Tommy Murphy Semifinal – Reports

Antrim and Wicklow secured wins in Saturdays Tommy Murphy Cup semi-finals to set up a final showdown in Croke Park next week.

The final will be repeat of the 2007 decider, when Wicklow captured the title in a thrilling game.

Wicklow will be back defending their Tommy Murphy Cup title when the final is played next weekend.

The Garden County men booked their place in the decider at Aughrim on Saturday when they beat Leitrim by three points after a terrific battle that saw the teams level on eight occasions over the 70 minutes.

Tommy Murphy Cup Semi-Final: Wicklow 0-15 Leitrim 0-12

The teams were deadlocked for the eighth time with just eight minutes left on the clock but Wicklow finished the stronger with a brace of points by ace-free-taker Tony Hannon and a single from wing-back LeightonÓglynn to clinch victory.

Centre-forward Tony Hannon was involved in a shooting duel with Leitrims number 11, Emlyn Mulligan, who lined out at corner-forward, and Wicklow won that battle also, with Hannon finishing with a grand total of eight points – seven from frees – compared with Mulligans haul of six for Leitrim.

Wicklow also had big performances from midfielder Thomas Walsh, hyperactive wing-backs LeightonÓglynn and Rory Nolan, with corner-back Alan Byrne also having every reason to be pleased with his display.

Corner forward Ciaran Walsh had the opening point for Wicklow in the first minute and it was point for point for the next 20 minutes, with the sides level on four occasions and the score standing at 0-4 each.

Noel Doonan was winning a lot of midfield ball for Leitrim and they moved into a two points lead with scores from wing-forward Colin Regan and Mulligan before ending the half 0-8 to 0-7 in front.

Tony Hannon pointed Wicklow back level immediately after the restart and the teams were again tied at 0-9 and 0-12, with Leitrim wiping out a three point lead for the home side with scores from Mulligan [two frees] and midfielder Doonan.

Wicklow finished the stronger of the two teams in the last eight minutes with clinching points from Hannon and LeightonÓglynn, while Derek Daly had a goal chance at the end but blazed wide of Enda Lyons right hand post after taking a cross-field pass from Hannon.

scorers for Wicklow: T Hannon (0-8, 0-7f), L Glynn (0-3), S Furlong (0-2), C Walsh (0-2).

Leitrim: E Mulligan (0-6, 0-5f), N Doonan (0-2), C Regan (0-2), S Foley and M Foley (0-1 each).

Wicklow: M. Travers; C. Hyland, D. Power, A. Byrne; R. Nolan, D. O hAnnaidh, L. Glynn; J. Stafford, T. Walsh; J. McGrath, T. Hannon, P. Earls; C. Walsh, S. Furlong, D. Daly.

Leitrim: E. Lyons; D. Reynolds, G. Reynolds, A. OFlynn; D. Duignan, S. Foley, N. Doonan; M. Duignan, M. Foley; P. McGuinness, C. Regan, J. Glancy, D. Brennan, E. Mulligan, F McBrien.

Subs: F. McBrien for J. Glancy, G. McCloskey for C. Regan, C. Duignan for F. McBrien, D. OConnor for M. Foley.

Referee: Maurice Condon (Waterford)

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Antrim secured a return to Croke Park with a comprehensive 1-19 to 0-13 win over London in the Tommy Murphy Cup semi-final at a sunny Casement Park.

Despite missing some gilt-edged goal and point opportunities, Antrim still had nine points to spare over a disappointing Exiles side and will now face Mick ODwyers men next weekend in a repeat of last years decider.

Tommy Murphy Cup semi-final: Antrim 1-19 London 0-13

Wicklow won the second tier trophy with the last kick of the ball last year, and Antrim will now have the chance for revenge when the sides go into battle at HQ.

Antrim were never in danger, although they never really put the game away until the 44th minute when Kevin OBoyles unstoppable shot rippled the London net.

Although London never looked like staging a comeback, OBoyles major put nine between the teams and effectively ended the game as a contest.

The Saffrons could have been out of sight much earlier with Ciaran Close in particular missing a number of goal chances, although LondonÓgoalkeeper Evan Byrne saved superbly from the corner forward on 40 minutes.

London continued to battle and in Pauric Duffy they had a marksman of quality who ended the game on four points. They were lacking else where however and Antrim could Scórcely believe the room they had to manoeuvre up front, especially in the opening 20 minutes.

The visitors were lucky that Antrim had forgotten their shooting boots, hitting five wides before Kevin Brady notched the games opening point in the seventh minute.

London replied with a Chris Donnellan free before the Saffrons finally found their range to hit the next four scores.

Close accounted for three, although the Cargin man should have found the back of the net with his second after being worked in by Michael Magill and Brady. Stylish free-taker Michael McCann raised the other Antrim flag.

Donnellan closed the gap on 18 minutes with what was only Londons third attempt on the Antrim posts but when Martin Hughes added his sides third, the Exiles trailed by just two points 0-5 to 0-3.

Their revival was to be short-lived. Tony Scullion, McCann and Close extended the home lead to five points before Duffy stopped the rot. It was Duffy who added Londons fifth one minute before the break with a fine point from play, but in-between Magill and Close both raised white flags. Andy Hayes put London within four points with the last kick of the first half.

The second-half was just as pedestrian as the first – and just as predictable – although OBoyles goal gave the 300-strong crowd something to shout about. The half back jinked through the London rearguard, fed the ball to Brady, received the return and blasted to the net to make the score 1-13 to 0-7.

The gap grew to 11 points when Scullion fired over his second point on 54 minutes, although London, through Paul Geraghty and sub Peader Friel, closed the gap to single figures.

Two late Alan Raftery points did little to rouse the Exiles and Magill almost closed out the game with a goal, but as had been the story for Antrim all night, his shot sailed over.

Antrim scorers: C Close (0-7, 3f), M McCann (0-4f), K OBoyle (1-0), T Scullion (0-2), M Magill (0-2), J Crozier (0-1), K Brady (0-1), T McCann (0-1), C Murray (0-1)

London scorers: P Duffy (0-4), C Donnellan (0-3f), A Raftery (0-2), P Geraghty (0-1), M Hughes (0-1), A Hayes (0-1), P Friel (0-1)

Antrim: S McGreevy; C Brady, A McLean, P Conlon; T Scullion, J Crozier, K OBoyle; P Doherty, M McCarry; P Close, M McCann, B Hasson; M Magill, K Brady, C Close

Subs: T McCann for P Doherty, C Murray for K OBoyle, G Bell for M McCarry, M Rea for K Brady, C Totten for T Scullion

London: E Byrne; R Morgan, B Comer, G OHare; P McDermott, E Ó Cuiv, O Henry; P Geraghty, A Raftery; H Murphy, P Duffy, C Donnellan; S McGuire, M Hughes, A Hayes

Subs: P Hehir for H Murphy, P Friel for A Hayes, O Coffey for S McGuire

Referee: M Higgins (Fermanagh)

 

 

26-Jul-08 by Setanta Sport

Coaching news

Coaching news

Vhi GAA Cul Camps 2008
Our Vhi GAA cul camps for 2008 conclude this week, with camps ongoing in Drumkeerin, Fenagh & Leitrim Village. Numbers attending the camps were very good again last week in Dromahair, Aughavas & Gortletteragh.

Hurling Camp.
Leitrim coaching & games will conduct a hurling camp in Manorhamilton for three days commencing on Monday next 28/07 at 10.00 am in the Bee park. Children can register on the morning of the camp. Cost for first member of a family is €20, with a €10 cost for additional members of the same family.

U-15 Development Squad.
The next session for this squad will be held in Kiltubrid GAA grounds on Monday evening next 28/07 commencing at 7.00pm. Only players who have been contacted over the past week by the squad management are required to attend. Bus details as follows. Kinlough 5.30, Manorhamilton 5.50, Drumkeerin 6.10, Drumshanbo 6.25, Kiltubrid 6.40.
Ballinamore 5.00, Carrigallen 5.15, Aughavas 5.30, Cloone 5.40, Mohill 5.50, Masonite 6.00, Ck-on-Shannon 6.10, Leitrim 6.20, Kiltubrid 6.40.

U-16 Development Squad.
On Wednesday evening last our under 16 squad won the Fr. Manning shield competition by beating Longford 1-08 to 2-04 in the final played in Longford Slashers complex. Leitrim seemed to be cruising to an easy victory when leading by seven points nearing the final whistle but two late Longford goals made for a very tense final few minutes. Well done to Martin McGowan and his management team and to the panel on being the first recipients of the George OToole shield.

This Saturday 26/07 the squad head to Tubbercurry to take part in phase one of the Ted Webb cup. Leitrim are grouped with Sligo and teams from Mayo & Galway in this blitz phase, with the top two teams progression to phase two in Ballyhaunis on Monday 04/08.

Connacht "Play & Stay" day.
Four Leitrim clubs took part in the first Connacht "play and stay day" in Croke park on Thursday last. Sean OHeslins, Glencar Manorhamilton, Gortletteragh & Mohill under twelve teams got the chance to play a series of Go-Games blitz against teams from Roscommon and Sligo. We hope everyone enjoyed themselves and look forward to seeing them back in Croke park in years to come. Congrats also to Barry McPadden from Drumkeerin who was one of the young referees on duty for the morning session. We hope he enjoyed the experience.

 

 

23-Jul-08 by Thomas Keenan

CCC decision regarding Club Championship start date

The following is a statement from Leitrim CCC regarding championship fixtures.

In relation to upcoming fixtures please note the following as decided at meeting of CCC Liatroma on 20 Iuil 2008:

 

Should Liatroim be successful in reaching Corn Tomas O Murchu Final 2008, which is scheduled for WE 02/03 Lunasa, Liatroim SFC/IFC will then commence on WE 09/10 Lunasa with Round 1 and continue with Round 2 on WE 16/17 Lunasa, Round 3 on WE 23/24 Lunasa and QF and remaining dates of championship remaining as previously outlined in accordance with Master Fixture Plan on www.leitrimgaa.ie

Should Liatroim fail to progress to Corn Tomas O Murchu Final 2008, then Liatroim SFC/IFC will commence on WE 02/03 Lunasa as scheduled.

All other grades of Championship may have to be adjusted accordingy.

 

 

21-Jul-08 by Leitrim CCC

Tommy Murphy Semifinal Draw update

Leitrim Senior football team play Wicklow in the semifinal of the the Tommy Murphy Cup competition next Saturday in Wicklow .  The draw was made this evening live on RTE 2 and in the other semi final Antrim was drawn against London.  The times and venues will be tomorrow afternoon by the Central CCC.

Antrim v London

Wicklow v Leitrim

 

 

 

 

20-Jul-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

TMC – Quarter-Final – Clare v Leitrim

 

Leitrim advanced to the semi-final of the Tommy Murphy Cup when they dismissed the challenge of Clare at Cusack Park, Ennis on Saturday evening.  Over the seventy minutes the visitors were the better side and when Clare were reduced to 14 men shortly after the interval, Leitrim seized the initiative to record a merited victory.

Clare 1-8 Leitrim 1-12

The Banner had marginally the better of the first-half exchanges and lead b 1-5 to 0-6 at the break after playing with the wind at their backs. The goal came in the 27th minute. Gary Brennan fisted to the Leitrim net following a strong run by Rory Donnelly after he was put into space by corner-back Laurance Healy.

But the visitors had the better start in the opening period and were in front by two points to no score after ten minutes thanks to Donal Brennan and a pointed free by Emlyn Mulligan. But once Clare settled and got to grips at midfield, they picked off a few points hauling them back into contention.

But within a minute and a half of the re-start Leitrim regained the lead when Emlyn MulliganÓgoaled from the penalty spot after sub Darren Duignan was fouled in possession by Clare wing-back John Hayes.

Hughes added a point to put two between them and then Clare were reduced to 14 whenÓgordon Kelly was dismissed on a straight red card for an incident with Leitrims Colin Regan.

The home-side couldnt add to their half-time tally until the 58th minute when Donnelly pointed, but by this stage Leitrim side had taken control and now lead by 1-10 to 1-6.

A fine individual performance by Leitrim centre-forward Mulligan who contributed 1-6, helped in this convincing win against a rather poor Clare outfit.

Leitrim: E Mulligan (1-6) 1-0 pen, 0-3 fs, M Foley (0-2), D Brennan, S Foley, P McGuinness, J Glancy (0-1) each.

Clare: G Brennan (1-1), D Tubridy (0-3) 2 f,s F ODea, R Donnelly, S Hickey, M OShea (f), (0-1) each.

LEITRIM: E Lyons, D Reynolds, G Reynolds, A OFlynn, B Prior, B McWeeney, N Doonan, M Duignan, C Regan, E Mulligan, M Foley, J Glancy, P McGuinness, D Brennan.

SUBS: D Duignan for S Foley (half-time), F McBride for Brennan (52), C Duignan for Foley (57).

CLARE: Joe Hayes, L Healy, C Whelan, D Ryan, D Connole, G Kelly, John Hayes, G Quinlan, F ODea, D Russell, M OShea, M Tubridy, R Donnelly, G Brennan, D Tubridy.

SUBS: S Hickey for M Tubridy (25), E Doyle for D Tubridy (47), D Kelly for Quinlan (58).

REFEREE: M Daly (Mayo)

 

 

20-Jul-08 by Setanta Sport

NRC – Quarter-Final – Fingal v Leitrim

Fingal 1-19 Leitrim 0-12

Fingal continued their excellent Nicky Rackard campaign with a seven-point win against Leitrim at Parnell Park.

Made up by a number of clubs from North Dublin, Fingal had Leitrim on the ropes from the offset as they stormed ahead to lead by 0-14 to 0-3 at half-time.

Leitrim lacked imagination from open play with free taker Clem Cunniffe their only answer to their opponents free Scóring.

The Connacht side upped their performance in the second period but Fingal secured their place in the semi-finals with a goal from Emmet McCabe.

 

 

20-Jul-08 by Setanta Sport

Hurlers & Footballers – Qtr final action

Leitrim hurlers take part in the quarter finals of the Nicky Rackard cup in Parnell Park tomorrow afternoon at 3pm.  This is the teams first time to make it to this stage in the competition and they face very stiff competition against Fingal. Leitrim dual player James Glancy (St. Marys) will lineout with the hurlers. 

Meanwhile at the otherside of the country Leitrim footballers face Clare tomorrow in the Tommy Murphy Cup quarter final in Ennis at 7pm with a depleted squad.  The team travel to this game without the services of John McKeon, Michael McGuinness, Niall Murray  and David McHugh who are all out due to injury.  Gary McCloskey is working in London while Noel Gill, Stephen Feeney and David OConnor are also unavailable due to travel and holiday.  Gary Reynolds is coming back from injury and will be subject to a fitness test.  The team will not be announced until tomorrow evening. 

Best of luck to all concerned.

 

 

 

18-Jul-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Leitrim U16s win george OToole Shield final

Leitrim County U-16 Boys under the guidance of Martin McGowan won the Fr Manning Cup George OToole Shield final last night against neighbours Roscommon on a scoreline of 1-8 to 2-4.

The winning of this Shield is particularly poignant this year as the new name for the competition is in memory of George OToole, one of the great servents of Leitrim GAA. Leitrim went into this competition with one win under their belt having already beaten Longford in the first round of the  new blitz format.

Well done to all concerned !

In the other game Sligo won the Fr Manning Cup when they defeated Roscommon in the Final on a scoreline of Sligo 2-8 Roscommon 1-10.

The Fr Manning competition was first held in 1965 established by the Longford County Board in memory of Fr Sean Manning. He served as Chairman of both Longford County Board for 6yrs and Leitrim Co Board for 9yrs. He held many other positions within the association as well.

 

 

17-Jul-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Coaching News

Under 8 & 10 club blitz.

Some of the games in this round of games for our under 8 and 10 age groups took place on Saturday last 12th July. Some clubs rearranged their fixtures for this weekend so we have listed the full round of games again.
Sean O Heslins v Fenagh, Manorhamilton v St.Marys, Drumreilly v Carrigallen, Kiltubrid v Leitrim Gaels, Bornacoola v Annaduff v Cloone, Gortletteragh v Mohill, Dromahair v Drumkeerin v Glenfarne, Melvin Gaels v Allen Gaels v St.Osnats, Aughnasheelin v Aughavas. Please note first named club has home venue.

Vhi GAA Cul Camps 2008
Great feed back from our first six camps of 2008, Manorhamilton, Aughawillan, Ck-on-Shannon, Mohill, Kinlough & Drumshanbo. All attending were very pleased with the new kit and looked very well on my visits to the camps. We would like to thank the Manor Rangers club for the use of their pitch during the Manorhamilton camp which was our largest ever camp with 175 children attending. Well done to all clubs involved with the six camps as venues were in excellent condition.

Camps continue this week in Aughavas, Gortletteragh & Dromahair and will conclude next week with our camps in Drumkeerin, Fenagh & Leitrim Village. Please note that its still not too late to register for any of the up coming camps. If parents dont have an application form they can download one from the GAA website www.gaa.ie. Return all forms to Thomas Keenan, Pairc Sean, Ck – on – Shannon, Co.Leitrim.

U-16 Development Squad.
On Saturday last our under 16 squad took part in phase one of the Fr. Manning competition which was a blitz day in the Longford Slashers complex in Longford town. Leitrim beat Longford but lost out to both Roscommon and Sligo in two very close and exciting games. Roscommon and Sligo will contest the Fr. Manning cup final, with Leitrim and Longford contesting the shield final. Both games take place this evening Wednesday 16/07 in Longford Slashers, with the shield final commencing at 6pm and the cup final at 8pm.

Minor Hurling Blitz.
Our minor hurlers took part in a blitz on Saturday last in Tubbercurry. This is the first minor hurling squad to represent Leitrim in some time and they faired very well. They lost out to Sligo in their first game by 3 points but went on to beat both Donegal and Longford in their remaining games. Well done to all involved especially Olcan Conway for all his hard work with this squad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15-Jul-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Weekend County Fixtures just announced-

Youll need a helicopter to keep up with Leitrim teams this Saturday as Croke Park have announced the following fixtures:

Leitrim Hurlers play Fingal on Saturday at 3pm in Parnell Park in the Nicky Rackard Cup quarter finals.  A little later on at 7pm in Ennis the footballers play Clare in the Tommy Murphy Cup 1st round game with the winners progressing to the semi-final.

Full round of fixtures for both competitions will be uploaded later today.

 

 

14-Jul-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Leitrim Hurlers make the Quarter Finals

Leitrim Hurlers have made the Nicky Rackard Quarterfinals after coming runners up in the division 3B table.  Fermanagh lost to South Down in Enniskillen which paved the way for Leitrims participation in the quarters.

 

Brief report from GAA.ie

Fermanagh 2-12 Non Ards 4-15

A massive shock arrived in Enniskillen when it was the visitors who were declared winners following this heated Group 3B encounter.

Jason McManus stood out as the magic of the Nicky Rackard Cup was brought to life with some sublime hurling that would have delighted neutral fans of the sport.

The deciding factor in this match was Non Ards approach to the second-half, which was fearsome yet measured – they figured out how to get in behind Fermanaghs defence and they kept exploiting that route.

 

 

13-Jul-08 by GAA.ie

Drink drugs and the GAA

As the countrys largest community organisation, the GAA have taken an active role in preventing the abuse of alcohol and other drugs.

In 2005 the GAA launched the Alcohol & Substance Abuse Prevention Programme, the aim of which is to reduce the harm that is being caused by alcohol and other drugs.
The goal of the ASAP Programme is to have 4 Provincial Officers, 32 County Officers and an ASAP Club Officer in every club in the country. Since we began over 900 officers have been appointed to implement the Programme.

The ASAP Programme is a joint venture by the GAA and the Health Service Executive and is helping clubs prevent problems from arising in the first instance and respond effectively when they do.

To show clubs what can be done to respond to problems at local level we have produced the ‘GAA Club Manual for Dealing with Drug and Alcohol Related Issues and more recently the DVD ‘Club Matters and a very informative website at www.gaa.ie/asap

Were not looking for people to become experts overnight in dealing with drug and alcohol problems but we are looking for people who are interested in doing something positive to prevent these problems from spreading through our clubs.

We believe it is important for every club to develop a Club Drug and Alcohol Policy as a roadmap for what can be done in their local area. The steps and all the information necessary to do this are in the ASAP Manual.

Education is another crucial factor. A lot of people dont know that much about illegal drugs and if you are one of them its easy to find out all about them from the ASAP website. There are also a myriad of professionals from drug and alcohol agencies who are only too willing to help by providing drug/alcohol education events for clubs.

Research shows us that involvement in sport is a preventative factor when it comes to young people taking drugs and through the GAA we provide a huge range of activities that keep young people safe from these harms. The ASAP Programme will help us build on that fact and provide a safer and healthier environment for everyone in the GAA.

Brendan Murphy,
National Coordinator ASAP Programme

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10-Jul-08 by Brendan Murphy