Archive for category: General

2016 launch Press Release 

John O’Mahony and Ben LennonSpecial Guests at Leitrim Supporters Club Launch in Croke Park 

The county’s 1994 Connacht championship winning Manager, John O’Mahony, and one of our greatest ever musicians, Ben Lennon, will be the special guests at the annual Leitrim Supporters’ Club launch in the Celtic Suite of Croke Park on Thursday, January 21. 

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. Organised by the Dublin Branch of the Leitrim’s Supporters Club, last year’s event drew 160 persons who enjoyed the recollections of Ballinamore Olympian, Colin Griffin’s, followed by some wonderful entertainment by Charlie McGettigan.

This year an equally large crowd is expected. As well as getting the chance to catch up with old friends and members of the Leitrim senior squad of 2016, they will enjoy some insightful chat from one of the most successful Managers to have graced the inter-county football scene. 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 two All-Ireland titles in 1998 and 2001.

His recently released his 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.

One interesting member of the audience will be the current Leitrim senior football Manager, Shane Ward, will also outline his plans for the year ahead while County Chairperson, Terrence Boyle, will provide an update on all Leitrim GAA activities.

The night will conclude with a rare and special treat as Ben Lennon, native of Rossinver and one of the country’s most respected traditional musicians, will, in conversation with Colin Regan, share an insight into his remarkable life before regaling everyone with a few tunes (Ben will be accompanied by some of his musical friends on the night). His biography, The Fiddler’s Twist, outlines how his parents’ love of music and the characters of the hinterland of north Leitrim, Fermanagh, and Sligo, helped to mould the Lennon family into one of Traditional music’s most authentic custodians and curators. The opportunity to catch Ben in this unique setting is not to be missed.

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 21, 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.  

07-Jan-16 by Leitrim Supporters Club – Dublin

2016 Leitrim GAA Convention Photographs are available to download from this link

17-Dec-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO

President Gerry Mahon (Ballinamore-Sean O Heslinss)

Chairman Terence Boyle (Aughnasheelin)

Vice Chairman Sean O Suilleabhain (Ballinamore Sean O Heslins)

Secretary Attracta O Reilly (St Marys-Kiltoghert)

Assistant Secretary John Keenan (Gortletteragh)

Treasurer Brian Gordon (Mohill)

Assistant Treasurer John Mulvey (Ballinaglera)

Public Relations Officer Declan Bohan (Bornacoola)

Development Officer Pat Feely (Glencar/Manorhamilton)

Coaching Officer Hughie Clinton (St Patricks-Dromahair)

Hurling Officer Martin Cunniffe (St Marys-Kiltoghert)

Cultural and Irish Officer Claire Crossan (St Marys-Kiltoghert)

Childrens Officer Gerry Gallogly (Aughavas)

Central Council Delegate PJ Meehan (Kiltubrid)

Connacht Council Officers Enda Tiernan (Cloone) and Jim Meehan (St Patricks-Dromahair)

14-Dec-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO

Gaeltacht Scholarships

Leitrim Co Board GAA is offering grants for attendance at Gaeltacht courses to Leitrim boys and girls as part of their promotion of an ghaeilge. These grants are open to registered and paid-up members of Leitrim GAA clubs, boys or girls.

Some of the grants are part-sponsored by Gaeltacht colleges. In the case of cash grants, when students return they can claim their grant money on production of evidence of having successfully completed the course.

Application forms can be printed from the Leitrim GAA website www.leitrimgaa.ie under Scór section or can be requested from the Secretary of any GAA club.

Beidh na hiarratais le fail i ngach meanscoil sa Chontae freisin

The closing date for applications is Saturday 5 December 2015.

18-Nov-15 by Oifigeach Cultuir agus Teanga

The Leitrim GAA 1994 Huddle

There are few Leitrim people who do not remember that famous day, 21 years ago, when Declan Darcy lifted the Nestor Cup. Much has been written about this momentous journey and everyone has their own treasured memory of that summer 21 years ago.  As part of National Heritage Week, a nostalgic evening of remembrance is taking place in Ballinamore Library on Friday August 28^th at 8pm.  This will be an ‘up for the match’ type event led by Seán Ó Súilleabháin where those present will discuss the lead up, the matches, the aftermath and the positive impact of Leitrim’s historic championship of 1994.  There will also be an exhibition of memorabilia, including letters, cards, telegrams of good wishes and congratulations from home and abroad, sent to the County Board Secretary, Tommy Moran and the football used in the Connacht final will also be on display.  For further information please contact Mary Conefrey on 0719645567.  Don’t miss it!

24-Aug-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO

The Late Anselm Reynolds, Foxfield, Fenagh – An Appreciation 

All members of Leitrim GAA were saddened with the recent passing of Anselm Reynolds, Foxfield, Fenagh. Anselm, a former Primary School Teacher and Principal, gave a lifetime of dedication to the GAA both locally and at County level with his involvement including many varied officerships both at senior and underage level in the county over five decades. Anselm’s interest in the progression of youth, be it in his earlier teaching days in the parish of Kiltubrid or later in his career in Fenagh is legendary and the very essence of what the GAA at local level always was and should always remain, an organisation that caters for all and finds place for all and where participation is key. 

Inevitably with such an interest in promoting GAA matters locally, Anselm became predominantly at County Level an Officer of what was then known as Bórd na nÓg and more recently became known as Coiste na nÓg. Holding many various positions on these committees Anselm could always be relied on for cool calm and collected thinking in dealing with contentious issues that may have arisen on various occasions. He was a familiar and friendly face at gates at many venues around the county in his role as treasurer at many underage finals through the 1990’s and into the early years of the 2000’s, having succeeded another great Fenagh man, the late Tom McLoughlin as Treasurer of Coiste na nÓg. Anselm had many proud GAA moments in his lifetime of involvement in Leitrim GAA and Coiste na nÓg. Standing tall among them we are sure is Leitrim winning the Connacht MFC in July1998 and going on to play Tyrone in the All-Ireland semi final in CrokePark in August. It was fitting that a person who had given a lifetime of dedication in the promotion of youth in the GAA should share in the excitement of that summer. Anselm continued his involvement in Coiste ns nÓg Liatroma and was a member of the local organising committee of Féile Peil Náisiúnta na nÓg which was hosted by Leitrim in 2007 and the event proved to be a resounding success as teams from all over Ireland and beyond these shores arrived in our county for a glorious July weekend and Anselm was a dedicated member of the committee in delivering this successful venture.

For the record, the genial Anselm served in the following main officer positions with Leitrim GAA:

Bord na nÓg Chairman 1964-1967 and 1970

Bórd na nÓg Vice Chair 1968-1969  and  1977

Bórd na nÓg Secretary  1960-1962  and 1974-1976

Bórd na nÓg Treasurer 1995-2002   

Assistant Secretary Senior Board 1963-1970

Unfortunately, in more recent times Anselm experienced failing health and on Sunday last news spread that he had passed on to his eternal reward. He was laid to rest in the grounds of Fenagh Abbey Cemetery on Tuesday last. All associated with Leitrim GAA convey our sympathies to his wife Eileen, sons Anselm Óg, Damien, Ronan, daughters Aideen and Fidelma, his sisters Máire, Detta and Anna, and all the extended Reynolds family. We have been privileged to have known Anselm and to have shared in his great wisdom and gentleness over many years.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé. 

02-Jul-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO