Senior County Final – Short Report

Champions Glencar/ Manorhamilton were made to fight every inch of the way by Carrigallen at Pairc Sean MhicDiarmada, Carrick-on-Shannon, yesterday in one of the most entertaining and well-attended Leitrim finals in years.

It was a cruel end to Carrigallens dreams of lifting the title for the first time in 66 years, as they fell short by the narrowest of margins in a game that for long periods looked like going their way.

They got off to a dream start when Andrew McManus had the ball in the Glencar/Manor net after just 35 seconds with further points from Ciaran Flynn and Noel Doonan, before Adrian Croal opened the champions account in the eighth minute.

Two Benny ORourke pointed- frees put Carrigallen 1-4 to 0-1 ahead by the 20th minute, but the remainder of the half was all Glencar/Manor, who scored five points without reply to reduce the arrears at half-time, 1-4 to 0-6 in favour of Carrigallen.

Pressure

A Benny ORourke pointed-free on the resumption extended the Carrigallen lead, but two James Glancy points from play levelled matters and further points from Anthony McDonald and Adrian Croal in the 38th and 39th minute put the defending champions in front for the first time.

But Carrigallen, showing tremendous character and resilience, took the game once more to Glencar/Manor with points from Ciaran Flynn and Gary Reynolds restoring parity going into the final quarter.

Then, with nine minutes remaining, Carrigallen substitute Brian Doyle bundled the ball into the Glencar/Manor net following a period of pressure and a shock looked on the cards.

But that was to be the challengers swansong and three points without reply from Brian McDonald, Gary Hickey and Adrian Croal, coupled with superb defending from a back-line led by man of the match Paddy Maguire, in a frenetic finale, broke Carrigallens hearts to leave the title in North Leitrim for another year.

ScórERS — Glencar/Manorhamilton: J Glancy 0-5 (0-3f), A Croal 0-4, A Hickey, G Hickey, A McDonald, B McDonald, F McGourty 0-1 each. Carrigallen: A McManus, B Doyle 1-0 each, B ORourke 0-3 (0-3f), C Flynn 0-2 (0-1f), N Doonan, G Reynolds 0-1 each.

GLENCAR/MANORHAMILTON — S Sweeney; T McDonald, A OFlynn, P Maguire; S Loughlin, P Gilmartin, D Poinaird; D Sweeney, A Hickey; D Kelly (Capt), C Ryan, B McDonald; A Croal, F McGourty, J Glancy. Subs: J OBrien for S Loughlin, B McDonald for D Kelly, G Hickey for a Hickey, A Sweeney for A McDonald.

CARRIGALLEN— E Lyons; B Reilly, D Flynn, K Ward; T Reynolds, N Doonan (Capt), J P McManus; G Reynolds, C Richardson; M Dolan, E Ward, A McManus; B ORourke, C Flynn, E OMalley. Subs: K Ward for E OMalley, B Doyle for K Ward, M Kerrigan for E Ward.

REF — E OGrady (Drumkeerin).

 

 

28-Sep-09 by Irish Independant.ie

County Finals – summary

This weekend s finals were not for the fainthearted as we witnessed 3 cracking games over the 2 days.  Approx 2,000 supporters were in Ballinamore on Saturday evening followed by 5,000 in Carrick on Sunday to witness 3 nail-bitters.  The neutral and partisan supporter got great value for money in the 3 excellent games that saw 6 very evenly matched teams battle it out for their respective county title honors. 

This is a game that will go down in the annals as a classic as Glencar Manorhamilton put back to back County titles together after an enthralling final against Carrigallen in front of crowd of 5,000 in Páirc Seán.  Carrigallen opened the game with a blistering pace and had a goal scored with 43 seconds.  They led most of the way through the half but Glencar Manor never let up and Carrigallen held out to lead by 1 at half time.

During the break the Under 12 teams from every club in the county paraded around the field led by Kiltubrid Pipe band.  This spectacle of color marked the 125 anniversary of the GAA.

The second half was full of drama right until the last kick of the ball in a game that swayed one way then the next.  Carrigallen will rue missed chances after Manor managed to bring the game to a draw before taking the lead.  Carrigallen brought on veteran Brian Doyle in the 47th minute and he had an immediate impact as he scored a key goal to put Carrigallen back into the lead.

The Manor men held their head and play some excellent football to bring the game to a draw heading into to full time.  Manor edged ahead to win by the slimiest of margins and put back to back titles together.

Earlier in the Junior A game Aughavas came out victors in another terrific encounter as held out to win by 2 points against Eslin.  Eslin had many chances to go into the lead in the second half but at least 4 goal chances went a begging as the hit everything bar the back of the net.  Aughavas were very relieved to hear the final whistle and this game was the perfect opening game for the afternoon.

In Ballinamore on Saturday evening Cloone upset the odds by storming their way to a victory right from the throw-in, it was close in the end as Aughawillan crept back in to the game and were within 1 point in the end but Cloone held out for the coveted title and a return to Senior football for 2010. 

The highlights of the Intermediate game are now online along with the fireworks after-wards in the village !

More photographic and video highlights from the Senior and Junior A games will be available here online over the days as Brian Blake and James Molloy capture the moments.

 

 

27-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Local Radio coverage of the County finals

Local Radio stations Shannonside and Ocean FM will have full live commentary of the two championship finals from Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, as well as updates from the intermediate championship final over the weekend.

In the intermediate championship final, its Aughawillan against Cloone in Ballinamore from 4.45pm on Saturday.

On Sunday county title holders Glencar-Manor face Carrigallen at 2:50pm in the Senior County Final while earlier in the Junior A final Aughavas and Eslin meet at 1pm.

So make sure to join Kevin Blessing and PJ Leddy live from Pairc Sean this Saturday and Sunday on 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 live coverage

 

 

26-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Juvenile parade on Sunday next to mark 125 anniversary

 

 

To mark the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the GAAs foundation a parade will take place at half time of the Senior game on Sunday next.  All of Leitrims 24 clubs will parade their Under 12 teams around Páirc Sean in what should be a very colorful display.

The Under 12 Teams will  assemble at scoreboard End Terrace of Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada by 2.30pm prior to the half time whistle in the Senior game.  The  Teams will enter pitch from this end on Stand Side and parade behind Kiltubrid Pipe Band the length of pitch (Stand Side) and continue across Town End and proceed down far side of pitch to exit score Board End at conclusion of the Parade.

The event will be recorded on camera both video and stills and available on our website in the photo gallery and video library early next week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

National League 2010 – Provisional fixtures

Waterford are scheduled to be Leitrims first opponents of the 2010 Allianz National League Division Four campaign on Sunday, February 11, next year after the proposed fixtures for the competition were published last weekend.

With most Leitrim fans hoping to avoid a trip to Limerick, the worst fears have been realised as the Treaty Men are due to host Leitrim in the last game of the campaign on Sunday, April 11.

It means that Longford, who dropped down from Division 3 with Limerick, will be visitors to Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada next year for an eagerly awaited local derby on Saturday, April 3.

The provisional fixtures for the National Football and Hurling Leagues have been released to County Boards for approval and could be adjusted but it is believed that most will go ahead as planned.

Leitrim will have their bye week in the middle of the campaign on Sunday, March 14, meaning that the county will be involved up to the last day of the campaign.

Mickey Moran and John Morrisons side will also have three Saturday games against Kilkenny on February 20, Carlow away on March 27, and Longford on April 3.

In the hurling fixtures, Leitrim open their league with a trip to take on neighbours Cavan and Fermanagh in the first two games but host South Down and Monaghan in their only two home ties, with a trip Longford in between.

 

The full list of Leitrims proposed National League fixtures is:

 

National Football League Division 4

Sunday, February 7: Leitrim v Waterford, London v Limerick, Carlow v Longford, Clare v Wicklow.

Saturday, February 13: Limerick v Carlow

Sunday, February 14: Wicklow v Leitrim, Kilkenny v Clare, Waterford v London.

Saturday, February 20: London v Wicklow; Longford v Limerick; Carlow v Waterford; Leitrim v Kilkenny.

Sunday, March 7: Waterford v Longford, Kilkenny v London, Wicklow v Carlow, Clare v Leitrim.

Saturday, March 13: Limerick v Waterford

Sunday, March 14: Carlow v Kilkenny, Longford v Wicklow, London v Clare. Leitrim BYE

Sunday, March 21: Leitrim v London, Kilkenny v Longford, Wicklow v Limerick, Clare v Carlow.

Saturday, March 27: Carlow v Leitrim, Limerick v Kilkenny

Sunday, March 28: Longford v Clare, Waterford v Wicklow.

Saturday, April 3: Kilkenny v Waterford, Leitrim v Longford, Clare v Limerick, London v Carlow.

Sunday, April 11: Waterford v Clare, Limerick v Leitrim, Wicklow v Kilkenny, Longford v London.

 

 

National Hurling League Division 4

Sunday, February 21: Monaghan v Fermanagh, Cavan v Leitrim, Longford v South Down.

Sunday, February 28: Fermanagh v Leitrim, Longford v Cavan, South Down v Monaghan.

Sunday, March 14: Fermanagh v Cavan, Leitrim v South Down, Monaghan v Longford.

Sunday, March 21: South Down v Fermanagh, Longford v Leitrim, Cavan v Monaghan.

Sunday, March 28: Leitrim v Monaghan, South Down v Cavan, Fermanagh v Longford.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

23-Sep-09 by LeitrimObserver.ie

Club Grounds of the Year 2009

Congratulations to Ballinamore Sean O Heslins on winning the Leitrim Club Grounds of the Year for 2009.

This year as ever it was a close run competition and the outright winners were chosen after Connacht Officers inspected the short list recommended by the Leitrim County committee. The runners up were Allen Gaels in 2nd and Eslin in 3rd place who recently reopened their park.

All 3 have paid excellent attention to detail in recent years and this has culminated in the excellent quality of the grounds for both players and spectators alike.

The awarding of this years title is well justified and congratulations to all concerned and well done on the win. The award will be presented at the Annual Awards night in January.

Ballinamore Sean O Heslins will then contest the Connacht Grounds of the Year Award which will be announced at the Connacht Awards night in the New Year.

 

 

23-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Coaching News

Hurling

Foundation award hurling course

Great response to this course with ten new coaches attending the course on Friday evening and Saturday last. Well done to all.

Under 14 school of excellence

Our under 14 hurling squad travel to Padraig Pearses GAA grounds, Roscommon on Saturday next 26/09 to take part in the Connolly Cunniffe tournament. A bus will depart from the Bush hotel car park at 9.00am. Bus route and times as follows

Manorhamilton 8.10, Factory turn 8.20, Drumkeerin8.30, Drumshanbo 8.50, Ck-on-Shannon (Bush hotel car park) 9.05

 

 

Football

Under 14 School of excellence

We are working on a challenge game for the squad in the next week or so. Check next weeks news for details.

Under 15 School of excellence

No session for the next week or two due to the under 16 club championship, but keep a look out in these notes for details of the next session.

 

 

22-Sep-09 by Thomas Keenan

Coaching News

Foundation award hurling course
A foundation award coaching course for all hurling coaches will commence this Friday evening 18th at 7.30pm in the Bush hotel with part two of the course taking place on Saturday morning, commencing at 11.00am. Any one interested in coaching hurling at club or school level, are very welcome to come along no matter what level of experience or skill they already have.

Football

Under 10 club blitz
The final round of under 10 club blitz took place last weekend inÓglorious sunshine. At all but two of our venues everything went according to plan but to Leitrim Gaels and Glencar Manorhamilton we would like to apologise for the mix up on the morning. The fact that some clubs were not aware that the blitz were on shows a breakdown in communications that we must address before next season. On a positive note, well done and thanks to all club mentors and players as our blitz this year have been a massive success.

Under 14 School of excellence
Members of this squad were in action last weekend in Sligo where they performed very well. Their will be no session for the lads this weekend.

Under 15 School of excellence
No session for the next week or two due to the under 16 club championship, but keep a look out in these notes for details of the next session.

Fr. Manning shield final
The under 16 squad played Offaly in the Fr. Manning shield final in Longford Slashers GAA grounds on Wednesday evening last, but after a very entertaining and sporting contest ending up losing by six points.

This concludes the on field activity for this group of players and we would like to express our thanks to their parents for all their help over the past three years, to squad mentors Terry Mc Manus, Eugene Mc Grath and P.J.Glancy and to all players who have taken part at some stage over the past three years. We look forward to seeing you at County Minor, U-21 and Senior level in the future.

 

 

15-Sep-09 by Thomas Keenan

Leitrim Pics in Cul4kidz – Free supplement with Irish Times

Promo in about the Irish Times Cúl4kidz Supplement out tomorrow which will feature some pics from the Leitrim camp in Melvin Gaels taken by James Molloy.

Watch out for the next super cool edition of Cúl4kidz which will be
free with the Irish Times on Tuesday, September 15th. Tell your
teacher now cos you just cant afford to miss this one! Its the
All-Ireland Special and will be jam-packed with top GAA action

Its got top interviews with Kilkenny superstar JJ Delaney, Tipps
Shane McGrath, Cork football hero James Masters, Monaghan Ladies
football star Niamh Kindlon and Waterford camogie star Trish Jackman.
Find out about the oldest living All-Ireland medal winner, see Ronaldo
playing hurling and find out about the new Croke Park pitch. Read cool
GAA Go Games stories, check out the cool spread of Vhi GAA Cúl Camp
pics from around the country, get all scientific with SCI-delines, win
great prizes plus learn how to make cool crafts with Céim ar Aghaidh.
Find out how you and your class can get your cool artwork up on the
walls in Croker in the GAAllery section. Phew! and oh yeah, its got
posters of your favourite GAA stars, loads of GAA history, skills n
drills, fan pics, your cool drawings, plus games and puzzles.

We know your gonna just love your Cúl4kidz All-Ireland Special, free
with the Irish Times on Tuesday, September 15th. Leg it down to your
local newsagents now and join the club!!

 

 

14-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Coaching News

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 are due to take place this weekend weather permitting. The following are the groupings with the first named team in each group hosting the blitz.

Leitrim Gaels, Aughavas & Kiltubrid

Manorhamilton, Melvin Gaels & Mohill

Allen Gaels, St.Marys & Glenfarne

Gortletteragh, Cloone & Bornacoola

Sean OHeslins, Drumreilly & Dromahair

Annaduff, Fenagh & Carrigallen

Aughnasheelin, St.Osnats & Drumkeerin

 

Under 14 School of excellence

The following members of the under 14 squad will travel to Tubberurry, Co. Sligo, this weekend to take part in an Inter County blitz.

Justin Devaney, Stephen Reynolds, Niall Mc Loughlin, Brendan Rooney, Stephen Mc Partland, Shane Walsh, Aaron Mc Loughlin, Alan Mc Garry, Barry Nash, SeanÓgunning, Niall Sorohan, Joseph Stenson, Darren Kenny, Darren Murray, Cathal Mc Cauley, Brian fox, Declan Daly, Cian Rock, Thomas Mc Partland, John Crawford, Conor Moran, Cathal Keegan, Patrick Heslin, Paul Mc Goldrick Please note bus will depart from Bush hotel car park at 9.15am.

Bus routes and times as follows.

Manorhamilton 8.15, Factory turn 8.25, Drumkeerin 8.35, Drumshanbo 8.55, Leitrim 9.05 , Ck – on – Shannon 9.15,

 

Under 15 School of excellence

No session for the next week or two due to the under 16 club championship, but keep a look out in these notes for details of the next session.

 

Under 16 Development squad – Fr. Manning shield final

The under 16 squad will play Offaly in the Fr. Manning shield final in Longford Slashers GAA grounds on this Wednesday evening, September 9th, commencing at 6.30pm. We would ask as many supporters as possible to travel and support the team.

 

Player please note bus routes & times as follows

Kinlough 3.50, Manorhamilton 4.10, Factory turn 4.20, Drumkeerin 4.30, Drumshanbo 4.50, Leitrim 5.00, Ck -on – Shannon 5.10, Longford 5.45.

Ballinamore 4.10, Carrigallen 4.30, Aughavas 4.40, Cloone 4.50, Mohill 5.00, Masonite 5.10, Dromod (GAA pitch) 5.20, Longford 5.45.

 

 

09-Sep-09 by Thomas Keenan

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