TG4 Intermediate Championship Leitrim v Limerick:
We survived our trip to Limerick and happily came back with a win. 15 minutes in to the game we were 6 points up to no score with scores from Aine Tighe, Roisin Fowley, Lorraine Brennan and Laura ODowd. The team was changed from the previous encounter with Fermanagh which we lost. They were refreshed and ready for action again with Cloones Patricia Forde, Drumkerrins Ann Marie Gallagher and Sean OHeslins Laura ODowd all getting their start. They were brought in to make an impression and they did! Ann Marie Gallagher was wonderful under the ball giving some excellent passes and making a good impression on her management. Patricia Forde got stuck in from the word go she was playing in the back line and even though the players around her are more experienced she didnt need too much guidance. Laura ODowd is of course an athlete and usually dawns the pictures of the Leitrim Observer as a champion runner. She is a great addition to our squad this year and I hope to see her continue on the way she played last Saturday. Limerick of course were not going down without a fight and we were well aware of the threat they imposed. By the end of the first half they had scored 1-2 Kathryn Fahy getting the goal and their excellent midfielder Niamh Richardson making a big impression throughout the game she was the girl to try and stop. The second half was a battle Limerick were all the time testing our defences they managed to get another two goals and two points. We introduced Erin Farrell, Kiara Keegan, Claire McDermott, Shauna Clancy and Caoimhe Quinn into the fray. Aine Tighe scored another goal after Patricia Forde intercepted a Limerick attack passing the ball off to Deirdre Ward who carried it down the field finding Laura ODowd who passed to Roisin Fowley who found Aine Tighe and she touch the back of the net. Erin Farrell, Ann Marie Gallagher and Aine Tighe also got scores on the board in the last few minutes of the game. The game finished up 3-04 Limerick 2-13 Leitrim. We are now through to a play off on the 19th of August we are waiting to see who we play it could be either Armagh or Waterford. More information to follow.
Limerick: Martina Giltenane, Emma McGuire, Alva Neary, Aine McGrath, Rose Giltenane, Yvette Moynihan, Olivia Giltenane, Caroline Hickey, iamh Richardson, Paula Donnelly, Claire ORiordan, Kathryn Fahy, Mai Kennealy, Stephanie Carroll, Kristina Hennessy.
Leitrim: Michelle Guckian, Patricia Forde, Enya McWeeney, Mary Farrell, Kirby Gilgun, Mairead Stenson, Lisa McWeeney, Sinead Fowley, Deirdre Ward, Niamh Tighe, Laura ODowd, Ann Marie Gallagher, Lorraine Brennan, Roisin Fowley, Aine Tighe.
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank our water girls Sinead Sorohan, Aileen Flynn, Orla Heslin (All of who are very capable of wearing a leitrim Jersey themselves!) and the girls from Ballinamore who helped with the Fermanagh game. We really appreciate the help they give the team and management onÓgame days.
A huge thanks to the Clubs whose pitches we have used for training over the last while namely Drumkerrin and Sean OHeslins Ballinamore and also the Club players who have assisted us with training it is very much appreciated by the management team and the players.
Junior Club Championship:
Junior Championship Gortlettragh Vs Fenagh was played in Philly McGuinness Park Mohill last Sunday morning. The final score was 4-7 to 1-14 with Gortletteragh being the winners. Fenagh were the first to score with Claire Rowley firing over a fine point a couple of minutes in. Gortlettragh were soon to reply with Shauna McGrath getting a goal and a point in quick sucession. scores in the first half came from Gortlettraghs Michelle Reynolds, Shauna McGrath and Lisa Keighran. Fenagh were gradually building up scores also and they came from Claire Rowley, Sinead Fitzpatrick and Amy McLoughlin at half time the team went in with a scoreline of Fenagh 0-5 to Gortletraghs 3-4.
Michelle Duffy was excellent at the back for Gortlettragh sweeping up in the back line denying Fenagh of some vital scores. Fiona McCann also made a huge impression at midfield. Fenagh have a young team and some fine players Amy McLoughlin was on the score board throughout the game her sister Shauna is a very resourceful outfield as was Imelda Kilkenny. Rebecca Rowley made an excellent block before half time to deny Carla Duffy from Gortletragh a goal. County Minor Shauna Bohan also got herself on the scoreboard before the game ended. Fenagh will rally again no doubt about that but well done to Gortlettragh on their win.
Fenagh: Noelene ORourke, Roisin OToole, Carla McKeon, Ciara Bohan, Katy Reynolds, Shauna McLoughlin, Imelda Kilkenny, Amy McLoughlin,Sinead McLoughlin, Rebecca Rowley, Caroline Guckian, Aishling ORourke, Sinead Fitzpatrick, Claire Rowley, Alison Smith.
Gortlettragh: Aoife McGarry, Michelle Duffy, Mary Quinn, Sinead Sorohan, Carla Duffy, Niamh Kennedy, Orlaith Heslin, Fiona McCann, Eimear Duffy, Karen Ward, Lisa Keighran, Tara Quinn, Caroline Quinn, Michelle Reynolds, Shauna McGrath.
Intermediate Championship 22nd July 2012:
The first game of this years Intermediate Club Championship took place in Leitrim Gaels Community field on Sunday evening last with newly regraded Cloone taking onÓglencar Manorhamilton. The final score was Cloone 2-11 to Glencar Manorhamilton 0-8.
The first half was a tense affair with the teams level going in at half time there were some excellent scores from Manors Aisling Kerrigan, Mary Alice Maguire, Grainne McHugh and Aoife Molloy gave some excellent passes and there were goal chances for Manor Amanda Sweeney just missing the net after a tackle from Cloones Patricia Forde. Cloones Goalie Lorraine Moran served her team very well she was very confident and made some excellent pressure saves. For Cloone Tara McCabe had a good evening she was in fine Scóring form. Lisa Reynolds was very good under the ball punishing Manor at midfield making some excellent runs up the field. Cloone too had goal chances in the first half with Tara McCabe shot being saved my Manors Goalie Sarah Keaney but just before the half time whistle Yvonne Reynolds saw the net and scored a goal quickly followed by a point from Lorraine Brennan and sides when in level at the half.
We were two minutes into the second half when Manors Clare Cullen won Cloones kick out she passed it off to Amanda Sweeney who was rewarded a free her shot went off the post and Cloone were quick to respond with Lisa Reynolds Scóring a point from play. Manor were then punished for over carrying the ball and Tara McCabes shot was deflected by Manors keeper Sarah Keaney. Cloones Lorraine Brennans shot dropped in front of the keeper and Manors Clare Cullen was quick to get the ball to Natasha McEnroy who shot wide. Lorraine Brennan punished that mistake and scored a fine point. Manor had lots of possession and Amanda Sweeney who had a great game for Manor covering a lot of ground passed to Aisling Kerrigan who was unfortunate to kick the ball wide. Cloone were down the field again and after a tussle in front of the Manor goal Cloone kicked, missed and the shot went wide. Cloone quickly scored another point and Manor brought on subs Emer Feeley and Michelle OHagan. Cloone had their Scóring boots on and they had another point from play followed by wides from both sides and then a point for Lorraine Brennan. There was a line ball in Cloones favour it was quickly taken into Tara McCabe but McCabes shot went wide. Cloone were still on the hunt though and there second goal came very quickly. Manor responded with a point with Clare Cullen, Aisling Kerrigan and Amanda Sweeney battling hard to close the gap. Lorraine Brennan was sweeping up in the back line and she quickly passed to Carmel MonÓghan who scored another Cloone point. Manor introduced Niamh Feehily and Michelle McNulty and they were battling on Emer Feeley found Amanda Sweeney who was awarded a free it was taken but quickly swept up by Cloones Lorraine Brennan. Manors Clare Cullen, Michelle OHagan, Mary Alice Maguire all made attempts on Cloones back line but were denied access. When the final whistle blew the score line was Cloone 2-11 Glencar Manorhamilton 0-8. Thank you to all the officials who helped out with this game.
The Teams lined out as follows:
Glencar/Manorhamilton: Sarah Keaney, Rhona McSharry, Eimear OConnor, Niamh Keaney, Aisling Kerrigan, Grainne OConnor, Clare Cullen, Melissa Hewitt, Shannon Harte, Aoife Molloy, Mary Alice Maguire, Aisling Mitchell, Grainne McHugh, Natasha McEnroy and Amanda Sweeney Subs Used: Emer Feehily, Michelle OHagan, Niamh Feehily and Michelle McNulty.
Cloone: Lorraine Moran, Sharon Reynolds, Patricia Forde, Niamh Brennan, Cathy Forde, Brenda Reynolds, Claire Lynch, Lorraine Brennan, Tara McCabe, Carmel MonÓghan, Lisa Reynolds, Alicia Kiernan, Lorraine Reynolds, Yvonne Reynolds, Sinead Mulvey. Sub Used: Emma Dillon.
My apologises for only getting to two games this weekend here are the results of the other games:
Sun 22-Jul 6:30pm Leitrim IFC 1 Glencar/Manor 0-08 v Cloone 2-11
Sunday 29-Jul 12pm Mohill JFC 1 Gortletteragh 4-07 v Fenagh 1-14
Sun 29-Jul 7pm Bornacoola Div 2 Lg 7 Bornacoola 3-09 v Cloone 5-07
Sun 29-Jul 7pm Drumkeerin Div 3 Lg 7 Drumkeerin 2-07 v Glencar/Manor 2-09
This weekend sees another full round of fixtures:
Sat 04-Aug 3:45pm Fenagh SFC 1 St Josephs v Aughawillan
Sun 05-Aug 2:45pm Kiltubrid Div 1 Lg 1 Kiltubrid v Dromahair
Sun 05-Aug 5:45pm Leitrim SFC 1 St Marys v Mohill
Sun 05-Aug 6:15pm Drumkeerin IFC 2 Sean OHeslins v Glencar/Manor
Sun 05-Aug 7:15pm Leitrim JFC 1 Drumkeerin v St Josephs B
The very best of luck to all the Clubs involved I would be very grateful if the Club PROs would submit a small report on your gamess next weekend as again I will only get to one or two if you are giving me a team list will you please also include numbers the players are wearing. emails to ladiespro.leitrim@gmail.com
The county board meeting is on next Tuesday the 7th of August at 9p in Aras Padraig Drumshanbo.
31-Jul-12 by Claire Noone PRO LGFA
GAA Football All-Ireland Championships
Club Footballwww.gaa.ie/ticketpackages.
01-Aug-12 by Colette Fox – PRO
Handball Notes 1st August 2012
HandballAll-Ireland 60×30 Semi-Finals
Last week-end saw the M Donnelly 60×30 Championship reach the semi-final stage with Leitrim having three players in action, Donal Wrynn, Martin Raftery and Eddie Lee.
Donal Wrynn booked his place in his second Minor Final this year with a comfortable victory over Armaghs Connell McCavitt on a score line of 21-8, 21-11. The match was played in Kingscourt and Donal will meet Limericks Pauric Quish in the Minor Final to be played on September 1st in Abbeylara, Co. Longford. Martin Raftery had home advantage for his Junior Semi-Final against Cavans James Brady and took a tight first game 21-19. However Brady a first cousin of All-Ireland champion Paul Brady took control in the second game and defeated Raftery 8-21 forcing a tie break. Unfortunately for Raftery, he couldnt get the upper hand of Brady in the tie-breaker and was defeated 7-21. Ed Lee booked his place in The Golden Masters Final when he defeated Antrims Thomas Maguire on a score-line of 21-10, 21-12. He will play either Eamon Purcell (Kilkenny) or Martin Ryan (Tipperary) on August 18th-19th.
In The Ladies Junior B Doubles 60×30 Championship Ciara McLoughlin and Mary Shanley are contesting the All-Ireland final on August 18th-19th.
Connacht Juvenile 60×30 Championship
The Connacht Juvenile A 60×30 Championship was played off over the week-end with Fenagh Handball Club having six players taking part. In Boys u12 Cormac Scollan was defeated by Dylan Hanley (Roscommon) in the semi-final. In Boys u14 Jarlath Scollan defeated Cathal OConnor (Roscommon) in the semi-final but was defeated by Martin Mulhern (Mayo) in the final. In the Boys u14D Final Alan Doonan and Aaron McLoughlin were defeated by Cian OConaighle and Deirmuid Mulkerrins (Galway). Alan Wrynn was defeated by Ross Taheny (Sligo) in the Boys u15 semi-final and Aaron Scollan lost out to Sligos Patrick Fox in the u17 semi-final.
01-Aug-12 by Niall Scollan – Handball PRO
Leitrim Hurling News July 23rd 2012
County HurlingCounty under 21 hurling –
Leitrim play Sligo August 1st in Pairc Sean at 7pm. Leitrim should be quietly confident with many of their team playing on the senior team this year as they hope to beat their neighbours Wednesday week. All support welcome.
Connacht under 16 hurling Development Squad
Well done to Cluainin Iomaints Karl McDermott, Ethan Clancy and Alan McSharry who represented Leitrim on the Connacht under 16 team who played Ulster recently. Karl McDermott lined out at mid field while Ethan Clancy played corner back and Alan McSharry played corner forward.
01-Aug-12 by Micheal Dolan Hurling PRO
All the news from Ladies Football
LadiesTG4 Intermediate Championship Leitrim v Limerick:
We survived our trip to Limerick and happily came back with a win. 15 minutes in to the game we were 6 points up to no score with scores from Aine Tighe, Roisin Fowley, Lorraine Brennan and Laura ODowd. The team was changed from the previous encounter with Fermanagh which we lost. They were refreshed and ready for action again with Cloones Patricia Forde, Drumkerrins Ann Marie Gallagher and Sean OHeslins Laura ODowd all getting their start. They were brought in to make an impression and they did! Ann Marie Gallagher was wonderful under the ball giving some excellent passes and making a good impression on her management. Patricia Forde got stuck in from the word go she was playing in the back line and even though the players around her are more experienced she didnt need too much guidance. Laura ODowd is of course an athlete and usually dawns the pictures of the Leitrim Observer as a champion runner. She is a great addition to our squad this year and I hope to see her continue on the way she played last Saturday. Limerick of course were not going down without a fight and we were well aware of the threat they imposed. By the end of the first half they had scored 1-2 Kathryn Fahy getting the goal and their excellent midfielder Niamh Richardson making a big impression throughout the game she was the girl to try and stop. The second half was a battle Limerick were all the time testing our defences they managed to get another two goals and two points. We introduced Erin Farrell, Kiara Keegan, Claire McDermott, Shauna Clancy and Caoimhe Quinn into the fray. Aine Tighe scored another goal after Patricia Forde intercepted a Limerick attack passing the ball off to Deirdre Ward who carried it down the field finding Laura ODowd who passed to Roisin Fowley who found Aine Tighe and she touch the back of the net. Erin Farrell, Ann Marie Gallagher and Aine Tighe also got scores on the board in the last few minutes of the game. The game finished up 3-04 Limerick 2-13 Leitrim. We are now through to a play off on the 19th of August we are waiting to see who we play it could be either Armagh or Waterford. More information to follow.
Limerick: Martina Giltenane, Emma McGuire, Alva Neary, Aine McGrath, Rose Giltenane, Yvette Moynihan, Olivia Giltenane, Caroline Hickey, iamh Richardson, Paula Donnelly, Claire ORiordan, Kathryn Fahy, Mai Kennealy, Stephanie Carroll, Kristina Hennessy.
Leitrim: Michelle Guckian, Patricia Forde, Enya McWeeney, Mary Farrell, Kirby Gilgun, Mairead Stenson, Lisa McWeeney, Sinead Fowley, Deirdre Ward, Niamh Tighe, Laura ODowd, Ann Marie Gallagher, Lorraine Brennan, Roisin Fowley, Aine Tighe.
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank our water girls Sinead Sorohan, Aileen Flynn, Orla Heslin (All of who are very capable of wearing a leitrim Jersey themselves!) and the girls from Ballinamore who helped with the Fermanagh game. We really appreciate the help they give the team and management onÓgame days.
A huge thanks to the Clubs whose pitches we have used for training over the last while namely Drumkerrin and Sean OHeslins Ballinamore and also the Club players who have assisted us with training it is very much appreciated by the management team and the players.
Junior Club Championship:
Junior Championship Gortlettragh Vs Fenagh was played in Philly McGuinness Park Mohill last Sunday morning. The final score was 4-7 to 1-14 with Gortletteragh being the winners. Fenagh were the first to score with Claire Rowley firing over a fine point a couple of minutes in. Gortlettragh were soon to reply with Shauna McGrath getting a goal and a point in quick sucession. scores in the first half came from Gortlettraghs Michelle Reynolds, Shauna McGrath and Lisa Keighran. Fenagh were gradually building up scores also and they came from Claire Rowley, Sinead Fitzpatrick and Amy McLoughlin at half time the team went in with a scoreline of Fenagh 0-5 to Gortletraghs 3-4.
Michelle Duffy was excellent at the back for Gortlettragh sweeping up in the back line denying Fenagh of some vital scores. Fiona McCann also made a huge impression at midfield. Fenagh have a young team and some fine players Amy McLoughlin was on the score board throughout the game her sister Shauna is a very resourceful outfield as was Imelda Kilkenny. Rebecca Rowley made an excellent block before half time to deny Carla Duffy from Gortletragh a goal. County Minor Shauna Bohan also got herself on the scoreboard before the game ended. Fenagh will rally again no doubt about that but well done to Gortlettragh on their win.
Fenagh: Noelene ORourke, Roisin OToole, Carla McKeon, Ciara Bohan, Katy Reynolds, Shauna McLoughlin, Imelda Kilkenny, Amy McLoughlin,Sinead McLoughlin, Rebecca Rowley, Caroline Guckian, Aishling ORourke, Sinead Fitzpatrick, Claire Rowley, Alison Smith.
Gortlettragh: Aoife McGarry, Michelle Duffy, Mary Quinn, Sinead Sorohan, Carla Duffy, Niamh Kennedy, Orlaith Heslin, Fiona McCann, Eimear Duffy, Karen Ward, Lisa Keighran, Tara Quinn, Caroline Quinn, Michelle Reynolds, Shauna McGrath.
Intermediate Championship 22nd July 2012:
The first game of this years Intermediate Club Championship took place in Leitrim Gaels Community field on Sunday evening last with newly regraded Cloone taking onÓglencar Manorhamilton. The final score was Cloone 2-11 to Glencar Manorhamilton 0-8.
The first half was a tense affair with the teams level going in at half time there were some excellent scores from Manors Aisling Kerrigan, Mary Alice Maguire, Grainne McHugh and Aoife Molloy gave some excellent passes and there were goal chances for Manor Amanda Sweeney just missing the net after a tackle from Cloones Patricia Forde. Cloones Goalie Lorraine Moran served her team very well she was very confident and made some excellent pressure saves. For Cloone Tara McCabe had a good evening she was in fine Scóring form. Lisa Reynolds was very good under the ball punishing Manor at midfield making some excellent runs up the field. Cloone too had goal chances in the first half with Tara McCabe shot being saved my Manors Goalie Sarah Keaney but just before the half time whistle Yvonne Reynolds saw the net and scored a goal quickly followed by a point from Lorraine Brennan and sides when in level at the half.
We were two minutes into the second half when Manors Clare Cullen won Cloones kick out she passed it off to Amanda Sweeney who was rewarded a free her shot went off the post and Cloone were quick to respond with Lisa Reynolds Scóring a point from play. Manor were then punished for over carrying the ball and Tara McCabes shot was deflected by Manors keeper Sarah Keaney. Cloones Lorraine Brennans shot dropped in front of the keeper and Manors Clare Cullen was quick to get the ball to Natasha McEnroy who shot wide. Lorraine Brennan punished that mistake and scored a fine point. Manor had lots of possession and Amanda Sweeney who had a great game for Manor covering a lot of ground passed to Aisling Kerrigan who was unfortunate to kick the ball wide. Cloone were down the field again and after a tussle in front of the Manor goal Cloone kicked, missed and the shot went wide. Cloone quickly scored another point and Manor brought on subs Emer Feeley and Michelle OHagan. Cloone had their Scóring boots on and they had another point from play followed by wides from both sides and then a point for Lorraine Brennan. There was a line ball in Cloones favour it was quickly taken into Tara McCabe but McCabes shot went wide. Cloone were still on the hunt though and there second goal came very quickly. Manor responded with a point with Clare Cullen, Aisling Kerrigan and Amanda Sweeney battling hard to close the gap. Lorraine Brennan was sweeping up in the back line and she quickly passed to Carmel MonÓghan who scored another Cloone point. Manor introduced Niamh Feehily and Michelle McNulty and they were battling on Emer Feeley found Amanda Sweeney who was awarded a free it was taken but quickly swept up by Cloones Lorraine Brennan. Manors Clare Cullen, Michelle OHagan, Mary Alice Maguire all made attempts on Cloones back line but were denied access. When the final whistle blew the score line was Cloone 2-11 Glencar Manorhamilton 0-8. Thank you to all the officials who helped out with this game.
The Teams lined out as follows:
Glencar/Manorhamilton: Sarah Keaney, Rhona McSharry, Eimear OConnor, Niamh Keaney, Aisling Kerrigan, Grainne OConnor, Clare Cullen, Melissa Hewitt, Shannon Harte, Aoife Molloy, Mary Alice Maguire, Aisling Mitchell, Grainne McHugh, Natasha McEnroy and Amanda Sweeney Subs Used: Emer Feehily, Michelle OHagan, Niamh Feehily and Michelle McNulty.
Cloone: Lorraine Moran, Sharon Reynolds, Patricia Forde, Niamh Brennan, Cathy Forde, Brenda Reynolds, Claire Lynch, Lorraine Brennan, Tara McCabe, Carmel MonÓghan, Lisa Reynolds, Alicia Kiernan, Lorraine Reynolds, Yvonne Reynolds, Sinead Mulvey. Sub Used: Emma Dillon.
My apologises for only getting to two games this weekend here are the results of the other games:
Sun 22-Jul 6:30pm Leitrim IFC 1 Glencar/Manor 0-08 v Cloone 2-11
Sunday 29-Jul 12pm Mohill JFC 1 Gortletteragh 4-07 v Fenagh 1-14
Sun 29-Jul 7pm Bornacoola Div 2 Lg 7 Bornacoola 3-09 v Cloone 5-07
Sun 29-Jul 7pm Drumkeerin Div 3 Lg 7 Drumkeerin 2-07 v Glencar/Manor 2-09
This weekend sees another full round of fixtures:
Sat 04-Aug 3:45pm Fenagh SFC 1 St Josephs v Aughawillan
Sun 05-Aug 2:45pm Kiltubrid Div 1 Lg 1 Kiltubrid v Dromahair
Sun 05-Aug 5:45pm Leitrim SFC 1 St Marys v Mohill
Sun 05-Aug 6:15pm Drumkeerin IFC 2 Sean OHeslins v Glencar/Manor
Sun 05-Aug 7:15pm Leitrim JFC 1 Drumkeerin v St Josephs B
The very best of luck to all the Clubs involved I would be very grateful if the Club PROs would submit a small report on your gamess next weekend as again I will only get to one or two if you are giving me a team list will you please also include numbers the players are wearing. emails to ladiespro.leitrim@gmail.com
The county board meeting is on next Tuesday the 7th of August at 9p in Aras Padraig Drumshanbo.
31-Jul-12 by Claire Noone PRO LGFA
St Marys win Division 3 League Title
Club FootballCongrats to St Marys who captured the Gallogly Catering ACL Division 3 League Title last weekend by beating Bornacoola in a closely contested and hugely entertaining final in Páirc Seán.
St Marys had to draw on all their resources to come from behind late in the second half to see off a spirited challenge from the Bornacoola men.
Final score St Marys 0-15, Bornacoola 0-13.
Well done to St Marys on their victory and of course they became the third adult team to lift silverwear in the 2012 season.
26-Jul-12 by Colette Fox – PRO
Under 14(15aside) Round 3
Coiste na nÓgFriday, 27th July 2012
25-Jul-12 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
Under 14(13aside) Round 3
Coiste na nÓgFriday, 27th July 2012
25-Jul-12 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
Under 14 (11aside) Round 3
Coiste na nÓgFriday, 27th July 2012
25-Jul-12 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
Fr Manning FIxture Change
Coiste na nÓgLeitrim v Sligo
Venue: Pairc Sean
Friday, 27th July at 7.30pm
25-Jul-12 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
U8 & U10 Blitz Round 6
Coiste na nÓg24-Jul-12 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
Laois progress past gallant Leitrim – Match Report from gaaie
County FootballGAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Qualifiers Round 3:
Leitrim 1-11 Laois 1-13
Laois produced a strong second-half performance to finally see off a brave challenge from Leitrim in Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada on Saturday evening, and progress to Round 4 of the Qualifiers.
Leitrim were three ahead at the break but Laois quickly got level after the restart, and once the home side tired in the final quarter, Laois showed the greater fitness and composure to send over crucial scores and see out the win.
Leitrim led 1-8 to 1-5 at half-time after a rousing opening 35 minutes which seemed to take Laois by surprise.
Laoiss Gary Walsh got the first score of the game, but two Emlyn Mulligan frees for Leitrim were quickly followed by a sublime score from Ray Cox, which put the home side two ahead.
Laois had regained the lead by the 18th minute, with a Paraic Clancy score edging them in front at 0-4 to 0-3, but it was around then that Leitrim really began to take control of the game, and they quickly made it show on the scoreboard.
A Mulligan free levelled the sides, and then Leitrim got the first goal through Kevin Conlon, who finished superbly after a clever assist from Cox.
Leitrim were five ahead when Colm Clarke split the posts with a fine effort shortly before the break, but Laois then pounced on a defensive error to grab a goal, Conor Boyle being left with the task to finish to the net.
But Leitrim ended the half on a high, and a second Cox point left three in it.
The second half started slowly, with no score from either side for 10 minutes, but then two Laois points in a minute from Brendan Quigley and Billy Sheehan put the minimum between the teams.
Conlon edged Leitrim two ahead again shortly after, but a Ross Munnelly effort for Laois was followed by a fine equaliser from John OLoughlin, and then Munnelly sailed another one over to put Laois ahead going into the last 15 minutes.
Laois remained ahead for the rest of the game, and although Leitrim never let the lead go beyond two, they had run out of steam after a gallant effort, and Justin McNultys side were comfortable as they saw out the win and set up a clash in Round 4 against the losers of the Leinster final, either Dublin or Meath.
21-Jul-12 by Colette Fox – PRO
Leitrim Club Championships
Club FootballCounty Convention 2011 provided for a new Leitrim Club Championship format, this new format results in a 50% increase in the number of games and consequently a 50% increase in the number of venues, match officials, gate and field stewards required to run our championships.
Leitrim Competitions Control Committee requests the full co-operation and assistance from club officers, management, supporters, stewards and officials in the delivery and running of the Leitrim Club Championships 2012.
The Senior Championship is sponsored by Connacht Gold while GWP sponsor the Intermediate and Junior A Championships.
21-Jul-12 by Colette Fox – PRO