Friends of Sligo Football
Congratulations to Sligo footballers after their memorable win in their league final against Antrim in Croke Park last Saturday. Those of us lucky to be there will never forget the occasion. Although it is early in the year it is unlikely Croke Park will witness the quality of scores (17 points from play) in a match there again this year. Six forwards managed to score with 3 further points from man of the match midfielder Stephen Gilmartin. When we realise that Stephen was not on the team in the early league matches what a way to finish for him. Equally Colm Magee and Kielan Cawley were not on the team in the early matches and they both performed admirably. From the throw in Sligo showed they meant business and it was not long until our forwards were on the score sheet. David Kelly was a real threat to Antrim’s renowned man marker and Colm Magee and Mark Brehony were also taking crucial scores. Alan Costello covered acres seeking the ball and setting up moves. Charlie Harrison, Ross O’Donovan and Johnny Davey pushed forward at every opportunity to support the forwards. If the first half was good the second was even better. Even when Antrim pegged us back twice the Sligo boys upped their game and produced some amazing scores. Substitutes Eamonn O’Hara and Stephen Coen made very telling contributions and Mark Brehony scored a few brilliant points and in the end we won comfortably. Many of us could not envisage a date when Sligo senior footballers would be presented with a cup on the steps of Croke Park and it was very emotional when our brilliant captain Charlie received the cup and delivered a fine oration. This is something we could get used to and I am sure the players will want more occasions like that. Sligo supporters were great throughout the game but a pity there were not more of them there to cherish the occasion. The time of the match made it difficult for some people particularly those with young children and the fact that there was ambiguity about league matches in Sligo on Sunday probably kept a number of people from attending and one wonders why they were not called off to allow all players, partners and supporters to attend and enjoy the weekend. However those who were there will remember it for a long time. I was critical of the team after their performance against Wexford now I salute the players, manager and selectors and back room staff for a wonderful turnaround in the league and a first class performance in the final. It was regarded as the best match of the 4 finals and Sligo gave the best performance of the 8 teams – SO ROLL ON MAYO IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP.
Congratulations to Summerhill College, who claimed the Connacht Junior A title against St Jarlaths College. Clearly Summerhill have discovered the importance of goals to win a match. This has been a great year for Summerhill reflecting the superb work being done by Liam Og Gormley, Charlie Harrisson, Mark Brehony and all the coaches and players in the College and it augurs well for the future of football in Sligo.
Delighted to see David Kelly selected on Ireland’s top student footballers of the year in recognition of his superb year for DCU- an honour richly deserved. Hopefully he will have further national recognition by the end of this year.
Our thoughts and prayers this week are with the family of Philly McGuinness of Mohill club and Leitrim, who died tragically as a result of an accidental clash in a club match in Leitrim. This is something no one would contemplate as they put on a club or county jersey.
We extend sympathy to the family of Willie Farrell Grange, who died recently. Willie was a great family, community and business man in North Sligo for many years and will be sorely missed.
We extend congratulations to Jim Gray on his appointment as Editor of the Sligo Champion. The Gray family have been involved with the Champion for many years and Jim and his brother Leo have been good friends to Sligo GAA and Friends of Sligo Football since our inception
We wish Sligo footballer, Louise Brett all the best as she suffered a serious injury playing football in Sydney recently