By Kevin Egan

Even though they’ve appeared in two All-Ireland Finals over the last decade, Roscommon’s U-20 footballers enter unchartered territory this Sunday when they take on Offaly in this year’s Eirgrid All-Ireland championship decider.

The primrose and blue fell to Dublin in 2012 and 2014, the former ending a 40-year-wait to compete in this age group’s biggest game. And it was four years before that, in 1978, when they tasted their last victory, beating Kerry by 1-9 to 1-8.

Roscommon’s progress through the provincial ranks was followed by a memorable turnaround against Down in the All-Ireland semi-final setting up a novel pairing with their midland neighbours in Croke Park.

“In this competition, nobody would have given Roscommon or Offaly much of a chance of winning a provincial (title),” said Roscommon manager Liam Tully during the week. 

“We’re under no illusions it’s going to be a big job but we’re doing our best. Offaly are a fantastic group of players - the speed of them, the ball handling, their control (and) their attacking football. They’re probably not unlike ourselves in certain cases. Their skill level is fantastic.”

While the Faithful County delivered three goals in their semi-final victory over Cork, Roscommon have averaged that number in their four games so far.

A combined total of 8-29 at Dr. Hyde Park against Leitrim and Sligo were followed with 2-11 to 1-7 Connacht Final victory over Mayo – their 10th provincial crown and fifth since 2010.

And just last Saturday, they came from three behind in the final quarter to defeat Down in Kingspan Breffni Park and secure their a seventh All-Ireland Final appearance.

“They have ambitions in their own heads,” added the Roscommon boss. “They want to play for Roscommon. They’re a tight group of lads together. They talk to each other. Communication with them is very good, off the field and on the field.”

What was notable in their last outing was the introduction of four substitutes (Sean Trundle, Charlie Carthy, Jack Lohan, David Wynne) in as many minutes and all played a key role in the comeback over Down. Does the manager envisage selection headaches this week determining a starting 15?

“We have a selection headache constantly,” smiled Tully when the question was put to him. “It’s brilliant to see that. Sometimes, it’s hard to get lads to buy into that aspect of it. 

“When we’re playing, we want to be on the first 15 and it’s getting it across to the group that the team that finishes has to be as strong, if not stronger, than the team that starts. And fair play to them, they’ve bought into it.”

While those hard calls must be made, there’s no doubt attacking threats James Fitzpatrick, Daire Cregg and Adam McDermott will line out on the Croke Park grass. Cregg was top scorer against Down while Fitzpatrick and McDermott hit 1-1 each.  Indeed, the trio have shared 8-38 in this campaign.

“That’s what they thrive on,” states Tully. “Sometimes, it doesn’t go right for them but they keep at it. We have worked with them and try to get the best out of them that you can. 

“You’re not going to get that and you’d be foolish to think you can because the opposition are there to stop you. Offaly are the same. They have savage threats. They have midfield working hard.

While they’ve never faced each other in this competition before, they did test out prospective squads together in a challenge match two months ago. However, the Roscommon manager is quick to play down the significance of the result.

“We were in development and both sides were trying to figure out who was going to make the panel,” adds the former Roscommon minor manager who led them to a Croke Park final appearance in 2017.

“That day was used for that. We were allowed back. The lifting of COVID restrictions for football was 10th May. So, we sent a text out to the players that we would be asking them to go for that week and some of the following week with their club to get some ball handling in so they wouldn’t be coming in red raw to us. 

 “I haven’t looked back at the players for them or even ourselves.   I know some of them. Both of us learned a lot. The scoreboard, I couldn’t even remember.”

There’s no doubt that Tully will monitor the tallies on Sunday in Croke Park. And if his final selection delivers, a first All-Ireland U-20 title since 1978 could be Roscommon’s to claim on Sunday.