Page 2 - INTO THE WEST - March-April 2018

PAresident’s Note Secretary’s Note
A Chairde Gael,
S I settle into my first Connacht championship as
A Chairde Gael,
I
Galway were the surprise package in Divi- sion 1 of the NFL, and despite many pundits predicting a relegation battle, their campaign finished off in Croke Park where they gave Dublin a real scare.
Mayo showed glimpses of what they are capable of throughout the league, and even though they just avoided relegation, Stephen Rochford’s side could be around come the business end of the champi- onship.
So much will hinge on the huge occasion in MacHale Park. Galway travel to Castlebar full of confidence but can Mayo finally get back to winning ways against their counterparts from across the divide on 13 May?
That Galway and Mayo game could provide the perfect foil for Roscommon to come through the shadows, and launch their assault at a defence of the Nestor Cup.
The reigning Connacht and now Division 2 champions, were very impressive in the league this year, and hit some massive scorelines, none more so than their 4-16 to 4-12 win over Cavan in the decider at Croke Park.
Sligo went along steadily in Division 3, while Leitrim and London both had their moments in the fourth tier, and will hope to spring a few shocks.
The Super 8s will bring an intriguing dynamic to the football, while the Galway hurlers will finally get their home games in the new round robin hurling format.
It was a tough start to the year for Micheál Donoghue’s side, after they missed out on promotion to Division 1A when Limerick defeated them.
But even though they didn’t advance past the quarter-final stage, they look primed for another big year. With players still to return from injury they could go all the way again.
The Mayo hurlers also had a fantastic league and it was great to see them gain promotion to Division 2A.
The various underage competitions will kick-off in the new few weeks too, and it will be interesting to see how well Connacht are represented. All signs point towards a bright future.
Is mise, le meas
Connacht GAA President, it feels like I really got in here at the right time. This is the strongest Connacht football championship in years.
T was a fantastic league campaign for the
Connacht counties in football and hurling,
and now as the championships begins, we look forward to a fascinating summer with new formats aplenty.
For months now,
people have pinpointed 13
May as the biggest
encounter in the country,
when Mayo and Galway clash at MacHale Park in Castlebar. And it promises to be one of the best derbies in recent memory.
GERRY McGOVERN Connacht GAA President
The counties had contrasting league campaigns but Mayo will have a bit to prove after the way things went in Pearse Stadium, and I’m sure Stephen Rochford will be desperate to get one over on Kevin Walsh.
Roscommon are Division 2 NFL champions, and after a stunning campaign there, they head into the defence of their Connacht crown, full of confidence and class. They will look to swoop from the opposite side of the draw.
With Sligo, London and Leitrim all showing their worth during the league too, it’s an intriguing prospect. This could be the most open Connacht championships, and that’s before the teams get to the new Super 8 format.
The Connacht junior football championship began this week, and Leitrim will be determined to back up last year’s brilliant success there.
In hurling Micheál Donoghue has his squad coming in under the radar, after they failed to gain promotion to Division 1A. He still has to call on a number of the players who helped them retrieve the Liam MacCarthy Cup last year, the possibilities are endless for that team.
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COVER PICTURES –Main: Corofin manager Kevin O'Brien celebrates All-Ireland victory over Nemo Rangers at Croke Park. Photo: Eóin Noonan/SPORTSFILE .
OFFLEAD: Corofin joint captain Ciaran McGrath (left) and Micheal Lundy lift the Andy Merrigan Cup. Photo: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE.
John Prenty
Rúnaí, CLG Cuige Connachta
Mayo hurling continues to make strides, and promotion to Division 2A will only help the rest of the Connacht counties in their quest to reach the top tables.
With a frantic few months at senior level, it’s crucial we remember the launchpad these players get from the underage championships, and Connacht contin- ues to excel across the minor and U-20 ranks. The new age grades will provide their own appeal in 2018, and their creation looks set to be an inspired decision too.
GAA is in a very healthy place in Connacht as we head for the summer. Here’s hoping the weather holds up and the fans can be treated to another special season.
Is mise, le meas,
Gearoid Mac Samhráin
Page 2 – INTO THE WEST