IN THE FINAL installment of AIB’s “Behind The Gates” documentary, viewers are reminded of the final leg of Roscommon’s 2017 championship, which finished at the All-Ireland quarter-final stage.
After producing a shock victory against Galway in the Connacht final, they were paired with another provincial rival in the quarter-final — Mayo.
The documentary shows manager Kevin McStay prepare his charges for the crunch tie against his native county, and a distinct sense of optimism is evident among the players in the build-up.
The first clash between the sides ended in a draw on a miserable day in July, courtesy of a Donie Smith free from an acute angle in the 74th minute.
Despite the pressurised situation, Smith gives a composed interview in the dressing room shortly after the game.
And although the Rossies seem positive as they go about preparing for the replay, Mayo produce a much stronger performance in the second game to comfortably win by 4-19 0-09.
The sense of disappointment in the Roscommon dressing room after the final whistle illustrates how much representing their county means to the players.
Take a look at the final episode in full here.
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