Connacht Minor Football League 2015

All roads lead to Cloone This Friday evening 13th March when our County Minor Team start the defence of the Connacht Minor League Title which Leitrim won last year after a gap of many years.  Their first opposition is near neighbours Sligo. This group of players have been together through the developement squads from Under 14 upwards. They are in no doubt of the task that faces them but  are a very well prepared and focused team and  are ready for the job in hand.We wish the lads under the management team of Shane Heslin, Joe Flynn, Gareth Foley and Gary Donohue the Best of luck and urge you to come out on Friday evening to cheer them on. 

 

 

11-Mar-15 by Coiste na nÓg Liatroma

James Rooney – Leitrim Under 21 Captain 2015

James Rooney from the Glencar Manorhamilton GAA club has the honour of captaining the Leitrim U21 footballers for the 2015 Connacht Championship campaign. 

Donning the County Jersey is very much in his blood, as he has already worn the green and gold at Under 14, Under 16 and Minor level, as well as being a leading member of the Leitrim Under 21 team that shocked All Ireland Under 21 champions, Galway, in last years Connacht Championship Semi-Final.  Naturally, the dream of this twenty year old quality defender is to lead his county into a second successive Connacht Final.  James realises the great challenge ahead, playing Under 21 specialists, Mayo, in their home ground, but winning is very much in his psyche, having captured a number of Underage, Junior, Intermediate and Senior Championship titles with his club.  The opposition nor the venue hold no fear for this young football star – who was also selected as Leitrim Young Hurler of the Year in 2011 – and who leads the Leitrim side next Wednesday in search of victory.

We wish James and the Leitrim U21 team and management every success in the 2015 Connacht U21 Championship
Please support them in their opening game against Mayo on Wednesday 11th March at 7.30pm in Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar

 

 

04-Mar-15 by Leitrim GAA

Glensmen take Allianz League Points Leitrim 1-13 Antrim 1-18

Glensmen take Allianz League Points Leitrim 1-13 Antrim 1-18

After an intriguing but always interesting encounter it was the visitors who took both Allianz League points in Páirc Sean Mac Diarmada today. Despite a bright start and raising the green flag early on, Leitrim were playing catch up for the best part of this match and in the end could have no complaints about the result following a most competitive encounter. The result all but finishes Leitrim’s promotion prospects but, nonetheless, the team building that is ongoing for the future will give lots of heart to Leitrim followers as the players gave an excellent account of themselves and kept battling away to the final whistle.

Played out in front of 300 supporters present, teams exchanged wides before Alan McLoughlinÓgave Leitrim the perfect start as he finished expertly to the net having been put through by Danny Beck. The lead was short lived as Antrim’s Michael Pollack cooly finished an Antrim attack to the Leitrim net from close range. Kevin Conlan, with a free, and Justin Crozier, from play, exchanged points before Conor Murray and CJ McGourty, free, opened up a two point Antrim lead. Kevin Conlan(free) reduced the deficit to the minimum before Tomas McCann and Alan McLoughlin exchanged points from play. Ryan Murray and CJ McGourty both pointed from play for Antrim, either side of an excellent save by Leitrim keeper Cathal McCrann from the boot of Murray. McGourty and Darren Sweeney traded points from playbefore  Antrim opened up a four point lead courtesy of McGourty, a free, and full forward Michael Pollack from play. A Kevin Conlan free proved to be Leitrim’s last score of the half as Antrim added further points from McGourty(2) and Conor and Ryan Murray, to leave the half time score Leitrim 1-5 Antrim 1-12.

Leitrim started the second period brightly with quick points from Ronan Kennedy, both play. James Laverty steadied Antrim’s ship with a point before two points from Kennedy and McLoughlin  reduced the margin to five. McGourty and Kennedy again exchanged points and Paddy McGowan chipped in with an excellent point to reduce the deficit to four points. That was as good as it got for Leitrim, as Antrim were in control of the scoreboard. Two McGourty frees reopened a six point margin and one always felt that it would take another Leitrim goal to turn the tide. However, Kevin Conlan and Darren Sweeney did manÓge to bring matters back to four with two points. Antrim still had the upper hand and midfielder OwenÓgallagher and wing forward Paddy McBride stretched the lead out to six points with time running out. All that remained was time for Kevin Conlan to convert a free and the issue was decided.

A spirited performance from a most competitive Leitrim team that is learning its trade and next on the list is a trip to Tullamore to face table toppers Offaly on Sunday next, throw in 2pm.  

Leitrim: Cathal McCrann, Barry Prior, RonanÓgallagher, Niall Woods, Micheal McWeeney, Gary Reynolds, Sean Mcweeney, James McGrail, Darren Sweeney (0-2), Paddy McGowan (0-1), fergal Clancy, Danny Beck, Kevin Conlan(0-5), Donal Wrynn, Alan McLoughlin (1-2). Subs used: Ronan Kennedy (0-3), Thomas Mulvey, Ciaran Gilheaney.

Antrim: Chris Kerr, Connor Burke, Sean McVeigh, Declan Lynch, James Laverty (0-1), Justin Crozier (0-1), Tony Scullion, Mick McCann, OwenÓgallagher (0-1), Conor Murray (0-2), Tomas McCann (0-1), Paddy McBride (0-1), Ryan Murray (0-2), Michael Pollack (1-1), CJ McGourty (0-8). Subs used: Dermot McAleese, Matt Fitzpatrick, Paddy McAleer, Benny Hasson.

Referee: Niall McKenna (Monaghan)

 

 

02-Mar-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO

Allianz League Round 2 Leitrim 0-10 Wicklow 0-11

Garden County Prevails after Strange Allianz League Encounter

Leitrim 0-10 Wicklow 0-11

Thirty minutes into this Round 2 Allianz League Division 4 match in Aughrim, Leitrim were coasting after totally dominating play and Scóring at will, having built up a very healthy 0-9 to 0-0 scoreline. The Leitrim defence was cutting out any threat posed and, with flowing moves and great economy in front of the posts, the team was exercising the scoreboard operator with regularity. However, once Wicklow got off the mark as the game moved toward the interval they quickly added three further points and suddenly it was game on. As it transpired the second half momentum remained with the home side and they continued from where they left off, replicating Leitrim’s first half showing, but ultimately bettering it, by Scóring eleven unanswered points to establish the match winning lead.

In foggy, but nonetheless, very playable conditions, play swung either end at the commencement of this match before a 45 converted by Kevin Conlan opened Scóring after 7 minutes. This set the tone for a series of Leitrim points which flowed with regularity into the Clubhouse end of the grounds as Conlan doubled the advantage with a free and midfielder James McGrail’s long delivery deceived the Wicklow keeper Robert Lambert and hopped over the bar. Micheal McWeeney forayed forward to finish a fine move from the right wing and this was followed up with a Donal Wrynn pointed effort to leave Leitrim five points to the good entering the second quarter. The scores kept coming for Leitrim from Fergal Clancy, play, in between two Conlan frees as Wicklow followers must have been wondering were they ever going to raise a white flag. Little did those present realise what would ultimately unfold when Kevin Conlan pointed another free to leave Leitrim nine points clear and the homesters pointless. Wicklow eventually got off the mark with a Seanie Furlong free and this was quickly added to with further scores from Conor McGregor (free) and two points from play by Mark Kenny and John McGrath, to leave just five in at the break and it was game on.

A period of sustained Wicklow pressure in the early stages of the second half was thwarted by a determined Leitrim defence but the tide had turned in this remarkable encounter. A Conor McGraynor free eventually broke the deadlock and what unfolded was so similar in nature to the first period. Wicklow took over and the points flowed as Leitrim struggled to gain a foothold. John McGrath with a converted free and Dean Odlum from play reduced the deficit to two. Win forward Darren Hayden left the minimum between the sides before Donal Wrynn brought a full length diving save from Lambert in the Wicklow goals as Leitrim tried to stop the rot. Two pointed frees from the boot of John McGrath gave the home side the lead and while Leitrim recorded two wides around this period the advantage had swung in favour of the men in blue. Furlong, from play, pointed what ultimately proved to be the winner with Wicklow’s eleventh unanswered point. Kevin Conlan with a free reduced the margin to the minimum with time running out and while both sides had chances in what remained, it was Wicklow who took the two points at the full time whistle.

Overall, a disappointing day for the Leitrim Players and Management but nonetheless, a lesson on the learning curve for a young team building for the future heading into the Allianz League break as we look forward to the visit of Antrim to Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada in three weeks time.

Leitrim: Cathal McCrann, Micheal McWeeney (0-1), RonanÓgallagher, Niall Woods, Conor Farrell, Gary Reynolds, Sean McWeeney, Paddy McGowan, James McGrail (0-1), Shane Quinn, Fergal Clancy (0-1), Danny Beck, Ciaran Gilheaney, Donal Wrynn (0-1), Kevin Conlan (0-6). Subs used: Cian Clinton, Alan McLoughlin, Darren Sweeney, Shane Moran.

Wicklow: Robert Lambert, Chris Murphy, Paul Cunningham, Alan Byrne, Dean Healy, Ross O Brien, Aaron Murphy, Paul McLoughlin, Anthony McLoughlin, Darren Hayden (0-1), Conor McGraynor (0-2), Michael McLoughlin, Dean Odlum (0-1), John McGrath (0-4), Seanie Furlong (0-2). Subs used: Mark Kenny (0-1), Patrick McWalter, Daniel Woods, Brendan McCrea.

Referee: Niall Ward (Westmeath)       

 

 

09-Feb-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO

Leitrim team to play Wicklow

the Leitrim team to play Wicklow is available here

 

 

08-Feb-15 by Leitrim GAA

Honours Shared in Allianz League Opener- Leitrim 0-15 Longford 1-12

Honours Shared in Allianz League Opener.

Leitrim 0-15 Longford 1-12

(Photographs from the game are available on our Facebook page)

Neighbours Leitrim and Longford shared the Allianz League Division 4 points after an always entertaining and full blooded encounter in sunny, but bitterly cold Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada earlier this afternoon in front of the 1000 attendance . A match that looked to be heading the way of the home side towards the end of the third quarter, at which stage they held a handsome five points lead, was turned on its head by a spirited Longford revival, sparked by three points in as many minutes. As it turned out both sets of supporters were on the edge of their seats wondering who would take the spoils after a thrilling final quarter. At the end most would agree a draw was perhaps the fairest outcome.

After a scoreless opening period, Leitrim were first to exercise the scoreboard after seven minutes with a Paddy McGowan point. Fergal Clancy with left footed effort doubled the advantage before Brian KavanÓgh with a 35m free opened the visitors account. Kevin Conlan with a fine free from distance restored the home side’s two point cushion. An excellent Longford goal chance was spurned as KavanÓgh pulled his shot across the face of the goal and Leitrim supporters breathed a sigh of relief. A period of missed chances for both sides followed before Donal Wrynn fisted over a Fergal Clancy delivery to open a three point lead. In the 20th minute Sean McCormack pointed for Longford to keep them in touch and shortly afterwards Paul McKeon, set up by KavanÓgh, pointed to leave the minimum between the teams. Wrynn and McGowan, with points had Leitrim 0-6 to 0-3 ahead again before an exchange of scores from Wrynn and KavanÓgh maintained the margin heading towards the interval. McCormack had the last say to reduce the margin to two as the teams headed to the changing rooms, Leitrim holding a 0-7 to 0-5 lead.

Early in the second period Aidan Rowan and Kevin Conlan exchanged points. Leitrim made a possible match winning charge and by the end of the tenth minute points from Sean McWeeney, Wrynn and Clancy had their side in a commanding position. However Longford were not to be undone and points from Michael Quinn, McCormack and Francis McGee in as many minutes had Longford breathing down the Green and Gold necks yet again. KavanÓgh with two pointed frees had the sides on level terms and it was anybodys game at this stage. With 12 minutes remaining Ciaran Gilheaney settled Leitrim nerves with point but that man KavanÓgh equalised. Fergal Clancy and Kevin Conlan opened a two point Leitrim lead but this match was far from over. Following a flowing Longford move McCormack was in onÓgoal and duly raised the green flag to give Longford the lead for the first time all afternoon as the match entered its dying minutes. Gilheaney responded with the next attack with what turned out to be the last score of this exciting encounter. There were chances for either side to claim the victory but it wasn’t to be and respective opposition had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Both management teams will probably reflect on what might have been after today’s encounter. From a Leitrim perspective, a young team with eight Allianz League debutants in action today can look forward with confidence to a competitive league campaign in the months ahead. Next week the action moves to Aughrim as the lads face Wicklow in Round 2.   

Leitrim: Cathal McCrann, Barry Prior, RonanÓgallagher, Niall Woods, Conor Farrell, Gary Reynolds, Sean McWeeney (0-1), Paddy McGowan (0-2), James McGrail, Kevin Conlan (0-3), Fergal Clancy (0-3), Danny Beck, Thomas Mulvey, Donal Wrynn (0-4), Ciaran Gilheaney (0-2). Subs used: Micheal McWeeney, Shane Moran, Cian Clinton, Matthew Murphy, Alan McLoughlin.

Longford: Paddy Columb, Dermot Brady, Barry Farrell, Peter Foy, Colm P Smyth, Diarmuid Masterson, Enda Williams, Barry Gilleran, Michael Quinn (0-1), Ronan McEntire, Paul McKeon (0-1), Aidan Rowan (0-1), Ross McNerney, Brian KavanÓgh (0-5), Sean McCormack (1-3). Subs used: Cian Farrelly, Francis McGee (0-1), Padraig Gill, Shane Doyle, Mark Hughes.

Referee: Liam Devenney (Mayo)  

 

 

01-Feb-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO

Be There All The Way

 Be There All The Way

Dont forget to pick up your full colour souvenir match programme on Sunday next when Leitrim begin their Allianz League campaign against Longford in Páirc Seán with a 2pm throw in. 

The Allianz Leagues – Be There All The Way.

 

 

30-Jan-15 by Leitrim GAA

GAA Allianz Leagues Facebook Predictor Competition

Just looking to draw your attention to the GAA Facebook Predictor competition – the competition creates a challenge for GAA fans to show their knowledge by predicting the outcome of up to three Allianz Leagues games with the most successful person each week/month/overall to be rewarded with GAA prizes (exclusive merchandise, tickets, vouchers to go on Croke Park tour, etc) – top prize is VIP match tickets to an Allianz Leagues final of their choice (extras to be added on top of that).

 

 

 

29-Jan-15 by GAA.ie

Hastings Cup Semi Final Galway 0-15 Leitrim 1-11 (after extra time)

2015 Under 21 Hastings Cup Semi Final

Galway 0-15 Leitrim 1-11 (After extra time)

Leitrim bowed out of this year’s Hastings Cup Competition after an absorbing contest with provincial rivals Galway in Oliver Lynch GAA Park, Abbeylara, yesterday afternoon. It was a game which had everything, heart, skill, endeavour and as close at all changeovers as you could wish for. Unfortunately, from Leitrim a perspective it was the men in maroon who took the spoils with a point from ace full forward Gary Kelly two minutes into extra time added time and they will progress to a meeting with Roscommon in this year’s final. The sides were level at full time, half time extra time and indeed with ten minutes of the second half extra time played and surely nobody would have begrudged the players who contributed handsomely to this match another day out to separate them.

Galway were quick into their stride from the off and two points from Eamonn BrannÓgan and Paul Mannion had them into an early lead. However two pointed Donal Wrynne frees restored parity. Barry McHugh restored Galway’s advantage with a brace of pointed frees from out on the right and to best illustrate the ultimate end to end nature of this match throughout, Leitrim responded with pointed frees from Wrynne and Conor Gaffney. Gary Plunkett had the final say of the half with Leitrim’s first point from play to give his team the slenderest of interval leads.

The second half commenced with a Galway onslaught. Three points from full forward Gary Kelly and one from wingback Kieran Molloy had the Tribesmen three to the good before Conor Gaffney got Leitrim’s second half account moving with a point. Kelly with a fisted point restored Galway’s three point lead before Felim McHugh with a huge score reduced the deficit and set up a purple patch for his team. With momentum having swung his teams way Donal Wrynn finished to the net and Gaffney pointed again to open up a two point lead with five minutes remaining. However Galway were not be outdone and points from Joe Donnellan and BrannÓgan sent the tie to extra time.

Gaffney, from play, and Wrynne with a 45 set Leitrim up early in the first period of extra time. Donnellan and Ger Gibbons responded similarly as two earnest and energetic teams tried to grab a stranglehold on the contest. Level again after the first period of extra time!

It was anybody’s game at this stage and as respective managements introduced new energy into the contest in order to try claim the ultimate advantage and the match swung from end to end. Kelly from play stuck Galway’s nose ahead with three to play but Wrynne with a pointed levelled again with a free and time was up. There was however another play and that man Kelly proved the hero for Galway and there was time for no more.

So the Hastings Cup campaign for Leitrim is over and as Shane Ward and his management team reflect, they will know that they have a squad of competitive, energetic and skilful players to work over the next six weeks as we look forward to the Connacht Under 21 Championship match with Mayo in Castlebar on Wednesday March 11th.

Leitrim: Diarmuid McKiernan, Enda Fowley, Gary Butler, Keelan McHugh, Michael Clancy, Jack De Lacy, Oisin Madden, Felim McHugh (0-1), Mark Plunkett, James Rooney, Conor Gaffney (0-3), Nicholas Moore, Niall Brady, Donal Wrynne (1-6), Gary Plunkett (0-1). Subs used: Dean McGovern, Aaron McLoughlin, Luke Murphy, StephenÓgilheaney, Gary Fowley.

Galway: Tadhg O Malley, Darren Moran Jack Wyndam, Luke Burke, Adrian Nolan, Brian Shaughnessy, Kieran Molloy (0-1), Michael Daly, Eoghan Stenson, Joe Donnellan (0-2), Eamonn BrannÓgan (0-1), Colin Brady, Barry McHugh (0-3), Gary Kelly (0-6), Paul Mannion (0-1). Subs used: Enda Walshe, Eoghan Kerin, Paddy Kitt, Ger Gibbons (0-1),  Niall Lee, James Kennedy, Noel McDonagh.   

Referee: Patrick Maguire (Longford)      

 

 

25-Jan-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO

FBD Connacht League

A pitch inspection has just taken place in Markievicz Park and the FBD Connacht League game between Sligo and Leitrim gets the go ahead for 2pm throw in. 

Be careful on the roads – see you there!

 

 

18-Jan-15 by Leitrim GAA

Sligo Prevail in Concluding Connacht FBD League 2015 Encounter Sligo 2-9 Leitrim 1-10

Sligo Prevail in Concluding Connacht FBD League 2015 Encounter.

Sligo 2-9 Leitrim 1-10

The Connacht FBD League 2015 concluded for Leitrim and Sligo in Markievicz  Park, Sligo, this afternoon and after an entertaining and exciting match it was the home side which took the spoils as both sides look forward to the Allianz Leagues which commence in two weeks time. With Galway having secured their place in the FBD final last week it was an ideal opportunity for both managements to have a look at the depth of their squads and following  this, at all times, competitive joust both managements will no doubt have taken many positives forward to reflect on.

The match opened with Leitrim on the attack from the throw in and Kevin Conlan pointed to give the visitors an early advantage. Adrian Marren equalised almost immediately with a close range point and the same player put Sligo into the lead shortly afterwards with another point. Two minutes later Conlan with a 45 restored parity and following a foul on himself and the same player restored Leitrim’s advantage with free as we approached the end of the first quarter and Alan McLoughlin entered the action for Ciaran Gilheaney. Another Conlan point from 40m from play was immediately responded to with a Marren point from play and by the 20th minute corner forward Niall Murphy sent over for the Yeats men to equalise. Yet another Conlan point(free) gave Leitrim the slenderest of advantages before a huge Marren point from play sent the teams in level at half time, five points apiece.

Kenneth Sweeney replaced Padraic Clarke on the Sligo team for the start of the second half and team captain Mark Breheny restored Sligo’s lead with a point from play.  Two minutes midfielder Pat Hughes found the net to open a significant lead for the home side and James McGrail joined the action in place of Cathal McCrann for the visitors. A brilliant goal line clearance by Dylan Keane proved was significant for the Leitrim men as they looked to stay in the match. Alan McLoughlin reduced the deficit with a point and Robbie Lowe replaced Danny Beck with 7 second half minutes played. Leitrim restored parity as Ronan Kennedy found the net with a tidy finish and Conlan with a point put Leitrim ahead as this game ebbed and flowed.

As the game entered its final quarter, Brehony levelled for the home side. Donal Wrynne replaced Christy McGowan on Leitrim side and Keelan Cawley entered the fray for Conor Kerins, Sligo.  Breheny, this time with a free opened the slenderest of leads for Sligo and with 8 minutes remaining the green flag was raised once again, this time Breheny was the finisher and shortly afterwards Kenneth Sweeney opened a five point advantage.  Shane Moran came on for Fergal Clancy and a double substitution by the home side saw Barry O Mahoney and Luke Bree enter for Neil Ewing and Shane Stenson. Conlan reduced the deficit to four points with a free as Sligo continued to empty their bench Niall O Donaghue and Damien O Boyle in for Charlie Harrison and StephenÓgilmartin.

Conlan, from a free, and Barry Prior from play reduced the margin to two points with time running out and Leitrim searching for match saving scores. However it wasn’t to be for the visitors and Sligo held on to record a two point win.

Thus ends the FBD campaign for 2015 and it has seen Leitrim emerge from the winter with a very committed and energetic group of players, a healthy mix of youth sprinkled with experience.  Shane Ward and his management team will have learned a lot about the talent available to them from the competitive experience it has been as they look to shape their team for the forthcoming Allianz Leagues which commence on February 1st with a home tie against neighbours Longford in Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada.

Leitrim: Brendan Flynn, Matthew Murphy, RonanÓgallagher, Dylan Keane, Barry Prior (0-1), Gary Reynolds, Sean McWeeney, Paddy McGowan, Cathal McCrann, Christy McGowan, Fergal Clancy, Danny Beck, Ciaran Gilheaney, Ronan Kennedy (1-0), Kevin Conlan (0-8). Subs used: Alan McLoughlin (0-1), James McGrail, Robbie Lowe, Donal Wrynne and Shane Moran.

Sligo: Aidan Devanney, Eoin Flanagan, Ross Donovan, Daniel Maye, Conor Kerins, Noel Gaughan, Shane Stenson, StephenÓgilmartin, Pat Hughes (1-0), Neil Ewing, Mark Brehony (0-3), Charlie Harrison, Padraic Clarke, Adrian Marren (1-4), Niall Murphy (0-1). Subs used: Kenneth Sweeney (0-1), Keelan Cawley, Barry O Mahony, Luke Bree, Niall McDonagh, Damien O Boyle.

 

 

18-Jan-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO

Hastings Cup Win for Leitrim Following Tremendous Second Half Performance

Hastings Cup Win for Leitrim Following Tremendous Second Half Performance

Leitrim 3-10 Laois 1-14

It certainly didn’t look likely after 11 minutes of this Hastings Cup Under 21 Round 3 match in Portarlington yesterday that there would be joy for the young Leitrim players on their homeward journey as the Laois men stormed into a six point to no score advantage. However, once they got going, and particularly in the second half, it would have been a travesty had their efforts been thwarted. As it was, the match ended in controversial circumstances as a late Laois free, the last kick of the game ended up in the net, but was ultimately disallowed by the match referee for a square infringement. So it was the Leitrim lads who took the spoils to record their first victory in this year’s competition, and given that they lost last week’s match to a free in the dying seconds, it was fitting that they held on this occasion.

Two points each by Tom Shields and Adam Farrelly and a point each by Evan Keane and James Moore had the home side in total control as described. Conor Gaffney with goal and Nicholas Moore with a point stopped the rot as Laois added further scores through Keane and Dean Mahon to lead by double scores. That a goal is sometimes worth more than three points was surely demonstrated in this match as influential substitute Gary Plunkett found the net for Leitrim and these majors were certainly keeping the visitors in touch. As it was Moore and Keane added further points for the home side as Conor Gaffney responded for Leitrim and the teams entered the changing rooms the Leitrim lads were only two behind.

Half time: Laois 0-10 Leitrim 2-2

nÓgel Murphy and Keane with points doubled the Laois lead on the resumption but Leitrim’s response was immense. Another substitute, Oisin MaddenÓgoaled and Plunkett pointed to level matters for the first time. Donal Wrynne, with a point, gave Leitrim the lead and James Rooney added to this slender advantage with a further point. Laois were not finished yet and struck with a goal of their own to wrestle back the lead courtesy of Niall Mullins. Plunkett equalised and this game was really in the melting point. An exchange of points from Leitrim’s Daire Farrell and Laois’s Evan Keane had matters tied up again before Leitrim stretched for home. A brace of points from Plunkett and pointed free from Wrynne to which Owen Beggy replied had Leitrim two up facing into the last kick of the match as described earlier.

So, all in all, an excellent win for young Leitrim men following their second visit in a week to Portarlington, albeit the Laois side of the Barrow this time and maintains the sides interest in the destination of the 2015 Hastings Cup.

Leitrim: Diarmuid McKiernan, James Mitchell, Enda Fowley, Keelan McHugh, Michael Clancy, Gary Butler, Jack de Lacy, Declan Daly, Felim McHugh, Daire Farrell (0-1), Nicholas Moore (0-1), James Rooney (0-1), Kevin Shanley, Donal Wrynne (0-2), Conor Gaffney (1-1). Subs used: Gary Plunkett (1-4), Dean McGovern, Oisin Madden (1-0), Kenny Cox, Darragh Gordon.   

Laois: Aiden O Reilly, Ciaran Duff, Conor Dunne, Darragh McCauley, Adrian Campbell, Ciaran Lennon, Owen Buggy (0-1), Adam Farrelly (0-3), Dean Mahon (0-1), nÓgel Murphy (0-1), Niall Mullins (1-0), Tom Shields (0-2), James Moore (0-2), Evan Keane (0-4). 

 

 

18-Jan-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO