Two-time Connacht champion Cathal Cregg believes Roscommon’s attacking resurgence and adaptation to the Football Review Committee’s (FRC) new rules could set the team up for a successful season. However, he cautions that younger defenders need more experience to withstand the demands of championship football.
Roscommon have embraced the new regulations with an attacking flair, posting impressive scorelines of 3-21 against Down and 1-17 against Louth. Last season, they reached the All-Ireland quarter-finals, with Enda Smith and Diarmuid Murtagh leading the charge. Over the winter, they bolstered their attack further with the return of Ciaráin Murtagh, Ben O’Carroll, and Cian McKeon.
Strength in Attack, Questions in Defence
Speaking to RTÉ Sport in his role as an Electric Ireland Higher Education Championships ambassador, Cregg praised Roscommon’s attacking depth but raised concerns about their defence.
“I think they have the forwards potentially to win an All-Ireland, but whether they’re strong enough in other areas of the field remains to be seen,” Cregg said.
“Defensively, they probably need to shore it up a bit. From an attacking perspective, they’ll be fine, but against a strong attacking team, that’s the one area I have a question mark over. There are a lot of young players in the defence who need game time in the league.”
Roscommon face table-toppers Monaghan on Sunday, a match that will serve as another test for their youthful defence.
New Rules Improving the Game
Cregg is optimistic about the FRC’s new directives, which aim to speed up play and increase scoring.
“I’d have to be very positive towards them,” he said. “We’re seeing better football, more scores, and fewer delays. As players and referees get more comfortable with the changes, I think we’ll have a much better product compared to last year.”
Despite some criticism of the new rules, Cregg believes they have improved the spectacle and expects fans to appreciate the changes as the league progresses.
Connacht Air Dome Set for Restoration
As Connacht GAA Provincial Coaching and Games Manager, Cregg also provided an update on the province’s Air Dome, which was severely damaged by Storm Éowyn. Work has begun on restoring the €3.1m structure, which is a vital facility for schools, clubs, and counties.
“We don’t have a timeline, but hopefully in the relatively near future. It is fully insured, and rebuilding will take time. It was devastating news, not just for Connacht GAA but for everyone who relies on it.”
Despite the setback, major college competitions, including the Sigerson Cup and Ashbourne Cup, have continued as planned, with the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup final between DCU and UL set to take place this Saturday at 2:45 pm.
For more GAA coverage, tune in to the RTÉ GAA Podcast on the RTÉ Radio Player, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.