Centre of Excellence on track as GAA appeal for Support
Article by John Connolly (Leitrim Observer)
Leitrim GAA have made a renewed appeal to the countys fans to row in behind this years Leitrim Supporters Club draw after they revealed that the countys teams will be using the new Centre of Excellence from September 2012.
Leitrim GAA County Board Chairman Joe Flynn and Secretary Diarmuid Sweeney told the Leitrim Observer that the two all-weather pitches are ready for seeding and work is already well underway on the extended dressing room complex at the new Leitrim GAA Centre of Excellence.
And both officials have asked the people of Leitrim to get behind the current Leitrim Supporters Club campaign after they revealed that the entire project in Annaduff has not yet cost the Board anything.
"The two full-sized and match capable pitches are ready for seeding and once we allow 15 to 16 months for the bedding in process, the new Centre of Excellence will be fully operational and available to all County teams, mens and ladies, and development squads," Joe Flynn revealed.
"The building of the extended dressing room complex is already under way, which will include four dressing rooms, a kitchen, an indoor handball alley and a weights room while the floodlights will be 350 lux, which is the requirement from Croke Park to stage matches. We considered the location very carefully as it is ideally located for our players travelling from Dublin, Galway, Sligo, Kinlough, etc." However, Joe agreed that while the County Board have not had to levy clubs or dip into their own reserves, the success of the Leitrim Supporters Club draw is never more important. "Thankfully we havent had to dip into our own finances for the construction work to date but I particularly want to pay tribute to the clubs of Leitrim who agreed to put the €250,000 grant that we received thanks to the opening of Croke Park to other sports towards the cost of the Centre of Excellence. "We are definitely hoping that we wont have to levy clubs for this development in the years to come if the Supporters Club draw is successful. We have been operating under a very tight budget for the last few years and I wish to acknowledge the help of the clubs of the county. "We are hoping that a successful Supporters Club Draw will enable us to ease the financial burden on the County Board and enable us to push on and complete the project on time.
Secretary Diarmuid Sweeney revealed that, for once, the financial down-turn has helped Leitrims cause – "The tendering process has been supervised in conjunction with Croke Park and the prices did come down over the lifetime of the project. "We did re-tender the project twice and we have made major savings in that time. Croke Park helped with the tendering process for the construction of the pitches and the dressing rooms complex.
"Croke Park also insisted that we install a spectator facility for 250 people and the Centre of Excellence will be available for schools games, which is a major burden for schools during the winter. We are also going to implement a time-management structure for the Centre as we want to ensure that the county football and hurling teams, ladies teams and development teams all have full access to the Centre. The two pitches will be well able to stand up to the proposed usage and we have also signed a six year maintenance contract for the grounds."
Appealing for the countys clubs to get behind this years Supporters Club Draw, Joe Flynn said "We have changed the format this year in that we have allocated all clubs a specific amount to sell. We believe that it is a realistic amount and all clubs are required to sell their allocation and the Supporters Club Draw is so important to us as a County Board to be able to prepare our teams to the highest standards."
With €850,000 already spent on the purchase of the grounds and the development to date of the Centre of Excellence in Annaduff, which has been funded completely so far thanks to grants from Croke Park. Leitrim GAA County Board estimate that the entire cost of the project will come between €1.7 and €2 million.
Many thanks to John Connolly in the Leitrim Observer for allowing us to re-produce the above article.
Tickets are currently on sale in all the clubs of the county at a price of €40 with every ticket sold seeing the purchaser receive their Leitrim Supporters Club 2011 Car sticker and a specially commissioned Leitrim Supporters Club Scórf to mark the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the club. Members will also be in with a chance of winning a number of fabulous prizes in the supporters club draw.
Please contact your club to renew or join the Leitrim Supporters Club. Alternatively contact myself (Collette Fox – PRO Leitrim GAA) by email pro.leitrim@gaa.ie or on 0866020192.
MANY THANKS FOR YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT.
11-Mar-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
Additional Gaeltacht Scholarships
ScórAdditional Gaeltacht Scholarships
Leitrim Co Board is able to offer two half-scholarships (value €450 each) to two boys who are GAA members to Coláiste Ó Direáin, which is situated on Inis Mór, Aran Islands. The grants are sponsored by the College itself. The grants are for the course from 24 July to 14 August. Anyone interested in applying for these grants please write to Máire Ni Mhaoilbhlia, Oifigeach Cultúir agus Teanga, Coillte na Sionnach, Achadh na Sileann, Béal an Átha Móir, Co Liatroma, roimh 25 Márta 2011 or e-mail to irishculturalofficer.leitrim@gaa.ie.
15-Mar-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
Connacht Scór Finals – 5 Leitrim titles
ScórAnother incredible night for Leitrim in the Connacht Scór Finals in Elphin, Co Roscommon on Saturday night scooping 5 of the 8 titles. Seán O Heslins record 16th win in the novelty act category at Connacht level, with 5 All-Ireland titles under their belt, they are heading to the INEC hoping for a 6th. Best of luck in the All Ireland finals to all concerned as Leitrim competitors and supporters prepare for the long journey to Killarney. Tickets for the All Ireland Finals in the INEC Killarney on Saturday 9th April must be ordered in advance. All tickets are non-refundable and must be ordered through your clubs Scór officer by Friday 18th March.
Connacht winners:
Rince Foirne : Glencar/Manorhamilton, Leitrim
Amhranaíocht Aonair: Aisling Sammon, Aughnasheelan, Leitrim
Ceol Uirlise: Dromahair, Leitrim
Aithriseoireacht: Mick Rock, Roscommon
Bailéad Ghrúpa: Mountbellew- Moylough, Galway
Tráth na gCeist: Claremorris, Mayo
Nuachleas: Seán OHeslins, Leitrim
Sean Os: Roscommon/ Mayo (Tie)
Rince Seit: Glencar/Manorhamilton, Leitrim
14-Mar-11 by Claire Crossan – PRO – Scor
Golf Classic
GeneralLeitrim GAA will host a Golf Classic in Carrick on Shannon Golf Course on Saturday 9th April, 2011 at 11am.
Leitrim GAA is delighted to announce the inaugural Golf Classic to be held in Leitrim on Saturday 9th April.
This will be an ideal opportunity for Leitrim gaels to meet up and converse on gaelic and golf matters. Past and present Leitrim players and officials as well as Leitrim supporters will have the opportunity to meet up at this event to be held at the wonderfully appointed Carrick on Shannon Golf Course.
One of the main prizes will be free entry to the hugely successful annual Leitrim Golf Classic held in Dublin which is celebrating 21 years this year. It takes place at the Edmondstown golf Course in Rathfarnam, Dublin on the 20th May, 2011.
As many clubs hold Golf Classics of their own we would urge clubs to promote this event amongst their golf enthusiasts. As always you dont have to be a club member to participate and team entry fee is 200 euro.
For further details contact chairman.leitrim@gaa.ie or secretary.leitrim@gaa.ie
14-Mar-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
All Ireland Club Final
GeneralCoiste Chontae Liatroma extend best wishes to St Brigids from Roscommon who contest the All Ireland Senior Club Football Final in Croke Park on St Patricks Day.
In Connacht, St Brigids accounted for Eastern Harps (Sligo) in the preliminary round and our ownÓglencar Manorhamilton in a thrilling semi final played in Pairc Sean. In the Connacht Final they defeated Killererin (Galway) after extra time in another thrilling game. They defied all the odds to reach the All Ireland Final when they defeated a much fancied Nemo Rangers (Cork) two weeks ago and now face Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) in the St Patricks Day decider.
14-Mar-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
Allianz Football League – Division 4 Roundup
Club FootballLongford gained a valuable point when they drew with Wicklow in Aughrim today and this sees them sit proudly on top of Division 4 with Wicklow currently in 2nd place.
Roscommon (still with a game in hand over the top two) were 3 points winners over Fermanagh in Kiltoom minus the St Brigids contingent who contest the All Ireland Club Final on St Patricks Day.
As can be seen from the table, the top 3 are beginning to put some daylight between themselves and the chasing pack but 4th placed Leitrim do have two games in hand over the top two.
Next weekend Leitrim host neighbours Fermanagh in Pairc Sean and if Leitrim have any hope of challenging for promotion – this is a must winÓgame.
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WEEKEND RESULTS
Saturday, 12th Mar 2011
13-Mar-11 by Colette Fox – PRO