The county of Roscommon boasts a proud sporting history, with Gaelic games at its core, complemented by growing interest in soccer, rugby, and other pursuits. From historic triumphs to dedicated clubs and athletes, Roscommon’s sporting scene reflects its community’s enduring passion.
Gaelic Games: A County’s Pride
Gaelic Football and hurling, under the Roscommon GAA, have long defined the county’s sporting identity. The senior football team won All-Ireland Senior Football Championships in 1943 and 1944, defeating Cavan in both finals. Roscommon has claimed 23 Connacht Senior Football Championships, with successes in 1905, 1912, 1914, 1943, 1944, 1946, 1947, 1952, 1953, 1961, 1962, 1972, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1990, 1991, 2001, 2010, 2017, and 2019.
In hurling, the county secured its sole Connacht Senior Hurling Championship in 1913 and has won All-Ireland titles at lower levels, including Senior B in 1994, Intermediate in 1999, and Junior in 1965, 1974, and 2001. The county’s underage teams have also shone, with All-Ireland Minor Football Championships in 1939, 1941, 1951, and 2006, and Under-21 football titles in 1966 and 1978.
Clann na nGael, based in Drum and Clonown, leads with 21 Roscommon Senior Football Championship titles, won in 1976, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1984–1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, and 2018. The club also secured six Connacht Senior Club Football Championships (1984–1989) and reached four All-Ireland club finals (1987–1990). St Brigid’s, the 2013 All-Ireland Senior Club football champions, have 14 county titles, with their latest in 2022. Roscommon Gaels, based in Roscommon Town, have 18 senior football titles and 23 senior hurling titles, with hurling successes spanning 1902 to 1970. Four Roads dominates hurling with 35 county titles and won the All-Ireland Junior Club Hurling Championship in 2010.
Football personalities
- Dermot Earley Snr (Michael Glavey’s): Widely considered one of the greatest footballers never to win an All-Ireland, he was an iconic midfielder, 1974/1979 All-Star, and GAA Museum Hall of Fame inductee.
- Jimmy Murray (Knockcroghery): Captained Roscommon to their only two All-Ireland Senior Football titles in 1943 and 1944, and was the first to lift the Sam Maguire in back-to-back years.
- Gerry O’Malley (Brideswell): A legendary figure, often cited as one of the best players to never win a Senior All-Ireland, he starred for the Connacht Railway Cup team in both football and hurling.
- Harry Keegan (Roscommon Gaels): A stalwart defender, he won three All-Star awards (1978, 1980, 1986).
- Pat Lindsay (Clann na nGael): A dominant full-back on the successful 1970s/80s teams, winning an All-Star in 1977.
- Tony McManus (Clann na nGael): A mercurial forward and 1989 All-Star, part of the legendary Clann na nGael club team.
- Francie Grehan (St Aidan’s): A tenacious half-back and leader who won an All-Star in 2001.
- Enda Smith (Boyle): A modern stalwart and influential forward, he won a coveted All-Star in 2023.
- Shane ‘Cake’ Curran (St Brigid’s/Castlerea St Kevin’s): A legendary, maverick goalkeeper/forward known for his outfield skills, club success, and 2001 Connacht title.
- Enon Gavin (Clann na nGael): An outstanding defender, he earned an All-Star award in 1991.
Soccer, Rugby, and Beyond
Soccer has gained traction in Roscommon, with St Joseph’s FC in Monksland making history by winning consecutive SFAI U-16 Cup national titles in 2023 and 2024. Creggs Rugby Club, with its pitch used for training by ladies’ football teams, supports the sport’s growth. Lisnamult Sport and Activity Hub has hosted women’s 5-a-side soccer sessions, fostering community participation. Boyle Tennis Club and Strokestown Golf Club provide facilities for tennis and golf, while Lough Key Forest Park supports parkrun and cycling events through Curlieu Wheelers Cycling Club.
Key Facilities
Dr Hyde Park in Roscommon Town is the county’s premier GAA venue, hosting major matches and undergoing recent upgrades. St Coman’s Park, known as “The Lough,” remains a historic ground for Roscommon Gaels. Lisnamult Sport Hub and Strokestown Community & Sports Centre offer modern amenities for multiple sports. Boyle’s tennis courts and Athleague’s Riverside Centre, with its swimming area, cater to diverse activities.
Prominent Personalities
Roscommon has produced several standout figures. Jimmy Murray captained the 1943 and 1944 All-Ireland football teams, while Dermot Earley Snr, a legendary midfielder, holds the county’s National Football League scoring record and is celebrated as one of the greatest players without a senior All-Ireland medal. Tony McManus, with 14 county titles and seven Connacht club titles with Clann na nGael, also won an All-Ireland U-21 medal in 1978.
In hurling, Paddy Perry won eight All-Ireland Senior Softball Handball titles in the 1930s. Lizzie Glennon and Cait Kenny earned All-Star nominations in camogie, while Pauline Gibbons starred in Roscommon’s 1978 All-Ireland Senior Ladies’ Football Championship win.
Honours and Years of Success
Roscommon’s county teams have a strong record. Football All-Irelands were won in 1943 and 1944, with Connacht titles in 22 years, most recently 2019. Hurling achievements include the 1913 Connacht title, All-Ireland Senior B in 1994, and Intermediate in 1999. Club honours include Clann na nGael’s 21 football titles and six Connacht titles (1984–1989), St Brigid’s 2013 All-Ireland club title, and Four Roads’ 35 hurling titles and 2010 All-Ireland Junior club win. Roscommon Gaels’ 23 hurling titles (1902–1970) and 18 football titles add to the county’s tally. Ladies’ football saw All-Ireland titles in Senior (1978), Intermediate (2005), and Junior (2001).
A Bright Future
Roscommon’s sporting community continues to flourish, with clubs and facilities nurturing new talent. From the historic fields of Dr Hyde Park to the community-driven Lisnamult Hub, the county’s dedication to sport promises more achievements in the years to come.
Sports in the county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Roscommon:
Ireland’s county Roscommon combines historic sites with tranquil landscapes, with Roscommon Castle’s imposing ruins offering a glimpse into medieval Ireland. Lough Key Forest Park provides boating and treetop canopy walks, while the Arigna Mining Experience explores the county’s industrial past. Other attractions include the sacred site of Rathcroghan, linked to ancient mythology. Roscommon is Ireland’s 11th largest county by size (2,463 square km) and eighth smallest by population (70,259). Population peaked at 253,591 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 53,519 in 1971. In terms of hospitality, Roscommon is Ireland’s 31st most visited and Ireland’s second least visited tourist county with around 25,000 international visitors per year.
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