Leitrim reach Connacht Football Semi Final

A second-half Conor Beirne goal gave Leitrim their first Connacht Championship win since 2008 after a fiery affair that saw three men sent-off in Markievicz Park.

Leitrim led 0-8 to 0-5 at the break and while substitute Mark Breheny triggered a short-lived Sligo comeback, 1-01 from Beirne in two minutes sealed the win for Leitrim as Brian Curran, Eamonn OHara and Emlyn Mulligan were all sent-off.

With seven debutants taking to the field for Leitrim a good start was imperative. And they got it when Paul Brennan pointed after less than a minute to give Mickey Morans side the lead.

Emlyn Mulligan doubled their lead two minutes later with a free from the left after James Glancy was fouled by Neil Ewing.

But Leitrim, who were playing into the teeth of a strong wind,
continued to dominate and they soon stretched their lead.

Wing-back Wayne McKeon drilled over a terrific score from the left wing after 11 minutes, which was quickly followed by en even better one from Tomas Beirne.

Adrian Marren, the most impressive forward for Sligo, stopped the rot with a great score from the right wing, but further points from Glancy and Conor Beirne gave them a four-point advantage after 23 minutes.

Marren hit back for Sligo before he was presented with a great goal chance on the half-hour mark. However, after collecting a break down from OHara he contrived to drill the ball over the bar to make it 0-6 to 0-4.

But an injury-time point from Tony Taylor brought Sligo back to an
undeserved 0-8 to 0-5 deficit at the break.

Leitrims dominance in the first half saw Walsh introduce both Sean Davey and Mark Breheny before the break and both men made a huge impact after their introduction.

And it was Breheny, who has been suffering with a hamstring injury, who kick-started the Sligo comeback with two quick points.

Marren pointed a free to draw Sligo level in the 16th minute, but
Conor Beirne hit back with a driving point from distance.

And just over a minute later he struck the decisive blow when he
claimed James Glancys arrowed pass and fired past Philip Greene to make it 1-9 to 0-8.

Stephen Coen immediately replied for Sligo to leave the deficit at
just a goal, but Leitrim held on for a memorable win.

scorers:
Leitrim: C Beirne (1-3, 1f); E Mulligan (0-2fs); W McKeon (0-1); T Beirne (0-1); P Brennan (0-1); A Croal (0-1); J Glancy (0-1).

Sligo: A Marren (0-4, 2fs); M Breheny (0-2, 1f); T Taylor (0-1); F
Quinn (0-1); S Coen (0-1); D Maye (0-1)

Sligo: P Greene; C Harrison, R Donovan, N Ewing; P McGovern, B Curran, D Rooney; S Gilmartin, T Taylor; A Costello, E OHara, F Quinn; S Coen, K Sweeney, A Marren.

Subs: S Davey for Gilmartin, 28; M Breheny for Sweeney, 35; D Maye for Quinn, 62; B Egan for ~Costello, 66; K Cawley for Breheny, 70.

Leitrim: C McCrann; D Reynolds, R Gallagher, P Maguire; B Prior, G
Reynolds, W McKeon; T Beirne, D Lowe; P Brennan, E Mulligan, R Lowe; A Croal, C Beirne, J Glancy.

Subs: B McDonald for Brennan, 55; D Sweeney for Lowe, 56.

 

 

23-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Shoulder to Shoulder

Shoulder to Shoulder

As the Leitrim players and team management stood shoulder to shoulder with team captain James Glancy during the minutes silence in memory of his father Michael, who died recently, one could sense their sense of purpose at Markievicz Park.
This Leitrim side had come here to win, having had more than their fill of close calls and hard luck stories.

A glance at the match programme would have given them an added incentive, because the six top Irish GAA journalists contacted for a prediction had all forecast a Sligo victory — Sligo ought to overcome a Leitrim team struggling badly to put scores on the board – – Sligo have the strength and experience to cope – Leitrim are unlikely to get anything from Markievicz Park – – Sligo are strong favourites – – Leitrim being forced to send out seven debutants points to a Sligo win – -.

Mickey Moran Scórcely needed to give a pep talk after all that.

The bookies had got it wrong too and this week they are paying out on their 5 to 1 odds for a Leitrim win.

Of course, outside of Leitrim very few would have anticipated a Leitrim-Roscommon Connacht Semi-final. But inside it was different, there was an expectation that the team was coming into form and the final Allianz National League games against Longford and Roscommon had given supporters cause for hope and had cemented the determination and self-confidence of the players and of Mickey Moran, Brian Breen and Martin McGowan.

Make no mistake about it, this game was won by Leitrim long before Junior McGowans coach had brought the team towards the dressing room — Leitrim had come to win, no ifs or buts or maybes. Sligo might be roaring favourites, but its what happens on the field that counts.
There were seven debutants surely, but they all played like seasoned campaigners, shoulder to shoulder with their more experienced team mates in a great team effort. The defence stood rock solid, midfield was mopped up by Leitrim and our forwards at last seemed to have found their shooting boots. Ahead at half time, but the expectation was that Sligo would come out with all guns blazing.

This they did and eventually drew level. Now would come the acid test of the psyche of the Leitrim players, now would come the time in the game that all the hard winter slogging had prepared for. Would Leitrim fold under the pressure, or would they walk the walk?
In a last blistering fifteen minutes we had all our questions answered. When Conor Beirne rattled the Sligo net it was the signal for a real power play, there was no collapse, the lads in the green and gold stood firm. This was going to be Leitrims day.

Wayne McKeon was selected the Galway Irish Crystal Man of the Match, but to Wayne and all the players – the fifteen who lined out, the two subs called into action, the other panel members champing at the bit on the sideline to answer the call if needed – what really mattered was that it was a team victory.

It was an emotional James Glancy who savoured the victory, looking to the heavens in tribute to his dad, with all of his friends and comrades shoulder to shoulder with him once more.

 

 

23-May-11 by Tommy Moran – Connacht PRO

Gary Reynolds relishing Sligo Clash

Gary Reynolds says Leitrim will fear nothing heading into this Sundays Connacht SFC quarter-final against Sligo at Markievicz Park.

The Carrigallen ace is relishing a first clash with the Yeats men since 2005, when Leitrim upset their neighbours, and he is hoping that the visitors can turn in a repeat performance to advance through to the last four of the province against Roscommon.

"Markievicz Park is a great place to go and there will be a good few Leitrim supporters at it so I really am looking forward to it. Everyone will tip Sligo as hot favourites and rightly so," said Reynolds.

"They have a number of very experienced players, they have the population and Sligo is a great sporting town, theyve soccer, theyve Gaelic, they have everything so they have a serious advantage when it comes to that.

"They have a Connacht title under their belts, well give Sligo respect but well absolutely fear nothing going into the game. It all depends on who is the better prepared team. I think were as well prepared as weve ever been and we have no fear of Sligo."

 

 

19-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Moran- The boys are going to have to roll up their sleeves

Leitrim Manager Mickey Moran says his team know exactly the challenge theyre up against this Sunday when they meet Sligo at Markievicz Park in their Connacht SFC opener.

Morans men make the short trip to the Sligo town venue, where the hosts will be hoping to avenge their defeat of 2005 when the two sides last met, and the Derry native knows that the visitors will have to dig deep if they are to cause another upset.

"It is going to be a tough game, going to Markievicz. Sligo are always there. They have a very mature panel, they might look young and athletic and some of them are young but they have lads who have been about for a while," said Moran.

"Under Kevin (Walsh), they have come on leaps and bounds. Theyve move up the leagues in terms of promotion, although they were very unlucky this year with a few results, and they were in a Connacht final last year but they have been tipping about there up with Mayo and Galway.

"Roscommon came in there with a surge last year and were maybe deserving winners but maybe Sligo, on the day, it just didnt go for them. Sligo have been there, theyve more experience than us. Theyve been in Croke Park, theyve been in league finals so we know what were up against."

He added: "The boys are going to have to roll up the sleeves and one by one, they are going to have to take on Sligo and win that battle. After that, the team ethic will come into it and hopefully the performance will be there."

 

 

19-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Player Profiles

Player Profiles for the current Leitrim Senior team are now available on the website.  

Click on the Player Profiles link in the Interactive Feed on the left hand column of the home page.

 

Check our boys out!

 

 

19-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

A Royal Welcome

Oráid Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael on the occasion of the visit of Her Majesty and His Royal Highness to Croke Park on 18.5.2011


Tá fáilte romhaibh go léir go Páirc an Chrócaigh.

Uachtarán na hÉireann, Your Majesty, Your Royal Highness, Dr. McAleese, Airí Rialtais, Ard-Stiúrthóir, Iar-Uachtaráin agus a cáirde go léir.

 

Your Majesty, on behalf of the members of the Gaelic Athletic Association throughout Ireland and across the world, I am delighted to welcome you to our headquarters at Croke Park.

On 1st November 1884 a small group of visionary Irishmen, profoundly imbued with a spirit of national regeneration, formed our Association. The Gaelic Athletic Association was soon to become the largest organisation in Ireland, sporting or otherwise, and one moreover that, as its founding fathers envisaged, has consistently embodied the mood of the nation, culturally, socially and politically.

The Gaelic Athletic Association is deeply rooted in communities in every corner of Ireland, North and South, and throughout the world – above all in Britain – wherever Irish people have made their homes.

Our ethos is proudly voluntary and amateur, but at the pinnacle our teams and players thrill huge crowds with their skill, courage and commitment. The Gaelic Athletic Association offers unrivalled social and sporting opportunities to boys and girls at all levels of talent. We are proud of this vast modern stadium, built mainly through the efforts of our members, and our newly upgraded Museum conveys an exciting sense of our history but also of our present.

One of those present at the foundation of the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1884 was a man named J.K. Bracken whose son, Brendan went on to be a significant presence in the life of the United Kingdom – as founder of the Financial Times newspaper, one of Winston Churchill’s closest friends, and as Minister for Information during the Second World War. This is just one example of the interlinked personal relationships between these islands which have individually and collectively enriched us all in both directions over so many years, and continue to do so today.

We also know that in our shared history there have been many tragic events which have inflicted hurt on us all. While acknowledging the significance of the past and honouring all those that have lost their lives, including those that died in this place, the Gaelic Athletic Association has consistently supported and helped advance the peace process in Northern Ireland.

In particular, we have encouraged the reconciliation and mutual understanding which have so successfully flowed from the Good Friday Agreement and its endorsement in referenda by the people of Ireland, North and South.

Your Majesty’s State Visit, at the invitation of President McAleese, will result in a further important underpinning and advancement of this process, which I firmly believe is now irreversible.

I was of course deeply saddened to attend last month, on behalf of the Gaelic Athletic Association, the tragic funeral of our murdered young member from County Tyrone, PSNI Constable Ronan Kerr.

I was also very heartened by the utter and united determination of people and political leaders across the island, and across the whole community, to stand together against violence and hatred.

The Gaelic Athletic Association for its part will continue to try and build new relationships and to reach out in particular to members of the Unionist community.

Today above all, it is in a positive spirit that we welcome your Majesty and Your Royal Highness to Croke Park. Your presence does honour to our Association, to its special place in Irish life, and to its hundreds of thousands of members. Today will go down in the history of the Gaelic Athletic Association.

Míle buíochas – my great appreciation to all.

 

 

19-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Emlyn finally resumes inter-county duty

Having missed two entire championship seasons, Leitrims Emlyn Mulligan cant wait to face Sligo.

The young Melvin Gaels attacker was a revelation in his debut Connacht SFC year but unfortunately missed the 2009 and 2010 summer seasons after twice doing his cruciate.

However, Mulligan will finally resume his intercounty championship career when Leitrim travel to Markievicz Park for an opening-round derby clash with Sligo on Sunday.

"To be honest, it is just good to be involved at this time of the year, having missed all of the last two championship campaigns," he says.

"The last championship game I played was against Galway in 2008, so hopefully I can do myself justice on Sunday.

"We beat New York in the first game that year but it was all new to be at that stage. I was only 20 and I think I have a lot more to offer now.

"The sharpness has slowly come back to me. It is a great feeling to get through every training session without breaking down. Just walking off the pitch is great."

 

 

19-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

News from the Sligo camp

Sligo team named for Connacht opener

There are two debutantes on the Sligo team to face Leitrim in the Connacht Football Championship at Markeivicz Park on Sunday.

David Rooney from the St Johns Club comes in at left-half-back, while Francis Quinn of Shamrock Gaels will line out at left-half- forward

Ace attacker Mark Breheny is named on the bench.

Sligo team v Leitrim in Connacht Senior Football Championship at Markievicz Park on Sunday, 22 May at 3.30pm:

1 P Greene, 2 Charlie Harrison, 3 Ross Donovan, 4 Neil Ewing, 5 Paul McGovern, 6 Brian Curran, 7 David Rooney, 8 StephenÓgilmartin, 9 Tony Taylor, 10 Alan Costello, 11 Eamonn OHara, 12 Francis Quinn, 13 Stephen Coen, 14 Kenneth Sweeney, 15 Adrian Marren 

 

 

19-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Sligo team to play Leitrim

Sligo Team v Leitrim

Connacht Senior Football Championship

Sunday 22nd May 2011

 1 Philip Greene Naomh Eoin

 2 Charles  Harrison Naomh Eoin 

 3 Ross  Donovan Cláirsigh an Oirthear  

 4 Neil Ewing Droim Cliabh/Ros Ceite 

 5 Paul  McGovern Cláirsigh an Oirthear 

 6 Brian  Curran Tobar an Choir 

 7 David  Rooney Naomh Eoin 

 8 StephenÓgilmartin Tobar an Choire 

 9 Tony  Taylor Cláirsigh an Oirthear 

 10 Alan  Costello Cuil Irra/Leathros 

 11 Eamonn  O’Hara Tuairloistreain 

 12 Francis Quinn  

 13 Stephen Coen Naomh Mhuire 

 14 Kenneth Sweeney  

 15 Adrian Marren Curraigh 

 

 16 Jason Farrell  

 17 Brian Kennedy Tuairloistreain 

 18 Keelan  Cawley Cuil Irra/Leathros 

 19 Mark Quinn  

 20 Noel McGuire Iascaigh 

 21 Eugene  Mullen Iascaigh 

 22 Sean Davey Curraigh 

 23 Brendan Egan Tuairloistreain 

 24 David Maye Curraigh 

 25 Mark Breheny Naomh Mhuire 

 26 Alan Taaffe Naomh Miceal


 

 

19-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Mickey Moran confident young guns can step up

Moran confident young guns can step up

Leitrim – Can expect their supporters to be in full voice at Markievicz Park

By Rory Houston – @RTESundayGame

Leitrim Manager Mickey Moran has praised the attitude and commitment of his young team ahead of the Connacht Senior Football match with Sligo in Markievicz Park on Sunday.

Leitrim make the trip to Sligo with little expectation on their shoulders, with Moran naming seven Championship debuntants for the clash with the Yeatsmen.

There has been signs in the league campaign and in recent challenge matches that the young side could have what it takes to pose a serious threat to Kevin Walshs men.

Moran has acknowledged that the hard work has been done by the Leitrim players.

It remains to be seen what happens on Sunday but the young lads have worked very hard all year. We had a big natural turnover at the end of last year from the previous year.

We lost about four Championship forwards all to emigration and work commitments. Weve got lots on young players and their enthusiasm and spirit and attitude has been tremendous.

But you dont know until Championship day how they will cope with the pressure. Im quite confident that they will.

Leitrim finished third from bottom in the Allianz League Division 4, awarding a walkover to London in the final game as it was a dead-rubber. After some encouraging performances in the closing stages of the campaign, Moran feels his side are closing to finding the winning touch.

A lot of the media just look at the figures in the table and we were just above Kilkenny and London. We conceded the points to London which I wasnt happy with myself but that is the way it panned out.

The last couple of performances were quite good – the only thing missing was that killer punch. We have worked on that and hopefully we see it on Sunday.

Emlyn Mulligan has been handed a starting role on Sunday after two injury-hit years for the county. An expert free-taker, he will provide a huge boost to the Leitrim side and Moran hopes Mulligan will set about making up for lost time, starting in Markievicz Park.

Emlyn is a very, very talented footballer. He has two bad years in terms of injury. He has worked very hard to recover from the cruciate ligament injuries and it is a lonely cause rehabilitating such an injury. He really has applied himself to it.

He knows himself he has missed a couple of years of football and he doesnt want that to happen again. He is in very, very good shape and has built himself up well.

We have a lot of young lads who have been stepping up to the mark. We have had to do a lot of coaching and the lads have been really attentive and applied themselves.

A semi-final meeting with Roscommon is the prize for the winners of Sundays clash. Sligo will be expected to advance to a date with the Rossies but the Leitrim Manager still has his eyes on an upset, hoping to reward the hard work done by all connected with the countys footballers.

There is a great spirit. It has been tough times as there always is in Leitrim because of turnover and lack of resources but the board and the backroom team have been fantastic.

It is all to do with players and they have been wonderful to work with. I just hope they put in a performance now.

The supporters in Leitrim have been through a lot of lean times but they are marvellous people in terms of their pride and commitment to the team and their support is absolutely phenomenal.

 

 

18-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Leitrim team to play Sligo

LEITRIM TEAM TO PLAY SLIGO

IN THE CONNACHT FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

This Sunday (22nd May, 2011) at 3.30 pm in Markievicz Park, Sligo.

Mickey Moran has named the 26 man panel to face Sligo in the Connacht Football Championship Quarter Final.

Seven players make their senior championship debuts. RonanÓgallagher, Paddy Maguire, Daniel Lowe, Paul Brennan, Robert Lowe, Adrian Croal and Conor Beirne.

Two sets of brothers – Daniel and Robert Lowe from St Marys and Tomas and Conor Beirne from Eslin make the starting 15.

James Glancy, from the Glencar/Manorhamilton Club, captains the side from corner forward. 

 

Liatroim

Cathal McCrann   –  Gortletteragh
Dermot Reynolds   –  Annaduff
RonanÓgallagher   –  Mohill
Paddy Maguire   –  Glencar/Manorhamilton
Barry Prior   –  Aughawillan
Gary Reynolds   –  Carrigallen
Wayne McKeon   –  Ballinamore Sean OHeslins
Tomás Beirne   –  Eslin
Daniel Lowe   –  St Marys
Paul Brennan   –  Melvin Gaels
Emlyn Mulligan   –  Melvin Gaels
Robert Lowe   –  St Marys
Adrian Croal   –  Glencar/Manorhamilton
Conor Beirne   –  Eslin
James Glancy (Capt)   –   Glencar/Manorhamilton

 

Philip Farrelly   –  Ballinamore Sean OHeslins
Barry McWeeney   –  Aughnasheelin
Daniel Beck   –  Mohill
James Glancy   –  St Marys
John McKeon   –  Drumreilly
Darren Sweeney   –  Glencar/Manorhamilton
Brian McDonald   –  Glencar/Manorhamilton
Conor Kelly   –  St Patricks Dromahair
Colm Clarke   –  Drumkeerin
Conor Sheridan   –  Melvin Gaels
Fergal Clancy   –   Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher 

BEST OF LUCK TO THE TEAM AND MAnÓgEMENT.

 

 

 

 

18-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Ladies News

Cumann Peil na mBán Liatroma

Gilberts Division One League Final

The Division One League Final took place on Sunday last. In a closely contested battle in tough conditions Dromahair emerged victorious. Congratulations to Dromahair who made history for their club. Commiserations to Kiltubrid. With such a final we will be all anticipating what is to come in the Senior Championship.

U14 Blitz

Congratulations to the U14 team on reaching the Division Two final on Saturday last where they were defeated by Tipperary. This year is seeing this team competing at higher levels and without doubt it will only be a matter of time before they will reap the benefits of the hard work they are putting in.

Bord Gais Division 3

A huge congratulations must go to Aine Tighe who was recently named on the Bord Gais Division Three team of the year. Aine is the only Leitrim Player represented. Congratulations again Aine!

Results and Fixtures

Please see this website and the fixtures and results section of the Leitrim Observer for the most up to date fixtures and results.

Rest in Peace

On behalf of Cumann Peil na mBán, Liatroma we would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Glancy Family on the passing of Michael Glancy, Manorhamilton. Michael is the father of the current Leitrim Captain James Glancy and Coiste Contae Liatroma PRO Colette Fox. Our condolences go out to the Glancy family and their extended family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

 

 

 

17-May-11 by Camilla McDonagh – PRO