All Saints meet in U21 A Championship Final

This Saturday in Pairc Sean the curtain will come down on adult football for 2010 with the last of the Championships – U21 A down for decision. St Manachan’s and St Mary’s come head to head in this decider at 3pm in Pairc Sean and a large crowd is expected at the venue for this eagerly awaited decider.

St Mary’s last tasted success in the U21 Championship in 1993 while St Manachan’s have never won the competition but Mohill did win it on their own in 2000.

Both teams had two games en-route to the final. St Mary’s beat Greagh Gaels in their quarter-final game on a scoreline of 1-15 to 1-5 and they beat Glencar Manorhamilton in the semi-final by 3 points (1-4 to 10). St Manachan’s (Eslin and Mohill amalgamation) beat St Francis’ in their quarter final game on a scoreline of 2-14 to 2-4 and impressively accounted for the holders Oughteragh Gaels (who were going for 3-in-a-row) in the semi final on a scoreline of 3-5 to 2-11.

The 3 clubs involved have enjoyed both success and progression at adult level in 2010. Eslin of course were crowned Junior A Champions back in September and last weekend they contested the Connacht Club Junior Championship final only to be defeated by a more experienced Parke side from Mayo. Mohill contested this year’s Senior Championship semi-final and put in a good account of themselves only to fall short to the eventual winners. St Mary’s contested the Senior Championship Final and were only defeated by 2 points and they contested the Division 4 and 5 League finals loosing both by a solitary point.

A number of players on both teams will be more than familiar with each other having met on the field of play in Coiste na nÓg competition in 2010. They both contested the Division 1 Minor League Final which ended in a draw after extra time. In the replay Mary’s won and they also added the Minor Championship in September beating St Francis’.

St Mary’s will be boosted by their double success in winning the Minor League and Championship and will be easily motivated having lost the U21 final last year to Oughteragh Gaels. Their opponents will be encouraged by defeating 3-in-row hopefuls Oughteragh Gaels in the semi’s and motivation will be provided by the prospect of a possible first title at this grade for them.

Both teams have mean defences and it is worth noting St Mary’s conceded only 11 scores to St Manachan’s 14 and the town team let in 2 goals with Manachan’s conceding 5. They both have creative forward units who have exceptional Scóring power. St Mary’s have registered 1-25 enroute to the final with Manachan’s a little more impressive as goal getters Scóring 4-25.

This game has the potential to be a thriller but it’s like a deaf dog – hard to call!

 

 

10-Nov-10 by Colette Fox – PRO

Eslins Connacht Journey ends

Parke from Mayo were crowned Connacht Club Junior Champions on Sunday last in McHale Park when they overcame the challenge of a brave Eslin side. The Mayo Champions laid the foundations for their first provincial honours when they built up an impressive 13-point lead in the first half with the aid of a strong wind. Eslin did put their shoulder to the wheel in the 2nd half and were rewarded with two second half goals and it certainly looked as if they were going to mount a serious challenge. However, the more experienced Parke side were able to keep the Leitrim champions at bay with late points to secure victory. Coiste Chontae Liatroma take this opportunity to congratulate Eslin on a wonderful year and the experience of reaching the Connacht Final should definately stand to them in the future. Eslin scorers: R Reynolds 1-1, C Beirne 0-4 (0-2f), E Turbitt 1-0, C Duignan 0-2 (0-1f), P Kilcrann, B Higgins 0-1 each Eslin Team: E Higgins, G Egan, T Beirne, C Turbitt, D Stenson, S Beirne, P McNulty, B Higgins, C Duignan, B Bohan, P Kilcrann, P Reynolds, E Stenson, C Beirne, D Reynolds. Subs: B McLoughlin for D Reynolds, C Reynolds for P McNulty, D Reynolds for Kilcrann, E Turbitt for E Stenson.

 

 

09-Nov-10 by Colette Fox – PRO

Glencar Manor bow out of Connacht after epic encounter with St Brigids

St Brigids (Roscommon Champions) 1-13
Glencar / Manorhamilton (Leitrim Champions) 3-5

Glencar Manorhamilton just fell short in their bid to reach the Connacht Club Championship Final after a titanic and pulsating battle with Roscommon kingpins St. Brigids in Páirc Seán on Sunday last. A large Leitrim and Roscommon following were served with a match of high quality that ebbed and flowed throughout with a three-point blitz in the last two minutes of the game eventually securing victory for the visitors.

In the early exchanges scores were traded to leave the sides tied on two points apiece before Glencar Manor hit for their first of three goals on 12 minutes when Adrian Croal finished an inviting ball launched into the Brigids goalmouth. The visitors responded in style with four points to Manors one leaving the sides level heading towards half time.  Then in the 25th minute disaster struck for the Manor men when a mix up in their defence led to Frankie Dolan capitalising for that all important goal to leave the half time score at 1-6 to 1-3 in favour of the Roscommon men.

Frees were exchanged on the resumption before James Glancy struck with a fisted equalising goal after good work from substitute Anthony McDonald who lofted a high ball into the danger zone for Glancy who finished well.  Again, St Brigids had an immediate response, Scóring three unanswered points but more excitement unfolded as once again with 4 minutes remaining Manor showed their true battling qualities when Croal finished a great team move to the net with Anthony McDonald again the provider to leave the sides level.  It looked at this stage as though the home side had the momentum to go on and claim victory but not for the first time in the match St Brigids hit 3 points on the trot in a two minute spell and while Manors Adrian Croal saw his final effort for goal go agonisingly over the bar, St Brigids were left relieved victors after a hard fought and intensely competive game.  

Manor will look back on this game as one they could so easily of won and they will point to some crucial errors they made which were punished by a clinical St Brigids side.  It is also worth noting that every time they mounted a challenge and drew parity the Brigids team were always able to respond and pull away from them.  It was a marvellous effort by the Leitrim representatives and they can hold their heads high.  St Brigids will go into the Connacht Final on the back of a game that was a real test for them.  Despite all the pre-match hype of the match going to be a wallk in the park for the Roscommon men, they were made fight all the way.  They will surely address the concession of three goals amongst all the positives they can take from their performance.  Man of the Match was awarded to Ian Kilbride (No 5) for St Brigids.  They now meet Killerin (Galway Champions) in the Connacht Final.

scorers:  St Brigids: F Dolan 1-4 (0-2f), S Kilbride 0-5 (0-1f), D Dolan, I Kilbride, K Mannion, J Tiernan 0-1 each. Glencar/ Manorhamilton: A Croal 2-2, J Glancy 1-2 (0-2f), J Gilmartin 0-1.

ST BRIGIDS — P Martin, R Kelly, D Donnelly, nÓgrehan, I Kilbride, P Domican, G Cunniffe, G Dolan, K Mannion, Cathal McHugh, F Dolan, D Dolan, Conor McHugh, S Kilbride, D OConnor. Subs: J Tiernan for Cathal McHugh, D Kelleher for Conor McHugh.

GLENCAR/MANORHAMILTON — Gary Hickey,Thomas McDonald, Adrian OFlynn, Paddy Maguire, Dominic Kelly, Kieran OFlynn, Shane Loughlin, Colin Ryan, Darren Sweeney, James Gilmartin, James Glancy, Gerry Hickey, Adrian Croal, Fintan McGourty, Brian McDonald. Subs: Anthony McDonald for James Gilmartin, Aaron Hickey for Gerry Hickey, David Poniard for Adrian OFlynn, Ronan McGourty for Aaron Hickey.

REFEREE MICHAEL Duffy (Sligo).

 

 

09-Nov-10 by Colette Fox – PRO

Glencar Manorhamilton on the road in Connacht

3-in-a-row Leitrim Senior Football Champions Glencar Manor take on Roscommon champions St Brigid’s in the eagerly awaited Connacht Club Senior Football Championship semi-final match at 2.30 in Páirc Seán, Carrick on Shannon this Sunday.

Roscommon outfit St Brigid’s are a formidable club team and last won the Connacht Club in 2006 and have won eight Roscommon U21 championships in a row.  In the preliminary Connacht Club game they had a convincing win over Sligo Champions, Eastern Harps (0-21 to 0-4) and are widely expected to advance to the Connacht Final. 

Glencar Manorhamilton have made gradual progress in this competition in their appearances over the last two years.  They lost to Eastern Harps in 2008 on a scoreline of 1-15 to 1-5 and lost to Corofin last year by 10 points but this contest was much closer than the scoreline suggests.  This being their 3rd year to represent Leitrim they will no doubt be more familiar with the task at hand and determined to prove themselves outside the County.  If they have a full panel to pick from, play to their full potential and are roared on by the Glencar Manor and Leitrim GAA supporters – they are more than capable of delivering the right result.  

As the Club is representing the County, it is important that they get as much support as possible. Patrons are advised that the Glencar Manorhamilton Club have produced an excellent 24 page colour programme for the match. Coiste Chontae Liatroma wish them the very best of luck in the semi-final on Sunday. 

In the other semi final to be played at 2.30 this Sunday in Tuam Stadium, Galway Champions Killererin play Mayo Champions Ballintubber.  The Final of this competition is scheduled for the 21st November. 

 

 

03-Nov-10 by Colette Fox – PRO

U21 B Football Championship Final this weekend and Sean O Heslins crowned Junior C Football Champions

U21 B Football Championship Final 

Bornacoola and Carrigallen meet in the U21 B Decider this Saturday at 3.30 in Cloone.  Both sides will head into the final full of confidence.  Carrigallen had 13 points to spare over Dromahair in their semi-final and while the scoreline would suggest they were dominant they actually trailed at half time in a game of two halves.  Bornacoola edged out Glenfarne/Kilty in their semi-final on a scoreline of 2-8 to 1-10 in an entertaining and hard fought match that was won with the last kick of the game.  Both sides are brimming with talented players and a final full of quality is surely on the cards.  May the best team win.

Junior C Championship Final Replay (Ballinamore Sean OHeslins 5-6, Drumreilly 1-14)

Last weekend Sean OHeslins staged a dramatic recovery to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Drumreilly in the replay of the Junior C Championship Final as they scored goals in the 6th and 7th minutes of injury time.  A shell-shocked Drumreilly were left wondering where it all went wrong for them in the closing stages of this contest but full credit to the victors Sean OHeslins who displayed great battling qualities and never say die attitude to emerge victorious.

This weekend the Junior B Championship Relegation Final between Cloone and Leitrim Gaels takes place on Sunday at 12pm in Annaduff. 

 

 

03-Nov-10 by Colette Fox – PRO

Brave Aughawillan rue missed chances

AIB Connacht Club IFC Semi-Final

Strokestown (Roscommon) 0 – 10, Aughawillan (Leitrim) 0 – 6 (Venue Ballinamore, Co Leitrim.)

Strokestown dominated the exchanges of this tie in the first half but had to withstand a brave Aughawillan second quarter fight-back that levelled the proceedings to set up a grand stand finish.  Strokestown however snuffed out Aughawillans challenge in the final quarter and booked their place in the Connacht Club Intermediate Football Final.

Aughawillan outplayed Strokestown in most of the second half exchanges but wayward shooting in this period proved to be the Leitrims sides Achilles heel as well as a 37th minute dismissal for a second yellow card offence.  Man-of-the-match John Rogers shot nine of Strokestowns ten points with eight of those coming from free conversions.  Aughawillan did Leitrim proud on the day and the Connacht experience will no doubt stand to them going forward.

Strokestown: John McHugh, Jonny Dolan, Niall Owens, Paul McLoughlin, John Hagan, Daniel Rogers, Rory Molloy, Ronan Owens, Matty Column, John Rogers 0 – 9(8f.), Seamus Collins, Pearse McGinley, Thomas ShannÓgher, Patrick Brogan, Conor Silke 0 – 1. Subs Niall Brogan for Dolan (22 mins.), Emmet Collins for R. Owens (37 mins.), E. Molloy for McGinley (43 mins.), Kenny Bosquette for Colum (52 mins.).

Aughawillan: Colin Maguire, Noel Darcy, Michael Quinn, Gerard McGovern, Declan McGovern, Sean Quinn, Garry Deane, Christy Prior, Shane Flanagan 0 – 1, Olly Plunkett, Barry Prior 0 – 2, Paul Prior 0 – 1, CiaránÓgilheaney, Morgan Quinn 0 – 1(1f.), Noel Plunkett 0 – 1. Sub Ryan Creamer for O. Plunkett (HT).

Referee: Gerry Kinneavy (Galway).

 

 

02-Nov-10 by Colette Fox – PRO

Eslin to contest Connacht Club Junior Football Championship Final

Eslin turned in a stout hearted performance to convincingly win their Connacht Club junior championship semi-final against Roscommon champions Ballinameen in Ballinamore on Sunday last for the first time in the clubs history.  Eslin (Leitrim) 2 – 9 , Ballinameen (Roscommon) 1 – 6

While man-of-the-match Conor Beirne turned in a trojan performance for the Eslin men when he scored 2 – 8 of the Mohill Half Parish sides total it was very evident that all of Beirnes colleagues also played a major part in the teams success such was their overall work-rate in this showdown.

Eslin contest the Connacht Junior Football Final this Sunday against Mayo side Parke at 2pm in McHale Park, Castlebar.  We wish the Club the very best of luck and hopefully they will be celebrating a Connacht title on Sunday evening.   

Eslin: Emmet Higgins, Gabriel Egan, Dermot Reynolds, Colin Turbitt, David Stenson Tomás Beirne, Pauric McNulty, Brian Higgins 0 – 1, Cormac Duignan, Paul Kilcrann, Shane Beirne, Ronan Reynolds, Eamon Stenson, Conor Beirne 2 – 8 (3f.), Barry Bohan. Subs Donnacha Reynolds for Kilcrann (39 mins.), Barry McLoughlin for Bohan (56 mins.).

Ballinameen: Declan Dwyer, Olvan McDermott, Declan Filan, David Wynne, Pádraig Cryan, Paul Kelly, Pádraig McDermott, Eoighan Keaveney, Aidan Cunningham, Ciarán Harrington, Alan Beirne, John Murtagh, Dessie Carlos 0 – 4(2f.), Peter Keane 1 – 1(pen.), Mark Ward 0 – 1. Subs Cathal Keaveney for Dwyer (43 mins.), Brian McDermott for Filan (50 mins.).

Referee: Declan Corcoran (Mayo.).

 

 

 

31-Oct-10 by Colette Fox – PRO

Division 1 and U21 Football

Glencar Manor and Annaduff will contest this years Division 1 Final after both recorded victories in the final round of games at the weekend. Glencar Manor (who had already qualified for the final entering the final round of games) finished top on 18 points with Annaduff 2nd on 15 points and although Mohill recorded a win against St Marys they just fell short into 3rd place on 14 points. Ballinamore will join Kiltubrid in Division 2 next year when they were defeated at home by Allen Gaels.

In the U21 A Football Championship Oughteragh Gaels bid for a three in a row was foiled by St Manchan”’s who defeated them by 3 points. Manchan”’s will now contest the final against last years beaten finalists St Mary”’s who defeated Glencar Manor by 3 points. By all accounts the two semi-finals were very exciting and evenly matched encounters so the final is sure to be a date for our diaries!

The U21 B Championship Cup will also have a new home this year after defending champions Melvin Gaels were defeated by Bornacoola. The competition has reached the semi final stages with Carrigallen playing Dromahair and Bornacoola playing Glenfarne Kilty this weekend.

 

 

28-Oct-10 by Colette Fox – PRO

Connacht Club Intermediate and Junior Football Semi Finals

Aughawillan make a welcome return to Connacht Club competition this weekend when they welcome near neighbours Strokestown for the eagerly awaited Connacht Club Intermediate Football Semi Final. Strokestown will have the advantage of having a game under their belt in the competition as they accounted for the Sligo Champions in the preliminary game. Aughawillan on the other hand have had a number of hard fought Senior league games since they were crowned Leitrim Intermediate Champions in September. The two clubs renew old acquaintances from the early 90s when the famous “battle of the fog” took place. Aughawillan have a proud club history in this competition and with a large Leitrim following they are sure to do Leitrim proud on Sunday. Throw-in at 2.30 in Ballinamore.

Eslin take on Ballinameen in the Connacht Club Junior Football semi final at 12.45 at the same venue. Ballinameen also have the advantage of winning their preliminary game against the Sligo Champions. Eslin are new comers to the competition and the trozan work they have undertook in recent years in developing underage structures is now reaping rewards. During the Celtic Tiger years they fielded underage teams for the first time in 50 years. This has proved a major factor in their recent success in the Leitrim Junior Championship. Last weekend they also qualified for the U21 A Championship Final as an amalgamation with neighbours Mohill under the banner of St Manchans. They have a fine mixture of youth and experience in their ranks and are a proud Leitrim Club who are sure to represent the County with distinction on Sunday.

Clar an Lae – Ballinamore

Connacht Club Junior Championship Semi Final:

Eslin (Leitrim Champions) V Ballinameen (Roscommon Champions) – Throw-in 12.45.

Connacht Club Intermediate Championship Semi Final:

Aughawillan (Leitrim Champions) V Strokestown (Roscommon Champions) – Throw-in 2.30.

Coiste Chontae Liatroma wishes both teams the best of luck on Sunday and urges Leitrim supporters to turn up in large numbers to support both teams.

 

 

27-Oct-10 by Collette Fox – County PRO

Gallogly Catering ACL Division 1

The final round of games in the Gallogly Catering ACL Division 1 take place this weekend.

On Saturday, Kiltubrid play Dromahair and Aughawillan play Melvin Gaels. These teams are safe and these results will have no bearing on the battle for top two or relegation.

On Sunday, the remaining fixtures which present many varying outcomes on the top two/bottom two placings all throw in at 2.30 pm. Heading into Sundays games we already know that Glencar Manorhamilton have qualified for the Division 1 Final as they currently sit top on 16 points and cannot be caught. At the other end of the table Kiltubrid have been relegated to Division 2 next year.

In the battle for second place, three teams are currently tied in second place on 13 points – Carrigallen (+/- 61), St Marys (+/- 37) and Annaduff (+/- 4). Carrigallen obviously have a superior Scóring difference over the other two teams but face a difficult encounter at home against the County Champions Glencar Manorhamilton. Annaduff face an equally difficult encounter away to relegation threatened Drumreilly while St Marys are at home to Mohill (+/-33) who are on twelve points and can still finish 2nd if results go their way.

In the relegation zone three teams face an anxious afternoon. Ballinamore Sean OHeslins are currently 2nd from bottom on 7 points (-10) and they face Allen Gaels (-28) who are currently joint 3rd from bottom on 8 points. Drumreilly (-60) are locked with Allen Gaels on 8 points and as already mentioned they face Annaduff who will be desperately looking to secure a place in the final.

If teams are level on points at the conclusion of games the top two/bottom two will be decided as follows – head to head result if two teams tied and score difference if 3 or more tied. Head to Head results of possible relevance are as follows:

Head to head results – teams in contention for 2nd place finish

Carrigallen beat Annaduff (3-9 to 0-5)
Carrigallen beat Mohill (0-12 to 0-11)
St Marys beat Carrigallen (1-14 to 0-8)
Annaduff beat St Marys (2-12 to 2-10)
Annaduff beat Mohill (1-10 to 1-8)
(St Marys play Mohill this weekend)

Head to head results – teams in relegation battle

Drumreilly drew with Ballinamore Sean OHeslins (0-11 a-piece)
Drumreilly beat Allen Gaels (1-14 to 1-11)
(Ballinamore Sean OHeslins play Allen Gaels this weekend)

Mobile phones are sure to be busy between venues all afternoon but by Sunday evening we will know who will contest the Division 1 Final and who will be playing Division 2 next year.

 

 

22-Oct-10 by Colette Fox – PRO

Division 2 Completed

Aughavas and Ballinaglera will play Division 3 next year as both were relegated after the final round of games in
Division 2 yesterday evening. While Ballinaglera already knew their destiny before yesterday evening Aughavas
loosing to neighbours Cloone meant they joined them as both Glencar Manor and Drumkeerin won their games
thus avoiding a possible 2/ 3 way tie.

 

 

17-Oct-10 by Colette Fox – PRO

Glencar Manorhamilton Division 1 and 2 League Games

Glencar Manor will play Drumreilly In Division1tomorrow (Saturday 16th) at 3.15 and Bornacoola in Division 2 at 5pm in Belcoo, Co Fermanagh. Supporters of all 3 teams are asked to note the change of venue.

 

 

15-Oct-10 by Colette Fox – PRO