County Finals – fixtures update

CCC Liatroma at its meeting last night decided on the following Line up re Weekend 26-27 Mean Fomhair:

 

Satharn 26 Mean Fomhair 2009

Venue: Pairc Sean Ui Eislin

 

 

Masonite SFC Relegation Final Replay

Time TBC – Achadh na Sileann v Droim Oir Bhealaigh

 

GWP IFC Final

Time TBC – Achadh Mhaoileann v Cluain

 

 

 

Domhnach 27 Mean Fomhair 2009

Venue: Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada

 

 

GWP JFC A Final

Time TBC – Achadh Easa/Gaeil Liatroma v Aislinne/Gortleitreach

 

Masonite SFC Final

Time TBC – Carraig Alainn v Barr na Cuille/Gleann an Chairthe-Cluainin

 

 

Additional Fixtures will be added to this list where possible.

 

 

07-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Masonite Senior Semi-final – Carrigallen v Melvin Gaels

Carrigallen emerged out of the mist & drizzle of Páirc Seán yesterday evening to claim their place in the final in a tough and at times physical encounter with Melvin Gaels. The touted underdogs put in a great team performance but Ciaran Flynn stood out for his personal score tally of 7 out of a total of 10 points scored.

The Gaels have been noted to smother opponents with fast high paced defending leading to turnovers but they were not able to handle the Carrigallen men bedecked in the colours of neighbouring Longford Club Fr Manning Gaels. The Gaels wearing their traditional colours were blitzed from the off and were down 4 points to no score after 10 minutes. Ciaran Flynn registered 2 from play and 1 from a free with the 4th point from Eoin Ward.

On the 11th minute Melvin Gaels woke up and play moved to their forward line. Paul McGurrin scored into the Tesco end from play from the 20m mark. This was followed by Conor Sheridan with a free taken from the ground in the 13th minute. David McSharry and Colin Regan kept the pressure on but both hit wide. Finally on the 21st the Gaels got within a point of Carrigallen when Dan Branley fisted over to bring their tally to 3 points. Carrigallen responded and Flynn and Ward restored a 3 point advantage from a free and play respectively.

Melvin Gaels dominated for another 4 minutes but wasted chances as Paul McGurrin dropped short into Enda Lyons hands and Conor Sheridan kicked wide a 20m free. Midfielder Stephen McGurrinÓgot their last point of the half in the 27th minute.

Carrigallen finished strongest and should have increased their lead but Ciaran Flynn dropped a free short followed by an Eoin Ward long range shot from play on the stand side that sailed wide. Half time Carrigallen 0-06 Melvin Gaels 0-04

Melvin Gaels opened the 2nd half with a flourish and the outcome of their first attack could have changed the game. Within seconds of the restart Stehen Mc Gurirn dropped a very high ball into the Carrigallen small square, Enda Lyons moved quickly off his line and parried it away to safety. If this shot have crossed the black spot 1 point would have separated the sides and we could have had a different result.

Carrigallen responded to this early attack and they moved the ball quickly out of defence getting the ball to target man Flynn who won a free and duly converted. On the 3rd minute he brought the teams total to 8 points with another free from the left after he was fouled by James Phelan.

Colin Regan took control for the Gaels and secured 2 points over the next 5 minutes but this was punctuated at the other end by a Carrigallen kick from Eamonn O Malley which curved like a banana from left to right and finally landed into the Gaels square almost reaching the bottom of the right upright before rebounding into the hands of a Melvin Gaels player. Carrigallen had the next 2 attacks resulting in a Killian Ward wide followed by an Eoin Ward shot that dropped into Gareth Phelans hands.

Melvin Gaels upped a gear and bombarded the Carrigallen defense for a full 12 minutes but were only able to return 1 point for their effort. The score after this stage was Carrigallen 0-08 Melvin Gaels 0-7. Carrigallen who hadnt scored since the 3rd minute were under considerable pressure in defence. The Gaels were guilty of bad wides on 3 occasions and there were some heroic performances by the Carrigallen backs. David Flynn put in 2 key blocks during that time and Noel Doonan plucked a Conor Sheridan shot out of the air which was almost over the cross bar and was destined to be a point. But Carrigallen had survived that particular onslaught and proceeded to score 2 more from play in the 27 and 28th minutes.

A goal divided them and as injury time was announced you could sense that Melvin Gaels were going to throw everything including the sink at Carrigallen. A battle royal ensued for the remaining minutes as balls were bombed in and dropped agonisingly short for the Gaels. The slippy conditions added to the drama as players skidded around in the mist.

Literally the last kick of the game deep in injury time was from Colin Regan who drove a rocket at the top right of the CarrigallenÓgoals and Enda Lyons threw himself at the ball which he parried against the post to clearance as he crashed off the post to save the day for Carrigallen. Seconds later Eamonn OGrady checked his watch observed that a little over the required time had been played and blew the full time whistle, Carrigallen celebrations commenced.

 

 

 

07-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

GWP Intermediate Semi-final – Cloone v GlenfarneKiltyclogher

Cloone have booked their place in the GWP sponsored Intermediate Final in 3 weeks time after they took control of their semi-final game mid way through the first half and never looked back. Conditions did not favor fast flowing football as the persistent rain left players fumbling after a slip ball while trying to maintain their footing.

Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher made the first attack straight from the throw-in which ended in a wide. Cloone set out their stall in the 3 minute with a score from Mark Beirne. Glenfarnes Padraig Sweeney opened their account with a point from a a free after M Maguire kicked another score-able chance wide from a free. Damien O Donnell converted a free for Cloone and Sweeney did likewise for Glenfarne. Cloone missed two more opportunities from O Donnell and Brennan in the 14 & 15th minutes. Glenfarne/Kilty registered their last score of the half on the 17th minute when Fergal Clancy popped over a free.

Cloone took control of the game for the rest of the half and 5 points unanswered in addition to wasting 5 more Scórable chances that were pushed wide. Damien O Donnell scored 2 while Mark Beirne, Donal Brennan and number 2 Seamus McCaffrey brought the half time scores to Cloone 0-07 Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher 0-3

Cloone restarted the second half with a Damien O Donnell shot that dropped short but Glenfarne Kiltyclogher had their best spell of the game as they controlled it from the 3 to 13th minute. Fergal Clancy and Padraig Sweeney both scored from frees but other chances went a begging as Clancy missed a free and later he had a shot onÓgoal saved on the goal line by Cloone number 2 Seamus McCaffrey. While two points separated the teams Glenfarne were finished Scóring as Cloone fought back and Mickey Lohan scored them an important stabilising point from play.

Donal Brennan missed another chance shortly afterwards but the drama was about to unfold at the other end. Glenfarne got a penalty in the 19th minute and it was Padriag Sweeney who stepped up to take it. The shot was knee height and to the left but Cloones keeper Kieran Casey saved the penalty and possibly their place in the final as he went full stretch to parry the ball away.

Cloone woke up from this fright and put in a storming final 10 minutes finished the game with scores from O Donnell and Creegan.

Full time: Cloone 0-11 Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher 0-5
Referee: Tom Forde

 

 

07-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Masonite Senior Semi-final – Bornacoola v Glencar Manorhamilton

If ever the old cliché of a game of two halves was to be used correctly then yesterday evenings Masonite Senior championship fare was worthy of its proper use. Both teams will come away from this game full of mixed emotions as they must be equally frustrated at missed opportunities and relieved to have survived and to get another chance. It was an absorbing game and if the replay is half as good as yesterdays game then it will still be value for money.

Bornacoola played all of their best football in the 1st half, they commanded the centre area, made the breaks and scored at will and it was they that opened the Scóring within the first minute and dominated the last 10 leading to the break. They completely outplayed Glencar/Manor who looked rooted to the ground and who only managed 3 points from Adrian Croal (2) and Dominic Kelly in the 3rd, 11th and 13th minutes. It was a draw at this stage as Manor managed to hold their head as they scraped together some sequences of play. While the scoreboard remained locked on 3 points each from the 13th to the 20 minute you could feel that Bornacoola were building up a head of steam and on the 21st minute they opened the valve and started a 5 point unanswered Scóring spree. Philip Howard kicked and then fisted points from play, followed 4 minutes later by a long range kick from Damien Moran In the closing minutes Mark McCloskey slotted over a free and Sean McKeon registered the teams 8th point in the 32nd minute. Such was the Bors dominance that Manor only managed two wides in addition to their 3 scores. At half time it was Bornacoola 0-08 Glencar/Manor 0-03 but this was all to change.

Glencar/Manor may have been shell shocked to a point in the first half but they found themselves in the second and it was Bornacoola who were under siege for almost 25 minutes of the half. The Manor team will scratch their heads and wonder can they ever have as bad a shooting day again as the collectively blasted the ball wide on 10 occasions throughout the 2nd half. They dominated the midfield, half backs and forwards areas throughout the half and it was on the 6th minute James Clancy finally got the Manor Scóring engine started after two false attempts by Glancy and Croal in the early minutes. Manor were clearly in control as they bombarded the Bornacoola back lines. James Glancy put a free wide but on the 8th minute midfielder Arron Hickey let a rocket fly from outside the small square and Bors keeper Fergal McGill had to pull off a fantastic save. Manor picked up another gear much to the Bornacoola dismay but they wasted another two chances from Darren Sweeney and James Glancy. Finally on the 11th minute the Manor assault paid dividends, wearing number 3 and playing a round the centre half back area it was Adrian O Flynn who made the break through and he drove home an inch perfect daisy cutter into the bottom left corner of the Bornacoola net. 1 point now separated the teams. Manors shooting nightmare continued as Dominic Kelly missed two chances for points. Bornacoola finally got the ball as far as their forwards in a rare attack and they missed a golden opportunity as Damien Morans fist didnt connect with a crossed ball into the large square and with Shane Sweeney off his line a goal chance was missed. James Glancy missed Manors 10th chance of the game which was quickly followed by a similar miss at the other end for Bornacoola.

On the 21st minute it was a drawnÓgame as James Glancy finally found the target with a free and Glencar Manor took the lead for the first time on the 23rd minute when Stephen O Hara pointed a fine score after a quick pass down the stand side orchestrated by James Glancy who was now roving back towards the midfield.

It was their only score of the half but it was a key score as Mark McCloskey kept Bornacoolas hopes alive with a free in the 25th minute to bring the game back to a draw. Other chances went a begging for the Bors in the last few minutes including two 45s. Michael Duignan had an opportunity just before the 30th minute but it didnt reach the target and was defended well by a resolute Manor defence. James Glancy put a free wide at the other end and this was to be Manors last chance. Nerves were frayed for both sets of supporters as chances were going a begging. Michael Duignan had the final opportunity to rob a victory with a 45 in the dying seconds after several attacks by Bornacoola were smothered by a wall of Manor men. Duginans placed kick was similar to his previous one and he didnt get his customary clean long range strike as he dropped the ball in short and eventually the Manor defence cleared their lines.

They have it all to do again next weekend (dates, time etc to be confirmed later) as both teams will rue missed opportunities.

Full time score: Bornacoola 0-09 Glencar Manorhamilton 1-06
Referee: Francis Flynn

 

 

06-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

GWP Intermediate Semi-final – Aughwaillan v Gortletteragh

Aughawillan and Gortletteragh played out a tough physical encounter in the GWP Intermediate Championship semi-final yesterday in Páirc Séan MacDiarmada. Aughawillan emerged victors by 2 points in a game that was close and tense and could have gone either way. It was a draw at halftime with each team Scóring 5 points and it was Aughawillans Sean Quinn that opened the Scóring with a point from play. Gortletteragh didnt get on the scoreboard until the 11 minute with a point form Ciaran Egan. Aughawillan wasted a lot of chances and had a total of 6 wides in the opening half. Gortletteragh had dominated from the 19 to 27 minute when they clocked up 4 points, C McCrann (2), C Reynolds and P Keane. Aughawillan relied on Morgan Quinn and Barry Prior to steady the ship from play and placed ball as they brought the half time tally to 5 each.

The second half saw a reversal of the wides tally of the 2nd half as Gortletteragh were guilty of wayward shooting. Aughawillan restarted the half with a quick score from Shane Flanagan followed by a quick reply from Gorts Cathal McCrann. The key moment came shortly afterwards in the 6th minute when Aughawillan number 19 Ciaran Smith hit the ball passed Colm Canning to score the only goal of the game. This was quickly complemented by a point from Barry Prior. From the 8th minute until the 20th Gortletteragh pounded the resolute Aughawillan defence with only 3 points to show as they wasted many chances. One point separated them going into the last 10 minutes and this was increased by 1 for Aughawillan with a Morgan Quinn point from play. Gortletteragh responded with 2 from play to bring the game to a draw on the 23rd minute but it was Aughawillan who finished strongest as Quinn and Prior stepped up on the 28th and 30th minute with two fine points to claim their teams place in the final in 3 weeks time.

It was a physical encounter that wasnt very stylish at times but Aughawillan wont mind as they now await the outcome of todays Cloone v Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher clash at 4:30pm in Carrick.

Full Time score – Aughawillan 1-09  Gortletteragh 0-10

Referee:  James McCaffrey

 

 

 

06-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Semifinals on local radio this weekend

Local Radio stations Shannonside and Ocean FM will have full live commentary of the two Senior Football championship semi-finals from Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada, as well as live
updates from the two intermediate championship semis over the weekend.

Holders Glencar-Manor face Bornacoola in a repeat of last years final
at 6.15pm on Saturday, while Melvin Gaels will take on Carrigallen in
the second semi-final at 6.15pm on Sunday.

In the intermediate championship, its Aughawillan against Gorlettragh
from 4.45pm on Saturday, and Cloone versus Glenfarne-Kiltyclogher from
4.45pm on Sunday.

So make sure to join Kevin Blessing and PJ Leddy live from Pairc Sean
this Saturday and Sunday on the northwests Ocean FM.  While John Lynch and Seamus Gallagher will bring all the action to our listeners in south Leitrim and the surrounding counties on Shannonside Northern Sound.

Why not bring along a portable radio to the game and listen in to the commentary while absorbing the atmosphere !

By Radio: Shannonside FM and OceanFM will broadcast full live coverage

 

 

04-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Championship – Weekend preview – Semi Finals

With two groups providing the four Masonite Senior Championship Semi-Finalists this year, youd be forgiven for thinking that old friends are best, particularly when you recall that all four teams have a history with each other in the recent past.  Champions Glencar/ Manorhamilton went within a point of dumping Melvin Gaels out of this years competition in the Group stages while Bornacoola had a two point win over Carrigallen in their first game.

With so many predicting a first ever all-north Leitrim final, both Bornacoola and Carrigallen will, for various reasons, be quietly confident of spoiling that scenario.

And it is previous championship encounters that will inform most of the debate about the semi-finals.

Glencar/Manor swamped Bornacoola to lift the title last year while Carrigallen staged a spectacular recovery in 2007, coming from five points down in the last quarter to sneak a 1-9 to 1-8 victory against the Gaels.

Carrigallen are desperate to reach their Senior Final since 1992 but so are the Kinlough men who havent been in the Senior Final for quite a while also, having lost the 2002 to Allen Gaels.

It is different for Glencar/ Manor and Bornacoola – the north Leitrim men are driven to become the first team since Allen Gaels to retain the Fenagh Cup yet they will be all too aware of the attrition rate of defending champions since then.

The Champions will also take note of the fact that the Bornacoola are more than capable of avenging last years heavy defeat, that revenge and redemption are powerful motivations.

Both Melvin Gaels and Bornacoola have over-come steep obstacles this year, suffering morale sapping losses before turning in tours-de-force in the quarter-finals, so much so that both are heavily favoured for the semi-finals.

But anybody who starts dreaming of the Final, before they are actually in it, is in line for a rude awakening in what promises to be two very tight semi-finals. Below we take a look at the Semi-Finals:

Glencar/Manorhamilton v Bornacoola

As a repeat of last years Final, this game needs no introduction as Bornacoola could gain a measure of revenge for their loss last October. Glencar/Manor may believe that they have the indian sign over Bornacoola but there will also be a good deal of wariness there as they are just one step from defending their crown.

The Champions have been quite impressive so far, over-coming some teams with ease and others with a good deal more difficulty but they have done what nobody else left in the championship has done – they have won all their games.

Many might expect that from champions but the Manor men have undergone a radical over-haul this season with Shane Sweeney, Paddy Maguire, Colin Ryan, Aaron Hickey and Brian McDonald all coming in to cement places in the starting line-up.

The new blood has settled in seamlessly and, perhaps, made the team even better.  James Glancy & Adrian Croal are garnering most of the attention for their excellent attacking play but Glencar/Manor possess the tightest defence of the four teams still in action, conceding just 2-19 or just over eight points a game so far.

They will naturally be concerned over the status of Adrian O’Flynn who had to go off in the quarter-final. Manor rely on the County player to hold their centre together and provide the leadership in the defence.

 

Midfield will also be an area of concern for Manor as Bornacoola, with Michael Duignan, Colm Farrell and David O’Connor, are quite strong in that area and they will need Fintan McGourty and Darren Sweeney to step up quite a bit.

Bornacoola will be quite happy coming in under the radar but the manner of their performance against Mohill has definitely raised their profile. The Bors tore into Mohill and had four points on the board before Mohill knew what hit them and they will be looking to repeat that sort of start next weekend.

Where Bornacoola do enjoy a clear advantage is in physical dimensions – there are few teams with their size in all areas of the field and they demonstrated that quite effectively against a smaller Carrigallen earlier in the campaign. Glencar/Manor are not as light but the south Leitrim side would appear to have an advantage.

Michael Duignan remains the key figure – his leadership in the quarter-final was outstanding and his absence from the team against Aughnasheelin illustrates just how much he brings to the table. Duignan again shoulders the burden of leadership but the continuing emergence of David O’Connor will lift that load.

Some will claim that O’Connor takes too much out of the ball but he is capable of delivering in pressure situations and Manor will be onÓguard against his powerful runs from deep.

Brian Conroy, Philip Howard & Mark McCloskey make up a potent full-forward line, second with Carrigallen behind Glencar/ Manorhamilton in the Scóring charts. But the Bors also have conceded the most o the four teams left in the championship, an average of 11.33 points, surely an area of concern for the Bors.

Semi-Finals are notoriously cagey affairs as both teams can see the big prize just in front of them. Both these teams have potent forward lines but it tends to be defences that win championships, so Glencar/ ManorhamiltonÓget the vote.

Carrigallen v Melvin Gaels

Last year’s League Champions Melvin Gaels may be everyone’s favourites for this semi-final but nobody in the Kinlough club will need reminding of the danger posed to their dreams by a young Carrigallen team brimming with talent and the ability to knock highly fancied teams from their perch.

Back in 2007, Melvin Gaels were five points clear midway through the second half and well in control before a stunning Carrigallen come-back saw Enda Lyons convert a fifty deep into injury time to seal a sensational victory.

And earlier that year, Carrigallen defeated reigning champions Mohill in an epic encounter where they displayed their ability to win a shoot-out as well as grind out games.

A Semi-Final appearance, their second in two years, is a sign of great progress but there is a fierce ambition in Carrigallen to go much further, not to be content with just playing in semi-finals. And they showed against Dromahair in the Division Two League Final, they are more than capable of puncturing anyone’s dreams.

Much will depend on the availability of Noel Doonan and David Flynn – Flynn is awaiting to see if he will be suspended after his straight red card against Annaduff while Doonan only saw action for the last six minutes of the quarter-final. Both are key men for Carrigallen and it would be hard to see them advancing without at least one of them playing a key role in the semi-final.

Just as important is the form of Andrew McManus who incredible work-rate and drive marks him out at the heart-beat of this team. Stopping McManus will be crucial to Melvin Gaels game-plan and they would appear to have the system to do so, suffocating Kiltubrid in the quarter-finals, but the wily Carrigallen man won’t be easy held.

Carrigallen will also need a big performance from Gary Reynolds and Ciaran Flynn – the County man is the one player with the ability to drive through the heart of the Kinlough rearguard while the mercurial Flynn can score from anywhere, when on form.

That Melvin Gaels rearguard will be anxious to have James Phelan back in their midst – the former County stalwart was forced out of the win over Kiltubrid due to injury and although Melvin Gaels coped well, Fabian McMorrow moving to full-back, they would be far happier to have Phelan leading them.

The switch of Paul Brennan and Paul Og Ferguson to defence has tightened up their rearguard considerably as their added pace give the Gaels an extra edge. With the high energy defensive game they play, almost in the style of Tyrone’s famed “blanket defence”, the Gaels will be determined to keep the game tight and close, relying on their experience and know-how to get them through.

The Gaels will also be happy with the impact made by veteran subs Gareth Foley and Martin McCarron who helped steady the ship against Kiltubrid.
In attack, Daniel Branley remains the primary outlet for the Gaels as his pace and height make him a great target man.

However, Branley, who suffered a late injury against Kiltubrid, will need greater support as the Gaels rely on their ability to get up in support quickly as the primary attacking route, something made possible by the energy of Conor Sheridan, Paul McGurrin and Colin Regan.

The Gaels have the best goal-Scóring record for the four remaining teams but they also have the worst Scóring difference, so they wont be taking anything for granted in terms of relying onÓgoals to get through.

It is hard to know how this game will go – their semi-final win has seen many opt for Melvin Gaels but they only killed off Kiltubrid with 1-1 in the injury time. And the Gaels wont forget just how close they came to going out of the competition after their first two games.

Carrigallen showed just as much spirit to recover from a five point halftime deficit against Annaduff and when CarrigallenÓget on a role, few teams are able to stop them. Melvin Gaels wont make it easy for Carrigallen to get on that roll and it will come down to who holds their nerves in the final minutes.

It may seem like hedging one bets but Melvin Gaels get the nod but one would not be surprised if it went the other way!

 

 

 

 

This full report is available thanks to John Connolly and the Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here

 

 

 

”

 

 

03-Sep-09 by LeitrimObserver.ie

Under 14 School of Excellence

Important note to members of the U14 school of excellence:

The coaching session for the under 14 school of excellence will take place in Ballinamore Sean OHeslins GAA (Training grounds) on Saturday morning next at 10.00am.

 

 

03-Sep-09 by Thomas Keenan

Coaching News

Hurling

Croke Park hurling activity day

50 young hurlers from Leitrim got to spend last Tuesday visiting and playing in Croke Park. Hurlers from Glencar Manorhamilton, Sean O Heslins, Gortletteragh and St.Marys got to visit Croke Park stadium & museum and thenÓgot to play three 20 min. games on the Croke Park pitch. Our games were against clubs from Mayo and it was great to see that our lads were a match for the Mayo clubs. Great credit is due to the small band of personnel who continue to promote and develop hurling in the County. Well done to all.

Foundation award hurling course

A foundation award coaching course for all hurling coaches will take place on Friday 18th & Saturday 19th September in Ck – on – Shannon. Full details in next weeks news.

 

 

Football

Under 10 club blitz

The final round of under 10 club blitz due to take place this weekend has been postponed due to the very poor weather. We are hopeful that it will go ahead on Saturday week 12/09.

Under 14 School of excellence

There will be a coaching session for the under 14 squad this weekend in preparation for a blitz in Sligo on Saturday week 12/09. We have no confirmation of venue but players are asked to please check the website over the next few days for details.

Under 15 School of excellence

The under 15 squad will travel to Castlebar on Saturday next to take part in a Connacht blitz. All players please ensure they have their Leitrim togs & socks with them.

Bus will travel from Manorhamilton to Ck – on – Shannon and will depart from Bush hotel car park at the following times.

Manorhamilton 9.15, Factory Turn 9.40, Drumkeerin 9.50, Drumshanbo 10.10, Leitrim10.20, Ck – on – Shannon 10.30,

Under 16 Development squad

There will be a session on Saturday next in Ballinaglera, commencing at 11am. Bus times as follows.

Kinlough 9.15, Manorhamilton 9.35, Factory turn 9.45, Drumkeerin 9.55, Drumshanbo 10.15, Ballinaglera 10.30,

Ballinamore 8.45, Carrigallen 9.05, Aughavas 9.15, Cloone 9.25, Mohill 9.35, Masonite 9.45, Ck – on – Shannon 9.55, Leitrim 10.05, Ballinaglera 10.30,

No official word yet as to when the shield final of the Fr. Manning competition, in which we play Offaly will take place, but Monday next 07/09 is been mentioned as a possibility.

 

 

01-Sep-09 by Thomas Keenan

And then there were 4

And then there were 4…… 4 teams in each of the two top grades playing in 4 semi finals this weekend. It s a nervous time for the many supporters of the teams playing in this weekends Senior and Intermediate Semi-Finals as large crowds are expected to attend the double headers in Páirc Seán on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

 

 

31-Aug-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Championship – Weekend – Review

Championship games aplenty last weekend as 4 grades were played over Saturday and Sunday. The 16 fixtures were as a result of one replay and the rained off games from the previous weekend combined with the original scheduled games. The single Senior fixture was the relegation semi-final replay between Aughnasheelin and St Marys. St Marys out powered Aughnasheelin and came out on top after the first game went to a replay. Aughnasheelin are now in a relegation battle with Drumreilly which is scheduled for Saturday at 4:30pm in Ballinamore.

In the Intermediate competition it was quarter final time for 8 teams with games spread over the 2 days. On Saturday Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher overcame Fenagh St Caillins 1-12 to 0-06 points in Páirc Seán and this was followed by a much closer contest with Aughawillan pipping Dromahair by 1 point to book their place in the semifinal – final score Aughawillan 1-11 Dromahair 1-10.

On Sunday the other quarter finals were played in the afternoon with Cloone having an easy victory in Ballinamore over Glencar/Manor while Gortletteragh had to work harder to side step St Marys by 3 points.

Both Allen Gaels and Ballinaglera fell victim to Annaduff and Drumkeerin respectively in the relegation semi-finals, both teams now face each other this weekend in the relegation final which is scheduled for 3pm in Ballinamore on Saturday.

In the Junior A quarter finals Aughavas overpowered Mohill while Eslin overcame Carrigallen. Leitrim Gaels got the better of St Marys and on Sunday Gortletteragh pipped Bornacoola by 2 points. Gortletteragh now face Eslin while Leitrim Gaels will play Aughavas in the semi finals.  In the relegation DrumkeerinÓgot a handy walkover from Melvin Gaels while Kiltubrid went down to Ballinamore/SO.  

Junior B is at group stages and Allen Gaels, St Osnats and Annaduff recorded victories in their respective groups. Junior B will continue this weekend while Junior C commences with the first round of group games.

 

 

31-Aug-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Championship – Weekend preview – Inter & Jr A Qtr Finals

After the washed out programme last Sunday, the GWP Intermediate and Junior A Championship take centre-stage this weekend when the Quarter-Finals are held.
The eight teams involved in the Intermediate competition will have to deal with the delay caused by last Sundays downpours and it is hard to know what effect, if any, the delay will have on a teams chances.

One team that is sure to be effected by the delay and the replay of the Senior Championship Relegation Semi-Final is the St. Marys Junior A team who take on Leitrim Gaels in an eagerly awaited contest.

However, the replay of the Senior relegationÓgame between Aughnasheelin and St. Marys could effect their chances.

It will also have an effect on the St. Marys Intermediate squad who take onÓgortletteragh on Sunday, with many of the players involved with the Intermediate team eligible for either the Senior or Junior A squads.

Below we take a very brief look at next weekends games:

 

Intermediate Championship Quarter-Finals

Glenfarne/Kilty v St. Caillins
Glenfarne/Kilty are the surprise packages of this years Intermediate competition while Fenagh St. Caillins are rebuilding with a young side who impressed in their meetings with Aughawillan & Ballinaglera.

Glenfarne/Kilty probably have a little more momentum at the moment and while nobody would be surprise here with a Fenagh win, the north Leitrim men probably have an edge in this game.

Gortletteragh v St. Marys
St. Marys chances are greatly hampered by the involvement of their Senior and Junior sides in crucial games on Saturday evening. But having said that, Gortletteragh are one of the favourites for the Intermediate crown and even without the other games, youd expect Gortletteragh to have far too much strength and ability for Marys in this one.

Aughawillan v Dromahair
Just how the postponement will effect these teams is unclear – Dromahair may gain more as they are slowly regaining lost form but Aughawillan are just as eager to get back on track. This could be the game of the day and Dromahair have a habit of upsetting highly rated teams in the last few years but the odds would still appear to favour Aughawillan.

Cloone v Glencar/Manor
Cloone are strong hot favourites in this one but they will be wary of a very strong Glencar/Manor second string. The north Leitrim club may have their focus on the Senior championship and youd have to expect that Cloone will be too strong for them in this game.

 

GWP Junior Championship Quarter-Finals

Leitrim Gaels v St. Marys
The tie of the round seems the fellow parishioners take on each other once – the games have swung one way and then the other but Leitrim Gaels have improved greatly this year, performing well and taking a step up.

The danger for them is if they get overly worked up about the idea of facing St. Marys and getting one over on their bigger neighbours – a lack of focus on the game and concentrating instead on the "derby" element could leave the Gaels prone to a shock as St. Marys have a very strong line-up.They have a good mix in their team and going in as completely underdogs, they face no pressure or expectations. If Leitrim Gaels concentrate on producing the same sort of football they have played so far, they should advance comfortably.

 

Aughavas v Mohill
Another of the favourites for the Junior title, Aughavas, take on a strong Mohill second string and they should prove far too strong in this game, particularly with a possible clash with Leitrim Gaels to come in the Semi-Final.

Aughavas will be anxious to set down a marker after their draw with Eslin and they should do so against Mohill.

Eslin v Carrigallen
After the euphoria of their late draw against Aughavas, Eslin will need to get their feet back on the ground quickly as Carrigallen are quite strong for this Division. They contested the Division Five Final and will not be a push-over. But if Eslin can start the way they finished against Aughavas, then they should be far too strong here.

 

Bornacoola v Gortletteragh
The attentions of these clubs may be concentrated on the Senior and Intermediate championships but there is no doubt that both will be eager to score a win in this derby. It will be close but a strong Gortletteragh should just about come through here.

 

Senior Relegation Semi-Final

Aughnasheelin v St. Marys
Very hard to know who has the upper hand here – St. Marys seem to have lost their League form and are desperately trying to regain it. Did Aughnasheelin miss their chance last Saturday? Their confidence will have received a major boost and they will be very hard beaten. One feels that the momentum has definitely switched Aughnasheelins way but is there a kick left in Marys?

 

GWP Intermediate Relegation Semi-Finals

Ballinaglera v Drumkeerin; Allen Gaels v Annaduff
The north Leitrim derby between Ballinaglera and Drumkeerin is a tough one to call. Ballinaglera probably have the edge in results but Drumkeerin still possess a lot of quality in their ranks. It will be tight and tough but Glera to shade it while, in the battle of the second string teams, Annaduff should just about see off Allen Gaels in the other game.

 

GWP Junior A Relegation Semi-FInals

Kiltubrid v Ballinamore Sean OHeslins; Melvin Gaels v Drumkeerin
Going on results so far, youd expect Kiltubrid and Melvin Gaels to come through in these games without too much trouble.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This full report is available thanks to John Connolly and the Leitrim Observer
– it s available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here

 

 

 

 

 

 

28-Aug-09 by LeitrimObserver.ie