Leitrim brought their greater experience and fitness to bear to comfortably see off the challenge of New York in front of a packed Gaelic Park in the Bronx on Sunday.
Leitrim supporters, estimated to number 2,500, swelled the attendance and cheered on their team inÓglorious sunshine in front of one of the biggest crowds seen at the famous New York venue.
The visiting team were professional in the way they approached this game and apart from a ten minute spell in the first half, they never allowed the home side to get into any sort of rhythm or dictate affairs to any real extent.
Championship debutant Emlyn Mulligan finished this game with an impressive 0-11, ten from frees.
There was a very physical edge to this game with New York having no fewer than nine yellow cards before Dermot Keane saw red in the final seconds.
Leitrim, for their part, chipped in with five yellows as referee Paraic Hughes stamped his authority on proceedings.
With three Leitrim natives on the New York panel, this Championship game saw the unusual spectacle of brother playing against brother with Drumkeerins Alan and Michael Foley lining up against one another.
Des Dolans side got off to a perfect start playing with the aid of the breeze and immediately took the game to New York.
Indeed New Yorks over physical approach got them into trouble in the first half with four menÓgoing into the referees book, while two Leitrim players were also shown yellow.
Leitrim were in control of the football for the first fifteen minutes and raced into a 0-05 to nil lead with three points from the accurate boot of Mulligan and one each from David OConnor and Declan Maxwell.
The hosts found it very difficult to breach a solid Leitrim defence and were restricted to shooting from distance. Their first point didnt register until the 18th minute when full forward Dan Doona from Kerry pointed a free.
Mulligan replied with a free after some hesitancy in the New York defence to stretch the lead for the visitors, but the home side then hit a purple patch and the Leitrim rearguard and midfield found it difficult to build moves.
During this passage of dominance New York popped over two quick points from Adrian OConnor and Mark Dobbin to cut the lead and Doona missed a kickable free and Robert Moran squandered a 45 which could have added pressure on Leitrim.
However, the visitors steadied themselves and finished the half strongly with some fine points as they cut through the New York defence.
Mulligan kicked two more frees, Donal Brennan finished a great team move with a point from the left and midfielder Michael Duignan added another directly from a New York kickout to leave them 0-10 to 0-03 in front at the interval.
The second half was dominated by Leitrim but there was a lethargy to their play for long spells before a final flourish in the last ten minutes added to their total.
Fitness was key and countless fouls by New York allowed Mulligan to punish them from placed balls.
Added to this was the tremendous work rate of midfielders Duignan and Gary McCloskey and the whole defence which effectively shut out the New York challenge.
In the end, it was all too easy and the huge Leitrim crowd were delighted with the result and can now look forward to a Connacht semi-final place against either Galway or Roscommon.
NEW YORK: Pa Ryan, Joe Bell, Aidan Power, Alan Foley, Lonan Maguire, Dermot Keane, Johnny Goldrick, Kenny OConnor (captain), Adrian OConnor (0-01, free), Liam ODonnell (0-02, two frees), Paddy Smith (0-01), Mark Dobbin (0-01), CJ Molloy, Dan Doona (0-01, free), Robert Moran.
Subs: Paul Mulhearne for Molloy (35 mins), Kevin Lilly for Dobbin (45 mins).
LEITRIM: Enda Lyons, Dermot Reynolds, John McKeon, Shane Foley, Gary Reynolds, Michael McGuinness, Barry Prior, Gary McCloskey (captain), Michael Duignan (0-02), Emlyn Mulligan (0-11, 10 frees), Declan Maxwell (0-01), Ciaran Duignan, Donal Brennan (0-01), David OConnor (0-01), Michael Foley.
Subs: Phillip McGuinness (0-01) for C. Duignan (26 mins), Barry McWeeney for Brennan (58 mins) Darren Duignan for OConnor (62 mins), Fintan McBrien for M Foley (66 mins); James Glancy for Maxwell (71 mins).
Referee: Paraic Hughes (Armagh).
11-May-08 by RTE.ie
Ticket info for Pearse Stadium
County FootballTickets go on sale this evening (Friday) in Páirc Seán for the double fixture in Pearse Stadium, Galway and Leitrim interest will be on the opening game between Leitrim and Roscommon in the Junior Championship Final.
This is and All Ticket event and the prices are as follows:
Stand €30
Terrace €20
Students & OAPs Full Price Refunds €10 ( Terrace only)
will be paid to people with current cards at Designated Stiles
Designated Stiles:
No 20 Dr Mannix Road
No 34 Rockbarton Rd
OAPs Stand stile 62
Patrons are reminded that all persons (including children, students and O.A.Ps) Must have a ticket.
Also available through Connacht GAA Office,Ballyhaunis 094-9630335. ( Credit Card bookings accepted) or online at www.connachtgaa.ie or at Ticketmaster outlets.
Patrons are requested to arrive early for the games and co-operate with stewards and Gardai.
Please leave the vicinity of the stadium tidy.
Gates open 12.45pm.
16-May-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Leitrim Ladies U14 are All Ireland Champions
LadiesAll Ireland U14 Blitz
The All Ireland U14 Blitz was held in KinnÓgad on Saturday last and after a gruelling days competition Leitrim claimed the All Ireland Div 3 crown. This is a tremendous achievement by the team and shows the work being done with the underage in the County. Leitrim ensured the title stays in Connacht following Roscommons victory last year.
It took Leitrim a nerve tingling penalty shoot out to become All Ireland Champions over a brave Offaly side in the final.
After a poor performance in their first game against Fermanagh there was little sign that Leitrim would emerge as All Ireland Champions by the end of the day. Niamh Tighe got the first score of the match when she soloed from midfield to slot over. A minute later Laura O Dowd combined with Clare Rowley to score well. AgainÓgood work by Claire Rowley put Roisin Fowley through. Fermanagh carried the game there after but tenacious defending by Orlaith Heslin and fullback Chloe Gilligan kept Fermanghs lively forwards at bay. Niamh Tighe finished off the first half Scóring, a move involving several Leitrim players including Michelle McNama.
That was to be Leitrims last score of the match, Fermanagh piled on the pressure and a goal after 5 minutes to leave the minimum between the sides. Leitrim only managed a few sallies into the Fermanagh half and no real opportunity was created. Goalkeeper Katie Byrne was kept busy and showed her adept handling on numerous occasions. Fermanagh went in front when they goaled from close range. Fermanagh had the final say with the closing score to win by 2-01 to Leitrims 4 points. Best for Leitrim was Grainne O Malley, Patricia Ford and Katie Byrne.
It was a much improved Leitrim that took to the field against Armagh. After 2 minutes a Niamh Tighe free was played into Laura O Dowd who beat 2 players before firing into the net. A Niamh Tighe free was added in the 5th minute but play was up and down the field but Deirdre Davitt and Kelly O Brien kept Armagh at bay until the last minute when Armagh goaled.. Armagh equalised in the first minute of the second half, but Leitrim raised their game another notch. A brilliant move initiated by Caoimhe Quinn was finishing expertly to the net by Roisin Fowley to put Leitrim in front. Emma O Hagan was through onÓgoal but was fouled and Niamh Tighe put over the resulting free. Back came Armagh with an excellent goal of their own they soon equalised and Leitrim needed a wining score if they were to stay in the competition. Laura O Dowd duly obliged with seconds remaining and Leitrim held out on a score line of 2-03 to Armaghs 2-02.
Offaly were the opposition in the next game and in was one of Leitrims best performances of the day. With Anita Conefrey and Ciara Gaffney dominating on the 40 and Shauna McLoughlin sweeping up the breaks Leitrim enjoyed lots of possession. Niamh Tighe carried the ball deep into the oppositions 40 and on one such run set up Roisin Fowley for the first score. A goal by Emma O Hagan and Leitrim went 4 up but Offaly showed they had lively forwards when a ball over the top caught out the Leitrim back line and Katie Byrne was given no chance. On the stroke of half time Offaly drew level, both teams locked on 2-01 a piece.
On the resumption the pace quickened and Roisin Fowley scored a vital goal but back came Offaly with 2 points. The play seesawed with Chloe Gilligan sweeping up at the back and excellent assistance from Kelly O Rourke and Ciara McWeeney keeping Offaly at bay. A sweeping move from Leitrims fullback line and where Catherine BohanÓgave the final ball to Laura O Dowd to score a rasper from 12 metres was crucial. O Dowd was the provider as Claire Rowley finished the Scóring with stunning shot to the net a minute later. The final whistle blew shortly with Leitrim with 4-02 and Offaly with 2-03.
The final proved a very exciting affair as Offaly worked their way back into final on a penalty shoot out. This was the best match of the day. Leitrim dominated possession thanks in the main to the twin towers Anita Conefrey and Ciara Gaffeny in the half forward line. Despite all the possession in the first half Leitrim only led by 2 at half time.
Niamh Tighe captain for the final scored on one of her many runs at the heart of the defence. Emma O Hagan beat 2 players before Claire Rowley slotted over. In the 6th minute Shauna Clancys shot was saved but Claire Rowley scored from the rebound. Caoimhe Quinn and Laura O Dowd combined for Niamh Tighe to point. Offaly opened their account with a free and then on the 15th minute they goaled which gave them a huge boost going into the half time interval despite being outplayed for 80% of the first half as Leitrim failed to convert their chances.
On the resumption Offaly took the game to Leitrim and pointed a free before Roisin Fowley went passed 3 Offaly players to score from 15 metres. The Offaly full forward then buried the ball from close range as Offaly upped their performance to take the lead for the first time in the match. A goal from a dubious free put Offaly 4 up and Leitrim had it all to do. Laura O Dowd broke through the Offaly cover and passed to Roisin Fowley but as she was about to kick for goal she was fouled, Niamh Tighe scored the free. Leitrim were now attacking in droves and a minute later Fowley scored the equaliser with Scórtcher to the roof of the net. Offaly replied with a point of their own as they led 3-03 to Leitrims 2-05. Several Leitrim attacks came to nothing as Leitrim looked for the equaliser and it came with a minute to go. Offaly backs had blocked several kicks for a score around the 20 metre line but eventually Roisin Fowley hooked the ball over the bar to draw Leitrim level and send us into a dramatic penalty shoot out. The score at the end of normal time was Leitrim 2-06 Offaly 3-03
Shauna McLoughlin was first up for Leitrim but the Offaly keeper saved to put them into the driving seat. Offaly scored first with a well placed shot low and to the corner. Roisin Fowley levelled with fine finish giving the keeper no chance. Offalys second penalty was well struck but the ball hit the outside of the post and went wide. Caoimhe Quinn was next up for Leitrim; her shot was firm but down the middle as the keeper stayed. Leitrim keeper Katie Byrne with great determination saved Offalys next. Deirdre Davitts penalty was saved by the Offaly keeper but a brilliant block by Katie Byrne kept Leitrim in touch.
Shauna Glancys penalty put Leitrim in the lead and Offaly had to score their last penalty if they were to stay in the hunt for the cup. Offaly were denied by Katie Byrne as she dived to her left to save and send the Leitrim team were into raptures.
While Katie Byrne was the hero at the death, Leitrim had 23 heroes on the field as this team showed great character time and again all through the season. This team captured the first underage silverware for Leitrim for some time. A Special thanks to the management of Pat McWeeney, Bernie McLoughlin and Kieran Moran, and also the assistance of physios Geraldine McWeeney and Mary Bohan. Also thanks to the team sponsors Supermacs of Carrick for their generosity where the team enjoyed a lovely meal afterwards.
Leitrim team
Katie Byrne, Patricia Forde, Chloe Gilligan, Caoimhe Quinn, Grainne O Malley, Deirdre Davitt, Ciara McWeeney, Shauna McLoughlin, Niamh Tighe, Ciara Gaffney, Laura O Dowd, Anita Conefrey, Claire Rowley, Róisín Fowley, Emma O Hagan.
Shauna Clancy, Kelly O Brien, Catherine Bohan, Michelle McNama, Orlaith Heslin, Ciara Maguire, Kelly O Rourke and Niamh O Malley
14-May-08 by Kieran Moran – Ladies – Acting PRO
Leitrim v New York – Report
County FootballLeitrim brought their greater experience and fitness to bear to comfortably see off the challenge of New York in front of a packed Gaelic Park in the Bronx on Sunday.
Leitrim supporters, estimated to number 2,500, swelled the attendance and cheered on their team inÓglorious sunshine in front of one of the biggest crowds seen at the famous New York venue.
The visiting team were professional in the way they approached this game and apart from a ten minute spell in the first half, they never allowed the home side to get into any sort of rhythm or dictate affairs to any real extent.
Championship debutant Emlyn Mulligan finished this game with an impressive 0-11, ten from frees.
There was a very physical edge to this game with New York having no fewer than nine yellow cards before Dermot Keane saw red in the final seconds.
Leitrim, for their part, chipped in with five yellows as referee Paraic Hughes stamped his authority on proceedings.
With three Leitrim natives on the New York panel, this Championship game saw the unusual spectacle of brother playing against brother with Drumkeerins Alan and Michael Foley lining up against one another.
Des Dolans side got off to a perfect start playing with the aid of the breeze and immediately took the game to New York.
Indeed New Yorks over physical approach got them into trouble in the first half with four menÓgoing into the referees book, while two Leitrim players were also shown yellow.
Leitrim were in control of the football for the first fifteen minutes and raced into a 0-05 to nil lead with three points from the accurate boot of Mulligan and one each from David OConnor and Declan Maxwell.
The hosts found it very difficult to breach a solid Leitrim defence and were restricted to shooting from distance. Their first point didnt register until the 18th minute when full forward Dan Doona from Kerry pointed a free.
Mulligan replied with a free after some hesitancy in the New York defence to stretch the lead for the visitors, but the home side then hit a purple patch and the Leitrim rearguard and midfield found it difficult to build moves.
During this passage of dominance New York popped over two quick points from Adrian OConnor and Mark Dobbin to cut the lead and Doona missed a kickable free and Robert Moran squandered a 45 which could have added pressure on Leitrim.
However, the visitors steadied themselves and finished the half strongly with some fine points as they cut through the New York defence.
Mulligan kicked two more frees, Donal Brennan finished a great team move with a point from the left and midfielder Michael Duignan added another directly from a New York kickout to leave them 0-10 to 0-03 in front at the interval.
The second half was dominated by Leitrim but there was a lethargy to their play for long spells before a final flourish in the last ten minutes added to their total.
Fitness was key and countless fouls by New York allowed Mulligan to punish them from placed balls.
Added to this was the tremendous work rate of midfielders Duignan and Gary McCloskey and the whole defence which effectively shut out the New York challenge.
In the end, it was all too easy and the huge Leitrim crowd were delighted with the result and can now look forward to a Connacht semi-final place against either Galway or Roscommon.
NEW YORK: Pa Ryan, Joe Bell, Aidan Power, Alan Foley, Lonan Maguire, Dermot Keane, Johnny Goldrick, Kenny OConnor (captain), Adrian OConnor (0-01, free), Liam ODonnell (0-02, two frees), Paddy Smith (0-01), Mark Dobbin (0-01), CJ Molloy, Dan Doona (0-01, free), Robert Moran.
Subs: Paul Mulhearne for Molloy (35 mins), Kevin Lilly for Dobbin (45 mins).
LEITRIM: Enda Lyons, Dermot Reynolds, John McKeon, Shane Foley, Gary Reynolds, Michael McGuinness, Barry Prior, Gary McCloskey (captain), Michael Duignan (0-02), Emlyn Mulligan (0-11, 10 frees), Declan Maxwell (0-01), Ciaran Duignan, Donal Brennan (0-01), David OConnor (0-01), Michael Foley.
Subs: Phillip McGuinness (0-01) for C. Duignan (26 mins), Barry McWeeney for Brennan (58 mins) Darren Duignan for OConnor (62 mins), Fintan McBrien for M Foley (66 mins); James Glancy for Maxwell (71 mins).
Referee: Paraic Hughes (Armagh).
11-May-08 by RTE.ie
Leitrim Senior Football Team – Announced
County FootballConnacht Senior Football Championship 2008
New York v Leitrim – 3pm NY time – 8pm Irish time
Gaelic Park, Bronx, New York.
Ref: Padraig Hughes (Armagh)
The Leitrim team list is as follows:
11-May-08 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
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