Its always an adventure heading across the Irish Sea to London and this weekend was no different as a surprising number of the green and gold army made a huge effort to support the Leitrim team. Unfortunately for many who planned to return today their trip will be extended due to the terrible weather conditions in London as the airports are snow bound and flight chaos looms.
The team were very lucky to get home last night considering their flight was three and half hours behind schedule and within 10 minutes of not taking off at all. The first signs of problems presented themselves after check-in when boarding was delayed by half hour. Eventually the plane was loaded and just after the safety demonstration the pilot announced that the flight would be further delayed as the plane was iced over and required de-icing. As many planes were in a similar predicament we had to wait in line and eventually 1 hour later with the process completed we were given the all clear to head for the runway.
Enroute for takeoff we noticed that we were about 14th in line and the going was very slow. About 5 planes from the the front we veared left and were told that the de-ice system was only effective for 30 minutes and that we were over that time limit so we had to head back to the terminal for a second de-icing. Again another hour wait as the planes wings and flaps were treated and at 10:55 we were again heading for takeoff. Luck was on our side as the queue was shorter and finally at 11:20 the plane left the tarmac. We later learned that if we had not taken off by 11:30pm we would have beenÓgrounded for the night and considering the current conditions it is difficult to predict when we would be back in Ireland.
To the many supporters who made it to London from Ireland and other areas including within the UK we thank them for their efforts in travelling to London to provide the inspirational vocal support on the ground. We wish all of them well and hope the travel delay is short lived and they get to return home safely.
02-Feb-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Coaching news
CoachingCoach education
The first phase of the new GAA coach education system has now come on stream and will be known as Foundation award. This section of the new system is compulsory for any person intending to coach at any age level and will be the minimum requirement for all coaches from now on.
Later on in the spring the second phase will be launched and will be titled Award 1. It is at this stage that coaches will be able to concentrate on specific areas i.e. child, youth or adult.
The second of the new foundation award courses was completed last weekend in Drumkeerin with 25 coaches attending. Congrats and well done to all who attended
We will outline details for our third course in these notes next week. Any coaches who could not complete either of the earlier courses will be able to do so, at the next course.
Club coaching personnel qualification form.
To-date only seven clubs have returned these forms and we would ask both club secretaries and coaching officers to please get them filled and returned to Thomas Keenan, Pairc Sean, Ck-on-Shannon or Breanross South, Mohill, Co.Leitrim by the weekend at the latest.
Connacht GAA & Connacht Ladies Provincial Coaching Conference.
This years Connacht GAA provincial coaching conference will be held on Saturday March 7th, in St. Brigids GAA centre Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon and will, for the first time host a section specially, for Ladies football. All delegates attending will receive a conference pack, light refreshments and lunch on the day. A special rate of €20 per delegate or €100 for six coaches from the one club will apply for all who pre book. Cost per delegate on the day will be €25.
Following the official opening of the conference by Paddy Naughton, chairman Connacht Council, this years Key note speaker will be prof. Niall Moyna who will present on the topic "Training v Playing" – are we getting the balance right? Ryan Cushnahan, from Gaastats will give a presentation entitled Match Analysis: A new model.
The conference will then switch to a range of practical workshops to cover various aspects of coaching.
Roger Keenan (sports institute Northern Ireland) will conduct an outdoor circuit training session designed to develop strength, power and speed.
Brian Talty (PE teacher & former Galway star) will present a practical workshop entitled "Practices to improve technical proficiency"
Donie Butler (former Clare Manager & current trainer with Limerick senior footballers) will present " modified games for tactical team work"
George OConnor ( former Wexford hurling star) will conduct a session for all hurling coaches entitled "a games based approach to hurling – taking a skill into a game"
Eilish Gormley (PE teacher & double all star player with Tyrone Ladies) will present a practical workshop for all lady coaches attending entitled "creative games for skill development"
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.
17-Feb-09 by Thomas Keenan
Last gasp winner for Waterford against Leitrim in Ladies NFL Div 2 tie
LadiesLeitrim 1-08 Waterford
Following a comprehensive defeat in their opening game against Sligo two weeks ago, Leitrim were determined to improve their performance and they certainly did against a strong cohesive Waterford team who started the game in a very determined fashion. Leitrim had a number of impressive performances with Ann Conlan, Teresa Mylott and Mariead McCawley excellent in defence while in Deirdre McDermott, Aoife Kelly, Lorraine Brennan and particularly in the second half Sarah Mc Loughlin all contributed to a much improved team performance.
Straight from the throw in, Waterford gained possession when the ball was played to the impressive full forward Michelle Ryan who pointed from play. Indeed Waterford dominated the first quarter with Leitrim struggling to adjust to the pace of the game and Waterford’s direct style of play. A minute later Ryan pointed a free to increase the lead. It took Leitrim eight minutes to mount a meaningful attack as Naomi Lee hit a free wide. Ryan and Lorraine Brennan both hit wides before midfielder Ann Dunphy hit a third point through the middle following a perceptive ball from Mairead Wall on the right. Leitrim had an excellent opportunity to open their account five minutes later but the attack broke down and at the other end Louise Loughlin had to save from Linda Wall. Midway through the half full forward Ryan hit a huge point from forty meters from play as Waterford continued to dominate. The turning point of the half came as centre back Anna Conlan broke up another Waterford attack and her clearance to Aisling Brennan set up Deirdre McDermott for a fine point from play. Leitrim won the kickout and set up another attack that resulted in a 13m free that was unfortunately sent wide by Lee. Almost immediately Sarah McLoughlin made amends with a point from play as Leitrim began to settle into the game. Conlan was again influential in Leitrims next score as she again won possession in defence and set up Deirdre McDermott for a point from a free to leave just a point between the teams. Waterford responded with another Ryan free with ten minutes remaining in the half. Evy Guckian had a goal chance three minutes later but was fouled by Grainne Enright who was sent to the sin bin for ten minutes. McDermott pointed the resulting free. Ryan pointed two minutes later from a free as Leitrim desperately defended to keep their goal intact. The final action of the half ended with a great Leitrim point from Aoife Kelly from play following a great move involving Sarah McLoughlin, Camilla McDonagh and Lorraine Brennan to leave just a point between the teams.
The second half proved to be a great contest as Sarah McLoughlin wonm the throw in and found McDermott who wade a great run through the middle of the defence and her pass to Naomi Lee was pointed to level the game. Lee pointed a minute later from a free to give Leitrim the lead for the first time in the game. She had another opportunity to increase the lead but shot wide from a forty meter free as Enright returned to the field. Ryan levelled matters again from a free after five minutes as Sarah McManus replaced Clare Owens in the Leitrim half forward line and Sarah McLoughlin went to midfield. Leitrim then created a great goal chance but Evy Guckian’s effort was brilliantly saved by Amy Jordan after great work from Aoife Kelly to set her up. Waterford led again after ten minutes with a point from Linda Wall and Ryan converted another free moments later to increase the lead to two. Leitrim responded immediately with a great move upfield and when Sarah McLoughlins initial shot was blocked, she was on hand again to unleash an unstoppable left footed drive to the net. Leitrim did have a let off moments later as Waterford hit the crossbar but Lorraine Brennan increased the lead to two after fifteen minutes with a point from play. Michelle McGrath cut that lead to the minimum and Leitrim defended well to prevent a further score. Leitrim replaced Camilla McDonagh and Aoife Kelly with Eilis Quinn and Michelle Reynolds for the final ten minutes as they sought to consolidate their lead. An Aoife Kelly free dropped short and on the counter attack Waterford levelled matters on the stroke of full time with yet another Ryan point from play. Leitrim had one last opportunity to win the game but lost the ball and Waterford made the most of their last chance when Ruth Kirwan pointed from play with the last action of the game. Leitrim must now travel to Wexford next weekend in a game they must win to have a chance of making the play offs and avoid relegation.
Leitrim: Louise Loughlin, Carla Creegan, Sinead Brennan, Mairead McCawley, Teresa Mylott (Capt) Anna Conlan, Camilla McDonagh, Deirdre McDermott, Aisling Brennan, Sarah McLoughlin, Lorraine Brennan, Clare Owens, Evy Guckian, Naomi Lee, Aoife Kelly Subs: E Quinn, M Reynolds.
Waterford: A Jordan, G Enright, E Cooney, L Hogan, N Dunphy, M Foley, A McGovern, M McGrath, A Dunphy, M Foley, E Power, M Wall, R Manahan, M Ryan, L Wall.
Referee: M Farrelly (Cavan)
15-Feb-09 by
Scolaireachta Gaeltachta
ScórThere were a very large number of applicants for the Leitrim Co Board GAA Gaeltacht Scholarships and because there were so many it wasnt feasible to call them all for interview as in previous years. Instead, the winners were drawn from the hat at last Mondays Co Board meeting There were 12 scholarships in all, and four of these were for people who participated in Scór na nÓg last year.
Buíochas do na buachaillí agus na cailíní go léir a chuir isteach ar na scoláireachtaí agus comhghairdeas do na buaiteoirí.
Seo iad na daoine a fuair scoláireachtaí don bhliain seo:
Scoláireachtaí do dhaoine a ghlac páirt i Scór
Aisling Ní Ghuidhir, Corrawallen, Carraig Álainn, (€200)
Eimhín Nic an Bhaird, Fearglass North, Gort Leitrteach, (€100)
Caoimhe Ní Chuinn, Liosgrudaí, AnÓgarraí Deas, (€100)
Marcas Ó Maoldomhnaigh, Baile Geithir, Barr na Cuille, (€100)
Scoláireachtaí Eile
Edel Ní Chuinn, Corramahon, Béal an Átha Móir(€250)
Orlaith Gordon, ShannÓgh, Mohill (€100)
Maria Cumiskey, Cloonturk, Dromod(€100)
Mandy Nic Lochlainn, Fionn Ascail, Maothail(€100)
Ciara Ní Dhubhda, Maigh Eo, Béal an Átha Móir(€100)
Devin Quinn, Lisgrudy, Garadice(€100)
Clare Lynch, Lavareen, Aughavas(€100)
Ciara Nic Gearailt, Cnoc Mhuire, Cora Droma Rúisc(€100)
13-Feb-09 by Sean o Suiilleabhan
Leitrim Senior Football Team – announced for Sligo game
County FootballThe Leitrim Senior football team to play Sligo in the third round of the Allianz National League Division 4 on Sunday is outlined below. Due to his unavailability this weekend Gary McCloskey is replaced with debutante Brendan Guckian from Annaduff. There is one change to the panel as David Flynn from Carrigallen is added to the list of 24.
The panel and team are as follows:
12-Feb-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Coaching news
CoachingCoach education
The first phase of the new GAA coach education system has now come on stream and will be known as Foundation award. This section of the new system is compulsory for any person intending to coach at any age level and will be the minimum requirement for all coaches from now on.
Later on in the spring the second phase will be launched and will be titled Award 1. It is at this stage that coaches will be able to concentrate on specific areas i.e. child, youth or adult.
The first of the new foundation award courses was completed last weekend in Ballinamore with 52 coaches attending both male and female. Congrats and well done to all who attended. The second of our foundation award courses will take place this weekend in Drumkeerin, and we would appeal to all clubs to get their coaches out to this course. Coaches who have attained the old foundation award are not obliged to complete the new course but may do so if they want to. Course duration is 7 hours and will commence on Friday evening and conclude on Saturday morning. Clubs who normally train on a Friday night should ensure that any player wishing to complete the course is excused from training on the night.
Courses will run from 7.30pm to 10.00pm on Friday evenings and from 10.00am to 2.30pm approx. on Saturday.
Course details.
13 & 14/02/2009 – Lough Allen college, Drumkeerin
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.
Connacht GAA & Connacht Ladies Provincial Coaching Conference.
This year s Connacht GAA provincial coaching conference will be held on Saturday March 7th, in St. Brigids GAA centre Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon and will, for the first time host a section specially, for Ladies football. All delegates attending will receive a conference pack, light refreshments and lunch on the day. A special rate of €20 per delegate or €100 for six coaches from the one club will apply for all who pre book. Cost per delegate on the day will be €25.
Following the official opening of the conference by Paddy Naughton, chairman Connacht Council, this years Key note speaker will be prof. Niall Moyna who will present on the topic "Training v Playing" – are we getting the balance right? Ryan Cushnahan, from Gaastats will give a presentation entitled Match Analysis: A new model.
The conference will then switch to a range of practical workshops to cover various aspects of coaching.
Roger Keenan (sports institute Northern Ireland) will conduct an outdoor circuit training session designed to develop strength, power and speed.
Brian Talty (PE teacher & former Galway star) will present a practical workshop entitled "Practices to improve technical proficiency"
Donie Butler (former Clare Manager & current trainer with Limerick senior footballers) will present " modified games for tactical team work"
George O Connor ( former Wexford hurling star) will conduct a session for all hurling coaches entitled "a games based approach to hurling – taking a skill into a game"
Eilish Gormley (PE teacher & double all star player with Tyrone Ladies) will present a practical workshop for all lady coaches attending entitled "creative games for skill development"
10-Feb-09 by Thomas Keenan
NHL – Rd 1 – South Down v Leitrim
Club FootballA point from a free by South Down full-forward John OKane a minute into added time gave his side a most fortunate draw with a battling Leitrim in this Allianz NHL Division 4 game in Ballymartin yesterday.
Leitrim dominated midfield throughout, with Clement Cunniffe giving an exhibition of high fielding and finishing power, Scóring a goal and seven points with a brilliant display.
South Down opened with a Brian MorganÓgoal but Leitrim settled and with Cunniffe goaling from a long-range free and also adding four points including one from a 65 they forged ahead to lead by 1-9 to 1-4 at half-time.
A South DownÓgoal two minutes into the second half by Dan Morgan revived their hopes but Leitrim, despite only adding three second half points, and being denied goals by three great saves by South Down keeper Damien Kearns, held out for a share of the spoils.
ScórERS — South Down: J OKane 0-6 (4f), B Morgan 1-1, D Morgan 1-0, P ONeill 0-2. Leitrim: C Cunniffe 1-7 (1-2f), N Daly 0-4, C Hayes 0-1.
South Down — D Kearns; N Conway, B McAleenan, P McCusker; C ONeill, P Kelly, J Brown; D Doran, J Murphy; A McGuinness, D Morgan, P ONeill; B Morgan, J OKane, N Burns. Subs: P Matthews for Doran (YC, 28); L Morgan for Burns (ht); P McCartan for P ONeill (45).
Leitrim — F McKiernan; K McGrath, V McDermott, D Tiernan; J McGrail, D McGovern, S Feeney; K Connolly, C Cunniffe; C Hayes, N Daly, G Hickey; M Burns, F Carroll, P McKiernan. Subs: B Carroll for McKiernan (25); C Burns for Carroll (55); P McWeeney for Hickey (68 ).
Ref — E Elliott (Antrim).
09-Feb-09 by Irish Independant.ie
Leitrim Senior Football Team – announced for Carlow game
County FootballThe Leitrim Senior football team to play Carlow in the second round of the Allianz National League Division 4 on Sunday remains largely unchanged from the team that started against London in Ruislip. The only change is inÓgoals where Kiltubrids Noel Gill replaces Enda Lyons. There is one change to the panel announced last week as Brendan Guckian from Annaduff replaces Glencar Manors James Glancy who is ruled out due to injury.
The panel and team are as follows:
06-Feb-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO