Donie Smith says Roscommon's Connacht title was for the fans

It has been a memorable year so far for the Roscommon footballers across all age groups, but former forward Donie Smith is not getting carried away.

In one of the games of the Championship, Roscommon came from behind to defeat Galway and win their first Connacht title since 2019. There was also provincial glory for the U20s and minors.

However, they were quickly brought back to reality last weekend, when they were defeated by Tyrone in round one of the All-Ireland, and now must win in round 2B.

Someone who has seen it all before is Donie Smith.

The Roscommon man knows how difficult it can be to move forward from a provincial title, and wants the Rossies to push past the quarter-finals.

Looking back at the defeat to Tyrone, Smith still has reasons to be optimistic for this Roscommon side.

"I looked back at the highlights on Monday, and I actually thought Roscommon played well. After winning the last couple of Connacht titles, they haven't played well.

"Even up to the hooter, Roscommon could have got a draw or two-pointer to win the game, so all is not lost. I don't think any team will want to play us. We will be seen as a tough team to get, even if that is Kerry, the loser, Armagh or Derry.

"They have been playing at such a high level all year. Apart from the Dublin league game, where they weren't at it, I am happy they are playing consistently."

Winner of the Connacht title in 2017 and 2019, Smith knows how difficult it can be for Roscommon to get back to business after winning silverware.

Those previous titles had come at a time when Roscommon were not backed for success.

Now under Mark Dowd, with talent across the pitch and performances to back it up, expectations have risen, and Smith says they now need to go further.