WE DARE TO HOPE
Nial Murphy gave a man of the
match performance to help Sligo u21s reach a Connacht final which will be
played on Easter Saturday. The Yeats Men had a convincing six point win over
neighbours Leitrim in a good contest in Markievicz Park. The Leitrim defence
kept Sligo at bay in the first half and with some wayward shooting the home
side had little return for their dominance going in at the break. Aaron Hickey
was best for the visitors but when David Maye, Pat Hughes and Denis Coffey in
form for the second half Sligo led all the way to the final whistle. That
elusive Connacht Title at this grade is there for the taking but of course
Roscommon will not be overcome too easily in their own backyard.
Rumours
of relegation for the Senior footballers proved to be exaggerated as they had a
narrow but convincing victory over Offaly in O’Connor Park, Tullamore on
Sunday. Manager Kevin Walsh expressed himself satisfied with his team’s
performance stressing the work rate of the panel and the performance of those
that came on because of injuries. Stephen Coen scored four from play and was
brought down for a penalty which was converted by Adrian Marren. Noel Maguire
was brought into the fray when he replaced Johnny Martyn who was injured ten
minutes into the game. Pat Hughes and David Maye also saw action in what was a
busy weekend for them. The next League game at home against Roscommon should be
an attractive fixture given that the u21s face the same opposition the previous
day. It will also contain some clues as to how the Championship will unfold and
should be a well contested game.
League
form was turned on its head when Tipperary, who are to be relegated, managed to
divide the points with Longford who are now to be promoted. Tipperary’s Manager John Evans had quit after
the County’s 12 point defeat at the hands of Sligo but Paul Grogan equalised in
the 70 th., minute on Saturday evening for a well-deserved draw.
SCOR
Niamh Farrell, St.Mary’s has won
the Amhránaíocht Aonair Scor Connacht title and is wished well as she
progresses further in the Competition.