Champions look to break new ground in Tribe’s backyard

SINCE a redeveloped Pearse Stadium was opened in 2003, it has proven to be an unhappy hunting ground for Roscommon football. No team from the county has managed to win in the Salthill venue since then — a wretched sequence the current crop of U21 footballers aim to end this afternoon against Galway.

The defending champions are seeking to win back-to-back titles at this level for the first time in the county’s history. They have displayed excellent form already this season, claiming a notable scalp in Mayo in the first round before ousting Leitrim in the semi-final.

They have a trio of dangerous attackers in Stephen Regan, Niall Kilroy and Darren McDermott that will need careful policing by the Galway rearguard. Centre-back Niall Daly, who impressed for UCC in their Sigerson Cup win last month, will spearhead their defensive efforts.