Quarter Final Previews
An action packed weekend as the quarter finals of the Connacht Gold Senior Championship and GWP Intermediate Championship take place. Who will be celebrating after the weekend? Previews of all the games are detailed below.
CONNACHT GOLD SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER FINALS
St Mary’s v Bornacoola on Saturday at 5.15pm in Páirc Sean
St Mary’s come into the game unbeaten having accounted for Allen Gaels and Kiltubrid in the group stages. Bornacoola were unlucky to be defeated in their opening game against Carrigallen and then went on to beat the County Champions by two points. That win will surely give them lots of confidence not only because they defeated the County Champions but also the manner of the victory as they showed a real hunger and never say die attitude when trailing entering the closing stages of the contest. St Mary’s were comfortable in winning their two games and never really looked threatened. They don’t appear to have come out of first gear yet but a serious championship outfit like Bornacoola is sure to get them moving through their gears! Neither team will be found wanting in a contest of this magnitude. Both teams have players all around the pitch who will fight for every 50/50 ball. They have had many a battle in the past and Saturday will be no different. Come Saturday night one team will be celebrating and preparing for a semi final meeting while the other will be wondering if only?
Glencar Manorhamilton v Kiltubrid on Saturday at 6.45 in Páirc Sean
Glencar Manorhamilton lost their opening group game to Bornacoola and then had a six point winning margin against Carrigallen. Kiltubrid lost their opening game to St Mary’s and were impressive in disposing of Allen Gaels in their last round game. Kiltubrid come into the game as underdogs but that will suit them just fine. Glencar Manorhamilton rediscovered their form against Carrigallen and the question is can they put back-to-back performances together – if they can they will be hard stopped. Kiltubrid have the players and know-how to put a halt to the champions gallop but they will need to be at their very best. Kiltubrid should look to the 2011 Connacht and All Ireland Football Championship for inspiration for the underdogs – Leitrim were huge underdogs against Sligo, Mayo were underdogs against All Ireland Champions Cork and did anyone predict Donegal to be in the last four? Equally shouldn’t Glencar Manorhamilton be weary! Will the hot favourites be too hot to handle or will the underdogs upset the odds?
Mohill v Annaduff on Saturday at 5.15 in Cloone
This game has the potential to be a real cracker! Mohill were unbeaten in the group stages. They were really tested by Aughawillan and will not be looking too much into their facile victory over Cloone. Annaduff were left shell shocked after their opening day defeat by Drumreilly but accounted for Ballinamore SOH last time out and this surely has rejuvenated them. Both teams operate in Division 1 but they have not met yet this year so we can’t look there for indicators. We all know that goals win matches and in their championship games to-date Mohill have not conceded a goal while Annaduff conceded a goal in each of their games. Mohill have scored three goals to Annaduff’s two. The team who hits the back of the onion bag in this encounter could decide who goes forward to the semi finals. A serious battle is expected in the middle of the park while both teams have experienced defensive units capable of upsetting equally talented forward-lines. A ferocious work-rate is expected from both teams and that’s why it’s so hard to call.
Ballinamore Sean O’Heslin’s v Aughawillan on Saturday at 7pm in Cloone
Derby matches don’t get much bigger than this and I don’t think there will be any divided loyalties at this fixture on Saturday evening! Ballinamore SOH defeated neighbours Drumreilly in their first group game and then lost to Annaduff. Aughawillan were unlucky in their opening fixture against Mohill and then easily accounted for Cloone. In the League, Ballinamore operate in Division 2 and currently sit top of the table while Aughawillan are mid table in Division 1. This game has the makings to be an absolute thriller as both teams are expected to go full blooded in the pursuit of victory with bragging rights an extra bonus. Aughawillan and Ballinamore SOH games of the past are still talked about. Both clubs were renowned for their battling qualities and those virtues are coming through in the younger players in both club teams today. The result of this game could come down to a simple mistake or a piece of individual brilliance – that’s how close it could be. Be there to watch events unfold as only you can tell the story of the 2011 championship meeting between Aughawillan and Ballinamore SOH in the years to come!
GWP INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER FINALS
Dromahair v Gortletteragh on Sunday at 12.30 in Páirc Sean
Dromahair enter this game with the favourites tag given their form to date but they would be the first to admit they weren’t really tested in the group stages and this may be of some concern to them entering the quarter finals. Gortletteragh on the other hand were put to the sword by Melvin Gaels and admirably got back on track with a good win over Ballinaglera. Dromahair have been there or there abouts over the last few years and if the occasion doesn’t get to them they should justify their favourites tag. Gortletteragh come into this game very much under the radar and that’s the way all teams like it to be. A talented Dromahair side are expected to be sternly tested by a physically strong and experienced Gortletteragh side. This game could go down to the wire.
Melvin Gaels v Aughavas on Sunday at 2pm in Páirc Sean
Melvin Gaels are hotter than hot favourites to win this tie as the Division 1 table toppers take on Aughavas who operate in Division 3. The North Leitrim men look to have been operating in cruise control in the group stages yet no team has been able to get close to them. Aughavas were well beaten by Dromahair and qualified for the quarter finals courtesy of their one point defeat of Fenagh. They are in bonus territory now and have nothing to loose so if they play with their customary pride and passion anything could happen. Melvin Gaels are expected to cruise into the semi finals but I doubt they have read that script in Aughavas!
Eslin v Drumkeerin on Sunday at 12.30 in Drumshanbo
Eslin topped their group with wins over Aughnasheelin and Glencar Manor while Drumkeerin were winners over St Mary’s and lost heavily to Glenfarne Kiltyclogher last weekend. Eslin were very impressive in their two outings and seem to have made a seamless breakthrough to Intermediate this year. They have built up a lot of momentum and the confidence gained from winning the Junior A Championship last year will stand to them. They face a Drumkeerin side who are always a serious championship outfit having contested two intermediate finals in recent years and the hurt of loosing those finals is sure to drive them on. They are wounded after last weekends defeat by Glenfarne Kilty so Eslin should be warned – there may be a back lash!
Glenfarne Kiltyclogher v Glencar Manorhamilton on Sunday at 2pm in Drumshanbo
Another mouth-watering local derby that is sure to have the turnstiles busy. These North Leitrim neighbours are sure to go hell for leather in the pursuit of a semi final spot. Both sides are brimming with talented players who know each other inside out. A lot of discussion in the lead up to the match will centre around who will take up who and what playing tactics will be deployed. Glencar Manor may have players in action in the Senior Championship the previous evening and if so this might be a disadvantage to them but Glenfarne Kiltyclogher won’t be reading too much into that. They also won’t be reading too much into their comfortable win over Drumkeerin as both teams were already qualified. This tie is generating a lot of excitement – let’s hope it lives up to all our expectations. May the best team win!
SENIOR AND INTERMEDIATE RELEGATION PLAYOFFS
Senior
Drumreilly v Cloone on Saturday at 5pm in Fenagh
Carrigallen v Allen Gaels on Sunday at 12.30 in Aughawillan
Intermediate
St Mary’s v Aughnasheelin on Sunday at 12.30 in Kiltubrid
Ballinaglera v Fenagh on Sunday at 12.30 in Leitrim Gaels
Winners avoid a relegation final – the stakes are that high and that’s the simple motivation that will drive all the teams on. May the best teams win!
COME OUT AND SUPPORT YOUR TEAM THIS WEEKEND
18-Aug-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
The Late PJ Carroll RIP, Cavan and Leitrim GAA.30th October 2024 - 9:37 pm
Under 8 and Under 10 Blitz Final Round
Coiste na nÓgPlease note that first named team have home venue
Allen Gaels v Leitrim Gael
Dromahair v Fenagh-St Caillins
Ballinamore SOH v Melvin Gaels
Mohill v St Mary”s
Aughnasheelin v Annaduff
Glencar-Manor v Kiltubrid
Garadice Gaels v Aughavas
Gortletteragh v Drumkeerin
Glenfarne-Kilty v St Osnats
Carrigallen, Cloone and Bornacoola
21-Aug-11 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
Leitrim GAA Statement on MBNA
Club FootballCumann Luth-Cleas Gael Coiste Chondae Liatroma
At Tuesday night’€’s meeting of Coiste Liatroma GAA delegates expressed their grave concern at the recent announcement by Bank Of America (MBNA) of its intention to close down their operation in Ireland with the real possibility of the loss of up to one thousand jobs at the Carrick-on-Shannon centre.
MBNA set up in Carrick-on-Shannon in 1997 creating much wanted real worthwhile employment not alone in Leitrim but too in our neighbouring counties of Roscommon, Longford,Cavan and Sligo. Such sought after employment resulted in further investment with consequent employment in this area.
Leitrim GAA shares the concern of all the employees of MBNA and fully understand their anxieties at this time. Many of our members at club and county level are very happily employed there not to mention the many officials and the loss of such jobs would be disastrous for our association in this area.
We now ask all of our public representatives to muster their collective abilities to insure that a replacement employer to this state of the art facility. Leitrim does not have an abundance of natural resources and the loss of the jobs in question would be devastating to this entire region. The viability of many of our clubs is dependent on the retention of our workforce here. We too urge all units of our association to offer help and support in any way that may help in retaining those threatened jobs in Carrick-on-Shannon.
18-Aug-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
Leitrim Club Championships enter the Quarter Final stages
Club FootballQuarter Final Previews
An action packed weekend as the quarter finals of the Connacht Gold Senior Championship and GWP Intermediate Championship take place. Who will be celebrating after the weekend? Previews of all the games are detailed below.
CONNACHT GOLD SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER FINALS
St Mary’s v Bornacoola on Saturday at 5.15pm in Páirc Sean
St Mary’s come into the game unbeaten having accounted for Allen Gaels and Kiltubrid in the group stages. Bornacoola were unlucky to be defeated in their opening game against Carrigallen and then went on to beat the County Champions by two points. That win will surely give them lots of confidence not only because they defeated the County Champions but also the manner of the victory as they showed a real hunger and never say die attitude when trailing entering the closing stages of the contest. St Mary’s were comfortable in winning their two games and never really looked threatened. They don’t appear to have come out of first gear yet but a serious championship outfit like Bornacoola is sure to get them moving through their gears! Neither team will be found wanting in a contest of this magnitude. Both teams have players all around the pitch who will fight for every 50/50 ball. They have had many a battle in the past and Saturday will be no different. Come Saturday night one team will be celebrating and preparing for a semi final meeting while the other will be wondering if only?
Glencar Manorhamilton v Kiltubrid on Saturday at 6.45 in Páirc Sean
Glencar Manorhamilton lost their opening group game to Bornacoola and then had a six point winning margin against Carrigallen. Kiltubrid lost their opening game to St Mary’s and were impressive in disposing of Allen Gaels in their last round game. Kiltubrid come into the game as underdogs but that will suit them just fine. Glencar Manorhamilton rediscovered their form against Carrigallen and the question is can they put back-to-back performances together – if they can they will be hard stopped. Kiltubrid have the players and know-how to put a halt to the champions gallop but they will need to be at their very best. Kiltubrid should look to the 2011 Connacht and All Ireland Football Championship for inspiration for the underdogs – Leitrim were huge underdogs against Sligo, Mayo were underdogs against All Ireland Champions Cork and did anyone predict Donegal to be in the last four? Equally shouldn’t Glencar Manorhamilton be weary! Will the hot favourites be too hot to handle or will the underdogs upset the odds?
Mohill v Annaduff on Saturday at 5.15 in Cloone
This game has the potential to be a real cracker! Mohill were unbeaten in the group stages. They were really tested by Aughawillan and will not be looking too much into their facile victory over Cloone. Annaduff were left shell shocked after their opening day defeat by Drumreilly but accounted for Ballinamore SOH last time out and this surely has rejuvenated them. Both teams operate in Division 1 but they have not met yet this year so we can’t look there for indicators. We all know that goals win matches and in their championship games to-date Mohill have not conceded a goal while Annaduff conceded a goal in each of their games. Mohill have scored three goals to Annaduff’s two. The team who hits the back of the onion bag in this encounter could decide who goes forward to the semi finals. A serious battle is expected in the middle of the park while both teams have experienced defensive units capable of upsetting equally talented forward-lines. A ferocious work-rate is expected from both teams and that’s why it’s so hard to call.
Ballinamore Sean O’Heslin’s v Aughawillan on Saturday at 7pm in Cloone
Derby matches don’t get much bigger than this and I don’t think there will be any divided loyalties at this fixture on Saturday evening! Ballinamore SOH defeated neighbours Drumreilly in their first group game and then lost to Annaduff. Aughawillan were unlucky in their opening fixture against Mohill and then easily accounted for Cloone. In the League, Ballinamore operate in Division 2 and currently sit top of the table while Aughawillan are mid table in Division 1. This game has the makings to be an absolute thriller as both teams are expected to go full blooded in the pursuit of victory with bragging rights an extra bonus. Aughawillan and Ballinamore SOH games of the past are still talked about. Both clubs were renowned for their battling qualities and those virtues are coming through in the younger players in both club teams today. The result of this game could come down to a simple mistake or a piece of individual brilliance – that’s how close it could be. Be there to watch events unfold as only you can tell the story of the 2011 championship meeting between Aughawillan and Ballinamore SOH in the years to come!
GWP INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER FINALS
Dromahair v Gortletteragh on Sunday at 12.30 in Páirc Sean
Dromahair enter this game with the favourites tag given their form to date but they would be the first to admit they weren’t really tested in the group stages and this may be of some concern to them entering the quarter finals. Gortletteragh on the other hand were put to the sword by Melvin Gaels and admirably got back on track with a good win over Ballinaglera. Dromahair have been there or there abouts over the last few years and if the occasion doesn’t get to them they should justify their favourites tag. Gortletteragh come into this game very much under the radar and that’s the way all teams like it to be. A talented Dromahair side are expected to be sternly tested by a physically strong and experienced Gortletteragh side. This game could go down to the wire.
Melvin Gaels v Aughavas on Sunday at 2pm in Páirc Sean
Melvin Gaels are hotter than hot favourites to win this tie as the Division 1 table toppers take on Aughavas who operate in Division 3. The North Leitrim men look to have been operating in cruise control in the group stages yet no team has been able to get close to them. Aughavas were well beaten by Dromahair and qualified for the quarter finals courtesy of their one point defeat of Fenagh. They are in bonus territory now and have nothing to loose so if they play with their customary pride and passion anything could happen. Melvin Gaels are expected to cruise into the semi finals but I doubt they have read that script in Aughavas!
Eslin v Drumkeerin on Sunday at 12.30 in Drumshanbo
Eslin topped their group with wins over Aughnasheelin and Glencar Manor while Drumkeerin were winners over St Mary’s and lost heavily to Glenfarne Kiltyclogher last weekend. Eslin were very impressive in their two outings and seem to have made a seamless breakthrough to Intermediate this year. They have built up a lot of momentum and the confidence gained from winning the Junior A Championship last year will stand to them. They face a Drumkeerin side who are always a serious championship outfit having contested two intermediate finals in recent years and the hurt of loosing those finals is sure to drive them on. They are wounded after last weekends defeat by Glenfarne Kilty so Eslin should be warned – there may be a back lash!
Glenfarne Kiltyclogher v Glencar Manorhamilton on Sunday at 2pm in Drumshanbo
Another mouth-watering local derby that is sure to have the turnstiles busy. These North Leitrim neighbours are sure to go hell for leather in the pursuit of a semi final spot. Both sides are brimming with talented players who know each other inside out. A lot of discussion in the lead up to the match will centre around who will take up who and what playing tactics will be deployed. Glencar Manor may have players in action in the Senior Championship the previous evening and if so this might be a disadvantage to them but Glenfarne Kiltyclogher won’t be reading too much into that. They also won’t be reading too much into their comfortable win over Drumkeerin as both teams were already qualified. This tie is generating a lot of excitement – let’s hope it lives up to all our expectations. May the best team win!
SENIOR AND INTERMEDIATE RELEGATION PLAYOFFS
Senior
Drumreilly v Cloone on Saturday at 5pm in Fenagh
Carrigallen v Allen Gaels on Sunday at 12.30 in Aughawillan
Intermediate
St Mary’s v Aughnasheelin on Sunday at 12.30 in Kiltubrid
Ballinaglera v Fenagh on Sunday at 12.30 in Leitrim Gaels
Winners avoid a relegation final – the stakes are that high and that’s the simple motivation that will drive all the teams on. May the best teams win!
COME OUT AND SUPPORT YOUR TEAM THIS WEEKEND
18-Aug-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
Leitrim Senior Football Manager
GeneralMickey Moran was reappointed as Leitrim Senior Football Manager at last nights Special County Committee meeting.
Barney Breen continues in his role as selector while Martin McGowan has decided to step down after 14 years involvement with Leitrim Football teams.
Cathaoirleach Joe Flynn gave glowing praise to Martin for his total dedication and significant contribution to Leitrim GAA and wished him well in the future.
17-Aug-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
Impressive Gortletteragh are under 14 (11-a-side) Champions
Coiste na nÓgIt was two well matched teams that met last monday evening to contest the Under 14 (11-a-side) Final in Pairc Sean. Despite the heavy rain that fell the two teams managed to produce an excellent game of football.
For much of the game the momento swung between the sides but there was one player who made the difference and that was Gortletteragh Captain Jack Heslin who had a fantastic game and had a personal score of 2-03. Eve n though Heslin was outstanding it was a team effort with Francie Flynn being effective up front and when needed in the later stages of the game he made sure nothing got past him in defence while Keoghan McGovern was equally instrumental in his side”s defence.
For Kiltubrid Michael McCormack, Eoin Dolan & Stephen McLoughlin were all very impressive and for a period in the second half it looked like they could have won the match when they got two goals one from Eoin Dolan and the second one from Stephen McLoughlin a minute later which put Kiltubrid in the lead for the first time in the game. Kiltubrid were now playing with confidence when they extended their lead with a point from Eoin Dolan.
The game started to turn around for Gortletteragh when Jack Heslin having been denied by a fine save from Kiltubrid goalkeeper Declan Kelly, Heslin converted two frees in succession and then scored two goals in succession which put Gortletteragh back in favour of winning. Kiltubrid tried valiantly to fight their way back into contention with two frees from Stephen McLoughlin but it was not enough to deny Gortletteragh who held strong in the closing stages for a deserved victory.
The final score was Gortletteragh 3-09 and Kiltubrid 3-06
GORTLETTERAGH
Shane Keigheran, Dylan Ward (0-02), Oisin Fox, James Heslin, Glen Ward, Jack Heslin (2-03), David Campbell (0-01) Keoghan McGovern (0-02) Barry Heslin, Conor Gallagher (0-01) Francie Flynn (1-0) Subs used: Darragh McPartland
KILTUBRID
Declan Kelly, Fergal McWeeney, Conor Prior, Sean Prior, Cian McKeon, Michael McCormack (0-01), Eoin Dolan (1-01) Stephen McLoughlin (1-04) Patrick Meehan, Diarmuid MacThiarnain (1-0) Paddy Kelly,
Subs used: Niall Crossan, James Tighe.
REFEREE: Michael Clancy
17-Aug-11 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
Change of date for Under 14 (15aside) Final
Coiste na nÓgThe under 14(15) Final between Mohill and Ballinamore has been postponed until Sunday 28th of August. Throw in will be at 6pm in Pairc Sean.
15-Aug-11 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
Carrick Area Community Games win All Ireland Title
GeneralCongrats to the Carrick Area Community Games U10 Mixed Gaelic Football team who won the All Ireland title in
Athlone this morning. They beat Clane from Co Kildare in the final on a scoreline of 4-6 to 3-4. The victorious
team will be welcomed home in Carrick at 4.30 today (Sunday). All supporters and well wishers are welcome
to the homecoming for this fine bunch of players and their mentors.
Coiste Chontae Liatroma take this opportunity to say a BIG WELL DONE to all the boys and girls.
14-Aug-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
Under 14 Football Championship 15aside Final
Coiste na nÓgUnder 14 Football Championship 15aside Final between Mohill and Ballinamore SOH will take place on Tuesday the 16th in Pairc Sean at 7.00pm.
We would like to wish both teams the very best of luck.
Ref: TBC
11-Aug-11 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
Under 14 Football Championship 11aside Final
Coiste na nÓgUnder 14 Football Championship 11aside Final betweenÓgortletteragh and Kiltubrid will take place on Monday the 15th in Pairc Sean at 7.00pm
11-Aug-11 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg
Championship Roundup
Club FootballConnacht Gold Senior Football Championship
Our quarter finalists are now known following the last round of group games which took place last weekend. InÓgroup 1, Glencar Manorhamilton were ruthless in their must winÓgame against Carrigallen. Their six point winning margin was enough to see them top the group (on Scóring average) and qualify Bornacoola as group runners up. Incidentally, a five point loss for Carrigallen would have seen them through and Bornacoola out – that is how close this group was in the end. InÓgroup 2, St Marys beat Allen Gaels by five points and they topped their group with two wins from two with Kiltubrid finishing group runners up as they had already accounted for Allen Gaels. InÓgroup 3 Annaduff won their last game against Ballinamore SOH and this was enough to see them join SOHs in the Quarter Finals. All teams in this group finished on 2 points but Drumreillys poorer Scóring return let them down in the end. In the last Group Mohill who had already topped their group after Round 2 were joined by Aughawillan as they defeated Cloone by five points at the weekend. The quarter final meetings have thrown up some mouth watering ties. They are scheduled to take place on Saturday 20th August as follows:-
St Marys v Bornacoola at 5.15 in Páirc Sean
Glencar Manorhamilton v Kiltubrid at 6.45 in Páirc Sean
Mohill v Annaduff at 5.15 in Cloone
Ballinamore SOH v Aughawillan at 6.45 in Cloone
Facing into relegation semi final battle will be:-
Drumreilly v Cloone on Saturday 20th August at 5pm in Fenagh
Carrigallen v Allen Gaels on Sunday 21st August at 12.30 in Aughawillan
GWP Intermediate Football Championship
InÓgroup 2, Glencar Manorhamiltons second string accounted for an injury hit Aughnasheelin side. They now join Eslin who topped the group in the quarter finals. Gortletteragh were victorious against Ballinaglera and joinÓgroup 3 winners Melvin Gaels in the quarter finals while inÓgroup 4 Dromahair accounted for Fenagh and this result saw them top their group with Aughavas runners up. The meeting of Drumkeerin and Glenfarne Kiltyclogher was postponed owing to a bereavement in the Glenfarne Kiltyclogher Club. We take this opportunity to sympathise with the Harkin Family, Glenfarne on the sudden and sad loss of Desmond Harkin, RIP. This game is re-fixed for next Saturday evening at 7pm in Ballinaglera. The result will decide first and second group placing.
The Intermediate Quarter Finals are scheduled for Sunday 21st August as follows:-
Eslin v Group 1 Runners Up (Drumkeerin Glenfarne Kiltyclogher) in Drumshanbo at 12.30
Glencar Manorhamilton v Group 1 Winners (Drumkeerin Glenfarne Kiltyclogher) in Drumshanbo at 2pm
Dromahair v Gortletteragh in Pairc Sean at 12.30
Melvin Gaels v Aughavas in Pairc Sean at 2pm
Facing into relegation semi final battle on Sunday 21st August will be:–
St Marys v Aughnasheelin at 12.30 in Kiltubrid
Ballinaglera v Fenagh at 12.30 in Leitrim Gaels
GWP Junior A Championship
In the Junior A Championship there were second round wins for Allen Gaels, Melvin Gaels, Annaduff and Gortletteragh and this weekend the final group games take place. InÓgroup 4, Drumkeerin were the only team to exit the championship after Round 2 while Gortletteragh and Mohill have qualified for the quarter finals but do meet this weekend to decide first and second group placing. In the other 3 groups it really is down to the wire this weekend and as we know anything can still happen. The following are the games scheduled for this weekend.
Leitrim Gaels v St Marys
Mohill v Gortletteragh
Ballinamore Sean OHeslins v Carrigallen
Kiltubrid v Melvin Gaels
10-Aug-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
Hurling News
Club HurlingHurling Go Games for Under 8s / under 10s/ under 12s
All new players are encouraged to come along even if its their first time. The first blitz took place on saturday 30th July in Ballinamore where up to 40 boys and girls aged from 6 to 12 took place in various small sided games. This was a great success and provides the indroduction of hurling at a young age. The next blitz will take place in the Bee Park, Manorhamilton on Saturday 20th. The blitz scheduled for Saturday 13th in Carrick will be changed to a date in September
Under 14 Hurling Championship Final
Ballinamore hurling club won an extremely entertaining final over Cluainin Iomaint last saturday week in Pairc Tom. The Manor men started the game in emphatic fashion with Damon Beattie hitting the net and Ferghal Rooney and Martin Feeney both hitting points. But Ballinamore hit back and scored some excellent scores from Pearse Dolan to go in at half time with the advantage. Both teams contested full blooded for the sliotar in the second half. Ballinamore physical strength seemed to be the difference between both teams. The skill level from both teams was a fantastic sight. Both full backs on either side held their respective defences together with Kevin Mullen of Ballinamore giving a great display on how to catch a sliotar over his head while Cluainin Iomaint Fergus Munday broke out of defence throughout the game. Mid fielders Micheal Feely, Kieran McPartland(Cluainin Iomaint) and Conor Cullen/ Donal Feely(Ballinamore) gave it their all tackling ferociously throughout. The hurling skills of Pearse Dolan/Peter Reynolds (Ballinamore) and Stephen Loughlin/Martin Feeney and Ferghal Rooney (Cluainin Iomaint) shows that hurling in Leitrim is alive and well. The final score was Ballinamore 3.07 Cluainin Iomaint 2.06.
Well done to Stephen Loughlin (Cluainin Iomaint) who lined out in the Waterford colours last Sunday in Croke Park at half time in the All Ireland Hurling semi final. Stephen attends St. Clares National school Manorhamilton and gave a man of the match display in the Cluainin Iomaint defence in the under hurling 14 final. Well done Stephen.
Under 14 and under 16 development squads have commenced training with the first session taking place last week in Carrick. They will train inÓgortlettragh at 1pm this thursday. Both squads will train at a different venue each week under the guidance of Steve Feeney, Kevin McGrath, Alan Duffy and Tommy McCormack.
Under 16 Championship Fixtures-
Cluainin Iomaint will travel to Gortlettragh on tuesday 9th which will be the first game in the under 16 championship. Current under 16 champions Cluainin Iomaint will be favourites with their participation in the Sligo league under their belts. St. Marys are due to play Ballinamore this week.
Week of 15th August Ballinamore V Gortlettragh and Cluainin Iomaint V St. Marys
Week of 22th August Cluainin Iomaint V Ballinamore and St. Marys V Gortlettragh
Minor Hurling championship will be a straight knock out –
20th August Manor v Ballinamore and Gortlettragh V St. Marys
Leitrim Senior Hurling league
Cluainin Iomaint were due to travel to Gortlettragh last Monday evening but with many of the Gortlettragh squad involved with the football championship they had to concede and hand the points to the Manor men. St. Marys will travel to Gortlettragh this Monday and need a win to stay in with a shout to reach a league final.
Please note that both pictures that were published on page 30 of last weeks Leitrim Observer had the wrong team mentioned in both captions – It should have read Ballinamore hurling club and CLUAININ IOMAINT hurling club not Gortlettragh.
09-Aug-11 by Micheal Dolan – PRO Hurling
Junior B Football Championship 2011
Club Football09-Aug-11 by Colette Fox – PRO