Drumkeerin advance after tough battle with 12 manOglenfarneKilty

Drumkeerin put in a storming second half performance to claim victory over north Leitrim rivals Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher in Sundays entertaining Leitrim U-21 B quarter-final, which was played in a wind swept and hail shower soaked Shane McGettigan Memorial Park, Drumshanbo.

U-21 B CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER FINAL
DRUMKEERIN 2-11
GLENFARNE/KILTYCLOGHER 0-8

Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher lined out for this game a man short, as they only could field twelve players on the day.

Aided by a very strong breeze, Drumkeerin used the extra man to full advantage in the second half when they outscored Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher by a 1-8 to 0-2 margin.

Drumkeerin keeper, Barry McPadden brought off a series of top class saves that thwarted Glenfarne/Kiltycloghers best goal Scóring efforts at three crucial junctures in the first half and again on two further occasions in the second half.

In a period that Drumkeerin struggled, Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher claimed a three point lead during the opening eight minutes of the action when Fergal Clancy and Niall Clancy shot over from play while Padraig Sweeney tapped over a free.

However Drumkeerin fought back to get on level terms by the thirteenth minute after Eddie McTiernan converted a free and shot over from play, while James McPartlan also hit a point from play. But Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher went back in front after James Murray shot over in the 17th minute.

Fergal Clancy found the target from two frees over the next ten minutes, to edge Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher into a 0-6 to 0-3 halftime lead.

Drumkeerin started the second half well and reduced the deficit onÓglenfarne/Kiltyclogher to the minimum in the first four minutes of the second half after StephenÓgilhooly and Eddie McTiernan fired over a point each from play.

Fergal Clancy responded with a thirty fifth minute Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher point from play.

Drumkeerin lifted their game again and got on level terms over the next five minutes after James McPartlan and StephenÓgilhooly added a point apiece from play.

A forty first minute Ciaran Walpole goal put Drumkeerin ahead for the first time in the game. This was a vital strike for the Drumkeerin men, as it gave them the upper-hand onÓglenfarne/Kiltyclogher, who were forced to play second fiddle for the rest of the game.

Padraig Sweeney replied with a point from play for Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher three minutes later but this proved to be his sides last score in the game. After that Drumkeerin extended their lead to nine points in the last sixteen minutes of action.

In this period StephenÓgilhooly led Drumkeerins charge to secure a place in next Sundays semi-final with Bornacoola when he shot over a forty fifth minute point.

Eddie McTiernan stretched Drumkeerins advantage to four points three minutes later when he fired over from play.

Drumkeerin kept pulling further ahead of Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher as the second half wore on with Aidan Dolan whipping over points from play in the 50th and 53rd minutes. There was no way back for Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher after StephenÓgilhooly fired home a 54th minute goal, which completed the Scóring in the game.

After a slow start Drumkeerin finished very strongly and gave a strong indication that they will provide a stern test for Bornacoola in Sundays semi-final.But it is unlikely that Bornacoola will allow Drumkeerin come from behind should the north Leitrim side not get down to business right from the start.

Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher, who suffered a heavy defeat at the end of their quarter-final game in Drumshanbo, still managed to put up a good show for three quarters of the encounter, despite playing with a player less than Drumkeerin.

Drumkeerin:

Barry McPadden, Fintan Harvey, Dean McVeigh, Jason Beirne, Aidan Dolan 0-2, Thomas Lavin, James McPartlan 0-2, Keith Gallagher, StephenÓgilhooly 1-3, Thomas Davitt, Eddie McTiernan 0-4, Ciaran Walpole 1-0, Kevin Forde.

Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher:

Francis Keaney, John Sheerin, Ronan McGowan, Dermot Harkin, Sean McManus, Niall Clancy 0-1, Jonathan Keaney, Diarmuid Clancy, James Murray 0-1, Padraig Sweeney 0-2, Shane McLoughlin, Fergal Clancy 0-4.

Referee: Raymond Kerrigan.

 

 

 

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

 

 

28-Nov-08 by PJ Leddy – C/o LeitrimObserver.ie

GlencarManor clinch final spot in impressive manner

A Gortletteragh side that was short a few of its first team regulars proved to be no match for County Champions, Glencar/Manor when the sides faced each other in Saturdays Leitrim senior league game in the Bee Park.
 

The win for Glencar/Manor in this game cleared the way for a showdown between them and Melvin Gaels in next Saturday afternoon’s first ever all north Leitrim County senior league final.

Glencar/Manor claimed control in this encounter with a goal that was scored early in each half with Adrian Croal striking first for the north Leitrim men and Dominic Kelly doing likewise for his side’s second goal.

The home-side got on top early in the exchanges after Adrian Croal shot a third minute point and then followed up by firing home an unstoppable goal a minute later.

Croal shot off the inside of Gortletteragh’s right hand upright, as he executed this score, after soloing from midfield and splitting the south Leitrim’s side’s defence wide open.

Conor Reynolds replied with a point from a free, but Glencar/Manor went further ahead over the next four minutes when Adrian Coral hit over a well-taken point and James Glancy also found the target from play.

Gortletteragh responded with a memorable, Dermot Kennedy long range point in the eighteenth minute, but over the next six minutes Glencar/Manor edged into a six point lead when James Glancy fired over his second point from play and Dominic Kelly also shot a similar score.

Conor Reynolds kept Gortletteragh in the hunt when he converted his second free in the twenty sixth minute. However Glencar/Manor still took a 1-5 to 0-3 lead into the break.

After the restart Glencar/Manor came out in a determined mood and snuffed out Gortletteragh’s challenge in the opening nine minutes of the second half when the north Leitrim men added 1-3 without reply.

In this period Alan Sweeney tapped over two frees after fouls on Anthony McDonald and Adrian Croal.

James O’Brien sent in a well delivered thirty seventh minute foot pass from midfield to James Glancy, who was just twenty metres from the Gortletteragh posts, and duly fired over the visitor’s crossbar.

A well-worked Glencar/Manor goal two minutes later left Gortletteragh trailing by eleven points.

Dominic Kelly finished this move to the Gortletteragh net after he received a pass from Anthony McDonald, at the end of a series of spot on link-ups by a number of the north Leitrim side’s players.

Conor Reynolds hit back with his third free of the game for Gortletteragh in the fortieth minute, but a Thomas McDonald point, which was hit from long range five minutes later, restored Glencar/Manor’s eleven point’s lead.

Gortletteragh’s nÓgel Keighran fired over a 48th minute point, which proved to be his side’s last score of the game.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

28-Nov-08 by LeitrimObserver.ie

Late Guckian points secure St Marys league status

After a tough, physical encounter, St Marys ensured that they will be playing league division one football next year after a narrow one point victory over Melvin Gaels at Pairc Naomh Mhuire, Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday last.

MASONITE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
ST MARYS 0-9
MELVIN GAELS 0-8

After being at the centre of plenty of controversy during the championship, Jimmy Guckian was the hero for the Carrick side as he came off the bench with six minutes remaining and scored two crucial points.

Last Saturdays victory also has a significant bearing for St Marys other teams as had the division one team been relegated to division two, the division two would have been relegated to division three and so on down the divisions.

Melvin Gaels knew before last Saturdays encounter that they were guaranteed a place in next Saturdays league final, but there was certainly no evidence of complacency as they made St Marys work right till the death for their victory.

Melvin Gaels began the game well with BB Brennan Scóring two points inside the opening ten minutes to open up an early lead.

A good move involving Paul Brennan and Emlyn Mulligan resulted in Paul Og Ferguson Scóring to leave three points between the sides.

Given the fact that there was so much a stake it was hardly surprising that there were some nerves evident.

Two converted frees from Ray Mulvey brought St Marys right back into contention as the game approached the 20 minute mark.

Having seen their lead eroded Melvin Gaels registered two quick points of their own through Conor Sheridan and Paul Og Ferguson.

With six minutes remaining until the half-time break and trailing by three points, St Marys enjoyed a period of sustained pressure and scored two unanswered points through Donal McLoughlin and Niall Comerton to leave just a between the sides at the interval.

The second half began in the same manner as the first had ended with both sides challenging for everything in what was a very keenly contested game. The tackles were going in hard, but there was little over the course of the game that would be described as dirty.

From a football point of view it may not have been the most gripping but for sheer drama it would be tough to match.

With nine minutes to go and still trailing by a point, it seemed as though St Marys had been handed a lifeline to ensure their division one status for next year whenÓgoalkeeper Jesse McGuinness fouled Benny Guckian and in doing so conceded a penalty.

A goal from the ensuing penalty would have helped to ease the nerves of the St Marys faithful but Ray Mulveys effort was struck tamely and rolled wide of McGuinnesss right hand post.

With time running out, Jimmy Guckian came off the bench for St Marys and immediately had the desired impact as he pointed after a fine pass from Dermot Reynolds.

The introduction of GuckianÓgave the team a real lift and with three minutes to go St Marys took the lead after Benny Guckian pounced on a loose ball and knocked it over the bar from close range despite having plenty of defenders around him for company.

The drama was not yet over as Melvin Gaels refused to throw in the towel and levelled the scores from an Emlyn Mulligan free in the last minute of the game.

There was still time for one more twist as Jimmy Guckian was on the end of a knockdown and scored the winning point three minutes into injury time.

St Marys would no doubt rather be looking forward to defending their league crown in next weeks final than celebrating the fact they have avoided relegation. However, they will be mightily relieved that they have done just that.

St Marys
Anthony Conway, Fergal Reynolds, Conor Guckian, Jonathan Cassidy, James Glancy, Mick Greene, Nicholas McWeeney, James McGrail, Daniel Lowe, Brian ODonnell, Dermot Reynolds, Donal McLoughlin (0-1), Niall Comerton (0-2), Benny Guckian (0-1), Ray Mulvey (0-2). Subs: Brian Farrell (0-1) for Greene, Jimmy Guckian for Farrell (0-2).

Melvin Gaels
Jesse McGuinness, Padraig McGloin, Fabian McMorrow, Joe McGowan, Blaine Mulligan, Anthony Tiffoney, Paul McGurran (0-1), Gareth Phelan, Emlyn Mulligan (0-2), Paul Og Ferguson (0-2), Conor Sheridan (0-1), David McSharry, Colin Regan, BB Brennan (0-2), Paul Brennan. Subs: Stephen McGurran for Ferguson (36 mins), Shane Ryan for McGloin (49 mins), Gareth Foley for B Mulligan (54 mins)

 

 

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

 

 

 

27-Nov-08 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie

Garadice Gaels complete minor double

Garadice Gaels last Friday night completed the minor double when they beat St Manachans in the league final having already emerged victorious in the championship earlier in the season.

MINOR LEAGUE FINAL
GARADICE GAELS 1-11
ST MANACHANS 0-8

It was tough on St Manachans who had a bright start to the game but were dealt a cruel blow when two members of their half-back line, John Mulligan and Kevin Kilrane collided with one another while running to gather a loose ball.

Both players had to be substituted after the incident which left both players with nasty injuries.

Having to play without two of their most influential players for the remaining three quarters of the game was always going to be a tough challenge for the St Monichans players and while they gave their all, Garadice Gaels did enough to claim victory.

St Manachans had started the game impressively and opened up a two point lead inside the opening six minutes.

Conor Beirne opened the Scóring with a free and Shane Quinn doubled the advantage after winning possession himself and completing the job with a well taken point.

Although Brian Fee pulled a point back for Garadice Gaels St Monichans were the dominant force at this early stage of the game and opened up a three point lead after Mark Beirne and Domhnaill OFlynn pointed.

With the game being played at a good pace and with plenty of exciting football on display the contest was delicately poised.

Unfortunately for St Manachans they were dealt a cruel blow when John Mulligan and Kevin Kilrane collided with one another. Both players were fully committed to getting the ball and whether either of them was dazzled by the floodlights is unclear. What was clear was that they were both hurt to such an extent that they were unable to continue and an ambulance was called to further assist the injured players.

With the game being held up for some time, it was hardly surprising that when it restarted the game lacked the same intensity.

Shane Flanagan pointed and Conor Beirne exchanged pointed frees, but Garadice Gaels finished the half the stronger of the sides with Shane Flanagan Scóring three further points from frees.

St Manachans registered only one score during that period with Conor Beirne also on target from a free.

On the stroke of half-time, Garadice Gaels almost gave themselves a massive psychological boost but were denied what seemed a certainÓgoal whenÓgoalkeeper Emmet Higgins produced an outstanding save.

CiaranÓgilheany ran at the heart of the St Manachans defence before playing a perfectly timed pass towards Ryan Creamer. Creamer flicked the ball first time towards the goal with his palm and it seemed certain as though the games opening goal had been scored.

However, Higgins had other ideas and made a great save, diving to his left and pushing the ball on to the post.

The half-time whistle sounded shortly afterwards and no doubt both sets of players would have been happy with the chance to regroup and get some instructions from their mentors.

With the second half barely four minutes old, Garadice Gaels Dermot Holohan pointed from 40 meters to level the scores at six points apiece.

Having drawn level, Garadice Gaels came very close to taking the lead for the first time but were once again denied by a great save from Emmet Higgins.

Ronan McCartin turned and shot quickly and once again it seemed as though Garadice Gaels were destined to score a goal. However, once again Higgins was up to the task as he produced another outstanding save.

At the other end St Monichans Michael OConnor capitalised on a poor clearance by the Garadice Gaels goalkeeper Colin Maguire. OConnor claimed possession of the ball and his shot sailed between the uprights to restore the lead for St Monichans.

With 20 minutes of the game remaining St Manachans held a slender one point advantage but in those remaining 20 minutes the team from Drumreilly and Aughawillan were the stronger of the sides and stepped up the pace of the contest.

A Shane Flanagan free drew the sides level once again, before Flanagan scored an excellent individual point to give his side the lead for the first time.

A Ryan Creamer point extended Garadice Gaels lead and although St Monichans were only trailing by two points with 16 minutes of the game remaining, Garadice Gaels were beginning to look like a team who believed they were on course for victory.

St Manachans on the other hand were beginning to run out of ideas and fell further behind when Morgan Quinn pointed.

A Conor Beirne free with seven minutes remaining reduced the deficit to two points, but there was to be no grandstand finish as St Manachans failed to add to their tally while Garadice Gaels struck for a goal and a point.

After Brian Fee scored a very good point, Garadice Gaels made sure of victory when Shane Flanagan launched a dangerous high ball towards the St Monichans goal. Emmet Higgins did very well initially to deal with the testing ball, but the rebound fell kindly to Ciaran Gilheaney and from close range he made no mistake and duly scored the games only goal.

Whether or not the injuries to Kevin Kilrane and John Mulligan were what ultimately swung the game in favour of Garadice Gaels cannot be said definitively. What can be said is that in tough conditions and after a good game of football Garadice Gaels were the better side, but only just.

Garadice Gaels
Colin Maguire, Anthony Holohan, Kevin McTague, Fionnbarr Quinn, Noel Plunkett, Dermot Holohan (0-1), Fergal Mitchell, Shane Flanagan (0-6), Morgan Quinn (0-1), Brian Fee (0-2), Sean Flanagan, Ronan McCartin, Aiden Dolan, CiaranÓgilheany, Ryan Creamer (0-1). Subs: Padraig Dolan for Dolan (53 mins), DamienÓgrimes for Fee (58 mins)

St Manachans
Emmet Higgins, Jonathan Beirne, Gabriel Egan, Mathew Bohan, John Mulligan, Kevin Kilrane, Michael OConnor (0-2), Mark Beirne (0-1), Niall Flynn, Shane Quinn (0-1), Niall OBrien, Domhnaill Flynn, Conor Beirne (0-4), Paul Reynolds, Conor Beirne. Subs: Alan Armstrong and Ronan Reynolds for Kilrane and Mulligan (15 mins), Lee Cassles for P Reynolds (45 mins), SeanÓgildea for Shane Quinn (53 mins).
Referee: Eamon OGrady

 

 

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

 

 

 

27-Nov-08 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie

Drumlea overcome St Francis and harsh conditions to advance

Last Sundays U-21 A Championship quarter-final was played in extremely tough conditions and it was hardly surprising that the contest was, to borrow a cliché, a game of two halves.

U-21 A CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER FINAL
DRUMLEA 1-10
ST FRANCIS 1-8

St Francis had the advantage of the wind in the opening half and opened up a two point lead inside the opening six minutes through the impressive Eunan Tracey and Martin Raferty.

That lead would have beenÓgreater were it not for a fine save from Padraig Dolan in the Drumlea goal who made an instinctive save to turn Rafertys shot over the bar.

Given the fact that the wind was so strong it was vital for St Francis that they built up a commanding lead before half-time.

They almost scored the games opening goal through Enda Maguire who pounced on a poor clearance by goalkeeper Padraig Dolan. Unfortunately for the Drumshanbo/Ballinaglera amalgamation his first time shot crashed off the angle of the woodwork.

Despite that miss St Francis continued to put the Drumlea rearguard under plenty of pressure and scored three unanswered points within the next ten minutes through Eunan Tracey, Enda Maguire and a Eunan Tracey free.

With six minutes of the half remaining, St Francis struck for the games opening goal to open up a commanding eight point lead.

St Francis Seamie McMorrow won possession of the ball from a Drumlea kickout and quickly found Barry Maguire who in turn picked out Philip McGourty.

McGourty had a clear run onÓgoal and he finished confidently leaving goalkeeper Padraig Dolan with no chance.

To their credit Drumlea responded well to that set-back and finished the half strongly.

A Morgan Quinn free two minutes before the interval and a Ciaran Smith point on the stroke of half-time helped reduce the deficit and give the Drumlea faithful renewed belief that their side, with the wind at their backs in the second half, could yet emerge victorious.

Three quick points for Drumlea, two from Morgan Quinn and one from Ray Fee, at the beginning of the second half reduced the deficit to a goal as St Francis led by 1-5 to 0-5.

All of a sudden the momentum was entirely with Drumlea and a Mark Fee point helped reduce the deficit to just two points.

A Damon Maguire free eight minutes into the half meant that there was just a point between the sides and with St Francis struggling to come to terms with the wind that they were now playing into, Drumlea pounced for a goal which gave them the lead.

Goalkeeper Jack Mathynthss took a quick free which was intercepted by Sean Flanagan. Sean quickly picked out his cousin Shane, who was introduced at half-time, and he duly found the back of the net to give Drumlea the lead for the first time.

A Damon Maguire free helped open up a three point lead for the Drumreilly and Aughawillan men and it was beginning to look as though St Francis were heading out of this years U-21 championship.

Chances were few and far between up to that point for St Francis in the second half but they will be left ruing the gilt edged chance that fell to Enda Maguire with 12 minutes of the game remaining.

After good work by Seamie McMorrow and Thomas Cornyn the ball came to Maguire. From close range it seemed as though he was about to score St Francis second goal of the game but great credit must go to Padraig Dolan in the Drumlea goal who produced an excellent save to deny him.
The final ten minutes of the game were a very tense affair with both sides pushing hard to keep their championship dreams alive.

A Barry Maguire point for St Francis, their first of the half was cancelled out by a Morgan Quinn free to keep the gap at three points.

St Francis refused to throw in the towel and two pointed frees from the boot of Eunan Tracey meant that with only a minute remaining there was only a point separating the teams.

Ultimately there was to be no epic comeback for St Francis as Drumleas Ryan Creamer scored in the final minute to ensure victory for his side.

Drumlea
Padraig Dolan, Paddy OConnor, Sean Fee, Brian Mitchell, Warren Maguire, Graham Taylor, Gerard McGovern, John Fee, Mark Fee (0-1), Ciaran Smith (0-1), Ray Fee (0-1), Morgan Quinn (0-4), Ryan Creamer (0-1), Damon Maguire (0-2), Sean Flanagan. Subs: Shane Flanagan(1-0) for Smith (HT), Kevin McTague for OConnor and Declan McGovern for Mitchell (55 mins).

St Francis
Jack Mathynthss, Cathal Kielty, Alan Wynne, Padraig Cornyn, Thomas Reynolds, Thomas Cornyn, Jason Loftus, Philip McGourty (1-0), Emmet Burke, Eunan Tracey (0-5), Brian Mulvey, Seamie McMorrow, Martin Raferty (0-1), Barry Maguire (0-1), Enda Maguire (0-1). Sub: Fergal Wynne for Reynolds (50 mins).

Referee: Brendan Sammon

 

 

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

 

 

 

27-Nov-08 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie

Leitrim JFC Final – Report

Kiltubrid 2 – 9

Glencar/Manor 1 – 11

Kiltubrid claimed Leitrims last adult championship title of the year on Sunday in Carrick-on-Shannon when holding off a late Glencar/Manor rally, to win the County Junior ‘B crown by a single point after a thrilling contest.

However Glencar/Manor started brightly when Niall Hickey put over a 3rd minute free.

Meanwhile Kiltubrid responded decisively five minutes later when Paul McGirl finished to the net after he took full advantage of an error by Glencar/Manor fullback, Kenneth McMorrow.

Keelan McKeon increased Kiltubrids lead when he fisted over in the 10th minute.

Glencar/Manor managed to cut Kiltubrids advantage back to the minimum by the 14th minute after Niall Hickey put over his second free and Pat Gilmartin shot a point.

But Kiltubrid took a decisive grip on the proceedings over the next twelve minutes when they hit 1 – 5 without reply.

In this period Gavin Kelly shot Kiltubrids second goal while Conor Doherty popped over three points from play with Keelan McKeon also converting a free and Aidan McKiernan adding a point from play.

Before the break Glencar/Manor replied with a Declan Ryan point and a Seamus Leddy free conversion, which still left Kiltubrid leading comfortably by 2 – 6 to 0 – 5 at halftime.

But a goal, which Pauric Kerrigan finished to the net within two minutes of the restart, brought Glencar/Manor to within four points of Kiltubrid.

However within the space of another minute Keelan McKeon replied with a Kiltubrid converted free, which kept his side in control.

ThenÓglencar/Manor closed the gap on Kiltubrid to three points by the 37th minute after Seamus Leddy put over a free and James Gilmartin shot a point.

But the north Leitrim side had a let off in the 39th minute when ‘keeper, Sean Boylan had to make a super save from a goal bound Michael McGirl effort.

After that Kiltubrid pulled five points clear of Glencar/Manor over the next eleven minutes when Keelan McKeon converted a free and Michael McGirl fisted a point.

The Kiltubrid men did not score in the remainder of the action, as Glencar/Manor staged a fighting late rally to salvage the game.

Over five minutes of additional time was played in this period and Kiltubrids lead was whittled down to a point.

In the closing exchanges Seamus Leddy converted a Glencar/Manor ‘45 and Niall Hickey slotted over a 13 metre free while sub Patrick McEneaney and Ian Feeney shot points apiece.

At the end Kiltubrid held out for the win but they certainly had a close shave during the Glencar/Manors last ditch assault when the north Leitrims sides full-forward Niall Hickey blazed a 56th minute goal chance narrowly wide from just a few yards out.

Kiltubrid: Adrian Lee, Neil Slevin, Barry MacThiarnain, RonanÓgeoghegan, David McCormack, David McGirl, EamonÓgeoghegan, Richard Mahon, StephenÓguckian, Aidan McKiernan 0 – 1, Conor Doherty 0 – 3, Michael McGirl 0 – 1, Keelan McKeon 0 – 4 (4f.), Paul McGirl 1 – 0, Gavin Kelly 1 – 0.

Subs Patrick Whitlow for Kelly (38 mins.), Anthony Tighe for M. McGirl (51 mins.).

Glencar/Manor: Sean Boylan, Colin Farrell, Kenneth McMorrow, Enda Healy, Ian Feeney 0 – 1, Seamus Leddy 0 – 3(3f.), Dermot McMorrow, Pat Gilmartin 0 – 1, Ronan Haslette, Declan Ryan 0 – 1, James Gilmartin 0 – 1, Sean Watters, Pauric Kerrigan 1 – 0, Niall Hickey 0 – 3(3f.), Damien McDermott.

Subs Colin Ryan for Watters (26 mins.), Patrick McEneaney 0 – 1 for McDermott (38 mins.), Kevin Rogers for D. McMorrow (57 mins.), Thomas Coyle for J. Gilmartin (57 mins.).

Referee: Cyril McKeon (Allen Gaels).

 

 

 

18-Nov-08 by PJ Leddy

Goals crucial as clinical Kiltubrid win out

Its a cliché as old as football itself but goals winÓgames and they certainly did for Kiltubrid last Saturday afternoon as their more clinical finishing deservedly gave them victory over Aughawillan in the GWP Junior B Championship Semi-Final in Aughnasheelin.
With the opening minutes played in torrential conditions that nobody should be subjected to, it is a wonder that the game went ahead but when it did, both teams served up an entertaining hour despite the difficult conditions.

Great credit is due to the Aughnasheelin club for the wonderful condition of their pitch as few other venues would have stood up as well to the conditions which saw sheets of driving rain assault the pitch just minutes ahead of the throw-in.

Aughawillan must be wondering exactly how they let this one get away as the dominated the first half and looked vastly superior but without ever making it really tell on the scoreboard.

Kiltubrid were having difficulty getting out of their own half, with full-back Barry McKiernan and centre-back David McCormack holding them together.

But when Kiltubrid did finally score, they changed the course of the game with a goal after a penalty was first saved. Within another two minutes, the ball was again nestling in the back of the Aughawillan net and that was that.

Kiltubrid were hugely buoyed by the two scores against the run of play and lifted their performance considerably while a shell-shocked Aughawillan were unable to reproduce the verve and style of their opening salvos.

Kiltubrid’s Paul McGirl took the Scóring honours as his knack of being in the right place at the right time saw him plunder three goals over the hour.

Aughawillan started brightly and two Peter Prior points, both from frees, in the first seven minutes gave them a solid opening despite misses from Prior (2) and RyanÓgavin.

Aughawillan also saw their keeper Ciaran McTague make a good save to deny Paul McGirl a goal but, 18 minutes into the game, the course of the contest took a major turn when a ball broke in the Aughawillan parallelogram.

Whether the ball was picked off the ground or a sliding tackle came in is hard to tell in the difficult conditions but referee Jimmy Stenson had no hesitation in awarding a penalty and booking corner-back Patrick Prior for dissent.

Conor Doherty’s shot was well saved by McTague but Paul McGirl rushed in to force the rebound home ahead of teammate Paddy Whitlow for a dramatic first score for Kiltubrid.

If Aughawillan were stunned to see their lead wiped out, it got worse for them two minutes later when a long range shot from Aidan McKiernan dipped at the last moment and ended up in the back of the net.

Keelan McKeon emphasised Kiltubrid’s new dominance with a monster 50-yard free but Aughawillan’s efforts to get back into contention were thwarted whenÓgerard Conlon’s shot cannoned off the post and was cleared.

RyanÓgavin scored a great point from a tight angle on 26 minutes but Paul McGirl scored a nice point on the turn two minutes later.

Aughawillan had the last word in the half when Sean Flanagan’s fine point left the halftime score at 2-2 to 0-4 in favour of Kiltubrid.

Aughawillan again started best in the second half but three missed chances were emphasised when StephenÓguckian fired over a sixth minute quick free.

Aughawillan, who introduced Gerry Flanagan and Jerome Quinn at halftime, took a double blow when Mickey Quinn was forced out of the game through injury and then Paul McGirl dribbled the ball soccer-style through the defence and round the keeper for an easy seventh minute goal.

Gary Maxwell pulled back a point for Aughawillan who were denied a goal thanks to a fine Adrian Lee save from Conlon on ten minutes. Peter Prior and Conor Doherty swapped points before Kiltubrid killed off the game after 19 minutes with their fourth goal.

Keelan McKeon did all the heavy work, soloing through the Aughawillan defence before presenting Paul McGirl with an easy finish. Conor Doherty added a point for the winners with a late Sean Prior the only remaining score of the game for Aughawillan.

Kiltubrid

Adrian Lee, RonanÓgeoghegan, Barry McKiernan, Neil Slevin, EamonÓgeoghegan, David McCormack, Michael McGirl, Richie Mahon, StephenÓguckian, Aidan McKiernan (1-0), Conor Doherty (0-2), Paddy Whitlow, Keelan McKeon (0-1), Paul McGirl (3-1), Gavin Kelly. Subs: Anthony Tighe for Kelly (38 mins), Michael Scollan for Slevin (39 mins), Alan McGovern & Michael Geoghegan for McGirl & Whitlow (45 mins), Brendan Meehan for Guckian (50 mins).

Aughawillan

Ciaran McTague, Patrick Prior, Olly Plunkett, Barry McBrien, Declan McGovern, Kevin McTague, Sean Prior (0-1), Mickey Quinn, Sean Flanagan (0-1), Niall Doonan, Gerard Conlon, Damien McGovern, Gary Maxwell (0-1), RyanÓgavin (0-1), Peter Prior (0-3). Subs: Gerry Flanagan & Jerome Quinn for S. Prior & D. McGovern (HT), John Prior for M. Quinn (36 mins).

Referee: Jimmy Stenson.

 

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

 

 

14-Nov-08 by Leitrim Observer.ie

Aughnasheelin relegated as battle goes to the wire

Intermediate Champions Aughnasheelin ended a great year on a sour note after they were relegated last Saturday following their four point loss to Division One Finalists Melvin Gaels.

With intense relegation battles in both Division One and Two, next weekends games will be closely watched as St. Marys must gather at least three points to go above Carrigallen in Division One while Division Two sees an almighty battle to avoid the drop with eight teams all capable of making the drop to Division Three depending on the results next weekend.

St. Marys, however, are facing a doomsday situation as their teams in Divisions Two, Three and Four would all be relegated, regardless of where they finish, if their First team are relegated from Division One. It is a situation that would be welcomed in quite a lot of Divisions as only one other team would therefore make the drop.

Marys must pick up three points against Allen Gaels and Melvin Gaels but they can also stay up if they improve their Scóring difference by seven points or more to go above Carrigallen in the Scóring averages.

However, that will be a very tough task as Allen Gaels have been rejuvenated since the return of Adrian Cullen and have been the form team in Division One recently while Melvin Gaels booked their place in the Final with a 0-13 to 1-6 win over Aughnasheelin last Saturday.

The Kinlough men recovered from a four point halftime deficit to win by four points, a result that condemned Aughnasheelin to the drop. The Intermediate champions can still end up with six points if they win their remaining two games but they cannot over-take two teams to avoid the drop.

Melvin Gaels trailed 0-5 to 1-6 at the break but the dismissal of an Aughnasheelin midfielder for a second yellow card handed the impetus to Melvin Gaels who scored seven unanswered points to take the win.

What makes the win all the more notable is that the Gaels achieved it without Emlyn Mulligan as Conor Sheridan, Paul Og Ferguson and Brendan Brennan scored three points apiece.

Carrigallen ensured they would make it very difficult for St. Marys when they defeated Annaduff 0-12 to 1-6 in Annaduff on Saturday. Four unanswered points in the first half from Ciaran Flynn (3) and Eoin Ward put Carrigallen in the driving seat and another four without reply in the second half from Ciaran & David Flynn, Eamon OMalley & Eoin Ward extended the lead.

Carrigallen led 0-12 to 0-4 after 50 minutes and seemed to be cruising but they were put under pressure in the closing minutes with points from Brendan Guckian and David McHugh and a goal from sub Derek Cox.

Kiltubrid, who had started the day under threat, secured their Division One status with a 0-9 to 2-3 draw against Mohill last Saturday, a point that lifted them out of the relegation zone. The draw, however, has dented Mohills chances of making the League Final as Glencar/Manor, with three games to play, are only a point behind.

Glencar/Manor were due to play Bornacoola but the game fell victim to the weather, the only one on the day.

The postponement almost definitely means another delay in the completion of Division One.

Division Two remains a complete minefield as only finalists Sean OHeslins and Aughawillan are completely safe mathematically.

Ballinaglera would have been relegated had they lost to Dromahair last weekend but a 1-11 to 0-8 keeps their survival hopes alive and drags Dromahair back into it, although the superior Scóring average of the north Leitrim men should mean they are safe.

The big game is the clash of Aughavas and Fenagh St. Caillins – Fenagh simply have to win as their poor Scóring average means they cannot rely on Scóring difference to stay up. Both teams are on six points and a draw will not suffice for Fenagh who have minus 53 points as their difference.

Glenfarne/Kilty & Cloone are two teams anxiously looking over their shoulders – the north Leitrim side take on Drumkeerin needing at least a point to survive while Cloone need to defeat Dromahair to stay up in what should be an exciting relegation battle.

 

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

 

 

14-Nov-08 by Leitrim Observer.ie

Junior B Championship Semi-Final – report

When it comes to Leitrim football championship semi-finals this year, more evidence was produced in Drumreilly on Sunday that Glencar/Manor seems to hold the Indian sign over St. Mary, as they Carrick men suffered a late defeat for a second time at the hands of their north Leitrim rivals.

JUNIOR B CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL
GLENCAR/MANORHAMILTON 2-7
ST MARYS KILTOGHERT 1-8

A late rally in the dying minutes of Sundays entertaining GWP Junior B semi-final in Carrickmakeegan secured a place for Glencar/Manor against Kiltubrid in the County Final at the expense of St. Marys, who had got on level terms in the 55th minute with a Ross McLoughlin free.

A goal in the first half by Niall Hickey gave Glencar/Manor a slight edge in the an evenly match opening 30 minutes. Another Hickey goal, in the final ten minutes, enabled Manor to pull off a come from behind win by the time the final whistle sounded.

Glencar/Manor will face Kiltubrid in the Final as they chase their second adult football crown of the year, highlighting once again the great reserves at the disposal of the Manorhamilton club.

Kiltubrid, who defeated a strong Aughawillan team, will take some beating in the final but Manor will be confident of adding another crown to their list of achievements for 2008.

St. Marys, on the other hand, are locked in a relegation battle that could yet see all their teams relegated down a Division if their Senior team fails to maintain its Division One status.

St. Marys controlled the proceedings for greater part of the of the second half after Shane Fitzpatrick put them three points ahead when he shot an unstoppable 36th minute goal. Glencar/Manor was forced to play second fiddle until Niall Hickeys late goal resurrected their drive for a place in the final.

Manor impressed in the opening exchanges and took a two points lead in the first three minutes after Niall Hickey put over a free and Declan Ryan added a point.

But St. Marys battled back to get on level terms by the 9th minute thanks to a Damien Butler free while his brother Barry hit over a well-taken point from play.

St. Marys grabbed the lead two minutes later when Damien Butler found the range with his second free. However, Glencar/Manor got their noses ahead again in the 14th minute when Niall Hickeys ground shot eluded the clutches of St. Marys keeper Colm Guckian after Hickey was put through with a pass from a quick thinking Damien McDermott.

The Carrick men cut Manors lead to the minimum some eight minutes later after Damien Butler found the target from his third free. But James Gilmartin put some more daylight between the sides when whipped over a 24th minute point.

St. Marys ended the half firing on all cylinders when they levelled matters by the break with points from play by Owen Tivnan and Shane Fitzpatrick. St. Marys finished the half strongly with 0-6 to their credit while Glencar/Manor had notched up 1-3 at this stage.

A Shane Fitzpatrick goal, six minutes after the restart, gave Marys what appeared to be a decisive grip on the proceedings. But Manor cut back the Carrick sides lead to a single point over the next eight minutes after Dermot McMorrow shot over and sub Seamus Leddy tapped over a free.

Neither side managed to register a score for a spell as the battle for supremacy continued unhindered.But Mary’s then edged back into a two point lead in the 49th minute after Fitzpatrick fired over from play.

It was four minutes later whenÓglencar/Manor breached the Mary’s defence decisively after sub Patrick McEneaney sent a long ball into the goalmouth and Niall Hickey was on hand, to finish to the St. Mary’s for a second time.

Hitting back with admirable resolve, St. Mary’s fought hard to grab a lifeline, which Ross McLoughlin provided, when he slotted over a 55th minute free, to level matters. But the Carrick men’s challenge lost its impetus to some degree following the score.

Glencar/Manor went on to stage a grandstand finish and Pauric Kerrigan led their charge for victory when he coolly shot over 57th minute point from play. Following that Niall Hickey made the win secure for his side, six minutes later, when he tapped over a 13 metre free.

Glencar/Manorhamilton

Sean Boylan, Colm Farrell, Kenneth McMorrow, Brian Kerrigan, Dermott McMorrow (0-1), Ian Feeney, Enda Healy, Pat Gilmartin, James Gilmartin (0-1),Pauric Kerrigan (0-1), Colin Ryan, Sean Watters, Declan Ryan (0-1), Niall Hickey (2-2), Damien McDermott. Subs Seamus Leddy for B. Kerrigan (28 mins), Patrick McEneaney for Gilmartin (39 mins).

St. Mary’s Kiltoghert

Colm Guckian, Rory McLoughlin, Barry Crowe, Sean Clancy, Barry Guckian, Barry Butler (0-1), Brian Crowe, Francis Molloy, Brian O’Donnell, Damien Butler (0-3), Ross McLoughlin (0-1), Ashley Molloy, Owen Tivnan (0-1), Olcan Conway, Shane Fitzpatrick (1-2). Subs Alan Duffy for Conway (24 mins), David Keegan for Molloy (40 mins), Richie Doran for R. McLoughlin (48 mins), Paddy Guckian for D. Butler (56 min).

Referee: Gerry Spellman.

 

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

 

 

13-Nov-08 by Leitrim Observer.ie

Update on Club Fixtures

The U21 championship fixtures are now online and available via the Championship Tables link on the left hand menu.

In response to enquiries to the website CCC Liatroma have responded with the following info.: 

In relation to this weekends games, it should be noted that St Marys play Div 2 on Sat and JFC B on Sunday. St Marys v Allen Gaels is scheduled to be played on Nov 15 in addition to the remaining two fixtures outstanding in advance of the last round . The last round is scheduled for Nov 22. Clubs playing their last Div 1 game this weekend requested said fixtures to be played on this weekend.

The remaining fixtures are now provided on this site and have been approved. Please note the following statement as issued to the Club Secretaries in relation to the remaining games: "Fixtures not played, due to unforeseen circumstances, may impact negatively on the timelines for fixtures as outlined.It should be borne in mind that possible replays in certain competitions may have negative impact also. Weekly fixture lists will issue as normal, in which any amendments necessary will be incorporated."

 

 

05-Nov-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Aughnasheelin hope to emulate Carrigallen

Aughnasheelin will be hoping history repeats itself next Sunday when they attempt to become only the second team from the County to beat a Galway side in the Connacht Club Championships when they take on St. Michaels in the AIB Intermediate Semi-Final in Cloone (2.30 throw-in).

Carrigallen created their own slice of history two years ago when they lowered the colours of Menlough in the Intermediate Semi-Final, becoming the first team from Leitrim to beat a Galway team in a Provincial Club Championship.

Aughnasheelin are hoping to emulate Carrigallens feat in Cloone against a highly rated Galway City side St. Michaels!

Aughnasheelin Manager Liam Higgins is eagerly awaiting the contest after his teams victory over St. Molaise Gaels in the first round in Markievicz Park but he admitted that his charges faces a big step-up on Sunday – "Were looking forward to it, there is a great buzz at training since the win in Sligo.

"St Michaels are going to be a tougher prospect for us next Sunday. They are a very young team who like to move the ball fast. They are very accurate in front of goals and theyll take some beating," said Liam who pointed out that the fact that the game is at home will be a huge boost to the Leitrim representatives.

Fortune certainly shone on Aughnasheelin in that regard as Ballinamore hosted the CarrigallenÓgame two years ago but with a new draw, it is the Tribesmen who must make the journey – "Having the game at home is definitely a great help to us and we are happy enough that the game is in Cloone. I know our lads are looking forward to it and anyone who was in Markievicz Park can see our lads are up for this competition."

Liam will also be hoping that last Mondays League defeat to Gortletteragh wont hinder their chance – "We picked up a few knocks on Monday in the League against Gortletteragh but Id be hopeful enough that we have a full team to pick from for Sunday.

"It was a tough match but a match like that is better than 10 training sessions. Losing the game might drive the boys on, particularly in the way we lost it. We were seven points up and we let them back into it. So hopefully, the boys will learn from that and it will drive them on next Sunday."

As for a verdict, Liam said "It is all about performing on the day. It is hard to know how good St. Michaels are, all we have to go on is a few dvds. But if we play up to our potential, I cant see us being very far off it," said Liam.

If Aughnasheelin have shown an ability to finish well in tight games, St. Michaels have done the same inÓgalway after they overcame a Shay Walsh led Glenamaddy in the Galway Intermediate Final.

 

 

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

 

 

31-Oct-08 by LeitrimObserver.ie

St Osnats into another Final after tight battle

After a tight battle, north Leitrim side, St. Osnats claimed a place in the GWP Junior C championship final for a fourth successive year when they defeated an experienced Sean OHeslins outfit in Sundays semi-final in Cloone.

GWP JUNIOR C CHAMPIONHSIP SEMI-FINAL
ST OSNATS GLENCAR 1-8
SEAN OHESLINS 0-9

In a closely contested encounter, a 37th minute goal by sub David Clancy gave St. Osnats a crucial grip in the proceedings after Sean OHeslins had taken the lead for the first time in the game

While the Ballinamore side tried hard to wrestle the initiative back from the Glencar men after the goal, the north Leitrim men, managed by former Leitrim and AughnasheelinÓgoalkeeper Martin McHugh, responded by upping their performance a few notches, which allowed them to hold out for victory.

It was very muck nip and tuck in the opening exchanges over the first 11 minutes, as both sides traded points at opposite ends. Liam Burke junior edged St. Osnats ahead with a 6th minute point but Peter Reynolds levelled matters two minutes later from a free.

Over the next three minutes, St. Osnats AlanÓgilligan swapped a point with Sean OHeslins Sean McCartin, from a free. After that St. Osnats grabbed a three point lead by the end of the first quarter when Finbar Twomey shot a point from play and put over a 45, as well as a free for the Glencar men.

Sean OHeslins AdrianÓgallogly replied from play with an 18th minute point but AlanÓgilligan kept St. Osnats in the driving seat with a point a minute later.

However, Sean OHeslins put in a storming finish to the half, to get on level terms. McCartin tapped over two frees while Adrian Murphy whipped over a point from play, which sent both teams in on a 0-6 all score line at half time.

Sean OHeslins keeper Cormac ÓSuilleabháin denied St. Osnats a goal in the 35th minute when he stopped a point blank Stephen Kerrigan shot with his shins. OHeslins then took the lead for the only time in the game in the next minute when Sean McCartin put over a free.

But St. Osnats quickly got back in control in the 37th minute when David Clancy flicked home the games only goal. The score came after Finbar Twomey a free from 45 metres was sent into the OHeslins goalmouth.

The ball was deflected across the goals by Eugene McSharry for the in rushing Clancy to put the ball wide of a stranded ÓSuilleabháin.

However, a 47th minute free from McCartin reduced St. Osnats lead to the minimum but a Twomey point in the following minute put some more daylight between the sides.

McCartin again reduced the lead to a single point when he fired over from play in the 54th minute with what was a spectacular score for the Ballinamore men.

However, Eugene McSharry ensured St. Osnats place in the final against Drumreilly when his 60th minute soccer style shot from five yards screamed over the Sean OHeslins crossbar, as it appeared that McSharry had a goal on his mind when he pulled the trigger.

 

 ……………………………..

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

31-Oct-08 by LeitrimObserver.ie