Roscommon introduce five new faces

Five players will make their championship debuts for Roscommon when they take on New York in the Connacht SFC quarter-final on Sunday (Gaelic Park, throw-in 8pm Irish time).

Goalkeeper Darren Lennon, wing backs Richard Dooner and Stuart Daly, left corner forward Sean Fahy and Enda Kenny at full-forward are the new players included by manager John Maughan for his first championship match in charge.

Both Fahy and Kenny made their senior bows during the recent National League campaign. Lennon edged out Geoffrey Claffey and David Moran for the goalkeeping position.

Brian Mullin of St. Croan's has been chosen to partner Seamus O'Neill at midfield. The powerfully built O'Neill was ever present during the League run, scoring 2-10 in seven games. With Sean Purcell (dislocated shoulder) ruled out of the half-back line, Kilglass youngster Dooner slots in on the left wing.

The winners of the Big Apple clash will meet Galway or Sligo in the last-four on June 18.

Former Mayo supremo Maughan said of this weekend's trip: "We want to win with a bit of style. There’s no point going into a semi-final against Galway or Sligo unless we win with confidence. I’m expecting New York to give us a good game but I’m expecting our attitude to be very professional on the day."

Upwards of 2,500 Roscommon supporters are expected in New York for the Connacht championship opener.

ROSCOMMON (SFC v New York) - D Lennon; P O'Connor, D Casey, S McDermott; S Daly, J Nolan, R Dooner; S O'Neill, B Mullin; S Lohan, G Heneghan, M Finneran; E Kenny, G Lohan, S Fahy.