SOCCER: The Norio’s Premier Division is very close as the halfway stage looms. It’s currently ‘as you were’ – with last season’s champions St John’s Athletic leading, and last season’s runners-up Moore United in second place. Both Boyle Celtic and Castlerea Celtic are still in contention as they have games in hand.
Leaders St John’s Athletic had a comfortable 5-1 win over Skyvalley Rovers at Onagh Park, Taughmaconnell on Friday night. Kevin Brennan, Tommy Hurley, Cian Kelly, Ronan Morris and Daire Keenan scored for the winners, with Brian Croffey replying for the losers.
High-flying Moore United had a 6-2 away win over Ballymoe FC, Charles Nevin scoring a hat-trick.
Boyle Celtic beat Shiven Rovers 5-2 at Newbridge. Michael Corrigan gave Boyle a 1-0 lead but Rory Cunningham had the sides level by half-time. David Callaghan and Shane Battles both netted twice for Boyle in the second half.
Castlerea Celtic and Dunmore Town were involved in a real thriller. With the score level at 2-2, John Curran scored a late winner for Castlerea.
Division One
In Division One, leaders Ballinahown beat Ballaghaderreen 4-0 at the League Grounds, Lecarrow.
Terry Byrne (2), Nemanja Bozic and Cathal Mannion scored the goals. Ballinahown are now seven points clear at the top.
Second-placed St John’s Athletic were beaten 1-0 by an improving Moylough side. James Fahy scored the only goal of the game to secure the points.
Cloonfad United boosted their hopes of promotion with a 1-0 home win over Ballinasloe Town. Aidan Sloyan scored the winner shortly after the hour mark.
Division Two
Ballyboro welcomed Cloonfad United’s second side to Lanesboro. Ballyboro scored first, a cracking goal from Jordan Donlon who lobbed the ‘keeper in the 22nd minute. Jack Murray added two more. David Rooney added a fourth and Jack Murray completed his hat-trick before the break.
Glen Celtic received a walkover against Rahara Rovers. Ballinagare FC beat Cam Celtic/Dysart 4-2 at Ballinagare, Aaron Dowd scoring a hat-trick.
Roscommon United drew 1-1 at home to Moore B.
Mark Dwyer scored for the home side and Leo Greene equalised for Moore.
Carrick Town beat St Cuan’s/Ahascragh United 9-2 in Ahascragh. Roscommon United B beat Lough Harps 3-2 at Roscommon. Brian Bermingham gave the Ballinlough side a 1-0 lead, but Joao Pedro scored two and Robert Hughes one for the winners with Brian Bermingham adding his second in reply.
Women’s League
In the Women’s League, Ballaghaderreen continued their fine run of results with a hard-earned 1-0 away win over Boyle Celtic. Kayla O’Reilly scored the only goal of the game after 15 minutes.
Shiven Rovers beat new side Roscommon United 6-1 at Newbridge. Katie Delaney scored five of their total with Ciara Crehan adding the sixth.
The Castlerea Celtic v Carrick Town game was abandoned after a Carrick player was injured. Thankfully the injury was not as serious as first feared.
Vital Traynor Cup game for Roscommon
This Sunday sees the second round of games in this season’s Oscar Traynor Cup competition being played. The Roscommon & District League travel to Sligo where they play the Sligo/Leitrim League.
The game will be played at McSharry Park, Sligo on Sunday, November 16th with a 2 pm kick-off time.
The Roscommon & District League is in a four-team group with Galway League, Mayo League, and the Sligo/Leitrim League.
The Roscommon & District League have already played the Galway League in the 2026 competition. After going 2-0 ahead, Roscommon ran out of steam in the second half and eventually lost 5-2.
Roscommon faced a similar situation last season to the one they are now in. Back then, having lost away to Galway, they took on Sligo/Leitrim League needing a win to advance, but were held to a 0-0 draw.
Roscommon manager Robbie Shine will be hoping his charges can improve on that result this weekend. A Roscommon win is very much achievable.
