Cadbury Hero of the Future

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

Club Stewards for Connacht Football Semi Final

Coiste Chontae Liatroma are honoured to host the Connacht Football Championship semi final between Leitrim and Roscommon on Sunday the 12 June. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our facilities at Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada and within Arás Mhic Samhrain. 

Accordingly, clubs are asked to kindly furnish names of two members of their club who are willing to officiate as stewards within the grounds on Sunday 12th June. Club stewards will be required to attend for briefing at 10.30am on Sunday the 12th and will have completed their duties by 3.45pm. Note: stewards may not wear County colours.  Please contact your club officers if you are willing to officiate.

This game is scheduled for 2pm.

 

 

27-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

U13 Regional Competition

Message from Coaching Officer

Please find below details of amalgamations for U-13 regional competition:

Lough Erril Gaels – Annaduff, Bornacoola, Mohill, Gortlettragh
Sheemore Gaels – St. Marys, Fenagh-St Caillins, Kiltrubid
Glenade Gaels – Glencar/Manorhamilton, Melvin Gaels, Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher
Belhavel Gaels – Drumkeerin, Allen Gaels, Leitrim Gaels, Dromahair
Yellow River Gaels – Ballinamore-Sean OHeslins, Carrigallen, Aughavas, Garadice Gaels, Aughnasheelin

These amalgamations were put together based on numbers committed to me by clubs following personal contact with each other. Geographic location was also a factor. Only clubs who had players born in 1998 registered on their official affiliations to Coiste NaOg were included.
I would ask club secretaries to pass these details on to the designated co-ordinator in their club for this competition. I will be following up with contact details for the co-ordinators in each club this evening/tomorrow morning.

I would ask that all clubs ensure that the numbers passed on to me turn for this to ensure that all our amalgamations are viable. With this in mind I will be suggesting a date and time for all amalgamations to meet up for a training/familiarisation session to ensure we have viable teams in all cases prior to the start of the competition.

 
Mise le fíor mheas,
Padraig MacDhorcai
Oifigeach Oiliuna
Coiste Chontae Liatroma CLG
email: coachingofficer.leitrim@gaa.ie
Mobile Phone: 086-8106431
Home Phone: 071-9133829

 

 

27-May-11 by Padraig McGourty

Barry Prior – Self Belief was the Key

Leitrim defender Barry Prior has stated that self belief was the key to Leitrims shock win over Sligo at Markievicz Park on Sunday. 

Mickey Morans men stunned last years Connacht SFC finalists with a 1-10 to 0-10 victory to book their place in the last four of province and Prior said afterwards that the players never had any doubt in themselves of causing an upset.

"It was a great day for us. I suppose not too many gave us a chance coming down here, but we knew within ourselves that we were capable if we put in the performance," said Prior. 

The Aughawillan man agreed that Conor Beirnes superb second-half goal was the turning point for the Ridge County, who he believes will hold no fears when defending champions Roscommon travel to Carrick-on-Shannon next month.

"I thought he (Beirne) took his goal very well and it was perfect timing," said Prior. "Leitrim will be in bonus territory in the semi-final, but they can no longer be written off as also-rans in Connacht.

He added: "Any team that has come to Páirc Seán over the last while weve given them a good game," said Prior.

"Hopefully well be able to match Roscommon. They are Connacht champions so theres something to play for."


 

 

26-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Moran delighted for his troops

Mickey Moran said that his Leitrim side proved the pundits wrong by coming through their Connacht SFC semi-final against Sligo with a shock victory.

Morans men were 5-1 outsiders heading into the provincial quarter-final date with their neighbours, but by the time the full-time whistle sounded at Markievicz Park it was 17-year-old Conor Beirnes goal that had separated the sides, handing the visitors an unexpected 1-10 to 0-10 victory.

In his post-match interview, Moran lashed out at RTÉ over predictions of a Sligo-Roscommon semi-final and lauded his players attitude and spirit which helped earn the victory.

"There were battles won across the field," the Derry man declared.

"Roscommon are one of the best teams in Connacht. We have met this last couple of years and they have beaten us. It will be a tough one. But let Leitrim players and people enjoy this because RTÉ had scheduled Roscommon and Sligo for three weeks time."

He added: "It is nice to see the sun shine on Leitrim people after a match. We worked hard and they bought into training. It did help because they had an open mind to training."

Corner-forward James Glancy dedicated the win to his late father, Michael, former team-mate Philly McGuinness, along with Moran, who he praised for his commitment to the team.

"I dont know what to say. There are so many emotions going through my mind but to put it coldly it is six years to the day since we beat a Connacht team," said Glancy.

"Mickey Moran has always put faith in us. We stood up for Mickey today. This win was for a lot of people: It was for Philly (McGuinness), it was for my father but it was ultimately for Mickey. He is the one who travels 300 or 400 miles to train us."

 

 

25-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Death of James Dooner

Death of James Dooner

James Dooner, one of the great Scór performers with Ballinamore Seán O’Heslins, passed away in Cavan Hospital last Tuesday at the relatively young age of 62. James was an all-round talented individual who could sing, dance, recite or act and he did all to perfection. He was involved hugely in Scór especially in the early years and he was one of only two people in Leitrim to win County Scór Sinsear titles in four different disciplines.

In 1973 James won the Figure Dance in Leitrim when it was a solo event. Two years later, along with Kay McAllister and Seán Creamer he won in Ballad Group. A year later, in 1975, came his greatest Scór achievement when he reached the All Ireland Finals in Amhránaíocht Aonair. Eleven years later James was part of a Rince Seit that won the County title. James also took part in plays and musicals and always gave sterling performances.

James’ son Ross has continued in his father’s footsteps and he shares a similar record as he is one of just two people from Leitrim who have won All Ireland titles in both Scór na nÓg and Scór Sinsear, both in Nuachleas. Sympathy is extended to James’ wife T I and to his son Ross and family relations. Go ndéana Dia grásta air.

 

 

25-May-11 by Sean O Suilleabhain

Connacht Football Championship Semi Final

Semi-Final

Sunday 12th June 2011

Leitrim vs. Roscommon

Pairc Sean, Carrick on Shannon.

Throw in: 2pm

Referee: tbc

 

 

 

25-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

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