GOODBYE to the WHITEWASH
 
Our younger generation probably never saw a bucket of whitewash, it was gone even before the Celtic Tiger was let loose on us all. In its prime it was a sign of the Summer – and especially a Summer when the Yankees were due to visit home. It covered a multitude – cracks, holes, dampness – in the kitchen walls, the outside of the house, the piers of the gate, everywhere. And if there was a drop left in the bucket, the byre and the henhouse got a lick too.
 
A whitewash is something different in a sporting context and what individual or team has never had to experience one?  London is brimming with athletes at the moment, many of whom could easily recall their own bad days in their rise to the top.
 
The twelve teams still left in the All Ireland Championship would not have to delve too deep into their own record books to come up with days when they were found to be very, very short. But those days passed and they are enjoying their moments in the sun.
 
The days of the whitewash are over for Leitrim too. These last few weeks have proved that, in a very significant way. There will be no more twenty point beatings, Leitrim has taken on a new life and let evey supporter acknowledge the sheer hard work, the utter dedication, the fighting spirit in spite of the many adversities thrown at them, the self confidence, the manly willingness to give of their all, their work ethic, their new maturity … we could go on and on.
 
This years championship has proven to be a watershed and it is time for Brian Breen, George Dugdale, every single panel member, each one of the backroom team and all the County Board officers, sponsors and everyone who played any role, to take a well deserved bow and allow Leitrim people as one to salute you.
 
YOU ARE our footballing heroes and WE ARE very proud to be followers of the green and gold.
 
GOODBYE TO THE WHITEWASH
 

 

 

21-Jul-12 by Leitrim GAA

Major Literary and Sporting Event for Ballinamore Seán O’Heslin’s GAA club

Ballinamore Seán O’Heslin’s GAA club are the organisers of a major Readers’ Symposium called “Dialogues through Literature” which will take place in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim from 2-4 August. This event is unique for a GAA club and the project is a cross-border and cross-community event which is funded by the International Fund for Ireland.

The official opening on Thursday 2 August at 7.30pm by Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael , Liam Ó Néill, will be followed by a discussion about “Sport, Culture and Leadership” with a panel including Colm O’Rourke, GAA writer and RTE Sport pundit and Trevor Ringland, former Ireland rugby player. Following that, acclaimed actor and playwright, Séamus O’Rourke will do a stage presentation “Stories and Observations from a Rural Life”. The general public are invited to attend and booking is not necessary for the opening night.

On the Friday and Saturday, there is a wide programme of writers and speakers including Theo Dorgan, Mary O’Donnell, David Park, Susan McKay, DBC Pierre, Christina Dwyer Hickey, Tony McAuley, and others. There are Irish language sessions with Ré Ó Laighléis and music and song from Gearóid Mac Lochlainn and Caoimhín Mac Giolla Cathain.

Admission free to all events and refreshments and food is provided at all events, including lunch on Friday and Saturday, also free of charge. The Symposium takes place at Páirc Sheáin Uí Eislin in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim.

For the Friday and Saturday events it is necessary to book and you can do so by ringing Caroline McCartin at Leitrim Co Library 071 9645546 Monday-Friday 10.00-1.30 and 2.30-5.00. From Northern Ireland you can ring Ruth Moore at 078 43279807 or email dialoguesthroughliterature@gmail.com

 

 

21-Jul-12 by Colette Fox – PRO

A bumper crowd is expected in Páirc Seán for the first championship meeting between Leitrim and Laois.  

There has been no let up by our team –

training, travelling, focussing, injury treatments, laps and drills 

They have the hard work done – now lets do our bit ….. show the team how much they mean to us – turn up in Carrick, no matter what else is on – give them a rapturous welcome as they enter the field and cheer them on from throw-in to the final whistle.  Lets create the same electric atmosphere we had last weekend with the “Lee-trum, Lee-trum” chants and the stand the terraces going mad.

 

Best of Luck Lads …. Nothing – ABSOLUTELY nothing beats being there with ye.

 

 

 

 

21-Jul-12 by Colette Fox – PRO

All Ireland Football Qualifier – Round 3

Leitrim v Laois

Venue: Páirc Seán

Date: Saturday 21st July at 7pm

 

Ticket prices are as follows:

Stand €20 (Unreserved)

Terrace €15

Student/OAP €15

Juveniles Free of Charge (Juveniles free to stand and terrace)

 

Tickets available on the day. Arrive early to avoid the rush.

 

 

21-Jul-12 by Colette Fox – PRO

Fenagh-St Caillins are only settled back from their exploits at Feile 2012 but are already planning their trip to Derry to again represent Leitrim next year when they overcame a gallant Mohill team in the U13 Feile Final played in front of a large crowd of very enthusastic supporters in perfect conditions in Páirc Seán Uí Heslin on Monday evening 16th July. This was a very exciting and entertaining game played at a very high standard with both teams showing exceptional skill throughout. Mohill opened the Scóring in the 2nd minute with Fenagh-St Caillins responding a few minutes later but Mohill settled the quickest and hit a further 2 goals and a point without reply. Fenagh gradually began to get back into the game and scored 2 goals and 5 points to take command of the game but Mohill hit back with a goal and a point to leave the minimum between them at half time. Mohill again opened the Scóring of the second half with a point but then Fenagh-St Caillins took control of the game with 2 goals and 3 points in the first 15 minutes. Mohill were not going to give up without a fight and replied with a goal and were awarded a penalty a few minutes later, the resulting spot kick came back off the crossbar and this seemed to ignite Fenagh-St Caillins who went on to finish the half very strongly and went out comfortable winners.This was a great team performance from Fenagh-St Caillins who no doubt will againÓgo on to do Leitrim proud at Feile 2013 in Derry.

Final score Fenagh-St Caillins 6-18, Mohill 4-04.

Referee Sean Mc Kiernan.

Fenagh-St Caillins; Rian Mc Weeney, Eoghan Mc Loughlin, Tom Gilheaney,Eoin Mc Loughlin, Oisin Mc Loughlin, Nathan O Rourke, David Wrynn, Jack Gilheaney, Mark Keegan, Luke Kilkenny, Conor Dwyer, Fergal Mc Loughlin, Cormac Scollan, Riordain O Rourke, Aaron Smith, Robert Maguire, Conor O Rourke, Tom Mc Keon, James Lennon, Joshua Mc Nabola, Liam Kelly, Caolan Mc Dermott, Daniel Reynolds, Conal Mc Govern, James Wrynn, James Honeyman. Management ; Gerard Kilkenny, Tommy Smith.

Mohill; GavinÓgordon, Jordan Mc Guinness, Jonathon Reynolds, Kevin Bohan, Peter O Neill, DillonÓgaffey, Jamie Mc Caffrey, Liam Rowley, Tadhg Mulligan, Sean Harkin, James Mc Nabola, Evan Harkin, Jordan Reynolds, Dillon Tyrrell, Tony Mc Donagh, Johnny Boyle, Cormac White, Conor Quinn, Daragh Mc Crann, Conor Mulligan, EoinÓgaffey, Stephen Crowe. Management ; Simon Mc Guinness, Mal Gaffey, Leo Bohan.

 

 

20-Jul-12 by Barbara – PRO – Coiste na nÓg

The Leitrim joint management team of Barney Breen and George Dugdale have named an unchanged starting 15 for the All-Ireland Football Qualifer Round 3 clash with Laois on Saturday evening at 7pm in Páirc Seán.

LIATROIM

1 Cathal McCrann (Gortletteragh)
2 Alan Wynne (Allen Gaels)
3 Fabian McMorrow (Melvin Gaels)
4 Paddy Maguire (Capt) (Glencar Manorhamilton)
5 Colm Clarke (Drumkeerin)
6 Enda Williams (Clonguish)
7 Daniel Beck (Mohill)
8 Darren Sweeney (Glencar Manorhamilton)
9 Shane Moran (Ballinamore Seán O’Heslin’s)
10 Paul Brennan (Melvin Gaels)
11 Emlyn Mulligan (Melvin Gaels)
12 Paddy McGowan (St Patrick’s Dromahair)
13 Ray Cox (Annaduff)
14 James Glancy (Glencar Manorhamilton)
15 Kevin Conlon (St. Patrick’s Dromahair)

 

 

20-Jul-12 by Collette Fox – PRO

On Sunday next (22nd July) the Gallogly Catering ACL Div 3 Final takes place between St Marys and Bornacoola in Páirc Seán.  The throw in is scheduled for 12 noon. 

The teams met on the 17th June in Round 10 of the league when St Marys who had home advantage were 1-12 to 0-7 winners but with neutral venue on Sunday this league result will be irrelevant to both teams.  

Both camps have great support so a great crowd is expected at Leitrim Headquarters.  Best of Luck to both teams.

.

 

 

20-Jul-12 by Colette Fox – PRO

GAA.IE PLAYERS OF THE WEEKEND 14th. – 15th. July 2012 

Well done James and Alan

Much deserved congratulations to James Glancy (Glencar Manorhamilton) and Alan Wynne (Allen Gaels) following their inclusion by the gaa.ie editorial team in the football team of the week following their magnificent displays for their county against Wicklow last weekend. This is the fifth time Leitrim players have been so honoured this year with Emlyn Mulligan (Melvin Gaels) receiving a nomination (twice) for his displays against London earlier this year and Mayo and Darren Sweeney (Glencar Manorhamilton) for his performance in the match against London. Indeed the editorial team at gaa.ie could have nominated the entire Leitrim team and management following their heroic team performance against Wicklow but sure with your support, well leave that until after the match against Laois next Saturday evening! 

James Glancy was further honoured when he was selected as Player of the Weekend. When you consider the calibre of the other teams that were in action last weekend, it is a magnificent accolade to have received for this great servant of Leitrim GAA. Here is a link to the relevant article.

 

 

18-Jul-12 by Leitrim GAA

Connacht 60×30 Junior Title
Drumshanbos Martin Raftery took the Connacht 60×30 Junior Championship Title with a comprehensive victory against Mayos Kieran Burke played in Williamstown last Wednesday on a scoreline of 21-0. Burke conceded the second game and match after picking up an injury. Martin now faces an Ulster opponent in the All-Ireland Junior Semi-Final.
Connacht Junior C 60×30 Championship
Leitrims Des McKeever and Francie McDonough were narrowly defeated in the Connacht 60×30 Junior C Championship Semi-Final by Mayos Martin McAndrew and Sean Sweeney on a scoreline of 12-21, 20-21 played in Fenagh on Thursday evening. The Leitrim pairing were very unlucky losing serve on match point in the second game to send the match to a tie-breaker.
One Wall Nationals
This years One Wall Nationals were held in City West in Dublin from July 6-8. Fenagh Handball Club had several players taking part with everyone progressing to quarter final or semi-final in their respective categories. In Boys u11 Cormac Scollan and James Wrynn reached the Plate quarter final. In Boys u13 Alan Wrynn and David Wrynn both reached the Plate quarter final. Jarlath Scollan reached the Cup quarter final. In the Boys u15 Alan Doonan reached the Plate Semi-final, Aaron ScollanÓgot to the Boys u17 Plate semi-final while Shane Doonan reached the Cup quarter final. In the Ladies Challenger Michelle Gaffney reached the Plate quarter final while Ciara McLoughlin made the Cup semi-final.
 

 

 

18-Jul-12 by Niall Scollan – Handball PRO

Thurles Sarsfields international Festival

Cluainín Iomaint travelled to Thurles last Friday to take part in the 40th anniversary of the Thurles Sarsfields International Tournament. They played Kilbrin of Cork, Kilmoyley of Kerry and Na Magha of Derry. The team battled well in all games and put it up to each team. Manor were unlucky not to snatch victory against the Derry team. To put it into context of the level we were up against, Na Magha are in Division 2 of the Táin League where Cluainín are in Division 5. To say Manor did themselves proud is an understatement and could have won all three games if they were full strength. The team got to watch the three All Ireland Hurling Qualifiers in Semple Stadium after the tournament. The trip put Leitrim hurling on the map and showed that Leitrim hurlers are constantly developing. 

Leitrim Hurling League

In the Leitrim league Cluainín went down to a strong Gortletteragh side last Wednesday on a scoreline of 4-10 to 7points. The county champions showed Cluainín that they will be a force to be reckoned with if any of the other clubs are to take the county title off their hands this year. Gortletteraghs physical presence around the middle of the field made sure of their victory while Mark Donaghue was faultless from frees. It must be said that a healthy and competitive club competition will only improve our county team. 

Connacht Development Squad

Cluainín Iomaint have four representatives on the Connacht Hurling Development Team. Karl McDermott, Ethan Clancy, Conor O Hagan and Alan McSharry are currently training hard with the best hurlers from each county in Connacht as they prepare to take on Ulster soon.

 

 

18-Jul-12 by Micheal Dolan – Hurling PRO

The Twelve Apostles
 
We can prepare for the clash with Laois, just as we did for Wicklow, out of the eyes of the nation. Already the GAA focus is on the Tyrone-Kerry game down in Killarney and to a lesser extent on Kildares next step. We are out of the reckoning already. Lovely.
 
Last week we got a few column inches about never having won a Qualifier, but few expected us to be in the drum on Monday morning, Wicklow were marked down to do the business and keep the back door shut in our faces. How could Leitrim recover from the visit to Castlebar?
 
Recover the Leitrim players did – and with a confidence and panache that nobody realised was in our psyche. Castlebar was well and truly buried, but by now so is last Saturday, the day supporters strolled proudly out of Pairc Sean, no rushing for the car to get away, muttering “the same old story again”. We hung around, basking in the resurrection. Leitrim souls around the world were on Twitter and Facebook, proud to be spreading the good news even further. Before the team left the dressing room the whole universe was saluting the men in the green and gold. It was more than just beating Wicklow, Leitrim had made a statement.
 
Brian Breen and George Dugdale had dug deep to get their squad ready for the Qualifier, long before we even knew the opposition. The players had to be ready for anyone. The draw came and the lads responded, we are now in the last sixteen. I wonder how many had gone to Paddy Power on that one early in the year? Paddy had predicted we wouldnt get out of Ruislip.
Nobody knows better than the team and all associated with it, that this weekend is a new challenge. Its a challenge for Laois too, remember. There are no championship statistics from previous meetings to go by. Laois would not have fancied a trip to Aughrim, nor will they be too cocky coming up the N4 into Carrick.
 
If ever the Leitrim supporters were needed to rally to the cause, that time is this weekend.
Remember the roar that greeted the final whistle last Saturday? We need to take the note from that and have the “Ley-trum, Ley-trum” war cry going from 7pm sharp, to let Laois know that they are in a game, of the type they never expected.
 
Could we be one of the Twelve Apostles, in the top dozen in the Land?
 
As Barack told us all, “Is feidir linn”.
 

 

 

17-Jul-12 by Tommy Moran

Due to the Annaduff pitch being unplayable this evenings match has been switched to Páirc Seán

Fr Manning Cup

Wednesday, 18th July at 7.30pm

Leitrim v Westmeath

 

 

17-Jul-12 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg