Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Roscommon Kennedy Cup 2025

 Roscommon Group Matches 


Monday 


Roscommon 0


Galway 5


It was the local neighbours that were the winners in the first group game.


Despite the heavy defeat, the outcome benefited Roscommon due to group dynamics, goal difference, or prior results. Galway’s sharp attack overwhelmed their opponents early on netting three first half goals.

Roscommon, while suffering a tough loss, may advance or maintain position depending on the competition structure. The match highlighted Galway’s offensive prowess even though the Roscommon defence started to get on top in the second half . While the scoreboard was harsh, the bigger picture offers a silver lining for Roscommon, who may still progress despite the setback. Group standings remain wide open.


Tuesday 


NDSL 4


Roscommon 2


In what an exciting 6 goal game in the second game of the group two second half goals proved the difference.


It was Dublin who started the better netting twice inside the opening quarter . This didn't seem to deter the Roscommon side as they battled back in and a Jonathan Grenee double had them level at the break.

Once the tie resmed both sides created chances but eventually it was Dublin who netted twice before the fiftieth minute. Even with the result the promise showed signs of promise for this Roscommon side.



Roscommon 1


Longford 2


This game flew out of the blocks with both sides netting early. Longford took the lead four minutes in when Patrick Wallace found the net. On the tenth minute mark the tie was level when Michael Higgins found himself in space to fire in. As the half went on Roscommon battled back momentum but through a mis of good goalkeeping and defining they couldn't manage to take the lead.


The decisive moment in this game was when the opponents added a second to their tally. In a final push forward the District side couldn't find that elusive equalizer to get their first point in the group.


Wednesday 


Trophy Quarter final

Roscommon 2


South Tipperary 1


Roscommon edged out South Tipperary in a tightly contested 2-1 victory, a result which got them their first win of the tournament.


Roscommon struck early, finding the net through Samuel Godfrey  within the opening ten minutes to seize control of the game. However, South Tipperary responded well and managed to level the score before halftime, setting up an intense second half. 

Both sides pushed for a winner, but it was Roscommon who found the breakthrough, scoring with just eight minutes remaining on the clock when James Costello fired home. 

The late goal proved decisive, sealing a deserved victory  in the quarter final The win boosts Roscommon’s chances of advancing, especially after a challenging group campaign.

 Their resilience and timely finishing under pressure made the difference in a match that could have gone either way. With this result, Roscommon remain firmly in the hunt for silverware in UL.



Thursday 

Roscommon 2


WWEC 1


Roscommon secured a vital 2-1 win over WWEC in a dramatic encounter that ensured a trophy final.


This was a very entertaining  semi final with both goals for Roscmmmon  coming at crucial moments.The first half looked like it was going to end goalless..However, Roscommon struck just before the break with a well-taken goal from James Costello  that shifted the momentum in their favour 

The second half saw both sides push forward. This early pressure led to an equaliser, but it was Roscommon who found the decisive breakthrough with Michael Higgins scoring three minutes from the end to seal a hard-fought victory. WWEC battled bravely but couldn’t find a reply in the closing moments.

Roscommon’s clinical finishing at key moments proved the difference in a closely fought contest, earning them a valuable win in this competitive clash.



Friday Trophy Final 


Inishowen 2

Roscommon 1

Roscommon's spirited second-half display wasn’t quite enough to overturn an early two-goal deficit as they fell 2-1 to Inishowen in a tightly contested final.


espite a slow start, Roscommon grew into the game and showed impressive resilience, pushing their opponents to the limit.

Inishowen struck twice in the opening stages, capitalizing on defensive lapses with clinical finishing. The early setback left Roscommon with a mountain to climb, but they refused to back down. After regrouping at the break, Roscommon came out with renewed intensity, dominating possession and forcing Inishowen onto the back foot.

Their pressure paid off midway through the second half when they were awarded a penalty, which was coolly converted  by Eoin O’ Shaughnessy to bring the score to the minimum . Sensing an opportunity to level and send the match to penalties, Roscommon pushed forward relentlessly in the closing minutes.

Despite several late chances and a valiant team effort, the equalizer remained elusive. While the result was disappointing, Roscommon’s determination and second-half performance showcased their quality and character, leaving supporters proud and optimistic for the future.

After the final we get the thoughts of manager Steve Murphy.

He first praises his new side's performance  from the week as they squad have only come together recently. “ This squad was only brought together in the last three months, almost 50% were new.”


Murphy then detailed how proud he was of his side and how they had surprised many at the tournament . “ After finding their feet in the group games they got their first ever win as a group in the quarter final on Wednesday.”

The week in UL has been a great experience for the boys, Murphy explained.” The lads have had a great week down in UL, they have really bonded over the time they had together and did themselves along with the clubs and families proud.”



Roscommon District Squad: Ewan Devine Castlerea Celtic, Jamie O’ Keefe Castlerea Celtic, Oisin Cheevers Moylough 79, Matthew Gardiner Moylough 79, Eoin O’ Shaughnessy St John’s Athletic, Jonathan Greene Roscommon Town, Samuel Godfrey Roscommon Town, Eoghan Higgins Dunmore Town, Daithí Finn Ballaghadreen, Dylan Madden Dunmore Town, Finn O’Mahoney Glen Celtic, James Costello, Cloonfad United, Elia Gannon Moore United, Michael Higgins Kilkerrin United, Daniel Hyland Moylough 79, Lawrence Martin Shiven Rovers, Harry McDermott Castlerea Celtic, Kaden Cassidy St Cuan’s United , Cillian Donoghue St Cuan’s United, Mikey Forde Dunmore Town.

Manager Steve Murphy.

Coaches Kierna Higgins, Shane Higgins, Stewart Malseed.

Head of Delegation Paul Green


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