Fr. Manning Cup Report

CLARE 1-9   LEITRIM 3-16

Leitrim began their 2023 Under 16 campaign with a comfortable win over Clare at a windswept Clooneylohan on Saturday.  Playing against a strong breeze in the first half, Leitrim dominated the early exchanges.   This early Leitrim pressure yielded goals from Joey McBrien and Oisin Conlon before Joey McBrien converted a 20 metre free to leave Leitrim 7 points ahead after 12 minutes.   Clare enjoyed a purple patch, tagging on 4 points in row to reduce the margin.   Leitrim put together a wonderful move beginning with a Peter Moran interception, involving 5 further players and culminating with a cool finish by Andrew Lee to the Clare net.   The first half ended with Clare scoring 1-2 to leave the minimum between the sides at half time on a scoreline of Clare 1-6 Leitrim 3-1.
Leitrim emptied their bench, making 4 changes at half time.   The 2nd half proved to be a dominant one for Leitrim as they added a further 15 points (all from play).  The clinical nature of the 2nd half performance was highlighted by some wonderful long range shooting, some excellent defending and a point blank save by Josh Sheridan on the one occasion that Clare managed to penetrate the Leitrim back line.   On a day when all facets of Leitrim’s play went well, it would be unfair to single out any one player.   In general, this was a comprehensive team performance that will have to replicated as the Fr. Manning Cup progresses.   The current champions, Sligo, are up next for Leitrim in May.
LEITRIM (Team and Scorers):
Josh Sheridan; Aodh Gavin; Niall Stenson; James Hughes; Peter Moran (0-2); Luke Farrell; Bobby Hanrahan; Luke Fitzsimons; Tadhg Regan (0-1); Sean Carolan-Morris (0-3); Cillian Downes (0-2); Gavin Gallagher(0-2); Joey McBrien (1-1); Andrew Lee (1-0); Oisin Conlon (1-4). SUBS: Senan Bohan (0-1) for Joey McBrien; Kyle Russell for Niall Stenson; Kevin Faughnan for James Hughes; Oran Dougan for Aodh Gavin (all half time); Aodh Gavin for Sean Carolan-Morris and James Hughes for Gavin Gallagher (both 48 mins)

Thanks for the Memories Emlyn!

On the day that Emlyn Mulligan has announced his retirement from the Leitrim Senior Football team, we wish to acknowledge a most stellar career in the Green and Gold over the past 17 years since in debut in the Allianz League of 2006.
From his earliest days with us Emlyn has marked himself out as an attacker of exceptional talent, shooting the lights out over many league and championship campaigns in the intervening years. He has been a role model for many young players, many of whom have grown up to share a Leitrim dressing room with him towards the latter part of his career. His scoring achievements have stood up to scrutiny in any forum across many years.
Captain of the Connacht FBD Winners in 2013 and 2014, he may not have gotten to achieve national titles with his native county, but that did not deter him from making a most magnificent contribution towards the county’s fortunes, despite having to deal with three career-threatening injuries over the course of a stellar career. His Croke Park appearance in the Allianz League final in our promotion year of 2019 was, no doubt, a long overdue personal milestone achieved for a player of his quality. In 2014, he was part of a Connacht Inter Provincial winning team, bridging a gap to the last title won by the province in 1969. He has also helped his native Melvin Gaels Club to Leitrim SFC success in 2012.
Players of this longevity are becoming rarer and Emlyn leaves behind him a host of golden memories for those privileged enough to have seen him play over the best part of two decades. We wish him and his family the very best of luck in the future.

Traffic Instructions From An Garda Síochána – Leitrim v Sligo In Carrick On Shannon

Leitrim V Sligo

For those attending the Leitrim V- Sligo NFL Division 4 match on Sunday 26th of March 2023 at AvantMoney Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada Carrick on Shannon Please be aware that AvantMoney Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada is located on a busy road with cycle lanes. Please respect the needs and rights of residents and other road users when parking.
Parking is prohibited in the areas immediately around the ground.
There are a number of areas designated for parking . These are noted on the graphic attached.
Please use these spaces and please co-operate with stewards and Garda Síochána Sligo/Leitrim

Travel safely and enjoy the game.

 

Leitrim v Carlow Ticket Information

Have You Got Your Tickets Yet?
Allianz League Round 4 – Leitrim GAA v Carlow GAA– Sunday 26th February @2pm in Avant Money Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada.
As we approach the 5th weekend of the Allianz leagues this is a gentle reminder that cash will not be accepted on entry to venues. All supporters must purchase tickets in advance.
For those who do not have access to purchase online or wish to use cash, tickets are available to buy in Centra and SuperValu stores locally – Centra  Drumshanbo.
SuperValu  Ballinamore.
SuperValu  Manorhamilton.
SuperValu  Carrick On Shannon.
All rounds of the leagues are on sale so One cash transaction in a store, to purchase for fixtures until the end of March, is possible!

WEXFORD V LEITRIM – 2 ALL AT THIS STAGE.

Wexford lost to Laois in the last round in Portlaoise on a scoreline of 1-13 to 1-8. Laois are everybody’s favourites to get promoted so the Wexford performance was a good one away from home. At home they will be very difficult to beat. Wexford consider themselves to be a Division 3 team.

Wexford v Leitrim is never easy. It is seven years (2016) since Leitrim last played Wexford in Wexford.

Leitrim v Wexford 20th March 2022- Final Score -Leitrim 3-9 Wexford 1-11.

The last few meetings between both counties have been ding dong affairs. Last year in Carrick on Shannon substitute Conor Cullen fired to the visitor’s net just before the death. A goal by Darragh Rooney  in the first  half put Leitrim in the driving seat and they lead by 1 –04 to O-04 at the break. Leitrim maintained a slight edge in the early second half proceedings but Wexford levelled twice and edged ahead with points by Byrne and Shanley. However, a 48th minute Ryan O’Rourke goal for Leitrim and Cullen’s goal near the end gave Leitrim a bigger win than looked likely to happen for long periods in the game.

Due to covid in 2021 Wexford and Leitrim did not play each other as Leitrim played in a group of Antrim Sligo and Louth, and in 2020 Leitrim played in Division 3 and they did not meet.

In 2019 Leitrim beat Wexford in Carrick on Shannon by 3-15 to 0-11 and got promoted under Terry Hyland’s management.

In 2018 it was Wexford’s turn to play in Division 3 and we did not play each other.

In 2017 Wexford beat Leitrim in Carrick on Shannon on a scoreline of 0-16 to 0-14 and Wexford got promoted that year.

It is seven years ago (2016) since Wexford had home advantage against Leitrim and Wexford came out on top on a scoreline of 0-14 to 1-10 against a Shane Ward managed Leitrim team. The sides were deadlocked as the game entered the closing minutes, but Donal Shanley (Wexford) pointed a controversial game-winning free in additional time.

The Leitrim team listed in the match programme was  – Brendan Flynn, Mathew Murphy, Niall Woods, Michael McWeeney, Killian McGrisken, Barry Prior, Shane Quinn, Donal Wrynn, Darren Sweeney, Nevin O Donnell, Emlyn Mulligan, Kevin Conlan, Ciaran Gilheaney, Adrian Croal, Brian Mulvey. Leitrim scorers, S Quinn (1-01), N O’Donnell (0-03), C Gaffney (0-02), E Mulligan (0-02), A Croal (0-01), K Conlan (0-01)

Four  players from 2016 are still on the Leitrim panel, Donal Wrynn, Shane Quinn, Nevin O Donnell and Emlyn Mulligan. In  the 2016  game Nevin O Donnell scored 0-03 , Nevin is sub goalie on the current panel and Shane Quinn scored 1-01 from the left half back position.

Since 2016 Leitrim have played Wexford four times ( 2016,2017,2019 and 2022) winning two and losing two. Who will win next Sunday, that is the question?.

It won’t be easy and will be close but with a bit of luck on our side we will bring home a victory.

Eamonn Duignan

Leitrim Versus London Match Report

Match Report – Leitrim v London 05/02/2023

London is a special place for me. In 1982  (41 years ago)  I was on the first Leitrim team to play London in London in the Connacht Championship. We won 1-13 to 0-4. In the intervening years London have improved dramatically and yesterday in London I was hugely impressed with London’s performance. Make no mistake about it this game went right to the wire and had the huge crowd on the edge of their seats in what was a championship atmosphere.

In the first half London were finding it easier to get into scoring positions and kicked a number of bad wides. Leitrim were struggling to break down the London defence and were more economical and the first half ended 0-6 to 0-3 in Leitrim’s favour undeservedly so.

The second half went one way then the other  and when Keith Beirne scored a goal it looked comfortable at 1-7 to 0-5. Another goal from Donal Wrynn followed and at 2-9 to 0-7 it looked done and dusted with fifteen minutes of normal time to go. When London had Henry Walsh red carded in the 56th minute it appeared Leitrim’s job was done. With London really piling on the pressure and scoring five points in a row the game exploded in the 65th minute when London scored a goal from a loose ball to bring the score to 2-10 to 1-13.  Three points in it as we approached the last five minutes it was squeaky bum time. Leitrim worked the ball up the field past the London defence line  and within the minute Tom Prior got the goal that would make the game safe notwithstanding a few anxious moments before the final whistle.

The match was a serious test for the Leitrim team. Travelling by bus, going through airports, getting buses when you arrive and trying to ensure it does not affect performance is really hard to do. That Leitrim won against a serious London team and will do wonders for the players confidence. Certainly London scoring five points  in a row with a man down at a crucial time in the match needs examination. London will win a few matches at home in London and could impact on the final league placings for a few teams.  The Leitrim team are a unit and their preparation is very professional under Andy and his management team. In all the circumstances it was a great victory.

Next up Wexford…..

 

Eamonn Duignan

LEITRIM UNDER 17 MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENT 2023

,

Leitrim GAA are delighted to announce the appointment tonight of Karl Foley as the U17 Minor team Manager for 2023. Karl who lives in and is a native of Kilmore has huge coaching and managerial experience. Karl is a very experienced coach and manager, with spells at Clan na Gael, Carrickedmond, Kilmore, Shannon Gaels and in Leitrim with Leitrim Gaels and Annaduff. Karl also bring vast experience at the Minor Inter County age-group having  managed and coached  Roscommon Minors for 5 years and winning a Connacht title in that period. We would like to wish Karl the very best of luck in the role and look forward to announcing the remaining members of his backroom team very soon.

Fr Manning Cup Play Off For 3rd Place

Leitrim completed their Fr Manning Cup campaign with a hard fought win over Wicklow  in Abbotstown on a score 3- 5  to 1- 9 on Saturday 13th August.

Playing in testing heat conditions Leitrim ,who were favourites to win following their unlucky last minute defeat to Wexford, were made to fight all the way  by a strong Wicklow panel.
Leitrim ,who used all of their panel of 24, got off to a strong start and lead 2  -2 to 2pts at the end of the first 20 minute break with the goals coming from Adam Reynolds and James Gilheaney -from a penalty.Gilheaney from Fenagh had a fantastic game through out.
Wicklow were stronger in the 2nd period and added  4 points, with Leitrim’s sole score coming from Josh Mc Namee -a difficult one following a brilliant mark .
The final period was end to end stuff and Leitrim were looking good until a Wicklow goal put them a point in front at 1-7  to 2-3. Leitrim stormed back with several good attacks and Brian Keaney, a younger brother of Paul  the St Marys and Leitrim player, finally crashed home a great goal from a rebound. Dara Greenan  added a point  which  was followed by a Wicklow  point .
Brian  Keaney completed the Leitrim scoring with a fine point. A late Wicklow point wasn’t enough and Leitrim held out for a thoroughly deserving win.
Afterwards the team management and panel reviewed the game and despite a number of key players being absent due to injuries there was great satisfaction that they won the game, while not playing as well as in some of the earlier matches. The key learning from the Wexford game was not to put all efforts into defending when ahead and it paid off.
It was good to talk to Sean Reynolds the St Mary’s goalie who is one of the team mentors and physio. Isn’t it great to see a young player giving his expertise to a younger Leitrim generation. Brendan Delaney, the enthusiastic GDA is full of  hope  for the Leitrim panels.
 It was good to hear more about the revised coaching structures in Leitrim and to learn that in addition to the U16s, the U15’s were playing in the Humphrey Kelleher Shield in Longford  while the U 14’s were playing in a Connacht blitz in Ballyhaunis. So in total up to 80 Leitrim underage players were  involved in matches on the one day.
The full Leitrim panel was-
1 Liam Crowe MacDiarmada Gaels
2 Frank Cullen Leitrim Gaels
3  Eanna McNamara St Josephs
4 Thomas Maycock  St Josephs
5 David li Doyle Gortletteragh
6 Colm McLoughlin Fenagh
7 Cian Reynolds St Mary’s
8 Paul Honeyman  MacDiarmada Gaels ( Paul was injured and didn’t play)
9 Dara Greenan  Fenagh
10 Adam reynolds Fenagh
11 Senan Mooney Annaduff
12 Evan Kilrane Mohill
13 James Shanley Leitrim Gaels
14 James Gilheaney Fenagh
15 Cathal McCarthy MacDiarmada Gaels
16 Darragh Lee MacDiarmada Gaels
17 Aaron Gardiner St Mary’s
18 Darragh Gardiner St Mary’s
19 Josh McNamee  Leitrim Gaels
20 Noah McNulty Gortletteragh
21 Tommy Reen Gortletteragh
22 Dessie Wisley MacDiarmada Gaels
23 Josh Maye St Mary’s
24 Alan Gethins Dromahair
25 Brian Keaney St Mary’s
See photos below
1- The Leitrim players in a huddle during one of the breaks
2- Coaches Sean Reynolds, Ray McBrien and Martin McGowan
3- A happy Brendan Delaney, the GDA with responsibility for the team

Underage County Blitzes At Connacht GAA Centre

SUCCESSFUL DAY AT CONNACHT BLITZES FOR COUNTY’S UNDERAGE SQUADS
 
Leitrim’s County’s U15 and U16 squads had a successful outing at Day 2 of the  Connacht GAA Blitzes in Bekan on Saturday last.   The U15 squad continued their winning ways with 2 victories over Sligo and Roscommon which leaves them with 3 wins from 3 in the Dermot Earley competition. The U16s, on the other hand, got their Ted Webb campaign back on track with wins over Mayo and Roscommon.
U15: LEITRIM 2-10  SLIGO 0-10
Leitrim U15s got off to a winning start on Saturday when they accounted for a game Sligo outfit.   Leitrim came out of the blocks early with points from Gavin Gallagher and Ruairi O’Rourke. Sligo responded with 2 points of their own before Joey McBrien found the net for Leitrim. This was followed by another Ruairi O’Rourke point sandwiched between 2 Sligo points to leave Leitrim 2 points to the good.   The first half ended with Leitrim points from Tadhg Regan and Gavin Gallagher in response to 3 Sligo efforts to leave the minimum between the sides at the break.   The 2nd half was just as competitive as the 1st but Leitrim maintained their advantage throughout.   Jack Kelly, Gavin Gallagher and Ruairi O’Rourke added early points for Leitrim as Sligo added 2 of their own.   Leitrim took control of the game in the final quarter as an Oisin Conlon goal and points from Ruairi O’Rourke and Gavin Gallagher were enough to see off the final effort from Sligo.   Team and Scorers: Josh Sheridan; Kevin Faughnan; Killian Mulvey; James Hughes; Niall Torsney; Niall Stenson; Luke Farrell; Gavin Gallagher (0-3); Bailey McBride; Tadhg Regan (0-2); Sean Carolan Morris; Mark Ahearne; Jack Kelly (0-1); Joey McBrien (1-0); Ruairi O’Rourke (0-4). Subs: Daire Shannon; Luke Fitzsimons; Peter Moran, Oisin Conlon (1-0); Senan Bohan; Cillian Downes.
U15: Leitrim 7-14  Roscommon 1-2
Leitrim’s 2nd outing on Saturday was a very one-sided affair as they made short work of one of the 2 Roscommon teams participating in the Dermot Earley competition.   All aspects of Leitrim’s play in this game were firing on all cylinders as they put in a complete performance.   Defensively Leitrim were solid, turning Roscommon over time and again with some stout tackling from Luke Farrell and Killian Mulvey in particular.   Niall Torsney and Peter Moran drove forward from the half back line with both players contributing to the scoreline.   In midfield Sean Carolan Morris and Luke Fitzsimons gave their forward line a platform from which they reaped the benefits of fast attacking football.  Up front the Leitrim forwards played some great free flowing football and all players played their part as Oisin Conlon, Jack Kelly, Joey McBrien and sub Ruairi O’Rourke finding their range on a regular basis.   Leitrim led 3-8 to 1-0 at half time and the introduction of all the Leitrim subs didn’t make a dent in their dominance in the 2nd half as they added a further 4-6 to their tally.  Roscommon will know that better days are to come when their 2 regional teams amalgamate for the Ted Webb competition in 2023 but that shouldn’t diminish a fine effort by the Leitrim youngsters.
Team and Scorers: Daire Shannon; Kevin Faughnan; Killian Mulvey; James Hughes; Niall Torsney(1-0); Luke Farrell; Peter Moran(0-1); Sean Carolan Morris; Luke Fitzsimons; Oisin Conlon(2-3); Cillian Downes; Mark Ahearne(0-1); Jack Kelly(0-5); Joey McBrien(1-2); Senan Bohan(0-2); Subs: Josh Sheridan, Bailey McBride; Ruairi O’Rourke(3-0); Niall Stenson; Tadhg Regan; Gavin Gallagher.
U16: LEITRIM  4-12  MAYO 2-9
Leitrim U16s got back to winning ways with a convincing 9 point victory over a dogged Mayo selection. An early Senan Mooney goal followed by an Evan Kilrane point gave Leitrim the perfect start. Mayo responded with a goal of their own and their next score came courtesy of a pointed free. This score was sandwiched between points from Dara Greenan and Cathal McCarthy. David Liu Doyle made a telling interception that ended up in the hands of a marauding Cian Reynolds who calmly finished to the net to give Leitrim a healthy advantage. 3 Mayo points were matched by Leitrim, the points coming courtesy of Cian Reynolds, Adam Reynolds and Josh Maye. Leitrim initially failed to build on their 5 point advantage in the 2nd half as Mayo added 1-3 to their score to grab the lead for the first and only time in the game. The Leitrim response was swift and sure as Eanna McNamara and Josh Maye started the Leitrim onslaught with well taken points. Senan Mooney added his 2nd goal to restore Leitrim’s 5 point lead. Mayo’s final 2 points were breakaway efforts as Leitrim added 4 points of their own through Evan Kilrane, Senan Mooney, Brian Keaney and Josh Maye. Leitrim ended the game with a wonderful move that saw Colm McLoughlin finish to the net to leave Leitrim as easy winners on the day. Team and Scorers: Darragh Lee; Eanna McNamara(0-1); Frank Cullen; Tomàs Mayock; David Liu Doyle, Darragh Gardiner; Cian Reynolds(1-1); Colm McLoughlin(1-0); Dara Greenan(0-1); Evan Kilrane(0-2); Josh Maye(0-3); Adam Reynolds(0-1); Noah McNulty; Cathal McCarthy(0-1); Senan Mooney(2-1). Subs: Liam Crowe; Aaron Gardiner; Brian Keaney(0-1).
LEITRIM 1-13  ROSCOMMON 3-5
If ever a game could be described as a game of 2 halves, this was surely it. Roscommon made a whirlwind start scoring 2-1 inside the first 5 minutes of the game. Leitrim started to get a grip on the game with a point from Josh Maye. Noah McNulty added another point before a collision with one his own players took Eanna McNamara out of the game with an injury. While he was incapacitated on the ground Roscommon seized on the numerical advantage to score their 3rd goal of the game. Their final point of the half was sandwiched between 2 Leitrim efforts from Noah McNulty and Brian Keaney to leave the half time score Leirim 0-4 Roscommon 3-2. Leitrim set about reducing the deficit immediately in the 2nd half as they rattled off 8 consecutive points without reply courtesy of Josh Maye(3), Cian Reynolds(2), Brian Keaney, Darragh Gardiner and Dara Greenan. Roscommon’s next point levelled the tie before Senan Mooney stole in behind the Roscommon defence and expertly finished to the net. Brian Keaney completed Leitrim’s scoring for the day with a wonderful long range point. Roscommon rallied in the final few minutes with 2 late points but Leitrim held on for an encouraging comeback victory. Team and Scorers: Liam Crowe; Aaron Gardiner; Frank Cullen, Tomàs Mayock, David Liu Doyle, Darragh Gardiner(0-1); Eanna McNamara; Colm McLoughlin; Dara Greenan(0-1); Brian Keaney(0-3); Josh Maye(0-4); Cian Reynolds(0-2); Noah McNulty(0-2); Cathal McCarthy; Senan Mooney(1-0). Subs: Darragh Lee; Evan Kilrane; Adam Reynolds.

Leitrim GAA Senior Football Team Management Announcement

Leitrim GAA Management Committee at its meeting tonight decided that it would be recommending to its July County Committee meeting that Andy Moran’s current two-year term as Leitrim GAA Senior Football Team Manager would be extended to include the next two seasons that is 2023 and 2024.

We are delighted to announce that Andy Moran has accepted the terms of this recommendation, subject to its acceptance at the County Committee meeting, and we look forward to the continued progress of the Leitrim Senior Footballers over the next two years.

Leitrim Minor Manager Adrian Dockery Steps Down

Leitrim GAA is very disappointed to announce that Minor Football Manager Adrian Dockery has decided to step away from the role, following the conclusion of this year’s Connacht Minor Football Championship. The Roscommon native has been in charge of the county’s fortunes at this level over the past two seasons but has decided to relinquish the role, primarily due to an increased workload in his professional capacity.

Taking on the role of County Minor Manager in January 2021, in the midst of a nationwide Covid Lockdown was an arduous task for Adrian and his Management team and it wasn’t until late April that they could meet their prospective charges in person. Despite this, he and his coaching staff successfully moulded a team together to be very competitive in the 2021 Connacht MFC v Sligo in late July, which was played on a knock-out basis. Ultimately, Sligo went on to claim the title.

This season in which, thankfully, normality resumed, Adrian and his backroom team put together a squad of players that was one of the more competitive Minor Squads in recent times, resulting in performances that yielded a late draw with Roscommon and a first Connacht MFC victory over current All-Ireland Minor Semi-Finalists Galway, the first victory at this level over the Tribesmen since 1998. The campaign ended with a Shield Final loss to Roscommon on June 3.

Adrian has been a model of professionalism in his role as Leitrim Minor Manager and we thank him for taking on the role, first and foremost, and also for the attention to detail and marked improvement in performance level that he has been responsible for bringing to this group of players. He assembled an excellent backroom team to assist him in his role and Leitrim GAA wishes to acknowledge the significant contributions made by the following over the past two seasons:

Coaches – Shane King, Ray McBrien, Conor Harte, Denis Dolan (Goalkeepers), Alan Doherty
Stats & Analysis – James Boyle
Athletic development – James Mitchell
Physio – Ronan O’Rourke
Nutrition – Denise Stenson
Sports Psychology – David McHugh
Brian Mulvey and Colin Finneran were part of the 2021 Management Team also.

In tendering his resignation, Adrian went on to state: “I wish to express my gratitude for having been given the opportunity to manage the Leitrim Under 17 team for the last two seasons. It was an absolute privilege & a fantastic experience. I would like to thank our backroom team, Coaching & Games Staff, and Leitrim GAA County Board. Their work and support, often unseen, were enormously appreciated. Above all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the players & their families for their commitment & efforts this past two years. I hope this outstanding group of young men enjoyed the experience and will continue to represent themselves, their families, clubs & county with distinction in the future. Thank you all.”

Leitrim GAA wishes Adrian and the members of his backroom team the very best of luck in his future endeavours.

FR. MANNING CUP And HUMPHREY KELLIHER CUP

Leitrim 6-9     Longford 2-8

Leitrim U-16s advanced to the Fr. Manning Cup Semi Final with a comfortable victory over Longford on Saturday last at the Leitrim Centre of Excellence.   Playing against a gale force breeze in the first half, Leitrim started the game in dramatic fashion with Paul Honeyman finishing a great Leitrim move to the net inside 3 minutes.   It could have been so much better for Leitrim as an earlier goal chance went a begging after some great build up play carved the Longford defence open.   Indeed, this was to be a recurring feature of the game and something that will undoubtedly need addressing going forward as Leitrim continually created chances throughout the game without capitalising.   By the 11th minute Leitrim had added a further goal from Fionn Curley and 2 points from Josh Maye and a Paul Honeyman free.   Longford eventually got on the scoreboard with a free kick and this was followed with 2 points from play to reduce the gap to 5 points.   Dara Greenan then got the score of the game when after claiming a kickout with a fine catch, he proceeded to carry the ball 60 yards through the heart of Longford defence and finish expertly to the roof of the net to restore Leitrim’s 8 point lead.   Josh Maye added a further point for Leitrim and this score was sandwiched between 2 Longford points to leave the half time score Leitrim 3-3 Longford 0-5.

Longford started the 2nd half in much better fashion adding a goal and a point inside the first 4 minutes.   Leitrim responded themselves with a well taken Senan Mooney goal and points from Brian Keaney and Paul Honeyman but Longford added another goal and 2 points of their own which proved to be their last scores in the match on 10 minutes.   Leading by 3 points, Leitrim completely dominated the rest of the game adding a further 2-4 to their tally with the scores coming from Paul Honeyman (2-2), Josh Maye and sub Cian Reynolds (0-1 apiece).   As Leitrim emptied their bench, the chances kept coming their way without much threat to their own defence.   Throughout the game, Leitrim created numerous chances but had 15 wides and will want to improve on their accuracy going into the remainder of their season.   All in all it was a satisfactory outcome for Leitrim as their intensity and general play was very good.   They can now look forward to a Fr. Manning Cup semi-final on July 23rd with as yet unknown opposition.

LEITRIM: Darragh Lee, Aaron Gardiner, Darragh Gardiner, Eanna McNamara, Dessie Wisley, Colm McLoughlin, Josh McNamee, Dara Greenan (1-0), James Gilheaney, Fionn Curley (1-0), Josh McNamee (0-3), Brian Keaney (0-1), Noah McNulty, Paul Honeyman (3-4), Senan Mooney (1-0). Subs: Liam Crowe, James Shanley, Frank Cullen, Adam Reynolds, Cian Reynolds (0-1), Cathal McCarthy, Tommy Reen, David Liu Doyle.

 

HUMPHREY KELLIHER CUP

Leitrim 4-11   Longford 3-7

Leitrim U15s completed a double for the county’s underage squads on Saturday when they accounted for a game Longford team on Saturday at the Leitrim Centre of Excellence.   Also playing against the stiff breeze in the 1st half, Leitrim started very well and probably shaded the contest in that first half despite trailing narrowly at half time.   The second half saw Leitrim come flying out of the blocks and quickly gained an advantage that they never surrendered.   This was an impressive all round display from the U15s who got back to winning ways after 2 narrow defeats earlier in the competition.   They now progress to the Shield semi finals of this competition which will also be held on July 23rd.

LEITRIM: Daire Shannon, Aodh Gavin, Oran Foley, Killian Mulvey, Niall Torsney, Niall Stenson, Cormac Moran, Luke Fitzsimons, Bailey McBride, Peter Moran, Sean Carolan Morris, Cillian Downes, Senan Bohan, Andrew Lee, Ruairi O’Rourke. Subs: Josh Sheridan, Gavin Gallagher, Joey McBrien, Mark Ahearne, Jack Kelly, Oisin Conlon

 

Note: The next outing for both these squads will be at the Connacht Centre of Excellence in Bekan for their respective Connacht Blitz days on 9th July.