Glenhest Rovers back in the big time

By Stuart Tynan

IT'S been over two long years since Glenhest Rovers were in the Super League. Perhaps for a club of their reputation and stature throughout the county, it has simply been too long.

But they will end their exile this Sunday afternoon and they will have to hit the ground running as they face off against fellow promoted side Swinford at James McAvaddy Park.

They had a strong campaign last season on their way towards promotion, built on a water-tight defence. They conceded only 15 goals on their way back to the promised land, with a draw away to fellow promoted side Swinford sealing third place and the second promotion spot (Premier Division champions Ballina Town B couldn't be promoted).

They also claimed silverware last season, beating local rivals Fahy Rovers to win the Tuohy Cup, which included wins over Bangor Hibs, Iorras Aontaithe and a stunning win over Ballina Town B, becoming the only Premier Division side to secure a win over the Premier Division champions last season.

They are also on course for provincial success as they are the only Mayo side left in T.P. Brennan Connaught Shield, with wins over Athenry B, Coolaney United, Manulla B and Ballymote Celtic seeing them into the semi-finals.

Leader

Leading the side on the pitch once more is captain Chris Rowland, and he is certainly happy to back in the top tier of Mayo soccer.

“It's great to be back. All the lads are delighted to be back there. It'll be a tough year no doubt but it's where we set out to be last year. We wanted to gain promotion to the Super League and we want to kick on this year.

“We probably took our finger off the pulse after the Tuohy Cup win. We didn't push on and claim second place. But all in all, last year was a great year and hopefully we can push on again this year.”

Survival

For any team promoted to the Super League, ensuring survival is the first priority and it is certainly no easy task. Last year's two promoted sides, Snugboro United and Ballyhaunis Town, had mixed fortunes.

Snugboro, promoted last year as Premier Division champions, were relegated after finishing bottom while Ballyhaunis Town required a play-off with Straide & Foxford United to keep their place for another season.

Rowland knows of the challenges Glenhest Rovers will face over the coming months and that staying up is the primary goal, but he has warned that his side will be no pushovers either and that they will want to push on further that just survival.

“Your first aim is to survive. Saying that, we're not going to out and roll over to teams. The first aim is to survive and see if we can push on for top six or maybe top four, who knows.”

Pictured is Glenhest Rovers skipper Chris Rowland. PHOTO: MICHAEL DONNELLY