Roscommon manager race: Rochford v Dolan – odds, experience & local ties

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 08:23:07 +0000

Rochford v Dolan: Two‑Horse Race for Roscommon Job

Roscommon are closing in on a new senior football manager to replace Davy Burke, and all signs point to a straight shootout between Stephen Rochford and Dessie Dolan.

Betting: Rochford 1/3
Dolan 2/1

Why Rochford is the Bookies’ Pick

Stephen Rochford brings high‑level pedigree. He managed Mayo (2015–2018), leading them to two All‑Ireland finals. Most recently, the Crossmolina native was part of Kevin McStay’s Mayo coaching ticket and stepped in as interim manager this season when McStay took a health‑related break. After Mayo’s Championship exit at the round‑robin stage, the county board moved on from McStay and his entire setup, including Rochford. Even so, his big‑game experience and tactical organisation explain the short odds.

Why Dolan Could Win the Dressing Room

Dessie Dolan (born 11 July 1979) is one of the game’s most respected modern figures. He managed the Westmeath senior team (2022–2024) and remains a calm, authoritative presence. Crucially for Roscommon supporters, Dolan has close local ties through his cousin Frankie Dolan — the St Brigid’s legend and All‑Ireland club winner. That connection could make him the fans’ choice, offering cultural fit and instant buy‑in across the county.

The Brief: What Roscommon Need Next

Structure & game management: tightening late‑game scenarios and defensive transitions.
Player development: building depth and clarity of roles for spring consistency.
Momentum: converting league stability into summer breakthroughs.

Verdict

If Roscommon prioritise proven All‑Ireland‑level experience, the market logic points to Rochford (1/3). If they favour a trusted leader with deep Roscommon connections and strong dressing‑room chemistry, Dolan (2/1) is a compelling alternative. Either way, the decision that follows Burke’s tenure will shape the Rossies’ next two seasons.

Odds are indicative and may change.

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Westmeath v Galway : Preview, Stats, Teams & Betting

JoeNa Connacht — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 11:15:58 +0000

Group 1: Westmeath v Galway – GAA Championship Clash

Match Preview

The eagerly anticipated Group 1 clash in the GAA Gaelic football championship features Westmeath taking on Galway. Both teams have had contrasting fortunes in their initial outings, setting the stage for a fascinating encounter. Galway will secure a place in the quarter-finals if they win.

Live Scores for Westmeath v Galway

Previous Encounters

Westmeath and Galway have met only twice previously in the championship. Westmeath claimed a narrow victory in an All-Ireland qualifier tie back in 2006, winning 1-8 to 0-10 in Pearse Stadium. However, Galway exacted revenge last year, securing a comfortable 0-20 to 0-12 win in Mullingar during the All-Ireland round robin series.

Championship Journey So Far

Galway

Galway 5-21 London 0-9 (Connacht quarter-final)
Galway 1-13 Sligo 0-14 (Connacht semi-final)
Galway 0-16 Mayo 0-15 (Connacht final)
Galway 2-14 Derry 0-15 (All-Ireland round robin)

Galway have showcased their offensive prowess and defensive solidity, highlighted by their remarkable run of not conceding a single goal in their four championship games to date.

Top Scorers for Galway

R Finnerty: 1-21 (0-8 frees, 0-1 mark)
C Darcy: 2-4
P Conroy: 1-6
J Heaney: 0-7
T Culhane: 2-0

Westmeath

Wicklow 2-9 Westmeath 1-11 (Leinster first round)
Armagh 0-16 Westmeath 0-11 (All-Ireland round robin)

Westmeath’s journey has been more challenging, with a narrow defeat to Wicklow in the Leinster first round and a five-point loss to Armagh in their initial All-Ireland round robin match.

Top Scorers for Westmeath

L Loughlin: 0-6 (0-3 frees)
J Heslin: 0-5 (0-2 frees)
J Lynam: 1-0
R Forde: 0-3 (0-1 free)
R O’Toole: 0-3

Key Insights

Galway’s stellar defense has not conceded any goals in their four championship games so far.
Rival managers, Pádraic Joyce (Galway) and Dessie Dolan (Westmeath), were both players in the first championship clash between these teams in 2006, with Dolan captaining Westmeath to a one-point win.
Westmeath is still seeking their first victory in the ‘round robin’ series introduced last year, having lost to Galway, Armagh, and drawing with Tyrone previously, and losing again to Armagh this year.

Team News

Westmeath: Jason Daly; Jamie Gonoud, Kevin Maguire, James Dolan; Sam McCartan, Ronan Wallace, David Lynch; Ray Connellan, Andy McCormack; Jonathan Lynam, Ronan O’Toole, Conor Dillon; Luke Loughlin, John Heslin, Robbie Forde.

Subs: Jack Connaughton, Shane Allen, Charlie Drumm, Eoin Mulvihill, Matthew Whittaker, Daniel Scahill, Senan Baker, Lorcan Dolan, Stephen Smith, Kieran Martin, Conor McCormack.

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Johnny McGrath, Seán Fitzgerald, Jack Glynn; Dylan McHugh, John Daly, Liam Silke; Paul Conroy, John Maher; Johnny Heaney, Matthew Tierney, Céin D’Arcy; Liam Ó Conghaile, Shane Walsh, Cillian McDaid.

Subs: Conor Flaherty, Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin, Eoghan Kelly, Daniel O’Flaherty, Kieran Molloy, Cian Hernon, Patrick Egan, Cathal Sweeney, Cillian Ó Curroain, Tomo Culhane, Niall Daly.

Betting

Galway 1/8 Westmeath 6/1

Handicap – Galway -6 10/11

Conclusion

As Westmeath seek to register their first round robin win and Galway aim to continue their winning streak with both teams eager to secure vital points in Group 1. Expect Westmeath to get within 6pts.

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