Ireland Masters win all three series with major Sligo input
IT was a successful Masters’ International Rules campaign for the three Irish squads with the Men's over 50s, Ladies over 40s, and Men's over 40s winning their respective series.
Sligo were well-represented by St. Molaise Gaels’ Damien Kelly in the Men's 50s; Etna Flanagan of St. Nathy’s was joint captain of the ladies; and Eastern Harps Ross Donovan played for the 40’s men's side that was coached by Con O’Meara.
The three Sligo players made major contributions to the tests. All three seemed to thrive in the rough and tumble of the International Rules tackle with Etna Flanagan’s rugby experience in evidence.
There was further Sligo involvement with Curry man John Gilmartin officiating at the two over 40s tests, and Curry GAA hosting the first ever Over50s test on March 2nd. Enniscrone clubman and Tourlestrane coach, Michael Moyles was manager of the first-ever Ladies Masters’ side.
There were two tests in each series, with Charlestown hosting the over 40s men and women's games on Saturday March 2, while Curry was the venue for the 50s opening test.
Last weekend the Irish sides finished the job at Denn GFC in Cavan. The tightest clash was the 50s where a determined Australian side got to within a point in the third quarter before Ireland ran out 30-19 winners aided by a Damien Kelly over (three points) as Noel Casey of Kildare accepted the Charlie Gallagher Cup.
The Ladies continued their winning ways with a 55-4 second test win, seeing Etna Flanagan and Mirian Liston of Waterford raise the Gaelic Masters International Rules Cup. The Irish 40s blitzed the visitors and put on a display of kick passing and finishing to run out 106 to 19 winners with Ross Donovan contributing a collector’s item score with his left foot.
The inaugural Ladies Masters series may well provide the springboard for an All-Ireland Ladies competition given the obvious appetite for competitive football for this group.
The Masters currently organises for over 40s men only, with the organisation growing to 26 counties in 2024.
The Sligo Masters men have a high-profile appointment with Eastern Harps Paul Taylor as manager. With footballers of the calibre of Adrian Marren, Tony Taylor, and John Marren available, the side who displayed progress last year can look forward to a positive 2024.