Donie Smith determined to put Boyle back on the map

It's a hard fact to escape – and one that star forward Donie Smith can’t offer too much of an argument against – but for the majority of people outside of Roscommon, when they think of the Boyle GAA club their thoughts instantly turn to Hollywood superstar Chris O’Dowd.

The Bridesmaids, This is 40 and IT Crowd star, who rates former Rossie 'keeper Shane Curran as one of his heroes, has always strongly held onto his GAA roots, and with good reason too.

In 1997, he produced a top display in goals in the Connacht minor final – including a brilliant save from Mayo’s Martin McNicholas – to keep his side in the provincial final. Despite that, the team, managed by a certain Kevin McStay, lost out by a few points.

O'Dowd's love for his club has always been evident too with many an American chat show learning about Boyle.

On Sunday though, Smith and his team-mates are hoping to put Boyle back on the map for another reason as they compete in the Roscommon senior county final for the first time since 1927.

That’s a 95-year wait, an eternity in GAA circles, and he’s determined to make the most of the opportunity against Strokestown at Dr Hyde Park.

"It has been well documented that it’s our first final in 95 years," the Roscommon forward told RTÉ Sport.

"When the final whistle went in our semi-final win over St Brigid’s, you had a few minutes to yourself reflecting on that. Then in the dressing room with the lads, it was unbelievable relief.

"Then it turned very quickly to saying ‘OK, there’s work to be done here.’

"We had a couple of days just being very happy about the situation, about being in the final, but we quickly got back to training and it’s very much a case of having to finish the job now."

Smith’s determination is copper-fastened