Senan Kilbride of the St Brigid’s club has informed Roscommon GAA of his intention to retire from intercounty football. Senan has been a regular on the Roscommon Senior Football Team since he made his championship debut back in 2008 against Galway. He made his actual inter county debut in the Allianz League in 2005 

One of the best regarded forwards in Roscommon football he was at his happiest when with his brother Ian, and his club St Brigid’s, they won the All-Ireland Club Championship title in 2013.

In May 2015, he collected the Opel Players of the Month award in football for his performances in the month of April on the football pitch.

Roscommon GAA Co Board Chairman Seamus Sweeney said “on behalf of Roscommon GAA people everywhere I would like to thank Senan for his tremendous service to Roscommon GAA and I know he’ll continue the great work in St Brigid’s and through his work as a primary school teacher. Well done Senan and thanks for the memories.”

The new 'mark' rule will come into effect at all levels of Gaelic Football from January 1st next year.  Look at the video below and read our facts on the new rule. 

Rule 2.12 – 'The Mark'

When a player catches the ball cleanly from a Kick-Out without it touching the ground, on or past the 45m line nearest the Kick-Out point, he shall be awarded a ‘Mark’ by the Referee.

The player awarded a ‘Mark’ shall have the options of (a) Taking a free kick or (b) Playing on immediately.

The following procedures shall apply:

(a) Free Kick

The player shall signify to the Referee if he is availing of the free kick and then take the free kick himself from the hand from the point where he was awarded the ‘Mark’.

Once the player indicates he is taking the ‘Mark’, the Referee shall allow up to five seconds for the player to take the kick. If the player delays longer than five seconds, the Referee shall cancel the ‘Mark’ and throw in the ball between a player from each side.

Once the player indicates he is taking the ‘Mark’, the opposing players must retreat 10m to allow the player space to take the kick. If an opposing player deliberately blocks or attempts to block the kick within 10m, or if an opposing player impedes the player while he is taking the kick, the Referee shall penalise the opposing team by bringing the ball forward 13m.

If the Referee determines that the player who makes the ‘Mark’ has been injured in the process and is unable to take the kick, the Referee shall direct the Player’s nearest team mate to take the kick but he may not score directly from the kick.

(b) Play on immediately

(i) In this circumstance the player may not be challenged for the ball until he carries the ball up to a maximum of four consecutive steps or holds the ball for no longer than the time needed to take four steps and/or makes one act of kicking, handpassing, bouncing or toe-tapping the ball.

(ii) If the Player is illegally challenged, a free kick shall be awarded to his team from the point at which the challenge is made, and this free kick may be taken by any player on his team.

***

'The Mark' – Applicable 1 January 2017

Central Council gave an Interpretation as follows:

1. The referee shall award “the mark” by blowing the whistle.

2. “On or past the 45m line” shall mean that both feet of the catcher are on or past the 45m line when he catches the ball or on landing.

3. In order to signify that he wishes to take a free-kick, the player who catches the ball and has been awarded a “mark” by the referee should stop playing. If he does not obviously stop then it should be taken that he is “playing on”.

4. “Challenged” as mentioned in the rule is taken as “tackle” as defined; once the player plays on he may be tackled after four steps or once he plays the ball in any way.

5. All players must be at least 13 metres from where “the mark” is awarded.

6. When a player who is awarded a “mark” is injured, any team mate may take the free kick, which must be taken from the hands. The player in question may not score directly from the kick. (Current rule states that only the “nearest team mate” may take the free kick).

7. In order to be awarded a “Mark”, the ball must not have been touched in flight by another player.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How does the Referee award a “Mark”?

The Referee awards a Mark by blowing the whistle.

2. To be awarded a “Mark” does the catch have to be from a kick-out from the player’s own team?

No, a Mark shall be awarded if the catch is from a kick-out from either team.

3. Is a “Mark” awarded for a catch from a kick-out no matter where it takes place?

No, a Mark shall be awarded if the catch is made on or outside the 45m line from a kick-out from either team.

4. How does the player who is awarded the “Mark”, “signify to the Referee” that he is availing of the free kick?

In order to signify that he wishes to take a free-kick, the player who catches the ball and has been awarded the “Mark” by the Referee should stop playing. If he does not obviously stop then it should be taken that he is “playing on”.

5. How long has the player awarded the “Mark” to take the free kick?

He shall not delay longer than five seconds.

6. If the player awarded the “Mark” delays the taking of the free kick by more than five seconds, what is the award?

The Mark and free kick shall be cancelled and a throw-in between one player from each side is awarded.

7. How far do players have to be from the free kick?

All players (team-mates and opponents) must be 13m from the free kick.

8. If the player who has been awarded the Mark chooses to take a free kick and a player from the opposing team blocks or attempts to block that kick within 13m or interferes with the player who has chosen to take the kick, what is the award?

A free kick 13m more advantageous shall be awarded.

9. What happens if a team mate plays the ball within 13m of the free kick awarded for the Mark?

A free kick is awarded to the opposition. 

10. If the player awarded the Mark is injured in the process what is the award?

Any team mate may take the free kick from the hands, but he may not score directly frm the kick.

11. What is the award if a player, who is taking the free kick following an injury to a team mate, scores directly from the kick?

A free kick is awarded to the opposition from the point at which the original free kick was taken.

12. When the player awarded the Mark decides to play on, when may he be tackled?

He may be tackled after he takes four steps or once he plays the ball in any way.

13. What is the award if a player who has chosen to play on is illegally challenged?

A free kick shall be awarded at the point at which the illegal challenge is made.

Roscommon GAA are looking forward to a new era with Dr Hyde Park. Everything going well the new Hyde pitch will open to welcome Donegal to Roscommon for round 2 of the Division 1 Allianz League. The days of doubtful games will hopefully be behind us. 

In recognition of the fact that Dr Hyde Park has been home to Roscommon GAA for over 40 years a wealth of great memories have been created. People all over the world have experienced great occasions seen wonderful things.

Conor Devaney scored the last point in Dr Hyde Park when Roscommon beat Sligo in the Connacht Championship this June. The very first point scored in Dr Hyde Park was scored we are told by Roscommon Gaels footballer Greg Mc Crann in an underage game against Michael Glavey’s before the Roscommon Sligo championship game of 1971 when it opened.

We all have memories of the Hyde, who will ever forget the Gerry Lohan Goal in 2001, Connacht Final of 1980, Dermot Earley’s last game in 1985? What about 1978 and the Under 21 All Ireland or The ladies All Ireland Final of the same year?

Did you score in the Hyde? Play for your school, club, or county? Maybe it’s something else an occasion, someone you were with. Regardless, we have memories and we can share them.

Mayo People, did you see Aidan O Shea in 2015 as Mayo got 5 in a row? Maybe Leitrim in 1994 there are loads of memories just share them.

Go to www.clubrossie.ie and follow the instructions. It costs just €20 and it’s there for the next 3 years.  

 In addition you can also look at what others have shared. What a wonderful chance to relive old memories and give someone a chance to share their memory too.

You could  buy a square to honour a loved one, memories you had with parent or relative that has passed. Fill in your memories and you have a lovely memorial on our virtual Hyde.

This is a low cost way of showing your desire to support Club Rossie and Roscommon GAA as we work to make things great.

Click Here To Visit The Hyde Pitch

The County finals were held in the Dean Crowe Hall Athlone (today) Sunday where competitors competed against each other for the title of County Champion.

The young figure dancing team from St. Brigid’s were the surprise winners as they knocked St.Dominic’s off the podium. St. Dominic’s have been knocking on the door at the All-Ireland’s for the last few years and were eager to return this year to try to win the crown. 

However, this  will not be the year and they had further disappointment in the Set Dancing when the title went to Elphin. Elphin are no strangers to Set Dancing and have won County titles previously. 

Aoife McLoughlin  Kilbride completed a hat trick by winning her third county title in a row in Solo Singing. It was “Beauty” versus “Beast” as she had to compete against her “co-star” Conor McCormack St . Dominic’s. Recently Aoife played the role of Beauty and Conor played the Beast in the Convent of Mercy’s recent production of Beauty & the Beast. 

Patrick Mullooly was a popular winner in Recitation. His piece ” The Paper Boy” tells of the time of a young paper boy during Easter 1916. Patrick won the All Ireland in 2015 and will be hoping to add another title to his CV. 

St. Dominic’s also had wins in the Leiriu and the Ballad Group. Kilbride also won their second county final in a row with their Instrumental group. 

As a neutral on the day, it is lovely to sit back and enjoy the talents of our young people in Roscommon. Some of the competitors have competed for years and this will be their final year. For others, it has been their first year at a County final and it can be daunting. The winners are all delighted with their successes but for those, who do not move forward, it is bitterly disappointing. However, Scor na nOg is an opportunity for communities to come together to showcase the extremely gifted young people we have in our county. We wish our County Champions the best of luck in the Connacht finals. 

Roscommon GAA Hurling Committee announced last night that they had appointed Johnny Kelly of Portumna Co Galway as the new Roscommonsenior hurling manager. 

Johnny has an impressive CV, having managed his club Portumna to two All Ireland Club successes, he has also managed the Galway under 21team and the Intermediate Team and was also manager of the Offaly club Coolderry.

Speaking after the announcement PRO of the Roscommon hurling committee Robert Mc Conn said “We wish Johnny the very best of luck with ourCounty Senior Team and look forward to a successful season ahead”.  

The full back room team will be announced later.

Roscommon GAA are tonight announcing the retirement of two members of the 2016 senior football panel. Geoffrey Claffey former county goalkeeper and team captain  and Niall Carty former team captain both indicated their intention to retire from inter county football prior to the formation of the 2017 Roscommon intercounty panel. Geoffrey also indicated that he is also retiring from club football while Niall hopes to continue playing with his club Padraig Pearses.

Geoffrey made his championship debut against Galway in 2006 and over the years has contributed impressively to Roscommon’s cause as the county’s goalkeeper. He was Roscommon Captain in 2012.

Niall made his championship debut against New York in 2011. He captained Roscommon to win the Division 3 and Division 2 Allianz National Leagues in 2014 and 2015.  Niall was also a member of the 2006 All Ireland winning Minor Team. Niall has been dogged by injury in recent times.

Seamus Sweeney Roscommon GAA Co. Chairman speaking on behalf of Roscommon GAA, said “I would like to thank you both for the fantastic service you have given the county. You both contributed to some of our happiest days out, while I understand Geoffrey has retired from football I’m sure I’ll see Niall wearing the red and white of his club Padraig Pearses  for a few a more years.”

Kevin Mc Stay Roscommon senior team manager said “that like all Roscommon people I wish both men well, they made significant contributions to two of the greatest days in recent Roscommon history; Niall in  the All Ireland Minor Final Victory in 2006 and Geoffrey in the Connacht Final victory of 2010”.

Roscommon GAA are delighted that
the Captain of the Roscommon hurling team Michéal Kelly has been named as one
of the 15 recipients of a Champions 15 for the Christy Ring Cup for the 2016
season.  

The awards winners will be
presented with their awards on Friday evening next in the Convention Centre in
Dublin on the occasion of the GAA GPA All-Stars sponsored by Opel.

A Player of the Year will also be
selected on the evening for each competition.

Christy Mc Dermott Chairman of
the Roscommon Hurling Committee said that Micheal was selected on the back of his
performances during the year and is fully deserving of the award. I suppose we
were unlucky not to have maybe one or two more recipients however Micheal’s
class has been apparent for quite a while. The Four Roads Club man  was previously recognised last
year and also in 2009 and 2006.

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael
Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “I congratulate all recipients of these awards
following their stellar performances during the summer.

“These players and the teams they
play for do not always attract the attention or the credit their skills and
contribution to hurling deserve and these awards are a tacit recognition of the
standards they have set for themselves.

“I laud the displays and the
efforts of all of those named and hope this acknowledgement will further bolster
their desire for future honours.”

Club Rossie recently held an
event to publicly thank our Club Rossie Bus drivers. The host for the evening was John Doorly (Bus caretaker) and also in attendance
was our Bus Coordinator Nuala Diffley and our Bus Transport Manager Paul
Gillespie, and other bus drivers Enda Beirne ,Tom O Connor ,Mal Keogh ,Tim
Nolan, Damian Regan, Tom Corcoran ,and Tommy Beirne.

We were also delighted to have present two of the travel partners involved in
the bus project Tomas and Seamus Carthy. Sean Mannion represented the Social
Initiative group at the event. Roscommon County Board was represented on the
night by Frank Egan Minor Football Board Chairman and Seamus Sweeney the
Chairman of the County Board.

On the night Seamus thanked all the drivers for their time and cooperation, doing
so on a voluntary basis to support Roscommon GAA.

The drivers on the night spoke of how teams, schools, social initiative trips
,and other Clubs that travelled on the bus did so with pride. They also
commented on the fact that no matter where the bus goes, Roscommon people come
up and take photos of it with their families.

The bus has been used by all
codes over the past 3 years and continues to be a fantastic marketing tool for
Club Rossie  and Roscommon GAA to promote all our teams, when they travel
outside the County.

Club Rossie would like to thank the following travel partners

Dermot Hughes Cars
Seamus Carthy REA Auctioneers
Scania Westward
O Neills
Roscommon Herald
Ballymore
Leydon Bros,London
BNP Paribas
Hodson Bay Hotel.

Without the financial support of our travel partners and the volunteer services
of the drivers the Club Rossie Bus would not be viable.

We in Club Rossie and Roscommon GAA would like to sincerely thank all involved
with the project.

Thanks to Sean in The Peppermill for providing the food on the night and to Tom
Carthy who sponsored the event.

Roscommon GAA is delighted to announce the appointment of Kevin Mc Stay as the Roscommon Senior Football Manager. 

At a special meeting of Roscommon GAA held tonight the club delegates confirmed the appointment of Kevin Mc Stay as the Manager of the Roscommon Senior Team. He will be joined by a backroom team which will include existing selector Liam Mc Hale and others to be named. 

County Chairman Seamus Sweeney wished Kevin the best of luck and said that it is now “all systems go for Roscommon as we prepare for the 2017 season. 

All attention is now focused on the County Football Finals this weekend” he added “and will soon move towards the FBD Connacht league and our 2017 Division One campaign which starts with a tough away game against Tyrone on Saturday 5th of February”.