The past is definitely the past according to Leitrim selector Martin McGowan who stresses that Leitrim are focused solely on next Sundays massive Allianz League Division Four show-down with second placed Antrim in Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada at 2.30 pm.
The Allen Gaels clubman is the local member of the new management team but he is definitely working from the same script as his colleagues when he stresses that Antrim is the only thing Leitrim are concentrating on at the moment.
"Were most definitely looking forward to it," Martin told the Observer, "It is another game for us and hopefully another step on the road to trying to win promotion.
"Everybody would have been looking at Antrim, Sligo and Wicklow as the main teams in the Division but we will be looking on Antrim as another team we are trying to beat. We will focus on the game in front of us and that is all and hopefully, that will see us through."
The value of that approach is two-fold – it concentrates the minds on the challenge of the Saffron men and immediately reminds everyone that the Sligo and Carlow results are now nothing but history.
"The games are coming hard and fast in the coming weeks but you cant allow your mind to wander, your focus has to be on the next game and until 4 pm next Sunday evening, our total focus will be on Antrim.
"No doubt about it, the result against Sligo was very disappointing for the players and us as a management group but we bounced back in an impressive fashion against Carlow and got the victory. And I think the scoreline against Carlow was a poor reflection of our dominance on the day.
It was important to get a game quickly after the loss to Sligo but perhaps if we had the Carlow game when it was scheduled, we wouldnt have been as sluggish and we would have gone into the game in a better frame of mind – it works both ways.
"If were going to be in with a chance of promotion, we need to be taking our chances but the last day is gone. We will just concentrate on winning the game in front of us and the Sligo game and the Carlow game are gone now, they are in the past."
While acknowledging that the amount of missed chances in the Carlow game was was a concern, Martin has obviously inherited the positive out-look of his late father, Tony, when he takes a different view-point on those misses – "While we would be concerned about the amount of chances we missed against Carlow, Id more be concerned if we werent creating the chances."
Martin also believes that the new set-up has reinvigorated the County side, creating far more competition for places and rising standards as a result – "In the past, the Leitrim team might have been picked from a pool of 18 to 20 players but already we have used 26 players this year and we have lots of other guys in contention for a place on the team.
"The hardest thing is picking a panel of 24 for match days, whatever about the first 15. There is great competition in training and as long as we keep that competitionÓgoing, it will bring us on a lot.
"At this time of the year, you settle into a routine.
A lot of football is establishing good routines and it is important to set down standards that breath competition into training and that augers well for match days. A few of the lads are carrying knocks from the League games. Ray Cox had a bit of a hamstring worry but there is nothing serious and hopefully, we will have a clean bill of health.
Asked if the reality of being a selector for the County Senior team lived up to his own expectations, Martin said “It is every bit as much of a thrill as I expected it to be, maybe even more so. It is a great thrill for me to be involved with the Leitrim Senior team and a great honour especially to work with two men as committed and passionate as Mickey Moran and John Morrison.
“They have a great way of dealing with the players and you learn so much from them. If you look at the fact that they only get to pick 15 players for each game, it’s a great compliment to Mickey & John that they are still getting a full compliment of players turning out for every training sesssion, I think that speaks volumes for the impact they have had.”
As for a prediction, Martin said “You have to be confident, particularly when you are playing at home. We are always very difficult to beat in Carrick but we have to establish a good record of getting the wins as we did against Carlow.
“And if we continue in that same vein of form, we will have a very good chance. It is not going to be easy but I’d be confident that we can get a result if we work as hard as we did against Carlow."
This full report is available thanks to John Connolly for the Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here
06-Mar-09 by John Connolly – LeitrimObserver.ie
GAELIC ARMOUR ANNOUNCES LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP WITH LEITRIM GAA20th November 2024 - 9:16 pm
U21 Preview with Liam Higgins
County FootballAhead of this Saturdays Connacht Under 21 Championship Semi-Final against Sligo, Leitrim Manager Liam Higgins has acknowledged that his charges have a good chance of progressing, but also added a word of caution saying "Sligo will be thinking the same thing."
The chance to make a rare appearance in a Provincial Final at this grade increased when Roscommon, Galway and Mayo were drawn on the same side of the draw, with Mayo defeating the Tribesmen last Saturday.
With the big guns all battling each other on that side, Sligo and Leitrim will both fancy their chances – "We have a good chance. Its a home draw and we will be hoping to have a good crowd to support the team.
"Its a good draw for both sides and if we perform to our ability I think we have a good chance," said Liam who immediately warned against complacency by adding "Sligo will be thinking the same."
Approaching the game Liam reported no major injury concerns with the exception of Fergal Earley who will be out for a few months with a knee injury.
When asked about the mood in the camp ahead of the big game, Liam was upbeat revealing "its good, were very happy with how its going in training. Were coming in to good shape and well just be keeping things fresh this week."
For the clash with Sligo, Liam will have three senior panelists at his disposal, namely Tomas Beirne, David OConnor & Philip Farrelly.
Beirne & OConnor have been central to Mickey Morans plans to date while goalkeeper Farrelly was handed a start in Leitrims FBD victory over Sligo in January.
Leitrim suffered a heavy defeat against Roscommon in the Hastings Cup Final but stress that they were not that far ahead in their preparations at that point.
Sligo were also in pre-season action, easily defeating Donegal in the North West Final, and they also boast a few members of the Senior team that walloped Leitrim in the National League.
At Minor level, Leitrim lost heavily three years ago to Mayo but they will be confident of a better showing although the divided attention of Beirne and OConnor may be a hindrence with a National League clash with Waterford next Sunday.
Leitrim showed great work-rate and spirit in their Hastings Cup outings but they will need big performances from Conor Sheridan, Ray Mulvey, Wayne McKeon and, of course, OConnor & Beirne if they are to advance to a Connacht Final.
Leitrim havent registered a win at this grade since 1998 but with home advantage, maybe next Saturday will also see them reach their first final since that year also.
This full report is available thanks to the Leitrim Observer
– it s available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here
19-Mar-09 by LeitrimObserver.ie
Spirit & Character
County FootballLeitrims spirit and character were the determining factors in last Sundays victory over Wicklow according to Manager Mickey Moran who succinctly summed it up with "A day like that comes down to character."
Speaking after an exciting finale, Mickey told the Observer "A day like that comes down to character. We can do so much but it is getting the lads to produce that on the pitch on a consistent basis. We knew it was always there and that was what won it today and were absolutely delighted.
"It was a great win in the end, we played very well in the first half but we didnt take the scores which was a bit worrying. But as I said at halftime, this was the first time we went in leading at halftime and we wanted to stay ahead.
"The questions were asked in the second half and Wicklow put it up to us but I think the lads responded and showed the great heart and character that is there. Then they decided to open up and they showed great touches and flair in coming back and eking out that victory, especially the last score."
The management team were also rewarded by the decision to stick with Ray Cox as the Annaduff man scored four points after an off-day against Antrim – "You have to be loyal to lads, when somebody goes on and it goes well for him.
"It didnt go well for Ray the last day but you have to have a bit of faith, you just cant diScórd somebody like that. We said go out there and prove it and it sets a lad up for a good game."
Mickey also emphasised the importance of the team ethic, particularly as Leitrim were without top scorer and talisman Emlyn Mulligan – "The match really was for Emlyn. Emlyn has the shingles, it was an honest decision by him and by the management.
"He could have given us 20 minutes near the end but it mightnt have worked out. This shingles leaves a loss of energy. At the start, I told the lads that Emlyn carried us with his frees and his scores and it was up to us to carry him.
"We made substitutions when lads were tiring and we needed that. But as I told the lads at the end of the match, it was the 15 lads starting or the subs who came on, it was all the other lads who werent in the 24.
"They are the lads at training, pushing them on. There is great spirit.I told them if they are patient, theyll get their chance and if they are patient, theyll get support from us."
Moran also professed that he didnt hear vocal criticism from the stands during the previous match against Antrim – "I didnt hear any and Ive no more grey hairs. Were loving every minute of it, criticism and all and I didnt hear any criticism."
And Moran returned to the theme of attitude as they prepare for the final three matches of the season – "We just have to work on the mental attitude, were as good as anyone. Were not better than anyone, but we are as good as anyone. Its not arrogance, just a pride in your county and take that belief in. I think we saw it out there today.
"Its a big win but at the end of the day, everybody talks about this might happen and that might happen but nothing will happen unless you win your games. Antrim need to be beaten or Sligo need to be beaten twice.
Were still playing catch-up but were just doing our bit, taking it one match at a time. Next Sunday against Waterford is a hard one, Waterford kicked something like 13 chances wide. Theyre be smarting and itll be a tough test for us.
"You can do nothing about other results but your own to be in with a chance. It is precariously balanced," concluded Mickey.
This full report is available thanks to John Connolly for the Leitrim Observer
– it s available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here
19-Mar-09 by John Connolly – LeitrimObserver.ie
County Scór Finals
ScórThe County Scór Finals are in Ballinamore on this Saturday night starting at 7.00pm sharp. After two great nights in the semi-final it promises to be a great occasion. Just one week later on Sunday 29 March the Leitrim winners will represent their county in Elphin at the Connacht Finals.
18-Mar-09 by Sean o Suiilleabhan
NFL – Rd 5 – Leitrim v Wicklow
County FootballLeitrims hopes of promotion were boosted with victory over Wicklow at Pairc Sean Mhic Diarmada yesterday.
A return to form by man of the match, Michael Foley, was the high point here. Foley scored four points.
Leitrim were 0-8 to 0-5 ahead at the break, but Wicklow fought back on the resumption with a John McGrath point.
And three Wicklow points levelled the scores with three minutes left, but two late Leitrim points — from Declan Maxwell and BrendanÓgallagher — sealed the well-earned victory.
ScórERS:
Leitrim: R Cox (0-1f), M Foley (0-2f) 0-4 each, D Maxwell 0-2, B Gallagher, P McGuinness, B McWeeney 0-1 each.
Wicklow: T Hannon 0-4 (0-3f), S Furlong (0-1f), D Odlum, J McGrath 0-2 each, L Glynn 0-1.
LEITRIM — nÓgill; D Reynolds, J McKeon, B Prior; B McWeeney, A OFlynn, J Glancy; G McCloskey, T Beirne; P McGuinness, M Foley, D OConnor; R Cox, D Maxwell, J Holohan.
Subs:
S Canning for T Beirne;
D Beck for D Reynolds;
B Gallagher for D OConnor;
D Duignan for R Cox;
S Foley for A OFlynn.
WICKLOW — M Travers; C Hyland, D Power, A Byrne; L Glynn, P McWalter, R Nolan; D Jackman, J P Dalton; P Earls, T Hannon, J McGrath; D Odlum, S Furlong, D OSullivan.
Subs:
P Dalton for D OSullivan;
A Nolan for D Power (y/c).
Ref — R ODonnell (Donegal).
16-Mar-09 by Irish Independant.ie
Final push for Supporters Club Draw
GeneralThis Friday March 20th the highly anticipated draw of the Leitrim Supporters Club takes place.
With only days to go the incentives for entering have never been higher as ticket purchasers will not only be in with a chance of winning the €5,000 top prize but also be able to give some much needed assistance to the countys major GAA projects.
Since the Supporters club was launched at the Herbert Park Hotel in Dublin in January interest in the draw has been as high as in previous years. This is due much in part to the healthy prospects of Gaelic games in the county which has seen some major progress both on and off the field. At the launch Chairman of Leitrim County Board, Gerry McGovern spoke of some of these project. In the run to Fridays draw he again explained what these were with particular attention to the state of the art facilities that have already been put in place at Pairc Sean and will be put in place at the Centre of Excellence in Annaduff. "We have been very busy in the county implementing a number of major developments. The stand at Pairc Sean has been completed and is great success. We have also bought the Centre of Excellence to a level where it is ready to go to the stage. The stand has already cost €3.2million and the training ground is going to cost in the vicinity of €1 million."
In addition to these infrastructual developments, the county board have also set the wheels in motion for bringing better training methods to teams throughout the county. The seeds are being set for success at inter-county, club and underage levels, all of which bring additional costs. "Another development has been the introduction of high profile coaches for the countys senior team. Not only will these development players at the level but it will also hopefully improve the overall development of teams throughout the county," continued Gerry.
In its 23rd year the Supporters Club in Dublin have had a major role in bringing the county to a stage where it can compete on all fronts. Ahead of Fridays event all clubs in Leitrim have been furnished with tickets and with all things taken into considerationÓgerry is hopeful that the target can be met with one final push from gaels around the county. "The county board are very much dependent on the loyalty of supporters. This draw assists greatly in the day to day running of Leitrim GAA affairs. We are looking to gather in the region of €110,000 and are hoping that a final push can be made to reach that. The response has been fantastic to date and in these last few days everybody club can sell their allocation I am confident that we can reach that target and maybe do more."
13-Mar-09 by Supporters Club
Celebrity Bainisteoir – The Cuala experience
GeneralUp for the match Friday night 6th March in Cuala GAA Club Dalkey
Des Cahill interviewed George Hook, Paddy Cullen, Katherine Lynch and Mickey Quinn before a large attendance in Cuala Clubhouse on Friday night’s up for the match. The general view from the George & Paddy camp was that it really was a David v Goliath affair and it was great Dromahaire were coming up to give them a game. The Cuala Club have sixty five teams (yes 65) so no one could argue with the description. However George Hook did mention that he felt Dromahair were a lot better than he was led to believe and he felt Katherine Lynch was telling him loads of sad tales of injuries, players not turning up for training etc. Katherine Lynch knows her football and knows exactly what she is doing. She grew up in a GAA house with Maureen & Tom dissecting every game played by Mohill over the last thirty years. The Cuala management team seemed cocky of winning and were not shy about showing it. The advance party of Dromahair supporters were looking worried at this stage but when Des Cahill asked Mickey Quinn’s wife Mary to the stage to sing Lovely Leitrim she really got the Dromahair supporters in the right frame of mind for the big weekend ahead.
Match Day
On a beautiful sunny & mild day, streets in Dalkey were closed off around the Cuala Pitch to facilitate the crowds. The population of Dromahair seemed to be in Dalkey and Dublin based Leitrim supporters all travelled to the beautiful Dublin village. Gerry McGovern Chairman of Leitrim County Board took the train to Dalkey and on his way met up with the one and only Peter Gordon originally from Mohill. They were met at Dalkey station and taken to the venue via a guided tour of Dalkey. A number of supporters travelled from other clubs in the county to support the Dromahair team.
Who was there?.
Celebrity Bainisteoir is a Televised national event. Where there is a camera you will find a politician. Among the politicians present were Mary Hanafin, Barry Andrews, Sean Barrett, John Bailey, Mary Lou McDonald & Gay Mitchell. I am sure there were many others there I did not see or know. Two Leitrim men heavily involved in the Cuala club are Willie McHugh ( Mohill) and Enda McGowan ( son of Aidan McGowan Kinlough). Both men made Leitrim people especially welcome and the family atmosphere of the club reflects their massive contribution to it.
The venue
Cuala venue was expecting a large crowd and they got it.Marquees were set up in the ground where tea, coffee sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers were all available for young and old. All age groups were facilitated. In the club house you could get hot food and a beer, and mix with supporters from both clubs. Everything was in place for a wonderful game.
The game
Dromahair received a massive welcome on to the pitch from its supporters. When Katherine Lynch appeared on the pitch and waved to the supporters the place went wild with supporters shouting Dromahair –Dromahair. The players told me afterwards it was unbelievable to hear the supporters shouting Dromahair. The game itself will be shown on TV shortly and will be worth watching. It will go down as one of the longest matches ever played as it involved normal time ( 60 minutes) + extra time ( 2 x 10 minutes) + extra time ( 2 x x5 minutes ). The winning score for Dromahair came with the last kick of the game and sent their supporters wild with delight. Grown men hugged and kissed each other, and there was a few women hugged as well. I witnessed one supporter hugging a tree.
After the game
Supporters converged on the pitch and were very reluctant to leave it. While the players were absolutely brilliant all the supporters sought out Mickey Quinn & Katherine Lynch. The team were brilliantly prepared and played with pride, passion, confidence and intelligence.
As a player Mickey never accepted defeat and you could see his input all over the team. Katherine loves a bit of fun but when a job needs to be done no better woman than Katherine. It was like 1994 when Leitrim won the Connacht Championship. It was a very special day.
Apres Match
RTE’S 1 afternoon TV presenter Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh conducted the after match interviews in a packed club house with George Hook, Katherine Lynch & Mickey Quinn. The Dromahair supporters seemed to outnumber the locals such was the excitement with the victory. Paddy Cullen did not attend and the Cuala gang were in total shock. George Hook certainly was shocked and thanked all his Cuala players and the Cuala club for all the support they gave him. Such was his state of shock he forgot to congratulate Dromahair. When Mickey Quinn & Katherine Lynch spoke the clubhouse roared its approval. David has slainÓgoliath and every Dromahair supporter present had been part of a very special day.
10-Mar-09 by
Coaching news
CoachingCoiste Chontae Liatroma
Coaching news
Coach education – Foundation award course.
The final part of our foundation award course will take place in the Bush hotel and the sports complex on Sunday next 15/03 commencing at 10.00 am. Any coaches who were unable to attend the final part of their own course can come along and complete their course. For further information contact Thomas Keenan 087 – 6591049.
Referee – Foundation award course
Reminder to all who are taking part in the foundation award course for new referees that part two will take place on Thursday night next 12/03 in the Bush hotel, commencing at 7.30pm. Any one who missed night one but are interested in becoming a referee at any grade should come along on the night.
Coaching booklets.
Coaches of all teams are always looking for new ideas and ways to coach skills, game set ups etc, so with thanks to John Morrison we have two publications, "Head, Hands & Feet" and "Games for better Team play" which coaches can purchase at a very modest cost of €15 each. All coaches should obtain copies of both publications as they are excellent reference books.
Some Fun do packs are still available at €50 per pack, and we would urge all coaches working with children up to under 12 to obtain a copy.
Both the booklets and the Fun do packs can be got by contacting Thomas Keenan on 087-6591049 or email thomas.keenan@leitrim.gaa.ie.
Vhi Cul camps 2009.
It may seem like a long time away but we just want to advise parents and children of the dates for our 2009 Vhi GAA Cul camps. Vhi GAA cul camps in Leitrim continue to grow in popularity so much so that we had the highest percentage turnout of children between the ages of 7 – 13 yrs in the Country at our camps last year. Congrats and well done to everyone who attended. A complete new kit has been designed for all those attending this year camps and the good news for parents is that camp registration fees for 1st & 2nd family members will remain the same as last year with a reduction of €10 for the third family member. More information on registration etc. will be published shortly. This years camps will commence on Monday 6th July and will follow the same format as last year.
06/07/09 – Aughawillan, Manorhamilton, Ck-on-Shannon.
13/07/09 – Kinlough, Drumshanbo, Mohill.
20/07/09 – Aughavas, Dromahair, Gortletteragh.
27/07/07 – Drumkeerin, Fenagh, Leitrim.
10-Mar-09 by Thomas Keenan
Shield Draw
Club FootballShield Draw
09-Mar-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Scór Liatroma – Semi final results
ScórCoiste Scór Liatroma celebrated the 40th year of Scór in style with two nights of top class entertainment this weekend. On Friday night in a packed Community Centre Aughavas proceedings started at 8 o’clock and finished at 1am. On Saturday in Ballinaglera there was another packed house as the remaining clubs took part. 18 of the County’s 24 clubs took part which, proportionately, is probably the highest participation rate in the whole of the 32 counties this year. Leitrim’s Oifigeach Cultúir agus Teanga, Seán Ó’ Suilleabháin paid tribute to all of the clubs who answered the call to ensure high participation by clubs in the 120 year of the GAA and the 40th year of Scór.
The qualifiers for the Co Finals in two weeks time are as follows:
Rince Foirne:
Bornacoola, Glencar Manorhamilton , Drumreilly
Amhranaíocht Aonair:
Seán O’Heslin’s, St Mary’s, Eslin, Drumreilly, Mohill
Ceol Uirlise:
St Mary’s. Glencar/Manorhamilton, Eslin
Aithriseoireacht:
Seán O’Heslins, Aughnasheelin, Bornacoola, St Mary’s
Bailéad Ghrúpa:
Glencar/Manorhamilton Ladies, St Mary’s, Mohill,
Aughnasheelin
Nuachleas:
Aughnasheelin, Fenagh, Seán O’Heslins, Aughavas
Trath na gCeist:
Bornacoola, Aughawillan, Seán O’Heslins, Fenagh, Allen Gaels, Eslin
Rince Seit:
Bornacoola, Glencar/Manorhamilton
09-Mar-09 by Sean o Suiilleabhan
Dromahaire win their Celebrity Bainisteoir clash against Cula in Dalkey
Club FootballCongratulations to Dromahaire who have just won their 1st round game against Cula in Dalkey. In a David and Goliath clash the wee club from north Leitirm did themselves proud as they ended the epic encounter with a 1 point win in a game that went to injury time not once but twice.
The Dublin sided managed by George Hook were bettered in a game that was thrilling from start to finish. Katherine Lynchs charges played great football and their prematch training paid off. Leitrims legendary Mickey Quinn was at hand to assist Wonder woman and the lads from Dromahaire.
The final score was Dromahaire 3-08 to Culas 2-10. More reports to follow.
07-Mar-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Barry McIntyre – Carrigallen – RIP
Club FootballIt is with great regret that Leitrim GAA hears of the death of Barry McIntyre Runaí of Carraig Alainn CLG following a long illness bravely bourne. Barry was secretary for Carrigalen Club for the last 3 years and had a keen interest in the GAA in his native club and at county level.
His remains will repose in his home in Cloncorrick, Carrigallen this evening and will be removed tomorrow to Carrigallen church for funeral mass at 2pm.
We offer our sincere sympathy to his family and wide circle of friends.
Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.
07-Mar-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Focus is only on Antrim says Martin
County FootballThe past is definitely the past according to Leitrim selector Martin McGowan who stresses that Leitrim are focused solely on next Sundays massive Allianz League Division Four show-down with second placed Antrim in Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada at 2.30 pm.
The Allen Gaels clubman is the local member of the new management team but he is definitely working from the same script as his colleagues when he stresses that Antrim is the only thing Leitrim are concentrating on at the moment.
"Were most definitely looking forward to it," Martin told the Observer, "It is another game for us and hopefully another step on the road to trying to win promotion.
"Everybody would have been looking at Antrim, Sligo and Wicklow as the main teams in the Division but we will be looking on Antrim as another team we are trying to beat. We will focus on the game in front of us and that is all and hopefully, that will see us through."
The value of that approach is two-fold – it concentrates the minds on the challenge of the Saffron men and immediately reminds everyone that the Sligo and Carlow results are now nothing but history.
"The games are coming hard and fast in the coming weeks but you cant allow your mind to wander, your focus has to be on the next game and until 4 pm next Sunday evening, our total focus will be on Antrim.
"No doubt about it, the result against Sligo was very disappointing for the players and us as a management group but we bounced back in an impressive fashion against Carlow and got the victory. And I think the scoreline against Carlow was a poor reflection of our dominance on the day.
It was important to get a game quickly after the loss to Sligo but perhaps if we had the Carlow game when it was scheduled, we wouldnt have been as sluggish and we would have gone into the game in a better frame of mind – it works both ways.
"If were going to be in with a chance of promotion, we need to be taking our chances but the last day is gone. We will just concentrate on winning the game in front of us and the Sligo game and the Carlow game are gone now, they are in the past."
While acknowledging that the amount of missed chances in the Carlow game was was a concern, Martin has obviously inherited the positive out-look of his late father, Tony, when he takes a different view-point on those misses – "While we would be concerned about the amount of chances we missed against Carlow, Id more be concerned if we werent creating the chances."
Martin also believes that the new set-up has reinvigorated the County side, creating far more competition for places and rising standards as a result – "In the past, the Leitrim team might have been picked from a pool of 18 to 20 players but already we have used 26 players this year and we have lots of other guys in contention for a place on the team.
"The hardest thing is picking a panel of 24 for match days, whatever about the first 15. There is great competition in training and as long as we keep that competitionÓgoing, it will bring us on a lot.
"At this time of the year, you settle into a routine.
A lot of football is establishing good routines and it is important to set down standards that breath competition into training and that augers well for match days. A few of the lads are carrying knocks from the League games. Ray Cox had a bit of a hamstring worry but there is nothing serious and hopefully, we will have a clean bill of health.
Asked if the reality of being a selector for the County Senior team lived up to his own expectations, Martin said “It is every bit as much of a thrill as I expected it to be, maybe even more so. It is a great thrill for me to be involved with the Leitrim Senior team and a great honour especially to work with two men as committed and passionate as Mickey Moran and John Morrison.
“They have a great way of dealing with the players and you learn so much from them. If you look at the fact that they only get to pick 15 players for each game, it’s a great compliment to Mickey & John that they are still getting a full compliment of players turning out for every training sesssion, I think that speaks volumes for the impact they have had.”
As for a prediction, Martin said “You have to be confident, particularly when you are playing at home. We are always very difficult to beat in Carrick but we have to establish a good record of getting the wins as we did against Carlow.
“And if we continue in that same vein of form, we will have a very good chance. It is not going to be easy but I’d be confident that we can get a result if we work as hard as we did against Carlow."
This full report is available thanks to John Connolly for the Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here
06-Mar-09 by John Connolly – LeitrimObserver.ie