AIB Connacht Club Junior Championship semi – Aughavas

With Halloween still fresh in everybodys mind, Aughavas dreams of Connacht glory turned into a nightmare in Salthill on Sunday last as they were comprehensively beaten by An Spidéal in the AIB Connacht Club Junior Championship semi-final.

AIB CONNACHT CLUB JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL
AUGHAVAS 0-7
AN SPIDEAL 0-12

Having been thoroughly outplayed by An Spideal, Aughavas Manager Kenneth Smith inisisted his team are better than the scoreline suggests and simply did not do themselves justice on the day.

WIth Aughavas second to practically every ball for three quarters of the game coupled with the fact that An Spidéal were playing like a team who would be far more suited to a higher grade, it was looking ominous for the Leitrim junior champions from early on.

An Spidéal signalled their intent straight from the throw-in, but the man who went on to deservedly be crowned man of the match, Breandan Og O Callarain was off target with his effort inside 15 seconds.

Aughavas struggled to get out of their own half in the opening minutes but when they did they made it count with Peter McBrien and Aidan Maguire releasing Colm Maguire whose powerful run ultimately resulted in David Charles Scóring the games opening point.

Having had virtually all the possesion it was no surprise when An Spidéal drew level through Toms O Conghaile although it was slightly controversial as referee Ollie Kelly had appeared to blow for a free for the Galway side before then allowing the point to stand.

An Spidéal took the lead for the first time in the tie when Breandan Og O Callarain converted an eight minute free and Einne O Domhnaill then further extended the lead when he held off the attention of two would be challengers to score a fine point in style.

Although they were creating little as an attacking force Aughavas were making the most of their chances and Colm Maguire who had been so influential in the county final against Eslin reduced the deficit to solitary point with a good score.

With eleven minutes of play gone, Aughavas would have been happy with the fact that they were only trailing by a point but that was the only encouraging aspect for Kenneth Smith and his management team as An Spidéal were dominant in all areas of the pitch and were first to practically every ball.

An Spidéal re-established their two point lead when Breandan Og O Callarain converted another free before Ciaran O Droighneain further extended that lead and the feeling was that Aughavas were beginning to look in real danger.

Unfortunately that proved to be the case for the Leitrim men as An Spidéal struck for two goals in the space of seven minutes to open up a nine point and although there was still a long way to go in the game, it effectively ended the game as a contest.

The first goal was brilliantly worked with Ciaran O Droighneain picking out full-forward Tomas O Fatharta who in turn released Aodan O Curraoin. O Curraoins powerful shot flew low and hard across Philip Charles goal and into the bottom corner of the net.

The second goal was every bit as good with Ciaran O Droighneains moment of quick thinking, as he played a volleball style pass over his head, leaving the Aughavas defence flat footed. Breandan Og O Callarain was on hand to take full advantage of the perfectly placed pass and shot beyond Charles for his sides second goal.

With the Aughavas game plan evidently not working subsitutions were called for earlier than would otherwise have been anticipated and one of those subsitutions, Padraig McLoughlin made his presence felt within two minutes of his introduction as he registered Aughavas third point.

The Scóring for the opening half was completed by Breandan Og O Callarain who despite playing junior football could well force himself into the reckoning for the Galway senior side next year if last Sundays performance is anything to go by.

if Aughavas were to have any hope of getting back into the game, they needed an early goal at the beginning of the second half as they trailed by 2-7 to 0-3. However, it was An Spidéal who almost did just that but Ciaran O Droighneains goal was disallowed for square ball.

Despite that let-off, Aughavas were still struggling to impose themselves on the game and fell further behind as Breandan Og O Callarain converted another free.

That lead grew further when Tomas O Fatharta outpaced Adrian Charles on the outside before delivering a composed finish between the uprights to leave 12 points between the sides.

Another Breandan Og O Callarain point heaped further misery on the Aughavas players, management and supporters, but if there is one positive they can take from last Sundays performance it is that the players did not throw in the towel.

WIth the game all but over as a contest, Aughavas enjoyed their best period of the game. David Charles was only denied a goal by a fine save from Padriag O Maolallaigh, while four further Aughavas attacks yielded only four wides.

With nine minutes of the game remaining, Aughavas registered their first score of the half as Kevin Keegan converted a free after David Charles was fouled. Two minutes later the same player was fouled again and this time Colm Magurie pointed with Aughavas looking like they were determined to finish the game on a high.

Padraig McLoughlin struck for his second point of the game and from an Aughavas point of view it was one of the few moments in the game to get particularly excited. Colin McKiernan and Colm Maguire combined well before releasing McLoughlin who showed that class is permanent by striking with the outside of his boot right between the posts.

Kieran Moran added a further point for Aughavas and the feeling was that if they could find a goal before the end of the game, they would at least have succeeded in putting some respectability on the scoreboard.

Unfortunately for Aughavas, An Spidéal had other ideas as it was they who finished the stronger with two unanswered points from man of the match Breandan Og O Callarain, one of which was from a free.

The final scoreline doesnt make for nice reading for anyone from Aughavas or indeed for anyone with an interest in Leitrim football but it is worth echoing the sentiments of Kenneth Smith who stated that while the better side won, Aughavas didnt play to their potential and that is probably what will hurt them the most.

Aughavas
Philip Charles, Niall Maguire, Adrian Charles, Eoin Brennan, Derek Maguire, Trevor Farrelly, Niall Gallogly, Aidan Maguire (0-1), Kieran Moran, David Charles (0-1), Fintan McBrien, Peter McBrien, Kevin Keegan (0-1), Colm Maguire (0-2), Conor Bohan. Subs: Dan OBrien for P McBrien, Padraig McLoughlin (0-2) for F. McBrien (28 mins), Eamonn Heslin for Bohan (39 mins), Colin McKiernan for Keegan (53 mins),

An Spidéal
Padraig O Maolallaigh, Diarmuid O Droighneain, Aodan Breathnach, Liam O Conghaile, Maghnus Breathnach, Dara Mac an Riogh, Einne O Domhnaill (0-1), Lorcan O Callarain, Micheal O Callarain, Donal O Maolallaigh, Aodan O Curraoin (1-0), Tomas O Conghaile (0-1), Breandan Og O Callarain (1-8), Tomas O Fatharta (0-1), Ciaran O Droighneain (0-1). Subs: Donal De Barra for C. O Droighneain (35 mins), Mairtin O Droighneain for T. O Conghaile (44 mins), Fearghus Tuathail for A. Breathnach (54 mins), Fiachra O Dubhghaill for L. O Callarain (56 mins), Eoin O Droighneain for M. Breathnach (60 mins).
Referee: Ollie Kelly (Roscommon)

 

 

05-Nov-09 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie

AIB Connacht Club Inter Championship semi – Cloone

It was a case of so near and yet so far for Cloone on Sunday last in Salthill as despite a flying start and a brave late rally they were defeated by Leitir Mor by a solitary point in the AIB Intermediate Connacht Club Championship semi-final.

AIB CONNACHT CLUB INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL
CLOONE 1-7
LEITIR MOR 1-8

Having raced into a four point lead inside nine minutes, the Cloone players were showing the kind of belief which never really looked evident from the Aughavas players earlier in the day. Although Leitir Mor came back into the game as the half progressed Cloone still led by a point at half-time and the omens were looking positive.

What will annoy Cloone is the fact that even though they were playing in to a strong wind in the second half, they missed several chances in the second half which would have helped them at least take the game to extra-time. Although they werent playing as well as they were in the opening period, Cloone will have every right to look back on this game as one that got away.

With the words of encouragement and advice from Gerry Flanagan, Padraig Quinn and Gerry Conway still ringing in their ears and urged on by a large travelling support from Cloone and Aughavas, Cloone made a very positive start to the game.

Senior county man Damien ODonnell was a real handful for the Leitrim Mor defence while Donal Brennan also looked a constant threat when in possession in the opening stages, while captainÓgavin Reynolds and the hugely impressive Seamus Maguire helped break up attacks get Cloone back into offensive mode.

Brennan opened the Scóring with a second minute point and that lead was doubled as Cloone continued to take the game to their opponents.

Adrian Nicholls found the run of Mark Creegan and with the other Cloone defenders making clever runs, taking the Leitir Mor defenders away from the advancing corner forward, Creegan was given the opportunity to advance, which he duly did before finishing well.

Cloones bright start to the game was rewarded with two further points, both from Damien ODonnell frees. With only nine minutes of the game gone, Cloone were being caused few problems in defence, were dominant in midfield and were running riot up front.

Leitir Mor struck for their first score of the half after 15 minutes when Daithi Mac Donnchadha converted from a free. However, Leitir Mor were still struggling to fully establish themselves in the game as Cloone continue to take the game to the Galway champions.

Leitir Mor needed a moment of inspiration and they got just that 18 minutes into the half when Daithi Mac Donnchadha executed a defence splitting diagonal ball into the path of Cormac O Conghailes run.
With only Cloone goalkeeper Kieran Casey to beat, O Conghaile made no mistake with a strong finish to level the scores.

Having been outplayed for much of the half, Leitir Mor took the lead for the first time when Mac Donnchadha converted a free.

The final nine minutes of the half were absorbing as Cloone looked to finish the half with an advantage having played with the wind, while Leitir Mor looked like they were just beginning to find their rhythm.

Donal Brennan scored his second point of the game to level matters, but Cloone had Kieran Casey to thank for not falling behind again when he produced a fine save to deny Fiachra Breathnach.

That save proved to be particularly important as within a minute, Cloone had retaken the lead with Adrian Nicholls on hand to apply the finish touch to a fine move.

Michael Lohan, Seamus Maguire and Damien ODonnell were all involved in carving the Leitir Mor defence open and when ODonnell struck it seemed as though he was going to score the games second goal.

ODonnell was denied by a fine Eoghan O Conghaile save but the unmarked Nicholls was on hand to palm the rebound to the Leitir Mor defence to reestablish a three point lead for the Leitrim Intermediate champions.

Leitir Mor were by now, however fully up to speed and they finished the half the stronger with two frees from Daithi Mac Donnchadha meaning there was just a point between the sides at the break, with Cloone leading 1-5 to 1-4.Cloone would have been hoping to start the second half as strongly as the first but instead it was Leitir Mor who seized the initiative straight from the restart.

Having scored two points in the final minutes of the first half, Leitir Mor scored two further unanswered points through Ferdia Breathnach within a minute and 15 seconds of the restart.

With the wind at their backs, Leitir Mor continued to press forward asking plenty of questions of the Cloone defence. Those questions were answered with some fine defending which helped keep the Leitir Mor attacks from registering further scores.

However, such was the pressure being exerted it was of little surprise when Leitir Mor extended their lead to two points through a Daithi Mac Donnchadha free 12 minutes into the half.

That lead was extended to three points a minute later when substitute Patrick Mark O Fatharta converted a 45 with his first touch of the ball.
Although they were trailing by only three points, Cloone were beginning to look in real danger with the game being dictated by the Leitir Mor players.

The game could have been all but over as a contest were it not for Kieran Casey who made a another fine save to deny Ferdia Breathnach with just 13 minutes of the game remaining.

With time running out, Cloone showed great resilience to lift their game in the final quarter of the game but were still struggling to make an impression on the scoreboard.

Damien ODonnells free was claimed under his crossbar by Eoghan O Conghaile while a Donal Brennan free sailed wide.

With three minutes to go, the game seemed to be up for Cloone, however the players certainly didnt share that opinion and came agonisingly close to Scóring a dramatic late goal.

Brian Mulveys searching high ball broke to Alan Canning after Adrian Nicholls had put goalkeeper O Conghaile under pressure. However O Conghaile managed to regain his composure and made a top class, one-handed save to deny Canning.

Damien ODonnell pointed in the last minute of normal time to reduce Leitir Mors lead to two points and although time was rapidly running out, Cloone were now pouring forward in numbers and were in complete control of the football.

Cloone poured forward again with Donal Brennan, Mark Beirne, Michael Lohan and Damien ODonnell all combining well as they unhinged the Leitir Mor defence. When the ball came back to Beirne he quickly surveyed his options before striking for goal from 13 meters out. Although his effort was well struck it was always veering to the left of the Leitir Mor goal and Cloone were forced to regroup and attempt to launch another attack.

If proof was needed that it wasnt going to be Cloones day it arrived in the first minute of injury time when Damien ODonnells free sailed wide. There was still time for Michael Lohan to score a late point but ultimately there was no time for Cloone to get that elusive equalising score.

Having started so well it was frustrating for Cloone to be overhauled so early in the second half and it was a bitter pill to swallow having had enough chances late in the game to force extra-time that they came up just short.

When the disappointment of last Sunday subsides, Cloone will be able to reflect on what has a great year for their club with a lot of pride and look forward to senior championship football next year.

Cloone
Kieran Casey, Seamus McCaffrey, Aidan Mulvey, Daragh Tiernan, Seamus Maguire, Gavin Reynolds, Declan Brennan, Alan Canning, Mark Beirne, Donal Brennan (0-1), Michael Lohan (0-1), Adrian Nicholls (1-0), Mark Creegan (0-1), Damien ODonnell (0-3), Padraig Harte. Subs: Brian Mulvey for Harte (27 mins), Niall Brennan for Tiernan (48 mins), Declan Tiernan for Mulvey (54 mins).

Leitir Mor
Eoghan O Conghaile, Coilin O Hogain, Seosamh Seoighe, Padraic Mac an Riogh, Michael Pol O Ceallaigh, Ciaran Bairead, Tomas O Griofa, Antaine O Griofa, Cristoir Flatharta, Cormac O Conghaile (1-0), Fiachra Breathnach (0-2), Daithi Mac Donnchadha (0-5), Eamonn O Loinsigh, Ferdia Breathnach, Peatsai Seoighe. Subs: Patrick Mark O Fatharta (0-1) for O Loinsigh (42 mins), Eanna O Cathain for Mac an Riogh (54 mins), Padraic Bairead for O Conghaile (60 mins).

Referee: R Gurren (Mayo)

 

 

 

05-Nov-09 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie

Carrigallen take Shield A Title

Carrigallen went some way towards making up for the disappointment of missing out on the senior championship crown last month when they overcame the challenge of Dromahair in the Shield A Final in Leitrim Village on Saturday afternoon last.

SHIELD A FINAL
CARRIGALLEN 1-10
DROMAHAIR 1-7

With Carrigallens Enda Lyons, Gary Reynolds and Noel Doonan and Dromahairs Paddy McGowan all ineligible to play due to their involvement with the Leitrim senior team this year there was a chance for other players to help their side to victory.

WIth John Evans and Kevin Conlan also unavailable for Dromahair, Carrigallen made the brighter start to the game in conditions which were better than many championship games during the summer.

With Terence Reynolds dominating at midfield and enjoying the advantage of a strong wind, which subsequently faded away, Carrigallen opened the Scóring through Ciaran Flynn in the fourth minute when his expertly flighted free from near the right hand side line sailed between the uprights.

Dromahair equalised within a minute when a fine passing move which began with corner-back Ronan Fowley ended up with Alan Harvey being found in space and he duly converted.

Carrigallen were however, the better side at this stage of the game and their dominance was rewarded when Ciaran Flynn, who has enjoyed an excellent year for Carrigallen scored a goal of real quality.

Having been picked out by Benny ORourke, Flynn looked as though he was going to slot the ball over the bar from close range. However, with goalkeeper Padraig Flanagan off his line, Flynn seized his opportunity and delivered a clever lob over the goalkeepers head and into the Dromahair goal.

A Terence Reynolds point from a 45 a minute later increased the Carrigallen lead to four points and it was beginning to look ominous for Dromahair.

With Carrigallen applying most of the pressure two further efforts went abegging with one of those being a goal chance for Benny ORourke.

The most worrying aspect for Dromahair would no doubt have been the dominance of the Carrigallen midfield as they seemed to win every kickout and were generally better in terms of winning breaking balls, with the powerful Clifford Richardson particularly effective.
Ciaran Flynn and Alan Harvey exchanged pointed frees to keep Carrigallens lead at four points.

Both sides were guilty of poor finishing and decision making in the period that followed with Carrigallen kicking four wides which would have helped open up a healthy lead. Although another Ciaran Flynn free did open up a five point lead, Dromahair were still very much in contention.

Having been outplayed for the best part of 20 minutes, the Dromahair players burst into life when Stephen Smith did very well to pick out Shane Fowley who accurately struck for Dromahairs third point.
That seemed to instil some belief into the Dromahair players and they had further reason to celebrate six minutes before the interval when Declan Fowley struck for a fine individual goal.

The younger of the Fowley brothers beat four Carrigallen opponents before delivering a shot past Rory Harte. The appeals from the Carrigallen players that Fowley had over carried the ball were waved away by referee Gerry Spellman.

Three minutes before the break Dromahair were level when Shane Fowley struck from an acute angle.

Having led for most of the half and enjoyed most of the possession Carrigallen must have been frustrated to lose their lead. However they didnt let that show as they responded well to being reeled in.

Four unanswered points in the closing minutes of the half, two from Benny ORourke, one from a free and one apiece from Andrew McManus and Derek Reilly ensured Carrigallen held a deserved 1-8 to 1-4 lead at the interval.The opening period of the second half was dominated by a period of both sets of players becoming frustrated by some refereeing decisions. That frustration arguably affected the Dromahair players more as Carrigallen again scored four unanswered points through Kevin Davey, two from Ciaran Flynn (one free) and Martin Dolan to increase their lead to eight point.

With such a comprehensive lead and with only 12 minutes remaining Carrigallen seemed on course for a deserved victory. However, playing in their third final of the year (Celebrity Bainisteoir and Division 2 being the others) the Dromahair players refused to lie down without a fight and they dominated the remainder of the game.

Substitute Jamie Conlan pointed 18 minutes into the second half for Dromahairs first score of the half and this was followed by an Alan Harvey free to reduce the deficit to nine points.

It still seemed as though it was a case of damage limitation for Dromahair but with Alan Harvey becoming more influential in midfield the pressure was now all on the Carrigallen defence.

Four successive Dromahair wides led to growing frustration among the supporters of the north Leitrim side while there were being plenty of questions asked by the Carrigallen defenders as to how Dromahair were being allowed back into the game.

Christy McGowan was presented with a goal chance five minutes from time by Adrian Fowley but his powerfully struck shot went over the crossbar.

As the pressure grew CarrigallenÓgifted Alan Harvey another point and with the deficit now down to four points with three minutes remaining belief was beginning to grow among the Dromahair players that a comeback was still very much a possibility.

If ever Carrigallen needed one of their forwards to relieve the pressure, now was the time and Ciaran Flynn duly took responsibility as he won possession before striking for a fine point.

Dromahair kept battling right until the final whistle and although converted a free and a 45 in the closing stages, Carrigallen held on for what was a deserved victory.

Carrigallen
Rory Harte, Barry Reilly, David Flynn, Karl Ward, Terence Reynolds (0-1), JP McManus, Derek Reilly (0-1), Clifford Richardson, Kevin Davey (0-1), Martin Dolan, Martin Dolan (0-1), Eoin Ward, Andrew McManus, Benny ORourke (0-2), Ciaran Flynn (1-7), Eamonn OMalley. Subs: Mark Kerrigan for E Ward (HT), Cillian Ward for OMalley (45 mins), Ciaran Reilly for A McManus, Brian Doyle for Davey (58 mins), Liam ORourke for Dolan (60 mins)

Dromahair
Padraig Flanagan, Brian McMorrow, Barry Loughlin, Ronan Fowley, Fergus Meehan, Kenny Casey, Kieran Meehan, Camillus McMorrow, Alan Harvey (0-7), Stephen Smith, Shane Fowley (0-1), Declan Fowley (1-0), Keith Carty, Christy McGowan (0-1), Adrian Fowley. Subs: Jamie Conlon (0-1) for Carty (38 mins), Terry Leyden for Smith (48 mins), Martin Clancy for B McMorrow (50 mins).

Referee: Gerry Spellman

 

 

 

05-Nov-09 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie

Daunting Galway task for Leitrim neighbours Aughavas & Cloone

Neighbours Aughavas and Cloone will put aside their rivalry for an afternoon next Sunday and will be cheering each other on in Pearse Stadium in Salthill when they travel to Galway for their debuts in the AIB Connacht Intermediate and Junior Championship Semi-Finals.
Cloone take on an impressive Leitir Mor in the Intermediate competition at 2.30 next Sunday while Aughavas open the proceedings when they face An Spideal in the Junior Championship at 1.00.

Both Leitrim teams are just one game away from emulating their neighbours Carrigallen in reaching a Provincial Club Final but both sides will not under-estimate the size of the task against them in Pearse Stadium.

One unusual factor that the two Leitrim teams will have to overcome is the lack of games they have had since they won their titles at the end of September. Due to the early finish of Division 2, both teams have been without competitive League action since they both won their finals in dramatic circumstances.

No doubt, both clubs have been training hard and playing challenge games but there is nothing like the real thing and the lack of hard games will be a concern to Cloone Manager Gerry Flanagan and his Aughavas counter-part Kenneth Smith next Sunday.

However, both are preparing quite diligently for Sundays semi-finals and with the right amount of time to have enjoyed and then recovered from their celebrations, Cloone and Aughavas will be raring to go.

Another factor that both teams will have to consider is the strong sea-breeze that will come roaring down the centre of Pearse Stadium, often turning games into something approaching contests of back & forwards.

Both teams should be prepared to be under the cosh if they are facing a strong wind and realise that they must play intelligent football against the wind but more importantly when they have it at their backs.

There is a tendency in a lot of teams to think that the wind will do all the work for them and both Cloone and Aughavas must realise that the wind wont put the ball over the bar for them!

However, nobody in either camp will be under-estimating the size of the task facing Cloone and Aughavas.

Leitir Mor upset the odds, much as Cloone did against Aughawillan, by beating the fancied St. James in the Galway Final at the end of September, winning a low Scóring match 0-9 to 0-7. They led 0-7 to 0-2 at the break but were pegged back before they staged a late rally to take the victory.

St. James boast current Galway star Paul Conroy in their ranks but Leitir Mor also boast some quality players inÓgalway Senior players Fiachra and Ferdia Breathnach and given the strength of Galway clubs in the Intermediate competition, it is a tough ask.

Leitir Mor suffered just one loss in the Intermediate Championship, losing 2-8 to 0-8 to Menlough but went on to beat Caherlistrane before gaining quite a good deal of revenge on Menlough by beating them 3-10 to 0-7.

They disposed of Oranmore-Maree in the Semi-Finals before pipping Oughterard 1-12 to 1-11 in the Semi-Final.

No more than Leitir Mor, An Spideal have also had a tough passage through the Galway Junior Championship, which is divided into two sections – North and West.

Playing in the West Division, An Spideal defeated Renvyle 3-14 to 2-8 in the first round before overcoming Fr Griffin’s Eire Og in the Quarter-Final by 1-13 to 0-8. In the Semi-Finals, they saw off Salthill Knocknacarra before pipping the Aran Islands in the West Final, 1-10 to 0-12.

That qualified them to meet Headford in the County Final proper and the Gaeltacht side overcame their opponents with two points to spare, 0-13 to 1-8.

The fact that both Galway sides are Gaeltacht based will add greatly to their support and anyone under-estimating the strength of the Galway Junior champions would do well to remember the beating Clifden handed out to Eslin two years ago in Tuam.

Aughnasheelin also suffered at the hands of St. Michael’s last year but Carrigallen’s exploits in 2006 should serve as an ideal boost to their neighbours as they became the first Leitrim club team to beat Galway opposition in a Provincial Club Championship game.

On the other side of the draws, Sligo’s Geevagh take on Westport in the Intermediate competition while Roscommon’s Ballinameen face Kiltimagh in the Junior competition.

Victory on Sunday for either Leitrim team would mean a short turn-around for the winners with both the Intermediate and Junior Finals fixed for the following Sunday, November 8.

Again the big question is what sort of shape, both mentally and physically, the two Leitrim teams will be in ahead of next Sunday’s double clash.

Cloone will be looking to replicate their high intensity and non-stop work of the County Final next Sunday and Damien O’Donnell is sure to be a key player for the Leitrim champions.

If O’Donnell, who is sure to be well marked by Leitir Mor, can make any headway, he could do some serious damage as the dry and hard pitch of Pearse Stadium is sure to suit his pace and roaming style.

In defence, Cloone will be anxious to recapture that defiant spirit that they showed so well against Aughawillan.

Aughavas will also be relying on the prolific Colm Maguire for their scores next Sunday but the supply of ball into them is just as important an issue. When Eslin cut off the supply lines in the County Final, Maguire was left isolated and he will need a better support.

Although most would believe that Aughavas have the slighter easier task, nobody in the club will underestimate An Spideal, particularly after their struggles against Eslin and how close they came to victory.

 

 

31-Oct-09 by John Connolly – LeitrimObserver.ie

The ups and downs of club league football

 

 

Last weekend promotion and relegation places were confirmed in leagues and the participants in the finals were confirmed. In Division 1 Glencar/Manor booked their place in the League final for the second year in a row after their result yesterday left then ahead of St. Marys on score difference. Manor will no doubt be eager to put back to back titles together this year after failing to do so last year when Melvin Gaels took the League honours. The Division 1 final is scheduled for 2 weeks time , Saturday 31st October at 4pm against Kiltubrid. Incidentally Glencar/Manor are also preparing for their Connacht Clubs Championship clash against Galways Corofin after the Galway county final replay yesterday ended in a victory for one of Connachts strongest Club teams who beat Mountbellew/Moylough by 3pts. The Connacht game is scheduled for Tuam Stadium on November 8th.

Leitrim teams Gortletteragh and Bornacoola have not managed to survive in Division 1 and will be relegated to Division 2 in 2010, Gortletteragh have known their fate for some time but Bornacoola failed yesterday in their bid to avoid relegation as they lost by 2 pts to St. Marys.

As already known Dromahair and Carrigallen (Division title holders) are promoted from Division 2 to Division 1 for 2010 but at the other end its St. Marys and Annaduff who will drop to Division 3.

Coming up from Division 3 its Ballinaglera and Glencar/Manor (Division title holders) and at the bottom end Drumkeerin and Annaduff go down to Division 4

In Division 4 its final time as Kiltubrid face Ballinamore / Sean O Heslins next Saturday at 4pm in Cloone for the battle of League title while at the other end Bornacoola and St. Marys prepare for Division 5 next year.

In Division 5 there are still some games outstanding but the two teams going up are Aughnasheelin and Carrigallen both of whom played in the final in July with Aughnasheelin taking the honours.

 

 

 

 

19-Oct-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Club Championship News

It was a victorious weekend for 2 championship teams as the Junior B and Junior C finals were held on Saturday in Ballinaglera and Ballinamore. Páirc Seán was inspected last week by members of each participating club in advance of the finals to determine if the field was playable after recent maintenance work on the surface. The four clubs agreed to move to alternative venues as ironically after all the rain this year the lack of rain over the last 2 weeks left sand lying on the surface in Carrick which is normally washed down into the verti-drains which form part of the annual maintenance plan.

Annaduff emerged victors against Allen Gaels with a comprehensive 2-3 win on a scoreline that finished Annaduff 3-14 Allen Gaels 1-11 played in Ballinamore.

In the Junior C final Leitrim Gaels pipped Glenfarne/Kilty by 1 point in a close game played in Ballinaglera. The Gaels will now have a team in Junior A and B for 2010.

The U21 championship got underway at the weekend in the B competition as Melvin Gaels booked their place in this weekends quarter final against Carrigallen when they brushed past Gortletteragh last Saturday evening in Ballinaglera – Melvin Gaels 2-09 Gortletteragh 1-07.

Bothy U21 competitions are at full tilt this bank holiday weekend as 14 teams participate in the quarter finals of each to book their place in the semis.

 

 

 

 

19-Oct-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Coaching News

Football

Under 14 School of excellence

All members of this squad are asked to attend a coaching session in Ballinaglera GAA grounds on this Sunday morning at 11am. This is in preparation for a game against Castleknock GAA club from Dublin on Sunday week October 18th.

Under 15 School of excellence

All members on the under 15 panel should note that their next session is on Saturday week the October 17th. Full details of time and venue will be published in next weeks news.

 

 

06-Oct-09 by Thomas Keenan

Remaining Fixtures for 2009

 

The CCC released the complete list of remaining fixtures for the rest of the year including the U21 Championship and the proposed date for all fixtures where known at this stage.

The link is here and also available on the left hand menu system under the Club Competition section.

The key league finals dates are now known and have been added to the events calendar.  The U21 B has a preliminary round on Oct 17th in addition to the Junior B and C Finals.  The ACL Div 4 final is Oct 24th as is the commencement of the U21 A Championship.   The following Saturday Oct 31st is the ACL Division 1 final in addition to the Shield A final and on Sat 21st November the U21 finals are provisionally scheduled.

 

 

 

 

 

05-Oct-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Senior County Final – Short Report

Champions Glencar/ Manorhamilton were made to fight every inch of the way by Carrigallen at Pairc Sean MhicDiarmada, Carrick-on-Shannon, yesterday in one of the most entertaining and well-attended Leitrim finals in years.

It was a cruel end to Carrigallens dreams of lifting the title for the first time in 66 years, as they fell short by the narrowest of margins in a game that for long periods looked like going their way.

They got off to a dream start when Andrew McManus had the ball in the Glencar/Manor net after just 35 seconds with further points from Ciaran Flynn and Noel Doonan, before Adrian Croal opened the champions account in the eighth minute.

Two Benny ORourke pointed- frees put Carrigallen 1-4 to 0-1 ahead by the 20th minute, but the remainder of the half was all Glencar/Manor, who scored five points without reply to reduce the arrears at half-time, 1-4 to 0-6 in favour of Carrigallen.

Pressure

A Benny ORourke pointed-free on the resumption extended the Carrigallen lead, but two James Glancy points from play levelled matters and further points from Anthony McDonald and Adrian Croal in the 38th and 39th minute put the defending champions in front for the first time.

But Carrigallen, showing tremendous character and resilience, took the game once more to Glencar/Manor with points from Ciaran Flynn and Gary Reynolds restoring parity going into the final quarter.

Then, with nine minutes remaining, Carrigallen substitute Brian Doyle bundled the ball into the Glencar/Manor net following a period of pressure and a shock looked on the cards.

But that was to be the challengers swansong and three points without reply from Brian McDonald, Gary Hickey and Adrian Croal, coupled with superb defending from a back-line led by man of the match Paddy Maguire, in a frenetic finale, broke Carrigallens hearts to leave the title in North Leitrim for another year.

ScórERS — Glencar/Manorhamilton: J Glancy 0-5 (0-3f), A Croal 0-4, A Hickey, G Hickey, A McDonald, B McDonald, F McGourty 0-1 each. Carrigallen: A McManus, B Doyle 1-0 each, B ORourke 0-3 (0-3f), C Flynn 0-2 (0-1f), N Doonan, G Reynolds 0-1 each.

GLENCAR/MANORHAMILTON — S Sweeney; T McDonald, A OFlynn, P Maguire; S Loughlin, P Gilmartin, D Poinaird; D Sweeney, A Hickey; D Kelly (Capt), C Ryan, B McDonald; A Croal, F McGourty, J Glancy. Subs: J OBrien for S Loughlin, B McDonald for D Kelly, G Hickey for a Hickey, A Sweeney for A McDonald.

CARRIGALLEN— E Lyons; B Reilly, D Flynn, K Ward; T Reynolds, N Doonan (Capt), J P McManus; G Reynolds, C Richardson; M Dolan, E Ward, A McManus; B ORourke, C Flynn, E OMalley. Subs: K Ward for E OMalley, B Doyle for K Ward, M Kerrigan for E Ward.

REF — E OGrady (Drumkeerin).

 

 

28-Sep-09 by Irish Independant.ie

Leitrim clubs must head for Galway

News received this evening indicates our three new county title holders must pack up their gear and head to Galway venues for their respective semi-final encounters with the new Galway title holders in the AIB Connacht Club championships. 

Venues have not been decided yet but Aughavas and Cloone will meet An Spideal and Leitir Mór in the Junior and Intermediate competitions on November 1st.  These games may be played as a double header but this is to be confirmed.

The Senior county champions Glencar Manorhamilton must wait 1 week longer before their trip when they will meet the eventual winners of the Galway final between Corofin v Mountbellew/Moylough on November 8th also at a Galway venue.  The Galway senior final is scheduled for next Sunday Oct 4th in Tuam.

Best of luck to our three teams in the weeks ahead.

 

 

 

 

28-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

County Finals – summary

This weekend s finals were not for the fainthearted as we witnessed 3 cracking games over the 2 days.  Approx 2,000 supporters were in Ballinamore on Saturday evening followed by 5,000 in Carrick on Sunday to witness 3 nail-bitters.  The neutral and partisan supporter got great value for money in the 3 excellent games that saw 6 very evenly matched teams battle it out for their respective county title honors. 

This is a game that will go down in the annals as a classic as Glencar Manorhamilton put back to back County titles together after an enthralling final against Carrigallen in front of crowd of 5,000 in Páirc Seán.  Carrigallen opened the game with a blistering pace and had a goal scored with 43 seconds.  They led most of the way through the half but Glencar Manor never let up and Carrigallen held out to lead by 1 at half time.

During the break the Under 12 teams from every club in the county paraded around the field led by Kiltubrid Pipe band.  This spectacle of color marked the 125 anniversary of the GAA.

The second half was full of drama right until the last kick of the ball in a game that swayed one way then the next.  Carrigallen will rue missed chances after Manor managed to bring the game to a draw before taking the lead.  Carrigallen brought on veteran Brian Doyle in the 47th minute and he had an immediate impact as he scored a key goal to put Carrigallen back into the lead.

The Manor men held their head and play some excellent football to bring the game to a draw heading into to full time.  Manor edged ahead to win by the slimiest of margins and put back to back titles together.

Earlier in the Junior A game Aughavas came out victors in another terrific encounter as held out to win by 2 points against Eslin.  Eslin had many chances to go into the lead in the second half but at least 4 goal chances went a begging as the hit everything bar the back of the net.  Aughavas were very relieved to hear the final whistle and this game was the perfect opening game for the afternoon.

In Ballinamore on Saturday evening Cloone upset the odds by storming their way to a victory right from the throw-in, it was close in the end as Aughawillan crept back in to the game and were within 1 point in the end but Cloone held out for the coveted title and a return to Senior football for 2010. 

The highlights of the Intermediate game are now online along with the fireworks after-wards in the village !

More photographic and video highlights from the Senior and Junior A games will be available here online over the days as Brian Blake and James Molloy capture the moments.

 

 

27-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Local Radio coverage of the County finals

Local Radio stations Shannonside and Ocean FM will have full live commentary of the two championship finals from Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, as well as updates from the intermediate championship final over the weekend.

In the intermediate championship final, its Aughawillan against Cloone in Ballinamore from 4.45pm on Saturday.

On Sunday county title holders Glencar-Manor face Carrigallen at 2:50pm in the Senior County Final while earlier in the Junior A final Aughavas and Eslin meet at 1pm.

So make sure to join Kevin Blessing and PJ Leddy live from Pairc Sean this Saturday and Sunday on Ocean FM.  While John Lynch and Seamus Gallagher will bring all the action to our listeners in south Leitrim and the surrounding counties on Shannonside Northern Sound.

Why not bring along a portable radio to the game and listen in to the commentary while absorbing the atmosphere !

By Radio: Shannonside FM and OceanFM will broadcast live coverage

 

 

26-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO