The win for Glencar/Manor in this game cleared the way for a showdown between them and Melvin Gaels in next Saturday afternoon’s first ever all north Leitrim County senior league final.

Glencar/Manor claimed control in this encounter with a goal that was scored early in each half with Adrian Croal striking first for the north Leitrim men and Dominic Kelly doing likewise for his side’s second goal.

The home-side got on top early in the exchanges after Adrian Croal shot a third minute point and then followed up by firing home an unstoppable goal a minute later.

Croal shot off the inside of Gortletteragh’s right hand upright, as he executed this score, after soloing from midfield and splitting the south Leitrim’s side’s defence wide open.

Conor Reynolds replied with a point from a free, but Glencar/Manor went further ahead over the next four minutes when Adrian Coral hit over a well-taken point and James Glancy also found the target from play.

Gortletteragh responded with a memorable, Dermot Kennedy long range point in the eighteenth minute, but over the next six minutes Glencar/Manor edged into a six point lead when James Glancy fired over his second point from play and Dominic Kelly also shot a similar score.

Conor Reynolds kept Gortletteragh in the hunt when he converted his second free in the twenty sixth minute. However Glencar/Manor still took a 1-5 to 0-3 lead into the break.

After the restart Glencar/Manor came out in a determined mood and snuffed out Gortletteragh’s challenge in the opening nine minutes of the second half when the north Leitrim men added 1-3 without reply.

In this period Alan Sweeney tapped over two frees after fouls on Anthony McDonald and Adrian Croal.

James O’Brien sent in a well delivered thirty seventh minute foot pass from midfield to James Glancy, who was just twenty metres from the Gortletteragh posts, and duly fired over the visitor’s crossbar.

A well-worked Glencar/Manor goal two minutes later left Gortletteragh trailing by eleven points.

Dominic Kelly finished this move to the Gortletteragh net after he received a pass from Anthony McDonald, at the end of a series of spot on link-ups by a number of the north Leitrim side’s players.

Conor Reynolds hit back with his third free of the game for Gortletteragh in the fortieth minute, but a Thomas McDonald point, which was hit from long range five minutes later, restored Glencar/Manor’s eleven point’s lead.

Gortletteragh’s nÓgel Keighran fired over a 48th minute point, which proved to be his side’s last score of the game.

28-Nov-08 by LeitrimObserver.ie

Last Sundays U-21 A Championship quarter-final was played in extremely tough conditions and it was hardly surprising that the contest was, to borrow a cliché, a game of two halves.

U-21 A CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER FINAL
DRUMLEA 1-10
ST FRANCIS 1-8

St Francis had the advantage of the wind in the opening half and opened up a two point lead inside the opening six minutes through the impressive Eunan Tracey and Martin Raferty.

That lead would have beenÓgreater were it not for a fine save from Padraig Dolan in the Drumlea goal who made an instinctive save to turn Rafertys shot over the bar.

Given the fact that the wind was so strong it was vital for St Francis that they built up a commanding lead before half-time.

They almost scored the games opening goal through Enda Maguire who pounced on a poor clearance by goalkeeper Padraig Dolan. Unfortunately for the Drumshanbo/Ballinaglera amalgamation his first time shot crashed off the angle of the woodwork.

Despite that miss St Francis continued to put the Drumlea rearguard under plenty of pressure and scored three unanswered points within the next ten minutes through Eunan Tracey, Enda Maguire and a Eunan Tracey free.

With six minutes of the half remaining, St Francis struck for the games opening goal to open up a commanding eight point lead.

St Francis Seamie McMorrow won possession of the ball from a Drumlea kickout and quickly found Barry Maguire who in turn picked out Philip McGourty.

McGourty had a clear run onÓgoal and he finished confidently leaving goalkeeper Padraig Dolan with no chance.

To their credit Drumlea responded well to that set-back and finished the half strongly.

A Morgan Quinn free two minutes before the interval and a Ciaran Smith point on the stroke of half-time helped reduce the deficit and give the Drumlea faithful renewed belief that their side, with the wind at their backs in the second half, could yet emerge victorious.

Three quick points for Drumlea, two from Morgan Quinn and one from Ray Fee, at the beginning of the second half reduced the deficit to a goal as St Francis led by 1-5 to 0-5.

All of a sudden the momentum was entirely with Drumlea and a Mark Fee point helped reduce the deficit to just two points.

A Damon Maguire free eight minutes into the half meant that there was just a point between the sides and with St Francis struggling to come to terms with the wind that they were now playing into, Drumlea pounced for a goal which gave them the lead.

Goalkeeper Jack Mathynthss took a quick free which was intercepted by Sean Flanagan. Sean quickly picked out his cousin Shane, who was introduced at half-time, and he duly found the back of the net to give Drumlea the lead for the first time.

A Damon Maguire free helped open up a three point lead for the Drumreilly and Aughawillan men and it was beginning to look as though St Francis were heading out of this years U-21 championship.

Chances were few and far between up to that point for St Francis in the second half but they will be left ruing the gilt edged chance that fell to Enda Maguire with 12 minutes of the game remaining.

After good work by Seamie McMorrow and Thomas Cornyn the ball came to Maguire. From close range it seemed as though he was about to score St Francis second goal of the game but great credit must go to Padraig Dolan in the Drumlea goal who produced an excellent save to deny him.
The final ten minutes of the game were a very tense affair with both sides pushing hard to keep their championship dreams alive.

A Barry Maguire point for St Francis, their first of the half was cancelled out by a Morgan Quinn free to keep the gap at three points.

St Francis refused to throw in the towel and two pointed frees from the boot of Eunan Tracey meant that with only a minute remaining there was only a point separating the teams.

Ultimately there was to be no epic comeback for St Francis as Drumleas Ryan Creamer scored in the final minute to ensure victory for his side.

Drumlea
Padraig Dolan, Paddy OConnor, Sean Fee, Brian Mitchell, Warren Maguire, Graham Taylor, Gerard McGovern, John Fee, Mark Fee (0-1), Ciaran Smith (0-1), Ray Fee (0-1), Morgan Quinn (0-4), Ryan Creamer (0-1), Damon Maguire (0-2), Sean Flanagan. Subs: Shane Flanagan(1-0) for Smith (HT), Kevin McTague for OConnor and Declan McGovern for Mitchell (55 mins).

St Francis
Jack Mathynthss, Cathal Kielty, Alan Wynne, Padraig Cornyn, Thomas Reynolds, Thomas Cornyn, Jason Loftus, Philip McGourty (1-0), Emmet Burke, Eunan Tracey (0-5), Brian Mulvey, Seamie McMorrow, Martin Raferty (0-1), Barry Maguire (0-1), Enda Maguire (0-1). Sub: Fergal Wynne for Reynolds (50 mins).

Referee: Brendan Sammon

27-Nov-08 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie

After a tough, physical encounter, St Marys ensured that they will be playing league division one football next year after a narrow one point victory over Melvin Gaels at Pairc Naomh Mhuire, Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday last.

MASONITE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
ST MARYS 0-9
MELVIN GAELS 0-8

After being at the centre of plenty of controversy during the championship, Jimmy Guckian was the hero for the Carrick side as he came off the bench with six minutes remaining and scored two crucial points.

Last Saturdays victory also has a significant bearing for St Marys other teams as had the division one team been relegated to division two, the division two would have been relegated to division three and so on down the divisions.

Melvin Gaels knew before last Saturdays encounter that they were guaranteed a place in next Saturdays league final, but there was certainly no evidence of complacency as they made St Marys work right till the death for their victory.

Melvin Gaels began the game well with BB Brennan Scóring two points inside the opening ten minutes to open up an early lead.

A good move involving Paul Brennan and Emlyn Mulligan resulted in Paul Og Ferguson Scóring to leave three points between the sides.

Given the fact that there was so much a stake it was hardly surprising that there were some nerves evident.

Two converted frees from Ray Mulvey brought St Marys right back into contention as the game approached the 20 minute mark.

Having seen their lead eroded Melvin Gaels registered two quick points of their own through Conor Sheridan and Paul Og Ferguson.

With six minutes remaining until the half-time break and trailing by three points, St Marys enjoyed a period of sustained pressure and scored two unanswered points through Donal McLoughlin and Niall Comerton to leave just a between the sides at the interval.

The second half began in the same manner as the first had ended with both sides challenging for everything in what was a very keenly contested game. The tackles were going in hard, but there was little over the course of the game that would be described as dirty.

From a football point of view it may not have been the most gripping but for sheer drama it would be tough to match.

With nine minutes to go and still trailing by a point, it seemed as though St Marys had been handed a lifeline to ensure their division one status for next year whenÓgoalkeeper Jesse McGuinness fouled Benny Guckian and in doing so conceded a penalty.

A goal from the ensuing penalty would have helped to ease the nerves of the St Marys faithful but Ray Mulveys effort was struck tamely and rolled wide of McGuinnesss right hand post.

With time running out, Jimmy Guckian came off the bench for St Marys and immediately had the desired impact as he pointed after a fine pass from Dermot Reynolds.

The introduction of GuckianÓgave the team a real lift and with three minutes to go St Marys took the lead after Benny Guckian pounced on a loose ball and knocked it over the bar from close range despite having plenty of defenders around him for company.

The drama was not yet over as Melvin Gaels refused to throw in the towel and levelled the scores from an Emlyn Mulligan free in the last minute of the game.

There was still time for one more twist as Jimmy Guckian was on the end of a knockdown and scored the winning point three minutes into injury time.

St Marys would no doubt rather be looking forward to defending their league crown in next weeks final than celebrating the fact they have avoided relegation. However, they will be mightily relieved that they have done just that.

St Marys
Anthony Conway, Fergal Reynolds, Conor Guckian, Jonathan Cassidy, James Glancy, Mick Greene, Nicholas McWeeney, James McGrail, Daniel Lowe, Brian ODonnell, Dermot Reynolds, Donal McLoughlin (0-1), Niall Comerton (0-2), Benny Guckian (0-1), Ray Mulvey (0-2). Subs: Brian Farrell (0-1) for Greene, Jimmy Guckian for Farrell (0-2).

Melvin Gaels
Jesse McGuinness, Padraig McGloin, Fabian McMorrow, Joe McGowan, Blaine Mulligan, Anthony Tiffoney, Paul McGurran (0-1), Gareth Phelan, Emlyn Mulligan (0-2), Paul Og Ferguson (0-2), Conor Sheridan (0-1), David McSharry, Colin Regan, BB Brennan (0-2), Paul Brennan. Subs: Stephen McGurran for Ferguson (36 mins), Shane Ryan for McGloin (49 mins), Gareth Foley for B Mulligan (54 mins)

27-Nov-08 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie

Kiltubrid 2 – 9

Glencar/Manor 1 – 11

Kiltubrid claimed Leitrims last adult championship title of the year on Sunday in Carrick-on-Shannon when holding off a late Glencar/Manor rally, to win the County Junior ‘B crown by a single point after a thrilling contest.

However Glencar/Manor started brightly when Niall Hickey put over a 3rd minute free.

Meanwhile Kiltubrid responded decisively five minutes later when Paul McGirl finished to the net after he took full advantage of an error by Glencar/Manor fullback, Kenneth McMorrow.

Keelan McKeon increased Kiltubrids lead when he fisted over in the 10th minute.

Glencar/Manor managed to cut Kiltubrids advantage back to the minimum by the 14th minute after Niall Hickey put over his second free and Pat Gilmartin shot a point.

But Kiltubrid took a decisive grip on the proceedings over the next twelve minutes when they hit 1 – 5 without reply.

In this period Gavin Kelly shot Kiltubrids second goal while Conor Doherty popped over three points from play with Keelan McKeon also converting a free and Aidan McKiernan adding a point from play.

Before the break Glencar/Manor replied with a Declan Ryan point and a Seamus Leddy free conversion, which still left Kiltubrid leading comfortably by 2 – 6 to 0 – 5 at halftime.

But a goal, which Pauric Kerrigan finished to the net within two minutes of the restart, brought Glencar/Manor to within four points of Kiltubrid.

However within the space of another minute Keelan McKeon replied with a Kiltubrid converted free, which kept his side in control.

ThenÓglencar/Manor closed the gap on Kiltubrid to three points by the 37th minute after Seamus Leddy put over a free and James Gilmartin shot a point.

But the north Leitrim side had a let off in the 39th minute when ‘keeper, Sean Boylan had to make a super save from a goal bound Michael McGirl effort.

After that Kiltubrid pulled five points clear of Glencar/Manor over the next eleven minutes when Keelan McKeon converted a free and Michael McGirl fisted a point.

The Kiltubrid men did not score in the remainder of the action, as Glencar/Manor staged a fighting late rally to salvage the game.

Over five minutes of additional time was played in this period and Kiltubrids lead was whittled down to a point.

In the closing exchanges Seamus Leddy converted a Glencar/Manor ‘45 and Niall Hickey slotted over a 13 metre free while sub Patrick McEneaney and Ian Feeney shot points apiece.

At the end Kiltubrid held out for the win but they certainly had a close shave during the Glencar/Manors last ditch assault when the north Leitrims sides full-forward Niall Hickey blazed a 56th minute goal chance narrowly wide from just a few yards out.

Kiltubrid: Adrian Lee, Neil Slevin, Barry MacThiarnain, RonanÓgeoghegan, David McCormack, David McGirl, EamonÓgeoghegan, Richard Mahon, StephenÓguckian, Aidan McKiernan 0 – 1, Conor Doherty 0 – 3, Michael McGirl 0 – 1, Keelan McKeon 0 – 4 (4f.), Paul McGirl 1 – 0, Gavin Kelly 1 – 0.

Subs Patrick Whitlow for Kelly (38 mins.), Anthony Tighe for M. McGirl (51 mins.).

Glencar/Manor: Sean Boylan, Colin Farrell, Kenneth McMorrow, Enda Healy, Ian Feeney 0 – 1, Seamus Leddy 0 – 3(3f.), Dermot McMorrow, Pat Gilmartin 0 – 1, Ronan Haslette, Declan Ryan 0 – 1, James Gilmartin 0 – 1, Sean Watters, Pauric Kerrigan 1 – 0, Niall Hickey 0 – 3(3f.), Damien McDermott.

Subs Colin Ryan for Watters (26 mins.), Patrick McEneaney 0 – 1 for McDermott (38 mins.), Kevin Rogers for D. McMorrow (57 mins.), Thomas Coyle for J. Gilmartin (57 mins.).

Referee: Cyril McKeon (Allen Gaels).

18-Nov-08 by PJ Leddy

Intermediate Champions Aughnasheelin ended a great year on a sour note after they were relegated last Saturday following their four point loss to Division One Finalists Melvin Gaels.

With intense relegation battles in both Division One and Two, next weekends games will be closely watched as St. Marys must gather at least three points to go above Carrigallen in Division One while Division Two sees an almighty battle to avoid the drop with eight teams all capable of making the drop to Division Three depending on the results next weekend.

St. Marys, however, are facing a doomsday situation as their teams in Divisions Two, Three and Four would all be relegated, regardless of where they finish, if their First team are relegated from Division One. It is a situation that would be welcomed in quite a lot of Divisions as only one other team would therefore make the drop.

Marys must pick up three points against Allen Gaels and Melvin Gaels but they can also stay up if they improve their Scóring difference by seven points or more to go above Carrigallen in the Scóring averages.

However, that will be a very tough task as Allen Gaels have been rejuvenated since the return of Adrian Cullen and have been the form team in Division One recently while Melvin Gaels booked their place in the Final with a 0-13 to 1-6 win over Aughnasheelin last Saturday.

The Kinlough men recovered from a four point halftime deficit to win by four points, a result that condemned Aughnasheelin to the drop. The Intermediate champions can still end up with six points if they win their remaining two games but they cannot over-take two teams to avoid the drop.

Melvin Gaels trailed 0-5 to 1-6 at the break but the dismissal of an Aughnasheelin midfielder for a second yellow card handed the impetus to Melvin Gaels who scored seven unanswered points to take the win.

What makes the win all the more notable is that the Gaels achieved it without Emlyn Mulligan as Conor Sheridan, Paul Og Ferguson and Brendan Brennan scored three points apiece.

Carrigallen ensured they would make it very difficult for St. Marys when they defeated Annaduff 0-12 to 1-6 in Annaduff on Saturday. Four unanswered points in the first half from Ciaran Flynn (3) and Eoin Ward put Carrigallen in the driving seat and another four without reply in the second half from Ciaran & David Flynn, Eamon OMalley & Eoin Ward extended the lead.

Carrigallen led 0-12 to 0-4 after 50 minutes and seemed to be cruising but they were put under pressure in the closing minutes with points from Brendan Guckian and David McHugh and a goal from sub Derek Cox.

Kiltubrid, who had started the day under threat, secured their Division One status with a 0-9 to 2-3 draw against Mohill last Saturday, a point that lifted them out of the relegation zone. The draw, however, has dented Mohills chances of making the League Final as Glencar/Manor, with three games to play, are only a point behind.

Glencar/Manor were due to play Bornacoola but the game fell victim to the weather, the only one on the day.

The postponement almost definitely means another delay in the completion of Division One.

Division Two remains a complete minefield as only finalists Sean OHeslins and Aughawillan are completely safe mathematically.

Ballinaglera would have been relegated had they lost to Dromahair last weekend but a 1-11 to 0-8 keeps their survival hopes alive and drags Dromahair back into it, although the superior Scóring average of the north Leitrim men should mean they are safe.

The big game is the clash of Aughavas and Fenagh St. Caillins – Fenagh simply have to win as their poor Scóring average means they cannot rely on Scóring difference to stay up. Both teams are on six points and a draw will not suffice for Fenagh who have minus 53 points as their difference.

Glenfarne/Kilty & Cloone are two teams anxiously looking over their shoulders – the north Leitrim side take on Drumkeerin needing at least a point to survive while Cloone need to defeat Dromahair to stay up in what should be an exciting relegation battle.

14-Nov-08 by Leitrim Observer.ie