CONNACHT SFC SEMI-FINAL: Roxcommon v Leitrim:ROSCOMMON HAD a miserable Division Three campaign but that doesn't matter any more. Against London in the opening round they looked heavily reliant on the free taking of the prodigious Donie Shine – so instrumental in their 2006 minor All-Ireland success.
He offers options too and can be moved out the field from full forward, with Karol Mannion an option inside, should Fergal O’Donnell need to change tack.
Leitrim manager Mickey Moran has handed championship debuts to Wayne McKeon and Ray Mulvey, with seven changes in total from the side that lost to Roscommon last year.
As a mark of respect for Philly McGuinness, the number 10 jersey will not be used this year. As a result, Colm Clarke will wear number 17. The tragic loss of the Leitrim forward in a club game earlier this year will overshadow the sporting spectacle at Dr Hyde Park.
ROSCOMMON: G Clancy; S McDermott, P Domican, S Ormsby; S Purcell, C Dineen, D Casey; M Finneran, K Mannion; D Keenan, P Garvey, C Gregg; J Rogers, D Shine, G Heneghan.
LEITRIM: E Lyons; D Beck, J McKeon, D Reynolds; J Glancy (St Mary's), S Foley, W McKeon; T Beirne, S Canning; C Clarke, D O'Connor, M Foley; R Cox, J Glancy (Glencar/Manor), R Mulvey.
Referee: J McQuillan (Cavan).
In the last episode– Roscommon beat them 2-13 to 2-9 in last year's championship.
You bet– Roscommon are -2 on the handicap (evens) with Leitrim a 2/1 straight bet. Take your pick.
On your marks– Heart versus head stuff with Roscommon relying heavily on Donie Shine's unerring boot, while it has been an emotional championship lead-in for Leitrim.
Gaining ground– Roscommon beat Leitrim in Carrick-on-Shannon last year and the return to Dr Hyde Park is normally a significant advantage for them in this fixture.
Just the ticket– Children and OAPs are €5, with terrace €20 and stand costing €30.
Crystal gazing– Leitrim will miss Declan Maxwell or he will come in and turn the tie. Roscommon to prevail mainly because of their marquee forward.
