FBD & Connacht Champ Dates announced

The general format for the FBD Connacht League remains unchanged which results in Leitrim playing 3 away games this year.  There will be two trips to Tuam to play the Galway based teams and then to Coola for Round 3.

Playing in Section B:

Round 1 – 4 Jan 09
GMIT v Leitrim in Tuam at 2pm
Sligo v Galway in Tourlestrane at 2pm,

Round 2 – 11 Jan 09
Galway v Leitrim in Tuam at 2pm
GMIT v Sligo in Dunmore at 2pm,

Round 3 – 18 Jan 09
Sligo v Leitrim in Coola at 2pm
GMIT v Galway in Pearse Stadium at 2pm

 

Home final:  25/01/09

Final: 19/10/09

 

Connacht Championship Dates:

Pre-Lim Rounds – Extra Time.

Sunday 10th May.
New York v Mayo – Gaelic Park.

Sunday 17th May
Leitrim v Roscommon – Carrick-on-Shannon.

Sunday 24th May
London v Galway – Ruislip

 

Semi- Finals.
Sunday 14th June. (Replay 20th June)
Sligo v London / Galway  –  Markieviez Park.

Sunday 21st June   (Replay 27th June)
New York v Mayo v Leitrim / Roscommon

 

Final Sunday 12th July    (Replay Saturday 18th July)

 

 

 

06-Nov-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Fenagh win Matthew Dolan Cup

On Sunday the 2nd Nov the 60×30 handball season came to a end with the Finale of the Matthew Dolan Memorial Cup competition taking place in Fenaghs new handball court.

The finale of this Doubles competition was between Fenagh and Drumkeerin, and is held in the memory of the late Matthew Dolan R.I.P.

All matches are Doubles and features Boys Under 14,  Boys Under 16 , Juveniles, Girls, and Senior mens.

It is played 2 games to 15 and each game won takes a point!

The Under14 match, was between Cathal McCauley and Paul Hazlette, Drumkeerin,  Sean Doonan and Cillian O Rourke, Fenagh. This ended all square with each team getting a game.

Next was the Under 16 and Fenagh was represented by Andrew Wrynn and Michael Doonan, and Drumkeerin by the McHugh brothers Patrick and Felim. The Drumkeerin lads won this game 2-0

The Juvelines were next on Court with the impressive Donal Wrynn and Enda McLoughlin (F),  and James Hazlette and Michael Gallagher (D) facing each other! The Fenagh pair were very strong in this grade and ran out comfortable winners!

The match now stood at 3 all,as the Girls took to the court with Michelle McNama and Shauna Clancy (D) taking on the Fenagh pairing of Ciara McLoughlin and Michelle Gaffney. A good entertaining game saw the teams share the points, leaving the teams level, as the heavyweights took to the court, the Seniour mens finale!

Fenagh represented by their Captain Jamie Murray and Ed Lee, facing Joel Smyth (Cap) and Junior Hazlette and what a exciting and entralling game it was with some great rallies, kills and had the crowd getting behind their team vocally and made a very exciting finale!

The Fenagh lads proved to strong in the end winning on a score of 15-11, and 15-13 but it was a lot closer that the scoreline suggests,with the Drumkeerin lads serving at 13 -11 for the game but Feneagh showed great character to get back in and take the match.

A special word for Junior Hazlette, who relatively knew nothing about handball until very recently,and really put in a great performance,and one would not figure this fact watching him on Sunday.

A great days handball was enjoyed by a large crowd of young and old and the Matthew Dolan Memorial Cup was presented to the Fenagh Captain, Jamie Murray by the Dolan family.

See pictures of the day in the Gallery.

 

 

06-Nov-08 by Brendan Christy – Handball

Update on Club Fixtures

The U21 championship fixtures are now online and available via the Championship Tables link on the left hand menu.

In response to enquiries to the website CCC Liatroma have responded with the following info.: 

In relation to this weekends games, it should be noted that St Marys play Div 2 on Sat and JFC B on Sunday. St Marys v Allen Gaels is scheduled to be played on Nov 15 in addition to the remaining two fixtures outstanding in advance of the last round . The last round is scheduled for Nov 22. Clubs playing their last Div 1 game this weekend requested said fixtures to be played on this weekend.

The remaining fixtures are now provided on this site and have been approved. Please note the following statement as issued to the Club Secretaries in relation to the remaining games: "Fixtures not played, due to unforeseen circumstances, may impact negatively on the timelines for fixtures as outlined.It should be borne in mind that possible replays in certain competitions may have negative impact also. Weekly fixture lists will issue as normal, in which any amendments necessary will be incorporated."

 

 

05-Nov-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Scór na mBunscoileanna starts this week

Scór na mBunscoileanna

Scór na mBunscoileanna takes place this coming week with rounds in St Marys Hall, Carrick on Shannon on Thursday night and in Ballinamore on Friday night. Both evenings start at 6.00 with Tráth na gCeisteanna. Schools are reminded that dancing groups are to perform in their school uniforms and not in dancing costumes. The schools taking part are as follows:

Thursday in Carrick: Aughavas, Gortletteragh, Mohill, Leitrim, Bornacoola
Drumcong and Fenagh

Friday in Ballinamore: Ballinamore Boys, Ballinamore Girls, Drumlea,
Drumeela, Aughawillan, Aughnasheelin and Carrigallen.

Next week there will be a further North Leitrim event for schools in North Leitrim. Venue and date will be confirmed next week.

 

Scór na nÓg

Entry forms have now been circulated to all club Scór officers and entries should be in by 21 November. Clubs are reminded that the age limit for Scór na nÓg is under 17 on the 1st January 2009. Participants must be from the parish or club area.

 

 

04-Nov-08 by Sean O Suilleabhain

Coaching news

Coach education Workshops

The games approach to skill development

1. 21/11/08 – Building the future

2. 22/11/08 – The global skills, part to whole – "Head – Hands – Feet"

3. 06/12/08 – Group management of delivery of skills in match related games 1v1, 2v2 etc.

4. 13/12/08 – Game sense – where skills are seen to play a part in tactics and game plans eg. Cross field, quarter, half and full field games.

As part of our continuing coach education programme, we are delighted to announce that as promised on their appointment, the new Leitrim senior team management of Mickey Moran and John Morrison will conduct a series of coaching workshops under the title "The games approach to skill development".

This over all title will be broken into four workshops, which will bring club coaches from the initial teaching of skills, to how skills play a part in tactics and game plans.

The first of the workshops will take the form of a presentation entitled, building the future, which will focus on all aspects of player development with particular emphasis onÓgetting the foundations correct.

This presentation will take place in the Bush hotel on Friday night 21/11/08 commencing at 7.30pm.The first of the practical workshops, which will concentrate on the teaching of skills will take place the following morning Saturday 22/11 in Drumshanbo GAA grounds commencing at 11.00am.

The two remaining workshops will be practical coaching sessions, and will look at use of games to improve and develop skills. This is an opportunity for all club coaches in Leitrim to gain a wealth of knowledge, from the very best coaches in the Country with out having to leave their County. No coach, no matter what age bracket they are coaching, should miss these four workshops.

Coaching Tips.
All coaches through out the County should log on to the Leitrim GAA website www.leitrimgaa.ie and read the coaching tips articles written by John Morrison. Each week new articles are added, some which were written by John over the past year and some which are current but all the articles are intended to encourage coaches to be open

 

 

03-Nov-08 by Thomas Keenan

Young Handballers impress in New Competition

On Sunday October 19, eleven Juvenile Handballers from Leitrim took part in a newly introduced competition introduced by Connacht Council and spearheaded by Juvenile Chairman Francis McCann,and Senior Chairman Hugh McGarry.

The Boys and Girls seeded Doubles 60×30 Under 14 competition saw all five Connacht Counties represented in a unique competition where a player was drawn to partner a player from another county.

The promoting of this type of competition is the development of the young handballers game,but also to develop the

player in communicating and forming friendships,and to this end it was a huge success as players from different counties paired together could be seen chatting and laughing on the practise courts together.

The importance of this type of competition,and format was illustrated by the presence of Handball President Tony Hannon,as well as Hugh McGarry and Francis McCann.

They were rewarded with great matches on the day,with the eventual winners Conal Walsh of Roscommon and Kennan Brennan of Mayo,defeating Paul Hazlette of Leitrim and Enda Connelly of Roscommon.

The Plate finale also had Leitrim representatives with the winners,Shane Doonan of Leitrim and Gary Kelly of Mayo defeating Adrian Forde of Leitrim and Conor Forde of Galway.

The Girls competition had Leitrim success with Michelle McNama, Deirdre Davitt, and Michaelaigh Nolan all having success representing the County.

 

A big word of thanks to the sponsors of this event::  Envirogreen and Mr Hugh McGarry.

 

 

01-Nov-08 by Brendan Christy – Handball

Leitrims games in National League (Draft version)

The Allianz National League fixtures have been released in DRAFT format, which are subject to minor changes.  The schedule of games in Division 4 for Leitrim are as follows: 

Rd 1   01.02.09 (Sun) – TBC  – London – Away
Rd 2   07.02.09 (Sat) – 2:30pm – Carlow – Home
Rd 3   15.02.09 (Sun) – 2:30pm – Sligo – Away

Rd 4   08.03.09 (Sun) – 2:30pm – Antrim – Home
Rd 5   15.03.09 (Sun) – 2.30pm – Wicklow – Home
Rd 6   22.03.09 (Sun) – 2.30pm – Waterford – Away
Rd 7   29.03.09 (Sun) – 2.30pm – Kilkenny – Away

Rd 8   12.04.09 (Sun) – 2.30pm – Clare – Home
Rd 9   18.04.09 (Sun) Leitrim  bye

 

Leitrim have 4 home and 4 away gmaes this year and the season opens in London on Feb 1st.  Leitrim have a bye in the last round so therefore will need to have all the work done leading into the last game which is in round 8.

The draft version is subject to minor changes and will NOT be official until passed by Croke Park later in November.

 

 

31-Oct-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

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.

 

 ……………………………..

 

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.

 ……………………………..

 

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.

 

 ……………………………..

 

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.

 

 ……………………………..

 

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