There has been plenty of negativity around the GAA this summer with endless newspaper articles and social media arguments on all manner of topics including possible rule changes, the Dublin senior football team’s funding, the Leinster Championship, issues with various venues and so on. Last weekend, however, the GAA was showcased in its purest form as clubs throughout the county welcomed visitors from near and far for Féile.
The standout performance from a Roscommon point of view came from the Roscommon Gaels’ U-14 girls footballers, who shared the Division Eight spoils with Ballinascreen of Derry, following a titanic tussle which finished 2-6 to 1-9 after extra-time in Bekan last Sunday. In the spirit of Féile, the silverware will remain in Roscommon Gaels’ hands for the next six months before making its way to Co. Derry.
The town team had lost to Oran in their opening game before going on to beat St. Ailbhe’s, Knockninny Gaels and St. Croan’s before beating Shamrocks of Waterford in the semi-final last Sunday.
St. Brigid’s’ girls also tasted success last weekend when they won the Division Four Shield Final against Ballinasloe in Bekan.
Meanwhile, it was a case of so close, yet so far for the Kilmore-Shannon Gaels-St. Ronan’s boys who were beaten by a point in the Division Seven Cup final by Drumahowan of Monaghan.
There were, of course, plenty of other impressive performances from teams across the county. Honourable mentions must go to St. Ciaran’s who reached a Division Eight Shield final; St. Dominic’s who lost out to St. Joseph’s Doora-Barefield from Clare in their Division Three Shield final, Michael Glavey’s who lost out to Blessington in Division Six, and Clann na nGael’s U-14 girls’ team who were beaten by Antrim side Gort Na Mona in the Division Five Cup final.
