Gaelic masters knock out stages launched in Sligo
THE Sligo Masters’ squad was well-represented at the launch of the Gaelic Masters knock-out stages in the Sligo Park hotel last weekend. They take on Cavan in Drumlish, Co. Longford, this Saturday, October 21st at 5pm in the All-Ireland semi-final. Having finished unbeaten in the group stages, Sligo will head into the game with last year’s beaten finalists with confidence, but aware that a top performance will be needed to get through.
The launch night was attended by representatives from the 12 counties that will compete next weekend in the semi-finals of the All-Ireland, Shield and Plate competitions. Masters’ PRO Con O’Meara welcomed everyone to Sligo and paid tribute to the mangers and players who drive an organisation that is amateur at all levels. All the fixtures were issued by Secretary, Muiris Quinn (Gal- way) John Pat Sheridan (Mayo), Chairman of the Gaelic Masters, highlighted the growth in the Masters from 5 counties in 2011 to 15 this year, with more looking to join in 2018. The Australian Football League Masters side are looking to tour again in 2019 after a successful two-test series last year that Ireland won. John Pat highlighted the physical and mental benefits of the Masters as a sporting outlet for over-40s players, and also acknowledged the tough month the Sligo Gaelic community had endured with the passing of Mairead Davey and Jackie O’Hara.
If the Sligo side, managed by Neil Carew, Reggie McNulty, and Gerry Monaghan, manufacture a win next weekend, then an All-Ireland final with either Mayo or Donegal beckons. Those sides lock horns in Ballymote next Saturday at 2.30pm.