Roscommon manager John Evans has been gushing in praise of his team following their victory over Galway to secure the FBD League crown.

Evans’ side thumped The Tribesmen 4-08 to 1-12 to back up their improvement in recent years, which began with winning the Allianz Football League Division 3 title last season.

In addition to both of those victories Roscommon also lost to Mayo by just a point in last season’s Connacht championship.

“We won the Division 3 final last year so it’s our second set of silverware and we’re delighted with it, because silverware hasn’t been coming Roscommon’s direction in the last few years,” said Evans.

“This group of players are trying to change that and they showed that in the second half with the style and the flair and the pace of their game.

“They really upped it in the second half and they went after Galway. Galway didn’t come here to hand us the game I noticed as well.

"They looked awesome at times there in the first half. They kicked some great scores. But look we settled at half-time, and we had a review of what we wanted to do, and they came out in the second half, and you’d have to be pleased with getting four goals in any half of football.”

“The lads are responding well to scores by oppositions. Long may it continue.” - Evans

Evans had particular praise for his team’s ability to hit the back of the net and praised their timing as a crucial element in their victory.

“[The goals] were top range. I was delighted. We hit the post three times in the first half – two of the uprights and one for a goal,” said Evans.

“But look it was the quality of the running and the timing and that’s something that you have to work extremely hard at.”

Next up for the Rossies is Cavan in the opening match in the football league. A game which Evans is not taking lightly.

“There’s nothing ideal in this. You will get a rude awakening I tell you. Having looked at Cavan last night they battled every inch and if you’re going to take Cavan you will earn your crust. We know that,” said Evans.

“So it’s about getting in another bit of hard work in preparation for that game because we’ve only three games at home and that’s one of them so it’s a must-win for us.

“The lads are responding well to scores by oppositions. Long may it continue.”

Galway manager Kevin Walsh, meanwhile, was pleased to have had an opportunity to blood players in the tie, despite the disappointing scoreline.

"There were a few minutes there where we lost our shape. This game today was absolutely part of starting off and getting lads playing," said Walsh.

"Most of those lads today were in their first final. It's great to give them a taste of it. With the league starting next week it was very, very important to try people out in different positions.

"The real business starts next week [with the national league]. I suppose it was bonus for us to get to this final."