SPORT ROUND-UP
Triathlon thrills will return later this month
Sligo Triathlon Club is hosting a triathlon on Sunday week, April 24. The event features three categories – adult super sprint, adult sprint and U-16.
The adult super sprint distance, generally for first-time triathletes, consists of a 300 metres swim, a 20k cycle and a 5k run. The adult sprint distance, which is ideal for experienced triathletes to begin their season, has a 750 metres swim, a 20k cycle and a 5k run. The U-16 event caters for four age groups as follows: 8-9 years (100m swim, 2.5k cycle, 800 metres run); 10-11 years (150m swim, 5k cycle, 1.5k run); 12-13 years (250m swim, 7k cycle, 2.5k run); 14-16 years (400m swim, 10k cycle, 3k run). The swim takes place at the Sligo Regional Sports Centre swimming pool. The cycle leg will take in a scenic route to Ballygawley and back. For the run, participants will use a course through Cleveragh Regional Park and Doorly Park. Those who wish to take part can register online at sligotriathlon.ie.
Bronze for boxer Clancy in Romania
Sligo boxer Dean Clancy was part of the Team Ireland selection for the Golden Belt Nicolae Linca Tournament in Romania. ATU Sligo student Clancy, a member of Sean McDermott Boxing Club in Manorhamilton, competed in the men’s 63.5kg category. He claimed a bronze medal as a beaten semi-finalist.
Clancy got through his first bout thanks to a defeat of Belgian boxer Mohamed Boukala which was a unanimous decision from the judges. He lost to German David Gkevorgkian in the semi-final.
The IABA (Irish Amateur Boxing Association) Team Ireland featured 13 boxers, five female fighters and eight male pugilists.
Goalie Sample misses out on March prize
Sligo Rovers senior women’s team goalkeeper Kristen Sample missed out on the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League Player of the Month award for March. American Sample, who has been in outstanding form for Rovers, was one of six players shortlisted for the prize.
The award went to Peamount United striker Stephanie Roche, who was chosen ahead of Sample, Laurie
Ryan (Athlone Town), Sarah McKevitt (DLR Waves), Aine O’Gorman (Peamount United) and Pearl Slattery (Shelbourne).
In the voting for the award, Sample finished third behind winner Roche and Shelbourne captain Pearl Slattery.
Roche netted six goals in March but two of these were since chalked off – her brace against Rovers in a 6-0 win on the opening day of the season. That game was awarded to Rovers as a 3-0 win because Peamount were sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player.
Entry reached for Strandhill’s Warriors Run
Registration is full for the Strandhill Warriors Run, which returns on Saturday, August 27, after an absence of nearly three years. Already there are over 1,100 entrants who’ve signed up to take part in this famous multi-terrain 15k race. Those born after April 8, 2004, can’t take part in the Warriors Run.
There are still places available for the Warriors Walk (a 10k route). Register at warriors.run.ie.
The last Warriors Run, which took place in 2019, was won by Belgian Max Drion with a time of 51:56. The best local finisher was Sligo AC’s Seamus Somers, who was fourth overall. Somers clocked 56:55. The Warriors Run in 2019 was the 35th staging of the event.
Hefty away defeat for Sligo RFC’s first XV
Sligo RFC’s first XV wrapped up their Energia All-Ireland League Division 2B campaign with a 46-10 away defeat to Dublin’s Wanderers on Saturday last.
Sligo’s two tries were scored by Guilherme Coghetto and Calum Goddard. This game marked a first XV debut for two Sligo players, Niall O’Connor and Taylor Anderson. This 36-point defeat was Sligo’s ninth defeat in 18 games. Sligo finished sixth in this season’s Division 2B, with an overall record of eight wins, one draw and nine losses. Sligo’s eighth win, recorded at home against Dungannon on the weekend before last, was their first victory in this season’s competition since January 15.
Teen hurlers lose to Mayo in Celtic Challenge
Sligo’s U-17 hurlers began their GAA Celtic Challenge campaign with a six-point loss against Mayo, 1-15 to 2-6, at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Bekan on Saturday last. Sligo were seven points ahead, 2-2 to 0-1, at one stage in the first-half, after goals from Joseph McCaughey and team captain Ciarán Keenan.
But Sligo had surrendered their lead by half-time and trailed by a point, 1-7 to 2-3. They were outscored in the second-half, 0-5 to 0-3, but were hampered by an injury to Ciarán Keenan. Sligo finished up with 14 players due to a second booking for Adam Rolston. Mayo’s leading scorer was Colm Enright, whose tally was 1-9.
Sligo’s next Group Nine fixture in this competition is an away test against Tyrone this Saturday (Fintona GAA Club pitch, 12.30pm). They play Donegal at the Sligo GAA Centre of Excellence, Scarden, on Saturday week (12 noon).
Sligo U-17 hurling squad (v Mayo): Thomas Hargadon, Corey O’Dowd, Robert O’Kelly-Lynch (0-2, 1f) (Naomh Eoin); Patrick Walsh (0-1), Adam Rolston (vice-captain), Cormac Vereker (Easkey); Tadhg Doggett, Thomas Kinnane, Oisín Hennessy, Oisín Whelan, Jack Feeney, Jack McDaniel, Cathal Hughes (Coolera-Strandhill); Conor White, Joseph McCaughey (1-1), Donnacha O’Brien
(0-1), Matthew Percy, Daniel Tiernan (Drumcliffe-Rosses Point); Neil Kelly, Conor Lang (0-1), Eoghan Durkan, Thomas Sheridan, Ciarán Keenan (c) (1-0) (Western Gaels); Michael Costigan (Calry-St Joseph’s).
Golfers’ social dance at Castle Dargan Hotel
The Ladies Branch of Castle Dargan Golf Club are hosting an afternoon social dance at Castle Dargan Hotel on Sunday week, April 24 (4-7pm).
Music will be provided by Michael Walsh and Leo Taaffe. The entry fee is €10, payable at the door.
ATU Sligo duo are on a losing team at Croker
There was disappointment for two ATU Sligo Ladies Footballers, Niamh Boyle and Roisín Rodgers, as they were on the Donegal side that lost by two points to Meath, 2-8 to 1-9, in last Sunday’s Lidl National Football League Division One final against Meath at Croke Park in Dublin.
This was Meath’s first LGFA National Football League Division One title and follows on from their capture of the LGFA All-Ireland Senior Championship crown last September at the same venue.
Clancy is on the bench for FAI Schools
Sligo Rovers U-19 player Eanna Clancy was an unused substitute for the FAI Schools Republic of Ireland Boys U-18 team that drew 1-1 against England in last Friday night’s Centenary Shield fixture at Eastleigh FC. Clancy is a student at St Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton. Darragh Reilly, who is also a member of the Rovers U-19 team, was unable to make the trip due to an oral exam – he studies at St Gerald’s College, Castlebar.
The draw with England follows a 2-1 defeat of Scotland and a share of the spoils with Northern Ireland, 2-2 – both of these games taking place last month.
On Thursday next, April 21, the Republic of Ireland are away to Wales for their fourth and final fixture of the series – this could be a title decider depending on the outcome of the Wales versus England game tonight, Thursday. England have been deducted points for fielding an overage player in the tournament.
Kenneally bags a try for Cork Con in AIL tie
Knocknahur’s Niall Kenneally is through to another Energia All-Ireland Division One semi-final following Cork Constitutions 21-17 home defeat of Landsdowne, who were already through to the semi-finals, last Saturday afternoon. A 75th minute try
from Frenchman Matisse Lamarque was the decisive score for the hosts. Cork Con, for whom Sligo native Niall Kenneally has been a star for years, were 17-7 down at half-time. Their only try of that first-half came from ex-Ireland club international team captain Kenneally, who scored off a lineout in the 13th minute.
McDermott is waiting for Six Nations chance
Riverstown’s Aoife McDermott wasn’t one of the 23 players selected for the Ireland women’s rugby matchday squad for last Sunday’s TikTok Women’s Six Nations fixture against Italy at Musgrave Park, Cork. This was the third fixture that didn’t feature McDermott, either as a starter or a replacement.
Ahead of the Italy fixture, head coach Greg McWilliams said: “We have challenged the players to take their opportunities and we’re trying to increase competition across the board, which is a really healthy thing to have within your squad.”
Ireland defeated Italy 29-8, scoring five tries, as they recovered from the defeats to Wales and France. Ireland’s next game is on Sunday week, April 24, when they are away to England.
Academy sides had a hectic weekend
There was plenty of activity for the Sligo Rovers Academy teams last weekend.
The U-19 men’s team had an impressive 3-0 victory at home to Derry City on Sunday last, with Kailin Barlow, Peter Maguire and Darragh O’Reilly each scoring in this EA SPORTS U-19 National League of Ireland Group ‘B’ fixture. In Group ‘A’ of the EA SPORTS U-17 National League of Ireland, Rovers were 2-0 winners over Finn Harps at The Showgrounds last Saturday. The players on target for Rovers were Lee Conway and Michael Clifford.
The Bit O’Red U-15s were comprehensive winners against Cavan-Monaghan, beating their opponents 5-0 last Sunday in Group ‘A’ of the EA SPORTS U-15 National League of Ireland.
A Conor Langan brace and a goal each for Darragh McKeon, Peter Moran and James Lavin ensured a big result.
Meanwhile, in the EA SPORTS Women’s U-17 National League of Ireland, Rovers fell to a 3-1 defeat away to undefeated group leaders Donegal. Lara Swann was the goalscorer for Rovers.
Sligo Ladies have no game this Saturday
The Sligo Ladies Footballers were due to take on Clare this Saturday at Curry, in the Connacht LGFA Intermediate Championship first round, but this fixture has been postponed and no refixture has been confirmed yet by the organisers.
Anthony Brennan’s side, who missed out on the Division Three semi-finals in this year’s Lidl National Football League, but avoided the relegation play-off, are scheduled to play Roscommon in the Connacht LGFA Intermediate Championship on Sunday week, April 24 (Dr Hyde Park, 1pm).
Their away game against Leitrim is down for Saturday, April 30, with a 2pm start. The competition final – between
the two best sides, two of Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon and Clare, goes ahead on May 15. Munster side Clare were relegated from Division Two of the Lidl National Football League, losing to Tyrone in the relegation decider on April 3. Meanwhile, Sligo were 3-10 to 1-2 victors over Leitrim in a Connacht LGFA U-16 Championship fixture that was played on Wednesday of last week. Sligo were scheduled to play Mayo last night, Wednesday, at Curry.
Jockey Fox has a first place at Aintree Festival
Sligo jockey Derek Fox, forever in horse racing folklore for his Aintree Grand National win in 2017 with One For Arthur, rode a winner at the famous Liverpool course last Friday as part of this year’s Aintree Festival. He was on board Ahoy Senor, guiding it to first place in the Betway Mildmay Novices’ Chase, a Grade 1 race. Later on Friday he brought Haute Estime to third spot in the Cavani Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle. The following day, Saturday, Fox was on Mighty Thunder, a 40-1 shot, in the Randox Grand National Handicap chase.
But Mighty Thunder had a subdued race and pulled up before the finish. 50-1 Noble Yeats, the final ride of amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, won the race.
Ref Michael takes charge of U-20 game
Sligo GAA referee Michael Connolly is the person in charge of the clash of Roscommon and Mayo in the GAA Hurling All-Ireland U-20
‘B’ Championship (Richie McElligott Cup) semi-final at Athleague tomorrow, Friday, evening (5pm start). Extratime will be played, if necessary.
Sligo were meant to play in this competition’s quarter-final on Saturday, April 2, but gave a walkover to Derry because, according to a Sligo GAA statement, “it has not proved possible to prepare a team adequately this season due to a combination of circumstances”.
Strand Celtic qualify for two Connacht finals
Two of Strand Celtic FC’s underage teams – Boys U-12 and Boys U-18 – have progressed to provincial finals in what is this special year as the club celebrates 50 years in existence.
On Saturday last Strand Celtic were 3-1 winners at home over Galway’s Craughwell United in the Connacht Boys U-18 Shield semi-final. First-half goals from Daire McCormack, Mark McDaniel and Ross Doherty put Strand on course for the final – where they’ll play another Galway club, Salthill Devon – although the visitors scored just before half-time to make it 3-1 at the interval.
Among those who impressed for Strand in this U-18 contest were Ross Doherty and Jamie Walsh. Meanwhile, the Strand Celtic Boys U-12 team were also in action on Saturday last – they defeated Galway side Ballinasloe Town 3-1 after extra-time in the Connacht Boys U-12 Cup semi-final at MacSharry Park’s astroturf pitch.
Both defences were in control during normal time, which ended scoreless. Strand went a goal up early in the first period of extra-time. Senan Hopkins scored from a rebound after the Ballinasloe goalkeeper parried a shot from Adam Parkes, with Ronan Byrne starting the move. A second goal from Adam Parkes – from a Senan Hopkins assist – made it 2-0 to the winners. Then Senan Hopkins netted with a fine individual goal, his second of the afternoon, to put Strand three goals in front.
Ballinasloe converted a penalty in the second period of extra-time but this couldn’t stop Strand from heading to the decider and a clash with Salthill Devon of Galway. Strand Celtic Boys U-12 squad: James Mulhern, Diarmuid Whelan, Conor Beirne, James Sheridan, Sean Monaghan, Senan Keane, Ronan Byrne, Senan Hopkins, Adam Parkes, Conor Parkes, Donagh Oates, Alfie Gordon, Alex Lindsey, Daniel Sweeney, Noah Mavrak, Tom McDaniel, Killian Hynes.
Strand Celtic Boys U-18 squad: Cathal Morahan, Jamie Kilfeather, Daire McCormack, Jakob Krajewski, Shane Ryan, Jack Wiley, Rion Feeney, James Golden, James Parkes, Cathal Ballintine, Mark McDaniel, Jamie Walsh, Andrew Lynch, Donnacha Beirne, Matthew Miley, James Golden, Darragh O’Kelly, Ross Doherty, Michael O’Keefe, Rory Kinane, Daire McCormack, Alfie McDermott.
Mahon in Saints squad for game against Celtic
Collooney’s John Mahon was an unused substitute for St Johnstone in their Scottish Premiership trouncing at the hands of Glasgow Celtic, a 7-0 loss at Celtic Park last Saturday.
Defender Mahon’s former Sligo Rovers teammate Johnny Kenny, who signed for Celtic in January – the same month that Mahon switched to St Johnstone – wasn’t in Celtic’s matchday squad, having yet to make a first team appearance for the Glasgow giants.
Celtic are the current Scottish Premiership leaders and St Johnstone are second from bottom – above the automatic relegation place (currently occupied by Dundee) but six points clear of safety, 10th place in the standings. Scotland’s top flight splits into two – top six and bottom six, with the teams in each section playing five games.
Quinn plays for ROI women in Swedish draw
Lucy Quinn, the Republic of Ireland women’s soccer international who has Ballymote connections, was part of the Vera Pauw-managed team that drew 1-1 away to Sweden on Tuesday night in a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier. This was Quinn’s ninth appearance. Katie McCabe’s goal late in the first-half gave the Republic of Ireland a 1-0 lead but Sweden’s pressure led to a 79th minute equaliser in Gothenburg.
Good Friday 5k in Grange will help Rian
Tomorrow sees the annual Grange Good Friday 5k. This road race, which is suitable for runners and walkers of all abilities, begins from the north Sligo village at 7pm. Those intending to take part are encouraged to enter online at www.njuko.net/ grange5k. However, there is a small window to register tomorrow evening, prior to the run (5.30pm-6.45pm). Prizes – across a range of categories – are sponsored by Mullaney’s SuperValu Grange. Funds raised from tomorrow’s run will go to the family of Rian Loughlin, a young boy diagnosed with leukaemia. He is currently undergoing intensive treatment in Dublin.
Maebh is on Irish hockey U-16 team
Sligo Grammar School student Maebh McLoughlin is in the Hockey Ireland Girls U-16 national squad for a five-nations tournament in the Netherlands this Easter (April 14-19). The Ireland Girls U-16 hockey team will play Holland, England and Germany. McLoughlin, who is also a talented golfer, is the first hockey international from Sligo Grammar and only Sligo’s second international in the sport – the other is her coach at Sligo Grammar, Elayne McDermott.
A past pupil of Sligo’s Ursuline College, McDermott represented Ireland in hockey at schools, U-21 and senior level and amassed 35 international caps before her retirement aged 24.
McDermott is delighted for McLoughlin. The Sligo Grammar teacher said: “She [McLoughlin] has the raw talent and skills but, above all, she has the determination and commitment required for elite sport.”
“I’ve seen Maebh taking a rack of hockey balls after school and practising her flicks, skills and striking.”
North Sligo AC team win silver in 10k race
North Sligo AC won team silver in the Male 35+ category at last Saturday’s Great Ireland Run, which incorporated the Athletics Ireland National 10k Championships, at Dublin’s Phoenix Park. Donal Egan, Craig Brennan and Eamon McAndrew combined for a time of 1:45:03. Egan, placed 32nd, clocked 34:26, with Brennan one place back in 33rd position and a time of 34:35. McAndrew was 59th – he clocked 36:03.
The North Sligo team’s points total was 119, with category winners Inishowen AC on 97 points (1:43:56) and Crusaders AC, who were third, registering 125 points (1:45:31). Also part of the North Sligo team were Eamon Murphy and Alan Wallace. Murphy completed the 10,000 metres distance in 36:22 for 65th place overall, with Wallace finishing 69th thanks to a time of 36:30. It was notable that all five of these North Sligo AC runners have overcome illness and injury in recent months.
The race winner was Michael Closhisey, Raheny Shamrock AC, who clocked 30:49 and the first female was Sinead O’Connor (Leevale AC), whose time was 34:20.
Rovers U-17 duo play for FAI Schools side
Two members of the Sligo Rovers U-17 women’s team, west Sligo’s Keeva Flynn and Emma Duffy from Castlebar, are part of the FAI Schools Republic of Ireland Girls
U-15 squad that has won its first two games at the Bob Docherty Cup in Newcastle. On Monday the Republic of Ireland were 4-1 winners over England – a result that also earned them the John Read Trophy – and on Tuesday they defeated Northern Ireland 4-3. Defender Flynn, a product of Kilglass-Enniscrone United, was a second-half substitute against England and Duffy was given a start in midfield.
Flynn, a student at St Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina, started the game against Northern Ireland, with Davitt College student Duffy coming off the bench. Today, Thursday, section winners Republic of Ireland take on the other group winners, Scotland, in a winnertakes-all contest.
Carney 10k and half-marathon this Monday
This Easter Monday sees the return of the Carney 10k, a popular road race, with this year’s event featuring a half-marathon for the first time. This is the 16th staging of the Carney 10k and the half-marathon will be Sligo’s first 13.1 miles race. Walkers in the 10k start from 11.30am at Carney village. Both the 10k run and the half-marathon get underway at 12 noon.
Mulligan reaches 100 appearances
Leitrim GAA star Emlyn Mulligan, who plays his club football with St Mary’s in Sligo town, has made 100 senior appearances for Leitrim in league and championship games.
The outstanding forward made his 100th appearance against Sligo at Markievicz Park at the end of last month – the final round of this year’s Allianz Football League Division Four. Mulligan made his inter-county debut at senior level for Leitrim in 2006 – this was against Donegal.
Quinn hits double figures for Gaels
Joe Quinn was on form for Shamrock Gaels last Sunday in their North Division-East Division Junior Spring League victory away to Coolera-Strandhill. The Gaels won by seven points, 2-14 to 3-4, with Quinn contributing 10 points at Ransboro Park. Chipping in with 0-5 was Conor McMorrow, who was Shamrock Gaels’ top scorer in their away defeat of Eastern Harps, 0-14 to 0-7, on Saturday last – this was an East Division Senior Spring League fixture.
‘West’ fever at Rosses Point this weekend
This weekend’s Connolly’s Audi West of Ireland Amateur Open Golf Championship at Rosses Point is part of the Golf Ireland Men’s Bridgestone Tour.
The action at the home of County Sligo Golf Club begins tomorrow, Friday, and continues until Tuesday next. The regular format has returned – three rounds of stroke play followed by match play for the best 16 players.
Last year’s West of Ireland, which took place in September, was won by Hugh Foley (Royal Dublin). The best of the locals was County Sligo’s TJ Ford.
The last local winner of the West of Ireland was Ballincar’s Barry Anderson, who triumphed in Easter of 2017. He represented Royal Dublin on the Rosses Point course. At
the time, Anderson was the first Sligo-born winner of the West of Ireland since Cecil Ewing’s achievement in 1950. Already on the list of entrants are County Sligo members Aodhagan Brady, TJ Ford, Alan Gaynor, Sean McLoughlin.
Yesterday, Wednesday, there was a qualifying event (18 holes of strokeplay) with places in the main competition for the leading finishers.
All-Ireland decider for handball duo
The handball doubles combination of Eoin Kerrigan (Drumcliffe) and Cormac Finn (Ballymote) have progressed to the Minor finals of the All-Ireland Adult 4-Wall Doubles Festival on the weekend after next. The Sligo duo were supposed to play an All-Ireland semi-final last weekend in Collooney but received a walkover from their opponents, a Cavan pairing.
Mercy’s Ailbhe plays well in a golf event
At the recent Connacht finals of the Golf Ireland Irish Junior Schools Championships, held at Ballinrobe Golf Club, there was a notable feat from one of the Sligo competitors. Ailbhe O’Donovan, a student at Sligo town’s Mercy College, won the girls individual competition with a score of 37 points.
History is made by St John’s LGFA
St John’s LGFA Club fielded their first adult Ladies Football team last Sunday at Stenson Park, Cuilbeg. They hosted Drumcliffe-Rosses Point in a Sligo LGFA Senior League Division Four fixture but lost by 19 points, 6-9 to 2-2. “To say these players did us proud was an understatement,” said St John’s GAA Club PRO James Conneely.