St Osnats into another Final after tight battle

After a tight battle, north Leitrim side, St. Osnats claimed a place in the GWP Junior C championship final for a fourth successive year when they defeated an experienced Sean OHeslins outfit in Sundays semi-final in Cloone.

GWP JUNIOR C CHAMPIONHSIP SEMI-FINAL
ST OSNATS GLENCAR 1-8
SEAN OHESLINS 0-9

In a closely contested encounter, a 37th minute goal by sub David Clancy gave St. Osnats a crucial grip in the proceedings after Sean OHeslins had taken the lead for the first time in the game

While the Ballinamore side tried hard to wrestle the initiative back from the Glencar men after the goal, the north Leitrim men, managed by former Leitrim and AughnasheelinÓgoalkeeper Martin McHugh, responded by upping their performance a few notches, which allowed them to hold out for victory.

It was very muck nip and tuck in the opening exchanges over the first 11 minutes, as both sides traded points at opposite ends. Liam Burke junior edged St. Osnats ahead with a 6th minute point but Peter Reynolds levelled matters two minutes later from a free.

Over the next three minutes, St. Osnats AlanÓgilligan swapped a point with Sean OHeslins Sean McCartin, from a free. After that St. Osnats grabbed a three point lead by the end of the first quarter when Finbar Twomey shot a point from play and put over a 45, as well as a free for the Glencar men.

Sean OHeslins AdrianÓgallogly replied from play with an 18th minute point but AlanÓgilligan kept St. Osnats in the driving seat with a point a minute later.

However, Sean OHeslins put in a storming finish to the half, to get on level terms. McCartin tapped over two frees while Adrian Murphy whipped over a point from play, which sent both teams in on a 0-6 all score line at half time.

Sean OHeslins keeper Cormac ÓSuilleabháin denied St. Osnats a goal in the 35th minute when he stopped a point blank Stephen Kerrigan shot with his shins. OHeslins then took the lead for the only time in the game in the next minute when Sean McCartin put over a free.

But St. Osnats quickly got back in control in the 37th minute when David Clancy flicked home the games only goal. The score came after Finbar Twomey a free from 45 metres was sent into the OHeslins goalmouth.

The ball was deflected across the goals by Eugene McSharry for the in rushing Clancy to put the ball wide of a stranded ÓSuilleabháin.

However, a 47th minute free from McCartin reduced St. Osnats lead to the minimum but a Twomey point in the following minute put some more daylight between the sides.

McCartin again reduced the lead to a single point when he fired over from play in the 54th minute with what was a spectacular score for the Ballinamore men.

However, Eugene McSharry ensured St. Osnats place in the final against Drumreilly when his 60th minute soccer style shot from five yards screamed over the Sean OHeslins crossbar, as it appeared that McSharry had a goal on his mind when he pulled the trigger.

 

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This full report is available thanks to the Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here

 

 

 

 

 

31-Oct-08 by LeitrimObserver.ie

Aughnasheelin hope to emulate Carrigallen

Aughnasheelin will be hoping history repeats itself next Sunday when they attempt to become only the second team from the County to beat a Galway side in the Connacht Club Championships when they take on St. Michaels in the AIB Intermediate Semi-Final in Cloone (2.30 throw-in).

Carrigallen created their own slice of history two years ago when they lowered the colours of Menlough in the Intermediate Semi-Final, becoming the first team from Leitrim to beat a Galway team in a Provincial Club Championship.

Aughnasheelin are hoping to emulate Carrigallens feat in Cloone against a highly rated Galway City side St. Michaels!

Aughnasheelin Manager Liam Higgins is eagerly awaiting the contest after his teams victory over St. Molaise Gaels in the first round in Markievicz Park but he admitted that his charges faces a big step-up on Sunday – "Were looking forward to it, there is a great buzz at training since the win in Sligo.

"St Michaels are going to be a tougher prospect for us next Sunday. They are a very young team who like to move the ball fast. They are very accurate in front of goals and theyll take some beating," said Liam who pointed out that the fact that the game is at home will be a huge boost to the Leitrim representatives.

Fortune certainly shone on Aughnasheelin in that regard as Ballinamore hosted the CarrigallenÓgame two years ago but with a new draw, it is the Tribesmen who must make the journey – "Having the game at home is definitely a great help to us and we are happy enough that the game is in Cloone. I know our lads are looking forward to it and anyone who was in Markievicz Park can see our lads are up for this competition."

Liam will also be hoping that last Mondays League defeat to Gortletteragh wont hinder their chance – "We picked up a few knocks on Monday in the League against Gortletteragh but Id be hopeful enough that we have a full team to pick from for Sunday.

"It was a tough match but a match like that is better than 10 training sessions. Losing the game might drive the boys on, particularly in the way we lost it. We were seven points up and we let them back into it. So hopefully, the boys will learn from that and it will drive them on next Sunday."

As for a verdict, Liam said "It is all about performing on the day. It is hard to know how good St. Michaels are, all we have to go on is a few dvds. But if we play up to our potential, I cant see us being very far off it," said Liam.

If Aughnasheelin have shown an ability to finish well in tight games, St. Michaels have done the same inÓgalway after they overcame a Shay Walsh led Glenamaddy in the Galway Intermediate Final.

 

 

This full report is available thanks to John Connolly and Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here

 

 

31-Oct-08 by LeitrimObserver.ie

Connacht Junior Club Championship Hurling Semi-Final – Report

A fortunate Calry St. Josephs goal midway through the second half ended St. Marys dreams of reaching the Connacht Junior Club Hurling Championship Final when the Sligo side pipped the newly crowned Leitrim champions on Monday last in Ballinamore.

CONNACHT JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP HURLING SEMI-FINAL
ST MARYS 1-12
CALRY ST JOSEPHS 2-12

Minus three key players from their County Final side, St. Marys put up a tremendous show as they recovered from a five point gap early in the game to draw within a goal with eight minutes to go. But they were unable to get any closer as they paid the price for a sloppy goal.

St. Marys keeper Paul McKiernan had a stormer all day, making some fine catches under pressure and commanding his line. But when Liam Reidys shot came in, the ball went into the net off the Marys netminder hand.

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This full report is available thanks to John Connolly and Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here

 

 

 

30-Oct-08 by John Connolly – LeitrimObserver.ie

Ladies Intermediate B Final

St. Josephs Ladies made the best use of the elements as they built up an impregnable first half lead to see off Glencar/Manor in the Leitrim Ladies Intermediate B Final last Saturday in Leitrim Village.

LADIES INTERMEDIATE B FINAL
ST JOSEPHS 4-5
GLENCAR/MANORHAMILTON 3-3

The weather meant that both sides were competing with more than each other, they also had the elements to contend with. Perhaps not surprisingly the balance of power shifted between the sides as St Josephs enjoyed the advantage of the wind in the first half while Glencar/Manor had the wind at their backs in the second half.

Despite playing against the conditions, Manor got off to the best possible start when Karen Connolly scored a goal with just over a minute of the game played.

Having started the game so well, Glencar/Manor spent much of the half on the back foot as they went almost 25 minutes without adding to their tally.

Deirdre Moran pointed for St Josephs opening score in the second minute and such was the way they were playing it was looking as though they would make light work of the Manor challenge.

Despite the best efforts of Camilla McDonagh, Eimear O Connor and Dympna Boylan, the pace and movement of St Josephs half-forward line of Aine Heslin, Michelle Heslin and Clare Owens was proving to be a real handful and it was no more than St Josephs deserved when they struck for their first goal.

Some quick passing released Clare Owens and she completed the move with a nice finish to give her side the lead for the first time.

Points from Sharon Kerrigan & Aine Heslin helped extend the lead after 13 minutes but almost 10 minutes of play elapsed before the next score arrived.

When it came, it was worth waiting for as Sharon Kerrigan, Alanna Bohan and Aisling Cooke combined well to set up Michelle Heslin who finished off the move with a well-takenÓgoal.

That score brought the game back to life as Aisling Cooke pointed before Alanna Bohan scored her sides third goal.

Trailing by seven points, it seemed as if Manor were out of contention before the game had even reached half-time. But despite the fact that they were playing against the wind, Manor managed to fight their way back in contention.

A Siobhan Feely point helped settle the nerves before Marie Clerkin struck for her sides second goal of the game. Excellent passing between Claire Cullen, Mary Alice Maguire and Michelle McNulty resulted in Siobhan Feely having a shot.

Her shot struck the crossbar and quickest to react was to react was Marie Clerkin who had the straightforward task of putting the ball into the net from close range.

St Josephs responded in the best possible way to by Scóring their fourth goal on the stroke of half-time. Sharon Kerrigan ran through unopposed to score a fine goal.

 

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This full report is available thanks to John Connolly and Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here

 

 

 

 

 

30-Oct-08 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie

Senior Hurling Champ Final – Report

Individual brilliance can sometimes see off a team but not last Saturday in Ballinamore as Gary Hickeys man of the match display was not enough to stop a below-par St. Marys from claiming their tenth Leitrim Senior Hurling Championship title in a row.

LEITRIM SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONHSIP FINAL
ST MARYS 2-9
MANORHAMILTON 0-10

Normally when one speaks of free-taking excellence in Leitrim hurling, it is Clement Cunniffe who takes the plaudits but the St. Marys man was over-shadowed by his Manorhamilton counter-part who landed nine points on the day, eight from places balls.

But in some ways, Manorhamiltons dependence on Hickey summed up their problems as a far from fully firing St. Marys still had too much strength around the field to be denied an incredible tenth Senior hurling title in a row.

Padraig McWeeney is a case in point – St. Marys normally rely on Cunniffe, Breian Carroll or James Glancy for inspirational scores but when Manor threatened with ten minutes to go, it was the unheralded McWeeney who produced two classic scores to close the game out.

It was those type of touches that killed a Manorhamilton team who made life uncomfortable for St. Marys in the difficult conditions.

The conditions nÓgated against skilful play and sweeping movements, the game becoming a tough battle where Manorhamiltons spirit and constant harrying of the Marys men meant that the champions never got moving.

But even under pressure, their class shone through in the little things – blocks and hooks, the ability to get the ball up on the stick and Marys refusal to give up goal chances meant Manor were fighting an uphill battle.

In fact, it was an uphill battle from the start as Manorhamilton fielded without the Poniard brothers, who were absent on holidays. It certainly made a difference to their challenge, although in some ways, it helped them.

Gary Hickey was definitely more involved in the play at midfield as his none-stop running and skill on the ball meant that Manor had a dominating presence in the middle of the field.

The move of Martin Reilly to full-back also tied up the free-Scóring St. Marys attack. In fact, few of Marys big-guns really got going – Breian Carroll found the going tough against Stephen Feeney while Clement Cunniffe had an uncharacteristic off-day from frees.

But what St. Marys had was a strong all-round platform and with James Glancy, James Keane, David Tiernan, Vincent McDermott & Padraig McWeeney all working their socks off, Marys still looked the more accomplished team.

Indeed, there seemed a sense of inevitability once Fergal Carroll goaled after six minutes as Manor chased and chased but lacked the forward penetration to really cause problems for the champions.

 

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This full report is available thanks to John Connolly and Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here

 

 

30-Oct-08 by John Connolly – LeitrimObserver.ie

Connacht footballers reach final

Connacht 2-15 Leinster 0-11 

Connacht lead from the start in Kiltoom and were deserving ten-point winners against a disappointing Leinster team that never seriously challenged the home province.

Mayos Conor Mortimer opened the Scóring with a second minute point with further points from Leitrim pair Declan Maxwell and Emlyn Mulligan signalling what was to come from Connacht.

Paul BardenÓgot Leinster off the mark on 9 minutes while Peadar Gardiner and Ross Munnelly swapped points to leave Connacht leading by four points to two at the half way stage of the opening half.

John OMahoneys men then hit a purple patch with a goal and three points to stretch the lead to 8 points after 22 minutes play.

A Mulligan free together with an Andy Moran point lead up to the Connacht goal on 20 minutes.

Padraic Joyce and Conor Mortimer were involved in the build up with Moran slipping the ball past Gary Connaughton in the Leinster goal.

Ross Munnelly gave Val Andrews charges some hope with two pointed frees for an otherwise poor return from 30 minutes play, but Connacht went in for half time leading by 2-07 to 0-04 points thanks to a superb goal from Galway veteran Joyce after 27 minutes.

Pat Harte laid the ball off to Joyce and the centre forward made no mistake with the finish to the net.

Connacht never let up in the second half and had stretched their lead to 10 points within 9 minutes of the restart with three pointed frees from Joyce to two points in reply from Dublin duo Mossie Quinn and Collie Moran.

Leinster fought back with further points from Quinn, Munnelly and PJ Banville, but the losers were never to get close enough to stage a grandstand finish.

Another Munnelly point after 49 minutes proved to be Leinsters second last score of the game with an Emmet Bolton point in stoppage time ending the contest for an ineffectual losing province.

Kenneth Mortimer popped over a free kick midway through the half for Connacht while further points for Joyce and Maxwell together with two from Mayos Alan Dillon stretched the advantage to 11 points before Boltons late score, but the final outcome was never in doubt at any stage.

Munster also won their football clash against Ulster by 1-05 to 0-05 points. Corks Nicholas Murphy scored the decisive goal.

Connacht: D Clarke (Mayo), G Bradshaw (Galway), T Cunniffe (Mayo), Charles Harrison (Sligo), P Gardiner (Mayo) 0-1, D Blake (Galway), J Nallen (Mayo), M Finneran (Roscommon), P Harte (Mayo), E Mulligan (Leitrim) 0-3 (3f), P Joyce (Galway) 1-4 (3f), A Dillon (Mayo) 0-2 (1f), C Mortimer (Mayo) 0-2 (1f), D Maxwell (Leitrim) 0-2, A Moran (Mayo) 1-1.

Subs: G Sice (Galway for Mulligan, R McGarrity (Mayo) for Finneran, S Kilbride (Roscommon) for Mortimer, S McDermott (Roscommon) for Moran, D Kelly (Sligo) for Maxwell

Leinster: G Connaughton (Westmeath), M Ennis (Westmeath), K ONeill (Kildare), A McLochlainn (Kildare), C King (Meath), C Moran (Dublin) 0-1, E Bolton (Kildare) 0-1, S Ryan (Dublin), M Ward (Meath), P Byrne (Meath), P Barden (Longford) 0-1, PJ Banville (Wexford) 0-1, R Munnelly (Laois) 0-5 (4f), J Sheridan (Meath), T Quinn (Dublin) 0-2(1f).

Subs: JP Dalton (Wicklow) for Byrne, B Quigley (Laois) for Sheridan, J Smith (Westmeath) for Barden, M Carpenter (Carlow) for Banville, E Bradley (Wexford) for Ward.

 

The final will be played next Saturday, 1st November, against Munster at 7:45pm in Portlaoise. 

 

 

 

25-Oct-08 by RTE.ie/sport

Three on Connacht Football Panel

Three players from Leitrim form part of the football panel in John OMahonys Connacht selection for the forthcoming M. Donnelly GAA Interprovincial Championship competitions. Emlyn Mulligan, Declan Maxwell and Michael McGuinness have been chosen as the representatives from Leitrim. The full panel of 26 consists of 9 from Mayo, 5 from Galway, 4 from Sligo and 4 from Roscommon.  Leitrim have another representative participating in the competition as Ollie Honeyman is one of the two selectors who will work alongside John OMahoney.

The full panel is:

FOOTBALL

Padraic Joyce Galway

Diarmuid Blake Galway

Gareth Bradshaw Galway

Gary Sice Galway

Damien Burke Galway

David Clarke Mayo

Tom Cunniffe Mayo

Peadar Gardiner Mayo

Alan Dillon Mayo

Conor Mortimer Mayo

Andy Moran Mayo

James Nallen Mayo

Ronan McGarrity Mayo

Pat Harte Mayo

Emlyn Mulligan Leitrim

Declan Maxwell Leitrim

Michael McGuinness Leitrim

Ross Donovan Sligo

Philip Greene Sligo

Charles Harrison Sligo

David Kelly  Sligo

Senan Kilbride Roscommon

Sean McDermott Roscommon

Michael Finneran Roscommon

Cathal Cregg Roscommon

 

Manager: John OMahony

Selectors: Kevin Walsh, Ollie Honeyman

 

 

 

 

23-Oct-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Coaching news

Under 14 School of excellence.

Due to the very poor weather, the under 14 blitz planned for last Saturday week in N.U.I. Galway had to be postponed and will not now take place. This was the second time the blitz had to be cancelled due to weather conditions. Their will be no action for this squad this weekend but over the next few weeks they will have sessions on strength & conditioned, nutrition and a returnÓgame against Roscommon.

Under 15 School of excellence.
On Saturday next the under 15 squad travel to Tuam to take in Connacht U-15 blitz. The first game will commence at 11.00 am. Bus times and routes as follows.
Ballinamore 7.50, Carrigallen 8.10, Aughavas 8.20, Cloone 8.30, Mohill 8.40, Masonite 8.50, Ck-on-Shannon 9.00. Kinlough 7.45.Manorhamilton 8.05, Factory Turn 8.10, Drumkeerin 8.20, Drumshanbo 8.40, Leitrim 8.50, Ck-on-Shannon 9.00.
For further information please contact Terry McManus 086-7355244

Level one coaching course 2008
Would all those who took part in this years level one coaching course please return their completed log book to Thomas Keenan, Pairc Sean, Ck-on – Shannon, before Wednesday next 29/10 so as the course can be completed and certs presented.

Under 12 & 13 skills programme.
This programme which commenced last year, had been scheduled to commence much earlier in the year, but due to weather etc. will only commence in the next few weeks. All players will be contacted by their club and can check dates, times and venues in these notes.

 

 

23-Oct-08 by Thomas Keenan

Magnificent Aughnasheelin march on

They may have only won their first adult championship title just two weeks ago but Aughnasheelin are determined to make the most of their opportunities as they outclassed St. Molaise Gaels to win the first round of the Connacht Intermediate Club Championship last Sunday in Markievicz Park ……….

 

A full Connacht Intermediate Club Championship report thanks to John Connolly, Leitrim Observer is available in this weeks Observer and online here

 

 

 

 

 

 

22-Oct-08 by John Connolly – LeitrimObserver.ie

Scór news

Scór na mBunscoileanna

There has been a slight change to the Scór na mBunscoileanna arrangements. The dates remain the same but the venues have been swapped. On Thursday 6 November the venue is St Marys Hall, Carrick on Shannon and on Friday 7 November the venue is Ballinamore. There are a couple of North Leitrim schools interested in taking part in a North Leitrim event on Wednesday 5 November. However we would like to hear from other North Leitrim schools even if they only took part in a few solo items. Please contact Maura Mulvey by this weekend if your school are interested.

Scór Officers meeting

All club Scór Officers are reminded of the general meeting in Páirc Seán MacDiarmada on Friday 24 October at 8.00pm. It is very important that all Scór officers attend. This is the 40 year of Scór Sinsear and it is hoped to make it one of the best years of Scór Liatroma.

 

 

22-Oct-08 by Sean O Suilleabhain

Connacht Clubs – Eastern Harps v Glencar Manor

Veteran marksman Paul Taylor showcased his enduring quality when illuminating Eastern Harps 10-point victory over Glencar-Manorhamilton in yesterdays one-sided clash at Markievicz Park.

Taylor scored 1-6 — all seven scores coming in the opening half — and his well-finished goal, from Danny OGradys pass, capped a brilliant first-half performance by the Sligo champions that saw them lead 1-9 to 1-2 at the break.

The winners, whose reward is a meeting with Mayos Ballaghaderreen next month, were given an early score when their opponents struck for 1-1 in the opening two minutes.

Pat Hickeys decisive flick of a breaking ball in the goalmouth for a somewhat fortuitous goal and Dominic Kellys excellent point from a sideline kick provided Glencar-Manor with an early platform — which they failed to build on.

Inspired

Eastern Harps, inspired by Taylor, Ross Donovan, John Rafferty and Danny OGrady, landed the next four points and although James Glancys 23rd-minute free put the visitors back in front, 1-2 to 0-4, this lead was short-lived as the winners notched 1-5 without reply over the next 10 minutes.

Glencar-Manor did raise their game for the first 15 minutes of the second-half and scored three points — but what they needed were goals.

Adrian Croal and substitute Alan Sweeney did get shots on target but Ross Donovan, Eastern Harps excellent full-back, made a couple of telling blocks.

After their lead was trimmed to five points, 1-10 to 1-5, Eastern Harps moved through the gears once again — keeping their opponents scoreless for the last 15 minutes and adding a further five points, the standout scores coming from Danny OGrady and midfielder Tony Taylor, younger brother of match-winner Paul.

scorers — Eastern Harps: P Taylor 1-6 (1f), D OGrady 0-4, T Taylor 0-2, J Rafferty, T Cryan, R Hannon (1f) 0-1 each. Glencar-Manorhamilton: P Gilmartin 1-0, D Kelly 0-2 (1sl), G Hickey (1f), J Glancy (1f), A Sweeney 0-1each.

Eastern Harps — B McHugh; K Cryan, R Donovan, S King; P McGovern, B Phillips, K Gallagher; T Taylor, P Grady; M Doddy, J Rafferty, T Cryan; R Hannon, P Taylor, D OGrady. Subs: P Rafferty for K Gallagher (inj); S Gallagher for T Cryan; S Dorrian for M Doddy.

Glencar-Manorhamilton — G Loughlin; M Poinard, S Devaney, T McDonald; S Loughlin, A OFlynn, D Poinard; F McGourty, D Sweeney; D Kelly, P Gilmartin, R McGourty; G Hickey, J Glancy, A Croal. Subs: A Sweeney for F McGourty, P McGuire for D Poinard (inj), B McDonald for R McGourty, A McDonald for Gary Hickey; Gerry Hickey for A Croal.

REF — P McGovern (Galway).

 

 

 

22-Oct-08 by Irish Independant.ie

Connacht Clubs weekend

This coming Sunday is a big day for 2 of our club teams as both Glencar/Manorhamilton and Aughnasheelin head for Markievicz Park to participate in their respective Connacht Championship club games.

Aughnasheelin meet St Molaise Gaels who claimed the Sligo Intermediate championship last Saturday against Coolaney/Mullinabreen.  A full report of this game is available on www.coolaneymullinabreena.com   The winners of this game will go on to participate in the semifinal against the Galway Champions on November 2nd.  The Mayo and Roscommon champions also meet in the semifinal on the same date.   Aughnasheelin managed a draw against neighbours Kiltubrid in the league game at the weekend and this game will hopefully help them shake off the effects of recent celebrations as they prepare for their throw-in at 1:30pm  on Sunday.

Glencar/Manorhamilton, the new County champions, must also put their celebrations on hold as they form part of the double header in Sligo.  Eastern Harps are their opponents and Easter Harps took over as Sligo Champions one hour after Glencar/Manor claimed their crown.  Manor would also have benefited from last weekends league action and theyve kept to their winning ways with a victory on Saturday evening over Annaduff.  The premliminary game is scheduled for 3:15pm and the winners will meet the Mayo champions on Nov 9th.

 

 

15-Oct-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO