It was a case of so near and yet so far for Cloone on Sunday last in Salthill as despite a flying start and a brave late rally they were defeated by Leitir Mor by a solitary point in the AIB Intermediate Connacht Club Championship semi-final.
AIB CONNACHT CLUB INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL
CLOONE 1-7
LEITIR MOR 1-8
Having raced into a four point lead inside nine minutes, the Cloone players were showing the kind of belief which never really looked evident from the Aughavas players earlier in the day. Although Leitir Mor came back into the game as the half progressed Cloone still led by a point at half-time and the omens were looking positive.
What will annoy Cloone is the fact that even though they were playing in to a strong wind in the second half, they missed several chances in the second half which would have helped them at least take the game to extra-time. Although they werent playing as well as they were in the opening period, Cloone will have every right to look back on this game as one that got away.
With the words of encouragement and advice from Gerry Flanagan, Padraig Quinn and Gerry Conway still ringing in their ears and urged on by a large travelling support from Cloone and Aughavas, Cloone made a very positive start to the game.
Senior county man Damien ODonnell was a real handful for the Leitrim Mor defence while Donal Brennan also looked a constant threat when in possession in the opening stages, while captainÓgavin Reynolds and the hugely impressive Seamus Maguire helped break up attacks get Cloone back into offensive mode.
Brennan opened the Scóring with a second minute point and that lead was doubled as Cloone continued to take the game to their opponents.
Adrian Nicholls found the run of Mark Creegan and with the other Cloone defenders making clever runs, taking the Leitir Mor defenders away from the advancing corner forward, Creegan was given the opportunity to advance, which he duly did before finishing well.
Cloones bright start to the game was rewarded with two further points, both from Damien ODonnell frees. With only nine minutes of the game gone, Cloone were being caused few problems in defence, were dominant in midfield and were running riot up front.
Leitir Mor struck for their first score of the half after 15 minutes when Daithi Mac Donnchadha converted from a free. However, Leitir Mor were still struggling to fully establish themselves in the game as Cloone continue to take the game to the Galway champions.
Leitir Mor needed a moment of inspiration and they got just that 18 minutes into the half when Daithi Mac Donnchadha executed a defence splitting diagonal ball into the path of Cormac O Conghailes run.
With only Cloone goalkeeper Kieran Casey to beat, O Conghaile made no mistake with a strong finish to level the scores.
Having been outplayed for much of the half, Leitir Mor took the lead for the first time when Mac Donnchadha converted a free.
The final nine minutes of the half were absorbing as Cloone looked to finish the half with an advantage having played with the wind, while Leitir Mor looked like they were just beginning to find their rhythm.
Donal Brennan scored his second point of the game to level matters, but Cloone had Kieran Casey to thank for not falling behind again when he produced a fine save to deny Fiachra Breathnach.
That save proved to be particularly important as within a minute, Cloone had retaken the lead with Adrian Nicholls on hand to apply the finish touch to a fine move.
Michael Lohan, Seamus Maguire and Damien ODonnell were all involved in carving the Leitir Mor defence open and when ODonnell struck it seemed as though he was going to score the games second goal.
ODonnell was denied by a fine Eoghan O Conghaile save but the unmarked Nicholls was on hand to palm the rebound to the Leitir Mor defence to reestablish a three point lead for the Leitrim Intermediate champions.
Leitir Mor were by now, however fully up to speed and they finished the half the stronger with two frees from Daithi Mac Donnchadha meaning there was just a point between the sides at the break, with Cloone leading 1-5 to 1-4.Cloone would have been hoping to start the second half as strongly as the first but instead it was Leitir Mor who seized the initiative straight from the restart.
Having scored two points in the final minutes of the first half, Leitir Mor scored two further unanswered points through Ferdia Breathnach within a minute and 15 seconds of the restart.
With the wind at their backs, Leitir Mor continued to press forward asking plenty of questions of the Cloone defence. Those questions were answered with some fine defending which helped keep the Leitir Mor attacks from registering further scores.
However, such was the pressure being exerted it was of little surprise when Leitir Mor extended their lead to two points through a Daithi Mac Donnchadha free 12 minutes into the half.
That lead was extended to three points a minute later when substitute Patrick Mark O Fatharta converted a 45 with his first touch of the ball.
Although they were trailing by only three points, Cloone were beginning to look in real danger with the game being dictated by the Leitir Mor players.
The game could have been all but over as a contest were it not for Kieran Casey who made a another fine save to deny Ferdia Breathnach with just 13 minutes of the game remaining.
With time running out, Cloone showed great resilience to lift their game in the final quarter of the game but were still struggling to make an impression on the scoreboard.
Damien ODonnells free was claimed under his crossbar by Eoghan O Conghaile while a Donal Brennan free sailed wide.
With three minutes to go, the game seemed to be up for Cloone, however the players certainly didnt share that opinion and came agonisingly close to Scóring a dramatic late goal.
Brian Mulveys searching high ball broke to Alan Canning after Adrian Nicholls had put goalkeeper O Conghaile under pressure. However O Conghaile managed to regain his composure and made a top class, one-handed save to deny Canning.
Damien ODonnell pointed in the last minute of normal time to reduce Leitir Mors lead to two points and although time was rapidly running out, Cloone were now pouring forward in numbers and were in complete control of the football.
Cloone poured forward again with Donal Brennan, Mark Beirne, Michael Lohan and Damien ODonnell all combining well as they unhinged the Leitir Mor defence. When the ball came back to Beirne he quickly surveyed his options before striking for goal from 13 meters out. Although his effort was well struck it was always veering to the left of the Leitir Mor goal and Cloone were forced to regroup and attempt to launch another attack.
If proof was needed that it wasnt going to be Cloones day it arrived in the first minute of injury time when Damien ODonnells free sailed wide. There was still time for Michael Lohan to score a late point but ultimately there was no time for Cloone to get that elusive equalising score.
Having started so well it was frustrating for Cloone to be overhauled so early in the second half and it was a bitter pill to swallow having had enough chances late in the game to force extra-time that they came up just short.
When the disappointment of last Sunday subsides, Cloone will be able to reflect on what has a great year for their club with a lot of pride and look forward to senior championship football next year.
Cloone
Kieran Casey, Seamus McCaffrey, Aidan Mulvey, Daragh Tiernan, Seamus Maguire, Gavin Reynolds, Declan Brennan, Alan Canning, Mark Beirne, Donal Brennan (0-1), Michael Lohan (0-1), Adrian Nicholls (1-0), Mark Creegan (0-1), Damien ODonnell (0-3), Padraig Harte. Subs: Brian Mulvey for Harte (27 mins), Niall Brennan for Tiernan (48 mins), Declan Tiernan for Mulvey (54 mins).
Leitir Mor
Eoghan O Conghaile, Coilin O Hogain, Seosamh Seoighe, Padraic Mac an Riogh, Michael Pol O Ceallaigh, Ciaran Bairead, Tomas O Griofa, Antaine O Griofa, Cristoir Flatharta, Cormac O Conghaile (1-0), Fiachra Breathnach (0-2), Daithi Mac Donnchadha (0-5), Eamonn O Loinsigh, Ferdia Breathnach, Peatsai Seoighe. Subs: Patrick Mark O Fatharta (0-1) for O Loinsigh (42 mins), Eanna O Cathain for Mac an Riogh (54 mins), Padraic Bairead for O Conghaile (60 mins).
Referee: R Gurren (Mayo)
05-Nov-09 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie
The Late PJ Carroll RIP, Cavan and Leitrim GAA.30th October 2024 - 9:37 pm
Leitrim GAA Masonite Ireland sponsorship deal statement
GeneralOn behalf of Coiste Chontae Liatroma we want to pay tribute to, and thank most sincerely Masonite Ireland for the sponsorship of Leitrim GAA, our Senior, Junior and under 21 teams, and our senior championship for the last 11 years.
We want to recognise and pay tribute to former managing director, Mr Jim Hoey and former employee M/s Aileen Harvey, for their courtesy, kindness and generosity to us over their years of involvement with our sponsorship deal.
To the present managing Director Mr Cormac Kearns and his staff we want to say a very sincere thank you for continuing with this generous sponsorship of Leitrim GAA up until the end of 2009
Gerry McGovern
Declan Bohan
John Mulvey
17-Nov-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Masonite Ireland – Statement
GeneralMasonite Ireland has announced the conclusion of its sponsorship deal with Leitrim GAA. Masonite commenced its support of the Leitrim Senior Team and the Senior County Championship in 1999 and has made a significant financial contribution to Leitrim GAA over an eleven year period.
Masonite Ireland managing director, Cormac Kearns acknowledged the great work done by the GAA in the County over the last eleven years and said that he was delighted that Masonite Ireland were in a position to assist in that work.
He also commended the County Board on the development of the new stand and facilities at Páirc Seán MacDiarmada and the ambitious plans for a new training facility at Annaduff.
He went on to say that Masonites association with Leitrim GAA has been mutually beneficial and rewarding. He thanked Chairman Gerry McGovern and Secretary Declan Bohan for their support to Masonite and wished them well for the future.
17-Nov-09 by Masonite Ireland
Scór na mBunscoileanna
ScórThe third night of Scór na mBunscoileanna took place in Manorhamilton on Friday last. It was another big night with St Clares NS and Gaelscoil having big representation on stage. Two other schools, St Michaels, Glenfarne and Leckaun also took part.
Over the three nights, 19 schools took part. In all there were 171 items on stage which was an increase of 26% on last year. Over 400 pupils took part overall. Míle buíochas to all of the schools who put such an effort into Scór. All of the participants got certificates and the following were the winners in Manorhamilton on Friday.
Rince Foirne: St Clares A
Ceol Grúpa: Gaelscoil ChluainínC
Aithriseoireacht: James Johnston, St Clares
Amhranaíocht Aonair: Joanne OHagan, St Michaels Glenfarne
Bailéad Ghrúpa: Gaelscoil Chluainín
Nuachleas: Gaelscoil
Rince Aonair: Declan Byrne, St Clares
Ceol Aonair: Aoife Feeney, Leckaun
Tráth na gCeist: St Clares J
The Sciath Chormaic Mhic Ghiolla was awarded to Drumlea National school
14-Nov-09 by Sean o Suiilleabhan
All County Quiz – Qualifier 2 – Manorhamilton
MeetingsAll County Quiz – Qualifier 2 – Manorhamilton
The Leitrim GAA All County Quiz continues its tour this Friday evening inÓgurns Milestone Bar, Manorhamilton. We are calling on all clubs and quiz goers in the area to make sure that you are in with a chance to qualify for the big final with €1,000 in prizes. Registration commences at 8:30pm – a great nights funÓguaranteed as its designed as an entertaining general knowledge based quiz. The quiz master is John Morrison who has put together another 10 round set of challenging questions – this is a quiz that will make you think but is not impossible to complete.
Top 4 teams from the qualifiers go through to the final on Dec 4th where there are €1,000 in prizes.
Location – Gurns Milestone Bar, Manorhamilton
Starting at 8:30pm
Represent your club and support your county at the same time – all support appreciated !
€40 per Team (4 members)
12-Nov-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Bloody Sunday Commemorative Tours
Club FootballBloody Sunday Commemorative Tours
Sunday 22nd November 2009 @ 1.30pm and 3.30pm
On Sunday 22nd November 2009 the GAA Museum will mark 89 years since the events of Bloody Sunday 1920, a day when events outside of the GAA brought politics into the heart of the Association. In remembrance of that an unforgettable date in Irish history the GAA Museum will host special Bloody Sunday Commemorative Guided Tours.
GAA Museum tour guides will recall the history of events in Croke Park on Sunday 21st November 1920 during a challenge football match between Dublin and Tipperary which resulted in the deaths of 13 civilian spectators and one Tipperary footballer Michael Hogan.
Museum visitors will take in a historical guided tour of Croke Park Stadium and will also have an opportunity to view items and photographs in the museums exhibition relating to Bloody Sunday such as an original match ticket and the whistle used by referee Mick Sammon.
There are two tours to choose from, 13.30pm and 15.30pm. Please note that the 3.30pm tour only will include the laying of a special commemorative wreath.
Adults €8, Student/Senior €6, Child €4, Family €20
Booking is essential, as places are limited.
For further details or to book a place on a tour please contact;
Education and Events Officer
Selina ORegan
Tel- 018192361
soregan@crokepark.ie
12-Nov-09 by GAA Museum
Connacht SFC- Corofin advance to final
Club FootballA brave effort from Leitrim champions Glencar/Manorhamilton fell short at Tuam Stadium yesterday as Corofins greater experience saw them advance to the final.
The champions had to recover from a strong opening quarter from a Glencar/Manor side who were hoping to become the first side from Leitrim in 12 years to reach the provincial decider.
Glencar/Manor were well worth their 0-5 to 0-3 lead after 13 minutes and Corofin, without injured Galway star Kieran Fitzgerald and top scorer Alan ODonovan, were clearly rattled.
But then Corofin took over and they held the Leitrim kingpins scoreless for the next 20 minutes before turning the screw in the second half to run out easy winners.
James Glancy kicked two frees for the visitors — one a superb effort from the left touchline — while David Poinard, Brian McDonald and Gerry Hickey also found the range to put Glencar/Manor 0-5 to 0-3 in front after 13 minutes.
pace
But the pace of county player Alan Burke and Galway minor Ronan Steede started to yield dividends for Corofin and they finished the opening half strongly with captain Kieran Comer landing a couple of frees and Steede, Aidan Donnellan and Kieran McGrath finding their range.
Glancy ended a 20-minute barren spell when he pointed from play three minutes after the restart and then he kicked another wonderful free –this time with his left foot — to leave just a point between them with 22 minutes left.
But the Leitrim champions managed just two more points from there to the end as Damien Burke, Cathal Silke and Tony Goggins shored up their defence.
A point from Michael Farragher after 39 minutes meant that all six Corofin forwards found the target but the decisive score came after 44 minutes when a Ronan Steede effort was saved by Shane Sweeney but Comer followed up to blast home the rebound to send Corofin on their way.
scorers — Corofin: K Comer 1-3 (3fs); M Farragher 1-2; K McGrath, R Steede 0-2 each; A Donnellan, A Burke, J Canney, S Monaghan 0-1 each. Glencar/Manorhamilton: J Glancy 0-5 (4f); D Poinard, B McDonald, G Hickey, A Hickey 0-1 each.
Corofin — D Morris; G Delaney, D Burke, C Silke; D Keane, T Goggins, G Sice; G Higgins, A Donnellan; M Farragher, K McGrath, R Steede; K Comer, J Canney, A Burke. Subs: S Monaghan for Delaney (44), J Burke for Steede (54).
Glencar/Manorhamilton — S Sweeney; D Poinard, A OFlynn, P Maguire; J OBrien, P Gilmartin, J Gilmartin; D Sweeney, A Hickey; G Hickey, C Ryan, D Kelly; J Glancy, B McDonald, A Croal. Subs: T McDonald for Poinard (33) A McDonald for OBrien (38), F McGourty for B McDonald (45), A Sweeney for Ryan (50), S Kerrigan for Croal (55).
Ref — D Hunt (Roscommon)
09-Nov-09 by Irish Independant.ie
All County Quiz – Ballinamore qualifier winners
MeetingsFour teams have booked their place in the finals of the All County Quiz. The first qualifier was held in Smyths Siopa Ól, Ballinamore last Friday night and a very enjoyable and entertaining night was had by all.
Quiz master John Morrison (who is the quiz master for the full series) put a lot of work into preparing 10 intriguing rounds and the feedback afterwards was very positive. On the night the first 3 positions became apparent by round 7 however it was the battle for place number 4 that kept the remaining teams motivated as only 4 points separated all teams for the last place. By round 10 all four places were filled as the Tie Breaker questions were withheld for another day.
Congratulations go to Outeragh Gaels, Carrigallen Celtic, Drumreilly Rafa and Ladies with a Willie on making it to the final on Dec 4th in Coxs Steak House, Dromod.
This Friday its over to Gurns in Manorhamilton for Qualifier number 2 followed by round 3 in Paddys, Carrick on the following Friday.
So if you couldnt make it to Ballinamore last Friday you still have a chance to get to the final which has €1,000 in prizes.
09-Nov-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Scór na mBunscoileanna – Update
ScórThe first 2 nights of Scór na mBunscoileanna have taken place in Carrick on thursday 5th and Ballinamore on friday 6th last. 15 schools and over 300 children from south leitrim participated over the two nights. The standard of performances were a credit to the schools and parents, the children really promoted the culture and talent of the schools and showed true team spirit cheering on their classmates and waving their banners and posters. All children received a certificate of their participation in the event and medals were presented at the end of each night for the best performance in each category.
The third and last night is taking place in Manorhamilton on Friday 13th next at 7pm. The Cormac Mac Ghiolla shield will be awarded to the best overall school.
Results
Carrick
Question time – Bornacoola NS
figure dance – Aughanasheelan NS
Solo Singing – Kathy Mc Loughlin, Leitrim NS
Instrumental Music – Leitrim NS
Recitation – Aaron ODonnell, Aughnasheelan NS
Ballad Group – Leitrim NS
Novelty Act – Aughavas NS
Set Dance – Aughnasheelan NS
Solo Music – Matthew Blake, Leitrim NS
Solo Dance – Sarah Ward, Aughnasheelan NS
Ballinamore
Question Time – Fenagh NS
Figure Dance – Drumlea A St Marys NS
Solo Singing – Aideen Quinn, Aughawillan NS
Instrumental Music – Carrigallen NS
Recitation – Emer Masterson, Carrigallen Ns
Ballad Group – Mohill NS
Novelty Act – St Marys NS Carrigallen
Set Dance – Ballinamore NS (A)
Solo Music – Colm Kiernan, Carrigallen NS
Solo Dance – Clodagh Mitchell Mohill NS
08-Nov-09 by Claire Crossan – Scor PRO Liatrioma
All County Quiz – Quarter Final 1 – Ballinamore
MeetingsAll County Quiz – Quarter Final 1 – Ballinamore
The Leitrim GAA All County Quiz commences its tour this Friday evening in Smyths Siopa Ól, Ballinamore. We are calling on all clubs and quiz goers in the area to make sure that you are in with a chance to qualify for the big final with €1,000 in prizes. Registration commences at 8:30pm – a great nights funÓguaranteed as its designed as an entertaining general knowledge based quiz.
Top 4 teams from the Quarters go through to the final on Dec 4th where there are €1,000 in prizes.
Location – Smyths Siopa Ól, Ballinamore
Starting at 8:30pm
Represent your club and support your county at the same time – all support appreciated !
€40 per Team (4 members)
05-Nov-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Carrigallen take Shield A Title
Club FootballCarrigallen went some way towards making up for the disappointment of missing out on the senior championship crown last month when they overcame the challenge of Dromahair in the Shield A Final in Leitrim Village on Saturday afternoon last.
SHIELD A FINAL
CARRIGALLEN 1-10
DROMAHAIR 1-7
With Carrigallens Enda Lyons, Gary Reynolds and Noel Doonan and Dromahairs Paddy McGowan all ineligible to play due to their involvement with the Leitrim senior team this year there was a chance for other players to help their side to victory.
WIth John Evans and Kevin Conlan also unavailable for Dromahair, Carrigallen made the brighter start to the game in conditions which were better than many championship games during the summer.
With Terence Reynolds dominating at midfield and enjoying the advantage of a strong wind, which subsequently faded away, Carrigallen opened the Scóring through Ciaran Flynn in the fourth minute when his expertly flighted free from near the right hand side line sailed between the uprights.
Dromahair equalised within a minute when a fine passing move which began with corner-back Ronan Fowley ended up with Alan Harvey being found in space and he duly converted.
Carrigallen were however, the better side at this stage of the game and their dominance was rewarded when Ciaran Flynn, who has enjoyed an excellent year for Carrigallen scored a goal of real quality.
Having been picked out by Benny ORourke, Flynn looked as though he was going to slot the ball over the bar from close range. However, with goalkeeper Padraig Flanagan off his line, Flynn seized his opportunity and delivered a clever lob over the goalkeepers head and into the Dromahair goal.
A Terence Reynolds point from a 45 a minute later increased the Carrigallen lead to four points and it was beginning to look ominous for Dromahair.
With Carrigallen applying most of the pressure two further efforts went abegging with one of those being a goal chance for Benny ORourke.
The most worrying aspect for Dromahair would no doubt have been the dominance of the Carrigallen midfield as they seemed to win every kickout and were generally better in terms of winning breaking balls, with the powerful Clifford Richardson particularly effective.
Ciaran Flynn and Alan Harvey exchanged pointed frees to keep Carrigallens lead at four points.
Both sides were guilty of poor finishing and decision making in the period that followed with Carrigallen kicking four wides which would have helped open up a healthy lead. Although another Ciaran Flynn free did open up a five point lead, Dromahair were still very much in contention.
Having been outplayed for the best part of 20 minutes, the Dromahair players burst into life when Stephen Smith did very well to pick out Shane Fowley who accurately struck for Dromahairs third point.
That seemed to instil some belief into the Dromahair players and they had further reason to celebrate six minutes before the interval when Declan Fowley struck for a fine individual goal.
The younger of the Fowley brothers beat four Carrigallen opponents before delivering a shot past Rory Harte. The appeals from the Carrigallen players that Fowley had over carried the ball were waved away by referee Gerry Spellman.
Three minutes before the break Dromahair were level when Shane Fowley struck from an acute angle.
Having led for most of the half and enjoyed most of the possession Carrigallen must have been frustrated to lose their lead. However they didnt let that show as they responded well to being reeled in.
Four unanswered points in the closing minutes of the half, two from Benny ORourke, one from a free and one apiece from Andrew McManus and Derek Reilly ensured Carrigallen held a deserved 1-8 to 1-4 lead at the interval.The opening period of the second half was dominated by a period of both sets of players becoming frustrated by some refereeing decisions. That frustration arguably affected the Dromahair players more as Carrigallen again scored four unanswered points through Kevin Davey, two from Ciaran Flynn (one free) and Martin Dolan to increase their lead to eight point.
With such a comprehensive lead and with only 12 minutes remaining Carrigallen seemed on course for a deserved victory. However, playing in their third final of the year (Celebrity Bainisteoir and Division 2 being the others) the Dromahair players refused to lie down without a fight and they dominated the remainder of the game.
Substitute Jamie Conlan pointed 18 minutes into the second half for Dromahairs first score of the half and this was followed by an Alan Harvey free to reduce the deficit to nine points.
It still seemed as though it was a case of damage limitation for Dromahair but with Alan Harvey becoming more influential in midfield the pressure was now all on the Carrigallen defence.
Four successive Dromahair wides led to growing frustration among the supporters of the north Leitrim side while there were being plenty of questions asked by the Carrigallen defenders as to how Dromahair were being allowed back into the game.
Christy McGowan was presented with a goal chance five minutes from time by Adrian Fowley but his powerfully struck shot went over the crossbar.
As the pressure grew CarrigallenÓgifted Alan Harvey another point and with the deficit now down to four points with three minutes remaining belief was beginning to grow among the Dromahair players that a comeback was still very much a possibility.
If ever Carrigallen needed one of their forwards to relieve the pressure, now was the time and Ciaran Flynn duly took responsibility as he won possession before striking for a fine point.
Dromahair kept battling right until the final whistle and although converted a free and a 45 in the closing stages, Carrigallen held on for what was a deserved victory.
Carrigallen
Rory Harte, Barry Reilly, David Flynn, Karl Ward, Terence Reynolds (0-1), JP McManus, Derek Reilly (0-1), Clifford Richardson, Kevin Davey (0-1), Martin Dolan, Martin Dolan (0-1), Eoin Ward, Andrew McManus, Benny ORourke (0-2), Ciaran Flynn (1-7), Eamonn OMalley. Subs: Mark Kerrigan for E Ward (HT), Cillian Ward for OMalley (45 mins), Ciaran Reilly for A McManus, Brian Doyle for Davey (58 mins), Liam ORourke for Dolan (60 mins)
Dromahair
Padraig Flanagan, Brian McMorrow, Barry Loughlin, Ronan Fowley, Fergus Meehan, Kenny Casey, Kieran Meehan, Camillus McMorrow, Alan Harvey (0-7), Stephen Smith, Shane Fowley (0-1), Declan Fowley (1-0), Keith Carty, Christy McGowan (0-1), Adrian Fowley. Subs: Jamie Conlon (0-1) for Carty (38 mins), Terry Leyden for Smith (48 mins), Martin Clancy for B McMorrow (50 mins).
Referee: Gerry Spellman
05-Nov-09 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie
AIB Connacht Club Inter Championship semi – Cloone
Club FootballIt was a case of so near and yet so far for Cloone on Sunday last in Salthill as despite a flying start and a brave late rally they were defeated by Leitir Mor by a solitary point in the AIB Intermediate Connacht Club Championship semi-final.
AIB CONNACHT CLUB INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL
CLOONE 1-7
LEITIR MOR 1-8
Having raced into a four point lead inside nine minutes, the Cloone players were showing the kind of belief which never really looked evident from the Aughavas players earlier in the day. Although Leitir Mor came back into the game as the half progressed Cloone still led by a point at half-time and the omens were looking positive.
What will annoy Cloone is the fact that even though they were playing in to a strong wind in the second half, they missed several chances in the second half which would have helped them at least take the game to extra-time. Although they werent playing as well as they were in the opening period, Cloone will have every right to look back on this game as one that got away.
With the words of encouragement and advice from Gerry Flanagan, Padraig Quinn and Gerry Conway still ringing in their ears and urged on by a large travelling support from Cloone and Aughavas, Cloone made a very positive start to the game.
Senior county man Damien ODonnell was a real handful for the Leitrim Mor defence while Donal Brennan also looked a constant threat when in possession in the opening stages, while captainÓgavin Reynolds and the hugely impressive Seamus Maguire helped break up attacks get Cloone back into offensive mode.
Brennan opened the Scóring with a second minute point and that lead was doubled as Cloone continued to take the game to their opponents.
Adrian Nicholls found the run of Mark Creegan and with the other Cloone defenders making clever runs, taking the Leitir Mor defenders away from the advancing corner forward, Creegan was given the opportunity to advance, which he duly did before finishing well.
Cloones bright start to the game was rewarded with two further points, both from Damien ODonnell frees. With only nine minutes of the game gone, Cloone were being caused few problems in defence, were dominant in midfield and were running riot up front.
Leitir Mor struck for their first score of the half after 15 minutes when Daithi Mac Donnchadha converted from a free. However, Leitir Mor were still struggling to fully establish themselves in the game as Cloone continue to take the game to the Galway champions.
Leitir Mor needed a moment of inspiration and they got just that 18 minutes into the half when Daithi Mac Donnchadha executed a defence splitting diagonal ball into the path of Cormac O Conghailes run.
With only Cloone goalkeeper Kieran Casey to beat, O Conghaile made no mistake with a strong finish to level the scores.
Having been outplayed for much of the half, Leitir Mor took the lead for the first time when Mac Donnchadha converted a free.
The final nine minutes of the half were absorbing as Cloone looked to finish the half with an advantage having played with the wind, while Leitir Mor looked like they were just beginning to find their rhythm.
Donal Brennan scored his second point of the game to level matters, but Cloone had Kieran Casey to thank for not falling behind again when he produced a fine save to deny Fiachra Breathnach.
That save proved to be particularly important as within a minute, Cloone had retaken the lead with Adrian Nicholls on hand to apply the finish touch to a fine move.
Michael Lohan, Seamus Maguire and Damien ODonnell were all involved in carving the Leitir Mor defence open and when ODonnell struck it seemed as though he was going to score the games second goal.
ODonnell was denied by a fine Eoghan O Conghaile save but the unmarked Nicholls was on hand to palm the rebound to the Leitir Mor defence to reestablish a three point lead for the Leitrim Intermediate champions.
Leitir Mor were by now, however fully up to speed and they finished the half the stronger with two frees from Daithi Mac Donnchadha meaning there was just a point between the sides at the break, with Cloone leading 1-5 to 1-4.Cloone would have been hoping to start the second half as strongly as the first but instead it was Leitir Mor who seized the initiative straight from the restart.
Having scored two points in the final minutes of the first half, Leitir Mor scored two further unanswered points through Ferdia Breathnach within a minute and 15 seconds of the restart.
With the wind at their backs, Leitir Mor continued to press forward asking plenty of questions of the Cloone defence. Those questions were answered with some fine defending which helped keep the Leitir Mor attacks from registering further scores.
However, such was the pressure being exerted it was of little surprise when Leitir Mor extended their lead to two points through a Daithi Mac Donnchadha free 12 minutes into the half.
That lead was extended to three points a minute later when substitute Patrick Mark O Fatharta converted a 45 with his first touch of the ball.
Although they were trailing by only three points, Cloone were beginning to look in real danger with the game being dictated by the Leitir Mor players.
The game could have been all but over as a contest were it not for Kieran Casey who made a another fine save to deny Ferdia Breathnach with just 13 minutes of the game remaining.
With time running out, Cloone showed great resilience to lift their game in the final quarter of the game but were still struggling to make an impression on the scoreboard.
Damien ODonnells free was claimed under his crossbar by Eoghan O Conghaile while a Donal Brennan free sailed wide.
With three minutes to go, the game seemed to be up for Cloone, however the players certainly didnt share that opinion and came agonisingly close to Scóring a dramatic late goal.
Brian Mulveys searching high ball broke to Alan Canning after Adrian Nicholls had put goalkeeper O Conghaile under pressure. However O Conghaile managed to regain his composure and made a top class, one-handed save to deny Canning.
Damien ODonnell pointed in the last minute of normal time to reduce Leitir Mors lead to two points and although time was rapidly running out, Cloone were now pouring forward in numbers and were in complete control of the football.
Cloone poured forward again with Donal Brennan, Mark Beirne, Michael Lohan and Damien ODonnell all combining well as they unhinged the Leitir Mor defence. When the ball came back to Beirne he quickly surveyed his options before striking for goal from 13 meters out. Although his effort was well struck it was always veering to the left of the Leitir Mor goal and Cloone were forced to regroup and attempt to launch another attack.
If proof was needed that it wasnt going to be Cloones day it arrived in the first minute of injury time when Damien ODonnells free sailed wide. There was still time for Michael Lohan to score a late point but ultimately there was no time for Cloone to get that elusive equalising score.
Having started so well it was frustrating for Cloone to be overhauled so early in the second half and it was a bitter pill to swallow having had enough chances late in the game to force extra-time that they came up just short.
When the disappointment of last Sunday subsides, Cloone will be able to reflect on what has a great year for their club with a lot of pride and look forward to senior championship football next year.
Cloone
Kieran Casey, Seamus McCaffrey, Aidan Mulvey, Daragh Tiernan, Seamus Maguire, Gavin Reynolds, Declan Brennan, Alan Canning, Mark Beirne, Donal Brennan (0-1), Michael Lohan (0-1), Adrian Nicholls (1-0), Mark Creegan (0-1), Damien ODonnell (0-3), Padraig Harte. Subs: Brian Mulvey for Harte (27 mins), Niall Brennan for Tiernan (48 mins), Declan Tiernan for Mulvey (54 mins).
Leitir Mor
Eoghan O Conghaile, Coilin O Hogain, Seosamh Seoighe, Padraic Mac an Riogh, Michael Pol O Ceallaigh, Ciaran Bairead, Tomas O Griofa, Antaine O Griofa, Cristoir Flatharta, Cormac O Conghaile (1-0), Fiachra Breathnach (0-2), Daithi Mac Donnchadha (0-5), Eamonn O Loinsigh, Ferdia Breathnach, Peatsai Seoighe. Subs: Patrick Mark O Fatharta (0-1) for O Loinsigh (42 mins), Eanna O Cathain for Mac an Riogh (54 mins), Padraic Bairead for O Conghaile (60 mins).
Referee: R Gurren (Mayo)
05-Nov-09 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie
AIB Connacht Club Junior Championship semi – Aughavas
Club FootballWith Halloween still fresh in everybodys mind, Aughavas dreams of Connacht glory turned into a nightmare in Salthill on Sunday last as they were comprehensively beaten by An Spidéal in the AIB Connacht Club Junior Championship semi-final.
AIB CONNACHT CLUB JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL
AUGHAVAS 0-7
AN SPIDEAL 0-12
Having been thoroughly outplayed by An Spideal, Aughavas Manager Kenneth Smith inisisted his team are better than the scoreline suggests and simply did not do themselves justice on the day.
WIth Aughavas second to practically every ball for three quarters of the game coupled with the fact that An Spidéal were playing like a team who would be far more suited to a higher grade, it was looking ominous for the Leitrim junior champions from early on.
An Spidéal signalled their intent straight from the throw-in, but the man who went on to deservedly be crowned man of the match, Breandan Og O Callarain was off target with his effort inside 15 seconds.
Aughavas struggled to get out of their own half in the opening minutes but when they did they made it count with Peter McBrien and Aidan Maguire releasing Colm Maguire whose powerful run ultimately resulted in David Charles Scóring the games opening point.
Having had virtually all the possesion it was no surprise when An Spidéal drew level through Toms O Conghaile although it was slightly controversial as referee Ollie Kelly had appeared to blow for a free for the Galway side before then allowing the point to stand.
An Spidéal took the lead for the first time in the tie when Breandan Og O Callarain converted an eight minute free and Einne O Domhnaill then further extended the lead when he held off the attention of two would be challengers to score a fine point in style.
Although they were creating little as an attacking force Aughavas were making the most of their chances and Colm Maguire who had been so influential in the county final against Eslin reduced the deficit to solitary point with a good score.
With eleven minutes of play gone, Aughavas would have been happy with the fact that they were only trailing by a point but that was the only encouraging aspect for Kenneth Smith and his management team as An Spidéal were dominant in all areas of the pitch and were first to practically every ball.
An Spidéal re-established their two point lead when Breandan Og O Callarain converted another free before Ciaran O Droighneain further extended that lead and the feeling was that Aughavas were beginning to look in real danger.
Unfortunately that proved to be the case for the Leitrim men as An Spidéal struck for two goals in the space of seven minutes to open up a nine point and although there was still a long way to go in the game, it effectively ended the game as a contest.
The first goal was brilliantly worked with Ciaran O Droighneain picking out full-forward Tomas O Fatharta who in turn released Aodan O Curraoin. O Curraoins powerful shot flew low and hard across Philip Charles goal and into the bottom corner of the net.
The second goal was every bit as good with Ciaran O Droighneains moment of quick thinking, as he played a volleball style pass over his head, leaving the Aughavas defence flat footed. Breandan Og O Callarain was on hand to take full advantage of the perfectly placed pass and shot beyond Charles for his sides second goal.
With the Aughavas game plan evidently not working subsitutions were called for earlier than would otherwise have been anticipated and one of those subsitutions, Padraig McLoughlin made his presence felt within two minutes of his introduction as he registered Aughavas third point.
The Scóring for the opening half was completed by Breandan Og O Callarain who despite playing junior football could well force himself into the reckoning for the Galway senior side next year if last Sundays performance is anything to go by.
if Aughavas were to have any hope of getting back into the game, they needed an early goal at the beginning of the second half as they trailed by 2-7 to 0-3. However, it was An Spidéal who almost did just that but Ciaran O Droighneains goal was disallowed for square ball.
Despite that let-off, Aughavas were still struggling to impose themselves on the game and fell further behind as Breandan Og O Callarain converted another free.
That lead grew further when Tomas O Fatharta outpaced Adrian Charles on the outside before delivering a composed finish between the uprights to leave 12 points between the sides.
Another Breandan Og O Callarain point heaped further misery on the Aughavas players, management and supporters, but if there is one positive they can take from last Sundays performance it is that the players did not throw in the towel.
WIth the game all but over as a contest, Aughavas enjoyed their best period of the game. David Charles was only denied a goal by a fine save from Padriag O Maolallaigh, while four further Aughavas attacks yielded only four wides.
With nine minutes of the game remaining, Aughavas registered their first score of the half as Kevin Keegan converted a free after David Charles was fouled. Two minutes later the same player was fouled again and this time Colm Magurie pointed with Aughavas looking like they were determined to finish the game on a high.
Padraig McLoughlin struck for his second point of the game and from an Aughavas point of view it was one of the few moments in the game to get particularly excited. Colin McKiernan and Colm Maguire combined well before releasing McLoughlin who showed that class is permanent by striking with the outside of his boot right between the posts.
Kieran Moran added a further point for Aughavas and the feeling was that if they could find a goal before the end of the game, they would at least have succeeded in putting some respectability on the scoreboard.
Unfortunately for Aughavas, An Spidéal had other ideas as it was they who finished the stronger with two unanswered points from man of the match Breandan Og O Callarain, one of which was from a free.
The final scoreline doesnt make for nice reading for anyone from Aughavas or indeed for anyone with an interest in Leitrim football but it is worth echoing the sentiments of Kenneth Smith who stated that while the better side won, Aughavas didnt play to their potential and that is probably what will hurt them the most.
Aughavas
Philip Charles, Niall Maguire, Adrian Charles, Eoin Brennan, Derek Maguire, Trevor Farrelly, Niall Gallogly, Aidan Maguire (0-1), Kieran Moran, David Charles (0-1), Fintan McBrien, Peter McBrien, Kevin Keegan (0-1), Colm Maguire (0-2), Conor Bohan. Subs: Dan OBrien for P McBrien, Padraig McLoughlin (0-2) for F. McBrien (28 mins), Eamonn Heslin for Bohan (39 mins), Colin McKiernan for Keegan (53 mins),
An Spidéal
Padraig O Maolallaigh, Diarmuid O Droighneain, Aodan Breathnach, Liam O Conghaile, Maghnus Breathnach, Dara Mac an Riogh, Einne O Domhnaill (0-1), Lorcan O Callarain, Micheal O Callarain, Donal O Maolallaigh, Aodan O Curraoin (1-0), Tomas O Conghaile (0-1), Breandan Og O Callarain (1-8), Tomas O Fatharta (0-1), Ciaran O Droighneain (0-1). Subs: Donal De Barra for C. O Droighneain (35 mins), Mairtin O Droighneain for T. O Conghaile (44 mins), Fearghus Tuathail for A. Breathnach (54 mins), Fiachra O Dubhghaill for L. O Callarain (56 mins), Eoin O Droighneain for M. Breathnach (60 mins).
Referee: Ollie Kelly (Roscommon)
05-Nov-09 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie