Archive for category: General

Leitrim GAA wishes to express its deepest sympathies to the family of the late Brian Mulvey, Kiltoghert, Ck-on-Shannon, and formerly of St Mary’s Kiltoghert GAA Club. Brian passed away yesterday after a long illness bravely borne.

Brian Mulvey spent the entirety of his adult life in voluntary service to his beloved St Mary’s Kiltoghert GAA club. As a player, he was the essence of what a club player should be, selfless, dedicated and above all loyal to the club cause. At underage level he won Under 14 and Under 16 County Championship medals. As a senior player over many years he was a St Mary’s stalwart. He played in three SFC Finals, 1977 as goalkeeper, 1983 as wingback and finally as goalkeeper in 1993 but ended up on the losing side on each occasion. When his playing career finished at the club’s highest level, he continued to lineout at the lower levels for many years, such was his love for the game. He played with and won an IFC medal in St. Mary’s glory year of 1995, the year the club captured a glorious treble of SFC, IFC and MFC titles. He went on to add JFC A, B and C medals as his playing career continued to a conclusion.  Beyond his playing days, he moved seamlessly into the mentor’s role and was present on the sideline for many of club’s teams across all levels from underage right through to senior level, managing the St Mary’s Senior team in 2000. He would have been an almost ever present mentor to various successful club teams at Intermediate and Junior level over the years.

Brian was a ‘go-to man’ for St Mary’s Kiltoghert GAA Club and if there was a job to do he would always be willing to help out or take charge of a task at hand.  His presence at all St Mary’s Kiltoghert GAA events was a certainty, whether leading from the front or helping selflessly in the background. His dedication to the club’s cause was mirrored by his volunteerism at Avantcard Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada. On any match day, big or small, Brian was always there. His role as chief steward on big match occasions could not be understated and he worked away in the background ensuring that all occasions were handled with extreme efficiency. His illness didn’t faze him in the slightest over recent times and Brian just got on with the job in hand. His presence was a certainty and that included the recent Connacht Club Championship matches played at Leitrim HQ last month.

Brian Mulvey will be sorely missed by all who knew him across GAA circles at all levels and indeed the many with whom he came in contact with during his long years of service with the ESB.  It will be his family who will miss him the most and in this regard, we send our deepest sympathies to his daughter Bronagh, her husband Warren, Brian’s partner Geraldine, his brothers Michael and Joe, sisters Kay, Bridie, Peggy and Rosemary, his extended family and a very wide circle of colleagues and friends. Brian is predeceased by his late wife Breege, his son Barry and brother Cyril.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh sé.

Funeral Arrangements

Reposing at his home tomorrow evening (Sun) from two o’clock until six o’clock with Removal on Monday morning to St Mary’s Church, Carrick-on-Shannon for Mass of Christian Burial at twelve noon with Funeral afterwards to St Mary’s cemetery, Carrick-on-Shannon. House Private outside of reposing times please.

The late Brian Mulvey RIP

Gaeltacht Grants Draw 2018

There was a large number of applicants for the Gaeltacht grants offered by Coiste Contae Liatroma. Leitrim County Board GAA was pleased to receive support from Leitrim County Council for this project. Grants of between €200 and €400 were awarded to the winners.

Is deas a fheiceáil go bhfuil an méid sin daoine óga ag dul go dtí an Ghaeltacht chun a gcuid Ghaeilge a fheabhsú. Buíochas do na buachaillí agus na cailíní go léir a chuir isteach ar na scoláireachtaí agus comhghairdeas do na buaiteoirí. Buíochas freisin do Choláiste na bhFiann agus Coláiste Ó Direáin a thug páirt-scoláireachtaí dúinn.

Seo iad na buaiteoirí:

Grace Earley, Annaghbradican, Kilclare

Erica Mc Tiernan, Gowel, Carrick on Shannon

Micheál Ó Conalláin, Fawnlion, Fivemilebourne

Darragh Lee, Aghnahoo, Drumcong

Andrea Ní Fhallúin Alonso, Rue, Jamestown

Sam Ó Rinn Uí Chuilinn, Aghadark, Ballinamore

Fionn Curley, Killarcan, Leitrim Village

Amelie Mc Grath, Larkfield, Manorhamilton

Mark Lenehan, Liscallyroan, Carrick on Shannon

Tom Hughes, Glenboy, Manorhamilton

Ruairi Stewart, 49 Melvin Fields, Kinlough

Enda Lowe, Kiltyfeenaghty, Drumkeerin

Cait Ni Mhaolmhuoigh, Drumcoora, Drumshanbo

Ellie Butler, Leitrim Village

Paddy Keane, Ballinwing, Leitrim

Conor Keegan, Faughill, Cloone

The death occurred earlier today of Assistant Treasurer of Leitrim GAA Jim Meehan, Station Road, Dromahair, after an illness bravely borne. The Dromahair native was one of the hardest workers behind the scenes of Leitrim GAA over a number of decades and his passing will be deeply felt by all that knew him and they were many across the county, province and indeed in national circles. He was an ever-present at Leitrim matches, no matter where they took place and indeed his love of the GAA involved a constant involvement in the activities of his beloved Dromahair. A former player with Dromahair, Jim would have played through the 1970s and 1980s and was an accomplished goalkeeper with 1976 Junior Championship winning team. As his playing days came to a close he contributed to the officialdom of matches and served a term as a referee. He was also at hand to assist his club in coaching, as a selector and in managerial roles across many grades and age groups from underage to senior in the decades that followed and the fortunes of St Patrick’s Dromahair were always closest to his heart. He served his club in many official roles in the years that followed and is a former Club Treasurer, Secretary, and Chairman. His contribution to his club in fundraising ventures over all his years has been phenomenal and he was the most influential driving force in the efforts to raise funds to improve the playing facilities at Dromahair GAA.

As a fundraiser extraordinaire for both club and county, it would be impossible to quantify the amount of money that Jim has raised for both organisations. It was no surprise, given his ability to fundraise that Jim was elected as Treasurer of Leitrim GAA for 2002. Over the following 6 years, Jim worked tirelessly on behalf of Leitrim GAA, an era which coincided with the development of the new stand at Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada and the purchase of the grounds that have since been developed into the Centre of Excellence. Jim’s financial prudence contributed greatly towards the realisation of these projects which will serve Leitrim GAA over many generations.
Jim also combined his Leitrim GAA Treasury role with that of Connacht GAA and held both roles simultaneously over the period 2004-2006 which was a huge undertaking but one didn’t faze him. Following his role as Treasurer with Leitrim GAA, Jim took on the role of Leitrim’s Central Council delegate, a position he held from 2008-12. He returned to Connacht Council GAA as Leitrim’s delegate following the conclusion of his five year Central Council term and represented Leitrim at provincial from 2013-17. Last December he became Assistant Treasurer of Leitrim GAA at its Annual Convention. Over many years Jim also took charge of the kitting out of county panels and was essentially the county’s go-to man when county players’ gear was required.

Away from the officialdom and the formality that such roles can require, Jim was a lifetime presence around the longest fundraising venture that Leitrim GAA has organised. The annual Supporters Club Draw, which has been on the go since 1986 has had Jim Meehan as one of its staunchest allies. It would be hard for people to appreciate the amount of time, effort and repetitive selling that Jim Meehan has put into this fundraiser over the best part of its existence. One image is quite clear, if you saw Jim reaching into the inside pocket of his jacket anytime from the end of January towards the middle of March you could be sure that you were going to be relieved of the fee for the annual Supporters Club membership! The Supporters Club Tickets were his constant companion over that period of any given year! It is a fact that possibly a majority of people feel less than comfortable selling tickets, Jim thrived on it and his hardy customers, and you can be assured they were many, gave willingly such was Jim’ s approach to the job. At the most recent Leitrim GAA Supporters Club Draw in March 2018, we were all delighted to see Jim present, despite his illness, to oversee the final installment of this year’s event. He was a constant member of the steering committee, holding various officer roles over many years in this fundraising drive. Suffice it to say, future Leitrim GAA Supporters Club fundraising will be at challenged to replace Jim’s constant cajoling, drive and ultimately his selling power.
Away from the GAA, Jim was essentially a family man who found the time, despite his many GAA commitments to operate a busy farm. He will be sorely missed by his wife Chrissie, who was his constant companion at all GAA events, sons Fergus, Kevin and Kieran. He will also be sadly missed by his sisters Kathleen, Della, Gay, Ena, Noeleen and Geroadine, daughters-in-law Patricia, Nicola and Sarah, grandchildren Amy, Thomas, Amelia, Aishling and Michael, relatives and friends. We at Leitrim GAA convey our deepest sympathies to his family and many friends, far and wide.

Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

Funeral Arrangements
Reposing at his home on Thursday from 1pm to 3pm and from 5pm to 9.30pm, also on Friday from 10am to 12 noon. House private thereafter. Removal on Friday to St Mary’s Church, Killenummery, for funeral Mass at 4pm. Burial afterwards in Carrowcrin Cemetery. Family flowers only, donations in lieu, if desired, to North West Hospice.

Jim Meehan RIP

Coiste na nÓg Liatroma held its annual fundraising draw tonight at the Coiste ns nÓg meeting. The following are the lucky winners:

2 All Ireland Football Tickets – Mary Mitchell, Aughavas.

2 All Ireland Hurling Tickets – Sean Doherty, Cloone.

€100 – Francie McGirl, Aughnasheelin.

€100 – David McGee, Dromahair.

Dinner for 2 in Cox’s Steakhouse, Dromod – Robbie Kottermann, Carrigallen.

Dinner for 2 in Mitchell’s, Carrigallen – Declan Kelly Dromahair.

2 County Senior Final Tickets – Terry McNulty, Aughnasheelin.

Our congratulations to all of the winners and to all ticket sellers and patrons who supported the draw we return our sincerest gratitude.

The death of Paddy Dolan, Ballinamore, will be mourned by his family, by the local community and by the Gaels of Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins, of Leitrim and of Connacht.

An indication of his status as a footballer with the county was his selection, at right half forward, on the Leitrim Millennium Team, an accolade well deserved by this will of the wisp star over a long career in the green and gold. Paddy’s talents came to light at an early age and he first played with Leitrim seniors in the National League when only sixteen years of age, one of the many distinctions he shared with fellow great Packie McGarty.

Indeed Paddy and Packie would go on to share many a dressing room as they lined out together in the National League and the Connacht Championship – including a number of finals – at a time when Leitrim was so unlucky not to have captured at least one provincial senior title and bridge the long gap from 1927.

Paddy Dolan did win a Connacht title with the Leitrim Minors in 1956 and starred at left half forward in the All Ireland Final against Dublin in Croke Park, on the day that Galway became All Ireland Senior Champions by defeating Cork. In his senior career with Leitrim, Paddy would come face to face with many of that Galway side in future Connacht Championship clashes, including the finals of 1958, 59, 60 and 67.

!956 proved to be a special year for Paddy at club level also, as he won the first of his eight county senior titles with Ballinamore and was the youngest member of the side. The team captain that day,

Columba Cryan and his midfield partner Brian Sweeney would line out with Paddy Dolan in Croke Park in 1959 when Leitrim played Derry in the National League Semi-final. Paddy’s other seven county medals were won in 1964, 67, 68, 69, 72, 73 and 79 and he had the honour of being captain of the three-in-a-row champions. In 1969 Paddy was the main organizer, with Pat Murray and Joe McInerney of the Ballinamore club’s historic trip to Gaelic Park, New York and to New England and Boston in 1989. Paddy would also travel to New York with the Leitrim team in a later tour.

Paddy also lined out with the Leitrim hurlers on many occasions, a sport in which he also excelled. Indeed, Paddy Dolan, with his natural talents, athleticism, sharp mind and enthusiasm, is one of those who could be proficient in a variety of sports.

Apart from his skill on the field of play, Paddy was beloved by the Ballinamore community as a charismatic, friendly, charming and lovable personality. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Sincere sympathy to all the Dolan family.

Sonas síoraí da anam uasal.

Funeral arrangements: https://rip.ie/death-notice/patrick-paddy-dolan-ballinamore-leitrim/362155

AIB, the creators of hit shows The Toughest Trade, Jeff and Kammy’s Journey to Croker and Behind The Gates have sponsored the AIB All Ireland Club Championships for 27 years. AIB recently extended their sponsorship of the GAA All Ireland Football Championship for a further five years.

In 1998, Erin’s Isle met Castlehaven in the AIB GAA All Ireland Club Semi-Finals. With 13 minutes remaining Erin’s Isle and Dublin star player, Charlie Redmond, receives a red card widely regarded as harsh. Two points down with seconds remaining the game looks likes its Castlehaven’s. When a long ball towards the Castlehaven goal seems to be dribbling wide only to be picked up by an Erin’s Isle forward, scooped back and shot towards the net by Niall Crossan. The ball hit one post, then a second post before shooting out. The goal was awarded, Erin’s Isle claim the game by one point but the debate over whether the goal was in fact a goal still rages.

Friday, July 13^th 2018: The first episode of AIB’s eagerly anticipate new series, The Toughest Rivalry, airs today. The series introduces renowned Premier League Manager Harry Redknapp and former Sampdoria, Juventus and Italy striker, manager and World Footballer of the Year in 1995, Gianluca Vialli to the culture of GAA in Ireland.

Both Premier League powerhouses will take charge of two rival GAA clubs. Vialli with Erin’s Isle in Dublin, and Redknapp with Castlehaven in West Cork. The two teams faced off in an infamous 1998 AIB GAA All-Ireland Club Semi-Final, where Castlehaven were defeated by a last-minute questionable goal. The controversial ending left both teams with unfinished business.

Episode 1 is now available to view here: https://youtu.be/GiTIrRcJYUU

The series will culminate in an epic rematch, set to take place at the end of the summer with Vialli and Redknapp managing their teams and using their managerial expertise to improve and make a difference to their respective teams.

AIB, proud sponsor of both Club and County, believe that GAA, as #TheToughest sport of all, is built upon rivalries be they local, county, provincial or national. GAA rivalries, despite being as intense as any in world sport, are rivalries of the very best kind. These rivalries bring out the very best in GAA players, fans and their communities.

Over the next eight weeks, AIB’s exclusive eight-part video series will reveal how Harry and Gianluca fared as they swapped their soccer managerial skills for those of a GAA manager.

This week the two managers travel to their respective destination and get to grips with the task ahead.

AIB’s ‘The Toughest Rivalry’ will air each Friday on www.youtube.com/aib and AIB’s other social channels.

For exclusive content and behind the scenes action from Harry and Gianluca’s journey follow AIB GAA on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and facebook.com/AIBGAA.