Last-chance saloon

After the disappointment of a heavy Connacht U-21 final defeat to Mayo on Saturday last (see match report on page 55) Roscommon football fans will look to the seniors for a major boost this weekend when a ‘do-or-die’ clash with Offaly takes place in Tullamore (Sunday, 3.30 pm).    At stake in this Division 2A league fixture is a place in Division 2 next season – a major prize which Roscommon can still secure despite the setback of a lamentable defeat to Leitrim in Hyde Park in their last match.    After a league campaign with more ups and downs than a roller-coaster in Salthill it’s down to this final crucial game in Tullamore as Roscommon senior footballers go in search of one last win to secure a place in the top two of Division 2A – thus ensuring a place in Division two for next season.   This is truly the last chance saloon for John Maughan’s men in this season’s league. We preview the big match on page 48 this week. Meanwhile Roscommon U-21s could not cope with an outstanding Mayo in last Saturday’s Connacht U-21 final in Castlebar, which the home side won by 1-22 to 1-8 (see page 55).