Congratulations to Darren Sweeney and Emlyn Mulligan, who following their displays against London at the weekend, were included in this weeks GAA team of the week on the GAA national website.
http://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/team-of-the-week/
05-Jun-12 by Colette Fox – PRO
Cricklewood was Carrick
Cricklewood, Broadway was more like Carrick on Shannon last weekend. There was even a Hen Party!
As you crossed the street from the Crown Moran Hotel to McGovern’s Pub, it was impossible not to meet someone from Leitrim, it was just as if there was a big match in Páirc Seán and you were caught up in an army of green and gold jerseys. London was awash with Union Jacks for the Queen’s Jubilee, but in Cricklewood it was the Leitrim colours that took centre stage.
People from every corner of the county had descended on London and were all as one; nothing mattered but coming home with a win. There was an enthusiastic Céad Míle Fáilte for the players, team management and County Board officials on their arrival on Saturday evening and they were left in no doubt but that Leitrim had full confidence that they could do the business, despite the fact that Paddy Power and many forecasters had predicted a win for the team that had dragged Mayo into extra time last year. Joe Dolan of The Bush Hotel, the team sponsors, had made the journey in support also, he couldn’t bear to miss it.
Saturday was a late night for the Leitrim followers. The hundreds who had travelled from practically every club from Bornacoola to Melvin Gaels mingled and chatted and met up with long time and recent emigrants and all the talk was about Leitrim. There wasn’t a word about the recession, this was a weekend to forget about the doom and gloom.
The incessant rain of Saturday night continued all day Sunday. Some were suggesting that Queen Elizabeth might arrive in Ruislip – the Jubilee flotilla could nearly have sailed down the streets of London and on to the GAA grounds. She didn’t turn up, but all of Leitrim did, including the Chairman of Leitrim County Council John McTiernan, and were met by Chairman Michael Curry and members of the Leitrim Association and by others from different parts of England.
Willie Donnellan was more than busy lining up pictures for The Leitrim Observer and for posterity. Charity work was not forgotten either, as Tony McGovern and his fund-raising committee were raffling a Vintage Tractor for the homeless and needy of the Irish community in London.
Eyes were focussed on the big screens in the clubhouse in the build-up to the game and every Longford score was cheered to the rafters as they battled it out with Wexford in Croke Park. But then it was time to grab the wet gear and out to the sidelines as the teams were welcomed on to the field in incessant rain. John Connolly was wondering how he could keep his notebook dry to record the action, while John Lynch from Shannonside and PJ Leddy from Ocean FM fought against the elements to transmit every kick of the ball to listeners back home, it was no easy task.
On the field it certainly wasn’t easy, as London put up the expected almighty challenge, boosted by a late first half goal. Nerves were tingly during the break and even more so after a quick point by the home sides to put them four points up. But Leitrim had prepared well, they had done the work, physically and mentally. The players never panicked. We must salute them for that – every one of the fifteen and those who were called from the bench, and indeed, every single panel member who would have been prepared to do likewise.
A special word of praise is due to Joint Team Managers Brian Breen and George Dugdale who played no small part in the victory by their shrewd and timely use of their team bench. The back-up management team had been working and planning hard too for the big game, well done to you all.
A one point win did the job, no one cared what the margin was. Both teams were clapped off the field and then the Leitrim celebrations started in earnest, with many heading for Fergus O’Brien’s on Holloway Road and eventually back to McGovern’s and the Crown Moran, where Cricklewood looked even more like Carrick.
The talk now was of Mayo and Castlebar. Sure Paddy Power could get it wrong again.
Collette Fox
PRO
05-Jun-12 by Colette Fox – PRO
Leitrim G.A.A. Inclusion and Integration Initiative
With the announcement recently that Coiste Chontae Liatroma have appointed former County Board Chairman Gerry McGovern as Inclusion and Integration Officer for the county, the initiative was rolled out at a very successful launch to the members of the G.A.A. family, and other interested parties in the Bush Hotel last week.Â
Present at the launch was Mr Tony Watene, National Inclusion and Integration Officer Croke Park, Mr Brian Armitage newly appointed Chairperson of the National Inclusion and Integration Committee, Mr John Landers Munster Co-ordinator, Mr Tony Dunne North Leinster Co-ordinator, and Mr Denis O Boyle Connacht Co-ordinator. Also present was Mr Christy Tyrell, and Mr Barry Lowe, Galway and Roscommon representatives respectively on the Connacht Committee.Â
Mr Tony Watene the National Inclusion and Integration Officer outlined the importance of Inclusion and Integration and its place within the G.A.A. strategic plans and that both inclusion and integration are now accepted as an integral part of the National Policy of Camogie, Ladies GA.A., Handball and Rounder’s, and that an acceptable set of accountable actions have been agreed at national, provincial, county and club level within the organisation.Â
Quoting from the mission statement from the inclusion office he stated that the G.A.A. and inclusion were inextricably linked given the position the G.A.A. holds at the heart of Irish society and that we all have an obligation to promote opportunities and to provide avenues and meaningful outcomes for all to be involved in gaelic games. He explained that by all we mean people who are new in our communities, people with disabilities, minority groups, etc.Â
Both Mr John Landers and Mr Tony Dunne gave an outline of the progress that has been made in their respective areas and National Chairperson Mr Brian Armitage gave details on the ‘One club’model which operates within the province of Ulster. Mr Denis O Boyle outlined the progress to date, stating that the process is just starting in Connacht and that the meeting, such as the one held in Leitrim, would be the starting point for all counties in the province. Mr Thomas KeenanÓgave a presentation of what has been achieved in Leitrim and outlined the areas within Leitrim’s strategic plan that have been addressed.Â
Zac Moradi a non Irish born member of the Leitrim Hurling panel who was also present was highly complimented on his performances with the Leitrim hurlers and reference was made to the fact that Leitrim G.A.A. are already involved in the process of Inclusion and Integration.Â
Leitrim officer Gerry McGovern outlined the areas that this new committee will be addressing in the immediate future and he urged all G.A.A. clubs to be as open and welcoming as possible in involving everybody from our communities in the various aspects of the running of our G.A.A. Clubs. He stressed the importance of asking, inviting, and welcoming new people into our clubs particularly at this time when clubs are losing people to emigration.Â
A committee representative of the various stakeholders is now being set up to progress this initiative in the county. Â
Some photographs from the event are available here.
Â
05-Jun-12 by Leitrim GAA
Hurling news Week beginning June 3rd 2012
Leitrim Hurling League
Cluainin Iomaint 3.17 Carrick Hurling Club 3.10
Carrick Hurling club travelled to Manorhamilton last Wednesday in the opening round of the senior hurling league. Carrick opened the game with the first scores with Breian Carroll proving a handfull for the Manor defense. Manor had more of the possession throughout the game but Carrick made the most of their chances with Ciaran Boyle and Daithi Hughes working hard for Carrick. KevinÓglancy kept Manor at bay with three saves from Gary Hickey. The highlight of the first half was when Breian Carroll sent the sliotar past goal keeper Clive Beattie from a tight angle after a 30 yard solo run. Carrick led at half time by 6 points. In the second half Manor had the luxury of introducing 4 county players (Seamus McTiernan, Steve Feeney, Patrick Clerkin and Micheal Dolan) who seemed to up the tempo of the game. Manor blitzed the Carrick defense for long peroids of the second half and went 7 points clear. score of the game was when Manors Niall McLoughlin pointed from 70 yards. Final score Cluainin Iomaint 3.17 Carrick Hurling club 3.10
Sligo League
Cluainin Iomaint 4.12 Coolera Strandhill 3.11
Cluainin travelled to Coolera last Friday and recorded a great win to see their hopes alive in a play off position in the Sligo league. They play Naomh Eoin this Sunday at noon in Kent Park. Team and scores v Coolera/Strandhill – Rossa O Snodaigh, Martin Monaghan, Patrick Clancy, Patrick Clerkin, Seamus McTiernan, Steve Feeney, Declan Ryan, Brian Feeney (0.02), Niall McLoughlin (0.01), Kevin Clerkin, Micheal Dolan (0.02), Karl McDermott (0.02), Stephen Rooney, Gary Hickey (3.05), Clive Beattie.
05-Jun-12 by Micheal Dolan – Hurling PRO
Going for a win
Queen Elizabeth II may find her Jubilee Celebrations a little bit upstaged on this special Bank Holiday weekend – at least on Sunday — as Leitrim takes over London. There will be more Leitrim faces in Ruislip for the Connacht Championship clash than there were in Páirc Seán for some of our Allianz League encounters. We travel well.
At the tail end of the League no one was travelling, as concerns about a possible defeat seemed to gain momentum. But in recent weeks the green and gold in the veins of everyone from Bornacoola to Tullaghan began to take hold again and frantic fingers logged in to Ryanair and Aer Lingus and to the Crown Moran in Cricklewood, the base for the Leitrim players for the weekend. All of a sudden the mood changed, we were going and going for a win.
Some are heading off on Thursday, might as well make a long weekend of it; others fly out Friday; some wait till Saturday, while others who were late searching for flights are still happy to pay through the nose to go out and back Sunday. Brian and George and the team and the County Board will not be lacking in support from the home county, nor from the hundreds of Leitrim souls scattered throughout England who will join the throng in Ruislip. Willie Donnellan will be extra busy, snapping hundreds of faces for the Observer –“just one more, keep the eyes open and for the love of God smile”.
The officers and members of the Leitrim Association will be busy meeting and greeting their fellow county men and women around the GAA centre and along the sidelines, warm handshakes and a genuine welcome, especially for anyone from their own corner back home. Even the London team has a sort of a Leitrim ring to it, with names like Byrne, McGreevy, Mulligan, Mulvey, Kelly. McGoldrick and O’Neill, not to mention our own former county star, Paul McDermott, who will likely see action in the green and white as the game progresses.
Back home eager ears will be tuned into Shannonside and to Ocean FM and to national radio, while tweeters will be following the action as it is continually updated by Leitrim GAA, by Connacht Council and by gaa.ie. Later in the week they will soak up the reports and blow by blow accounts in the Observer.
The game is expected “to go down to the wire”. Leitrim won’t mind that, a last minute point to clinch it will only add to the excitement and will maintain the buzz as green and gold jerseys swarm around the dressing room before heading back to the city and to the favourite establishments owned by county exiles as they toast Paddy Maguire and his fellow players.
By Monday evening Heathrow, Gatwick, Stanstead and Luton will have shuttled hundreds of hopefully happy Leitrim supporters back to Belfast, Dublin or Knock and Buckingham Palace can take over from Ruislip for the rest of the weekend!
Collette Fox PRO
01-Jun-12 by Colette Fox – PRO
Connacht GAA Senior Championship
Sunday 3rd June 2012
Quarter Final
London vs. Leitrim
Venue: Ruislip, London
Throw In: 3pm.
Match tickets will be on sale on the day at the venue.
Adults £10
U16 free
Students + OAP- Half price with I.D.
The London starting 15 is available on the Connacht GAA website (www.connachtgaa.ie)
30-May-12 by Colette Fox – PRO
Williamstown One Wall Tournament
HandballWilliamstown One Wall Tournament
The first major tournament of the one wall season took place in Williamstown recently with Fenagh Handball Club having five players taking part in the juvenile section.
Cormac Scollan won the Boys U11 Plate defeating Fiachra ODuill in the final. Alan Doonan and Jarlath Scollan both reached the Boys U14 quarter finals with Alan just losing out by a single ace. Alan Wrynn also U14 was defeated after the second round and Aaron Scollan Boys U16 was also defeated after the second round losing also by just one ace.
08-Jun-12 by Niall Scollan – Handball PRO
Where are they now?
GeneralWhere are they now?
Courtesy of the Sunday Independent
Sunday June 03 2012
Seamus Quinn
(Former Leitrim intercounty footballer)
Not many men can say they have won a Connacht title with Leitrim but Seamus Quinn can. Connachts smallest county has won only two provincial championships in its history, the last of those coming in 1994.
The Gortletteragh man was just 20 that July day when John OMahony led Leitrim to victory against his native Mayo and ended a 67-year wait for glory.
“I remember that day and the build-up very well,” says Quinn. “There was a lot of pressure because it had been so long since we had won the Connacht championship. Not many people expected us to beat Mayo but thank God we won.”
Quinn is one of the most decorated footballers in Leitrims history. His displays at full-back during that championship-winning summer earned him an All Star award, making him only the second Leitrim man to be awarded the prestigious prize. “It was a fantastic achievement at my age to win an All Star. I was only 20 at the time so for me to win it when I was so young was a big achievement.”
His talent earned him further recognition and the opportunity to experience the international stage in 2000. “I was called up to the International Rules team under Brian McEniff. It was a very good experience as I got to play and train with the best players in Ireland and it was great to get that chance.”
Quinn retired from inter-county football in 2004, having spent 11 years at the coalface, but he remains deeply involved in the game.
“Ive been playing club football on and off since then. I had a few injuries and I took last year off but Im back playing junior football with Gortletteragh this year. I enjoy playing at this stage because its a bit of crack and not as serious as playing with the county. Ive done a bit of coaching with Killoe in Longford for a couple of years and my own club too.”
Two Gortletteragh players, Cathal McCrann and Ciarán Egan, line out for Leitrim in Ruislip this afternoon and Quinn anticipates a battle against an improving London side.
“Leitrim have come through a tough enough patch over the last few years. Emigration has hit the county more so than most. The match will be fairly tough as London have a strong enough team. Mayo found it difficult to beat them last year and London have more players coming from other counties so its hard to know.”
08-Jun-12 by Colette Fox – PRO
Gaelic Players Association Press Release
Club FootballPress release on behalf of the Gaelic Players Association
Thursday 31/5/2012
Sales Training Programme established for county players with support of Zurich Ireland
The Gaelic Players Association is delighted to announce that a Sales Training Programme for players has been established with the support of Zurich Ireland.
Available as part of the GPA Player Development Programme and delivered by service provider, Business and Training Solutions International, the training is designed to assist county players who have a desire to pursue a career in sales.
By focusing on the practical elements of professional selling, this programme enables salespeople to use the lessons learned immediately.
Speaking about the formal announcement of the Programme, GPA Chairman Dónal Óg Cusack commented: “Sales is often an area that appeals to the player as allows him to harness their profile for the benefit of their off-field career so this Training Programme will be of particular relevance to many of our members. Following the success of the pilot programme run with the support of Zurich we are confident this service will receive good uptake and will be of long-term benefit to those pursuing careers in sales.”
This opportunity offers players who are interested in or are already a sales professional to gain diploma level qualifications in their chosen field. In addition, by using a blend of workshops and distance learning material, time away from work and encroachment on players training time, is kept to a minimum.
Funded by the GPA Player Development Programme and Zurich Ireland, applications received from players for places on Sales Training Programme are screened by the GPA to identify suitable candidates.
Following the success of the pilot programme which was completed by 10 players it is hoped that a long term relationship will be established between the GPA and Zurich to provide significant benefits to both parties on an ongoing basis.
The players who have undergone Sales Training to date as part of the pilot programme are: Ross Mc Connell (Dublin), Ray Carey (Cork), Eamon Fennell (Dublin), Denis Bastick (Dublin), Darren Clarke (Louth), Frank Quinn (Sligo), Dean Siney (Wicklow), Paul Casey (Dublin), Barry Cahill (Dublin), Wayne Hutchinson (Waterford).
Pictures distributed today by Sportsfile, www.sportsfile.com
For Further Information
Seán Potts, GPA Head of Communications, press@gaelicplayers.com, 01 8575686
07-Jun-12 by Colette Fox – PRO
Gallogly Catering ACL Div 5 Final
Club FootballNext Sunday the Gallogly Catering ACL Div 5 Final takes place between Cloone and Glencar Manorhamilton in Páirc Seán. The throw-in is scheduled for 12 noon.
Both teams will be anxious to continue their recent good form and become the first adult club of the year to lift silverware.
Bring your sunglasses, its going to be a great day!
06-Jun-12 by Colette Fox – PRO
Under 14 Championship Gradings 2012
Club FootballUNDER 14 CHAMPIONSHIP GRADINGS 2012
05-Jun-12 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
Minor Gradings
Coiste na nÓgMINOR CHAMPIONSHIP GRADINGS 2012
05-Jun-12 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg