The ‘Cadbury Hero of the Future’ award is part of Cadbury’s continued sponsorship of the under 21 football championship, highlighting the achievements of individuals for outstanding teamwork, passion and performance on the field. Former winners include Keith Higgins – Mayo (2006), FintanÓgoold – Cork (2007) Killian Young – Kerry (2008), Colm O’Neill – Cork (2009) and Rory O’Carroll – Dublin (2010). The question is – who will it be this year?
Looking at the past five winners and how they have progressed onto the senior stage, the award has proven to be a great predictor of future senior stars. Killian Young, Colm O’Neill and FintanÓgould have all gone on to claim All-Ireland Senior medals with Kerry and Cork respectively. Keith Higgins continues to be a constant name in the Mayo defence while Rory O’Carroll was one of the star performers for Dublin in last year’s campaign.
A ‘Hero of the Match’ Award is presented to 15 players, selected based on their performance, from the provincial semi-finals stage through to the All-Ireland final. The winners of the ‘Cadbury Hero of the Match’ awarded during the Championship are shortlisted for the overall ‘Hero of the Future’ award. Due to Galway ace Mark Hehir receiving two awards, there are 14 players on the shortlist this year.
This year’s list of nominees is made of players from eight different counties (Kerry, Cork, Roscommon, Galway, Cavan, Monaghan, Westmeath and Wexford) with All-Ireland finalists Galway and Cavan both having the highest number of nominees with 3 (Mark Hehir, Tomas Fahy and Tomas Flynn from Galway and Gearoid McKiernan, Jack Brady and Barry Reilly from Cavan).
The Cadbury U21 championship continues to be difficult to predict and with early casualties such as Dublin, Mayo, Down and Armagh, it proved to be yet another intriguing championship.
The championship kicked off in Leinster and after a string of surprising results, Carlow faced Wexford and Longford faced Westmeath in the last four. In the first semi final, SeanÓgaul received the Hero of the Match award after an excellent performance from full back. Very comfortable on the ball and well able to marshal the Carlow attack, Sean was always looking to drive his team forward and inspired Wexford to the Leinster final. In the second semi final, Westmeath were looking to make it to back to back Leinster finals, but came up against a very strong Longford side. Although on the wrong end of the result, Conor Lynam was the stand out player on the pitch and showed great skill from placed balls as he kept Westmeath in the tie with 6 points.
Wexford were in the Leinster final for the first time since 2008 and looking to claim their first title. Michael O’Regan won the Hero of the Match award after a brilliant performance from midfield Scóring 2 points including one fantastic free towards the end of the game which settled Wexford and sent them on the way to claiming their first ever U21 Leinster title.
In Munster, Cork came up against Tipperary, while Kerry came up against Limerick. Mark Collins received the Hero of the match award in the Munster semi final for an outstanding display which included 8 points (5 from frees) against the reigning Munster champions Tipperary. Paul Geaney received the Hero of the Match award in a Munster semi final for the second year running. Kerry travelled to Limerick and after a close first half, Kerry ran out comfortable winners in the end thanks to 2-03 from Paul, 2-02 coming from play.
Traditional Munster powers, Kerry and Cork played in the U21 Munster final for the first time since 2004. It promised much but proved to be a very one sided affair with Barry O’Driscoll receiving the Hero of the Match award for his performance. Cork beat arch rivals Kerry by an unbelievable 22 points to claim the Munster crown. Barry kicked from 1-06 full-forward with 1-04 coming from play.
Mayo were a surprise casualty in Connacht having been beaten by Roscommon in the opening round. Roscommon progressed to play Leitrim and were inspired by corner forward, Niall Kilroy who scored 4 points to ensure Roscommon returned to the Connacht final which they were looking to retain. Only just back from injury Niall kicked 3 points from play. In a repeat of the 2010 Connacht semi final, Galway faced Sligo but after an early Scóring spree the result was never going to be repeated. Mark Hehir, playing at centre forward received the Hero of the Match award for his part in the demolition of Sligo kicking 8 points.
Galway were looking to claim their first Connacht title since 2005. Tomas Fahy, had a great game from wing back and managed to get on the score sheet with a very well taken point. Always looking to get up to pitch, Tomas also proved a resolute defender and Galway limited Roscommon to just 0-04 points in the game.
Cavan claimed victory against the holders DonÓgal in the Ulster Semi Final. Barry Reilly received the Hero of the Match for his part in the great performance. Barry kicked 5 points from the wing forward positions and proved to be a real live wire in open play and deadly from placed balls, claiming 4 points from frees. Tyrone and Down served up three thrilling contests in the Ulster quarter final and eventually Tyrone emerged to face Monaghan in the semi final. Monaghan came up against a tried and tested Tyrone side and had a blistering start to the game and lead by 1-02 to no score, however Tyrone came back strong to claim victory. Christopher McGuinness was the main attacking threat for Monaghan and finished off the game with 1-04, 1-03 coming from play and was awarded the Hero of the Match award.
Cavan were back in the Ulster final after defeat by DonÓgal the previous year but proved hungrier this year and with Gearoid McKiernan in fine form, the captain of the Cavan side inspired his team to Cavan’s first U21 provincial success since 1996. He proved to be a real leader on the pitch, constantly looking to get on the ball, setting up attacks and covering in defence. His two points before the break proved vital as it gave Cavan a four point advantage and a massive platform for eventual victory.
In the first Cadbury All-Ireland semi final, Galway came into the game as underdogs as they faced a Cork team boasting Aidan Walsh and Ciarán Sheehan. Thomas Flynn had the task of marking the Young Player of the Year and came out on top. He dominated the middle, scored a point but also tackled well and worked very hard as Galway sent the favourites packing. In the second Cadbury All Ireland semi final, Cavan had just a three day turn around before they had to face Leinster champions Wexford. Jack Brady showed no signs of fatigue at corner forward as he scored 3 points, 2 from play and tormented the Wexford defence with his constant movement and hard work rate.
The Cadbury U21 final was confirmed to take place in Croke Park ahead of the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 clash. Cavan fans travelled in their thousands in hope of a very first All-Ireland at under 21 level, but despite a great start, Cavan couldn’t withstand the Galway onslaught. Mark Hehir, who previously claimed the Hero of match award in the Connacht semi final, also claimed the Cadbury Hero of the Match award in the Cadbury All-Ireland final against Cavan. He kicked 7 points on the day but his ability to pick up breaks and his distribution were both top class. His overall play deserved the Hero of the Match award.
The winners of the ´Cadbury Hero of the Match´ awarded during the Championship are now shortlisted on the Cadbury GAA website and you – as a member of the public are invited to vote online for your choice of ´Cadbury Hero of the Future´.
Kildare senior footballer Dermot Earley, Kerry legend Darragh O´Sé, former Dublin Manger Paul Caffrey and TG4´s Michael O Domhnaill adjudicate the competition and determine who the overall winner will be, taking the public vote into consideration.
http://www.cadburygaau21.com/heroes-of-the-future
30-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
Leitrim team to play Roscommon
County FootballThe Leitrim team to play Roscommon in the Connacht Football Championship Semi Final will be released on this website tomorrow morning (Wednesday 8th).
Connacht Senior Football Championship Semi Final
Leitrim v Roscommon
Sunday 12th June 2011 at 2pm in Páirc Seán.
07-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
Work placements available for Members of the GAA
GeneralWork placements available for Members of the GAA
Begin Again career initiative helps 240 return to workforce
Members of the GAA who are eager to rejoin the workforce have the opportunity to take up some 300 work placements provided by Begin Again(www.beginÓgain.ie), a career advancement programme developed by the Irish Centre for Business Excellence (ICBE).
The programme which was launched in 2010 has already placed over 400 unemployed people in work placements throughout Ireland. Over 240 of these have now returned to employment, providing the exchequer with an additional estimated €4.8m on an annualised basis.
The ICBE Begin Again programme provides participants with the opportunity to partake in a highly targeted twelve week work placement within a suitable company. The Programme is a mix of certified training, internship and mentoring, with four central themes; employment and employability, resilience and well being, innovation and enterprise and lifelong learning and training.
Over 300 Companies have taken part in the programme to date with established companies such as Supermacs, Boston Scientific and Bewleys all providing work placements and full time employment opportunities.
Funded by the Labour Market Activation Fund, the Begin Again programme has enabled people who were experiencing both short term and long term unemployment gain that crucial foothold back into the workforce. To date 41% of participants have obtained employment, 19% have gained self employment or contracts with a further 5% re-entering the education system. A further 21% are currently in workplaces with real job prospects.
Reflecting on the programme, Trevor Quinn a recent participant said, "Begin Again offered me an ideal platform to secure work in a difficult economic climate. Following three months with The Mayo News on the Begin Again programme the newspaper has now offered me a new contract. The group dynamic on our training days was supportive, positive and practical throughout. I couldnt recommend the programme highly enough, a fantastic initiative which enables unemployed professionals to source employment and thrive again in a working environment."
Mike Gaffney, spokesperson for Begin Again is urging more people to take a proactive first step and contact Begin Again by logging onto www.beginÓgain.ie. "We currently have work placements available right across the country including Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick and Waterford. These positions include roles in Sales, Marketing, Office Administration, IT, Accounting and Research."
The Begin Again programme is primarily aimed at experienced and professional individuals who, once given the opportunity are bringing real value to a company or business. All participants taking part in the Begin Again programme must have availed of unemployment assistance from the Social Welfare for the period of three months. Begin Again participants retain all of their social welfare benefits during the work placement programme.
Explaining the impact of Begin Again, Pat OConnor, CEO of the ICBE said, "We have seen participants come from a broad range of backgrounds and educational levels including engineers, accountants, quantity surveyors, sales and administration professionals and operational level people. Having had a successful outcome for over three quarters of our 400 participants, 49% of whom were long term unemployed, we believe we are providing a valuable service for the Irish public and the Irish State. We estimate that Begin Again is costing less than 50% of any previous government sponsored labour market activation programme."
The strength of the programme is its ability to successfully match individuals skills and expertise with industry gaps and opportunities. Participants meet with a number of possible companies to discuss the mutual benefits of a work placement. As a result of the work placements; applicants gain additional experience as well as mentoring support and training whilst the companies gain an additional member of staff for a focused project to be delivered at no extra cost. The overall benefit for both is the prospect of full time employment and in securing an up-skilled focused employee.
For further information on the Begin Again programme go to www.beginÓgain.ie or call 061 371753
Issued on behalf of Begin Again by Murray Consultants.
For Further Information please contact
John McGuinness
Murray Consultants
01 498 0361
087 6417451
jmcguinness@murrayconsult.ie
06-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
Ted Webb Cup 2011
Coiste na nÓgTed Webb Cup 2011
Round Date Team 1 Team 2 Group Venue Throw in Referee
Round 1 Sat 16th July Sligo vs. Mayo NW Group 1 Castlebar 12noon
Round 1 Sat 16th July Galway CW vs. Leitrim Group 1 Castlebar 12noon
Round 2 Sat 16th July Leitrim vs. Mayo NW Group 1 Castlebar 1pm
Round 2 Sat 16th July Sligo vs. Galway CW Group 1 Castlebar 1pm
Round 3 Sat 16th July Sligo vs. Leitrim Group 1 Castlebar 2pm
Round 3 Sat 16th July Mayo NW vs. Galway CW Group 1 Castlebar 2pm
Round 1 Sat 16th July Mayo SE vs. RoscommonÓgroup 2 Tuam Stadium 12noon
Round 2 Sat 16th July Galway vs. RoscommonÓgroup 2 Tuam Stadium 1pm
Round 3 Sat 16th July Galway vs. Mayo SE Group 2 Tuam Stadium 2pm
Shield Final Mon 1st August Ballyhaunis
Cup Final Mon 1st August Ballyhaunis
05-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
Coca-Cola 125 Years Thank You Fund
GeneralCoca-Cola has established the Coca-Cola 125 Years Thank You Fund, in partnership with The Wheel and the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action NICVA). Coca-Cola are donating €125,000 to the fund which will be granted to non-profit community, voluntary and charitable organisations throughout the island of Ireland to help support initiatives focused on the following areas; Social and Education Programmes aimed at Youth, Healthy and Active Lifestyles, and Environmental Leadership. Ten organisations will receive €10,000 each and five organisations will receive €5000 each.
Visit the Coca-Cola website for further details.
04-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
VHI GAA Cul Camps
CoachingVhi GAA Cul camps 2011
Leitrim GAA will host 12 regional based Vhi GAA Cul camps during the months of July and August at the following venues: Ck-on – Shannon, Manorhamilton, Drumshanbo, Dromod, Kinlough, Gortletteragh, Aughavas, Dromahair, Fenagh, Leitrim, Drumkeerin and Ballinamore. Vhi GAA Cul camps cater for children from age 6 to 12 years, and all activities are graded to cater for children of all abilities.
This year all participants will receive a specially designed Vhi GAA cul camp kit ie. Jersey, togs & socks complete with back pack and with no increase on last years prices Vhi GAA cul camps remainÓgreat value. All equipment including Hurleys and Helmets will be provided by Leitrim GAA.
Full details of all camps is available on the Leitrim GAA website and booking can be completed on line or by completing the application form distributed through the primary schools. Further information can be had by contacting Thomas Keenan on 087 6591049.
03-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
Ticketing Information Leitrim v Roscommon
County FootballConnacht Championship:
Sunday 12th June 2011
Connacht Football Championship 2011
Venue: Pairc Sean MacDiarmuida, Carrick on Shannon.
Senior: Leitrim vs. Roscommon 2pm
Development Squads: Leitrim vs. Roscommon at 12noon
Ticket Prices:
Seating- €30
Sideline seating- €25
Terrace €20
Children €5 (Under 16)
Group passes available from Connacht GAA office
Students can get refund of €10 on Sideline Seating or Terrace Tickets with valid ID at Ticket kiosk at the venue
OAPs can get refund of €10 on Stand, Sideline seating or Terrace Tickets with valid ID at Ticket kiosk at the venue.
Tickets can be sourced from;
Connacht GAA Office
Address: Clare Street, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo
Ph: (094) 9630335
Email: reception.connacht@gaa.ie
Leitrim County Board,
address: Pairc Sean MacDiarmada, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim.
email: secretary.leitrim@gaa.ie
phone: (071) 9620441
Roscommon County Board
address: 5-6 Castle View, Roscommon
email: administrator.roscommon GAA.ie
phone: (090) 6627176
www.gaaroscommon.ie
Tickets also available from clubs in the competing counties.
Tickets can also be sourced from www.tickets.ie
Tickets will also be on sale at selected Supervalu outlets in the competing counties, see www.connachtgaa.ie for details.
Supervalu Ticket Outlets- Connacht Championship 2011
Sunday 12th June 2011
Pairc Sean MacDiarmuida, Carrick-on-Shannon
Senior: Leitrim vs. Roscommon at 2pm
Dev: Leitrim vs. Roscommon at 12noon
Thursday 9th June– Roscommon
Duffy, Supervalu, Ballaghadereen 4.30-7pm
Friday 10th June– Leitrim & Roscommon
Donohue Supervalu, Ballinamore 12-2.30pm
Kellys Supervalu, Boyle 12-2.30pm
Cahill Supervalu, Castlerea 4.30-7pm
Smith, Supervalu, Monksland 4.30-7pm
Saturday 11th June –
Fleming Supervalu- Roscommon town 11am-1pm
Glancy Supervalu, Carrick-on-Shannon 11am-1pm
For further information contact Connacht GAA Council Offices;
Phone: 094)9630335
email: reception.connacht@gaa.ie
01-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
May Sammon RIP
GeneralCoiste Chontae Liatroma extend deepest sympathy to the family of the late May Sammon, Aughnasheelin who passed away yesterday (Tuesday 31st May).
The Sammon family have a long association with Leitrim GAA and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.
Funeral Announcement and Arrangements.
The death has occurred of May SAMMON, (née Murphy) of Derrinkeher McDonald, Aughnasheelin, Leitrim
May She Rest in Peace
Prayers in her home on Wednesday evening (1st June) at 7.30pm. Removal from her home to St. Marys Church Aughnasheelin on Thursday morning (2nd June) for funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
House private on Thursday morning, please. Family flowers only, donations, in lieu, to the Irish Cancer Society.
01-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
Cumann Peil na mBain Liatroma
LadiesCumann Peil na mBán Liatroma
U14 All Ireland Semi Final
A huge Congratulations must go the county U14 team on their win on Sunday last in the All Ireland ‘A’ Championship Shield in the Downs, Co. WestMeath. The Final score was Leitrim 3-12, Kildare 1-10. This historic win now means the girls meet Kerry in the All Ireland Final. It is important to note that this the first Underage ladies team to reach an A final in their respective series. Congratulations also must be paid to Pat McWeeney and his backroom team on making sure the ladies were well prepared onÓgetting to these stages. The final date has not been officially declared as of yet and updates will be provided when we get a finalised date.
Annaduff Credit Union U14 Championship
Due to the success of the Leitrim U14 Ladies, the U14 13 Aside A Final, the U14 11 Aside A & B finals scheduled for Saturday June 4th in Ballinamore are now postponed until Saturday June 18th with Venues and times to be confirmed.
01-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
Ulster Bank GAA Force Initiative
GeneralUlster Bank GAA-Stars announce Ulster Bank GAA Force initiative to kick-off GAA Football All-Ireland Championship Sponsorship Campaign
Ulster Bank, is celebrating its three-year extended sponsorship of the GAA Football All-Ireland Championship with the launch today of a major new club focused initiative, called Ulster Bank GAA Force. The initiative will support local GAA clubs across the country by giving them the opportunity to refurbish and upgrade their facilities.
As part of the Ulster Bank GAA Force initiative, one lucky GAA club will receive the top award including support worth €25,000, while four runners-up (one from each province) will receive a support package worth €5,000. Open to GAA clubs across the island of Ireland, entries must be submitted online – www.ulsterbank.com/gaa – by Friday, 19th August 2011. Entrants will provide details of their clubs plans to make improvements, the role of the club in their locality and the benefits the makeover would make to the club and the wider community. The first 100 clubs to register will also receive a mini support package to the value of €100.
As well as offering financial support, the Ulster Bank GAA Force initiative aims to show the power of team spirit by bringing local communities together over the October bank holiday weekend to carry out improvements to their GAA club facilities. Helpful, downloadable tools and guidance on how to build a team of helpers for each club are available on the Ulster Bank GAA Force website.
Speaking at the launch of Ulster Bank GAA Force, Seán Óg Ó hAilpín, Ulster Bank GAA Force Ambassador, said: "This is the first time an initiative like this has been set up across the country. Ulster Bank GAA Force creates the perfect opportunity for local communities to pull together to improve their clubs facilities. A number of clubs across the country have been struggling to maintain and improve facilities in recent years. Ulster Bank GAA Force is about providing a helpful hand by bringing the community together to get behind their local club. I know at first-hand how important the GAA club is in local communities and this Ulster Bank GAA Force initiative will provide a massive boost, not only for the winning club but also for the communities of the winning clubs."
Assisting Seán Óg Ó hAilpín at the launch of Ulster Bank GAA Force were, Ulster Bank footballers, Darran OSullivan and Kieran Donaghy (Kerry), Joe Bergin and Finian Hanley (Galway) along with Ulster Bank hurlers JohnÓgardiner (Cork) and Michael Fennelly (Kilkenny).
In addition to Ulster Bank GAA Force, Ulster Bank is teaming up with Newstalk 106-108 fm to bring the Off the Ball Roadshow with Ulster Bank across the country once again. The Ulster Bank GAA Stars will be on the road with the Newstalk sports team conducting live broadcasts in eight counties throughout the championship, starting in June.
For more information and to access behind the scenes footage and analysis throughout the 2011 GAA Football All-Ireland Championship, go to www.ulsterbank.com/gaa.
01-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
U12 Mini League 2011
Coiste na nÓgAll mentors must wear the Respect bibs and players are to line up and shake hands before and after all games.All Referees have been advised to note in their reports if clubs are operating the initative.
GROUPINGS AND FIXTURES