It might only be the FBD League, but considering what Roscommon supporters have had to go through over the past two years, three games without losing is nothing short of joyous. First off, was a 17-point mauling of Sligo IT in Boyle on the first Sunday of the year. Now people might say that the IT College aren't that hot,

indeed Mayo did a similar demolition job on them the week after, but, we have to start somewhere. Great to see Roscommon getting off to the perfect start with a Sean McDermott goal and after 12 minutes, Ros were 1-02 to 0-00. (don't mention 1980!). At half time, it was 1-07 to 4pts and goals in the second half by Gary Cox and Karol Mannion sealed the deal. Next up for Roscommon was NUIG at Kiltoom on what was probably the worst day of the year. Leading 7 pts to 1-02 at half time, the Rossies held firm in a low scoring second half to share the spoils. The third game of 2009 was against auld rivals Mayo in Ballyhaunis. Always great to start off with a goal and, after 2 minutes, Senan Kilbride duly obliged. At half time, a defensively brilliant Roscommon were 1- 05 to 0-01 to the good. Mayo had the wind in the second half but 2 points for the visitors was enough to secure a much-needed victory over Mayo. Kevin Higgins got the crucial point to leave it 1-07 to 1-06 at full time.

Credit where credit is due, this Roscommon team appears to have found a hunger for the game again and that has to be applauded. In the two years since we won the All-Ireland Minor Title, things haven't been at all good for Roscommon Football. It was quite difficult for supporters to remain calm whilst witnessing some of the most heartless and gutless performances ever seen in a Roscommon shirt. The truth sometimes hurts and there were a lot of slings and arrows flung at those who called it as it was. By having beaten Mayo, Roscommon have qualified for the final of the FBD League. But, it's way more than that. Above all teams, beating Mayo was exactly what Roscommon needed from a psychological point of view. I don't know where the Rossies have retrieved their new hunger for the game, but I most certainly do applaud it. It can't be a coincidence that their new manager is Fergie, the man that brought the All-Ireland Minor title to Ros and also the last man to hold the Nester Cup aloft for Ros in 2001. Roscommon footballers and supporters deserve a break from what went on over the past few seasons. Looking at what has happened so far in 2009, I sincerely hope a line has been drawn under the past. We now have two wins and a draw from our first three games of the year. People might dismiss it as just January football. But, I remember, not too long ago, when Roscommon was getting thrashed in this League and the feeling leaving Ballinlough wasn't a nice one. There is a huge difference between getting carried away with FBD results and recognising that a change in attitude has obviously occurred in the Roscommon football psyche. I have always said that it was about our mental approach to games and not our footballing prowess.

Every New Year brings new hope. When asked for predictions for Sam each year, most people predict the previous year’s winner. Considering a two in a row hadn't happened since 1990 until Kerry achieved it a year and a half ago, it wasn't exactly the best formula to pursue. And no, I'm not predicting All- Ireland glory on the back of three positive January performances. But, considering that we are 14/1 to win Nestor in '09, it probably reflects more on our escapades over the past couple of years than maybe where we are at now. Anyways, we are in the FBD final against Galway and no matter what way you look at it, we have a better chance of winning that title than Mayo have! So, well done all around to the current crop of Roscommon footballers and praise where praise is due. Long may it continue. I won't, unfortunately, be able to make it to the FBD final, but I will be in Roscommon on the first Sunday of February for the Offaly game. Below, incidentally, is the list of games Roscommon have in Division 3 this spring, first named teams are hosts: (just one Saturday game!)

01-02-09 (Sun) Roscommon v Offaly 2.30pm
14-02-09 (Sat) Limerick v Roscommon 2.30pm
08-03-09 (Sun) Roscommon v Longford 2.30pm
15-03-09 (Sun) Louth v Roscommon 2.30pm
22-03-09 (Sun) Roscommon v Tipperary 2.30pm
29-03-09 (Sun) Cavan v Roscommon 2.30pm
12-04-09 (Sun) Roscommon v Down 2.30pm

Noel D. Walsh.