Franklin happy with Rostrevor’s season to date

By Shaun Casey

LAST year, Rostrevor just missed out on promotion to Division Two and were knocked out of the Intermediate Championship at the quarter-final stage, but they’ve already improved on that record in 2026.

Manager Tom Franklin is delighted with how his side has done so far this season, having won the Division Two title and they are now focused on a semi-final clash with Longstone next weekend.

An Riocht, managed by Franklin’s brother Kevin and Paul Shields, lock horns with last year’s beaten finalists Annaclone, but Rostrevor won’t be looking too far ahead just yet.

“We finished third in the league last year and got beat in the quarter-final of the championship, which was really disappointing,” Franklin reflected.

“Rostrevor have been beaten in two previous finals (2022 and 2023). This year, there’s been an injection of youth into the team and three or four fellas back from long term injuries, so it has really bolstered the squad. One of the main objectives from the start of the year was to get out of Division Two. Division Two is hugely competitive so to get out of it and win it is brilliant.

“It’s good to get a bit of silverware. At the end of the day, you can only win two trophies so we’ve won one so far and now we can concentrate on trying to win the second one.”

All four semi-finalists competed in Division Two this season, so they all know each other fairly well and Franklin is expecting a tough battle against Longstone.

Rostrevor, who are doing terrific work at all levels around the club, saw off St John’s and Tullylish convincingly, but Newry Shamrocks posed a sterner test in the quarters.

“It was a step up and Shamrocks, Ambrose Rogers is over them and they had their homework done, they were really well coached and really well set up.” Franklin continued.

“We were probably disappointed with how we performed at times on Sunday but there’s lots to work on and lots to take away from that match. We have Longstone next and the four teams left all know each other inside out. Longstone have gave us plenty of problems this year.

“We drew with them down there (in the league) and we were very lucky to get a draw. Then we beat them at home in the refixed figure.

“Miceal Magill is over them and I know him from years ago in Warrenpoint, so he’ll have them in a good place. They’ll not fear playing Rostrevor, that’s for sure.”