Croke Park Date with Destiny for Daniel and Maxim.
The 2025 juvenile 4-wall handball session reaches its conclusion this weekend with the All-Ireland semi-finals and finals up for decision in the National Handball Centre in Croke Park. This year’s finals have special interest from a Leitrim perspective with Fenagh’s Daniel Kane and Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin aiming to bring the boys under 15 doubles All-Ireland title to Leitrim.
Having secured their place in the finals by winning the Connacht title in recent weeks, the Leitrim duo enter Court 2 in Croke Park next Saturday to take on a Tyrone pairing of Conor Molloy and Mickey Nugent in the All-Ireland Semi-final.

Maxim, who is a first-year student in Mohill Community College, and Daniel who is in second year in Ballinamore Community School have been masterfully coached by JP Kane and Peter Heaney amongst others. Although entering the contest as underdogs, this ambitious Leitrim partnership have the skills, strength and potential to create a shock and wrestle the title away from Ulster or Munster hands.
Everybody involved with Leitrim Handball wishes Daniel and Maxim the very Best of Luck next weekend.
Go n-éirí an t-ádh le Daniel agus Maxim!

Connacht Cumann na mBunscol Finals.
There were thrills and spills a plenty in Salthill Handball Club on Saturday last when the 2025 Connacht Cumann na mBunscol finals were played off.
Five Leitrim primary schools were represented by an 11 strong team of competitors.
Congratulations and well done to Mark MacShera from St Patricks NS Drumshanbo who won silver in the U13 boys singles category. Mark played exceptionally well on the day beating the talented Roscommon player, and recent Connacht U12 A finalist – Patrick Farrell on his way to the final.
Also, congratulations to Doireann McKiernan and Eimer McKiernan from St Brigid’s NS Drumcong, who secured the bronze medal in the U11 girls doubles grade.
Special mention to Abbie Kane from St Caillins NS Fenagh in the girls U11 singles, and to the Annaduff NS U11 doubles partnership of Conor Cregan & Gerry Sharkey. Both brought their opponents to tiebreak games and were unlucky not to progress in their respective grades. An admirable achievement for these young players in a Connacht final setting!
Other Leitrim players who did well on the day include Ronan Seibert – Gaelscol Chluainin who was playing in the boys U11 singles category. Kian McNabola & Sam Conroy from St Brigid’s NS played in the boys U13 doubles competition. Ciara Conlon & Kayla Crinnigan from St Caillins NS also played in the girls U13 category.
Well done to each and every one of the boys and girls who represented their schools, handball clubs and county with great pride. Win or lose, it was a brilliant fun day that will stay long in the memory.

Connacht Final – Men’s 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐁 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬
Manorhamilton’s Joel Smith and Anthony O’Flynn contested the 40×20 Connacht Final in the Silvers Masters B Doubles grade in Collooney on Saturday evening last. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for Joel and Anthony this year as the Mayo duo of Francie McDonagh and James McNulty took the match on a scoreline of 21-12, 21-9.
𝐵𝑒𝑖𝑑ℎ 𝑙𝑎́ 𝑒𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑃𝑎𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑐ℎ!

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Steven Poacher and his management team have named the Leitrim Senior Football Team for Sunday’s game against Offaly.

#Allianz NFL – Div 3 – Rd 5

🏐 | Leitrim 🆚 Offaly
📅 | Sun, 02-Mar at 2pm
📍 | in Páirc Seán Uí Eslín, Ballinamore

🎟️ | Advance ticket sales only

*Due to capacity restrictions imposed on the venue, all patrons, including U16s, are required to have a ticket.

Individual Games: https://am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/fbleitrimleague

or selected Centra & SuperValu stores:

Centra: Drumshanbo
SuperValu: Ballinamore,  Carrick On Shannon,  Manorhamilton

Leitrim’s Maxim and Daniel are Connacht U15 Doubles Champions.
For the third weekend in a row Leitrim was the epicentre of the Connacht juvenile handball world with 30 of the best young players from across the province vying for glory on Sunday last in Fenagh. 11 Connacht boys and girl’s title were up for decision with All-Ireland semi-final places part of the prize on offer. Leitrim Handball had a strong representation of 5 players in action on the day.

First up for Leitrim was Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin and Fenagh’s Daniel Kane who needed to overcome the Roscommon duo of Tiernan Hyland and Ryan McDermott in their U15 doubles Connacht Final. Displaying some early nerves, the Fenagh – Annaduff combination had to come from behind in their first game after the Roscommon duo raced into an early 10-3 lead. However, Maxim and Daniel fought their way back into the game to steal the win by the bare minimum. Upping the tempo in the second game the Leitrim pair got to grips with their opposition and went on to secure a famous Connacht title for Leitrim on home soil. Maxim and Daniel now go forward to represent Leitrim in the All-Ireland Juvenile semi-finals in the next few weeks. Times and venue are yet to be decided.
Well done but hard luck to Manorhamilton’s Cormac Scarff & Tadhg Kirwin, and Fenagh’s Katie Kane. They battled hard in their respective matches, but the Connacht title alluded them this time round. While disappointed, Cormac, Tadhg and Katie can rest assured that everyone is very proud of their achievements.

The standard of Handball on display last weekend in Fenagh was first-rate, with each Connacht county winning at least one title.
Congratulations and well done to everyone in Fenagh Handball club who hosted the Connacht Finals with great professionalism on Sunday last. They are setting the standard for other clubs in the county to follow. A special word of thanks to everybody who helped out and to all those who refereed the matches on the day. Also a word of recognition to those who kept the venue and online scoreboard updated ensuring that the results from Fenagh were available online in real-time across the world.

Left – Connacht U15 Doubles champions 2025 – Maxim Gilmartin and Daniel Kane Right Top – Galway – Caoimhe Ní Gloinn defeated Leitrim – Katie Kane in the Connacht Girls U17 final. Right Bottom – Mayo – Sean Nevin and Feidhlim Gulfoyle defeated Leitrim -Cormac Scariff and Tadhg Kirwan. Medals presented by Aengus Cunningham – Roscommon Handball.

 

Connacht Silver Master Final for Joel and Anthony
Everyone in Leitrim Handball wishes the very best of luck to the Manorhamilton dynamic duo of Joel Smith and Anthony O’Flynn who compete in the Connacht Men’s Silver Masters B Doubles final next weekend. Joel and Anthony will play Francis McDonagh & Aidan McNulty from Mayo in the final.


Connacht Cumann Na mBunscol Handball finals 2025.

Best wishes to all the schoolchildren from Leitrim who will be representing the county in the Connacht finals in Salthill Co. Galway on Saturday next March 1st. Win or lose, this will be a great experience for all involved. Go n-éirí an t-adh libh!

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

There were a large number of applicants for the Leitrim Co Board GAA Gaeltacht grants and the draw for the winners was made by Paddy O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach Comhairle Contae Liatroma, assisted by Déaglán Ó Buacháin, Cathaoirleach, Coiste Contae Liatroma at half-time in last Sundays National League game between Kildare and Leitrim.  The following lucky winners will receive grants of from €200 to €300.

Buíochas do na buachaillí agus na cailíní go léir a chuir isteach ar na scoláireachtaí agus comhghairdeas do na buaiteoirí. Buíochas freisin do Chomhairle Contae Liatroma as an tacaíocht a thugadar dúinn.

Seo iad na daoine a fuair deontais don bhliain seo:

1. Ciara Farrell, Cois Abhann, Leitrim Village

2. Cadhla Dolan, Drumany, Fenagh.

3. Ella Van Der Laan, Mough, Ballinamore

4. Alicia Duignan, 22 Ard na Sí, Attirory, Carrick on Shannon

5. Luke Fitzmaurice, Corderry, Killargue

6. Oisín McGovern, Cloonboney, Dromod

7. Ella Isherwood, Lisnamannagh, Drumsna

8. Caitlín McIntyre, Gradogue, Corriga, Aughavas.

Connacht Juvenile A Championship Roundup.
Sunday last was another busy day for Leitrim Handball with over twenty top class Connacht Juvenile A U14 to U17 quarter finals and semi-final matches decided in Fenagh, Annaduff, and also in Collooney Co. Sligo. Eight Leitrim handball players competed on the day across several grades.

Congratulations to Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin and Fenagh’s Daniel Kane who comfortably won their U15 doubles semi-final against Mayo opposition, booking their place in next weekend’s Connacht finals in Fenagh. Also, well done but hard luck to Sophie Gallogly, Adam Neary, Eoin Mahon, Gary Cox and Peter Cox who all played very well in their respective semi-final matches but unfortunately came up short of reaching the Connacht finals.

The U14 – U17 Connacht finals will be decided in Fenagh on Sunday next, February 23rd. Maxim and Daniel will also be joined by Fenagh’s Katie Kane who will contest the Girls U17 Singles final. North Leitrim is also represented on Connacht finals day by Cormac Scarff & Tadhg Kirwin who will contest the Boys U16 doubles finals.

A sincere thank you to everyone who helped run things so smoothly in Fenagh, Annaduff and Drumshanbo over the last two weekends. Thanks to everyone who gave up their time to provide snacks and help serve refreshments. Also, a word of thanks to all who refereed the games, updated the online scoreboards, and ensured that the matches ran on schedule.

The very best of luck to Maxim, Daniel, Katie, Cormac and Tadhg in their Connacht Finals next week.

Leitrim Results : Connacht Juvenile 4-wall A Championship 2025 – Feb 16th

  • U14 Girls Singles SF    Galway (Mary Bermingham) dft. Leitrim (Sophie Gallogly) : 15-2, 15-6
  • U14 Boys Doubles SF   Galway (Dara Greally and Diarmuid Greally) dft. Leitrim (Adam Neary and Eoin Mahon) : 15-2, 15-13
  • U15 Boys Singles SF    Mayo (Dillon Sheridan) dft. Leitrim (Peter Cox) : 15-10, 15-8
  • U15 Boys Doubles SF   Leitrim (Maxim Gilmartin and Daniel Kane) dft. Mayo (Matthew Foody and Jack O’Connor) : 15-0, 15-0
  • U16 Boys Singles QF    Mayo (Finnan Brady) dft. Leitrim (Gary Cox) : 8-21, 21-0, 11-7
  • U17 Girls Singles SF    Leitrim (Katie Kane) w/o Galway (Ella Sweeney) scr


Sophie and Ruairi experience Gael Linn National Finals.

Well done but hard luck to Sophie Kane and Ruairi McKiernan who represented Fenagh and Leitrim in the prestigious Gael Linn U13 mixed doubles finals played on Saturday last in Breacach Co. Tyrone. Sophie and Ruairi gave a spirited performance, winning some of their games on the day, however the standard of competition was extremely high. Both players will have learned a lot from the experience.
Everyone at Leitrim Handball is incredibly proud to have young players like Sophie and Ruairi, who are capable of reaching national finals and competing at such a high level. The future is bright for Leitrim Handball.


Recent Teacher Training in Manorhamilton.

Congratulations and well done to the 13 staff members in St. Clare’s Primary School and Masterson National School who recently completed the Teacher In-Service Training delivered by Clare Conway – GAA Handball regional development officer. These staff are now ready to deliver the handball school programme during or after school, utilizing indoor and outdoor spaces. Another arrow in the quiver of Manorhamilton Handball club!
Keep an eye out for a similar teacher training event scheduled for Annaduff in the next few weeks.

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

At the Official Launch of the Leitrim GAA & LGFA Quid Game Fundraiser in the Landmark Hotel on Wednesday 12 February 2025, it was announced that 10 companies had already stepped up as sponsors and up to a dozen more potential sponsors were at an advanced stage of discussion with the GAA/LGFA Sponsorship Committee.

The Joint Lead Sponsors were revealed as Cora Systems a thriving local company based in Carrick-on-Shannon led by Philip Martin and the Layden Group, Commercial Property & Investment Dublin led by Joe Layden.

Padraic White, the Chairperson of the Sponsorship Committee, expressed their appreciation of this generous financial support from the lead sponsors. It also proved great encouragement in seeking further sponsorship and this led to the signing up of the eight other sponsors revealed at the official launch.
He expected that when all discussions with corporates were completed the total raised would reach €40,000 for the benefits of Leitrim GAA & LGFA players.

The eight further sponsors whose commitment are greatly appreciated are:
* Moneenatieve Wind Farm, Arigna Mountains – promoters Sheila and Anita Layden
* Advocate Financial Services, Manorhamilton – led by Pat Feely
* The Shed Distillery, Drumshanbo – with entrepreneur Pat Rigney at the helm
* MCI Ireland, Manorhamilton – led by Vincent Keehan
* Collins McNicholas Recruitment, Sligo – whose MD is Niall Murray originally from Carrick on Shannon
* Gannons Bar, Fenagh – led by Tracey Gannon
* Merenda Ltd, Manorhamilton – family firm with Ronan Haslette at the helm
* iSure Underwriting, Cavan – CEO Sean Murray originally from Ballinamore

 

Leitrim County Council has an economic development partnership with Leitrim GAA & LGFA as they have a common interest in the prosperity of the county and more employment opportunities.  This partnership is reflected in the latest videos revealed at the official launch by senior county players Clare Owens and Donal Casey who speak eloquently of the benefits of living and working in County Leitrim.

 

 

There was a buzz of excitement in the Rowing Room at The Landmark Hotel, on Wednesday February 12th, as a joint fundraising initiative between Leitrim GAA & LGFA “Quid Game” was officially launched. The uniqueness of this joint county board initiative, bringing Leitrim LGFA & GAA together as equal partners, was noted by many on the night, with contestants speaking of their pride in the collaboration in the “Leitrim GAA Family”.  The event will be held in the Landmark Hotel on Sunday night the 16th of March 2025

Leitrim GAA Chairperson Declan Bohan spoke about the energy of both organisations working together and how this new initiative is garnering great support across the clubs of the county. As we look forward to the full integration of the GAA & LGFA in 2027 there is a synergy between the two organisations in Leitrim and we are operating as one big family organising this event together.

Quid Game, powered by ClubSpot Events, is designed to deliver all the excitement and suspense of the original series, where no one will die unless of embarrassment!! Participants will engage in a series of six skill-based games that will test their accuracy, endurance, and hand-eye coordination. The evening is already shaping up to be a competitive and an adrenaline-pumping experience for all involved, and there are bound to be many laughs on the night so get the date into your diary. It’s not to be missed!

Liam O’Neill, Vice Chairperson of Leitrim LGFA, noted how delighted the LGFA is to be involved in this fundraiser. He spoke highly of the support from Leitrim County Council and how the community spirit in Leitrim, which is embodied in the Gaelic family, helped him and his family settle into Leitrim when they moved here in 2008. Our family are living proof of many people who have found a great way of life here in Leitrim! Like the 2024 Ladies Intermediate Champions, he is now a proud Leitrim person!

With an array of club members from across the county stepping up to support this unique initiative, there is sure to be some rivalry surfacing as the contestants begin their fundraising race this weekend. Competitors compete for an amazing cash prize of €10,000 where the winner will have the unique opportunity to donate part or all of their winnings to a club or charity of their choice.

Our MC for the evening, Darren Mulvey, spoke with two contestants James McDowell from Ballinaglera and Gareth Foley from Melvin Gaels.

James is looking forward to the games and was sussing out the competition. While noting that many novel fundraisers are starting around the county, he is setting his sights on the big cash prize!!

Gareth spoke about how Melvin Gaels operate as one club and have just last year fielded their first ladies team. This has brought a “new energy and enthusiasm to the club with huge work being led by the ladies behind the scenes, even teaching the lads a thing or two”

The event aims to provide an unforgettable evening’s entertainment for participants while offering local businesses and the wider diaspora a fantastic opportunity to give back to their county. By involving a wide range of participants with representatives from Australia, the UK, and all around Ireland, the event is expected to foster a sense of unity and support within the community of Leitrim.

Both the Ladies’ and men’s county boards extend an exclusive invitation to clubs to nominate players for this novel event. To learn more about the Quid Game Event or to register, interested parties can reach out to Leitrim GAA & LGFA via their social media platforms or by contacting any county board official. This is an event you won’t want to miss!

Full list of Competitors and donation links here:  https://clubspot-events.com/leitrim-gaa-lgfa/

 

L/R: Declan Bohan (Leitrim GAA Chairperson), Liam O’Neill (Vice Chair Leitrim LGFA), Mike Feeney (Chairperson of the Fund Raising Committee) launching the event with Darren Mulvey (MC)

L/R: Quid Games Competitors – Gerry McLoughlin, Kevin Keany, Ruby Mai Keane, James McDowell, Gareth Foley & James Gilmartin

L/R: Padraic White (Chairperson of the Sponsorship Committee) with Darren Mulvey (MC)

 

Saturday last was another memorable day for Leitrim Handball, when the indomitable Sophie Kane added the Connacht U13 girls single title to her ever-growing collection of accolades. Later that evening, Sophie’s multiple national and international successes over the last 12 months was justly rewarded when she collected the 2024 Junior Sports Individual award at the Leitrim Sports Star Awards. A spectacular day for the young Fenagh lady!
These celebrations were a nice distraction on a very busy weekend for Leitrim Handball as the county co-hosted the Connacht U11 – U13 A Championships with Collooney Handball Club in Sligo. Spectators in Fenagh, Drumshanbo and Annaduff were treated to the top underage players from across Connacht showcasing their repertoire of skills in some brilliant high-class handball matches.
Leitrim handball was well represented with four of their up-and-coming players competing over the weekend. Playing in her home alley in Fenagh, Sophie Kane had to work hard to overcome dogged Galway opposition to get through her early round games. In the final, Sophie rallied strongly, defeating Keely Póil from Inis Oírr Co. Galway on a scoreline of 15:6, 15:1 before collecting her Connacht gold medal to rapturous applause from the local and travelling spectators.
Making her Connacht championship debut in the girls U11 singles category, Abbie Kane played strongly in her match against eventual champion Grace Connaughton. Her Galway opponent did enough to edge through, but Abbie can be happy with her day’s work in Drumshanbo.
Meanwhile in Collooney, two more Leitrim players compete in the U13 boy’s singles finals. Drumshanbo’s Mark MacShera played well in his match against Roscommon’s Michael Walsh however the Roscommon man prevailed. Fenagh’s Ruairi McKiernan had early success when he overcame Galway’s Liam Simon-Riggot in a tiebreak game. Despite carrying an injury into the matches, Ruairi fought hard in the next round to bring eventual finalist Donnacha Mulligan to a tiebreak game however the Claregalway man got the better of Ruairi this time.
All travelling supporters were treated to the very best of Leitrim hospitality over the weekend. A special word of appreciation to all the volunteers who provided or served refreshments, and to everyone who helped referee games, or helped in any way over the weekend.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Sophie Kane together with Ruairi McKiernan now turn their attention to the All-Ireland Gael Linn U13 mixed doubles finals next weekend. Playing in Breacach Co. Tyrone, the Fenagh duo are aiming to bring this prestigious title to Leitrim.

Meanwhile, the Connacht handball fraternity will make a return visit to Leitrim next weekend as focus turns to the U14-17 Connacht A championships. Leitrim will be hoping for further success when 10 players from Fenagh, Annaduff and Manorhamilton compete in their respective grades. Best of Luck to everyone in Connacht and All-Ireland action next weekend.

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Leitrim Senior Team / Squad v Laois Announced

#Allianz Football League – Div 3 – Round 1 – Leitrim v Laois

  Tomorrow, Saturday 8th Feb
⏰  2:30pm

  Ballinamore

 Please Note 

NO TICKETS ON SALE AT MATCH VENUE – Advance ticket sales only
(Tickets bought for the original fixture will be valid for this game)

Individual Games: https://am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/fbleitrimleague

4 Match Package: https://am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/link-page/883

or selected Centra & SuperValu stores:

Centra: Drumshanbo
SuperValu: Ballinamore,  Carrick On Shannon,  Manorhamilton

SCÓR SINSIR 2025

Calling all singers, dancers, musicians, actors and trivia experts to represent their local GAA club in the upcoming Senior Scór season.

Dátaí do Dhialann

Leitrim County Final
📍 Mayflower, Drumshanbo
📅 Saturday 8th March
⏰ Quiz 6:30pm
⏰ Stage 8:00pm

Connacht Final
📍 Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo
📅 Saturday 22nd March
⏰ Quiz 5:00pm
⏰ Stage 6:30pm

All Ireland Final
📍 TF Theatre, Castlebar
📅 Saturday 26th April

Laura Crossan – Scór
https://www.facebook.com/scorliatroma

Leitrim GAA Handball hosts Connacht Juvenile  A Finals.

Co. Leitrim will be the epicentre of Connacht juvenile handball over the next three weekends as Leitrim Handball host the 2025 Connacht Juvenile A finals. 

Proceedings start when Annaduff, Fenagh and Drumshanbo alleys in conjunction with Collooney in Sligo hosting the boys and girls u11, u12 and u13 finals next weekend.  

Best of luck to all the Leitrim Handball participants who will be vying for Connacht glory in their respective categories.

Connacht Juvenile 4-wall A Championship 2025  

 

Competition

Name(s)

Club(s)

U11 Girls Singles

Abbie Kane

Fenagh

U11 Boys Doubles

Bríon Cullen & Ronan Siebert

Manorhamilton

U13 Boys Singles

Mark MacShera

Drumshanbo

U13 Boys Singles

Ruairi McKiernan

Fenagh

U13/14 Girls Singles

Sophie Kane

Fenagh

U14 Girls Singles

Sophie Gallogly

Fenagh

U14 Boys Doubles

Adam Neary & Eoin Mahon

Annaduff

U15 Boys Singles

Peter Cox

Annaduff

U15 Boys Doubles

Daniel Kane  & Maxim Gilmartin

Fenagh / Annaduff

U16 Boys Singles

Garry Cox

Annaduff

U16 Boys Doubles

Cormac Scarff & Tadhg Kirwin

Manorhamilton

U17 Girls Singles

Katie Kane

Fenagh

 

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma

The weekend before last in the midst of all kinds of weather, the Scór na nÓg All Ireland Final took place in Monaghan.

Reigning county champions Eslin battled it out in the Tráth na gCeist competition and gave a mighty performance overall. They were were extremely unlucky not to make the final stages rounds having been in contention for one of the top three spots throughout the quiz. They finished up in 5th place in the end with minimal points between the top five teams. Having been in contention for a place in the final and similar to losing by point in the final minutes of a football game, we understand their disappointment but this young team have shown their ability to perform at a high standard at All Ireland level and we are confident that this is not the last we will see of them in the future. Well done to Eoin McNulty, Sarah Kiernan, Ben Kavanagh and Callum Kilcrann who represented Eslin and Leitrim with pride.

 

Leitrim was also represented by Ailíse Maxwell from Annaduff in the solo singing competition. She sang a beautiful Leitrim song called “Where Leitrim Waters Flow”.
Despite her wonderful performance, the winner on the day was Niamh Noade from Armagh. Ailíse has had a very successful year of singing and is the current Leitrim and Connacht Scór na nÓg Champion for Solo Singing as well as being All Ireland Fleadh Champion too.

Scór na nÓg 2024 All-Ireland Champions

Figure Dancing – Newcastle, Tipperary
Solo Singing – Niamh Noade, Mullaghbawn, Armagh
Recitation – Alanna Coroon, The Downs, Westmeath
Ballad Group – Glenflesk, Kerry
Novelty Act – Enniskillen Gaels, Fermanagh
Instrumental Music – Claregalway, Galway
Set Dancing – Spa, Kerry
Quiz – Naomh Columba, Donegal