The late Frank McKeon, Woodside, Carrick Road, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim and formerly of Lisacarn Ballinmore Co Leitrim

The late Frank McKeon,Woodside,Carrick Road, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim,and formerly of Lisacarn, Ballinmore, Co Leitrim.

The death of Frank McKeon brings back memories of the great Seán O’Heslin’s teams of the 1960s. Frank partnered the legendary Thomas Galligan at midfield when the club took the 1964 Championship. O’Heslin’s had gone eight years without a senior title, a mini-famine for the club at the time. He was part of the Ballinamore three-in-a-row winning team from 1967 to 1969. Frank came on as a sub in the 1968 final but was at full-forward in the 1969 final win over Aughavas. In 1968, Frank went with the club on a memorable trip to New York. On the 22 September Ballinamore played New York, a team that were preparing to travel to Ireland to play the All-Ireland Champions, Down, in what was then called the World Cup. New York won by two points but it was one of Ballinamore’s greatest displays.

Frank moved to Drumshanbo in the midd 1970s after his highly successful playing career in Ballinamore which also included being part of the championship victory over Allen Gaels following a replay in 1973. A decade later he became involved as Manager with the local club when Allen Gaels languished in the Junior ranks. Franks impact was immediate with a Junior league win in 1986 and a Junior Achampionhip in 1987. With a young emerging team an Intermediate Championship followed in 1989 before the Clubs breakthrough senior championship victory in 1991. Ironically, Frank masterminded that win over his home club, Ballinamore Sean OHeslins. He was still at the helm in 1994 when Allen Gaels won the Senior League and were pipped by Aughawillan in a dramatic championship final. Frank retired as Manager in 1995 but served later as a selector. His contribution to both Allen Gaels and Ballinamore Sean O Heslins has been immense and he will be sorely missed.

Peileadóir den scoth agus fear uasal freisin. Trócaire Dé air.

Frank is predeceased by his daughter Carmal; Deeply regretted by his loving wife Bernadette, daughters Ruth, Sheila, Olive, and son Alan, sons-in-law Niall, Liam, and William, daughter-in-law Tonita, his thirteenÓgrandchildren, nieces, nephew, sister-in-law, extended family and a large circle of friends.

Remains reposing at his residence from 4pm to 9pm this Friday evening with family time thereafter please. Requiem Mass at 12 noon on Saturday in St. Patricks Church Drumshanbo followed by burial in Drumshanbo Cemetery.

 

 

10-Mar-17 by Sean O Suilleabhain/Fergal McPartland

Funraising Alert

Fundraising Alert – Beware of Unapproved Collectors

Businesses and Supporters are alerted to the fact that the only Leitrim GAA approved fundraising that is currently in progress is the 2017 Leitrim Supporters Club Draw.

This warning and notice is given in view of the fact that we have been made aware of possible calls being made to businesses in the area regarding merchandise and ads. 

Please note that no permission has beenÓgiven to any unit to promote any merchandise in the name of Leitrim GAA other than previously approved stockists. 

 

 

 

10-Mar-17 by Declan Bohan – PRO

2017 GAA National Club Draw Results

2017 GAA National Club Draw Results


There were a number of Leitrim Winners in the GAA National Club Draw which took place earlier today.

Congratulations to all!!

Full list of Prizewinners here

 

 

 

08-Mar-17 by Declan Bohan – PRO

GAA Newsletter February 2017

GAA Newsletter February 2017

The February GAA Newsletter has been circulated to all units of the association and may be also accessed here.

 

 

28-Feb-17 by Declan Bohan – PRO

The late Fr Tom ColreavyAnnOghoney Gortletteragh and St Annes Parish Ayrfield Dublin

The late Fr. Tom Colreavy,Annaghoney, Gortletteragh, and St Anne’s Parish, Ayrfield, Dublin.

Leitrim GAA wishes to express its profound sadness at the news of the passing of the late Fr. Tom Colreavy, formerly of Annaghoney, Gortletteragh and St. Anne’s Parish, Ayrfield, Dublin. Fr. Tom passed away suddenly while on vacation in Cape Town, South Africa on Monday, January 30th.

Fr. Tom was a stalwart of the great Leitrim teams of the late 1950’s and played at full back in the Connacht Finals of 1957, 1958 and 1959 while lining out at right half back in the final of 1960. Unfortunately, Leitrim couldn’t get the better of Galway on each of those occasions, but the loyalty and friendships forged over that period have been in evidence on so many occasions since as Fr. Tom was the first familiar face you would recognise at many gatherings that have occurred in almost six decades that have passed subsequently.

As a proud Gortletteragh man, Fr Tom lined out at centre-half-back for his native club on many occasions throughout this period and into the mid-1960’s, on many occasions with his four brothers. Indeed in their fine Club and Parish History “Scéal Gortleitreach”, published in 1991, they bemoan the loss of the very influential Fr Tom to injury in the Leitrim SFC 1966 semi-final replay loss to neighbours Annaduff, such was the esteem with which he was held in as a footballer. They refer to the seeds of their 1970 SFC success having been sown in the many Dublin-based training sessions which took place in St Anne’s Park, Raheny. The by now-retired footballer, Fr. Tom was, no doubt, a spiritual and influential presence at these gatherings!

A staunch Leitrim supporter, Fr. Tom, had an avid interest in the fortunes of all Leitrim teams over the years in addition to those of his native Gortletteragh. He was essentially a great people person and, despite his pastoral workload in a busy Dublin Parish, you would never be surprised to see him at events, be they happy or sad, in his native county, such were the network of contacts and friendships that he had built up over many, many years. His extensive network of connections around the city was huge and he was a tremendous friend to the Dublin Branch of the Leitrim Supporters Club in addition to officiating at many spiritual events across the capital. Indeed last May he celebrated a special commemorative mass in The Church of the Sacred Heart,  Arbour Hill ( Church of the Defence Forces) for Seán Mac Diarmada & Tom Clarke on May 12th, the exact date of the centenary of the execution of Mac Diarmada. 

Fr Tom is predeceased by his sister Brigid and he will be sadly missed by his sister Kathleen, brothers Hugh, Michael, Jack and Seamus, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnephews, grandniece, relatives, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, fellow priests of the Dublin Diocese, parishioners of St. Paul’s Parish, Ayrfield and of the many parishes in which he ministered, neighbours and many wonderful friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Funeral Arrangements

Reposing at his home in Ayrfield, Dublin on Sunday from 2-6pm. Removal to St. Paul’s Church, Ayrfield on Monday for 12pm Funeral Mass. Requiem Mass will be held in St. Mary’s Church, Gortletteragh, Co. Leitrim on Tuesday at 12pm, followed by burial in adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to St. Francis Hospice, Raheny

 

 

 

01-Feb-17 by Declan Bohan – PRO

Scolaireachtai Gaeltachta 2017

Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta 2017

 

There was a large number of applicants for the Leitrim Co Board GAA Gaeltacht Grants and the draw for the winners resulted in the following offers of from  €200 to €400.

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 daoine a fuair scoláireachtaí don bhliain seo:

David O’Connell, Caldra, Carrick on Shannon

Teresa Rooney, Gortnaskeagh, Leckaun

Clodagh McGee, Mullagh, Dromahair   

James Lennon, Fenagh

Gearóidín Nic Raghnaill, Liatroim Íochtarach, Droichead na hEislinne

Emma O’Connell, Caldra, Carrick on Shannon

Hannah Johnston, Lurganboy, Manorhamilton

Aoife Ní Ghallachóir, Ross Lane Upper, Manorhamilton

Cian Singleton, Lisnagot, Carrick on Shannon

Kate Johnston, Lurganboy, Manorhamilton 

 

 

28-Jan-17 by Sean O Suilleabhain

Bus to Supporters Club Launch

Bus to Leitrim GAA Supporters Club Launch in Dublin

A bus will travel from Leitrim to the Dublin Launch of the Supporters Club in Croke Park tomorrow night.

Departure Times

Drumshanbo Swimming Pool 4.30pm

Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada 4.45pm

Bornacoola GAA Grounds 5.00pm

 

 

18-Jan-17 by Declan Bohan – PRO

The late Dermot Gallagher Harlockstown Ashbourne Meath Carrick-on-Shannon Leitrim

The late Dermot Gallagher, Harlockstown, Ashbourne, Meath and Ck-on-Shannon, Leitrim.

Leitrim GAA wishes to express its deepest sympathy to the family of the late Dermot Gallagher, who passed away yesterday morning. Dermot, a former Leitrim Minor Footballer in 1964, in advance of taking up a hugely distinguished career in the public service. In a career spanning four decades, he was elevated to some of the highest offices in the land, having served as Secretary-General to the Department of Foreign Affairs and served as the Irelands Ambassador to the United States. 

He was essentially a very proud Leitrim man. He was an active member of the Dublin Branch of the Leitrim Supporters Club and always enjoyed the annual Dublin launch. Indeed in January 2009, he was the person chosen to officially launch the fundraising drive of that particular year in the Herbert Park Hotel. The fact that he viewed this as a singular honour was a measure of his deep humility and the very embodiment of the fact that he just loved his Leitrim roots and upbringing.  A frequent spectator at Leitrim matches, he never lost faith in the team and firmly believed our fate will turn if we keep building the foundations at youth level.

Many tributes have been paid to the late Dermot over the past 24 hours from some of the highest offices in the land including that of Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D Higgins.

Leitrim GAA held a minutes silence in honour of Dermot in advance of the Connacht FBD League encounter in Ballinamore yesterday afternoon.

Dermots wisdom and loyalty will be sadly missed by Leitrim GAA and we wish to express our sincere sympathy to his wife Maeve, daughters Fiona, Aoife and son Ronan; also his to his brothers Niall, Lionel and Brian, sons-in-law Kevin and Carey, Ronans fiancée Antonia, grandchildren, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.

 
A book of condolence is being opened by Leitrim County Council from 9am tomorrow (Tuesday) further details in this link here

A selection of national tributes are contained here courtesy of the Leitrim Observer

Funeral Arrangements

Reposing at his home from 4am on Tuesday. Removal on Tuesday at 6.30pm arriving at the Holy Trinity Church, Ratoath at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 11am. followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. 

 

 

16-Jan-17 by Declan Bohan – PRO

The late Nuala Harvey RIP

The late Nuala Harvey RIP
 
The Leitrim GAA Supporters Club would like to extend its deepest sympathy to Brendan Harvey & family on the death of his wife Nuala.
Without Brendan’s involvement all those years ago there would be no Supporters Club. Brendan was a selector with Leitrim Team Manager Declan McCabe and also part of John O Mahony’s management team in 1994 when his beloved Leitrim won the Connacht Championship.
Nuala was a wonderful lady who will be greatly missed.
May she rest in Peace

Funeral Notice

Harvey, Nuala (nee Trench) (Clontarf and formerly of Robeen, Hollymount, Co. Mayo) 10th January 2017, peacefully after a short illness, beloved wife of Brendan and loving mother of Ken, Julie, Evan and the late Thomas Henry. She will be sadly missed by daughter-in-law Sarah Jane, grandson Senan, dear friend Seren, her twin Sheila, sisters Anne and Carmel, brothers J.J. and Fr. Tom, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Rest in Peace

Removal on Thursday morning to St. Gabriel’s Church, Dollymount for 11.15am Funeral Mass, with burial afterwards in Fingal Cemetery. House private.

 

 

11-Jan-17 by Declan Bohan – PRO

Open Invitation to 2017 Leitrim Supporters Club Launch in Dublin

January 9 2017

A chara,

The Leitrim GAA Supporters Club(Dublin Branch) is delighted to invite you to attend the 2017 Supporters’ Club  annual launch on Thursday January 19,at 7.30pm in the Celtic Suite of the home of GAA-Croke Park.

The county’s 1994 Connacht championship winning Manager, John O’Mahony, will be the special guest on the occasion. 

The night has become a must-attend event for anyone with a Leitrim connection in the capital and surrounding counties, while the quality of entertainment over the past two years has also attracted a large crowd from home.

This year an equally large crowd is expected to hear why O’Mahony has come back to the promised land to assist in his role of selector the new Leitrim senior team Manager, Benny Guckian. (Their backroom team is completed by selector and former Leitrim All Star Seamus Quinn and coach Michael Moyles.)

While John O’Mahony will forever hold a special place in Leitrim hearts for steering the county to only their second Connacht championship in 1994, he went on to guide Galway to All-Ireland titles in 1998 and 2001.

His recent biography, ‘Keeping the Faith’ reveals the man’s passion for football in the West. MC on the night, Colin Regan, one of his former players, will talk to ‘Johnno’ about his life in the game, and the secret to unlocking Leitrim’s potential.

Prior to the interview, Benny Guckian will outline his plans for the year ahead while County Chairperson, Terrence Boyle, will offer an update on all Leitrim GAA activities. Joe Layden will also outline the ambitious plans of B.U.I..L.D,, an initiative designed to support Leitrim GAA in reaching its full potential.

The night will conclude with a special performance from some of Leitrim’s finest Scór performers, entertaining the audience with some home-grown talent and hospitality.

We also especially welcome Leitrim Guardian Person of the Year Hubert Mc Hugh.

The night, of course, kick-starts a fundraising campaign without which the Leitrim County Board simply couldn’t continue its high level of work and investment in Leitrim teams on and off the field. The event will take place on Thursday, January 19, in the Celtic Suite of Croke Park with parking available in the Cusack Stand car park (accessed through the GAA museum entrance off Clonliffe Road.

Doors will open at 7.30pm with the addresses and entertainment starting at 8pm sharp. Light refreshments will be provided at the interval with the night concluding at 9.45pm sharp.All are welcome to this free event.

I very much look forward to seeing you on the night.

Mike Feeney, Chairperson Dublin Branch

Ph:0872515433;email mike@mafeeney.com

 

 

09-Jan-17 by Mike Feeney-Leitrim GAA Supporters Club Dublin

Irish Language Conversation Classes

Irish Language Conversation Classes

Ciorcal Comhrá, or Irish language conversation classes start in Ballinamore Library on Tuesday next, 10 January 2017 at 8.00pm.

The Ciorcal is run in a very enjoyable manner and is attended by adults and also by some Leaving Cert students for whom the practice is good for their Irish orals. Those attending are divided into separate groups starting with people with very basic knowledge of Irish to those with a reasonable amount of the language and those who are more advanced.

The Ciorcal Comhrá starts Tuesday 10 January in Ballinamore Library at 8.00pm. Admission is free. Beidh Fáilte romhat.

 

 

04-Jan-17 by Sean O Suilleabhain

New Rule Congress 2016 Applicable 1 January 2017

New Rule – Congress 2016

 Applicable 1 January 2017 

2.12 Mark 

When a player catches the ball cleanly from a Kick-Out without it touching the ground, on or past the 45m line nearest the Kick-Out point, he shall be awarded a ‘Mark’ by the Referee. 

The player awarded a ‘Mark’ shall have the options of (a) Taking a free kick or (b) Playing on immediately.  

The following procedures shall apply:  

(a)   Free Kick  

The player shall signify to the Referee if he is availing of the free kick and then take the free kick himself from the hand from the point where he was awarded the ‘Mark’. 

Once the player indicates he is taking the ‘Mark’, the Referee shall allow up to five seconds for the player to take the kick. If the player delays longer than five seconds, the Referee shall cancel the ‘Mark’ and throw in the ball between a player from each side.

Once the player indicates he is taking the ‘Mark’, the opposing players must retreat 10m to allow the player space to take the kick. If an opposing player deliberately blocks or attempts to block the kick within 10m, or if an opposing player impedes the player while he is taking the kick, the Referee shall penalise the opposing team by bringing the ball forward 13m.

If the Referee determines that the player who makes the ‘Mark’ has been injured in the process and is unable to take the kick, the Referee shall direct the Player’s nearest team mate to take the kick but he may not score directly from the kick. 

(b) Play on immediately 

(i) In this circumstance the player may not be challenged for the ball until he carries the ball up to a maximum of four consecutive steps or holds the ball for no longer than the time needed to take four steps and/or makes one act of kicking, handpassing, bouncing or toe-tapping the ball. 

(ii) If the Player is illegally challenged, a free kick shall be awarded to his team from the point at which the challenge is made, and this free kick may be taken by any player on his team.

 

 “The Mark” – Applicable 1 January 2017

Central Council gave an Interpretation as follows:

 

The referee shall award “the mark” by blowing the whistle.

“On or past the 45m line” shall mean that both feet of the catcher are on or past the 45m line when he catches the ball or on landing.

In order to signify that he wishes to take a free-kick, the player who catches the ball and has been awarded a “mark” by the referee should stop playing. If he does not obviously stop then it should be taken that he is “playing on”.

“Challenged” as mentioned in the rule is taken as “tackle” as defined; once the player plays on he may be tackled after four steps or once he plays the ball in any way.

All players must be at least 13 metres from where “the mark” is awarded.

When a player who is awarded a “mark” is injured, any team mate may take the free kick, which must be taken from the hands. The player in question may not score directly from the kick. (Current rule states that only the “nearest team mate” may take the free kick).

In order to be awarded a “Mark”, the ball must not have been touched in flight by another player. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1.      How does the Referee award a “Mark”?

The Referee awards a Mark by blowing the whistle.

2.      To be awarded a “Mark” does the catch have to be from a kick-out from the player’s own team?

No, a Mark shall be awarded if the catch is from a kick-out from either team.

3.      Is a “Mark” awarded for a catch from a kick-out no matter where it takes place?

No, a Mark shall be awarded if the catch is made on or outside the 45m line from a kick-out from either team.

4.      How does the player who is awarded the “Mark”, “signify to the Referee” that he is availing of the free kick?

In order to signify that he wishes to take a free-kick, the player who catches the ball and has been awarded the “Mark” by the Referee should stop playing. If he does not obviously stop then it should be taken that he is “playing on”.

5.      How long has the player awarded the “Mark” to take the free kick?

He shall not delay longer than five seconds.

6.      If the player awarded the “Mark” delays the taking of the free kick by more than five seconds, what is the award?

The Mark and free kick shall be cancelled and a throw-in between one player from each side is awarded

6.   How far do players have to be from the free kick?

      All players (team-mates and opponents) must be 13m from the free kick.

7.   If the player who has been awarded the Mark chooses to take a free kick and a player from the opposing team blocks or attempts to block that kick within 13m or interferes with the player who has chosen to take the kick, what is the award?

A free kick 13m more advantageous shall be awarded.

8.   What happens if a team mate plays the ball within 13m of the free kick awarded for the Mark?

A free kick is awarded to the opposition.

9.   If the player awarded the Mark is injured in the process what is the award?

Any team mate may take the free kick from the hands, but he may not score directly frm the kick.

10. What is the award if a player, who is taking the free kick following an injury to a team mate, scores directly from the kick?

score is disallowed and a throw-in between one player from each side is awarded.

11. When the player awarded the Mark decides to play on, when may he be tackled?

He may be tackled after he takes four steps or once he plays the ball in any way.

12. What is the award if a player who has chosen to play on is illegally challenged?

A free kick shall be awarded at the point at which the illegal challenge is made.

13. Where can Players, Referees, Officials, Administrators and Supporters get more information?

For more information and explanatory video please visit gaa.ie here

 

 

04-Jan-17 by Official GAA