Opportunity knocks for Four Roads

Ian Cooney of the Roscommon Herald looks ahead to Sunday’s final

Four Roads are appearing in their first All-Ireland junior club final in six years. Roscommon Herald Sports Editor Ian Cooney looks at the South Roscommon side’s prospects and hones in on their desire to make the most of this opportunity…

Roscommon camogie is on a bit of a roll following last year’s Nancy Murray Cup triumph. Since then Four Roads have captured the Connacht
intermediate championship and a stirring second-half performance from Athleague landed the provincial junior title a few months ago.
But All-Ireland recognition at club level is the only currency work talking about in Four Roads as they prepare for today’s eagerly anticipated All-
Ireland junior club final against Corofin.

Victory would mean everything to the Four Roads girls. A 4-13 to 0-8 defeat against Leitrim Fontenoys in 2004 pointed to a team in its infancy.
The intervening years have witnessed Four Roads make progress, albeit they have always struggled at the semi-final stage against superior
opposition.

This year has been different though. A restructuring of the championship has provided a more even playing field and Four Roads have
prospered as a result. They will parade the perfect mix of youth and experience and they feel that their time has come to deliver a much-
coveted an All-Ireland final.

Their semi-final dismissal of Kilmessan from Meath bore all the hallmarks of a team determined to end the famine. Apart from the concession
of a penalty in the opening minute, Four Roads dominated from pillar to post. Niamh Coyle and Lizzie Glennon-Tully were immense up front.

Gertie Dowd and Catherine Rogerson provided the platform at midfield, while Siobhan Coyle and Marie Glennon-Kelly hurled as if their lives
depended on it in defence.

In an interview with the Roscommon Herald ahead of today’s final, Simon Coyle, who is joined by Joe Mannion, Mark Crosbie and Marie O’Brien,
on the management team was in no doubt what was required for All-Ireland success.
“”In sport you challenge yourself to improve. We want to get back to the level we were at against Kilmessan but it won’t be easy.

“”Winning an All-Ireland would mean everything to the girls. We’ve covered a lot of ground over the last two years. The girls have been so
dedicated and I would be delighted to see them win on Sunday.
“”We’re dedicated to hurling. When a team hurl to the best of their ability, you can ask for no more. That’s the key on Sunday,”” he assessed.

With those words of wisdom ringing in their ears, Four Roads are primed to deliver on the big stage. The challenge is huge but Four Roads like
nothing better than a challenge to be reckoned with.

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