National Forum

Roscommon GAA thread

(Oldest Posts First) - Go To The Latest Post


Think we need a top manager to come in and blood some younger players. Been reading on the forum about some names being mentioned within the county but realistically there is nobody with the experience to step up and do the job. Think this is a massive moment for the team and if the right man isn't appointed we'll be back to square one. Regarding the league I think that playing Div 1 or 2 won't make much of a difference as we can see with 5 teams from Div 2 still in the running. Watched Meath v Kerry and when you really have a crack at these big teams and move the ball quickly you're in with a shot. Never really felt the rossie's believed they could beat a Div 1 team and the way they played with the slow build up I'm sure teams in Div 3 and 4 would have given us a good crack. There is talent in the county but the manager has to be top class.

Towny10 (Roscommon) - Posts: 14 - 18/06/2025 13:39:35    2619007

Link

Replying To Towny10:  "Think we need a top manager to come in and blood some younger players. Been reading on the forum about some names being mentioned within the county but realistically there is nobody with the experience to step up and do the job. Think this is a massive moment for the team and if the right man isn't appointed we'll be back to square one. Regarding the league I think that playing Div 1 or 2 won't make much of a difference as we can see with 5 teams from Div 2 still in the running. Watched Meath v Kerry and when you really have a crack at these big teams and move the ball quickly you're in with a shot. Never really felt the rossie's believed they could beat a Div 1 team and the way they played with the slow build up I'm sure teams in Div 3 and 4 would have given us a good crack. There is talent in the county but the manager has to be top class."
Talent has to deliver too.
Last 2 games we had more than enough chances in the closing stages to have won both.

Seanfanbocht (Roscommon) - Posts: 2446 - 18/06/2025 15:36:37    2619036

Link

Replying To Towny10:  "Think we need a top manager to come in and blood some younger players. Been reading on the forum about some names being mentioned within the county but realistically there is nobody with the experience to step up and do the job. Think this is a massive moment for the team and if the right man isn't appointed we'll be back to square one. Regarding the league I think that playing Div 1 or 2 won't make much of a difference as we can see with 5 teams from Div 2 still in the running. Watched Meath v Kerry and when you really have a crack at these big teams and move the ball quickly you're in with a shot. Never really felt the rossie's believed they could beat a Div 1 team and the way they played with the slow build up I'm sure teams in Div 3 and 4 would have given us a good crack. There is talent in the county but the manager has to be top class."
U do realise there's 12 teams left so there was always going to be 4 at least not division 1
Technically there was 10 division 1 teams 2 going down 2 going up
Ourselves derry and mayo the 3 of that 10 no longer involved
Other 2 a little unlucky ourselves not so much so

OhtobeARossie (Roscommon) - Posts: 1799 - 18/06/2025 20:10:27    2619092

Link

Interesting to listen to Conor Devaney's take on Roscommon on a podcast with Darrach O'Connor. Devaney's a smart pundit as we said here. He's disappointed that the Smiths and Murtaghs won't ever see Croke Park on All Ireland semi final day. Down to poor management he says.

endgame (Roscommon) - Posts: 2481 - 18/06/2025 22:16:34    2619106

Link

Replying To OhtobeARossie:  "U do realise there's 12 teams left so there was always going to be 4 at least not division 1
Technically there was 10 division 1 teams 2 going down 2 going up
Ourselves derry and mayo the 3 of that 10 no longer involved
Other 2 a little unlucky ourselves not so much so"
I understand that but if you look at the results there isn't much between them. Cork unlucky v Kerry, Cavan beat Mayo. Meath beat Kerry. These Div 1 teams are beatable if you have the right setup and belief.

Towny10 (Roscommon) - Posts: 14 - 18/06/2025 23:16:38    2619118

Link

Replying To Tarismelting22:  "would be fully against devaney heard him on afew podcasts not for me"
Agree. Small town mentality.

moros (Roscommon) - Posts: 1150 - 19/06/2025 08:21:00    2619137

Link

Replying To endgame:  "Interesting to listen to Conor Devaney's take on Roscommon on a podcast with Darrach O'Connor. Devaney's a smart pundit as we said here. He's disappointed that the Smiths and Murtaghs won't ever see Croke Park on All Ireland semi final day. Down to poor management he says."
Management plays a big part but the players also have to look at themselves too. Diarmuid/Enda/Donie were poor against Armagh last year in a game where we looked afraid of the opposition. I feel our highlights of the last 10 years are Connaught titles (nothing wrong with that at all by the way) but we have been glaringly naive football wise when it comes to top tier games .

Similar this year to a point where players like this only come alive against poorer opposition like London & Meath (I think Meath are a good side but in comparison to Kerry's, Galways and Armaghs). Diarmuids shot at the end vs Cork was rushed and not the right option, Enda was non existent in the game and several other games this year, Donie hasnt been a regular for a number of years now. Ciarain Murtagh looked like he was playing through an injury (should he have been rested? Like Con for Dublin?).

These are fantastic players but if you go through the last 8/9 seasons, they have failed to deliver at the crunch times in All Ireland quarter finals, Super 8 games, play off games etc. Would a top tier manager have made a difference to getting to an AI semi final? I'm not too sure. I wouldn't be the biggest fan of the likes of Cunningham, McStay and I feel Davy Burke may have lost the group. But at the end of the day, if we have players that have the quality to be in an AI semi final, we would have made one in the last 8 years with 3 different managers, regardless of who they are.

Rossfan93 (Roscommon) - Posts: 75 - 19/06/2025 10:00:06    2619154

Link

Replying To Rossfan93:  "Management plays a big part but the players also have to look at themselves too. Diarmuid/Enda/Donie were poor against Armagh last year in a game where we looked afraid of the opposition. I feel our highlights of the last 10 years are Connaught titles (nothing wrong with that at all by the way) but we have been glaringly naive football wise when it comes to top tier games .

Similar this year to a point where players like this only come alive against poorer opposition like London & Meath (I think Meath are a good side but in comparison to Kerry's, Galways and Armaghs). Diarmuids shot at the end vs Cork was rushed and not the right option, Enda was non existent in the game and several other games this year, Donie hasnt been a regular for a number of years now. Ciarain Murtagh looked like he was playing through an injury (should he have been rested? Like Con for Dublin?).

These are fantastic players but if you go through the last 8/9 seasons, they have failed to deliver at the crunch times in All Ireland quarter finals, Super 8 games, play off games etc. Would a top tier manager have made a difference to getting to an AI semi final? I'm not too sure. I wouldn't be the biggest fan of the likes of Cunningham, McStay and I feel Davy Burke may have lost the group. But at the end of the day, if we have players that have the quality to be in an AI semi final, we would have made one in the last 8 years with 3 different managers, regardless of who they are."
Last 10 seasons we reached Qtr Finals/"super 8" 4 times.
Last 8 record - Played 9, won 1*, drew 1 lost 7.
Our scores conceded would make horrific reading.


* that a dead rubber v Cork.

Seanfanbocht (Roscommon) - Posts: 2446 - 19/06/2025 11:33:28    2619177

Link

Replying To Rossfan93:  "Management plays a big part but the players also have to look at themselves too. Diarmuid/Enda/Donie were poor against Armagh last year in a game where we looked afraid of the opposition. I feel our highlights of the last 10 years are Connaught titles (nothing wrong with that at all by the way) but we have been glaringly naive football wise when it comes to top tier games .

Similar this year to a point where players like this only come alive against poorer opposition like London & Meath (I think Meath are a good side but in comparison to Kerry's, Galways and Armaghs). Diarmuids shot at the end vs Cork was rushed and not the right option, Enda was non existent in the game and several other games this year, Donie hasnt been a regular for a number of years now. Ciarain Murtagh looked like he was playing through an injury (should he have been rested? Like Con for Dublin?).

These are fantastic players but if you go through the last 8/9 seasons, they have failed to deliver at the crunch times in All Ireland quarter finals, Super 8 games, play off games etc. Would a top tier manager have made a difference to getting to an AI semi final? I'm not too sure. I wouldn't be the biggest fan of the likes of Cunningham, McStay and I feel Davy Burke may have lost the group. But at the end of the day, if we have players that have the quality to be in an AI semi final, we would have made one in the last 8 years with 3 different managers, regardless of who they are."
Unless you have an unbelievable bunch of players that will fall into a semi regardless of manager. The game has moved on so much that management and coaching are absolute essentials. An extreme example is Donegal, 2 years ago that team looked bang average. Now most can't do what Jim does but those same players look transformed. Monaghan another less extreme example, a year ago you'd have said a couple of nice footballers but that's about it. They are now a well coached hard working team that plays a lovely brand of football. Roscommon are very similar, a few talented individuals but as a collective they can be made much better with a good management/coaching set up. Yes there should be player responsibility but Roscommon seemed to be caught in an outdated system all year. Heads up football is clearly not being coached at training. Their first instinct is to go back and sidewards so that is what must be coached. I agree with Devaney on the podcast, Enda is being completely wasted at midfield. It actually plays into the oppositions hands. I think he's right about another thing, the players need to have an honest review themselves. Hopefully the CB will take on board feedback from players especially the leaders in the panel and do their best to get a good coaching ticket.

If you look at the counties around us doing well Ger Brennan been inside the Dublin camp and has a really good backroom team as well, Robbie Brennan very successful with Kilmacud, Laverty successful with Kilcoo, Bannigan probably has the least experience but has Andy Moran on board who knows what its like to be an elite set up plus has hands on management experience.

I just don't know if Roscommon are an attractive proposition for the likes of a Donaghy. With Jack O Connor likely to step aside this year would Donaghy look to be involved in the next Kerry set up along with Tomas O Se?

This might not go down well with some people but what were the Westmeath the views on Dessie Dolan as a manager? He has intercounty experience (and localish) and I thought did well with Westmeath and add in a really good coach on to the ticket. As mentioned above like a Kevin McMenamon?

FullOfPorter (Roscommon) - Posts: 207 - 19/06/2025 12:15:23    2619194

Link

Enda was non existent in the game? He was one of our best players in the game trying to make things happen, his pass into Daire Cregg for the goal chance one just example. He didn't play midfield as Conor Devaney claims, played in the half forward line and dropped back into a congested area for kick outs and won his fair share of breaks and possession of the ball.

His brother Donie started 13 of our 16 games last year and last Saturday was just his 4th start this season. So had fallen out of favour and suprise he was given a start.

I was in Portlaoise and watched the game back a 2nd time for my sins on GAA+ my main thoughts is I couldn't fault the effort and how players was trying to make things happen. Fitness wise we finished the stronger but ultimately 0-17 was too low of score and we were too wasteful from 30 efforts on goal. Daire Cregg had good return with 0-5 but E Smith 0-1 D Smith 0-1,C Murtagh 0-1,D Murtagh 0-2,Ben O'Carroll 0-1 is simply not enough a scoring return from our other 5 other starting forwards to expect to win a knock out championship game.

Under these new rules you also need decent and consistent scoring defenders and midfielders which we don't have and even Cork had that on Saturday with 0-6 coming from a defender and their two midfielders. Back to drawing board for 2026, new plan to get a lot more out of players is required in tough and testing environment of Div 1.

The_analyser (Roscommon) - Posts: 4090 - 19/06/2025 14:09:59    2619245

Link

Replying To The_analyser:  "Enda was non existent in the game? He was one of our best players in the game trying to make things happen, his pass into Daire Cregg for the goal chance one just example. He didn't play midfield as Conor Devaney claims, played in the half forward line and dropped back into a congested area for kick outs and won his fair share of breaks and possession of the ball.

His brother Donie started 13 of our 16 games last year and last Saturday was just his 4th start this season. So had fallen out of favour and suprise he was given a start.

I was in Portlaoise and watched the game back a 2nd time for my sins on GAA+ my main thoughts is I couldn't fault the effort and how players was trying to make things happen. Fitness wise we finished the stronger but ultimately 0-17 was too low of score and we were too wasteful from 30 efforts on goal. Daire Cregg had good return with 0-5 but E Smith 0-1 D Smith 0-1,C Murtagh 0-1,D Murtagh 0-2,Ben O'Carroll 0-1 is simply not enough a scoring return from our other 5 other starting forwards to expect to win a knock out championship game.

Under these new rules you also need decent and consistent scoring defenders and midfielders which we don't have and even Cork had that on Saturday with 0-6 coming from a defender and their two midfielders. Back to drawing board for 2026, new plan to get a lot more out of players is required in tough and testing environment of Div 1."
We'll need a new manager/ment to implement a new plan.
We'll ideally need them up and running by August weekend to take in Club Championship games.
A Manager search in July wouldn't be easy as so many potential candidates will likely be involved with Clubs.
There might only be "steppers down" from other Counties who haven't set the world alight.
I wouldn't think there's much support out there for reappointing Davy if he wants to continue after this poor season.

Whatever we can't have a rerun of the 2017/18/22 debacle of long running soap opera and November appointments.

Seanfanbocht (Roscommon) - Posts: 2446 - 19/06/2025 14:43:30    2619263

Link

Replying To Seanfanbocht:  "We'll need a new manager/ment to implement a new plan.
We'll ideally need them up and running by August weekend to take in Club Championship games.
A Manager search in July wouldn't be easy as so many potential candidates will likely be involved with Clubs.
There might only be "steppers down" from other Counties who haven't set the world alight.
I wouldn't think there's much support out there for reappointing Davy if he wants to continue after this poor season.

Whatever we can't have a rerun of the 2017/18/22 debacle of long running soap opera and November appointments."
Can't see the CB removing Davy, if he is interested in continuing. We all know it's going to be be a long season in D1. Can't see any potential candidate reversing the trend.

Jack L (None) - Posts: 3159 - 19/06/2025 16:01:18    2619286

Link

Replying To The_analyser:  "Enda was non existent in the game? He was one of our best players in the game trying to make things happen, his pass into Daire Cregg for the goal chance one just example. He didn't play midfield as Conor Devaney claims, played in the half forward line and dropped back into a congested area for kick outs and won his fair share of breaks and possession of the ball.

His brother Donie started 13 of our 16 games last year and last Saturday was just his 4th start this season. So had fallen out of favour and suprise he was given a start.

I was in Portlaoise and watched the game back a 2nd time for my sins on GAA+ my main thoughts is I couldn't fault the effort and how players was trying to make things happen. Fitness wise we finished the stronger but ultimately 0-17 was too low of score and we were too wasteful from 30 efforts on goal. Daire Cregg had good return with 0-5 but E Smith 0-1 D Smith 0-1,C Murtagh 0-1,D Murtagh 0-2,Ben O'Carroll 0-1 is simply not enough a scoring return from our other 5 other starting forwards to expect to win a knock out championship game.

Under these new rules you also need decent and consistent scoring defenders and midfielders which we don't have and even Cork had that on Saturday with 0-6 coming from a defender and their two midfielders. Back to drawing board for 2026, new plan to get a lot more out of players is required in tough and testing environment of Div 1."
I thought Enda did well and that was a lovely pass. But he he's still expected to play an up and down the field roll which I think plays into the oppositions hands especially agaisnt the big teams.

Scoring return has been an issue for a long time now and has to be rooted in the negative system we play. There was a few occassions in the first half when the counter was on and we had the ball arund midfield on the terrace side and the instinct for the man with the ball was to turn back. Think Cork nearly turned us over on one, we got a sideline ball. There was no ambition to kick quick ball into the forwards and worse there wasn't anyone breaking forward off the shoulder. Contrast that with Monaghan and Down or any of the teams going well. If you play quick effective counters you'll have a better spread of scores. Mayo seem to be in a similar mode to us when it comes to attacking play. All very laboured.

FullOfPorter (Roscommon) - Posts: 207 - 19/06/2025 16:08:12    2619289

Link

Replying To FullOfPorter:  "I thought Enda did well and that was a lovely pass. But he he's still expected to play an up and down the field roll which I think plays into the oppositions hands especially agaisnt the big teams.

Scoring return has been an issue for a long time now and has to be rooted in the negative system we play. There was a few occassions in the first half when the counter was on and we had the ball arund midfield on the terrace side and the instinct for the man with the ball was to turn back. Think Cork nearly turned us over on one, we got a sideline ball. There was no ambition to kick quick ball into the forwards and worse there wasn't anyone breaking forward off the shoulder. Contrast that with Monaghan and Down or any of the teams going well. If you play quick effective counters you'll have a better spread of scores. Mayo seem to be in a similar mode to us when it comes to attacking play. All very laboured."
No off the shoulder running, very few showing for ball, never seem to handpass to the chest of a lad running forward, we've been butchering goal opportunities for the last 2 years.....

Seanfanbocht (Roscommon) - Posts: 2446 - 19/06/2025 16:47:44    2619301

Link

Regardless of the system of play you can't afford or be expected to win many championship games when you waste 13 scoring opportunities you are basically swimming against the tide. Such wastefulness nothing new with us, Davy Burke laughed it off last year when he was asked about our shooting efficiency, A bag of balls I must give to the players was his response. Nothing in the last three years has been done to improve our scoring return and make our shooters less inconsistent.

The_analyser (Roscommon) - Posts: 4090 - 19/06/2025 18:12:24    2619323

Link

Replying To The_analyser:  "Regardless of the system of play you can't afford or be expected to win many championship games when you waste 13 scoring opportunities you are basically swimming against the tide. Such wastefulness nothing new with us, Davy Burke laughed it off last year when he was asked about our shooting efficiency, A bag of balls I must give to the players was his response. Nothing in the last three years has been done to improve our scoring return and make our shooters less inconsistent."
Agreed. Nothing in the last three years. Enough said.

endgame (Roscommon) - Posts: 2481 - 19/06/2025 20:58:41    2619340

Link

Replying To The_analyser:  "Regardless of the system of play you can't afford or be expected to win many championship games when you waste 13 scoring opportunities you are basically swimming against the tide. Such wastefulness nothing new with us, Davy Burke laughed it off last year when he was asked about our shooting efficiency, A bag of balls I must give to the players was his response. Nothing in the last three years has been done to improve our scoring return and make our shooters less inconsistent."
True.
We had enough ball and shots in the last 15 minutes v Meath and Cork to have won both games.

Seanfanbocht (Roscommon) - Posts: 2446 - 19/06/2025 21:03:46    2619342

Link

What is the feeling for the minor game? Tyrone hot favourites it seems. Didn't see any of their games but sounds like they're very strong at midfield.

FullOfPorter (Roscommon) - Posts: 207 - 20/06/2025 14:14:19    2619475

Link

Replying To FullOfPorter:  "What is the feeling for the minor game? Tyrone hot favourites it seems. Didn't see any of their games but sounds like they're very strong at midfield."
They'll be organised, well drilled, well "S&Cd" won't make many unforced errors.
We're not bad either.
2 unbeaten teams .
I'd be hopeful but no more.

Seanfanbocht (Roscommon) - Posts: 2446 - 20/06/2025 15:16:06    2619492

Link

Replying To FullOfPorter:  "What is the feeling for the minor game? Tyrone hot favourites it seems. Didn't see any of their games but sounds like they're very strong at midfield."
Tyrone are hard to beat at underage. Sunday will be no different. The closest we came to Tyrone at underage was a 2 point loss to them in the All Ireland minor semi final played in Croke Park in 2013. Roscommon also missed a penalty that day. That was Fergie O'Donnell's team who were not Connacht Minor champions in 2013 unlike our team on Sunday. Best of luck to players and management heading to Breffni Park. Roscommon missed a lot of chances in the quarter final there against Louth. We'll need to be far more clinical against Tyrone to have a chance of beating them.

endgame (Roscommon) - Posts: 2481 - 20/06/2025 18:04:25    2619524

Link