Connacht GAA Minor Football Championship

Connacht GAA Minor Football Championship, Leitrim V Galway will take place in Pairc Sean on Saturday 2nd July at 7pm.

On behalf of Coiste na nÓg, Liatroma we wish the Leitrim minor team and management the best of luck. 

 

 

28-Jun-11 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg

All Ireland Football Qualifiers

Leitrim have been drawn against Down in the All Ireland Football Qualifiers.
Last years beaten All Ireland finalists have home advantage for the meeting
scheduled for the 9th of July. Down were defeated by Armagh in the Ulster
Championship and defeated Clare by one point in Round 1 of the Qualifiers.
Leitrim lost out to Roscommon in the semi final of the Connacht Championship
after their memorable win over Sligo in the quarter finals. The CCC have confirmed the fixture will take place on Saturday 9/7/11 at 3pm in Newry.

All Ireland Qualifiers (Round 2) – first named teams have home advantage.

Down v Leitrim
Limerick v Offaly
Laois v Kildare
Longford v Tyrone
Armagh v Wicklow
Meath v Galway
Antrim v Carlow
London v Waterford

 

 

26-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Under the Radar

Under the Radar

In the weeks after the Sligo game Leitrim was very much in the spotlight, but now we are certainly back under the radar.
Nobody gives us a chance in the Qualifiers; we are written off; no hopers; doesn’€’t matter who we draw; the performance in Markievizc Park was a flash in the pan; Sligo must have been useless.
The nÓgativity is nearly contagious.
What a change from a few weeks ago when every Leitrim supporter stuck out his chest and couldn’€’t wait to see the Rossies get their come-uppance in Carrick. We’€’d show them and about time too.
This feel-good factor caught on nationally. Here was the makings of a great news story. Radio, TV, GAA journalists, feature writers, all wanted a slice of the action; none of them wanted to miss the boat in case Leitrim cruised into a Connacht Final.
Internationally, there was a buzz also. Phone lines, e-mails, texts, facebook, twitter and what have you were all busy. People who were a lifetime gone from the county and the current generation of emigrants, were all making plans, whether to be up early in New York or not to go to bed in Sydney on Sunday June 12th, because they didn’€’t want to miss Leitrim playing live on RTE. Not just highlights, the whole nine yards; for a pleasant change, we were the featured TV match. This was going to be Leitrim’€’s day in every sense of the word.
There was a pep in every step in the county, the recession was the last of our worries, all we talked about was the great win in Sligo and how the team had performed to a man. It was a great three weeks, the lift the GAA in the county needed, we had won a Championship game ‘€’ nobody went crazy talking about All Irelands, we just prayed we’€’d get to another Connacht Final, the team deserved that much, the supporters were happy and upbeat.
Some people say now it would have been better if we had to lose to Sligo. Rubbish. Nobody can take away that victory, nor the quality of play with which it was earned. How could it be better to have lost? For God’€’s sake, are we not bemoaning lost chances long enough? Putting up a good show and being beaten is not the way to go. Of course it was great to beat Sligo.
The RoscommonÓgame was admittedly a disappointment. We can wonder till doomsday about what might have happened if we had elected to play with the elements in the first half. With the wind behind us we might have started better, got a few early scores and then have got the chants of ‘€’Leitrim, Leitrim’€’ behind us also. As it was, the Leitrim supporters never really got into the game ‘€’ a charge we readily make against the players!

These same players that we back-slapped in Markievicz and that we might have disparaged in Pairc Sean, are still in training, hard as ever. That’€’s how it goes, they can’€’t switch off like supporters can. They are working their socks off, preparing for the Qualifiers.
Maybe it’€’s all the better there is little fuss. You never know what might happen if we sneak in under the radar again.

 

 

26-Jun-11 by Tommy Moran

Coaching and Games Newsletter

Coaching & Games Newsletter

Under 12 mini leagues
We wish to remind all coaches working with their under 12 teams that all players must get adequate playing time. Coaches should also ensure that they observe the respect initive as well as the players.

Under 13 Regional Competition
Our U-13 regional competitionÓgot under way last weekend. This competitionÓgives players in their final year at U-13 a chance to play againts players of the same age in a 15 a side set up. A special word of thanks to all the coaches working with these regional teams.

Schools of Excellence / Development Squads

U-14 School of Excellence
The squad had a very good workout with a North Westmeath selection on Saturday morning last in Dromod. Thanks to the Bornacoola club for the use of their grounds which were in splendid condition as always and to referee Stephen Flynn. The squad have a break this weekend with the next session planned for Saturday 2nd July.
U-16 Development squad
Our under 16 development squad play Westmeath this evening Wednesday at 7.30pm in Ballinacarrigy.

VHI GAA Cul camps 2011

Ambassador
Leitrim GAA are pleased to announce that County Senior team member Adrian Croal will be our Vhi GAA cul camp ambassador for 2011. Adrian has both attended and coached at Vhi GAA cul camps over the years and will be able to offer lots of advise to all attendees at this years Vhi GAA cul camps.

Free Places competition
Our free places competition in conjunction with the Leitrim Observer continues this week. This competition offers children the chance to win a free place on any one of our twelve Vhi GAA Cul camps. The competition entry form will appear each week in the Leitrim Observer and those who have already booked will get a refund if they are any of the lucky winners. Winner week 1- Ben Carney, Woodlodge, CornÓgillagh, Dromod. Winner week 2- Niamh Lynch, Corcusconny, Dromahair. Well done to you both and best of luck to everyone else for the next two weeks.

Application Forms
We would appeal to all children intending to attend a Vhi GAA cul camp this summer to book as early as possible. Application forms have been distributed through the clubs and schools over the past few weeks. The on-line booking has commenced and we would encourage as many parents as possible to use this booking format. Camp type means, activities in Football, Hurling & Camogie will take place at the camp. Please note we will provide hurleys and helmets for the hurling & camogie sections of the camps.

Code Venue Dates Camp type Cost per Child
F/ H/ C 1st. 2nd. 3rd.
LM01 Ck – on – Shannon 4th. July – 08th. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45
LM02 Manorhamilton 4th. July – 08th. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45

LM03 Drumshanbo 11th. July – 15th. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45
LM04 Kinlough 11th. July – 15th. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45
LM05 Dromod 11th. July – 15th. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45

LM06 Aughavas 18th. July – 22rd. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45
LM07 Dromahair 18th. July – 22rd. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45
LM08 Gortletteragh 18th. July – 22rd. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45

LM09 Drumkeerin 25th. July – 29th. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45
LM10 Fenagh 25th. July – 29th. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45
LM11 Leitrim 25th. July – 29th. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45

LM12 Ballinamore 8th. August – 12th August F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45

County Coordinator : Thomas Keenan 087 – 6591049

For further information on any of the above contact:
County Coaching officer ‘€’ Padraig McGourty
Ph: 086 ‘€’ 8106431
E-mail: coachingofficer.leitrim@gaa.ie Games Manager – Thomas Keenan
Ph: 087 – 6591049
E-mail: thomas.keenan.gm.leitrim@gaa.ie

 

 

25-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Ladies News

Cumann Peil na mBain Liatroma

Clarke’€’s Butchers Division Two League 2011

The Division two Final takes place this Saturday 25th June 2011 between Sean O’€’ Heslins and Mohill at 5pm in Fenagh. This will no doubt be a high intensity game from start to finish. Best of luck to all involved from players to mentors.

Division Three League 2011

Please see the outstanding fixtures for Division Three:

Sunday 26th June 2012 all at 11:30am: Played in venue of first named team.
Cloone Vs AughnasheelinÓglencar/Manor Vs Eslin
Fenagh Vs St. Osnat’€’s
Dromahair Vs Drumkeerin
Allen Gaels Vs Aughawillan

Underage Fixtures:

U14 Annaduff 11 Aside Championship final

The 11 aside championship final takes place on Monday 27th July between Allen Gaels and Mohill at 7pm, A venue has yet to be confirmed. Best to luck to all players and mentors involved.

Shannon Key West U12 11 Aside Championship
Thursday 23rd June at 7pm, Played in venue of first named team.
Sean O Heslins Vs St. Josephs.
Dromahair Vs Glencar/Manor
Shannon Key West U12 7 Aside Championship
Thursday 23rd June at 7pm, Played in venue of first named team.
Allen Gaels Vs Gortlettragh
Aughawillan Vs Fenagh
St.Marys Vs Annaduff-Venue Park Lane
Mohill Vs Glenfarne-Venue Eslin

.

 

 

24-Jun-11 by Camilla McDonagh – PRO

Under 8 and Under 10 Blitz

The next Round of the Under 8 and Under 10 Blitz takes place on Saturday 25th June at 10.30 am. First named team have home venue.
 
Allen Gaels v Ballinamore-SOH,
Fenagh-St Caillins v St Marys,
Leitrim Gaels v Melvin Gaels,
Dromahair v Mohill.
 
Drumkeerin v Annaduff,
Carrigallen v Aughavas,
Gortletteragh v Glencar-Manor.
 
Aughnasheelin Glenfarne-Kilty and Cloone,
Kiltubrid, Garadice Gaels and St Osnats.
 
The remaining dates for the Blitzs are 16th July, 6th August and 27th August.

 

 

15-Jun-11 by Gerri Mulhern – PRO – Coiste na nÓg

A wonderful piece of journalism by our own Colin Regan

I was listening to Mr Liam ONeill, the next President of the GAA, being interviewed on this station a couple of weeks ago and one thing he said caught my ear more than any other.
He was asked about his intentions regarding the weaker counties in hurling, and he replied he didnt believe that there are weaker counties in the GAA, but rather that there are â€Ëœadvantaged counties due to their access to populations and resources.
It may only be a matter of semantics but for someone who played football with a so called weaker county for the guts of 15 years it was refreshing to hear some new thinking on the subject at the upper echelons of the association.
In best case scenarios media discourse on the matter usually focuses on a lot of predictable rhetoric. The inevitable struggle of the underdog is highlighted. Against-all-odds possibilities expounded. In worst case scenarios, commentary by pundits or so called experts descends into condescending sneering or dismissive arrogance backed up by ignorance.
Leitrims population – or lack thereof – has never been used as a motivation by management teams or a crutch to lean on. Des Dolan, throughout his four years of management, constantly reminded us in his own inimitable way that we were (and I quote): â€ËœAs well fed as any other man in the country, and, as far as he was concerned, better trained to boot.
His bug bear, and mine, was always facilities and access to them. The GAA has a responsibility to level the playing field for teams that dont have access to facilities enjoyed by the â€Ëœadvantaged counties.
The Dublin footballers are based in UCDs Centre of Excellence I understand. That must be tough.
In my time playing with Leitrim, because we have so many lads based in Dublin and didnt have a floodlit all weather pitch in the county, I trained in Kells, Navan, Cavan, Mullingar, Bunbrosna, and more times than I care to remember in Longford rugby club. From Letterkenny, where I was based for four years, that was nearly a six hour round trip. Thankfully our Leitrims Centre of Excellence is due for completion in 2012.
Address the facilities issue. Otherwise its like giving Usain Bolt a 20m head-start in the 100 metres. Well address the population situation ourselves.
You can break down the lot of any inter-county team that boasts a small population into numbers. But sport isnt about statistics, its about people and dreams and character. And as far as I am concerned those playing for smaller counties often exhibit more character than those for whom provincial titles and All-Irelands are an annual possibility, if not a likelihood.
If you knew before you were asked to start a job that over the last 125 years only two people have succeeded at the task at hand, would you fancy your chances? That is the history that each Leitrim county panel takes on every year in pursuit of a Connacht title. And its not just Leitrim. Take our neighbours Fermanagh whom we played in Pairc Sean McDiarmada recently, the only county in Ulster not to have won a provincial title.
If you only play sport to win you are missing the point just as much as if you dont play to win. You play for the pursuit of excellence. To be the best player you possibly can. Only that can bring you victory, and often, it still may not be enough.
For a Leitrim footballer the chances of glory are few and glimpsing, the potential for pain and heartbreak ever-present. But even on the darkest days of defeat I always saw myself returning for more as long as my body was able. As Samuel Beckett said: Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.
I am the most competitive person I know, and always played to win. And I have victories that are fondly remembered, but as much for what it meant to our supporters as what it meant to me. In my capacity as a journalist I interviewed our former county secretary Tommy Moran when he retired in 2000. Tommy is a legend in Leitrim, and upon his departure from the county board after 25 years involvement I asked him what was so special about his association with our county. His reply has always stayed with me.
“In Kerry their supporters are happy when they win an All Ireland. In Leitrim theyre happy when we win.”
As I already said if you play solely to win youve missed the point. Be the best you can be, and if that brings victory along the line, savour and celebrate it. If not, celebrate the worth to be attained from giving your all ever time you take to the field.
Perspective is often best achieved by looking outside the caldron of sport, and the French writer Gustave Flaubert summed it up perfectly when he said: Success is a result, not a goal.
Its a motto that would serve the association well in this age of win at all costs.

 

 

 

14-Jun-11 by Colin Regan

The Day After

The Day After

 

Pairc Sean is quiet. It’s just the tidying up to be done, after the visit of over 13,000 spectators, the TV cameras, journalists, commentators and analysts, video operators, photographers, officials, stewards and all those who make up the framework of big match day. We have all left with our own thoughts of what happened and of what might have been.

 

For Leitrim supporters there was the contrast of emotions with the unbridled joy of the win in Markievicz Park, when we all hugged and kissed and licked our lips with the thoughts of having the Rossies come to Carrick.

We owed them one and would take great delight in seeing them scampering back across the bridge, while we geared up for a Connacht Final.

 

There was work to be done first, of course. While most of us focussed on another championship day out, planned for the weekend, arranged to hook up with the gang before the match, sorted the tickets, hung out the flags and joined in the razzmatazz, another group was really rolling up its sleeves and getting dug in.

 

This group was made up of the Leitrim panel, team management, County Board officers, backroom assistants, medical and physio advisers â€â€œ a combination of dedicated, committed, loyal and trusted souls who were determined to give of their all for the Green and Gold, just as they have been doing year after year, proud to be our representatives, whether in the FBD, the Allianz National League, a tournament, a challenge game, but especially in the Championship.

 

Only those close to the scene can fully comprehend the effort made and rather than be critical of players, we should acknowledge that each of them gave of their very best. As the pre-match parade was ending, team captain James Glancy summoned the full panel on to the pitch, so that every player, irrespective of the number on their jersey, could link arms for Amhrán na bhFiann to show they were all very much part of the team. This was a nice gesture, a sign of the solidarity that exists in the squad.

 

The game did not go well, the spark that was there against Sligo somehow failed to ignite, the plans to contain Roscommon against the wind and then turn up the tempo in the second half just never materialised. Even the woodwork went against us, when Cathal McCrann’s brilliant save from Donie Shine crashed off the post and into the net. On another day it would have rebounded elsewhere. Such is your sporting luck.

We were well beaten by a stronger side, by a team that definitely looks capable of retaining the Connacht title. To be fair, there was no taunting or triumphalism by the Rossies, but they certainly deserved any bragging rights. Next time we meet, Sunday will be forgotten and all will be back in the melting pot in the Hyde â€â€œ a much happier hunting ground for Leitrim than Pairc Sean is turning out to be!

 

There were others who worked hard to have everything right for Sunday and special praise must go to those who had the pitch and grounds in such peak condition, despite the most awful weather conditions. Many were busy preparing the Development Squads and Cumann na m-Bunscol teams. Kathy McLoughlin of the Leitrim Gaels Club had her own practicing to do, to be ready to lead the spectators in the singing of the National Anthem, a task she performed to perfection. The Glencar Manorhamilton Rince Fóirne group put in busy hours also and demonstrated just why they are All Ireland Scór Champions. There were preparations in Kiltubrid also, as the members of St. Brigid’s Pipe Band honed their musical and marching skills.

 

Remember too the concerted efforts of the County Board officers, so ably led by Cathaoirleach Joe Flynn and Runaí Diarmuid Sweeney â€â€œ so much unseen work has to be done and will continue to have to be done day after day, week after week, irrespective of wins or losses.

 

Yes, Pairc Sean will be quiet for a day or two, but then the markers and the bollards and the water bottles and the footballs will be back again. As will the players, as they try to put the RoscommonÓgame behind them and set their sights on the Qualifiers. There is an incentive in that too. You never know, we might draw the winners of the Longford-Cavan clash and then the local rivalry would be as strong as ever.

 

Some Leitrim followers could be heard muttering as they left in the rain on Sunday â€Å“Never againâ€Â. They don’t mean a bit of it. Come the Qualifiers, their Green and Gold blood will have them on the road once more â€â€œ sure the players never needed support more than they do now,

 

 

13-Jun-11 by Tommy Moran

Good Luck Leitrim U14 Girls

Leitrim’s U14 girls will face Kerry in the All-Ireland A Shield final tomorrow in BanÓgher, Co Offaly.

Throw in is at 2pm.

Coiste Chontae Liatroma wish the team and management the very best of luck.

 

 

 

10-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Coaching & Games Newsletter

Coaching & Games Newsletter

Respect programme

As the under 12 mini leagues commence this week we would ask all clubs to ensure that their mentors and players are fully aware of the respect initative and that it is observed by both teams. Clubs should ensure that all mentors wear the respect bibs and that players line up and shake hands before and after all games.

Schools of Excellence / Development Squads

U-14 School of Excellence

The under 14 squad will play a Roscommon selection as a curtain raiser to the Connacht senior semi-final on Sunday next. This will be a great experience for these young lads and we hope they enjoy the day.

U-16 Development squad

The under 16 panel are now on a break while exams are taking place. We would like to wish everybody sitting exams the best of luck.

VHI GAA Cul camps 2011

Ambassador

Leitrim GAA are pleased to announce that County Senior team member Adrian Croal will be our Vhi GAA cul camp ambassador for 2011. Adrian has both attended and coached at Vhi GAA cul camps over the years and will be able to offer lots of advise to all attendees at this years Vhi GAA cul camps.

Free Places competition

This week sees the launch of our Vhi GAA Cul Camp free places competition in conjunction with the Leitrim Observer. This competition offers children the chance to win a free place on any of our twelve Vhi GAA Cul camps. The competition will run for the next four weeks.

Application Forms

Application forms have been distributed through the clubs and schools over the past few weeks. The on-line booking has commenced and we would encourage as many parents as possible to use this booking format. Camp type means, activities in Football, Hurling & Camogie will take place at the camp.

Code

Venue

Dates

Camp type

Cost per Child

 

 

 

F/ H/ C

1st.

2nd.

3rd.

LM01

Ck – on – Shannon

4th. July – 08th. July

F/ H/ C

€60

€50

€45

LM02

Manorhamilton

4th. July – 08th. July

F/ H/ C

€60

€50

€45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LM03

Drumshanbo

11th. July – 15th. July

F/ H/ C

€60

€50

€45

LM04

Kinlough

11th. July – 15th. July

F/ H/ C

€60

€50

€45

LM05

Dromod

11th. July – 15th. July

F/ H/ C

€60

€50

€45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LM06

Aughavas

18th. July – 22rd. July

F/ H/ C

€60

€50

€45

LM07

Dromahair

18th. July – 22rd. July

F/ H/ C

€60

€50

€45

LM08

Gortletteragh

18th. July – 22rd. July

F/ H/ C

€60

€50

€45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LM09

Drumkeerin

25th. July – 29th. July

F/ H/ C

€60

€50

€45

LM10

Fenagh

25th. July – 29th. July

F/ H/ C

€60

€50

€45

LM11

Leitrim

25th. July – 29th. July

F/ H/ C

€60

€50

€45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LM12

Ballinamore

8th. August – 12th August

F/ H/ C

€60

€50

€45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

County Coordinator : Thomas Keenan 087 – 6591049

 

 

 

 

For further information on any of the above contact:

County Coaching officer – Padraig McGourty

Ph: 086 – 8106431

E-mail: coachingofficer.leitrim@gaa.ie Games Manager – Thomas Keenan

Ph: 087 – 6591049

E-mail: thomas.keenan.gm.leitrim@gaa.ie

 

 

 

10-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO