Roscommon look to land the Lidl National league division three title tomorrow in Birr.
The Rossies, are aiming to win Division 3 silverware for the second time in three seasons after an impressive season.
After landing the title in 2022, the Connacht outfit suffered relegation last year. However they’ve bounced back at the first attempt to the second tier.
Clare were stung by defeat in the 2023 decider. The Banner County lost a thrilling decider against Kildare at Parnell Park that went all the way to extra-time.
Recent form suggests, there will be very little to separate them. When the sides met in February the counties played out a draw, 1-7 apiece. Clare were seven points down at half-time. However, wind-assisted, they rallied in the second-half.
Roscommon inched ahead late on but Clare claimed a draw in the dying moments. Fidelma Marrinan, ZuCar Golden Boot winner for 2023, nailed the levelling point.
On the day, it was Marrinan (1-4) and her attacking sidekick, Chloe Moloney, who accounted for all of Clare’s scores.
For Roscommon, Aisling Hanly scored 1-1, Laura Fleming (Roscommon’s top scorer in the League) contributed 0-3 from frees. Aisling Feeley landed two points from play and Lauren Shanagher were also on target.
Marrinan is top scorer in Division 3 to date and won’t be caught at the top of the charts.
The return of Ailish Considine to the Clare ranks this year is another major boosts, undoubtedly makes the team stronger.
Looking at the bigger picture and what lies in store come championship time, these are two teams who will fancy their chances of glory.
Roscommon failed to make it out of the group stages last year, but look a far better outfit this year. Whereas, Clare will aim to go one better.
Promotion guaranteed for both sides
Both of Saturday’s opponents are assured of promotion to Division 2 for 2025. However, both will be keen to finish their League campaign with the trophy.
Looking at the roll of honour, Clare have previous historical form in this competition. Finalists last year, as referenced above, they won’t want to lose a second successive final.
However, Clare were successful in final appearances in 2011 and 2006. Meanwhile, Roscommon have lifted the trophy in 2022, 2009 and 2001.
Roscommon’s first Division 3 final appearance was back in 1997. Where, they lost out to Longford. Since then they have a 100% record in Division 3 finals.
Clare: A Lenihan; A Keane, S Ní Chonaill, G Harvey; L Ryan, J Doohan, R Considine; S Considine, A Reidy; L Griffin, C Harvey (c), A Sexton; T Collins, F Marrinan, A Considine.
Roscommon: H Cummins; A McGrath, E Irwin (c), J McDermott; R Fitzmaurice, S Wynne, C Cregg; L O’Rourke, K Nolan; L Fleming, L Shanagher, S Farrell; A Hanly, A Gavin, A MacAuliffe.
