Congratulations to both teams who reached the 13-a-side league final and who provided us with a very exciting and one to remember game last Wednesday evening in Leitrim Gaels Community Field.
It was agreed after a request was made that the final be played as an 11-a-side final as a result of injuries to two players from Garadice Gaels Mark Plunkett and Dylan Mimna and the first half with the wind at their backs saw Garadice Gaels the stronger of the two teams. Conor Gaffney was excellent in attack while Declan Flanagan and Fergal McTague played crucial roles in ensuring Garadice Gaels took full advantage of the wind as they opened up an eight point lead.
Garadice Gaels took the lead in the fourth minute with a point from Conor Gaffney after good play from Declan Flanagan. They went on to get another point when a free taken by Gaffney broke to Fergal McTague who ensured them of a point. Their third point was scored when Declan Flanagan made a great catch in midfield before driving forward to score the point himself.
St Francis struggled in the early stages of the game and their first point was scored when Diarmuid McKiernan converted a free but Garadice Gaels went on to score the first goal of the game by Conor Gaffney. However St Francis hit back with two points from Wayne Reynolds and John Crawford. However, the final ten minutes of the half was dominated by Garadice Gaels who looked more eager and took advantage of the wind when points were scored by Michael Prior followed by three converted points by Conor Gaffney and then went on to score an excellent point to give his side a 1-8 to 0-3 half-time lead.
With an eight point lead it seemed an impossible task for St Francis but as the second half progressed St Francis went up a gear and the first point of the half was scored by Shane Walsh and that was quickly followed by a Diarmuid McKiernan free. With six points still between the teams and 15 minutes left on the clock it seemed it was going to be Garadice Gaels final especially whenÓgoalkeeper Darragh McNiff made an outstanding save to deny McKiernan a goal after great play from Niall Sorohan and Wayne Reynolds.
St Francis reduced the lead to 5 five points with 10 minutes of the game remaining after Diarmuid McKiernan converted a free and within two minutes Wayne Reynolds and Diarmuid McKiernan scored two more points which meant that only a goal separated the teams with eight minutes to go. In the sixth minute of injury time St Francis were awarded a penalty which Diarmuid McKiernan scored which levelled the game. St Francis launched one final attack resulting in Diarmuid McKiernan being fouled by Rory McTague who was then issued with his second yellow card. Diarmuid McKiernan went on to convert the free which was the last score of the game and it ensured their one point lead. Final score was St Francis 1-9, Garadice Gaels 1-8.
St Francis
Kevin Moran, Padraig Clarke, Kevin Moran, Kyle Flynn, Shane Walsh (0-1), Alan McTigue, Brian Moran, John Crawford (0-1), Niall Sorohan, Wayne Reynolds (0-2), Diarmuid McKiernan (1-5),
Sub: Luke Bradley for McTigue (48 mins)
Garadice Gaels
Darragh McNiff, Donal McCabe, Pierce Dolan, Killian Lavin, Ronan Maxwell, Rory McTague, Fergal McTague (0-1), Ciaran O’Hehir, Declan Flanagan (0-1), Micheal Prior (0-1), Conor Gaffney (1-5),
Sub: Adam Kearns for O’Hehir (49 mins)
Referee: Michael Clancy
13-May-13 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
Notice for those attending Championship matches in Ballinamore
Club Football23-May-13 by Colette Fox – PRO
Under 16 Football League
Coiste na nÓgGlenfarne
21-May-13 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
Under 12 Mini Leagues Round 2
Coiste na nÓg21-May-13 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
The 2013 Leitrim Club Championships
Club FootballA whole new ball game
The recession has taught us a lot. We now realise that the days of lashing money on extravagances are but a distant memory. We want value for money and we have come to appreciate the simpler, more basic things in life.
In Winter and early Spring it might be the local drama or musical society or concert, a great night out for a tenner or a little more.
Summer brings thoughts of the football championship, when local is the buzz word again. We all want our own team to do well, to win the county title, irrespective of grade. We want to be there when the local lads take the field, to cheer on our own heroes.
It all starts in Leitrim this weekend, the Connacht Gold Senior, the Glenfarne Wood Products Intermediate and the Pyramid Bookmakers Junior. So the excitement is building in every corner of the county and even the weather-man is on our side, promising a good week to have all the pitches ready for action.
Last year is history. The Championship Cups have been handed back and are up for grabs to every competing club. It is all to play for now. In the run up to Saturday and Sunday the County Board officers and committees will be taking care of all the logistics; the players will be stretching, lapping, hand-passing, soloing and shooting; the team Managers and selectors will be plotting, planning and playing mind games; the Leitrim Observer, Shannonside and Ocean will be interviewing and forecasting; the kids will be begging Mammy and Daddy to get them a new club jersey.
What about the supporters? They will be as busy as anyone, talking up their own team to the opposition and relishing the local derbies and slagging their neighbours. Come Saturday and Sunday they will be delighted to part with the still very reasonable admission fees that won’t break the bank. The few Euro won’t be an issue when your own lads trot out on the pitch.
As the All Ireland Championship slogan says:-
Nothing beats being there
20-May-13 by Colette Fox – PRO
Coaching and Games Development Newsletter
CoachingLeitrim GAA Coaching & Games Development
Club coach mentor programme
Our club coach mentor programme has commenced over the past few weeks in Carrigallen & Melvin Gaels clubs. It will be expanded to Kiltubrid & Drumkeerin clubs over the next two weeks. This programme designed by our coach education committee and promoted by our coaching and games development committee aims to assist clubs and coaches with what is considered best coaching practise, initally at grades up to under 12 but expanding to include all grades up to Minor.
Award 1 Child & Youth/Adult course
Our Award 1 course due to commence this evening Wednesday 15th has been postponed for one week due to the lack of registration. We would ask all coaches interested in completing either the child or youth/adult modules of the course to register before Friday next May 17th on the google doc sent to all club secretaries. If there is not sufficient numbers registered by Friday next then we will be forced to postpone the course.
Kellogg’s GAA Cul camps
Application forms for this years Kellogg’s Cul camps have been distributed through our Primary schools and are also available from all clubs. The on-line booking is in full swing and we would encourage using this system of booking if possible. A €5 discount per child is available by using the coupon from selected Kellogg’s cereal boxes and booking on-line.
U8, U10 & U12 Go-Games Blitz & Mini league
It has been brought to our attention that the spirit of these blitz and mini leagues seems to have been lost on some mentors. It is very sad to think that some mentors still seem to think that it is ok to shout abuse at children. I would ask all club officers to please address this issue urgently and if a coach is not prepared to adhere to the official code of conduct for working with children then they should not be coaching children.
Development squads
Our U15 & U16 squads are on a break at the moment while dates for the U14 squad trials will be finalised shortly.
For further details on any of the above contact.
Padraig McGourty 086-8106431 or coachingofficer.leitrim@gaa.ie
Thomas Keenan 087-6591049 or thomas.keenan.gm.leitrim@gaa.ie
20-May-13 by Colette Fox – PRO
Round 2 Under 8-10 Blitz and Under 12 Mini League
Coiste na nÓgUnder 8/10 Round 2
Saturday 18th May 10-30am.
Glencar-Manor v Dromahair
Annaduff v Garadice Gaels
Bornacoola v Aughavas
Carrigallen v Kiltubrid
Leitrim Gaels v Ballinamore-Soh
Drumkeerin v Melvin Gaels/Glenfarne-Kilty
St Marys v Mohill
Allen Gaels v Fenagh-St Caillins
Gortletteragh v Aughnasheelin
Under 12 Mini League Round 2
Wednesday 22nd May 7pm
Fenagh-St Caillins v St Marys
Drumkeerin v Glencar-Manor
Allen Gaels v Dromahair
Melvin Gaels Bye
Carrigallen v Leitrim Gaels
Mohill v Garadice Gaels
Aughavas v Ballinamore-Soh
Gortletteragh Bye
Glenfarne-Kilty v Aughnasheelin
Kiltubrid v Cloone
St Osnats v Bornacoola
Annaduff Bye
14-May-13 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
St Francis 1-09 Garadice Gaels 1-08
Coiste na nÓgCongratulations to both teams who reached the 13-a-side league final and who provided us with a very exciting and one to remember game last Wednesday evening in Leitrim Gaels Community Field.
It was agreed after a request was made that the final be played as an 11-a-side final as a result of injuries to two players from Garadice Gaels Mark Plunkett and Dylan Mimna and the first half with the wind at their backs saw Garadice Gaels the stronger of the two teams. Conor Gaffney was excellent in attack while Declan Flanagan and Fergal McTague played crucial roles in ensuring Garadice Gaels took full advantage of the wind as they opened up an eight point lead.
Garadice Gaels took the lead in the fourth minute with a point from Conor Gaffney after good play from Declan Flanagan. They went on to get another point when a free taken by Gaffney broke to Fergal McTague who ensured them of a point. Their third point was scored when Declan Flanagan made a great catch in midfield before driving forward to score the point himself.
St Francis struggled in the early stages of the game and their first point was scored when Diarmuid McKiernan converted a free but Garadice Gaels went on to score the first goal of the game by Conor Gaffney. However St Francis hit back with two points from Wayne Reynolds and John Crawford. However, the final ten minutes of the half was dominated by Garadice Gaels who looked more eager and took advantage of the wind when points were scored by Michael Prior followed by three converted points by Conor Gaffney and then went on to score an excellent point to give his side a 1-8 to 0-3 half-time lead.
With an eight point lead it seemed an impossible task for St Francis but as the second half progressed St Francis went up a gear and the first point of the half was scored by Shane Walsh and that was quickly followed by a Diarmuid McKiernan free. With six points still between the teams and 15 minutes left on the clock it seemed it was going to be Garadice Gaels final especially whenÓgoalkeeper Darragh McNiff made an outstanding save to deny McKiernan a goal after great play from Niall Sorohan and Wayne Reynolds.
St Francis reduced the lead to 5 five points with 10 minutes of the game remaining after Diarmuid McKiernan converted a free and within two minutes Wayne Reynolds and Diarmuid McKiernan scored two more points which meant that only a goal separated the teams with eight minutes to go. In the sixth minute of injury time St Francis were awarded a penalty which Diarmuid McKiernan scored which levelled the game. St Francis launched one final attack resulting in Diarmuid McKiernan being fouled by Rory McTague who was then issued with his second yellow card. Diarmuid McKiernan went on to convert the free which was the last score of the game and it ensured their one point lead. Final score was St Francis 1-9, Garadice Gaels 1-8.
St Francis
Kevin Moran, Padraig Clarke, Kevin Moran, Kyle Flynn, Shane Walsh (0-1), Alan McTigue, Brian Moran, John Crawford (0-1), Niall Sorohan, Wayne Reynolds (0-2), Diarmuid McKiernan (1-5),
Sub: Luke Bradley for McTigue (48 mins)
Garadice Gaels
Darragh McNiff, Donal McCabe, Pierce Dolan, Killian Lavin, Ronan Maxwell, Rory McTague, Fergal McTague (0-1), Ciaran O’Hehir, Declan Flanagan (0-1), Micheal Prior (0-1), Conor Gaffney (1-5),
Sub: Adam Kearns for O’Hehir (49 mins)
Referee: Michael Clancy
13-May-13 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
Our Open night will be one to remember
GeneralLeitrim GAA Open night
10/5/13
Boys and girls from the Aughavas, Drumkeerin, Kiltubrid and Leitrim Gaels Clubs shared the GAA county grounds on Friday evening with the members of the Leitrim team and management personnel.
The occasion was the second Championship Open Evening, when supporters of all ages were invited to meet the Leitrim team as the players gear up for the forthcoming Connacht Championship semi final clash in Páirc Sean with either London or Sligo on Sunday, June 23rd. Followers got to meet and chat with the players and to witness first hand the team preparations for an exciting season.
But pride of place went to the youngsters on the Under 10 Blitz teams from the four clubs who strove might and main under the guidance of team mentors, coaches and parents, grannies, grandas, uncles, aunts and cousins, to show off their already considerable skills and to put down a pointer that they intend to be the Leitrim stars of the future. It was a great thrill for them too to have their team photograph taken with their own idols on the current side and also to have county stars referee their Blitz games. The emphasis was very much on the kids enjoying the football and the whole fun experience, when the results of their games did not really matter and where everybody got to play.
Also present to extend good wishes was Gerard Fitzgerald of Gerard Anthony Menswear, Carrick on Shannon who kindly sponsored casual outfits for our county team for their recent trip to New York, numerous Supporter Club members and County Board and Coiste na n-Óg officials, coaches and Games Promotion Officers.
There was more to come for all the children present, when they all combined to play a hilarious challenge match against the Leitrim players, who were tackled, hassled and man-marked by a virtual army of young footballers. It must be said that from goalkeepers Cathal McCrann and Brendan Flynn out, the county team really got into the spirit of things and made the occasion something to remember for their avid young followers, allowing themselves to be beaten to the ball and outplayed throughout the field, with the youngsters banging in the goals and slotting over the points.
Activity on the field finished with all the children lining up with their county heroes to have a group photo taken and the night finished with all the children receiving refreshments and “GAA Heroes” posters and wristbands. The county players and management were then interviewed by the press and radio, before getting down to the serious business of yet another training session.
The Open Evening was an unqualified success and much credit must go to the young players, their mentors and families and all our avid supporters who turned up in huge numbers to congratulate the team on their victory in New York and wish them well in the semi final which is sure to draw a bumper crowd to Páirc Seán. Our own GAA heroes, the Leitrim County team were so giving of their time and encouragement to the children and yet again showed what wonderful ambassadors they are for the GAA – well done lads.
Now it is all to play for, it is all down to the performance on the field in Páirc Seán on June 23rd and remember, as the GAA marketing slogan says,:
Nothing beats being there.
10-May-13 by Colette Fox – PRO
Leitrim GAA Church Gate Collection
GeneralThe Leitrim GAA Annual Church Gate Collection will take place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th May. Clubs in the county will co-ordinate the collection on behalf of Coiste Chontae Liatroma.
The collection is always well supported throughout the county and we gratefully appreciate the continued support of the public in this annual fundraiser.
10-May-13 by Colette Fox – PRO
Connacht Intermediate Ladies Championship
LadiesLeitrim Ladies take to the field this Sunday in Tarmonbarry in the first round of the Connacht Intermediate Football Championship. Throw in at 2.30pm and the ladies would greatly appreicate support on the day.
Best of luck to the team and management.
10-May-13 by Colette Fox – PRO
Under 12 Mini Leagues Rounds 1
Coiste na nÓgUNDER 12 Mini League Round 1
Sat 11th May at 11-30am.
St Marys v Melvin Gaels
Dromahair v Fenagh-St Caillins
Drumkeerin v Allen Gaels
Glencar-Manor Bye
Leitrim Gaels v Gortletteragh
Ballinamore-Soh v Carrigallen
Mohill v Aughavas
Garadice Gaels Bye
Aughnasheelin v Annaduff
Bornacoola v Glenfarne-Kilty
Kiltubrid v St Osnats
Cloone Bye
10-May-13 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
Under 12 Mini Leagues Rounds 1-7
Coiste na nÓgRound 1 Sat 11th May
Round 2 Mon 20th May
Round 3 Mon 3rd June
Round 4 Mon 10th June
St Marys v Melvin Gaels
Fenagh-St Caillins v St Marys
Glencar-Manor v St Marys
Allen Gaels v Melvin Gaels
Dromahair v Fenagh-St Caillins
Drumkeerin v Glencar-Manor
Melvin Gaels v Fenagh-St Caillins
St Marys v Dromahair
Drumkeerin v Allen Gaels
Allen Gaels v Dromahair
Dromahair v Drumkeerin
Fenagh-St Caillins v Glencar-Manor
Glencar-Manor Bye
Melvin Gaels Bye
Allen Gaels Bye
Drumkeerin Bye
Leitrim Gaels v Gortletteragh
Carrigallen v Leitrim Gaels
Garadice Gaels v Leitrim Gaels
Aughavas v Gortletteragh
Ballinamore-Soh v Carrigallen
Mohill v Garadice Gaels
Gortletteragh v Carrigallen
Leitrim Gaels v Ballinamore-Soh
Mohill v Aughavas
Aughavas v Ballinamore-Soh
Ballinamore-Soh v Mohill
Carrigallen v Garadice Gaels
Garadice Gaels Bye
Gortletteragh Bye
Aughavas Bye
Mohill Bye
Aughnasheelin v Annaduff
Glenfarne-Kilty v Aughnasheelin
Cloone v Aughnasheelin
St Osnats v Annaduff
Bornacoola v Glenfarne-Kilty
Kiltubrid v Cloone
Annaduff v Glenfarne-Kilty
Aughnasheelin v Bornacoola
Kiltubrid v St Osnats
St Osnats v Bornacoola
Bornacoola v Kiltubrid
Glenfarne-Kilty v Cloone
Cloone Bye
Annaduff Bye
St Osnats Bye
Kiltubrid Bye
Round 5 Mon 17th June
Round 6 Mon 24th June
Round 7 Mon 1st July
Drumkeerin v St Marys
Allen Gaels v Fenagh-St Caillins
St Marys v Allen Gaels
Melvin Gaels v Dromahair
Dromahair v Glencar-Manor
Glencar-Manor v Melvin Gaels
Glencar-Manor v Allen Gaels
Melvin Gaels v Drumkeerin
Fenagh-St Caillins v Drumkeerin
Fenagh-St Caillins Bye
St Marys Bye
Dromahair Bye
Mohill v Leitrim Gaels
Aughavas v Carrigallen
Leitrim Gaels v Aughavas
Gortletteragh v Ballinamore-Soh
Ballinamore-Soh v Garadice Gaels
Garadice Gaels v Gortletteragh
Garadice Gaels v Aughavas
Gortletteragh v Mohill
Carrigallen v Mohill
Carrigallen Bye
Leitrim Gaels Bye
Ballinamore-Soh Bye
Kiltubrid v Aughnasheelin
St Osnats v Glenfarne-Kilty
Aughnasheelin v St Osnats
Annaduff v Bornacoola
Bornacoola v Cloone
Cloone v Annaduff
Cloone v St Osnats
Annaduff v Kiltubrid
Glenfarne-Kilty v Kiltubrid
Glenfarne-Kilty Bye
Aughnasheelin Bye
Bornacoola Bye
05-May-13 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg