Katherine has Dromahair set for Celebrity Bainisteoir

With the countdown well and truly underway ahead of Saturdays Celebrity Bainisteoir clash between Dromahair and Dalkey, Katherine Lynch feels that the team are ready for the challenge that lies in waiting.

Having presided over a rigorous training session along with sports psychologist Kevin Clancy, which saw the Dromahair players shadow box and wrestle with one another before playing a training match and then some tough sprinting exercises, Katherine said "I think weve done our bit. Dromahair and all the boys have done their bit.

"Theyre fit and they believe in themselves. Theyre to go to Dublin knowing that they have as much right to win as Cuala and I think thats all they can do. The rest is doing your best on the pitch and they will do that."

Briefly, the thought of defeat entered her head, but it quickly disappeared as she thought out loud: "If by any chance, by any strange chance… No. Theres no chance of it, theyre winners."

To a large extent the novelty of Katherine Lynch, the celebrity arriving in Dromahair, has worn off and she and the players have been able to get down to some serious work and it seems as though shes really enjoyed her Managerial role.

"Its great and where I wasnt strong I brought in help. Today I was worried because Im a Leitrim person myself so my psyche is similar to the lads you know, with the underdogs.

"We know in the back of our heads that were fit for the Dublin team and now we definitely know. Everybody will be going to Dublin with a winning mindset," said Katherine who brought in sports psychologist Kevin Clancy to ensure the players are in the right frame of mind as they take the pitch next Saturday.

"I was thinking what can I do to get rid of any negative psyche and I thought why dont I get them a sports psychologist. When I rang the Celebrity Bainisteoir crew about it, they were delighted and thought it was a great idea."

Asked about which players caught her eye, Katherine was reluctant to pick out favourites but there were a few names that sprang to mind. "Theyre all brilliant and theyre all working together as a team.

"I love Sundance (David) Cassidy, Sundance Kid Im calling him. I love Paddy (McGowan), I love Christy (McGowan), I love Trout (Terrence Leyden). I love all of them, some of them Im forgetting their names.

"Im really lucky to have them and really lucky to have Mickey Quinn as a mentor. Mickey gave me a bit of take it more seriously Katherine talk last week. I am taking seriously, I couldnt be taking it more seriously. I wake up in the night thinking, what can I do for the lads.

Focusing on the game against the George Hook managed Cuala, Katherine believes that the players will be totally focussed on the job in hand and the fact that they are making a television programme which will be watched by hundreds of thousands wont be a factor.

"I dont think theyre going to be intimidated by the cameras at all. I think here we have such an advantage that we have the history of football. We have ancestors behind us, we have present players with us and we have children to prove to.

It’s the passion in Dromahair for football.

Everyone has been so fantastic. I was up with Trout’s mother and father, Ann and Terry Leyden and took a walk around the Abbey and talked about the history and culture of Dromahair.

“Terry was fantastic and he said that a lot of the time you come home from matches not winning but the Dromahair people get up again, build it up again, fight again and get out there again. I think all that will stand to us in this particular style of league.

With only a few short days left to before the most of Dromahair heads up the N4 and on towards Dalkey, Katherine had some last minute words of advice for the players.

“What they need to this week is sleep lots, eat properly and drink loads and loads of fluids. The right kind of fluids obviously, loads of water and loads of isotonic drinks. They need to keep themselves hydrated and keep themselves relaxed.

“They’re going up to Dublin, they won’t be in their own beds that night. They mightnt have as good a sleep as they normally have and they’re going to have to be aware of all those things. I might have a few more tricks up my sleeve for them having a good nights sleep.”

Reflecting on her Celebrity Bainisteoir experience to date, Katherine remarked, “I’m thrilled to have got involved, it was a pleasure. The celebrity thing leaves you as well. You just become a Manager of a team of young men.

“When I came here first I thought they were very young and they were a bunch of boys but they’re a bunch of men and they’re strong, mannerly, gentlemanly and kind.

“The camaraderie is perfect and I will be devastated if I can’t bring them to the actual final.”

 

 

 

This full report is available thanks to Philip Rooney for the Leitrim Observer
– it s available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here

 

 

 

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

St Patricks GAA Club Dromahair – Celebrity Bainisteoir

St Patricks GAA Club Dromahair – Club Notes
 

Intermediate Team
In very poor conditions our intermediate team beat our neighbours Drumkeerin 0-07 to 0-05 last Saturday. Training continues for our adult teams this week on Tuesday and Thursday night. Any players in our area who would like to join the panel are welcome just contact the team management or member of club executive to get details of training and matches.

 

Team Gear
We will have club hoddies available to buy in children’s sizes next Wednesday 4th of March in the park at 8pm. They will be available in shops and pubs the following day priced €20. Club polo shirts, hoddies and jackets with our new crest are still available to buy in the following local businesses: O’Hara’s Corner Deli, McGoldrick’s Londis, Gilmor’s Spar, Dromahair Pharmacy, The Blue Devon Bar and The Clubhouse Bar.

 

Buses
Buses to the match have been organised by The Clubhouse Bar and The Blue Devon. The Ladies Club still have place on their bus, it is going to Dublin on Friday and back Sunday, contact Eileen Clinton for more details. The Blue Devon bus is doing the return trip on Saturday contact Martina Devanney or John Madden for details. The Clubhouse Bar bus is also going to Cuala and back on Saturday contact Mary Kelly for details.

 

Match Program
The Cuala club are producing a program for our Celebrity Bainisteoir match, we would like to thank the following businesses for taking ads: Holgate Fencing, The Blue Devon, Gurns Milestone Lounge, McL Assessors, Ciaran Clinton Taxi, Stanfords Inn, All-plant, Connacht Gold, SL Controls, Kerrigan Quarries, Breffni Plant Hire, The Clubhouse Bar, McGoldricks Londis, McPadden Construction, Woodview Inn, Gilmor’s Spar, Oriel Fuels and Flanagan Electrical.

 

Parking
Parking is restricted in the vicinity of the Cuala pitch. Park and Ride will be in operation on the day. Those staying in hotels will be picked up their and anyone travelling on the day can park at Cluny and buses will bring you from there to the pitch. A link to directions and maps for the Cuala pitch is on our website now.

Colour
The production company have asked that we all make a special effort to have flags and bunting out for the team’s departure on Friday. So get out your red and white flags.
 

Departure
The cameras will be in Dromahair all day on Friday from 9am. They will be visiting Drumlease National School at 11am and I know all the students there have been busy preparing flags and banners. The team will be departing at 3pm from the front of The Blue Devon / Woodview Inn and hopefully as many as possible will come out to give them a good send off.

 

 

05-Mar-09 by Eoghan Sweeney

Club Scene – Div 1 & 2 Leagues – Round 2

Club action continues this weekend as round 2 of the league commences tonight at 8pm in Drumlish as Gortletteragh take on Drumreilly in this Division 1 encounter.  Tomorrow the remaining Division 1 games are scheduled for 4pm along with 3 of the the Division 2 games.  Sunday afternoon at 2:30pm will see out the remaining 2 Division 2 games.

While its early days yet with only one game played the Division 1 leaders are Bornacoola and Allen Gaels on a score difference of 5 and 3 respectively.  In Division 2 Carrigallen and Dromahaire lead the way on very impressive opening round score difference of 14 and 13 points respectively.

Next weekend on Saturday March 7th Divisions 3 and 5 open for the year and  Division 4 are due to commence on Saturday 14th March.

 

 

 

27-Feb-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Club Scene

The Club scene kicks into action this weekend as ACL Divisions 1 and 2 commence in the first round of both divisions which has a combined total of 111 games this year.  The 12 team Division 1 opens on Sunday at 1pm with a local derby between Bornacoola and Annaduff. 

Last years league winners Melvin Gaels take travel to Drumreilly to defend their title.  Meanwhile Aughawillan and Ballinamore/Sean O Heslins who were promoted from last years Division 2 face Allen Gaels and Kiltubrid respectively.

Division 2 with 10 teams opens the new season tomorrow afternoon at 4:15pm in Carrick as St. Marys take on the Celebrity Bainisteoirs Dromahaire. The remaining 4 fixtures are scheduled for Sunday afternoon starting at 2pm in most cases. 

Aughnasheelin and Carrigallen open their season in division 2 away to Drumkeerin and Aughavas and will no doubt be eager to start their year with the aim of getting back to Division 1.  Meanwhile last years Division 3 table toppers Annaduff and Eslin commence their new year in division 2 against Glenfarne/Kilty and Cloone.

 

 

 

20-Feb-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

NHL – Rd 1 – South Down v Leitrim

A point from a free by South Down full-forward John OKane a minute into added time gave his side a most fortunate draw with a battling Leitrim in this Allianz NHL Division 4 game in Ballymartin yesterday.

Leitrim dominated midfield throughout, with Clement Cunniffe giving an exhibition of high fielding and finishing power, Scóring a goal and seven points with a brilliant display.

South Down opened with a Brian MorganÓgoal but Leitrim settled and with Cunniffe goaling from a long-range free and also adding four points including one from a 65 they forged ahead to lead by 1-9 to 1-4 at half-time.

A South DownÓgoal two minutes into the second half by Dan Morgan revived their hopes but Leitrim, despite only adding three second half points, and being denied goals by three great saves by South Down keeper Damien Kearns, held out for a share of the spoils.

ScórERS — South Down: J OKane 0-6 (4f), B Morgan 1-1, D Morgan 1-0, P ONeill 0-2. Leitrim: C Cunniffe 1-7 (1-2f), N Daly 0-4, C Hayes 0-1.

South Down — D Kearns; N Conway, B McAleenan, P McCusker; C ONeill, P Kelly, J Brown; D Doran, J Murphy; A McGuinness, D Morgan, P ONeill; B Morgan, J OKane, N Burns. Subs: P Matthews for Doran (YC, 28); L Morgan for Burns (ht); P McCartan for P ONeill (45).

Leitrim — F McKiernan; K McGrath, V McDermott, D Tiernan; J McGrail, D McGovern, S Feeney; K Connolly, C Cunniffe; C Hayes, N Daly, G Hickey; M Burns, F Carroll, P McKiernan. Subs: B Carroll for McKiernan (25); C Burns for Carroll (55); P McWeeney for Hickey (68 ).

Ref — E Elliott (Antrim).

 

 

09-Feb-09 by Irish Independant.ie

U21

U21

 

 

24-Jan-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Club Football Leagues – start dates

At the meeting of CCC Liatroma of Eanair 12, it was decided that the following guide to starting dates to this years Football Leagues, as approved, would be sent to all clubs immediately:

 

ACL D1 Round 1 WE 21/22 Feabhra

Round 2 WE 28 Feabhra/01 Marta

 

 

ACL D2 Round 1 WE 21/22 Feabhra

Round 2 WE 28 Feabhra/01 Marta

 

 

ACL D3 Round 1 WE 07/08 Marta

 

ACL D4 Round 1 WE 14/03 Marta

 

ACL D5 Round 1 WE 07/08 Marta

 

 

A complete Master Fixture Plan for 2009 will be sent to all clubs once completed and approved by CCC Liatroma and Comhairle Connacht CLG.

 

Mise le fíor mheas

 

Déaglán Ó Buacháin

 

 

13-Jan-09 by CCC Liatroma

Young guns steer Melvin Gaels to League crown

A new era may be about to start for Melvin Gaels as they claimed the 2008 Masonite League Division One crown last Sunday in Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada, defeating great rivals and County Champions Glencar/Manorhamilton without three of their greatest servants.

MASONITE LEAGUE DIVISION 1
MELVIN GAELS 3-8
GLENCAR/MANORHAMILTON 3-6

Forced to line out without the injured James & Gareth Phelan and the absent Colin Regan, the Kinlough men were missing three of the key links from their 1998 Championship winning side, three players who have been the backbone of Melvin Gaels teams for years.

Yet in their absence, a ferociously committed and hungry Melvin Gaels proved the better team in most sectors of the field and were convincing winners, except for a dramatic finale that saw Glencar/Manor grab two injury time goals!

Minus their experienced trio, the young Gaels stepped up to the plate and took on responsibility where it might have previously been left to others, a feature of the game that spells good news for the Kinlough side in the years ahead.

But what Melvin Gaels did display was a ferocious hunger for victory, something that was evident the minute they ran onto the field. Everyone worked their socks off and while their old failing of fading out of games may have hampered them once or twice during the game, their commitment never dropped.

Going for the double, Glencar/Manor never displayed the same sort of desire as their neighbours.

It was clear that the Gaels would run through a brick wall in pursuit of the ball but at the end of a long, tiring season, Glencar/Manor didnt seem to have the same sort of motivation as several of their players stood up and watched after they lost possession.

Yet the Manor men came very close to pulling off a great escape with two late goals that caused quite a deal of consternation on the Melvin Gaels bench. With two minutes of added time announced, James Glancy scored what seemed to no more than a consolationÓgoal.

But the drama heightened as added time continued for another three minutes and the Championship winners grabbed yet another goal, putting Melvin Gaels under ferocious pressure in a dramatic finish to a game where the Kinlough men had dominated.

Gareth Phelan has been a permanent fixture in the Gaels goals for years but young Jesse McGuinness did a man of the match job in denying Glencar/Manor certainÓgoals on at least three occasions, fantastic saves that hint at a long future between the posts.

Colm McGowan also came up with a vital goal-line clearance in the first half as Fabian McMorrow led a defence that might have creaked and groaned under the pressure but one that never gave up battling, working and fighting.

Emlyn Mulligan mightnt have rung up the sort of figures he normally does but that would ignore a vital contribution in controlling the flow of the Melvin Gaels game-plan.The County man showed a different side of his game, controlling the pace in the second half, using his head and doing all the unglamorous work that wins games.

Conor Sheridan, Paul Brennan, Paul Og Ferguson, Stephen McGurran all epitomised the never-say-die work ethic of Melvin Gaels as they spent as much time harrying Glencar/Manor, often in the Gaels half of the field, as they did attacking and causing problems for the Manor rearguard.

Emlyn Mulligan opened the Scóring with a first minute free but had a shot from the right wing gathered by Manor keeper Gary Loughlin shortly after.

Replicating Mulligans feats, Adrian Croal first had a narrow wide after a run but followed up with a lovely point after a Pat Gilmartin catch set Dominic Kelly free following a good pass.

Melvin Gaels almost broke through for a goal on five minutes when a high ball broke loose to Emlyn Mulligan some 20 yards in front of the Manor goal on five minutes. However, the County man blasted a horrible wide in a real let-off.

But the Kinlough side didnt have to wait long for the breakthrough as the ball broke again from a long delivery and David McSharry drilled a wonderful low shot to the Manor net for a dramatic goal.

Both sides were guilty of poor misses with Manors attempt at an instant reply thwarted when the County Champions opened up the Gaels rearguard only for Colm McGowan to block the shot on the line with a fabulous block. From the rebound, Dominic Kelly shot wide in a costly miss.

Kelly then let his frustrationÓget the better of him as he was booked for a foul on Paul Brennan, Emlyn Mulligan sending a monster 55 yard free over the bar in a brilliant score on 12 minutes.

Paul Brennan hit a wide but made immediate amends with a great score from the corner as Melvin Gaels broke quickly and effectively.

However, this finally spurred Glencar/Manor into action as James Glancy & Alan Sweeney both knocked over quick points to narrow the gap to a goal. And they reduced that lead further when Fintan McGourty, who got away with a few steps, twice dodged tackles to fire over from 40 yards.

Glencar/Manor then put together a wonderful team point, started when David Poniard absorbed a big hit on the right wing.

He shook it off and the ball went through two or three hands before Darren Sweeney scored a great point from the right wing on 23 minutes.

Melvin Gaels looked in real trouble at this stage but they showed real mettle, even if their first point in 13 minutes was a missed goal chance! Mulligan and Paul Brennan broke clear and set up Brendan Brennan straight in front of the goal, only six or seven yards out.

A goal looked certain but a fantastic full-length diving block from Shane Devaney saw the shot deflected across the bar.

Mulligan then added a brilliant effort from the left wing, a free that curled in and over the bar before Conor Sheridan added a final coup de grace when Dominic Kelly lost the ball out the field and Melvin Gaels quickly worked the ball to Sheridan for a fine point.

That left Melvin Gaels 1-6 to 0-5 in front at the break

That lead was almost wiped out just seconds into the second half when a free was fisted across the Gaels goal to Brian McDonald. The corner-forward hesitated a fraction and Jesse McGuinness made a wonderful diving save to push the ball around the post.

Manor put a lot of pressure on but all they had to show for it was a James Glancy free on four minutes. It seemed as if the double was gone from their grasp five minutes later when a great move down the wing saw Paul McGurran charge towards the Manor goal.

Having played a one-two with Paul Brennan, McGurran seemed as if he had run into a cul-de-sac when surrounded by three defenders but he worked the ball back to Brennan who came charging past a static defence and floated a ball across the face of the goal to his unmarked brother Brendan who fisted the ball to the net.

It was a crucial score and Manor heads definitely dropped, so much so that Fabian McMorrow popped up from centre-back with a brilliant 40-yard point on 15 minutes.

But Manor showed they werent gone yet when McGuinness made another great save, tipping a fisted Glancy effort onto the post and clear after an Adrian OFlynn shot dropped short on 19 minutes.

However, Glancy wasnt to be denied and after two Melvin Gaels defenders got in a mix-up with a high ball, the County man fisted Brian McDonalds pass to the Gaels net on 21 minutes.

Glancys roller-coaster took another turn when he had a bad wide from a free and Melvin Gaels made them pay with a peach of a goal. The Gaels broke with Emlyn Mulligan and Conor Sheridan making the most of gaps appearing in the Manorhamilton rearguard.

Sheridan played a ball over the top to Brennan who broke through a tackle and then chipped Gary Loughlin for an outstanding goal on 26 minutes.

That seemed to be that, particularly when Packie Hill set up Mulligan for his teams last point.

Indeed, it seemed as if a penalty a minute into the two minutes of added time announced was nothing more than a consolation when Brendan Brennan clearly lay on the ball as Glencar/Manor sought a late consolation.

James Glancy stroked the penalty home but it seemed like nothing more than a late consolation, particularly as the announced time was almost up.

However, referee Brendan Sammon showed no inclination to blow the final whistle and play continued. Incredibly for a team that never got going in attack, Manor struck for a third goal.

Again a high ball in the goal-mouth caused the problems with Pat Gilmartin drilling home to suddenly leave just two minutes in it after three minutes of added time.

With Melvin Gaels mentors and players getting increasingly annoyed by the amount of added time being played, Manor continued to attack but the Gaels held firm, blocking James Glancys free to claim the League crown.

Melvin Gaels

Jesse McGuinness, Joe McGowan, Stephen Clancy, Colm McGowan, Paul McGurran, Fabian McMorrow (0-1), Anthony Tiffoney, Martin McCarron, Stephen McGurran, Paul Og Ferguson, Emlyn Mulligan (0-4), David McSharry (1-0), Paul Brennan (1-1), Brendan Brennan (1-1), Conor Sheridan (0-1). Subs: Packie Hill for McCarron (51 mins), for C. McGowan (62 mins).

Glencar/Manorhamilton

Gary Loughlin, Michael Poniard, Shane Devaney, Thomas McDonald, Shane Loughlin, Adrian OFlynn, David Poniard, Fintan McGourty (0-1), Pat Gilmartin (1-0), Dominic Kelly, Darren Sweeney (0-1), Adrian Croal (0-1), James Glancy (2-2), Alan Sweeney (1-1), Brian McDonald. Subs: Ronan McGourty & James OBrien for A. Sweeney & M. Poniard (42 mins), Anthony McDonald for Kelly (48 mins).

Referee: Brendan Sammon.

 

 

 

 

 

This full report is available thanks to John Connolly for the Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here

 

”

 

 

18-Dec-08 by John Connolly – LeitrimObserver.ie

Vinny named on Rackard Cup team

St. Marys Vinny McDermott has been named on the Nicky Rackard Champion 15, following on a series of excellent displays for the County Hurlers who made history by reaching the knock-out stages of the Nicky Rackard Cup for the first time.

Vinny, who will be presented with his award on Friday next, December 19, in Croke Park, joins clubmates Clement Cunniffe and Breian Carroll as winners of the prestigious award and sees the Countys marvellous run in last Summers competition rewarded by McDermotts nomination.

In other news, Leitrim hurlers have been drawn against Fermanagh in the first round of the new Lory Meagher Cup for fourth tier counties in the All-Ireland Hurling Championship. The competition will see all losing teams given one more chance to advance.

The Nicky Rackard Champion 15 Award winners are: VIncent McDermott (Leitrim), Keith Raymond, Liam Reidy & Mark Burke (Sligo), Diarmuid Murphy & Trevor Hilliard (Louth), Mickey McCann (Donegal), Dara de Búrca (Fingal), Stephen Donnelly (Tyrone), Mark Cassidy (Longford), Jason McManus (Fermanagh), Bernard OBrien (Monaghan), Kevin Downes (Cavan), Desmond Kelly (Warwickshire), John Brown (Non-Ards).

Lory Meagher Cup draw

Warwickshire v Longford

Fermanagh v Leitrim

Tyrone v Non Ards

Donegal v Cavan

 

 

 

 

This full report is available thanks to the Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here

 

 

18-Dec-08 by LeitrimObserver.ie

Seventh heaven for Drumkeerin

Competing in their seventh Under 21 Final in a row, Drumkeerin banished the pain of their Intermediate Final defeat by easily seeing off the challenge of Carrigallen to claim the 2008 Under 21 B Championship title last Sunday in Ballinaglera.

U-21 B CHAMPIONHSIP FINAL
DRUMKEERIN 2-12
CARRIGALLEN 1-7

A long year of footballing action came to a close for Drumkeerin and Carrigallen on Sunday last in Ballinaglera.

For the Drumkeerin players there was plenty to celebrate as they went a long way towards banishing the pain of defeat from the intermediate championship final while for Carrigallen there was little comfort to be found in defeat as the were out fought by their opponents.

The pain of defeat in the intermediate championship final was obviously a huge source of motivation for the Drumkeerin players as right from the throw in they looked like a team that were determined not to lose.

Right from the throw-in it was evident that this would be Carrigallens toughest match to date as the Drumkeerin players harried and competed for every ball.

The intensity with which the Drumkeerin players started the game was rewarded inside the opening minute as Darragh Flynn was played through onÓgoal and he finished confidently to the CarrigallenÓgoal to give his side the perfect start.

Drumkeerins excellent start continued as Flynn converted a third minute free while Carrigallen struggled to get going.

Finals are often decided by a significant turning point and Carrigallen may well point to the Ciaran Flynn effort which went wide of the goal when it seemed destined to find the net.

With the game five minutes old, Carrigallen attacked with purpose for the first time as Cillian Ward, Eamon OMalley and Ciaran OReilly all combined to carve open the Drumkeerin defence. When presented with the opportunity to get his side back in the game Ciaran Flynns sidefooted effort flashed just wide.

Having been allowed off the hook, Drumkeerin extended their lead with further points from Darragh Flynn and an Eddie McTiernan free.

It was fair to say that Drumkeerin, competing in their seventh consecutive U-21 final, and leading by 1-3 to no score had enjoyed the perfect opening 10 minutes and it got even better for them when Thomas Davitt struck for his sides second goal in the thirteenth minute.

Nobody in Drumkeerin will complain, but the goal was slightly fortuitous.

Davitt seemed to be well contained by the Carrigallen defence near the touchline and byline but he swung a foot on the ball, presumably looking to pick out one of the forwards in and around the goalmouth.

Somehow the ball managed to deceive goalkeeper Stephen Smith and curl into the goal to give Drumkeerin a commanding lead.

When captain Keith Gallagher pointed to open up a 10 point lead there wouldnt have been too many willing to put money on a Carrigallen comeback but to their credit they finished the half strongly.

Eamon OMalley had already passed up the opportunity to register Carrigallens opening score as he put two frees wide before Ciaran Flynn scored a wonderful point from a sideline ball.

Flynn who at times seemed to be on a one man mission to drag his team kicking and screaming to victory converted a free and then three minutes from time was on hand to finish an excellent team move to score Carrigallens only goal of the game.

Cillian Ward, Francis ORourke, and Eamon OMalley all linked up well before the ball came to Ciaran Flynn and this time there would be no mistake as Flynn finished soccer style to the net.

On the stroke of half-time Eamon OMalley pointed to leave the contest very much alive with Drumkeerin leading by 2-5 to 1-3.

If Carrigallen were to have any hope of fighting their way back into the contest they knew that a good start to the second half was essential. Unfortunately for them that is not how it transpired as Drumkeerin regained control.

Thomas Davitt was one of Drumkeerins standout performers but this was a team effort and the likes of Jason Byrne, Fintan Harvey,Eddie McTiernan and Darragh Flynn and midfielders James McPartland and Thomas Lavin all played a key role in defence for the north Leitrim side who built on their half-time lead, starting the second-half in the same determined manner.

Three minutes into the second half an Eddie McTiernan pointed free helped regain the initiative for Drumkeerin in what was a tough and physical opening to the half.

Further points from Darragh Flynn and another Eddie McTiernan free helped extend the lead for Drumkeerin before matters became considerably tougher for Carrigallen.

Frustrated with some refereeing decisions and presumably with the manner in which his side were playing, Eoin Ward decided to air his grievances to referee Cyril McKeon.

McKeon took exception to the protests and brandished Ward, who one can only assume used some choice language, with a red card.

A further McTiernan pointed free should have signalled the end for Carrigallen, but there was one man determined that his side would not go down without a fight and Ciaran Flynn scored four unanswered points to reduce the deficit to six points.

During this period Carrigallen threatened the most unlikely of comebacks and gave a glimpse of their performances in earlier rounds of the competition but ultimately it proved too little, too late.

With the advantage of an extra man and appearing to have fresher legs than their opponents, Drumkeerin scored three points in the final minutes of the game through Keith Gallagher, StephenÓgilhooley and Dean McVeigh to ensure U-21 championship glory for the second time in three years for Drumkeerin.

In doing so they went a long way towards banishing the heartbreaking memories of the intermediate championship when they were defeated by Aughnasheelin with virtually the last kick of the game.

Drumkeerin

Barry McPadden, Jason Byrne, Dean McVeigh (0-1), Thomas Davitt (1-0), Aidan Dolan, Fintan Harvey, Keith Gallagher (0-2), James McPartland, Thomas Lavin, Eddie McTiernan (0-4), StephenÓgilhooley (0-2), Darragh Flynn (1-3), Kevin Forde. Subs: Brendan McNama for Forde (36 mins).

Carrigallen

Stephen Smith, Barry Reilly, CillianÓgrey, Francis ORourke, Austin Morrow, Stephen Kenny, Ciaran Flynn (1-6), Gary Reynolds, Ciaran Reilly, Eoin Ward, Daniel Lyons, Eamon OMalley (0-1), Cillian Ward. Subs: Damien Masterson for B Reilly (30 mins), Aaron McManus for ORourke (50 mins), Liam ORourke for C Ward (57 mins).

Referee: Cyril McKeon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This full report is available thanks to Philip Rooney for the Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here

 

 

18-Dec-08 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie

Report on Convention 2009

Yesterdays convention was a relatively quiet affair in the Bush Hotel as club delegates over came the mornings poor road conditions. The business of the day was over in record time which was a reflection on the limited number of motions for up for debate.

The meeting was opened with the referral to the printed reports from an rúnaí, Declan Bohan and from the various subcommittees (actual reports are available online on menu on left).

Cisteoir John Mulvey presented a very detailed report regarding the finances of the county board that sees 2008 run with a deficit of €70,000.

Cathaoirleach Gerry McGovern addressed the delegates and covered many areas including Challenges ahead, Past year, Club development plan, Volunteers, Action Plan for Period 2009-2015 Strategic Planning, 2009 Senior Team, Going Forward 2009, Coaching, Under age football, Code of Best Practice, Developments, Further Developments Needed, Club Developments, Discipline, 125 years of our association and Subsidiary Boards.

He also urged that we as followers of Leitrim GAA must rid ourselves of everything that is negative and concentrate totally on all things positive for our county teams and this belief needs to be replicated in every club in the County.

Following this the election of officers was completed with only one change in the officers with Martin McGowan standing aside as coaching officer due to his commitments as selector with the Senior football management team. Kevin Ludlow from Annaduff was nominated and elected unopposed to the position. All other officers were unopposed in their positions except for the youth officer but Thomas Keenan requested that his name be withdrawn thus leaving Dan Gallogly to be elected otherwise unopposed.

The two motions presented for congress (as outlined in pdf report on left menu) were dealt with efficiently with motion 1 carried while motion 2 from Sean OHeslins was defeated.
Uachtarán Michael McGowan complimented and thanked CLG Liatroma for the efforts of 2008 and looked forward to the accomplishment of all goals in 2009 in a difficult economic climate.

Immediately after the completion of convention the monthly county board meeting was convened to deal with the only proposed motion and 3 recommendations regarding the running of the competitions.

 

 

08-Dec-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Aughawillan surprise neighbours to finish year on a high

They may have lost their Senior Championship status but Aughawillan ensured that 2008 finished on a high last Saturday when they held out for a surprise and narrow Masonite Division Two League Final victory over arch rivals and firm favourites Sean O Heslins at the end of a nail biting showdown in Ballinamore.

MASONITE DIVISION 2 LEAGUE FINAL
AUGHAWILLAN 0-10
SEAN HESLINs 0-9

County Minor star Morgan Quinn slotted over an injury time free to ensure victory for Aughawillan after Sean O Heslins had staged a determined second half come back rally, during which they wiped out a six points interval deficit, to get on level terms by the 56th minute.

It was quite a turnaround in fortunes for Aughawillan who had suffered a massive 0-18 to 0-7 defeat at the hands of their great rivals at the beginning of November but an excellent first half set them up for a famous win.

Aughawillan took complete command in the first half of this game and put O Heslins on the rack during most of the exchanges. But O Heslins turned the tables on their neighbours for most of the second half and outgunned them by eight points to three in that period.

However, Aughawillan prevented O Heslins from getting their noses in front at any stage in the last thirty minutes, despite the fact that the Ballinamore men camped in the Willies half of the field for almost seventy percent of this periods exchanges.

When it came to putting the scores on the board, Aughawillan was by far the more clinical side of the two on view. Much to the annoyance of their supporters and mentors, Sean O Heslins squandered numerous chances, especially in the first half from frees and play.

Michael Quinn edged Aughawillan into an early lead when shot over just 32 seconds after the throw-in. Over the next nine minutes, Aughawillan increased their lead with a Sean Quinn point and a Barry Prior free after Prior himself had been illegally impeded by an O Heslins defender.

In the 19th minute, Morgan Quinn put Aughawillan four points ahead when he fired over.

Sean O Heslins got their account opened two minutes later with a well-executed Brian Cafferty point after good support play by Sean Murray. Caffertys point ended the Ballinamore mens Scóring drought, as O Heslins had registered a number of bad wides in the opening 20 minutes.

Aughawillan had a lucky escape in the 22nd minute when Wayne McKeon blazed a goal chance wide with only keeper John Prior to beat.

But a free tapped over by Morgan Quinn six minutes later, following a foul by Jim McTague on Ryan Creamer, restored Aughawillan four point advantage.

In the 29th minute, Barry Prior slotted over another free and another Jim McTague foul, this time on Barry Prior deep first half injury time, was punished by Morgan Quinn when he converted three free, to leave Aughawillan 0-7 to 0-1 ahead at the break.

After the restart, Sean O Heslins demonstrated a much improved cutting edge when they whittled Aughawillans advantage down to two points in the opening ten minutes of the second half as David Duignan, Wayne McKeon, Finian Sharpley and Kieran Murray shot a point each from play.

Aughawillan, who had played second fiddle during the first eleven minutes of the second half, replied with a 42nd minute point from a Barry Prior free after Ryan Creamer was fouled.

Sean O Heslins David Duignan, from play, and Aughawillans Morgan Quinn, from a free, swapped a point each at opposite ends in the 45th and 47th minutes.

O Heslins put together a determined rally after which they drew level by the 56th minute. Running at the Aughawillan defence, Ballinamore won three frees, which Finian Sharpley confidently put over, to level matters with just over six minutes of playing action remaining.

However, in the 59th minute O Heslins had a close shave when keeper, Philip Farrelly was forced to come smartly off his line, to prevent a goal bound Gavin Beirne effort from entering his net.

But some two minutes later Joe Honeyman fouled Beirne and Aughawillan was now provided with the opportunity to win the game once Morgan Quinn stepped up and hit over the resultant free.

Wayne McKeon had a chance to force a replay in the 62nd minute after O Heslins was awarded free just inside the 45 metre line. However McKeons shot went wide and after that the Division Two League title was claimed by Aughawillan.

Aughawillan

John Prior, Noel Darcy, Paul Prior, Barry McBrien, Gerard McGovern, Kevin McTague, Sean Quinn (0-1), Christopher Prior, Gary Deane, Morgan Quinn (0-5), Michael Quinn (0-1), Barry Prior (0-5), Shane Flanagan, Gavin Beirne, Ryan Creamer. Sub Ciaran Smith for B. Prior (51 mins).

Sean O Heslins

Philip Farrelly, Johnny McWeeney, Joe Honeyman, Liam Ferguson, David Duignan (0-2), Paddy McLoughlin, Jim McTague, Paul McLoughlin, Wayne McKeon (0-1), Anthony McTague, Finian Sharpley (0-4), Brian Cafferty (0-1), Sean Murray, Kieran Murray (0-1), Shane Murphy. Subs James McWeeney for A. McTague (55 mins).

Referee: Sean McCartin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This full report is available thanks to PJ Leddy for the Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here

 

 

04-Dec-08 by LeitrimObserver.ie