The 2013 Leitrim Club Championships

A whole new ball game

 

The recession has taught us a lot. We now realise that the days of lashing money on extravagances are but a distant memory. We want value for money and we have come to appreciate the simpler, more basic things in life.

In Winter and early Spring it might be the local drama or musical society or concert, a great night out for a tenner or a little more.

Summer brings thoughts of the football championship, when local is the buzz word again. We all want our own team to do well, to win the county title, irrespective of grade. We want to be there when the local lads take the field, to cheer on our own heroes.

It all starts in Leitrim this weekend, the Connacht Gold Senior, the Glenfarne Wood Products Intermediate and the Pyramid Bookmakers Junior. So the excitement is building in every corner of the county and even the weather-man is on our side, promising a good week to have all the pitches ready for action.

Last year is history. The Championship Cups have been handed back and are up for grabs to every competing club. It is all to play for now. In the run up to Saturday and Sunday the County Board officers and committees will be taking care of all the logistics; the players will be stretching, lapping, hand-passing, soloing and shooting; the team Managers and selectors will be plotting, planning and playing mind games; the Leitrim Observer, Shannonside and Ocean will be interviewing and forecasting; the kids will be begging Mammy and Daddy to get them a new club jersey.

What about the supporters? They will be as busy as anyone, talking up their own team to the opposition and relishing the local derbies and slagging their neighbours. Come Saturday and Sunday they will be delighted to part with the still very reasonable admission fees that won’t break the bank. The few Euro won’t be an issue when your own lads trot out on the pitch.

As the All Ireland Championship slogan says:-

Nothing beats being there

 

 

 

 

20-May-13 by Colette Fox – PRO

Coaching and Games Development Newsletter

Leitrim GAA Coaching & Games Development

 

Club coach mentor programme

Our club coach mentor programme has commenced over the past few weeks in Carrigallen & Melvin Gaels clubs. It will be expanded to Kiltubrid & Drumkeerin clubs over the next two weeks. This programme designed by our coach education committee and promoted by our coaching and games development committee aims to assist clubs and coaches with what is considered best coaching practise, initally at grades up to under 12 but expanding to include all grades up to Minor.

 

Award 1 Child & Youth/Adult course

Our Award 1 course due to commence this evening Wednesday 15th has been postponed for one week due to the lack of registration. We would ask all coaches interested in completing either the child or youth/adult modules of the course to register before Friday next May 17th on the google doc sent to all club secretaries. If there is not sufficient numbers registered by Friday next then we will be forced to postpone the course.

 

Kellogg’s GAA Cul camps

Application forms for this years Kellogg’s Cul camps have been distributed through our Primary schools and are also available from all clubs. The on-line booking is in full swing and we would encourage using this system of booking if possible. A €5 discount per child is available by using the coupon from selected Kellogg’s cereal boxes and booking on-line.

 

U8, U10 & U12 Go-Games Blitz & Mini league

It has been brought to our attention that the spirit of these blitz and mini leagues seems to have been lost on some mentors. It is very sad to think that some mentors still seem to think that it is ok to shout abuse at children. I would ask all club officers to please address this issue urgently and if a coach is not prepared to adhere to the official code of conduct for working with children then they should not be coaching children.

 

Development squads

Our U15 & U16 squads are on a break at the moment while dates for the U14 squad trials will be finalised shortly.

 

For further details on any of the above contact.

Padraig McGourty 086-8106431 or coachingofficer.leitrim@gaa.ie

Thomas Keenan 087-6591049 or thomas.keenan.gm.leitrim@gaa.ie

 

 

20-May-13 by Colette Fox – PRO

Round 2 Under 8-10 Blitz and Under 12 Mini League

Under 8/10 Round 2

Saturday 18th May 10-30am.

Glencar-Manor v Dromahair

Annaduff v Garadice Gaels

Bornacoola v Aughavas

Carrigallen v Kiltubrid

Leitrim Gaels v Ballinamore-Soh

Drumkeerin v Melvin Gaels/Glenfarne-Kilty

St Marys v Mohill

Allen Gaels v Fenagh-St Caillins

Gortletteragh v Aughnasheelin
 
 
 

Under 12 Mini League Round 2

Wednesday 22nd May 7pm

Fenagh-St Caillins v St Marys

Drumkeerin v Glencar-Manor

Allen Gaels v Dromahair

Melvin Gaels Bye
 

Carrigallen v Leitrim Gaels

Mohill v Garadice Gaels

Aughavas v Ballinamore-Soh

Gortletteragh Bye
 

Glenfarne-Kilty v Aughnasheelin

Kiltubrid v Cloone

St Osnats v Bornacoola

Annaduff Bye

 

 

 

14-May-13 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg

St Francis 1-09 Garadice Gaels 1-08

Congratulations to both teams who reached the 13-a-side league final and who provided us with a very exciting and one to remember game last Wednesday evening in Leitrim Gaels Community Field.

It was agreed after a request was made that the final be played as an 11-a-side final as a result of injuries to two players from Garadice Gaels Mark Plunkett and Dylan Mimna and the first half with the wind at their backs saw Garadice Gaels the stronger of the two teams. Conor Gaffney was excellent in attack while Declan Flanagan and Fergal McTague played crucial roles in ensuring Garadice Gaels took full advantage of the wind as they opened up an eight point lead.

Garadice Gaels took the lead in the fourth minute with a point from Conor Gaffney after good play from Declan Flanagan. They went on to get another point when a free taken by Gaffney broke to Fergal McTague who ensured them of a point. Their third point was scored when Declan Flanagan made a great catch in midfield before driving forward to score the point himself.

St Francis struggled in the early stages of the game and their first point was scored when Diarmuid McKiernan converted a free but Garadice Gaels went on to score the first goal of the game by Conor Gaffney. However St Francis hit back with two points from Wayne Reynolds and John Crawford. However, the final ten minutes of the half was dominated by Garadice Gaels who looked more eager and took advantage of the wind when points were scored by Michael Prior followed by three converted points by Conor Gaffney and then went on to score an excellent point to give his side a 1-8 to 0-3 half-time lead.

With an eight point lead it seemed an impossible task for St Francis but as the second half progressed St Francis went up a gear and the first point of the half was scored by Shane Walsh and that was quickly followed by a Diarmuid McKiernan free. With six points still between the teams and 15 minutes left on the clock it seemed it was going to be Garadice Gaels final especially whenÓgoalkeeper Darragh McNiff made an outstanding save to deny McKiernan a goal after great play from Niall Sorohan and Wayne Reynolds.

St Francis reduced the lead to 5 five points with 10 minutes of the game remaining after Diarmuid McKiernan converted a free and within two minutes Wayne Reynolds and Diarmuid McKiernan scored two more points which meant that only a goal separated the teams with eight minutes to go. In the sixth minute of injury time St Francis were awarded a penalty which Diarmuid McKiernan scored which levelled the game. St Francis launched one final attack resulting in Diarmuid McKiernan being fouled by Rory McTague who was then issued with his second yellow card. Diarmuid McKiernan went on to convert the free which was the last score of the game and it ensured their one point lead. Final score was St Francis 1-9, Garadice Gaels 1-8.

 

St Francis

Kevin Moran, Padraig Clarke, Kevin Moran, Kyle Flynn, Shane Walsh (0-1), Alan McTigue, Brian Moran, John Crawford (0-1), Niall Sorohan, Wayne Reynolds (0-2), Diarmuid McKiernan (1-5),

Sub: Luke Bradley for McTigue (48 mins)

Garadice Gaels

Darragh McNiff, Donal McCabe, Pierce Dolan, Killian Lavin, Ronan Maxwell, Rory McTague, Fergal McTague (0-1), Ciaran O’Hehir, Declan Flanagan (0-1), Micheal Prior (0-1), Conor Gaffney (1-5),

Sub: Adam Kearns for O’Hehir (49 mins)

Referee: Michael Clancy

 

 

 

13-May-13 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg

Our Open night will be one to remember

Leitrim GAA Open night

10/5/13

Boys and girls from the Aughavas, Drumkeerin, Kiltubrid and Leitrim Gaels Clubs shared the GAA county grounds on Friday evening with the members of the Leitrim team and management personnel.

The occasion was the second Championship Open Evening, when supporters of all ages were invited to meet the Leitrim team as the players gear up for the forthcoming Connacht Championship semi final clash in Páirc Sean with either London or Sligo on Sunday, June 23rd. Followers got to meet and chat with the players and to witness first hand the team preparations for an exciting season.

But pride of place went to the youngsters on the Under 10 Blitz teams from the four clubs who strove might and main under the guidance of team mentors, coaches and parents, grannies, grandas, uncles, aunts and cousins, to show off their already considerable skills and to put down a pointer that they intend to be the Leitrim stars of the future. It was a great thrill for them too to have their team photograph taken with their own idols on the current side and also to have county stars referee their Blitz games. The emphasis was very much on the kids enjoying the football and the whole fun experience, when the results of their games did not really matter and where everybody got to play.

Also present to extend good wishes was Gerard Fitzgerald of Gerard Anthony Menswear, Carrick on Shannon who kindly sponsored casual outfits for our county team for their recent trip to New York, numerous Supporter Club members and County Board and Coiste na n-Óg officials, coaches and Games Promotion Officers.

There was more to come for all the children present, when they all combined to play a hilarious challenge match against the Leitrim players, who were tackled, hassled and man-marked by a virtual army of young footballers. It must be said that from goalkeepers Cathal McCrann and Brendan Flynn out, the county team really got into the spirit of things and made the occasion something to remember for their avid young followers, allowing themselves to be beaten to the ball and outplayed throughout the field, with the youngsters banging in the goals and slotting over the points.

Activity on the field finished with all the children lining up with their county heroes to have a group photo taken and the night finished with all the children receiving refreshments and “GAA Heroes” posters and wristbands.  The county players and management were then interviewed by the press and radio, before getting down to the serious business of yet another training session.

The Open Evening was an unqualified success and much credit must go to the young players, their mentors and families and all our avid supporters who turned up in huge numbers to congratulate the team on their victory in New York and wish them well in the semi final which is sure to draw a bumper crowd to Páirc Seán.  Our own GAA heroes, the Leitrim County team were so giving of their time and encouragement to the children and yet again showed what wonderful ambassadors they are for the GAA – well done lads.  

Now it is all to play for, it is all down to the performance on the field in Páirc Seán on June 23rd and remember, as the GAA marketing slogan says,:

Nothing beats being there.

 

 

 

10-May-13 by Colette Fox – PRO

Leitrim GAA Church Gate Collection

The Leitrim GAA Annual Church Gate Collection will take place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th May. Clubs in the county will co-ordinate the collection on behalf of Coiste Chontae Liatroma.  

The collection is always well supported throughout the county and we gratefully appreciate the continued support of the public in this annual fundraiser.

 

 

10-May-13 by Colette Fox – PRO

Connacht Intermediate Ladies Championship

Leitrim Ladies take to the field this Sunday in Tarmonbarry in the first round of the Connacht Intermediate Football Championship.  Throw in at 2.30pm and the ladies would greatly appreicate support on the day.  

Best of luck to the team and management.

 

 

 

10-May-13 by Colette Fox – PRO

Under 12 Mini Leagues Rounds 1

UNDER 12 Mini League Round 1
 Sat 11th May at 11-30am.

St Marys v Melvin Gaels
Dromahair v Fenagh-St Caillins
Drumkeerin v Allen Gaels
Glencar-Manor Bye

Leitrim Gaels v Gortletteragh
Ballinamore-Soh v Carrigallen
Mohill v Aughavas
Garadice Gaels Bye

Aughnasheelin v Annaduff
Bornacoola v Glenfarne-Kilty
Kiltubrid v St Osnats
Cloone Bye

 

 

10-May-13 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg

Under 12 Mini Leagues Rounds 1-7

Round 1 Sat 11th May

Round 2 Mon 20th May

Round 3 Mon 3rd June

Round 4 Mon 10th June
       

St Marys v Melvin Gaels

Fenagh-St Caillins v St Marys

Glencar-Manor v St Marys

Allen Gaels v Melvin Gaels

Dromahair v Fenagh-St Caillins

Drumkeerin v Glencar-Manor

Melvin Gaels v Fenagh-St Caillins

St Marys v Dromahair

Drumkeerin v Allen Gaels

Allen Gaels v Dromahair

Dromahair v Drumkeerin

Fenagh-St Caillins v Glencar-Manor

Glencar-Manor Bye

Melvin Gaels Bye

Allen Gaels Bye

Drumkeerin Bye
       

Leitrim Gaels v Gortletteragh

Carrigallen v Leitrim Gaels

Garadice Gaels v Leitrim Gaels

Aughavas v Gortletteragh

Ballinamore-Soh v Carrigallen

Mohill v Garadice Gaels

Gortletteragh v Carrigallen

Leitrim Gaels v Ballinamore-Soh

Mohill v Aughavas

Aughavas v Ballinamore-Soh

Ballinamore-Soh v Mohill

Carrigallen v Garadice Gaels

Garadice Gaels Bye

Gortletteragh Bye

Aughavas Bye

Mohill Bye
       

Aughnasheelin v Annaduff

Glenfarne-Kilty v Aughnasheelin

Cloone v Aughnasheelin

St Osnats v Annaduff

Bornacoola v Glenfarne-Kilty

Kiltubrid v Cloone

Annaduff v Glenfarne-Kilty

Aughnasheelin v Bornacoola

Kiltubrid v St Osnats

St Osnats v Bornacoola

Bornacoola v Kiltubrid

Glenfarne-Kilty v Cloone

Cloone Bye

Annaduff Bye

St Osnats Bye

Kiltubrid Bye

 

 

Round 5 Mon 17th June

Round 6 Mon 24th June

Round 7 Mon 1st July
     

Drumkeerin v St Marys

Allen Gaels v Fenagh-St Caillins

St Marys v Allen Gaels

Melvin Gaels v Dromahair

Dromahair v Glencar-Manor

Glencar-Manor v Melvin Gaels

Glencar-Manor v Allen Gaels

Melvin Gaels v Drumkeerin

Fenagh-St Caillins v Drumkeerin

Fenagh-St Caillins Bye

St Marys Bye

Dromahair Bye
     

Mohill v Leitrim Gaels

Aughavas v Carrigallen

Leitrim Gaels v Aughavas

Gortletteragh v Ballinamore-Soh

Ballinamore-Soh v Garadice Gaels

Garadice Gaels v Gortletteragh

Garadice Gaels v Aughavas

Gortletteragh v Mohill

Carrigallen v Mohill

Carrigallen Bye

Leitrim Gaels Bye

Ballinamore-Soh Bye
     

Kiltubrid v Aughnasheelin

St Osnats v Glenfarne-Kilty

Aughnasheelin v St Osnats

Annaduff v Bornacoola

Bornacoola v Cloone

Cloone v Annaduff

Cloone v St Osnats

Annaduff v Kiltubrid

Glenfarne-Kilty v Kiltubrid

Glenfarne-Kilty Bye

Aughnasheelin Bye

Bornacoola Bye
     
     
     
     
     
     

 

 

 

05-May-13 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg

Postcard to Home

Postcard to Home

 

Mike Carty of Rosie O Gradys Bar & Restaurant hosted a magnificent Leitrim evening on Friday 3/5/13. 

Leitrim Tourism Board kicked off the evening with a very informative promotional event which was attended by Joe Dolan, Chairman of Leitrim Tourism whos Bush Hotel is the Leitrim team sponsor; by Enda Stenson, Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council and by Sinead McDermott Leitrim Tourism Officer. 

Frank Brady of the Leitrim Society and Leitrim GAA New York paid tribute to the work being done by Leitrim Tourism in promoting his home county while special guest Seamus ORourke regaled the large attendance with a selection from his famous repertoire. 

In attendance also was Gerard Fitzgerald of Gerald Anthony Menswear Carrick on Shannon, sponsor of casual gear for the Leitrim team who with Joe Dolan was delighted to greet the team party and officials. 

Joe Flynn, Cathaoirleach of the Leitrim County Board conveyed sincere thanks to Mike Carty for his generous sponsorship of the meal to the team party. All the Leitrim folk (home and USA based) in attendance had the opportunity to meet the Leitrim players and wish them well for Sunday. 

On this wonderful Leitrim evening, the hospitality of Mike Carty set a wonderfully warm atmosphere as we all mingled and joined on the streets of Manhattan to wave off our heroes as they departed on their team bus. 

Liatroim Abú

 

 

04-May-13 by Colette Fox – PRO

The Leitrim team to play New York in the Quarter Final of the Connacht Championship

The Leitrim team to play New York in the Quarter Final of the Connacht Championship in gaelic Park, New York at 3pm (local time).

Foireann LIATROIM 

1 Cathal McCrann Cathal Mac BhroinnÓgortletteragh

2 Alan Wynne Ailéin Ó Gaoithín Allen Gaels

3 Fabian McMorrow Fabian Mac Muiri Melvin Gaels

4 Paddy Maguire Pádraig Mag Uidhir Glencar Manorhamilton

5 Danny Beck Dónall Ó Béice Mohill

6 Gary Reynolds Garraí Mac Raghnaill Carrigallen

7 Wayne McKeon Wayne Mac Eoin Ballinamore Seán O’Heslin’s

8 Tomas Beirne Tomás Ó Beirn Eslin

9 Darren Sweeney Darren Mac Suibhne Glencar Manorhamilton

10 Paul Brennan Pól Ó Braonáin Melvin Gaels

11 Emlyn Mulligan (C) Emlyn Ó Maolagáin St Brigid’s

12 Gerry Hickey Gearard Ó hÍcí Glencar Manorhamilton

13 Kevin Conlon Caoimhín Ó Connalláin St Patrick’s Dromahair

14 James Glancy Séamus Mac Fhlannchaidh Glencar Manorhamilton

15 Robbie Lowe Roibeard Mac Lu St Mary’s 

Bainisteoirí / Joint Management Team

Brian Breen and George Dugdale

Briain Ó Briain agus Seoirse Dugdale

 

 

 

03-May-13 by Colette Fox – PRO

Linking the Ages in Leitrim

 LINKING THE AGES IN LEITRIM

Leitrim GAA Open night

On Friday evening 10th May at 7pm, Páirc Seán in Carrick on Shannon will be buzzing with activity as the Leitrim senior football and hurling teams, team managements, County Board officers, coaches and GPOs, supporters of all ages, team and championship sponsors, the local media and a virtual army of young stars of the future will converge on the county grounds for the Leitrim launch of the Connacht and All Ireland Football Championship. 

There is a keen interest in team preparations and everyone in Páirc Seán will have an opportunity to see the players be put through their paces by Joint Team Managers Brian Breen and George Dugdale and see for themselves the massive efforts being made to have our team in ship-shape for the Connacht Championship. 

Most of all the evening will see our young boys and girls get to meet their county players up close, to get their autographs and to dream of the day when they too might wear the Leitrim jersey with the same pride and enthusiasm as the current county squads. 

The emphasis will be on a fun evening and an ideal chance to meet the players one to one and to extend our good wishes to them for the forthcoming campaign. 

Young and old are welcome to come along to Páirc Seán on Friday evening (10th May) at 7pm. 

Nothing beats being there!

 

 

 

02-May-13 by Colette Fox – PRO