Sports-John Mulligan
Fermanagh awaits!
By John Mulligan
14, Jul 2003 - 09:15

As most of you are aware at this stage, Mayo for once probably got the best draw imaginable when Fermanagh’s name came out as regards the qualifiers. But it was just one of an incredible weekend of sport to grace this fair county. And believe me when I say that in all sports over the weekend, there was something to talk about.

We have to start with GAA; Mayo resumed the league with a couple of surprises. Moy Davitts beat Westport; Ballina beat Charlestown while Crossmolina beat Kiltane. Knockmore beat Garrymore, Hollymount beat Burrishoole and Claremorris had just one point to spare over Swinford. Good games all I gather. On a local footing Castlebar were in action against Ballaghaderreen and won by just the one point. Good result considering that the championship is getting closer every week. It was one of those weekends. By the way, for all the results check out www.mayogaa.com for all the details.

Onto the championship, Mayo, beaten last Sunday week by Galway went into the hat knowing that they could get Armagh, Roscommon or even Laois or Kildare, depending who loses the Leinster final. Instead they got Fermanagh. Before you even raise your eyes and say “the best draw”, I suppose it is. But Fermanagh are good, and let me remind you that John Maughan will not be taking them lightly as he is a former coach of this side. Dates and times are not out at time of writing but the full details will be announced later. How will they do? Don’t ask me, I got it very wrong over the Galway game so this time I'm keeping my mouth shut.

Which brings me on to soccer. It was Tonra cup final weekend and it served up a cracker!! Snugboro played Swinford and went ahead, only for Swinford to score three times. All seemed lost. No chance, two excellent goals, including David hickey’s wonder free kick levelled matters. Then it was extra time and penalties. Two missed penalties were the way it went and sadly for Snugboro it was they who missed them. One consolation was the awarding of the man of the match award to Johan Collins who was magnificent, not forgetting Danny Lawless or Mark Quinn. Goalkeeper Keith Gillick also had an incredible afternoon, three amazing saves in the second half keeping his side in the game. Swinford had their moments. Trevor McDonnell scored two; Sean Kavanagh was magnificent in defence, handling everything thrown at then as was his trusty sidekick Kevin Crawley. Tonight it is Swinford who celebrate but there is still so much to play for in the league. Anything can happen.

In other sports, Ballina held their horse show on Sunday and Sligo went racing. No big surprises in Sligo but it was a great day in Ballina and all the results can be found on the Connacht Showjumping website www.sjai.ie . Rallying is getting all set for the single stages rally that takes place in Kiltimagh in two weeks time while athletics is entering the interesting stage as regards competition with Sharon Heverin doing very well with a 1.78 jump to win the juniors in Tullamore last weekend.

What more is there to say except keep an eye on the local papers and radio for all the news over the week and especially the run up to the big game that may be next Sunday!! Keep your eyes open!