’s reports from the press box.
It was Clann’s show of attacking power that really electrified these quarter-finals, however. Majestic in defence and midfield against a bewildered Glavey’s, Clann then maximised all the superb play further back by kicking that remarkable 25 points in attack. They had 0-16 on the board by half-time. By full-time, it was a formidable statement of intent written in blue and yellow.
Strokestown put in a fine effort against the defending champions, the underdogs level with St. Brigid’s going into the last quarter. Strokestown ultimately ran out of steam and the Kiltoom club finished much the stronger, winning by five points.
The semi-finals will now see St. Brigid’s taking on Padraig Pearses and Clann na nGael playing Roscommon Gaels.
