Teachtaireacht ón gCathaoirleach Ta áthas mór orm fáilte a chur roimh gach duine don cluiche seo inniú i bPáirc Markievicz ar son Coiste Contae Shligigh.

I’m delighted to welcome everyone to Markievicz Park today for this Cup tie between Sligo and Offaly. Thankfully, the numbers of spectators allowed to attend has been increased to allow more of the loyal supporters of both these teams the opportunity of attending. Hopefully this trend continues, and before too long normality can be restored. We must of course remain vigilant until that time and support all efforts to remove Covid19 from the conversation.

Today marks a notable date in Sligo GAA history. The recently released history of Markievicz Park chronicles the history of our county ground from the setting up of a committee, to the land purchase right up to recent developments. A notable feature of the official opening day in the mid 1950’s was that the meeting of the reigning All Ireland champions Cork, Christy Ring et al, with Galway. In the intervening years it’s fair to say not many counties who have previously won the Liam McCarthy Cup have played hurling in this ground – per- haps none have – so the pairing with Offaly for todays game brings extra excitement. Thanks to John Leyden and committee for their work on this project. Copies of this superb book are still available through clubs and the Sligo GAA Centre of Excellence.

I would like to extend a special welcome to Sligo manager, Padraig Mannion, his selectors Donal Tully and Declan Molloy, his backroom team and the Sligo players. Padraig and his team have given tremendous commitment and passion to the cause since they arrived last year building on the progress already made – back to back league titles is testament to this. Our young panel of players have responded in kind as they continue to work hard on improving and moving up the hurling ranks nationally. I wish them well today in a difficult tie and for the rest of the campaign.

A warm welcome also to our opponents Offaly – to their players, management and officials. Following a difficult couple of years, they seem to be finding their form again and were extremely impressive in their league campaign. Indeed, the unity within their county, best displayed through a hugely successful Grand Canal Walk fundraising campaign, is a great example to all counties trying to improve.

Referee for today’s game is Alan Kelly from Galway who has been the man in the middle on many big days. I wish to extend a warm wel- come to him and his sideline officials and umpires.

Welcome also to the sports media who do a fantastic job of telling the stories of our games to many. During recent times their work has been of even greater importance to supporters who couldn’t be at games due to restrictions. A special thanks to Rory O’Brien who is streaming today’s game on behalf of Sligo GAA.

Thanks to our senior hurling team sponsor Clayton Hotels for their continued support. This support is a great help to us in providing what’s required for our county teams to compete.

Sligo GAA’s main fundraiser – the Club Sligo 2021-23 draw – has been re-designed this year to be a partnership between our clubs and the county. As well as establishing the financial base the aim here is to get all those who care about the success of Sligo GAA united under one banner. I urge all Sligo GAA supporters to sign up before the first draw which takes place on July 15th. We need everyone’s support to achieve our goals in the coming months and years and signing up helps your club as well as our county. See www.sligogaa.ie for details. Ní neart go cur le chéile.

Markievicz Park is in brilliant condition so a big thank you to our diligent park committee. This is always a tremendous team effort but I’m sure no-one will be upset if today I mention one man in particular. When this draw was made the thoughts of many turned towards Paddy Galvin, proud Offaly native and staunch Sligo hurling supporter. I’m sure Paddy will enjoy today.

Tá súil agam go mbainfidh gach duine taitneamh as cluiche an lae inniu. Beir bua.

Seán Ó Cearbhaill Cathaoirleach Coiste Contae Shligigh This afternoons officials Referee : Alan Kelly (Gaillimh) Standby: Brian Keown (Gaillimh) Linesman: David Earls (Gaillimh) Sideline: Barry Winter (Tír Eoghan)

Sligo SeniorChristy Hurling Ring CupChampionship Finalists

STEPHEN FLEMING

Naomh Eoin

JAMES WEIR NIALL FEEHILY Capt NIALL KILCULLEN

St. Farnan’s Naomh Eoin Easkey

SLIGEACH KEVIN BANKS RORY McHUGH GAVIN CONNOLLY

Coolera/Strandhill Easkey St. Farnan’s

KEVIN O’KENNEDY TONY O’KELLY-LYNCH

Coolaney/Mullinabreena Naomh Eoin

CONOR HANNIFFY CONORJOE McHUGH GRIFFIN FINNIAN CAWLEY Oranmore/Maree Easkey St.Farnan’s

TOMÁS CAWLEY GERARD O’KELLY-LYNCH MICHAEL MUNNELLY

St. Farnan’s Naomh Eoin Naomh Eoin

Substitutes

16. Matt Davey (Naomh Eoin), 17. Darragh Cawley (Naomh Eoin), 18. Mark Hanniffy (Oranmore/Maree), 19. Andy Kilcullen (Easkey), 20. Kieran Prior (Coolera/Strandhill), 21. Liam O’Kelly-Lynch (Naomh Eoin), 22. Fionn Moylan (Easkey), 23. Daniel Rolston (Easkey), 24. Eoin Comerford (Coolera/Strandhill), 25. Kevin Gilmartin (Calry/St.Joseph’s), 26. Arthur Wall (Naomh Eoin) Bainnisteoir: Padraig Mannion, Roghnoirí: Declan Molloy, Donal Tully, Darragh Cox Sligo SeniorChristy Hurling Ring CupChampionship - PLAY-OFF Finalists

CONOR CLANCY

St.Rynagh’s UÍBH FHÁILÍ UÍBH

PADDY DELANEY CIARAN BURKE DAVID KING

Kinnitty Durrow Coolderry

AIDAN TREACY BEN CONNEELY Capt KILLIAN SAMPSON

St. Rynagh’s St. Rynagh’s Shinrone

LEON FOX ROSS RAVENHILL

Belmont Durrow

EOGHAN CAHILL LIAM LANGTON BRIAN DUIGNAN

Birr Clodiagh Gaels Durrow

OISÍN KELLY JOHN MURPHY

Belmont Ballinamere Substitutes

16. Stephen Corcoran (Coolderry), 17. Jordan Quinn (Kilcormac/Killoughey), 18. Padraic Guinan (Drumcullen), 19. Joey Keenaghan (Clodiagh Gaels), 20. Eimhin Kelly (Lusmagh), 21. Damien Egan (Belmont), 22. Shane Kinsella (Kinnitty), 23. Jason Sampson (Shinrone), 24. Luke O’Connor (St. Rynagh’s), 25. Conor Langton (Clodiagh Gaels), 26. Padraig Cantwell (Shamrocks) Bainnisteoir: Michael Fennelly Roghnóirí: Johnny Kelly, , Michael Kavanagh