Exiles face uphill battle against Leitrim
By Simon Lewis, New York, Sourced on IrishExaminer.ie
AS IF life isnt difficult enough for the New York footballers, an injury crisis has been added to the list of exiles woes ahead of tomorrows Connacht SFC clash with Leitrim at Gaelic Park.
The usual complaints of a continuing player drain from the Big Apple and lack of match practice still apply, not that you will hear them from New York Manager Paddy Kearney and his selectors Pat Scanlan and Willie Lowry. Yet Kearney now has to cope with the loss of some of the key players he did actually have at his disposal. Kearney has a quartet of fellow Kerrymen either missing or doubtful while he lost the services of goalkeeper David Hopkins over a player registration issue with the North American board.
Beauforts Damien Breen and Spas Ross Donovan will both be absent through injury while Glenbeigh midfielder Ken OConnor and Beaufort forward Dan Doona, are both struggling with injury. Given their experiences with the Kingdoms panels at minor, U21, and in Doonas case, senior level, their absence would be another cruel blow to the New York cause.
Kearney places some of the blame for the injuries on the new all-weather Fieldturf surface at the redeveloped Gaelic Park, which played host to the first All-Ireland Championship match on an artificial surface 12 months ago when Sligo beat New York.
Greeted as a godsend as it enables training through the harshest of New York winters, particularly now that lights have been installed, Kearney is aware of the irony of it having also brought a spate of injuries.
"I know its beenÓgreat for Gaelic Park and to be able to train there, but I dont think its the best for training," said Kearney.
"The two big injuries that were getting now seem to be shin splints and quads which is very strange. And a lot of boys have beenÓgoing over on their ankles.
"Some blame it on not wearing the right boots but weve had different people going over and theyve nearly all had different types of boots on so it cant be that."
Doona is coming back from a quad muscle injury and missed a recent run out against a hastily-assembled scratch Boston side at Gaelic Park in the Bronx, in which the home side were beaten by the visitors.
"That was not a good sign," Kearney said of the defeat before adding, "Dan was not sure about playing but he gave it a shot and lasted about 15 minutes."
Match practice has been Scórce, with the only other tune-ups coming against visiting Kerry champions Feale Rangers and an Irish Army side.
"One national league game (for the inter-county sides) is as good as two months training for us," Kearney said.
"But we wont cry. Leitrim will be bringing a very strong squad and the most we can do is give it a shot."
One of the plus sides for Kearney is the emergence of a core of homegrown New York footballers on the senior panel.
"On the panel I would say we have seven or eight Irish-American players that have come through from the minors and that bodes well for the game here. I really enjoy working with these young fellas because they absolutely love playing."
Due to the injury doubts, Kearney will wait until the last possible moment before naming his team, but based on previous selections against Feale Rangers and the Army, New York could lineout with American youngster CJ Molloy, nephew of Donegal All-Ireland winning captain Anthony Molloy, among the forwards. Leitrim native Alan Foley could face his brother, free taker Michael Foley, while defensive cohort Sean Munnelly will also be playing against his home county and American forward Thomas McGovern has a father from Leitrim.
If the 6ft 5in OConnor overcomes knee and hand problems he will lineout in midfield alongside his 6ft 7in brother Adrian OConnor. If he fails to pass fit, Robbie Moran will drop from the forwards into midfield.
NEW YORK probable (SFC v Leitrim): P Ryan; S Munnelly, J Mitchell, A Power, A Foley, D Keane, L Maguire; A OConnor, R Moran; M Higgins, D Hartnett, M Dobbin, D Doona, L ODonnell, CJ Molloy.
10-May-08 by IrishExaminer.ie
GAELIC ARMOUR ANNOUNCES LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP WITH LEITRIM GAA20th November 2024 - 9:16 pm
Saturday – update
County FootballFinal preparations for tomorrows game went according to plan today as the full squad got a good run out in gaelic Park. The weather today was dry and a little humid but more pleasant then yesterdays downpour. Tomorrows weather is forecast to be a little cloudy but warmer than today at 20-22 deg C.
The team will not be announced until tomorrow prior to the game when all eyes will focus west as the 2nd game of the All Ireland series takes place at 8pm Irish time.
We will of course be providing the Live scoreboard feature both on this website and on your mobile phone on mobile.LeitrimGaa.ie.
Local Stations Shannonside FM and Ocean FM will also carry the full coverage as John Lynch and Kevin Blessing take the game to the air waves.
Last night word is that the supporters had a very enjoyable night in gaelic Park after Aughnasheelin and Astoria Gaels drew in a very evenly matched game followed by a function hosted by Aughnasheelin.
Its now less than 24 hours to throw-in and wed like to wish the team and management the very best of luck.
10-May-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Exiles face uphill battle against Leitrim
County FootballExiles face uphill battle against Leitrim
By Simon Lewis, New York, Sourced on IrishExaminer.ie
AS IF life isnt difficult enough for the New York footballers, an injury crisis has been added to the list of exiles woes ahead of tomorrows Connacht SFC clash with Leitrim at Gaelic Park.
The usual complaints of a continuing player drain from the Big Apple and lack of match practice still apply, not that you will hear them from New York Manager Paddy Kearney and his selectors Pat Scanlan and Willie Lowry. Yet Kearney now has to cope with the loss of some of the key players he did actually have at his disposal. Kearney has a quartet of fellow Kerrymen either missing or doubtful while he lost the services of goalkeeper David Hopkins over a player registration issue with the North American board.
Beauforts Damien Breen and Spas Ross Donovan will both be absent through injury while Glenbeigh midfielder Ken OConnor and Beaufort forward Dan Doona, are both struggling with injury. Given their experiences with the Kingdoms panels at minor, U21, and in Doonas case, senior level, their absence would be another cruel blow to the New York cause.
Kearney places some of the blame for the injuries on the new all-weather Fieldturf surface at the redeveloped Gaelic Park, which played host to the first All-Ireland Championship match on an artificial surface 12 months ago when Sligo beat New York.
Greeted as a godsend as it enables training through the harshest of New York winters, particularly now that lights have been installed, Kearney is aware of the irony of it having also brought a spate of injuries.
"I know its beenÓgreat for Gaelic Park and to be able to train there, but I dont think its the best for training," said Kearney.
"The two big injuries that were getting now seem to be shin splints and quads which is very strange. And a lot of boys have beenÓgoing over on their ankles.
"Some blame it on not wearing the right boots but weve had different people going over and theyve nearly all had different types of boots on so it cant be that."
Doona is coming back from a quad muscle injury and missed a recent run out against a hastily-assembled scratch Boston side at Gaelic Park in the Bronx, in which the home side were beaten by the visitors.
"That was not a good sign," Kearney said of the defeat before adding, "Dan was not sure about playing but he gave it a shot and lasted about 15 minutes."
Match practice has been Scórce, with the only other tune-ups coming against visiting Kerry champions Feale Rangers and an Irish Army side.
"One national league game (for the inter-county sides) is as good as two months training for us," Kearney said.
"But we wont cry. Leitrim will be bringing a very strong squad and the most we can do is give it a shot."
One of the plus sides for Kearney is the emergence of a core of homegrown New York footballers on the senior panel.
"On the panel I would say we have seven or eight Irish-American players that have come through from the minors and that bodes well for the game here. I really enjoy working with these young fellas because they absolutely love playing."
Due to the injury doubts, Kearney will wait until the last possible moment before naming his team, but based on previous selections against Feale Rangers and the Army, New York could lineout with American youngster CJ Molloy, nephew of Donegal All-Ireland winning captain Anthony Molloy, among the forwards. Leitrim native Alan Foley could face his brother, free taker Michael Foley, while defensive cohort Sean Munnelly will also be playing against his home county and American forward Thomas McGovern has a father from Leitrim.
If the 6ft 5in OConnor overcomes knee and hand problems he will lineout in midfield alongside his 6ft 7in brother Adrian OConnor. If he fails to pass fit, Robbie Moran will drop from the forwards into midfield.
NEW YORK probable (SFC v Leitrim): P Ryan; S Munnelly, J Mitchell, A Power, A Foley, D Keane, L Maguire; A OConnor, R Moran; M Higgins, D Hartnett, M Dobbin, D Doona, L ODonnell, CJ Molloy.
10-May-08 by IrishExaminer.ie
Weather and other updates
County FootballIn the last news item I mentioned that the squad will be acclimatising to the weather – well as I write this its 6:30am and its spilling out of the heavens, not much acclimatising required today ! Interesting to see later this afternoon how the artificial surface fares in the wet weather.
The forecast for Sunday is dry and cloudy.
In case you havent seen it there is a weather forecast prediction chart available on the dedicated New York page, see the yellow menu link at the top on the left. On this page there is supporters information on the 3 main events this weekend and also detailed maps and directions to Gaelic Park.
09-May-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Quick update on the move to New York
County FootballThe Leitrim team have arrived safely in New York and are currently settling down in their base in upstate New York after a long days travel. Tomorrow will be spent getting acclimatised to the local weather and time difference with some time spent in gaelic Park in the afternoon on the artificial surface. A further run out on the new surface is scheduled for Saturday.
It is not expected that a team will be announced until Sunday afternoon in order to give injured players James Glancy and Michael Duignan the maximum time possible.
09-May-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Coaching News
CoachingUnder 8 & 10 blitz club blitz.
The next series of games in our under 8 & 10 blitz, will take place over the weekends 31/05 and 07/06 again commencing at 10.30am approx. A full list of games will be published in these notes and also advised to the each club coaching officer, in advance of these dates.
Hurling gear promotion.
To assist everybody interested in the promotion of hurling within the County, we have put together a very special deal with a number of suppliers of hurling gear and can now offer fully approved hurling helmets at the bargain price of € 50.00 each and full size hurley’s at € 14.00 each. Further information can be had by contacting Thomas Keenan 087-6591049 or Andrew Keary 087-7530888. Information leaflets will be distributed in both schools and clubs this week.
Vhi GAA Cul Camps 2008
Application forms and information leaflets will have been distributed to all schools. Forms can also be down loaded from the national GAA website at www.gaa.ie. We would urge parents to return their forms as quickly as possible as this will greatly assist with the smooth running of our camps. Return all forms to Thomas Keenan, Pairc Sean, Ck – on – Shannon, Co.Leitrim. List of camps for 2008 are as follows.
Monday 30/06/2008 – Manorhamilton, Ck-on-Shannon, Aughawillan.
Monday 07/07/2008 – Kinlough, Drumshanbo, Mohill.(Bornacoola GAA grounds)
Monday 14/07/2008 – Aughavas, Gortletteragh, Dromahair.
Monday 21/07/2008 – Fenagh, Drumkeerin, Leitrim.
07-May-08 by Thomas Keenan
ESB Connacht Minor Championship – Round 2
County FootballESB Connacht Minor Championship – Round 2
Sligo 3 – 9
Leitrim 1 – 7
Leitrim, who shot fourteen wides as against Sligos six over the course of the game, bowed out of the Connacht Minor championship after a second half collapse in Kilcoyne Park, Tubbercurry on Monday evening.
Sligo employed a two man full-forward line of Vincent Frizzel and Luke McDonagh to good effect in the final fifteen minutes of this game when they blew Leitrims challenge out of the water. It was a tactic that Leitrim very much failed to counter to their cost.
After a quite a physical set of exchanges in the opening eight minutes, Sligo managed to register the games opening score when Padraig Clarke shot over. But Leitrim got on level terms three minutes later when Philip McGourty dashed down-field on a fine run from his centre back berth and fired over.
Leitrim dominated the exchanges for the next eleven minutes when Shane Flanagan put over two frees that were awarded for fouls on Sean McKeon. Vincent Frizzel shot a 25th minute Sligo point from play that reduced Leitrims lead to the minimum.
Mark Beirne replied with a similar Leitrim score seven minutes later. However a Padraig Clarke goal on the stroke of halftime put Sligo on top and probably changed the course of the game.
The home side led by 1 – 2 to 0 – 4 at the break but Shane Flanagan levelled matters within two minutes of the restart when he tapped over a Leitrim free. However Sligo regained the lead within the space of another minute when an unmarked David Maye blasted to the Sligo net.
Leitrim fought back over the next two minutes and went back in front after Shane Flanagan put over another free and sub Niall Clancy hammered home a well-takenÓgoal soccer style. Sligo got back on level terms by the 38th minute after Barry OBoyle fired over a point.
The stalemate was maintained over the next five minutes with Niall OConnor hitting over a Leitrim point and Vincent Frizzel answering for Sligo in a similar manner. However a long range Sligo point that Padraig Clarke shot at the end of the third quarter initiated a rout of Leitrim during the remainder of the action.
Sligo went on to add a further unanswered 1 – 4 to their tally in this period. Man-of-the-match, David Maye hit a goal and two points during this spell and Vincent Frizzel added two points.
Galway will be Sligos Connacht quarter-final opponents in two weeks time.
Sligo: Bryan McGovern, Barry Kelly, Conor Davey, Mark Herrity, Sean Cawley, DarrenÓgilsenan, Darren McManus, James Clarke, Niall McDonagh, Barry OBoyle 0 – 1, David Maye 2 – 2(1f.), Stephen Maher, Luke McDonagh, Padraig Clarke, 1 – 2, Vincent Frizzel 0 – 4.
Subs Brendan Coleman for Cawley (20 mins.), David Reilly for Coleman (31 mins.), Gary Cawley for OReilly (56 mins.), Brian Harris for Frizzel (59 mins.).
Leitrim: Philip Farrelly, Jim McTague, Sean McWeeney, James OBrien, Ciaran Egan, Philip McGourty 0 – 1, Morgan Quinn, Emmet Mahon, Niall OConnor 0 – 1, Eoin Ward, Sean McKeon, Kevin Conlan, Sean McNabola, Mark Beirne 0 – 1, Shane Flanagan 0 – 4(4f.).
Subs Niall Clancy 1 – 0 for McNabola (20 mins.), Seamus Mulvihill for Conlan (HT), Paul Hackett for McKeon (52 mins.), Shane Ryan for McTague (60 mins.).
Referee: Pat McGovern (Galway).
(Thanks to PJ Leddy for providing this report)
06-May-08 by PJ Leddy
Connacht Junior Semi-final – Leitrim v Sligo – Report
County FootballLeitrim1-12 Sligo 2-7.
After 80 minutes of tense football Leitrim held their nerve to qualify for the Connacht Junior final with a 4 point win over neighbours Sligo in Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada on Friday evening. This game had to go to extra time as the teams were locked on points after normal time.
In the first half Leitrim lead all of the way through after a bright start with points from James Holohan and DeclanÓgilhooley. Sean Flannery for Sligo stood out and he registered 2 of Sligos 3 points from frees. Leitrim dominated the half adding 5 more scores 4 of which were from play while a goal from Flannery and another point was the quota from Sligo. Half time Leitrim 0-08 Sligo 1-03
The second half saw a Sligo resurgance and Leitrims first goal which came from James Holohan was neutralised by another Flannery goal for Sligo on the 14th minute. Points were exchanged by both teams through the half but a notable tally of 6 Sligo wides to Leitrims 2 told its own tale.
Leitrim scored their final point on the 28th minute and with 3 minutes of injury time to play had to try and hold out but Sligo held their nerve and came through in the dying seconds to put over the vital point to bring the game to extra time.
The 10 minutes each way was telling on players as both teams worked hard to make a head start. Leitrim scored first after 3 minutes followed again by Sligo 1 minute later. A Sligo wide by Flannery was followed by a Leitrim wide by Gilhooley. A second yellow for Noel Gaughan left Sligo struggling with 14 men as Leitrim went to the short half time break 1 point up thanks to a DeclanÓgilhooley free.
The second 10 minute half was all Leitrims and the extra man proved imperative as a fast move from defense to Karol Scollan who passed into the path of Gillhooley lead to a perfect goal and it was game over for Sligo.
A good all round performance from Leitrim justified the win with 5 of the 6 forwards getting on the scoreboard. Sligo playing some of the Senior squad tried hard but being reduced to 14 men left then struggling.
Leitrim Team:
C McCrann, W Gilgunn, D Flynn, L Ferguson, A Bohan, J MCGuinness, D Beck (0-1), D Lowe, N Doonan, M Quinn, D ODonnell (0-2), P McGowan (0-3), R Cox (0-4), D Gilhooley (1-4), J Holohan (1-1).
Sligo Team:
J Farrell, P McGuinness, K Carden, nÓgaughan, M McGowan, M Doddy, D McDonagh, S Henry, M Butler, P Wilson (0-1), E Cawley (0-3), D Davey, P Lyons (0-2), S Flannery (2-5), J Scanlon.
Referee: O Kelly (Roscommon)
03-May-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Connacht Junior Championship – Leitrim v Sligo
County FootballBelow is the panel for the Connacht Junior Championship game against Sligo on Friday evening at 7pm. The winners of this game will play either Roscommon or Mayo in the Connacht Final on Sunday May 18th in Pearse Stadium as a warm up game to the Galway v Roscommon Senior Championship game.
The Junior Manager Martin McGowan is assisted by Jimmy Holohan and below is the full panel listed alphabetically by first name.
01-May-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
GAA launch 2008 SFC Championship
County FootballCaptains from the eight provincial finalists in last years Football Championship were at Croke Park on Tuesday at the official launch of this years GAA All-Ireland Football Championship, the first championship under the new multi-sponsor model introduced by the GAA.
Action on the pitch gets underway on the 11th May, with the meeting of New York and Leitrim in the Connacht Championship, and Longford and Westmeath in the Leinster Football Championship.
Croke Park will host its first championship action of 2008 on May 18th, with the Leinster Football Championship double-bill of Kildare v Wicklow and Meath v Carlow. Reigning Sam Maguire Cup holders, Kerry, commence their campaign on June 8th when they welcome Waterford or Clare to Killarney.
As well as the eight current captains, four legends of the game and All-Ireland winners over the past four decades were in Croke Park for the launch.
Ray Silke, Galway captain in 1998 was joined by Meath great Bernard Flynn, All-Ireland winner in 1988, the legendary Jack OShea who won the first of his seven titles with Kerry in 1978 and Seán ONeill, who won his third medal for Down in 1968. They were presented with framed photographs from the relevant championship year from the GAA and the three sponsors.
President Nickey Brennan officially welcomed the new sponsors on board, as he looked forward to another competitive Championship:
"We are delighted to have Toyota, Ulster Bank and Vodafone as our sponsors for the GAA Football Championship. They share our passion and commitment to the game, and we know our combined support for the championship will further enhance the profile of the game. We are delighted that sponsors of this stature are prepared to work with us in supporting our games."
"Action commences in less than two weeks time and we are all looking forward to a tremendous summer, culminating in the final of the All Ireland Football Championship on September 21 in Croke Park. I am certain that we will have a particularly competitive series of games with a number of counties emerging to challenge Kerry as they bid for their third Sam Maguire Cup in a row"
Continuing Mr. Brennan also made reference to the GAAs own promotional and advertising support plans for the Championship
"We will continue to use our very successful GAA Unrivalled campaign in our promotion of the GAA All Ireland Football Championship, with a comprehensive advertising, PR and promotional drive throughout the duration of the championship, in tandem with the promotional activities of our three sponsors"
Dave Shannon, Chief Executive, Toyota Ireland commented: "Toyota Ireland is looking forward to enhancing our long standing association with the GAA this year as one of the official sponsors of the Senior Football Championship.
"Throughout our affiliation we have always sought to promote and assist the GAA with our support, and look forward to playing our part in ensuring the Football Championship remains at the forefront of Irish Sporting life"
Cormac McCarthy, Chief Executive, Ulster Bank Group said: "We have supported the GAA on a variety of levels over the last number of years and we are delighted to be involved in one of the most sought after sports sponsorships in Ireland, the All Ireland Senior Football Championship. This new deal brings us to a completely different level in sports sponsorship."
He continued; "We have made no secret of our ambition to be the number one bank on the island of Ireland and we feel that the sponsorship of the GAA football Championship is consistent with that ambition. We look forward to making the 2008 GAA Football Championships a great success."
Vodafone Ireland Chief Executive Charles Butterworth said: "Vodafone has been proud to sponsor the GAA All Stars for the past 11 years. It has been a fantastic privilege to meet the players and their families every month and recognise their amazing achievements.
"We believe our close working relationship to date has been beneficial for both the GAA and Vodafone Ireland. The GAA Football Championship is across the country a key part of the lives of the many families, including those of the players and we look forward to continuing to recognise excellence in this new partnership."
30-Apr-08 by GAA.ie
All-Ireland nostalgia features inOgAA Museum events
GeneralThe GAA Museum is pleased to announce the publication of the latest edition of its Calendar of Events. This Calendar covers the period from May to August inclusive and contains information on a whole host of special events for all the family. Highlights for the month of May include a special photographic tutorial with renowned Podge Kelly, a childrens art workshop and three special Bealtaine Festival events.
Thursday 8th May, 19.00
The FUJIFILM Digital Camera Experience with Podge Kelly
This special camera tutorial, hosted by acclaimed Irish Photographer Podge Kelly, aims to show you how to take the best photographs in all lighting conditions. Whether youre new to digital photography or a seasoned pro come along and talk to Podge.
Saturday 10th May, 14.00 – 16.00
All Stars Art Attack- Fan Tastic!
Are you a true GAA fan? If so why not get creative and show your support for your team by designing and making your very own flag.
Wednesday 7th May & 14th May, 13.30
Bealtaine Festival- A Stroll Down Memory Lane
The GAA Museum invites you to take a stroll down memory lane on a special tour of Croke Park reliving the excitement of past All-Ireland glories with tour guide Annette Coyle.
Wednesday 21st May, 14.00- 16.00
Bealtaine Festival- Remember When…
Share your GAA memories in a special reminiscence workshop with Education Officer Selina ORegan. Also the GAA Museum Archivist will be on hand to give some advice on how best to look after your treasured GAA photographs or medals.
Further information and booking:
Further information available from Selina O Regan
Education Officer at the GAA Museum Tel (01) 8192361/8192323
Email soregan@crokepark.ie or visit www.gaa.ie/museum
30-Apr-08 by GAA.ie
Coaching News
CoachingHurling workshop – Wednesday 30/04/08 @ 7.30pm. – Ballinamore – Integrated Hurling fitness drills – Damien Coleman & Paudi Butler will conduct this workshop with the County senior hurlers and all coaches should ensure that they do not miss this opportunity to observe top class coaching and fitness training combined within a session. Any minor players not currently on the senior panel are very welcome to come along and take part in the session which will be very much skills based. Teachers and children wishing to attend the session are very welcome.
Under 8 & 10 blitz club blitz.
The second series of games in our under 8 & 10 blitz, will take place over the weekend, commencing at 10.30am approx. Some clubs may wish to change dates and times of their games so please check with your club for confirmation.
Hurling gear promotion.
To assist everybody interested in the promotion of hurling within the County, we have put together a very special deal with a number of suppliers of hurling gear and can now offer fully approved hurling helmets at the bargain price of € 50.00 each and full size hurley’s at € 14.00 each. Further information can be had by contacting Thomas Keenan 087-6591049 or Andrew Keary 087-7530888. Information leaflets will be distributed in both schools and clubs this week.
Fun Do Resource Pack.
Clubs and coaches are reminded that the new Fun Do packs are available from our offices in Pairc Sean, or by contacting Thomas Keenan 087-6591049. Packs are available for a limited time at the special price of €50 each.
Vhi GAA Cul Camps 2008
Application forms and information leaflets will have been distributed to all schools this week. We would urge parents to return their forms as quickly as possible as this will greatly assist with the smooth running of our camps. Return all forms to Thomas Keenan, Pairc Sean, Ck – on – Shannon, Co.Leitrim. List of camps for 2008 are as follows.
Monday 30/06/2008 – Manorhamilton, Ck-on-Shannon, Aughawillan.
Monday 07/07/2008 – Kinlough, Drumshanbo, Mohill.(Bornacoola GAA grounds)
Monday 14/07/2008 – Aughavas, Gortletteragh, Dromahair.
Monday 21/07/2008 – Fenagh, Drumkeerin, Leitrim.
29-Apr-08 by Thomas Keenan
Scór – All Ireland Finals – Report
ScórNone of the five Leitrim clubs in the All Ireland Scór finals in Killarney came home with success. It was a big disappointment to find that for the second year in a row the County had five qualifiers for the Finals but none of them came out winners. On the law of averages it was a surprising outcome. However, none of the Leitrim entries were out of their depth or anything like that, it was simply that the standard was high and even all-round and none of them came out of the adjudicator’s hat.
In Trath na gCeist, Bornacoola were particularly unlucky as the lost by two marks and the difference in a christian name between Frederick and Frank was the winning and losing in the finish. It is quite possible that other results were as close as that also. In Nuachleas there were two acts that were decidedly streets ahead of the rest and these were Seán O’Heslins and Killyclogher, Co Tyrone, but the decision went to Tyrone.
In Rince Foirne Glencar/Manorhamilton were pipped once again by St Edna’s Omagh who won two years ago but could not have been far off the mark. In Ceol Uirlise Leitrim Gaels were also competing against Mullaghbawn from Armagh who won two years ago also. St Mary’s sang excellently in Bailéad Ghrúpa where the winners were St Enda’s Tyrone.
Overall it was Ulster’s day as five of the eight titles went to Ulster. Apart from the results it was again a great weekend with the Leitrim contingent occupying their favourite room in the Gleneagle on the Saturday night and the music and song went on to the small hours of the morning, which helped greatly to soothe the disappointment of the results. Yes, the whole spirit of the occasion was played out to the full by competitors and supporters and no doubt in 2009, which will be the 40th year of Scór, Leitrim will be there stronger than ever and on the winners rostrum too.
28-Apr-08 by Sean O Suilleabhain