Michael Duignans last-minute 45 gave Leitrim a one-point win over Sligo in an absorbing tie played under lights at Tourlestrane.

The result was of little consequence to the competitions overall outcome but this game, which was postponed last Sunday, had an exciting finish.

Leitrim could have goaled in the last minute when James Glancys goal-bound rasper was pushed out by Sligo goalkeeper Jason Farrell. Glancys follow-up was kept out by Patrick Naughton at the expense of a 45 that Duignan pointed for the winner.

The main highlights of the second-half which neither side completely dominated were the goals. Colm Clarkes decisive effort that put Leitrim 1-6 to 0-6 ahead five minutes into the second-half and Sligos goal, a flicked finish from Benny OReilly five minutes later, followed a clever move and Sean Daveys assist.

The first-half was initially tit-for-tat and the scores were level on three occasions, with the pick of Leitrims early points coming from Ray Cox and RonanÓgallagher.

Eamon OHaras deft left-foot point tied matters at four points each in the 27th minute and scores from Adrian Marren and John Scanlon — Marrens score a crisp finish to Sligos best move — left Sligo 0-6 to 0-4 up at the break.

scorers — Leitrim: C Clarke 1-0, R Cox (1f), J Glancy (3f) 0-3 each, R Gallagher 0-2, M Duignan 0-1 (45). Sligo: B OReilly 1-1, K Raymond, A Marren (1f) 0-2 each, D McTernan (f), Eamon OHara, John Scanlon 0-1 each.

Leitrim — P Farrelly; L Ferguson, J McKeon, D Flynn; D Beck, B Prior, J McGuinness; S Foley, R Gallagher; C Clarke, P McGuinness, D Duignan; R Cox, J Glancy, B Gallagher. Subs: D Sweeney for S Foley, M Duignan for J McGuinness, M McGuinness for L Ferguson, P McGowan for D Duignan, S Canning for B Gallagher, D ODonnell for P McGuinness.

Sligo — J Farrell; J Martyn, B Phillips, B Collins; M McNamara, P Naughton, P McGovern; T Taylor, T Colleary; D McTernan, E OHara, J Scanlon; B OReilly, K Raymond, A Marren. Subs : S Davey for T Colleary, E Mullen for T Taylor, C Harrison for B Collins, G Gaughan for E OHara, E McHugh for J Scanlon, B Kivlehan for E Mullen.

 

 

24-Jan-09 by Irish Independant.ie

Some things just get the pulse racing and last nights speeches at the Dublin launch of the Leitrim Supporters Club 2009 certainly did that. Five speakers in total gave excellent presentations and the 80 minutes flew as speech after speech hammered home the basic 2 key points- Money and Belief. Both of these are points that can be addressed by all Leitrim Supporters worldwide and it is only with this support that we will move forward.

Michael Feeney acting as MC opened the proceedings and invited Eamonn Duignan to the stand to present the financial facts of Leitrim GAA. A very important message was delivered that Leitrim GAA relies heavily on our supporters club fund raising efforts to finance the day to day costs. An achievable target of €150,000 is required to balance the books for 2009, the plan is simple, supporters are asked to not only buy a ticket but to also sell one ticket and thus we will achieve our target. This is not a large task to ask of anyone but with a collective effort targets will be achieved.

Gerry McGovern, Chairman Leitrim GAA, gave a very rousing speech emphasising Eamonns message and also introduced the second key point of the night. Believe and we will do it. The message was clear – dont expect second best on or off the field, believe in our teams and we will deliver.

John Morrison spoke at length about the team setup, experiences to date and plans for the future. His words were simple and very well delivered as the captivated audience received the positive message of belief in ourselves and our teams.

With John leaving everyones pulse racing Mickey Moran had a very hard act to follow but he stood his corner and gave his perspective on the year ahead and plans for further down the line. He talked about his aspirations and inspirations and he too maintained the believe theme.

The honorary guest speaker of the night was Dermot Gallagher and he presented a message of inspiration for Leitrim teams and supporters. Dermot also delivered a delightful Leitrimised tailored dialogue between two travellers which was very well received. Dermot was presented with a large framed picture of 2 projects in which he was instrumental in delivering to Leitrim in his time in the civil service, the rejuvenation of the Shannon/Erne waterway and the New Stand in Páirc Seán.

Eamonn Duignan was also presented with an engraved crystal bowl to mark his tireless efforts in running the Supporters club in Dublin and for his time in monitoring the paperwork for the Get on the team fundraising campaign.

 

Summary:

1. Our financial situation must be carefully monitored and we need to raise €150,000 by means of the our supporters club. This CAN be achieved and with each Leitrim supporter performing the small task of buy 1 and sell 1 ticket then targets will be reached

2. Believe – in ourselves and our teams on the field and off of it. negative thoughts, words and actions will not deliver silverware. Belief – is the only way forward.

 

Please do your bit for Leitrim and try and deliver on the 2 key points !

 

 

23-Jan-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

This June, Killargue girl, Laura Feeney, will be among one of a group of twenty from NUI Galway that will travel to the central American country of Honduras.

Far from it being a holiday Laura and the group will be building houses with Habitat for Humanity (HFH) for those affected by the catastrophic Hurricane Mitch that swept across Central America in 1998. She is not the only person travelling from Leitrim with Manorhamiltons Christina Fox and Louise Huston from Cloone joining her on the excursion.

In order to assist the fundraising of €3,000 for Laura to attend this worthwhile project a very special event is taking place in Dromahaire this Friday evening (January 30th) at the Clubhouse. The function is sure to appeal to all interests with the highlight of the night being the auctioning of a Tyrone GAA jersey signed by the 2008 All-Ireland winning panel.
The first event begins with Bernie Delaney, Style coach. Not only will you have an enjoyable time you will also leave knowing how to look and feel your best as Bernie will give tips on how to analyse body shapes, wearing appropriate clothing for your age and shape. Using accessories wisely as a cover-up or to enhance areas and features. How to be the best you can be every day.

In addition there will be ideas for making your wardrobe function better including de-cluttering and re-organising tips. Skin and hair tips will also be given on the night and there will be lots of opportunities to ask questions and to get advice. Entry for this event is €10 and tickets can be purchased in advance from Anne Kelly at (071) 649164572.
Talented local musician Padraig Sweeney will then provide music on the night and set the tone for a special draw which is taking place. A number of wonderful prizes have been offered as part of the raffle. First Prize is a Hotel Break for two at any of the McEniff Hotels, second Prize is a €100 voucher for the River Bank Restaurant Dromahair, third prize is €50 with a fourth prize is a bottle of Brandy.

The auction of the jersey signed by the team that stopped Kerrys three-in-a-row last September will conclude proceedings. But for those who may miss out on this a Leitrim jersey signed by all of Mickey Morans troops will also be auctioned off on the night also.
On top of all this there is sure to be some lively banter with refreshments being served throughout.

Laura says: "As Honduras is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere the people there are still suffering the effects of the devastating hurricane. As a team we will work with local people to build new home during our three-week visit. As volunteers we will be working under supervision of local skilled tradespeople, doing jobs such as bricklaying, carpentry, plastering and painting. We will be work with local families who will live in the homes.
"Hopefully the event this Friday will be a success. There is something there for everybody, both male and female, young and old. For those who have supported me together with anybody that comes this Friday I want thank them in advance for their support. It is a great cause"

For further information please contact Stephen Feeney @ (086) 0663228

 

 

23-Jan-09 by Submitted

Coiste na nÓg registration night takes place next Monday night Jan. 26th at 8.30 in the Vocational school in Drumshanbo.

Minor League to commence on Feb. 7th.

Yearly planner will be ready soon.

 

 

21-Jan-09 by Coiste na nÓg

Gaeltacht Scholarships

Leitrim Co Board GAA is offering Gaeltacht Scholarships to Leitrim boys and girls as part of their promotion an ghaeilge.

These grants are open to registered and paid-up club members only, boys or girls. There will be twelve grants in all available. Coiste Scór Liatroma sponsors four of these grants which are confined to young people who participated in Scór na nÓg this year. Anyone who received a scholarship in previous years is not eligible to apply again.

There will be an oral interview conducted in February and the successful candidates make their own arrangements to attend a college of their choice. When they return they can claim their scholarship money on production of evidence of having successfully completed the course.

Application forms can be had from the Secretary of any GAA club or from Sean Ó Suilleabháin, Oifigeach Cultúir agus Teanga, (071- 9644227)
Beidh na hiarratais freisin le fail i ngach meanscoil sa Chontae.

The closing date for applications is Friday 30 January 2009.

 

 

21-Jan-09 by Sean o Suiilleabhan

Last Saturday night was a very enjoyable night as the Annual Awards were presented to the 2008 winners. The function held in the Bush Hotel was very well attended and great night was had by all. Eighteen awards were presented on the night and one of the main awards was the Jm Lynch Hall of Fame which was presented to long term serving member Gerry Mahon.  Below is the citation as read by Eamonn Duignan on the night, included also is a copy of the letter received from Uachtaráin Nickey Brennan

The Jim Lynch Hall of Fame Award is sponsored by the Leitrim Supporters in Dublin in honour of one of its founding members, & former county player of the 50/60s Jim Lynch.

This award means a lot to the supporters in Dublin, to the recipients who are recognized for a lifetime of service & contribution to the GAA. The award also means a lot to the Lynch family.
Jims wife Mary passed away on Christmas eve so I would like to especially welcome Jim/Martina attending tonight in what is a difficult time for the family.

 

The Award Winner

A native of Aughnasheelin, with whom he won a Leitrim Junior Championship, Gerry has been associated with the Sean OHeslins Club, Ballinamore for many years. Indeed he has made a significant contribution to Ballinamore football, having trained countless underage players who went on to become club and county players as well as having won numerous Cumann Na mBunscoil and Mini Seven Competitions with the Ballinamore Boys National School.

Gerry also has a great interest in Hurling and was Chairman of the Leitrim Hurling Board in the late 60s and early seventies, and promoted the game throughout the county. During that time Leitrim won the Connacht junior hurling championship twice in 1969 & 1970 and lost the 1970 All-Ireland final to Meath.

Gerry was not only an administrator and involved himself in all aspects of the GAA.  Gerry was an umpire in the 1977 All Ireland Minor Final.

A selector with the Leitrim footballers some decades ago, Gerry also had to don the county jersey on one occasion when transport difficulties left the side short at the official opening of the Ballicargy GAA Club Grounds.The history books do not record how well he played.

Gerry has held a number of positions on Leitrim County Board, including Connacht Council delegate, Oifigeach na Gaeilge, County Chairman (1982-1984), Gerry is one of 3 Ballinamore men to hold that position, He also served a 23 year stint as Central Council Delegate, a record in itself as only one other man the late Leo McAlinden from Cloone had served a longer term in that position.

During his long involvement with the GAA, Gerry has lent his diverse talents to all aspects of the work of the Association, he is busy at present guiding the Sean OHeslin Scór na n-Óg Question Time team – no doubt he will continue to serve the GAA well in many capacities in the future.

I would like to read out the following letter of congratulations from GAA President Nicky Brennan.

 

Teachtaireact an Uachtaráin

 

 

 

19-Jan-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Leitrim qualified for the All Ireland Scór na nÓg Finals in two events at the Connacht Scór na nÓg Finals in Claremorris on Saturday. In Rince Foirne Glencar/ManorhamiltonÓgave a great performance and it was no surprise when they were declared winners. Glencar/Manorhamilton last reached the All Ireland Finals in this event in 2004.

In Bailéad Ghrúpa, Ballinamore Seán OHeslins were the winners. Again they were clear cut winners and they will be back in the final again having got that far last year.

It was a memorable visit to Claremorris as the wind and rain howled throughout the journey down to the Mayo town. The full list of winners was as follows:

Rince Foirne: Leitrim – Glencar/Manorhamilton
Amhranaíocht: Sligo – St Marys
Ceol Uirlise: Galway – Corofin
Aithriseoireacht: Roscommon – St Dominics
Bailéad Ghrúpa: Leitrim – Seán OHeslins
Trath na gCeist: Roscommon – Ballinameen
Nuachleas: Galway – Mountbellew/Moylough
Rince Seit: Galway – Abbeyknockmoy

 

 

19-Jan-09 by Sean o Suiilleabhan

Leitrim GAA are delighted to announce the following recipients of the 2008 awards for the Senior and Coiste na nÓg boards:

 

County Board Award Winners 2008

Jim Lynch – Hall of Fame
Gerry Mahon, Sean OHeslins

 

Referee of the year
Finbarr Keaney, Kiltubrid

 

Club Player of the year
Sean Mahon, Aughnasheelin

 

Club Grounds of the year
Aughavas

 

County Player of the year
Shane Foley, Kiltubrid

 

 

Coiste na nÓg Award Winners 2008

Young Player of the year
Micheal Mc Weeney, St. Marys

 

Minor Player of the year
Emmett Mahon,  Kiltubrid

 

Referee of the year
Seamus Mulhern, St. Marys

 

 

 

Handball Award Winners 2008

 

Juvenile Handballer of Year
Donal Wrynne, Fenagh

 

 

Ladies Handballer of Year
Joanne Logan, Drumshanbo

 

 

Junior Handballer of Year
James Hazlette, Drumkeeran.

 

 

Senior Handballer of Year
Martin Raftery, Drumshanbo

 

 

 

 

Ladies Award Winners 2008

 

Junior Club Player of Year
Enya McWeeney, St Marys

 

 

Intermediate Club Player of Year
Deirdre Ward, Mohill

 

 

Senior Club Player of Year
Grainne Tiernan, Cloone

 

 

 

Hurling Award Winners 2008

County Hurler of Year
Clement Cunniffe (St Marys)

 

Club Hurler of Year
Padraig McWeeney (St Marys)

 

Young Hurler of Year
Brian Feeney
(Glencar/Manorhamilton)

 

 

 

 

Many congratulations to all of the the worthy award winners who will be honoured at the annual awards night on Saturday night (Jan 17th) at 8pm.

 

 

15-Jan-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

At the meeting of CCC Liatroma of Eanair 12, it was decided that the following guide to starting dates to this years Football Leagues, as approved, would be sent to all clubs immediately:

 

ACL D1 Round 1 WE 21/22 Feabhra

Round 2 WE 28 Feabhra/01 Marta

 

 

ACL D2 Round 1 WE 21/22 Feabhra

Round 2 WE 28 Feabhra/01 Marta

 

 

ACL D3 Round 1 WE 07/08 Marta

 

ACL D4 Round 1 WE 14/03 Marta

 

ACL D5 Round 1 WE 07/08 Marta

 

 

A complete Master Fixture Plan for 2009 will be sent to all clubs once completed and approved by CCC Liatroma and Comhairle Connacht CLG.

 

Mise le fíor mheas

 

Déaglán Ó Buacháin

 

 

13-Jan-09 by CCC Liatroma

Galway Manager Liam Sammon believes Gaelic football is being improved by the new rules and that significant progress is now being seen.

And Leitrim joint-Manager John Morrison also believes the game will be much better off if the new rules are given a chance.

Both men were high in their praise for referee Marty Duffy for the way he handled this FBD League match at Duggan Park in Ballinasloe, with the Sligo official issuing four black books to each side, but no yellow cards.

"That was very sensible refereeing by Marty Duffy. It is inevitable that it will take referees and players some time to adjust to the new rules but you can see real progress," said Sammon.

"Two things were quite apparent; it was great to see there was no jersey-pulling and there were no third-man tackles. Players now know they will get yellow cards for those offences and that has to be good for Gaelic football," he added.

Morrison also felt that significant progress had been made and urged that Managers be trained in how to coach the new rules.

"Simple things will make the difference. For example, if players are coached to tackle with the near arm there will be less frees. It is only when players try to tackle when they bring the outside arm around that fouls are usually committed.

"Yet, Managers dont coach that into players. We are making progress and sensible refereeing like today helps greatly. Referees will differ but it is up to players and their Managers to get this right and stop blaming referees," he said.

Morrison was pleased with Leitrims second-half performance. It looked like they would suffer a drubbing after Galway led by 0-9 to 0-3 at the interval with the Tribesmen having played against the wind.

Rallied

Points from Michael Meehan and impressive newcomer Jonathan Ryan shortly after the restart pushed Galway into an 0-11 to 0-3 lead. However, Leitrim rallied after that with Emlyn MulliganÓgiving them further options in attack.

Noel Doonan and James Glancy found the range for Leitrim but they never looked like getting the goal they required to get back into contention.

Galway laid the foundation for victory in the opening half against the wind as they opened up a 0-9 to 0-3 interval lead, with Nicky Joyce kicking four of these for the holders.

Sammons post-match assessment was exact. "We played some nice stuff and we strung some moves together right through from the backline at pace.

"Again I thought there was a good blend between the established lads and some of the younger lads, who are going well. It is good to see that and it is good to see guys getting a chance at this level.

"The first half was encouraging, but, in the second half, I felt we went out of the game a little bit which was slightly similar to the Sligo game.

"When we were ahead we seemed to take the foot of the pedal a bit and that is a dangerous thing to do because you are allowing the other team back into it."

ScórERS — Galway: N Joyce 0-4 (2fs), J Ryan 0-3, C Bane 0-2, M Meehan (1f), M Coady, J Bergin 0-1 each.Leitrim: J Glancy (Glencar-Manorhamilton) 0-3 (1f), E Mulligan 0-2 (1f), B Guckian, N Doonan, B Gallagher 0-1 each.

Galway — P Doherty; N Coyne, F Hanley, D Meehan; D FinnÓgan, D Blake, D Mullahy; G ODonnell, J Bergin; M Lydon, N Joyce, C Bane; J Ryan, M Meehan, M Coady. Subs: A Faherty for Doherty (ht) C Hands for D Meehan (41) ; D OReilly for Blake (46) ; JJ Greaney for Lydon (52); Fiachra Breathnach for Bane (56).

Leitrim — E Lyons; A OFlynn, J McKeon, J McGuinness; B McWeeney, P Gilmartin, James Glancy (St Marys); B Guckian, N Doonan; P McGowan, S McGourty, B Gallagher; J Holohan, D Maxwell, James Glancy (Glencar-Manorhamilton). Subs: S Foley for McGuinness (ht); P McGuinness for Holohan (40); E Mulligan for McGowan (41); D Gilhooley for McGourty (51); R Gallagher for Doonan (56).

Ref — M Duffy (Sligo).

 

 

12-Jan-09 by Irish Independant.ie

Leitrim 2-07

Roscommon 1-12

Roscommon, with eleven of 2006 All-Ireland Minor Final and Replay lineouts in action, did just enough to squeeze past an enthusiastic and impressive Leitrim challenge in Kiltoom on Saturday last in the second round of this years Hastings Cup Competition. The Leitrim management will have been pleased by the performance of the Leitrim selection, on Saturday, as preparations for the Connacht Under 21 championship semi-final with Sligo on March 21 have commenced with the playing of this annual tournament for local under 21 teams.

Straight from the throw in Leitrim stunned the home side as a flowing move forward ended with Fergal Clancy coolly slotting past Roscommon keeper Darren O Malley from close range inside 15 seconds. With strong wind conditions favouring the home side, they cancelled out Leitrims early major with three points by the fifth minute from Donal Shine (a free and 45) and one from play by wing back Colm Garvey.

Roscommon continued to press forward as Leitrim struggled with the wind conditions and by the end of the first quarter Roscommon had totted up a 1-07 to 1-00 lead courtesy of further points from Paul Garvey (3), Donal Shine and a well finished 16th minute goal by Mark McLoughlin, following a move that initiated in the Roscommon half back line.

Adrian Croal got Leitrims first point in the 17th minute and it signalled a change in the pattern of play which lasted for the remainder of the half. Despite two further Shine points, Leitrim entered the half time break buoyed up with points by Ray Mulvey from play and a Fergal Clancy free to leave just six points between the sides, 1-09 to 1-03 in favour of the home side, and wind advantage to come.

Donal Shine and Fergal Clancy traded early pointed frees and in the fifth minute the home side had a goal disallowed for square infringement as the game moved from end to end in this, by now, evenly matched contest. Tomas Beirne reduced the deficit with a fine long range point in the ninth minute as respective managements introduced new players to the fray. Shine added to the home sides lead with a fine point from play before substitute Kevin Conlon hit the target with a point from an acute angle on the right.

Another Shine pointed free restored Roscommons advantage as the game entered the last eight minutes. Almost immediately, Leitrim substitute Gavin Sammon latched onto a through ball, and hit the net with first time finish to set up an exciting finale.

Minutes later, another Leitrim substitute Eamonn O Malley, was put through one on one with the Roscommon keeper, but unfortunately just dragged his shot wide. Continuous Leitrim pressure over the remaining minutes yielded a further point by Ray Mulvey as time ran out, and at the long whistle the home side held on to record a two point winning margin, following an exciting contest played in excellent ground conditions at the Kiltoom venue.

Leitrim play Cavan on Saturday next in their remaining game, with all to play for and a place in the 2009 Hastings Cup Final still up for grabs following last weekends results.

Leitrim: Philip Farrelly, Mark Mitchell, Adrian Fowley, Conor McCauley, Mark Beirne, Wayne McKeon, Christopher Higgins, Tomas Beirne (0-01), Emmet Mahon, Conor Sheridan, Fergal Clancy (1-02), Ray Mulvey (0-02), Adrian Croal (0-01), David O Connor, Paul Brennan. Subs: Conor McLoughlin for Adrian Fowley, Kevin Conlon (0-01) for Mark Beirne, Enda McHugh for Christopher Higgins, Paul Og Ferguson for Adrian Croal, Eamonn O Malley for Conor Sheridan, Gavin Sammon (1-00) for Emmet Mahon.

Roscommon: Darren O Malley, Paul Gleason, Neil Collins, Kevin Brady, Colm Garvey (0-01), Donal Ward, EamonnÓgannon, Donal Shine (0-08), James McKeague, Keith Waldron, Paul Garvey (0-03), Kevin Higgins, Alan O Hara, Mark Mcloughlin (1-00), Cathal McHugh. Subs: Colm O Neill for Donal Ward, Vivian Clabby for Kevin Brady, Peter Domnican for Paul Gleason, David O Gara for Cathal McHugh.

 

 

11-Jan-09 by Submitted

Leitrim lost their second Connacht FBD League game today as they lost by four points to Galway in Duggan Park in Ballinasloe, as the Tribesmen ran out winners by 12 points to 8.

After six minutes of the first-half, the sides were level at two points each. BrendanÓgallagher and Benny Guckian pointed for Leitrim, while Nicky Joyce and Jonathan Ryan raised the white flags for Galway.

The home side dominated the next ten minutes and points from Martin Cody, Joe Bergin and Nicky Joyce helped Galway into a six points to two lead.

James Clancy converted a free for Leitrim, but two points from Nicky Joyce and another from Jonathan Ryan had Galway ahead by 9 points to 3 at the break.

Two unanswered points for Galway at the start of the second-half put them eight clear before a Noel Doonan point for Leitrim reduced the arrears to seven.

Clancy and Mulligan Pointed for Leitrim to make it 11 points to 6 inÓgalways favour and although Clancy and Mulligan again pointed for Micky Morans side, Cormac Bane pointed to give the Tribesmen a victory by 12 points to 8.

The game produced no yellow cards as referee Marty Duffy handed out eight black cards four to each team.

Leitrim

E Lyons, Adrian OFlynn, John McKeon, John McGuinness, Barry McWeeney, Pat Gilmartin, James Glancy, Brendan Guckian, Noel Doonan, Paddy McGowan, Sean McGourty, BrendanÓgallagher, James Holohan, Declan Maxwell, James Glancy.

Subs:  Shane Foley for John McGuinness (HT),  Philip McGuinness for Paddy McGowan, Emlyn Mulligan for James Holohan, DeclanÓgilhooley for Sean McGourty, RonanÓgallagher for Noel Doonan

scorers: BrendanÓgallagher 0-1, Brendan Guckian 0-1, Noel Doonan, 0-1, James Glancy 0-3, Emlyn Mulligan 0-2.

 

Galway

P Doherty, N Coyne, F Hanley, D Meehan, D FinnÓgan, D Blake, D Mullahy, G ODonnell, J Bergin, M Lydon, N Joyce, C Bane, J Ryan, M Meehan, M Coady.

Subs used: A Faherty, C Hands, D OReilly, JJ Greaney and F Breathneach.

scorers: N Joyce 0-4, J Ryan 0-3, C Bane 0-2, and a point each from M Coady, Joe Bergin and Michael Meehan

 

 

 

11-Jan-09 by Shannonside.ie