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We draw the curtains on the seniors for 2026. It was really poor. We started with loads of promise, new mgt team, loads of new faces and after our first game which was really encouraging even though it finished in defeat things started to go south. We were lucky to retain Div 3 which will be a great place to start in 2027. Brian Flanagan won 2 Leinster titles and an U.20 All Ireland (against us) and now the Kildare crowd are getting chirpy because they are back to Div 3 this year. Eaten bread is soon forgotten. The question we need an answer to really is " Under this mgt can we recover from the horror's of 2026". If the answer is yes then we stick with them. If the answer is no then we will probably be in Div 4 and our confidence really shot next year. There's some good players playing really well in the club league. I don't know why they are not involved with the county. We have a few to come back from injury and you would hope there are a few of the U.20 that should be pushing for places also.
We had a lot of players this year that are not at the standard required and they never will. It's not their fault. I was in favour of this mgt stepping down a few weeks ago but the devil you know is better than the........
We are not a good catch for any one at the moment only some journey man looking to put a decent CV together for further down the line.
Maybe we need to examine what we have in place at the moment and work on that.

eoinog (Sligo) - Posts: 2487 - 16/06/2026 22:07:20    2680252

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Replying To eoinog:  "We draw the curtains on the seniors for 2026. It was really poor. We started with loads of promise, new mgt team, loads of new faces and after our first game which was really encouraging even though it finished in defeat things started to go south. We were lucky to retain Div 3 which will be a great place to start in 2027. Brian Flanagan won 2 Leinster titles and an U.20 All Ireland (against us) and now the Kildare crowd are getting chirpy because they are back to Div 3 this year. Eaten bread is soon forgotten. The question we need an answer to really is " Under this mgt can we recover from the horror's of 2026". If the answer is yes then we stick with them. If the answer is no then we will probably be in Div 4 and our confidence really shot next year. There's some good players playing really well in the club league. I don't know why they are not involved with the county. We have a few to come back from injury and you would hope there are a few of the U.20 that should be pushing for places also.
We had a lot of players this year that are not at the standard required and they never will. It's not their fault. I was in favour of this mgt stepping down a few weeks ago but the devil you know is better than the........
We are not a good catch for any one at the moment only some journey man looking to put a decent CV together for further down the line.
Maybe we need to examine what we have in place at the moment and work on that."
What players are playing well in Club League? Hopefully, there are a few as we need players and don't think the answer is the under. Walsh and O'Mahony were brought to seniors, and Rooney will be there next year when recovered from his operation. Cannot see many more players from that squad making the step up.

Last Saturday was one of my lowest days following Sligo GAA, I could not even look at this Forum until today. I was very angry leaving Enniskillen and thankfully I was not the only one.
I take the point that we were missing a lot of players with injury but any player that puts on that jersey must show some desire.

Fair point that we are missing some physical players on this team but anyone that thinks them going into a gym for 5 months will solve the problem is away with the birds. This defeat was not a shock as we have all seen the performances this year - it was well below par. Our first game v Westmeath had us all excited.

Interesting stats, 8 of the Westmeath team that beat us in the league was on the field for Croke Park in winning Leinster.
12 of the Sligo team that started first league played last Sat, Michael Lavin (Sub v Westmeath) , Gavin Gorman, Eddie McGuinness.

For me I will leave you on a few points and not all management fault but unfortunately, they are always in the hotseat.

1. No Game plan or tactically poor (Management)
2. Seem to still be playing game under old rules (Management)
3. Too many hamstring or small injuries (S&C which is management)
4. No desire (Players)

I am not trying to knock anyone, and people might be annoyed with my last point, but I was at 90% of games this year and we were missing that. There have been players wearing that jersey than would not have the standard of some of current group but trust me - they gave it 110%.

Anyways, hopefully we find a few more players from club championship for next year and rebuild. We cannot go any lower to where we are at the moment.

RealSouthSligo (Sligo) - Posts: 150 - 17/06/2026 11:29:54    2680279

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Replying To RealSouthSligo:  "What players are playing well in Club League? Hopefully, there are a few as we need players and don't think the answer is the under. Walsh and O'Mahony were brought to seniors, and Rooney will be there next year when recovered from his operation. Cannot see many more players from that squad making the step up.

Last Saturday was one of my lowest days following Sligo GAA, I could not even look at this Forum until today. I was very angry leaving Enniskillen and thankfully I was not the only one.
I take the point that we were missing a lot of players with injury but any player that puts on that jersey must show some desire.

Fair point that we are missing some physical players on this team but anyone that thinks them going into a gym for 5 months will solve the problem is away with the birds. This defeat was not a shock as we have all seen the performances this year - it was well below par. Our first game v Westmeath had us all excited.

Interesting stats, 8 of the Westmeath team that beat us in the league was on the field for Croke Park in winning Leinster.
12 of the Sligo team that started first league played last Sat, Michael Lavin (Sub v Westmeath) , Gavin Gorman, Eddie McGuinness.

For me I will leave you on a few points and not all management fault but unfortunately, they are always in the hotseat.

1. No Game plan or tactically poor (Management)
2. Seem to still be playing game under old rules (Management)
3. Too many hamstring or small injuries (S&C which is management)
4. No desire (Players)

I am not trying to knock anyone, and people might be annoyed with my last point, but I was at 90% of games this year and we were missing that. There have been players wearing that jersey than would not have the standard of some of current group but trust me - they gave it 110%.

Anyways, hopefully we find a few more players from club championship for next year and rebuild. We cannot go any lower to where we are at the moment."
Couldn't agree with you more RealSouth and your diagnosis of the 4 key areas are spot on. I had a few posts since Saturday but they didn't make it. I do feel though that the team and the supporters will not buy into the same package that is there presently without some sort of change in management. It may not be a full clear out but I don't think you can go back next year without some new personnel involved. It was a very sorry state of affairs Saturday. I thought we couldn't be much worse than Leitrim game but how wrong I was. It is a shame for the likes of Murphy if that is how he has to bow out and he has been a great servant to he county with very little rewards out of it. There are other older members of the panel who like him may say no thank you if they don't see some sort of a change.

Sligoman1234 (Sligo) - Posts: 694 - 17/06/2026 13:23:16    2680309

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I am broadly in agreement with the above posts. I had a few other posts written in the last few days but they never got past the admins, the same admins that are happy to allow the drivel on the Leitrim page. I would be afraid that the feeling is that we searched the county last year and this is what we have. That's not true. There's always lads available, maybe only one or two. I dare'nt name names. If we can pull a few from the U.20 and get commitment plus a few back from injury it would be a great start. We have a few lads in that 26 and can you honestly say that they will go in to the trenches and fight for Sligo football ?

eoinog (Sligo) - Posts: 2487 - 17/06/2026 22:29:08    2680383

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Now that the county scene can be put to bed and hopefully never be repeated again we're left with the club scene.

A few observations at the half way point.
Division 1: Harps in flying form which I expected to happen soon but not perhaps just this year, they will be a serious championship contended in the near future but looking at their remaining fixtures I think they'll be in the league final. Curry started off very well and it'll do their Intermediate hopes no harm at all but I think they'll slip out of the finalist position. Mary's probably the team to make the final. At the other end Tubber are gone I feel and the loser of Ballymote and Tourlestrane will join them...probably Ballymote.

Division 2: Fair play to Cloonacool and Geevagh who with limited enough panels are flying it, but I don't expect them to play each other in a league final, probably only one of them will hold on and I'd tip Geevagh to win the battle of the mountain men and secure the final. Teams from 6th up will start taking points from one another over the coming rounds to make it an interesting finish. Harps and Molaise B teams for the drop. Coolaney won't be too content with some of their results as a senior team, I know they've a few county lads but still expected them in the top 4 at this stage not bottom 4.

Division 3: As expected Calry and Farnan's leading the pack here but of concern must be St Pats paltry 3 points out of 10. Granted they've played all the other first teams at this point but it doesn't bode well for them and their championship status will be in question too.

Division 4: St John's losing to Owenmore Gaels B is a bad sign and while both with be promoted, John's won't need to get too excited about Junior championship unless there's a major improvement.

Sligoman1234 (Sligo) - Posts: 694 - 18/06/2026 10:15:36    2680401

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Hard to not agree with what is said here . The reality is when you look at a county team it should be like a well oiled machine .. I have to say u20 and minor setups had a structure and plans with management who had standards which made them competitive . They fought for each other . It's genuinely so sad to see Sligo at senior level at this low of a state . Systems beat the player and Sligo at senior level have zero . Injuries are one thing put holy god give a team structure and a game plan . Players seen disillusioned on the field . I hope the lads can turn this around .

Onthe50!! (Sligo) - Posts: 7 - 18/06/2026 23:13:11    2680527

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Things becoming a bit clearer after round 6. In Div1 no major surprises bar perhaps Molaise having such a comprehensive win over Shamrock Gaels who were reduced to 12 men by end of the game and were seen arguing with each other at half and full time...not a good look for county champions but from talking to a Molaise man in attendance they said Shams were never really in the game and forgot it was a football game mid way through the second half. I attended Mary's and Coolera which no more than the DRP game in middle of the week was a good enjoyable encounter. I'd say it's looking like winner of Mary's Harps this weekend if def. in the final and indeed may well play each other but Curry still in with a serious shout. As expected Ballymote and Tourlestrane will still be looking to their last round meeting bar picking up a surprise point before then.

In Div2 Geevagh are one foot in Div 1 but I hear Cloonacool are down Carty's which may reflect the beating they got off Mullinabreena so I think they'll be out of the running. Castleconnor and Owenmore the chasers now unless Easkey can make it a clean sweep to the finish. Bunnies will not be happy with that result to Owenmore after beating Mullinabreena. And still remains the two B teams for the drop.

Div 3 as expected with exception of Mary's B beating St Michaels by 10. It would appear Owenmore won't have much of a challenge in Junior if this form continues from the other first teams in their respective leagues.

Sligoman1234 (Sligo) - Posts: 694 - 22/06/2026 12:19:38    2681188

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Replying To Sligoman1234:  "Things becoming a bit clearer after round 6. In Div1 no major surprises bar perhaps Molaise having such a comprehensive win over Shamrock Gaels who were reduced to 12 men by end of the game and were seen arguing with each other at half and full time...not a good look for county champions but from talking to a Molaise man in attendance they said Shams were never really in the game and forgot it was a football game mid way through the second half. I attended Mary's and Coolera which no more than the DRP game in middle of the week was a good enjoyable encounter. I'd say it's looking like winner of Mary's Harps this weekend if def. in the final and indeed may well play each other but Curry still in with a serious shout. As expected Ballymote and Tourlestrane will still be looking to their last round meeting bar picking up a surprise point before then.

In Div2 Geevagh are one foot in Div 1 but I hear Cloonacool are down Carty's which may reflect the beating they got off Mullinabreena so I think they'll be out of the running. Castleconnor and Owenmore the chasers now unless Easkey can make it a clean sweep to the finish. Bunnies will not be happy with that result to Owenmore after beating Mullinabreena. And still remains the two B teams for the drop.

Div 3 as expected with exception of Mary's B beating St Michaels by 10. It would appear Owenmore won't have much of a challenge in Junior if this form continues from the other first teams in their respective leagues."
Have to agree with 1234, on all 3 divisions. Hard to judge teams yet though, as all teams seem to be still missing players for one reason or another. In Division 2 , I heard owenmore gaels beat the bunnies very easily at the weekend. Both teams were missing players so again hard to judge. Division 1, Coolera and st marys was a tight game but st marys led from start to finish. Both sides missed scorable chances and both teams will be much different when championship starts. I dont think midfield is the correct position for mark mcdaniel very promising talent over last few years in half forward line.
Div 3 calry are favourites as they have alot of players have returned from injury and a few promising young players coming through like james o donoghue. St michaels loss to a good st marys b team is a big wake up call for championship they need to be able to compete at junior A now or they may back further. St johns looking good in div 4 and 5 they appear to be making a step in the right direction some really good young players beginning to emerge into their adult teams which is badly needed for their club to continue to progress.

Charliepace (Donegal) - Posts: 42 - 22/06/2026 23:12:49    2681364

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Replying To Sligoman1234:  "Things becoming a bit clearer after round 6. In Div1 no major surprises bar perhaps Molaise having such a comprehensive win over Shamrock Gaels who were reduced to 12 men by end of the game and were seen arguing with each other at half and full time...not a good look for county champions but from talking to a Molaise man in attendance they said Shams were never really in the game and forgot it was a football game mid way through the second half. I attended Mary's and Coolera which no more than the DRP game in middle of the week was a good enjoyable encounter. I'd say it's looking like winner of Mary's Harps this weekend if def. in the final and indeed may well play each other but Curry still in with a serious shout. As expected Ballymote and Tourlestrane will still be looking to their last round meeting bar picking up a surprise point before then.

In Div2 Geevagh are one foot in Div 1 but I hear Cloonacool are down Carty's which may reflect the beating they got off Mullinabreena so I think they'll be out of the running. Castleconnor and Owenmore the chasers now unless Easkey can make it a clean sweep to the finish. Bunnies will not be happy with that result to Owenmore after beating Mullinabreena. And still remains the two B teams for the drop.

Div 3 as expected with exception of Mary's B beating St Michaels by 10. It would appear Owenmore won't have much of a challenge in Junior if this form continues from the other first teams in their respective leagues."
Nothing like a good row to sort things out but teams tend to have these on the training ground not in a Div 1 game. Will Evan be back for the start of the Championship? Gaels are already without Conlon and King this year.
I think this is the weekend that Ballymote play Tourlestrane. If Tourlestrane win that should see them safe and I think they will ground out that win. They are not the team of old but they still have enough old warriors that know how to win a game against a young and inexperienced team. If Tourlestrane do lose I would still believe they will pick up points in their last game or 2 to survive. The league could have done with another one or two breaks. There was an awful lot of games in a short space of time. Harp's and Curry could make the league final. That would mean they would have played 9 league games plus the league final plus the Spring League final in just 11 weeks. If the Cartys are missing from Cloonacool then their promotion is gone also. They certainly exceeded my expectations in league 2. If Carrabine is back with Castleconnor for the last few games he would be a help. No current Div 1 team wants to see Castleconnor getting promoted because immediately all they think of is the distance to the venue on the Mayo border. Geevagh are almost home and hosed.

eoinog (Sligo) - Posts: 2487 - 23/06/2026 09:29:37    2681387

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