Follow me down to Carlow

Follow me down to Carlow

We’ve all sung the â€Å“Follow me down to Carlowâ€Â song in our schooldays, but it has a special resonance for Leitrim this weekend, when we are hoping that our ever loyal supporters will make the journey to Dr. Cullen Park to give our players a morale booster.

If the Leitrim players take the field on Sunday to just a scattered few cheers from the stand or the terraces, they would be forgiven for thinking that the fans are sort of deserting them. If they are met with a rousing chorus, then heads would lift and the team will be determined to go that extra inch. An away venue can be a lonely place if the familiar faces are missing.

Limerick snatched the two points last Sunday in a game we were so anxious to win â€â€œ they say you need to be winning your home fixtures. After a promising start and an opening score from Adrian Croal, together with good movement off the ball and some sterling work in defence, things were looking good. Three first half points was a poor enough return for both teams, but we were still very much in the game. Chances were missed of course and plenty of shots dropped short.

In the second half the Limerick players seemed to gain in confidence and we were caught in the overlap. But when a rasper rebounded off Cathal McCrann’s crossbar, we thought maybe luck was on our side for a change. It wasn’t. The stand went unusually silent when Limerick did snatch a goal, but fair play to the Leitrim players, they battled to the end.

There were no excuses from anybody, there was no need. We all know the challenge thrown up with so many of last year’s team on the far side of the world and Team Managers Brian Breen and George Dugdale have to work inside the constraints of a decimated panel — no easy task for any county, irrespective of size.

So we need to get behind the green and gold once again, to show the players that we respect their efforts and admire their pride in the county jersey. They are our ambassadors on the field of play, the least we owe them is our support â€â€œ so do make that trip down to Carlow!

While hearts were heavy on Sunday, there were two very happy young Leitrim supporters â€â€œ Aoibhín Flanagan of Aughawillan NS and Finn Pudney of Ballaghmeehan NS who won the prizes for Primary School pupils of a Leitrim jersey for themselves and a Coaching Session for their school by one of the Leitrim Senior team.

Supporters will have an ideal opportunity to meet all the county players at the big Table Quiz in the Bush Hotel on Saturday February 25th. Get your Quiz team ready to take on Paddy Maguire and the county panel. We are all in this together.

Collette Fox
PRO

 

 

09-Feb-12 by PRO

Hall of Fame for Andy Redican

Hall of Fame for Andy Redican

The Jim Lynch Hall of Fame Award is sponsored by the Leitrim Supporters in Dublin in honour of one of its founding members, and former county player of the 50/60’s Jim Lynch.

This award means a lot to the supporters in Dublin, & to the recipients who are recognized for a lifetime of service and contribution to the GAA. The award also means a lot to the Lynch family.

A native of Fenagh, Andrew Redican moved to Drumkeerin to take up a teaching post in Drumkeerin Vocational School over 40 years ago and since then, has dedicated many of those years to GAA matters in Drumkeerin, Leitrim and Connacht. He first got involved as a coach and games organiser in his Vocational School, acted as a mentor with the County Vocational team and held the position of Chairperson of Leitrim and Connacht Vocational School Boards.

In 1972, Andy was very proud to see Leitrim reach the All-Ireland Vocational Schools Final, having defeated Kerry in the Semi-Final. The Drumkeerin club had lapsed for a number of years in the early 1970’s, but in 1974 was reformed, with Andy Redican playing key roles. Over the years he held the posts of Chairperson, Secretary, P.R.O., Oifigeach Gaeilge; he coached many underage teams to county titles; he managed adult teams, he was a delegate to both Senior and Bord na nÓg boards and co-ordinated Senior Scór and Scór na nÓg; he even tried his hand at refereeing and was a member of the County Board Executive until very recently. He also had the distinction of playing with three different clubs, Fenagh, Taras in London and Drumkeerin.

Andrew was very unselfish with his time and expertise. He chaired the commission that examined the state of football in Leitrim, including Bord na nÓg. He also compiled and produced the history of Leitrim GAA in the 70’s for Scéal Liatroma.

Andy’s contribution to Leitrim GAA was recognized, when he won the Leitrim GAA Club Person of the Year in 1988. Twenty Three years later he is now inducted in to the Jim Lynch Hall of Fame.

It is said – ‘Leaders are needed and everyone who can provide leadership must be prevailed upon to do so’.

Andy Redican is a leader. But he does not have to be prevailed upon to lead. He is a leader of his own volition.

Comhghairdeas, Andy!

 

 

07-Feb-12 by Eamonn Duignan

Players Training Fund Table Quiz

Hope to see representatives from all the clubs at tonights table quiz.

The Leitrim Senior football team and management will host a table quiz on Saturday night, 25th February, 2012 at 9pm in the Bush Hotel. The players themselves will each be entering a team and they are asking that clubs and supporters of the county team enter teams to support their initiative. A table of four will cost 40 euro.  Mke sure you have a big boot in your car to bring home the prizes.

 

 

07-Feb-12 by Colette Fox – PRO

Leitrim in the pink (and blue)

If the glove fits.
Spectators at the Leitrim Allianz League against Limerick last Sunday might have been surprised to notice that players from both teams doing battle on the pitch were sporting pink and blue football gloves.  The unusual sight of players wearing pink or blue gloves during matches was not a fashion statement but rather they were raising awareness and helping to raise €100,000 for Action Breast and Action Prostate Cancer.  Over 960 pairs of gloves were distributed to every county football panel this week in a fundraising initiative between the Irish Cancer Society and the Gaelic Games brand, GaelicPerformance.  Action Breast Cancer and Action Prostate Cancer are programmes of the Irish Cancer Society.  Action Breast Cancer and Action Prostate Cancer services are free, confidential and accessible by calling their Freefone Helpline on 1800 200 700 or by visiting www.cancer.ie. 
James.molloy.oifigeach@gaa.ie

 

 

07-Feb-12 by Colette Fox – PRO

Bord Gais LGFA National League Division 3

Bord Gais LGFA National League Division 3

Leitrim 5-9 Down 1-5

The Leitrim ladies started off their league campaign with a comprehensive win against Down in Pairc Sean OHeslins, Ballinamore. The final score was 5-9 to 1-5. It was a very physical and demanding game and the score line doesnt reflect the battle that the Down team put to us on the field. The whole team played there part in the win with most of the subs getting there chance to take part in the action. Next weekend we play Sligo in Collooney at 2pm. The team would like to thank Sharon Sweeney of Ceannabo Confectionary Ballinamore who donated a cake to the team to celebrate their win.

Here is the team list from Sundays game:

1. MICHELLE GUCKIAN (ST MARYS)

2. MAIREAD STENSON (MOHILL) (CAPTAIN)

3. ENYA MC WEENEY ( ST MARYS)

4. SHARON KERRIGAN ( ST JOSEPHS

5. KIRBY GILGUNN (SEAN O HESLINS)

6. SINEAD TIGHE (KILTUBRID)

7. LISA MC WEENEY (KILTUBRID)

8. SINEAD FOWLEY (DROMAHAIR)

9. DEIRDRE WARD (MOHILL)

10. CIARA KEEGAN (MOHILL)

11. LORRAINE BRENNAN (CLOONE)

12. SARAH MC MANUS (ANNADUFF)

13. ERIN FARRELL (DROMAHAIR)

14. NIAMH TIGHE (KILTUBRID)

15. AINE TIGHE (KILTUBRID)

16. CATHERINE O BRIEN (ST JOSEPHS)

17. MAIREAD MC CAWLEY (BALLInÓgLERA)

18. CIARA MC WEENEY ( KILTUBRID)

19. EMMA O HAGAN ( GLENCAR/MANORHAMILTON)

20. CATHERINE DOLAN (ST JOSEPHS

21. GRAINNE O MALLEY ( ST JOSEPHS)

22. ANN MARIE GALLAGHER ( DRUMKEERIN)

23. CLAIRE MC DERMOTT ( ST MARYS)

24. SHAUNA GLANCY ( DRUMKEERIN)

25. CIARA GAFFNEY ( AUGHAWILLAN)

26. LAURA O DOWD (SEAN O HESLINS)

27. CAOIMHE QUINN (AUGHAWILLAN)

28. SIOBHAN FEELY ( GLENCAR/MANORHAMILTON)

29. MARY FARRELL (DROMAHAIR)

Catherine OBrien started in place of Sarah McManus on the day.

Thanks Ladies.

Clare Noone

Leitrim Ladies PRO

 

 

07-Feb-12 by Claire Noone PRO LGFA

Leitrim Hurling news week beginning February 6th

Leitrim Hurling news week beginning February 6th –

Táin League

Cluainin Iomaint, Carrick Hurling club and Ballinamore hurling club all got a tough introduction to the revised Ulster league when all teams lost their first games. Each club can now see that hurling in all their neighbouring counties is being developed at a huge rate and we must get down to hard work to match them. Carrick lost to Wolf Tones while Cluainin made the long trip to Letterkenny to play St. Eunans where they lost on a scoreline of 2.17 to 0.06. Ballinamore lost out to Clonguish on a scoreline of 3.11 to 0.03 but put in a very spirited performance. This Saturday Cluainin Iomaint travel to Omagh to play Cappagh Gaels in Killyclogher while Carrick have a bye and Ballinamore play Louth team St. Fechins at 3G Pitch Kingspan Breffni Park. All games at 2pm. Everyone is asked to try and support their local hurling teams.

 

 

07-Feb-12 by Micheal Dolan Hurling PRO

Leitrim Team Announced

1 Cathal McCrannÓgortletteragh

2 Alan Wynne Allen Gaels

3 Ciaran EganÓgortletteragh

4 Paddy Maguire Glencar Manorhamilton

5 Daniel Beck Mohill

6 Wayne McKeon Ballinamore Sean OHeslins

7 Colm Clarke Drumkeerin

8 Paddy McGowan St Patricks Dromahair

9 Daniel Lowe St Marys

10 Paul Brennan Melvin Gaels

11 Robbie Lowe St Marys

12 Gerry Hickey Glencar Manorhamilton

13 Adrian Croal Glencar Manorhamilton

14 James Glancy Glencar Manorhamilton

15 Ray Cox Reamoinn Annaduff

Management Barney Breen and George Dugdale

Following on from their fine performances in the FBD Insurance League,two players make their intercounty Allianz League debut against Limerick on Sunday:Alan Wynne (Allen Gaels) and Gerry Hickey (Glencar Manorhamilton).

 

 

03-Feb-12 by Colette Fox – PRO

This weekend we hope our supporters will vacate the armchairs

Anois teacht an Earraigh 

St. Brigid seems to get things moving. Her feast, on the first day of Spring, is a sort of a benchmark for brighter evenings, a return to growth and a general air of anticipation and hope. It is a time of optimism, when we trust that things must surely get better.

The footballers of Leitrim and Limerick will certainly be party to such thoughts. They know last year’s League and Championship are now just another part of GAA statistics, from now on it is a whole new ball game. We can all dare to dream.

Long odds are given by the bookies on either county bringing home Sam, even on nabbing a provincial crown, but heads won’t be down. It all starts on Sunday, the first step in really gauging their place in the pecking order. Two points would be a nice start in what is a very competitive Division IV of the Allianz League. No point in finishing mid-table, or worse still, towards the bottom. The only way is up. A step into Division III would be a nice little marker for the rest of the year and would make the bigger guns take notice. More importantly it would be a morale booster for the players who have been slogging it out in training over the past weeks, when the rest of us cosied up and flicked through the sporting channels.

But this weekend we hope our supporters will vacate the armchairs and flock to Pairc Sean and make a vote of confidence in their team. It is a big day for both Leitrim and Limerick, much more than just two Allianz League points.

For the young home followers there is a special attraction ‘ a half time draw for girls and boys to win Leitrim jerseys and also garner a coaching session for their school by a member of the county team. Why not have our own role models and footballing heroes!    

And don’t forget to check out our gallery section for a copy of the match poster.  Photographs from the game will be available on Monday.

Collette Fox

PRO Coiste Chontae Liatroma

 

 

 

02-Feb-12 by Colette Fox – PRO

The Tain League starts this Saturday the 4th February

The Táin League starts this Saturday the 4th February.

Cluainin Iomaint (Glencar Manorhamilton) travel to Letterkenny to play St. Eunans;

St. Marys of Carrick travel to Edgeworthstown to play Wolf Tones in division 4A;

Ballinamore will travel to Newtownforbes to play Clonguish in division 5A.

All games are at 2pm.

It would be great if people can support their clubs in this competition in what promises to be exciting battles between clubs who might not have played each other before. These games will greatly inprove the standard of hurling in Leitrim.

 

 

30-Jan-12 by Micheal Dolan Hurling PRO

Sympathy

On behalf of Leitrim GAA we wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Eamonn Duignan (Leitrim Supporters Club, Dublin) and the Duignan family on the death of his mother Maura Duignan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Duignan family at this time. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhilis

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

The death has occurred of Maura DUIGNAN, (née Reynolds) of Aughadrumderg, Mohill, Leitrim. Reposing at St. Patrick’s Hospital Mortuary, Carrick-on-Shannon from 4pm to 6pm today, Monday, followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church Mohill to arrive at 7pm. Funeral Mass tomorrow, Tuesday, at 11am in St. Patrick’s Church Mohill, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only. House private, please.

 

 

30-Jan-12 by Colette Fox – PRO

Connaught Scór na nÓg Finals

No wins for Leitrim in this years Connaught Scór na nÓg Finals last Sunday in Castlebar. It was the second year Leitrim have come home with no titles despite the level of entries going through from our County finals.

In Rince Foirne Glencar/ManorhamiltonÓgave a great performance of the Cross Reel but the 8 girls from Castlebar Mitchells of Mayo danced through to the All-Irelands with St Patrick’s Day. In Solo Singing Aisling Byrne of St Dominic’s of Roscommon won the Connacht title with her rendition of “My Bonnie Labouring Boy” seeing off our Megan O’Donnell of Aughnasheelan. Instrumental Music saw Castlebar Mitchells win their second Connaught Title of the evening with their 5 piece Groupa Ceoil. Recitation was a very entertaining competition with Fintan Fitzpatrick of Aughnasheelan reciting his original script of “My Trouble with Scór” a funny little poem about how his mother wanted him to take part and his journey to the stage, it was won with a very energetic performance by Pauric Halpin of St Barry’s, Roscommon with his extract of Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes entitled “Irish Dancing Class”. Leitrim Gaels Ballad Group sang their songs of “the Rose of Avondale and Colcannon beautifully but the win went to Roscommon and St Dominic’s singing “Carrickareed” and “the Carlow Story”. Very disappointing defeat for the Bornacoola Question time finishing 6 points behind the eventual winners St Farnan’s of Sligo.

Novelty Act winners were Caltra of Galway with their sketch of “an cluiche” a story that that displayed all the antics of match day in Croke park, hard luck to the young Sean O’Heslins team who came on in strides since their win at the Leitrim County finals.

Set Dance was won once again by the Abbeyknockmoy set dancers of Galway, credit must go to the young Fenagh team who thoroughly held their own on that stage every bit as good as the teenÓge teams that danced against them, with youth on their side they will go far.

Leitrim’s level of participation was as high as ever this year and no doubt Leitrim’s Juniors will be back with a bang again in 2013. The All-Ireland Finals will be held in the Travellers Friend in Castlebar on the 18th of February. Wishing all of the Connacht winners the best of luck.

Focus is now turning to Scór Sinsear and preparations are underway in most clubs. The Semi-Final is now only 4 weeks away, it is being held in the Mayflower, Drumshanbo on Saturday 25th February with the County Final on Saturday March 10th in the Canon Donohue Hall in Mohill.

 

Connacht Scór na nÓg Winners:

Rince Foirne: Castlebar Mitchells, Mayo

Amhranaíocht Aonair: Aisling Byrne, St Dominic’s, Roscommon

Ceol Uirlise: Castlebar Mitchells, Mayo

Aithriseoireacht: Pauric Halpin, St Barry’s, Roscommon

Bailéad Ghrúpa: St Dominic’s, Roscommon

Trath na gCeist: St Farnan’s, Sligo

Nuachleas: Caltra, Galway

Rince Seit: Abbeyknockmoy, Galway

 

 

29-Jan-12 by Claire Crossan – PRO – Scor

Coiste Chontae Liatroma Annual Awards 2012

Congratulations to all our award winners at last nights Coiste Chontae Liatroma Annual Awards night in the Bush Hotel. All the photographs from the event will (hopefully) appear in our gallery section later on this evening. In the interim, heres one of the Drumkeerin contingent joining in the celebrations with their clubs Hall of Fame recipient Andy Redican.

 

 

28-Jan-12 by Colette Fox – PRO