Replying To imformed: "Adam Mcdermot was never given a proper chance under Davie. I can understand why he left, also looks that Davie doesn't rate Conor Hussey as he was always one of the 1st players to be taken off. McCormack a big loss as he had a very good season in 24. Connolly never rediscovered the form that he displayed when he 1st came into the squad. Lavin showed great commitment to the Roscommon team but like Mcdermot he wasn't going to get a chance to restore his place in the team."
Roscommon are well stocked in the forward division could make an argument that both Paul Carey,Adam McDermott would be starting more established at county senior level if they were from Mayo,Galway with less stocked group of forwards. Did Conor Hussey play in the championship this year to be taken off? Conor Carroll has established himself as the no 1 keeper under Burke and Lavin 2nd choice not a position in the team you'd be changing unless injury.
Great win yesterday for Pearces. They are such a well drilled team defensively but they always have been over the years. This year they have got real quality in the forwards and very solid around the middle. They are favorites now for connaght and probably won't fear anyone In Ireland now. Paul Carey was outstanding and can't understand how he's never made it at intercounty. You often see players who shine at club level but can't hit the same standards at county level. Hopefully Davy gives him a chance next year and see what he can offer.
Our three county winning reps in action this weekend.
Saturday
Connacht Intermediate Semi final
Elphin v Eastern Harps 1:30pm in Dr Hyde park.
Connacht Junior semi final
Ballymote v St Barrys - 1:30pm in Markievicz Park
Sunday
Connacht Senior Semi final
Mohill v Padraig Pearses - 1:30pm in Ballinamore
All three should be favourites but plenty of favourites have already fallen in the club championships this year.
Sligo intermediate champions has given competitive games in recent years against our clubs so would expect similar on Saturday. Eastern Harps won the Sligo county final by a bit to spare and eased past Melvin Gaels and the Leitrim champions who had only scored 0-1 after 50 minutes of that game.
Sligo Junior clubs have reached 4 of the last 5 Junior Connacht finals. Cloonacool in the final the only team to give Ballymote a close game and were 7 points the better team than Bornacoola of Leitrim. Have been scoring 17 points a game and conceding 11 just good numbers for any team. County U20 captain Jack Lavin probably their stand out player. Barrys will need to play as well as they did in the county final to prevail.
Just a seven day rest for Pearses on Sunday against Mohill who have been preparing for this game since October 12th. Eamonn O'Hara is sure to come with ultra defensive tactics, such tactics made it as difficult as possible for Brigids last year but I'm not sure is it as wise to play that way against Pearses . In Keith Beirne they have one of the best club forwards in Connacht and will be interesting to see who is chosen to mark him.
Best of luck to Pearses,Elphin and Barry's this weekend.