Minor Championship off and running
There was action across all three Divisions in the Expert Electrical Sligo Minor Football Championship last week, as teams across the county got their campaigns underway.
Minor specialists St Mary’s, backboned by a number of county players, were most impressive in beginning their defence of the Division One crown when they accounted for St Molaise Gaels at Monsignor Hynes Park, eventually running out 6-16 to 1-9 winners. The Ballydoogan-based side are aiming to achieve their fifth title in succession this year.
Matters were more competitive in the other Division One encounter, with Easkey and St Farnan’s engaging in a hard-fought battle – St Farnan’s had only two points to spare, 1-14 to 0-15 when the final whistle sounded.
Division Two saw four games take place across four groups. Interestingly, there were three away wins in these fixtures – Shamrock Gaels and Curry had comfortable wins against Ballymote and Castleconnor respectively, while Eastern Harps beat Bunninadden 4-18 to 4-9. The other Division Two encounter took place at Quigabar where Enniscrone/Kilglass staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 6-10 apiece draw with Drumcliffe/Rosses Point.
In Division Three, St Patrick’s were four-point winners against Geevagh and Coolaney/Mullinabreena saw off the challenge of St John’s.
This week sees St Mary’s and Tourlestrane clash in Division One on Wednesday evening, while St Farnan’s host Tubbercurry/Cloonacool in the top tier on Thursday.
Division Two has four fixtures down for decision on Thursday – Shamrock Gaels meet Coolera/Strandhill, Curry take on Calry/St Joseph’s, Drumcliffe/Rosses Point are at home to Owenmore Gaels and Eastern Harps host St Michael’s.
Division Three also has a full programme this Thursday with Geevagh at home to Coolaney/Mullinabreena while St Patrick’s play St John’s. All games have a 7pm throw-in time.
In a busy week for clubs, there are seven under-14 games on Wednesday evening, four of which are quarter-finals in the Division Two championship.