A new era may be about to start for Melvin Gaels as they claimed the 2008 Masonite League Division One crown last Sunday in Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada, defeating great rivals and County Champions Glencar/Manorhamilton without three of their greatest servants.
MASONITE LEAGUE DIVISION 1
MELVIN GAELS 3-8
GLENCAR/MANORHAMILTON 3-6
Forced to line out without the injured James & Gareth Phelan and the absent Colin Regan, the Kinlough men were missing three of the key links from their 1998 Championship winning side, three players who have been the backbone of Melvin Gaels teams for years.
Yet in their absence, a ferociously committed and hungry Melvin Gaels proved the better team in most sectors of the field and were convincing winners, except for a dramatic finale that saw Glencar/Manor grab two injury time goals!
Minus their experienced trio, the young Gaels stepped up to the plate and took on responsibility where it might have previously been left to others, a feature of the game that spells good news for the Kinlough side in the years ahead.
But what Melvin Gaels did display was a ferocious hunger for victory, something that was evident the minute they ran onto the field. Everyone worked their socks off and while their old failing of fading out of games may have hampered them once or twice during the game, their commitment never dropped.
Going for the double, Glencar/Manor never displayed the same sort of desire as their neighbours.
It was clear that the Gaels would run through a brick wall in pursuit of the ball but at the end of a long, tiring season, Glencar/Manor didnt seem to have the same sort of motivation as several of their players stood up and watched after they lost possession.
Yet the Manor men came very close to pulling off a great escape with two late goals that caused quite a deal of consternation on the Melvin Gaels bench. With two minutes of added time announced, James Glancy scored what seemed to no more than a consolationÓgoal.
But the drama heightened as added time continued for another three minutes and the Championship winners grabbed yet another goal, putting Melvin Gaels under ferocious pressure in a dramatic finish to a game where the Kinlough men had dominated.
Gareth Phelan has been a permanent fixture in the Gaels goals for years but young Jesse McGuinness did a man of the match job in denying Glencar/Manor certainÓgoals on at least three occasions, fantastic saves that hint at a long future between the posts.
Colm McGowan also came up with a vital goal-line clearance in the first half as Fabian McMorrow led a defence that might have creaked and groaned under the pressure but one that never gave up battling, working and fighting.
Emlyn Mulligan mightnt have rung up the sort of figures he normally does but that would ignore a vital contribution in controlling the flow of the Melvin Gaels game-plan.The County man showed a different side of his game, controlling the pace in the second half, using his head and doing all the unglamorous work that wins games.
Conor Sheridan, Paul Brennan, Paul Og Ferguson, Stephen McGurran all epitomised the never-say-die work ethic of Melvin Gaels as they spent as much time harrying Glencar/Manor, often in the Gaels half of the field, as they did attacking and causing problems for the Manor rearguard.
Emlyn Mulligan opened the Scóring with a first minute free but had a shot from the right wing gathered by Manor keeper Gary Loughlin shortly after.
Replicating Mulligans feats, Adrian Croal first had a narrow wide after a run but followed up with a lovely point after a Pat Gilmartin catch set Dominic Kelly free following a good pass.
Melvin Gaels almost broke through for a goal on five minutes when a high ball broke loose to Emlyn Mulligan some 20 yards in front of the Manor goal on five minutes. However, the County man blasted a horrible wide in a real let-off.
But the Kinlough side didnt have to wait long for the breakthrough as the ball broke again from a long delivery and David McSharry drilled a wonderful low shot to the Manor net for a dramatic goal.
Both sides were guilty of poor misses with Manors attempt at an instant reply thwarted when the County Champions opened up the Gaels rearguard only for Colm McGowan to block the shot on the line with a fabulous block. From the rebound, Dominic Kelly shot wide in a costly miss.
Kelly then let his frustrationÓget the better of him as he was booked for a foul on Paul Brennan, Emlyn Mulligan sending a monster 55 yard free over the bar in a brilliant score on 12 minutes.
Paul Brennan hit a wide but made immediate amends with a great score from the corner as Melvin Gaels broke quickly and effectively.
However, this finally spurred Glencar/Manor into action as James Glancy & Alan Sweeney both knocked over quick points to narrow the gap to a goal. And they reduced that lead further when Fintan McGourty, who got away with a few steps, twice dodged tackles to fire over from 40 yards.
Glencar/Manor then put together a wonderful team point, started when David Poniard absorbed a big hit on the right wing.
He shook it off and the ball went through two or three hands before Darren Sweeney scored a great point from the right wing on 23 minutes.
Melvin Gaels looked in real trouble at this stage but they showed real mettle, even if their first point in 13 minutes was a missed goal chance! Mulligan and Paul Brennan broke clear and set up Brendan Brennan straight in front of the goal, only six or seven yards out.
A goal looked certain but a fantastic full-length diving block from Shane Devaney saw the shot deflected across the bar.
Mulligan then added a brilliant effort from the left wing, a free that curled in and over the bar before Conor Sheridan added a final coup de grace when Dominic Kelly lost the ball out the field and Melvin Gaels quickly worked the ball to Sheridan for a fine point.
That left Melvin Gaels 1-6 to 0-5 in front at the break
That lead was almost wiped out just seconds into the second half when a free was fisted across the Gaels goal to Brian McDonald. The corner-forward hesitated a fraction and Jesse McGuinness made a wonderful diving save to push the ball around the post.
Manor put a lot of pressure on but all they had to show for it was a James Glancy free on four minutes. It seemed as if the double was gone from their grasp five minutes later when a great move down the wing saw Paul McGurran charge towards the Manor goal.
Having played a one-two with Paul Brennan, McGurran seemed as if he had run into a cul-de-sac when surrounded by three defenders but he worked the ball back to Brennan who came charging past a static defence and floated a ball across the face of the goal to his unmarked brother Brendan who fisted the ball to the net.
It was a crucial score and Manor heads definitely dropped, so much so that Fabian McMorrow popped up from centre-back with a brilliant 40-yard point on 15 minutes.
But Manor showed they werent gone yet when McGuinness made another great save, tipping a fisted Glancy effort onto the post and clear after an Adrian OFlynn shot dropped short on 19 minutes.
However, Glancy wasnt to be denied and after two Melvin Gaels defenders got in a mix-up with a high ball, the County man fisted Brian McDonalds pass to the Gaels net on 21 minutes.
Glancys roller-coaster took another turn when he had a bad wide from a free and Melvin Gaels made them pay with a peach of a goal. The Gaels broke with Emlyn Mulligan and Conor Sheridan making the most of gaps appearing in the Manorhamilton rearguard.
Sheridan played a ball over the top to Brennan who broke through a tackle and then chipped Gary Loughlin for an outstanding goal on 26 minutes.
That seemed to be that, particularly when Packie Hill set up Mulligan for his teams last point.
Indeed, it seemed as if a penalty a minute into the two minutes of added time announced was nothing more than a consolation when Brendan Brennan clearly lay on the ball as Glencar/Manor sought a late consolation.
James Glancy stroked the penalty home but it seemed like nothing more than a late consolation, particularly as the announced time was almost up.
However, referee Brendan Sammon showed no inclination to blow the final whistle and play continued. Incredibly for a team that never got going in attack, Manor struck for a third goal.
Again a high ball in the goal-mouth caused the problems with Pat Gilmartin drilling home to suddenly leave just two minutes in it after three minutes of added time.
With Melvin Gaels mentors and players getting increasingly annoyed by the amount of added time being played, Manor continued to attack but the Gaels held firm, blocking James Glancys free to claim the League crown.
Melvin Gaels
Jesse McGuinness, Joe McGowan, Stephen Clancy, Colm McGowan, Paul McGurran, Fabian McMorrow (0-1), Anthony Tiffoney, Martin McCarron, Stephen McGurran, Paul Og Ferguson, Emlyn Mulligan (0-4), David McSharry (1-0), Paul Brennan (1-1), Brendan Brennan (1-1), Conor Sheridan (0-1). Subs: Packie Hill for McCarron (51 mins), for C. McGowan (62 mins).
Glencar/Manorhamilton
Gary Loughlin, Michael Poniard, Shane Devaney, Thomas McDonald, Shane Loughlin, Adrian OFlynn, David Poniard, Fintan McGourty (0-1), Pat Gilmartin (1-0), Dominic Kelly, Darren Sweeney (0-1), Adrian Croal (0-1), James Glancy (2-2), Alan Sweeney (1-1), Brian McDonald. Subs: Ronan McGourty & James OBrien for A. Sweeney & M. Poniard (42 mins), Anthony McDonald for Kelly (48 mins).
Referee: Brendan Sammon.
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
”
18-Dec-08 by John Connolly – LeitrimObserver.ie
GAELIC ARMOUR ANNOUNCES LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP WITH LEITRIM GAA20th November 2024 - 9:16 pm
FBD League – Rd 2 – Leitrim v Galway
County FootballLeitrim 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
Leitrim GAA Supporters Launch Message
General23rd Year of the Club
The Leitrim GAA Supporters (Dublin Branch) invites you to attend the Supporters Club Annual Launch on Thursday 22nd January 2009 at 8.30 pm in the Herbert Park Hotel, Ballsbridge, and Dublin. (Entrance of Anglesea Rd, Complimentary parking).
The 09 Supporters Club will be launched by Carrick-on-Shannon native Dermot Gallagher, Secretary General, Department of Foreign Affairs.
The new team management, Mickey Moran and John Morrison will brief the meeting on Leitrims preparations for the forthcoming season.
Gerry McGovern, Chairman, Leitrim Co. Board will give an update on all developments in the county.
This will be another great occasion for Leitrim people to get together. Please spread the word to anyone from Leitrim who might be interested.
Tea/ Coffee will be served from 8.00 p.m. with the compliments of the Herbert Park Hotel.
I very much look forward to seeing you on the night.
____________________
Eamonn Duignan
Chairman, Dublin Branch
11-Jan-09 by Eamonn Duignan
GAA 125 years – Late Late Show and TG4 Series
GeneralGAA @ 125 Bliain
Both RTE and TG4 are getting into the spirit of the 125 celebrations as tonights Late Late Show is dedicated to the GAA and the last 125 year.
On Sunday TG4 roll out a new 10 part television documentary series chronicling the social and cultural history of the Association.
RTE 1 – Late Late Show
The former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and The Saw Doctors will be joining Pat Kenny tonight for special edition of The Late Late Show.
tonights show, which will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the founding of the GAA, will also feature Sean Óg O hAilpín and the Artane Boys and Girls Band.
Other well-known faces and lovers of the games will be on hand for a show that promises to be rich in anecdote and song. Dara OBriain, Oliver Callan of Nob Nation, Brush Shields and Tommy Fleming will be in studio.
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Joining the party will be the most star-studded assembly ever of legends of the games including Kevin Heffernan, Jimmy Barry-Murphy, Babs Keating, Dermot Earley, Eddie Keher, Mick ODwyer, Henry Shefflin, Peter Canavan, Jamsie OConnor, Colm Cooper, Padraic Joyce and Sean Og O hAlpin.
You can watch this special show tonight at 9.30pm on RTÉ One
TG4 – Launch of a major new television history series
As a major contribution to the GAA’s 125th Birthday in 2009, TG4 today launched its major new 10 part television documentary series chronicling the social and cultural history of the Association.
The series, launched by GAA President, Nickey Brennan, at the GAA Museum in Croke Park Dublin, traces the consistent growth and sometimes turbulent story of the Association from the inaugural meeting in Hayes Hotel in Thurles to today’s vibrant and self-confident organization with hundreds of thousands of players and members in Ireland and overseas and proud owner of one of Europe’s best sports stadia.
Drawing extensively on newsreel, film and television archive and informed by insightful contributions from leading historians, journalists, players, administrators and commentators, this is the story of a uniquely Irish entity – a combination of cultural movement, sporting organization and mirror of Irish society for a century and a quarter that has survived and flourished through war, peace, emigration, insecurity, political violence and economic boom.
From the Beara peninsula in West Cork to Casement Park in Belfast, from the sandy playing field on the Aran Islands to the multi-cultural primary school teams of the new Dublin suburbs, the series offers a fresh perspective on the GAA through the ages, reflecting on what it meant not just to public leaders and opinion-formers but to the ordinary playing members and supporters and to its critics also. The series shows the enormous influence of the GAA over wider society and it’s often unthanked role in promoting pride of place, social cohesion and in providing a sporting outlet and facilities in communities, whether affluent or deprived.
Each programme takes a period of 20-25 years places the development of the GAA within the broader social and historical context of the time. Contributors include Dr Diarmaid Ferriter, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, Mickey Harte, Brendan Fullam, Mick O’Dwyer, Maurice Hayes, Professor Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, Canon Tom Looney, Liam Griffin, Marcus de Búrca, Professor John A Murphy, An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD and top GAA officials Nickey Brennan, Uachtarán, Christy Cooney, Uachtarán tofa and Páraic Duffy, Ard-Stiúrthóir.
The series will air on TG4 on late Sunday afternoons from mid January (with a repeat showing of each programme on Friday nights). It has been commissioned by TG4 from Nemeton, an independent production company based in Ring in the Waterford Gaeltacht, the channel’s primary provider of sports output. In addition to the TG4 funding, the series has also received support from the BCI Sound & Vision Fund and the European Media Fund and was one of the largest scale television documentary projects produced in Ireland in 2008.
09-Jan-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Late rally not enought for U21s
County FootballA spirited second half fight-back from Leitrim Under 21s fell just short last Saturday in Michael Fay Park, Longford when the home side proved victorious in the first round of the Hastings Cup.
HASTINGS CUP FIRST ROUND
LEITRIM 0-12
LONGFORD 0-12
The decisive only goal was scored by Kevin Diffley deep into first half stoppage time as Longford led by 1-4 to 0-3 at the break and they gradually extended the advantage to a comfortable six points before Leitrim finally managed to make a decent impact and might well have avoided defeat but for a brilliant save by the home keeper CiaranÓgarvey.
Trailing by 1-10 to 0-7, Leitrim narrowed the gap with three points on the trot through Fergal Clancy (two frees) and Adrian Croal and then a well-worked move involving midfielder Wayne McKeon and full-forward Paul Brennan put Ray Mulvey clean through for a clear-cut chance of an equalising goal in the 54th minute.
However, Garvey came to Longfords rescue with a point-blank stop and while the Leitrim revival continued with a well struck point from Adrian Croal the pressure was lifted on the home side when substitute Shane Kiernan fired over a cracking score in the 58th minute.
Soon after Ger DennÓgan converted a close range free to make victory safe for Longford and it was Leitrim who brought the Scóring to a close when Fergal Clancy converted his sixth point (all from frees) in the second minute of stoppage time.
Longford were clearly the better team in the first half but failed to convert their superiority into scores as a total of nine wides were kicked as compared to four for the opposition.
Having said that, Leitrim had a great chance of a goal in the opening minute when Fergal Earley had a close range shot saved by the alert Longford keeper CiaranÓgarvey and the opening score of the game did not materialise until the 12th minute when Fergal Clancy slotted over a free for the visitors.
Longford eventually opened their account in the 15th minute whenÓger DennÓgan converted a free and a further three points followed through Emmet Masterson and JJ Matthews (2) while Leitrim replied with a score apiece from Clancy (free) and wing back Thomas Davitt – the latter landing a great kick in the 30th minute.
With just the minimum of margins separating the sides, Longford received a significant boost when William Crawford set up Kevin Diffley for a fine goal in the third minute of additional time but Leitrim closed the gap when Fergal Clancy converted a free in the early stages of the second half.
However, Longford then enjoyed their best spell of the game with Thomas Lowry firing over two points and three more scores (one free) were registered by Philip Dobson before Emmet Masterson shot over the bar in the 44th minute.Leitrim managed two points through Ray Mulvey (when a goal was on) and Adrian Croal in the third quarter of the contest but showed a lot of character in refusing to give up the fight and Longford just done enough to stay in front.
Longford
CiaranÓgarvey; Aaron Quinn, Fergal Battrim, Thomas Gallagher, Michael Kenny, Martin Brady, John Sheridan; Ger DennÓgan (0-2), David Faughnan; JJ Matthews (0-2), Kevin Diffley (1-0), Thomas Lowry (0-2); William Crawford, Donal McElligott, Philip Dobson (0-3). Subs: Emmet Masterson (0-2) for McElligott (7 mins); Shane Kiernan (0-1) for Diffley (40 mins); Colm P Smith for Kenny (50 mins); Gerard Farrell for Faughnan (60 mins).
Leitrim
Philip Farrelly; Mark Mitchell, Adrian Fowley, Conor McCauley; Thomas Davitt (0-1), Conor McLoughlin, Aidan Dolan; Wayne McKeon, Conor Sheridan; Nicholas McWeeney, Fergal Clancy (0-6), Ray Mulvey (0-2); Adrian Croal (0-3), Paul Brennan, Fergal Earley. Subs:ColinÓgilligan, Kevin Conlan, Liam Burke, Paul Og Ferguson and Enda McHugh for P Farrelly, N McWeeney, F Earley, A Dolan and A Fowley (HT); Christopher Higgins for L Burke (44 mins); A Dolan for T Davitt (injured, 52 mins).
Ref: Ollie Kelly (Roscommon).
This full report is available thanks to the Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here
08-Jan-09 by LeitrimObserver.ie
Forty Years of Scór Sinsear
ScórForty Years of Scór Sinsear
At the conclusion of Saturday nights event the Cathaoirleach of Coiste Scór Liatroma, Seán O Suilleabháin, pointed out that 2009 is the 40th year of Scór and it is hoped to have the maximum amount of clubs taking part this year. All 24 Leitrim clubs have taken part in Scór at some time or other but the task now is to get them all to take part for the 40th year.
It is also planned to run a commemorative concert with winners in various events from various years taking part.
06-Jan-09 by Sean o Suiilleabhan
Scór na nÓg Finals a Great Success
ScórScór na nÓg Finals a Great Success
The County Finals of Scór na nÓg took place on last Sunday in the Bee Park Centre, Manorhamilton. Fourteen clubs were on stage as almost 160 participants provided the best in Irish cultural activity, music, song, dance etc. It was a wonderful occasion with a packed hall and great entertainment for the audience.
The Roscommon adjudicators had a job to do to settle on winners, as the standard was very high in all events. Apart from all of the winners receiving Scór medals, all participants received a Scór na nÓg certificate indicating that they had participated in the County Finals.
All of the awards were presented by Noeleen Leddy who herself represented Leitrim and her club Glencar/Manorhamilton in Recitation in the Connacht Scór na nÓg Finals in 1990 and 1991. In the latter year Noeleen won the Connacht title and represented Leitrim in the All Ireland Scór na nÓg Finals in the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin. Noeleen has since worked with Shannonside and North West Radio as well as with RTE. She is currently working with Mint Productions and was the Producer on the recent successful series of programmes on the life of Bertie Ahern. The whole presentation of the finals was excellent and credit must go to Fear a Tí for the night, Karl McCartin from Drumreilly who did an excellent job. The Bee Park Centre is also an excellent venue for the Finals. Overall, Scór na nÓg in Leitrim is a credit to the clubs and Coiste Scór Liatroma for the effort they put in to the event.
The Cormac MacGiolla Shield for Club na Bliana was won by the Seán OHeslins club and was presented to Sean OHeslins Oifigeach Cultúir agus Teanga, Brid Sullivan.
The winners who now proceed to the Connacht Finals in Claremorris on Saturday week, 17 January are as follows.
Rince Foirne: Glencar/Manorhamilton
Amhranaíocht Aonair: Shauna McGovern, Carrigallen
Ceol Uirlise: Dromahair
Aithriseoireacht: Niamh McHugh, Eslin
Bailéad Ghrúpa: Seán OHeslins
Trath na gCeist: Fenagh
Nuachleas: Seán OHeslins
Rince Seit: Fenagh Naomh Caillin
06-Jan-09 by Sean o Suiilleabhan
FBD League – Rd 1 – Leitrim v GMIT
County FootballAn injury-time free from Donal Shine handed GMIT a slender one-point victory over 13-man Leitrim in Tuam Stadium in Round One of the FBD League. The match — which was by no means cynical — saw a total of 10 yellow cards as the ill-discipline of the Leitrim side saw them fall short after leading throughout.
GMIT, facing a three-point deficit with 10 minutes left were awarded a penalty after Barry Prior hauled down Stephen KavanÓgh inside the area. Shine dispatched the penalty and followed up with two monster kicks late on to seal victory.
Despite dominating possession for the opening half GMIT found themselves two points in arrears at half-time, mainly thanks to the accuracy of Emlym Mulligan and an efficient Leitrim forward line.
After a great score from Brendan Faherty early in the second period brought GMIT within two points, a brace from Damien ODonnell pushed Leitrim further into the lead after an hour.
However, after using two substitutes in the second-half, they were forced to finish the match with 13 men as James Glancy followed Prior to the line late on, as the frequent stoppages spoiled the match as a spectacle.
scorers —
GMIT: D Shine 1-7 (1-0 pen, 7f), B Flaherty 0-2.
Leitrim: E Mulligan 0-5 (5f),D ODonnell 0-3, D Maxwell, D Sweeney, D Gilhooley 0-1 each.
GMIT — R Hannan; E OSullivan, D Vaughan, P McGrath; A Deacy, D Lee, P McGinley; P Conroy, C Glynn; S Hughes, A Campbell, S KavanÓgh; M Martin, D Shine, B Flaherty.
Subs: M Kelly for D Vaughan (yellow card 35), C Boyle for P McGinley (yellow card 48), D Keane for P McGrath (yellow card 50) and C Mulrennan for M Martin (yellow card 57).
Leitrim — nÓgill; L Ferguson, B Prior (yellow card 60), D Flynn; B McWeeney, M Duignan, D Beck; S Canning, D Sweeney; D ODonnell, E Mulligan, D Duignan; R Cox, T Beirne, D Gilhooley.
Subs: A OFlynn for B McWeeney (yellow card 21), J Glancy (yellow card 71 for D Flynn (yellow card 31), D Maxwell for S Canning (yellow card 37), J Holohan for D Duignan (45), R Gallagher for D Sweeney (55), P Gilmartin for M Duignan (yellow card 57).
Ref — G Kinneavey (Galway).
05-Jan-09 by Irish Independant.ie
Scór na nÓg Finals
ScórThe County Finals of Scór na nÓg take place on next Sunday, January 4, in the Bee Park Centre, Manorhamilton starting at 3.00. No less than fourteen clubs will be on stage as almost 160 participants provide the best in Irish cultural activity, music, song, dance etc.
It has been a great year for Scór in Leitrim so far with a very successful Scór na mBunscol also. The winners will go forward to the Connacht Finals in Claremorris in two weeks time.
The line up for the Co Finals on Sunday is as follows
Rince Foirne: Drumreilly, Glencar/Manorhamilton, Aughnasheelin, Ballinamore
Hurling
Amhranaíocht Aonair: Drumreilly, Eslin, St Josephs, Naomh Muire
Ceol Uirlise: Carrigallen, Leitrim Gaels, Dromahair, Glencar/Manorhamilton
Aithriseoireacht: Aughnasheelin, Eslin, Carrigallen, Bornacoola A
Bailéad Ghrúpa: Aughnasheelin, Seán OHeslins, Bornacoola A, Mohill
Trath na gCeist: Bornacoola, Fenagh, Fenagh Handball, Eslin, Ballinamore C
Nuachleas: Aughawillan, Seán OHeslins ,Bornacoola A, Bornacoola B
Rince Seit: Fenagh Naomh Caillin, Aughnasheelin, Seán OHeslins, Aughavas
28-Dec-08 by Sean o Suiilleabhan
Coaching news – Update
CoachingCoach education Workshops
The Goalkeeping workshop on the 28/12 will take place in Cloone GAA park commencing at 11:30am. Clubs please ensure that all your goalkeepers from 14 years upwards attend and bring their gear as this is a practical workshop.
Coaches dont forget to check out John Morrisons coaching articles on the Leitrim GAA web site each week. It will give you all reading over Christmas.
Further information can be had by contacting Thomas Keenan on 087-6591049 or by email at thomas.keenan@leitrim.gaa.ie.
Thanks.
Finally I would like to thank all clubs and coaches for all their support and co-operation during 2008 and to everybody who helped in any way, may I wish you and your families all the best for a Happy Christmas and good health and happiness in 2009.
20-Dec-08 by Thomas Keenan
Seventh heaven for Drumkeerin
Club FootballCompeting in their seventh Under 21 Final in a row, Drumkeerin banished the pain of their Intermediate Final defeat by easily seeing off the challenge of Carrigallen to claim the 2008 Under 21 B Championship title last Sunday in Ballinaglera.
U-21 B CHAMPIONHSIP FINAL
DRUMKEERIN 2-12
CARRIGALLEN 1-7
A long year of footballing action came to a close for Drumkeerin and Carrigallen on Sunday last in Ballinaglera.
For the Drumkeerin players there was plenty to celebrate as they went a long way towards banishing the pain of defeat from the intermediate championship final while for Carrigallen there was little comfort to be found in defeat as the were out fought by their opponents.
The pain of defeat in the intermediate championship final was obviously a huge source of motivation for the Drumkeerin players as right from the throw in they looked like a team that were determined not to lose.
Right from the throw-in it was evident that this would be Carrigallens toughest match to date as the Drumkeerin players harried and competed for every ball.
The intensity with which the Drumkeerin players started the game was rewarded inside the opening minute as Darragh Flynn was played through onÓgoal and he finished confidently to the CarrigallenÓgoal to give his side the perfect start.
Drumkeerins excellent start continued as Flynn converted a third minute free while Carrigallen struggled to get going.
Finals are often decided by a significant turning point and Carrigallen may well point to the Ciaran Flynn effort which went wide of the goal when it seemed destined to find the net.
With the game five minutes old, Carrigallen attacked with purpose for the first time as Cillian Ward, Eamon OMalley and Ciaran OReilly all combined to carve open the Drumkeerin defence. When presented with the opportunity to get his side back in the game Ciaran Flynns sidefooted effort flashed just wide.
Having been allowed off the hook, Drumkeerin extended their lead with further points from Darragh Flynn and an Eddie McTiernan free.
It was fair to say that Drumkeerin, competing in their seventh consecutive U-21 final, and leading by 1-3 to no score had enjoyed the perfect opening 10 minutes and it got even better for them when Thomas Davitt struck for his sides second goal in the thirteenth minute.
Nobody in Drumkeerin will complain, but the goal was slightly fortuitous.
Davitt seemed to be well contained by the Carrigallen defence near the touchline and byline but he swung a foot on the ball, presumably looking to pick out one of the forwards in and around the goalmouth.
Somehow the ball managed to deceive goalkeeper Stephen Smith and curl into the goal to give Drumkeerin a commanding lead.
When captain Keith Gallagher pointed to open up a 10 point lead there wouldnt have been too many willing to put money on a Carrigallen comeback but to their credit they finished the half strongly.
Eamon OMalley had already passed up the opportunity to register Carrigallens opening score as he put two frees wide before Ciaran Flynn scored a wonderful point from a sideline ball.
Flynn who at times seemed to be on a one man mission to drag his team kicking and screaming to victory converted a free and then three minutes from time was on hand to finish an excellent team move to score Carrigallens only goal of the game.
Cillian Ward, Francis ORourke, and Eamon OMalley all linked up well before the ball came to Ciaran Flynn and this time there would be no mistake as Flynn finished soccer style to the net.
On the stroke of half-time Eamon OMalley pointed to leave the contest very much alive with Drumkeerin leading by 2-5 to 1-3.
If Carrigallen were to have any hope of fighting their way back into the contest they knew that a good start to the second half was essential. Unfortunately for them that is not how it transpired as Drumkeerin regained control.
Thomas Davitt was one of Drumkeerins standout performers but this was a team effort and the likes of Jason Byrne, Fintan Harvey,Eddie McTiernan and Darragh Flynn and midfielders James McPartland and Thomas Lavin all played a key role in defence for the north Leitrim side who built on their half-time lead, starting the second-half in the same determined manner.
Three minutes into the second half an Eddie McTiernan pointed free helped regain the initiative for Drumkeerin in what was a tough and physical opening to the half.
Further points from Darragh Flynn and another Eddie McTiernan free helped extend the lead for Drumkeerin before matters became considerably tougher for Carrigallen.
Frustrated with some refereeing decisions and presumably with the manner in which his side were playing, Eoin Ward decided to air his grievances to referee Cyril McKeon.
McKeon took exception to the protests and brandished Ward, who one can only assume used some choice language, with a red card.
A further McTiernan pointed free should have signalled the end for Carrigallen, but there was one man determined that his side would not go down without a fight and Ciaran Flynn scored four unanswered points to reduce the deficit to six points.
During this period Carrigallen threatened the most unlikely of comebacks and gave a glimpse of their performances in earlier rounds of the competition but ultimately it proved too little, too late.
With the advantage of an extra man and appearing to have fresher legs than their opponents, Drumkeerin scored three points in the final minutes of the game through Keith Gallagher, StephenÓgilhooley and Dean McVeigh to ensure U-21 championship glory for the second time in three years for Drumkeerin.
In doing so they went a long way towards banishing the heartbreaking memories of the intermediate championship when they were defeated by Aughnasheelin with virtually the last kick of the game.
Drumkeerin
Barry McPadden, Jason Byrne, Dean McVeigh (0-1), Thomas Davitt (1-0), Aidan Dolan, Fintan Harvey, Keith Gallagher (0-2), James McPartland, Thomas Lavin, Eddie McTiernan (0-4), StephenÓgilhooley (0-2), Darragh Flynn (1-3), Kevin Forde. Subs: Brendan McNama for Forde (36 mins).
Carrigallen
Stephen Smith, Barry Reilly, CillianÓgrey, Francis ORourke, Austin Morrow, Stephen Kenny, Ciaran Flynn (1-6), Gary Reynolds, Ciaran Reilly, Eoin Ward, Daniel Lyons, Eamon OMalley (0-1), Cillian Ward. Subs: Damien Masterson for B Reilly (30 mins), Aaron McManus for ORourke (50 mins), Liam ORourke for C Ward (57 mins).
Referee: Cyril McKeon.
This full report is available thanks to Philip Rooney for the Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here
18-Dec-08 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie
Vinny named on Rackard Cup team
Club FootballSt. Marys Vinny McDermott has been named on the Nicky Rackard Champion 15, following on a series of excellent displays for the County Hurlers who made history by reaching the knock-out stages of the Nicky Rackard Cup for the first time.
Vinny, who will be presented with his award on Friday next, December 19, in Croke Park, joins clubmates Clement Cunniffe and Breian Carroll as winners of the prestigious award and sees the Countys marvellous run in last Summers competition rewarded by McDermotts nomination.
In other news, Leitrim hurlers have been drawn against Fermanagh in the first round of the new Lory Meagher Cup for fourth tier counties in the All-Ireland Hurling Championship. The competition will see all losing teams given one more chance to advance.
The Nicky Rackard Champion 15 Award winners are: VIncent McDermott (Leitrim), Keith Raymond, Liam Reidy & Mark Burke (Sligo), Diarmuid Murphy & Trevor Hilliard (Louth), Mickey McCann (Donegal), Dara de Búrca (Fingal), Stephen Donnelly (Tyrone), Mark Cassidy (Longford), Jason McManus (Fermanagh), Bernard OBrien (Monaghan), Kevin Downes (Cavan), Desmond Kelly (Warwickshire), John Brown (Non-Ards).
Lory Meagher Cup draw
Warwickshire v Longford
Fermanagh v Leitrim
Tyrone v Non Ards
Donegal v Cavan
This full report is available thanks to the Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here
18-Dec-08 by LeitrimObserver.ie
Young guns steer Melvin Gaels to League crown
Club FootballA new era may be about to start for Melvin Gaels as they claimed the 2008 Masonite League Division One crown last Sunday in Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada, defeating great rivals and County Champions Glencar/Manorhamilton without three of their greatest servants.
MASONITE LEAGUE DIVISION 1
MELVIN GAELS 3-8
GLENCAR/MANORHAMILTON 3-6
Forced to line out without the injured James & Gareth Phelan and the absent Colin Regan, the Kinlough men were missing three of the key links from their 1998 Championship winning side, three players who have been the backbone of Melvin Gaels teams for years.
Yet in their absence, a ferociously committed and hungry Melvin Gaels proved the better team in most sectors of the field and were convincing winners, except for a dramatic finale that saw Glencar/Manor grab two injury time goals!
Minus their experienced trio, the young Gaels stepped up to the plate and took on responsibility where it might have previously been left to others, a feature of the game that spells good news for the Kinlough side in the years ahead.
But what Melvin Gaels did display was a ferocious hunger for victory, something that was evident the minute they ran onto the field. Everyone worked their socks off and while their old failing of fading out of games may have hampered them once or twice during the game, their commitment never dropped.
Going for the double, Glencar/Manor never displayed the same sort of desire as their neighbours.
It was clear that the Gaels would run through a brick wall in pursuit of the ball but at the end of a long, tiring season, Glencar/Manor didnt seem to have the same sort of motivation as several of their players stood up and watched after they lost possession.
Yet the Manor men came very close to pulling off a great escape with two late goals that caused quite a deal of consternation on the Melvin Gaels bench. With two minutes of added time announced, James Glancy scored what seemed to no more than a consolationÓgoal.
But the drama heightened as added time continued for another three minutes and the Championship winners grabbed yet another goal, putting Melvin Gaels under ferocious pressure in a dramatic finish to a game where the Kinlough men had dominated.
Gareth Phelan has been a permanent fixture in the Gaels goals for years but young Jesse McGuinness did a man of the match job in denying Glencar/Manor certainÓgoals on at least three occasions, fantastic saves that hint at a long future between the posts.
Colm McGowan also came up with a vital goal-line clearance in the first half as Fabian McMorrow led a defence that might have creaked and groaned under the pressure but one that never gave up battling, working and fighting.
Emlyn Mulligan mightnt have rung up the sort of figures he normally does but that would ignore a vital contribution in controlling the flow of the Melvin Gaels game-plan.The County man showed a different side of his game, controlling the pace in the second half, using his head and doing all the unglamorous work that wins games.
Conor Sheridan, Paul Brennan, Paul Og Ferguson, Stephen McGurran all epitomised the never-say-die work ethic of Melvin Gaels as they spent as much time harrying Glencar/Manor, often in the Gaels half of the field, as they did attacking and causing problems for the Manor rearguard.
Emlyn Mulligan opened the Scóring with a first minute free but had a shot from the right wing gathered by Manor keeper Gary Loughlin shortly after.
Replicating Mulligans feats, Adrian Croal first had a narrow wide after a run but followed up with a lovely point after a Pat Gilmartin catch set Dominic Kelly free following a good pass.
Melvin Gaels almost broke through for a goal on five minutes when a high ball broke loose to Emlyn Mulligan some 20 yards in front of the Manor goal on five minutes. However, the County man blasted a horrible wide in a real let-off.
But the Kinlough side didnt have to wait long for the breakthrough as the ball broke again from a long delivery and David McSharry drilled a wonderful low shot to the Manor net for a dramatic goal.
Both sides were guilty of poor misses with Manors attempt at an instant reply thwarted when the County Champions opened up the Gaels rearguard only for Colm McGowan to block the shot on the line with a fabulous block. From the rebound, Dominic Kelly shot wide in a costly miss.
Kelly then let his frustrationÓget the better of him as he was booked for a foul on Paul Brennan, Emlyn Mulligan sending a monster 55 yard free over the bar in a brilliant score on 12 minutes.
Paul Brennan hit a wide but made immediate amends with a great score from the corner as Melvin Gaels broke quickly and effectively.
However, this finally spurred Glencar/Manor into action as James Glancy & Alan Sweeney both knocked over quick points to narrow the gap to a goal. And they reduced that lead further when Fintan McGourty, who got away with a few steps, twice dodged tackles to fire over from 40 yards.
Glencar/Manor then put together a wonderful team point, started when David Poniard absorbed a big hit on the right wing.
He shook it off and the ball went through two or three hands before Darren Sweeney scored a great point from the right wing on 23 minutes.
Melvin Gaels looked in real trouble at this stage but they showed real mettle, even if their first point in 13 minutes was a missed goal chance! Mulligan and Paul Brennan broke clear and set up Brendan Brennan straight in front of the goal, only six or seven yards out.
A goal looked certain but a fantastic full-length diving block from Shane Devaney saw the shot deflected across the bar.
Mulligan then added a brilliant effort from the left wing, a free that curled in and over the bar before Conor Sheridan added a final coup de grace when Dominic Kelly lost the ball out the field and Melvin Gaels quickly worked the ball to Sheridan for a fine point.
That left Melvin Gaels 1-6 to 0-5 in front at the break
That lead was almost wiped out just seconds into the second half when a free was fisted across the Gaels goal to Brian McDonald. The corner-forward hesitated a fraction and Jesse McGuinness made a wonderful diving save to push the ball around the post.
Manor put a lot of pressure on but all they had to show for it was a James Glancy free on four minutes. It seemed as if the double was gone from their grasp five minutes later when a great move down the wing saw Paul McGurran charge towards the Manor goal.
Having played a one-two with Paul Brennan, McGurran seemed as if he had run into a cul-de-sac when surrounded by three defenders but he worked the ball back to Brennan who came charging past a static defence and floated a ball across the face of the goal to his unmarked brother Brendan who fisted the ball to the net.
It was a crucial score and Manor heads definitely dropped, so much so that Fabian McMorrow popped up from centre-back with a brilliant 40-yard point on 15 minutes.
But Manor showed they werent gone yet when McGuinness made another great save, tipping a fisted Glancy effort onto the post and clear after an Adrian OFlynn shot dropped short on 19 minutes.
However, Glancy wasnt to be denied and after two Melvin Gaels defenders got in a mix-up with a high ball, the County man fisted Brian McDonalds pass to the Gaels net on 21 minutes.
Glancys roller-coaster took another turn when he had a bad wide from a free and Melvin Gaels made them pay with a peach of a goal. The Gaels broke with Emlyn Mulligan and Conor Sheridan making the most of gaps appearing in the Manorhamilton rearguard.
Sheridan played a ball over the top to Brennan who broke through a tackle and then chipped Gary Loughlin for an outstanding goal on 26 minutes.
That seemed to be that, particularly when Packie Hill set up Mulligan for his teams last point.
Indeed, it seemed as if a penalty a minute into the two minutes of added time announced was nothing more than a consolation when Brendan Brennan clearly lay on the ball as Glencar/Manor sought a late consolation.
James Glancy stroked the penalty home but it seemed like nothing more than a late consolation, particularly as the announced time was almost up.
However, referee Brendan Sammon showed no inclination to blow the final whistle and play continued. Incredibly for a team that never got going in attack, Manor struck for a third goal.
Again a high ball in the goal-mouth caused the problems with Pat Gilmartin drilling home to suddenly leave just two minutes in it after three minutes of added time.
With Melvin Gaels mentors and players getting increasingly annoyed by the amount of added time being played, Manor continued to attack but the Gaels held firm, blocking James Glancys free to claim the League crown.
Melvin Gaels
Jesse McGuinness, Joe McGowan, Stephen Clancy, Colm McGowan, Paul McGurran, Fabian McMorrow (0-1), Anthony Tiffoney, Martin McCarron, Stephen McGurran, Paul Og Ferguson, Emlyn Mulligan (0-4), David McSharry (1-0), Paul Brennan (1-1), Brendan Brennan (1-1), Conor Sheridan (0-1). Subs: Packie Hill for McCarron (51 mins), for C. McGowan (62 mins).
Glencar/Manorhamilton
Gary Loughlin, Michael Poniard, Shane Devaney, Thomas McDonald, Shane Loughlin, Adrian OFlynn, David Poniard, Fintan McGourty (0-1), Pat Gilmartin (1-0), Dominic Kelly, Darren Sweeney (0-1), Adrian Croal (0-1), James Glancy (2-2), Alan Sweeney (1-1), Brian McDonald. Subs: Ronan McGourty & James OBrien for A. Sweeney & M. Poniard (42 mins), Anthony McDonald for Kelly (48 mins).
Referee: Brendan Sammon.
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
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18-Dec-08 by John Connolly – LeitrimObserver.ie