Sligo facing new tests as they enter rarified company and a Connacht final date with Galway

On Stephen's Day 2020, the rain poured down incessantly as Sligo and Roscommon faced off in the Connacht minor final at the GAA Centre of Excellence in Bekan, Co Mayo.

Storm Bella was at its peak by the time the game started and it took Sligo 55 minutes to register their first score. They finished strongly, but it wasn't enough to deny the Rossies, who prevailed by three points.

Another provincial final loss for the Yeats County in the underage grades, following defeats to Galway at minor and Under-21 in 2015 and 2017 respectively.

Yet, something was stirring in The Land of Heart's Desire.

When Sligo is brought up in a sporting context, Sligo Rovers is the team that often comes to mind. Of course we should also mention Mona McSharry's exploits in the swimming pool and Derek Fox winning another Aintree Grand National as examples of others doing the county proud.

"Sligo is a great football town", we are told. And that is true, with the Bit O' Red attracting much support beyond the county borders.

The late Johnny Chadda, who served as Rovers president and did so much to keep the club afloat in tough times, famously said:

Even if the wind stops to blow Even if the sea ceases to flow Even if the sun ceases to rise The name of Sligo Rovers will shine. And shine forever like the morning star Glittering in the sky

The club have had a few days where they did shine on the field of play. FAI Cups and a league title success have come Sligo's way in recent times. And then last summer at a heaving Showgrounds, the victory over Motherwell in the Europa Conference League was another occasion to savour.

It's not a case that the GAA fraternity are looking on with any jealousy, success for either code is welcomed and the 'well done' post on