At 14 minutes to 2pm today our
website became a victim of its own success as the volume of visitors caused the site to crash and go offline. Our webteam and photo team were unable to connect and provide a service despite various attempts during the afternoon.
For this lack of service we apologise as we had everything in place to broadcast the scores live around the world.
We are still trying to determine exactly how many visitors were trying to access the site before 2pm but suffice it to say that we will do what we can to prevent this happening in the future.
Anyway website aside it was not a good day on the field as a much sharper Louth outfit took an early lead and maintained it throughout the game. This report from RTE tells it all:
[b]Big win for the Wee County[/b]
Sunday, 27 August 2006 7:53
Louth celebrate their Tommy Murphy Cup win
Louth enjoyed their second major success of the year as they defeated Leitrim by 3-14 to 1-11 to lift the Tommy Murphy Cup at Croke Park this afternoon.
The sides exchanged early points until John O Brien broke from his left corner-back position and sent a rasping shot across the goal where Brian White slid in to give Louth the early advantage with a well takenÓgoal.
Leitrim were having trouble getting supply to their forwards in the early stages and twice put the ball into the hands of Leitrim keeper Cathal McGrann. They eventually split the posts courtesy of a free from corner-forward JohnÓglancy.
Minutes later, a free from Darren Clarke struck the post and fell to Shane Lennon who found enough space among the Leitrim defenders to put the ball over the bar on 14 minutes.
White had a golden opportunity for a second goal moments later as he found himself through with only McGrann to beat. However, McGrann spread himself superbly to deny him his second green flag. White made up for it by hitting another point despite the close attention of the Leitrim defenders.
Louth were making Leitrim battle hard for possession and managed to use the long ball to the advantage of their full-forward line.
Leitrims last line of defence were finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the pressure and McCrann was called into action again on 20 minutes when he came from his line to clear a high ball, but Darren Clarke was unable to control the resulting loose ball. Wing-back Ray FinnÓganÓgot forward to add to Louths tally just after.
Leitrim centre-back Francis Holohan then managed to sneak past the tight Wee County defence but was unable to beat Reynolds as the ball spun wide.
Leitrim had another chance to goal as Glancy sent a ball across the goal but Reynolds came to the rescue again, putting Donal Brennan under enough pressure to prevent his effort crossing the line.
Dessie Dolan Senior sent on Declan Maxwell for Colin Regan on 29 minutes to try and break the miserly Louth defence.
Before he got the chance, Ronan Carroll scored his first point of the day as the Leitrim defence were again found wanting. Moments later Clarke added a point.
There was more misery for Leitrim as Shane Lennon prospered from a deflected Darren Clarke shot. He leaped higher than McGrann to punch the ball over the line.
Maxwell finally got the chance to make an impression and added a point to the Leitrim tally with his first possession. He made another impression moments later as he broke a loose ball to Barry Prior to send the wing-forward free to grab another point.
Duignan added a touch of respectability to the score-line before half-time as the Louth defenders gave away a free in front of the posts, allowing him to convert with ease. Louth went in leading 2-07 to 0-05.
Leitrim took to the field with more purpose in the second half and immediately managed to stretch the Louth defence and Ciaran Duignan slotted over the first point of the half from a free.
Darren Clarke scored a point in response, following a good break from Farrelly.
The Louth defence conceded another scoreable free in front of goal and Duignan was only too happy to reduce the Wee County lead to seven points. Duignan added another sweet point seconds later as he curled the ball over from a difficult angle, before Glancy had a good opportunity to add another but shot wide.
Louth were in danger of suffering from another bout of second-half-syndrome (as they did in their Leinster opener against Meath) before Clarke added his fourth point of the day. Louth led 2-09 to 0-08 with every score for the Wee County coming from play.
Clarke was on fire as he added a fifth point as Louth battled their way back to the position of prominence that they enjoyed throughout the first half. Maxwell responded for the Connacht side with a well taken point from the left.
A high challenge on Brian White by Dermot Reynolds, in front of the referee, resulted in Clarke Scóring Louths first point of the day from a placed ball.
Noel Doonan was on the field for all of fifteen seconds when he connected with a good line-ball from Cathal Duignan to score Leitrims first goal of the day and give them some hope entering the final fifteen minutes.
Darren Clarke then had the perfect chance to reply with a goal but he fired the ball over the bar with an openÓgoal beckoning.
Barry Prior and Ciaran Duignan both sent good chances wide with ten minutes to go and allowed the impetus to return to Louth. JP Rooney took advantage of the situation to score his second point of the afternoon and leave seven points between the sides again.
Duignan popped another free over with four minutes to go but Louth had steadied their ship and added a point from the impressive Mark Brennan before JP Rooney enjoyed a bit of luck to score his sides third goal of the day.
Declan Maxwell added one of the points of the year in injury time but all was lost for the Connacht side as Louth went on to add the Tommy Murphy Cup to the NFL Division Two title won in April.
LEITRIM: C McGrann; D Reynolds, K McKeon, M McGuinness; B McWeeney, F Holohan, S Foley; G McLoskey, C Carroll; C Regan, M Foley, B Prior; J Glancy, D Brennan, C Duignan.
LOUTH: S Reynolds; D Brennan, C Goss, J O Brien; P McGinnitty, M Fanning, R FinnÓgan; M Farrelly, P Keenan; B White, M Brennan, R Carroll; D Clarke, S Lennon, JP Rooney.
27-Aug-06 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Championship – Quarterfinals
Club FootballFollowing the unsuccessful objection by Kiltubrid at the Connacht Council meeting tonight all competitions fixed for this weekend will continue as originally scheduled.
[b]Saturday:[/b]
In the Leitrim [b]Senior[/b] Quarterfinals its Allen Gaels v Glencar/Manor in Pairc Sean at 4:45pm, while St. Marys v Melvin Gaels throws-in at 6:15
Meanwhile over in Cloone the 2 remaining quarterfinals of Aughawilan v Bornacoola and Mohill v Sean O Heslins throw-in at the same times as the games above.
Two [b]Intermediate[/b] Quarterfinals are also being played tomorrow evening with Aughnasheelin v Carrigallen in Ballinamore at 6:15pm and Drumreilly v Dromahaire in Drumshanbo also at 6:45pm. Prior to the Ballinamore game is the Intermediate B semifinal at 4:45pm and Cloone play Aughavas.
[b]Sunday:[/b]
At 12pm in Ballinaglera the second Intermediate B semi is between Allen Gaels and Glencar/Manorhamilton. Also at 12pm in Aughnasheelin is the Junior A relegation battle and thats between Mohill and Aughawillan.
The Junior C Final between Aughnasheelin and St. Osnats is in Drumshanbo at 3pm.
The Senior Bs are scheduled for Sunday in Cloone with the first throw-in at 2:30pm and the second at 4pm, Fenagh-St. Caillins play Annaduff and Kiltubrid play Gortletteragh.
The two remaining Quarterfinal games in the Intermediates are in Pairc Sean – Ballinaglera v St. Marys and Drumkeeran v Glenfarne/Kilty.
08-Sep-06 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Ladies – TG4 All Ireland Semi-finals
Club HurlingBest of luck tomorrow to the Ladies panel and mentors as they progress to the TG4 All Ireland Semi-finals.
The game is against our neighbours Longford tomorrow at 3:15pm in Hyde Park, Roscommon and will be televised live on TG4.
A place in the TG4 All Ireland Final awaits the winners !!!
Official Fixture:
Saturday 9th September 2006
Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon
Junior – [b]Leitrim v Longford[/b] 3.15pm
Senior – Armagh v Galway 5.00pm
08-Sep-06 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Next County board meeting
MeetingsPlease note that the next meeting of Coiste Chontae Liatroma will take place in Drumkeerin Community Centre on Monday next 11 Mean Fomhair at 8.30pm
Please inform your club delegates
07-Sep-06 by Declan Bohan – Runa
Cloone Pitch available for nightime fixtures
GeneralThe Cloone Club would like to make clubs aware that our pitch is available to rent for the playing of night time games during the closing part of the season.
With the daylight hours getting shorter and many teams approaching the latter stages of the championship clubs may wish to avail of the facilities for playing challenge matches or for competitive evening time games.
Prior booking is required and clubs who wish to enquire further about this should contact Enda Tiernan on 086-8583086 or Sean McGovern on 071-9636056.
07-Sep-06 by Louis O Braon?in – Runa
Ladies Intermediate 9 a Side Final
Club FootballLadies Intermediate 9 a Side Final
St Marys 3-05
Glencar Manor 1-05
St Marys celebrated a rare ladies adult title in Drumshanbo on Sunday morning as they defeated a weakened Glencar Manor team in the final of the 9 a side league. It was a deserved title for Marys who worked hard throughout the game with the accuracy of Ceara Firzpatrick, the defending of Lorraine Guckian and the workrate of the McWeeney sisters a feature of the game. Glencar Manor were without the Cleary sisters and injuries to Grainne O?Connor and Siobhan Feehily did not help their cause but Mary Poinard had a fine game in the middle and was supported well by Emer O?Connor and Marie Clerkin.
Glencar Manor attacked first and had a goal chance blocked well by Lorraine Guckian in the first minute. Two minutes later Lauraine Walpole hit a shot wide as St Marys began to settle into the game. Sinead McWeeney was unlucky as she hit a first time shot narrowly wide. After six minutes St Marys were awarded a 45 and a quick one two resulted in an unstoppable shot to the net by Michelle Glancy. Two minutes later Ceara Fitzpatrick opened her account with a good point from play and she was involved in another attack a minute later but her shot hit the crossbar and was cleared to safety. With Sinead McWeeney dominating midfield her sister Cait hit a fine point from play to put St Marys further in front at the half way stage. Glencar Manor had a chance to open their account but Marie Clerkins shot went narrowly wide. With eight minutes remaining St Marys went eight points up as Enya McWeeney hit a second great goal from distance. Glen Car Manor responded immediately when a great ball over the top to Siobhan Feehily was hit over for a fine point. Two minutes later Catriona Love was on hand to hit the net as Bernadette Glancy found a Feehily effort too hard to control to bring Manor back into the game. St Marys had three chances to increase their lead at the break but a combination of poor finishing and good defending kept the score at 2-2 to 1-1 at the break.
St Marys went further in front at the restart with a Fitzpatrick free. Sub Ciara Watters reduced the lead with a point from play and a free as Manor were dealt a blow with an injury to Siobhan Feehily. With Manor gaining more confidence a great defensive display from Lorraine Guckian prevented two certainÓgoals with some great tackling. Fitzpatrick added to her tally midway through the half with another pointed free. A combination of Glancy in the goals and Guckian prevented another certain Manor goal as on the counter attack Fitzpatrick hit another point from play. With five minutes remaining Fitzpatrick sealed a good personal performance with a fine goal from play. Glencar Manor tried hard in the last few minutes to rescue the game and were rewarded with two points from Janette Maguire and Dympna Boylan but it was too little to late as St Marys celebrated a rare title.
St Marys: Bernadette Glancy, Lorraine Guckian, Cait McWeeney, Claire Greene, Michelle Glancy, Sinead McWeeney, Niamh Flynn, Ceara Fitzpartick, Enya McWeeney.
Glencar Manor: Claire Gallaghe, Aisling Kerrigan, Emer O?Connor, Grainne O?Connor, Mary Poinard, Marie Clerkin, Lauraine Walpole, Siobhan Feehily.
07-Sep-06 by Patricia Bohan – Ladies PRO
Demolition Time !
Club FootballMonday 18th September is the agreed start date for the preparation of ground works and demolition of the Old Dressing Rooms and press box in P?irc Sean as the we make way for the new 3,000 seater stand and dressing room facility.
01-Sep-06 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Championship previews
Club HurlingIts all action this weekend for Seniors, Intermediates and Junior A and Cs as it gets near the final stages in each competition. Our second ever Club Championship game under lights will be played tomorrow evening in Cloone. Junior Cs – Sean O Heslins play Aughnasheelin at 8:15pm.
The [b]Seniors[/b] are at the final round of the group stages and the remaining places will be decided for the Quarterfinals and B Shield. Tomorrow evening will bring us all the answers as the last 2 games of the group stages start at 6:30pm.
In SFC Group 1: Allen Gaels v Fenagh-St. Caillins
With Bornacoola already through in this group the outcome of this game will decide the final placings for 1st and 2nd. If Fenagh win they have a chance to top the group especially if their score difference is better than Bornacoolas. AllenÓgales need to win this as a draw is all that Fenagh need to progress to meet opposition from Group 2 in the Quarters.
In SFC Group 2: Aughawillan v Glencar-Manor
Annaduff are out of the running for this years championship honours and this game will serve to decide the placings for Group 2. Both Aughawillan and Glencar-manor are flying at the moment and each will be eager to top the group to face the 2nd placings inÓgroup 1.
In SFC Group 3: Melvin Gaels v Mohill
Melvin Gaels meet Mohill in an encounter that is a must win for Melvin Gaels and the result of this game will also determine whether Kiltubrid will progress to quarter finals or if they take the B Shield route. If Mohill draw or win then Kiltubrid are through, if Melvin Gaels win by less than 8 points then they are through with Mohill and if Melvin Gaels win by more than 8 points then are throught with Kiltubrid.
In SFC Group 4: Sean O Heslins v St. Marys
In this group Sean O Heslins and St. Marys are already through to the Quarters however this game will decide their placings. St. Marys go in as favourites and will probably be looking to top the group as they will then play the second place team inÓgroup 3. Gortletteragh already know their fate and are preparing for a B Shield semi-final showdown with the losing team from Group 3.
[b]Intermediate[/b] Championship is also at the final group stages. Tomorrow evening sees 1 game with the other 3 games played on Sunday.
In IFC Group 1: St. Marys v Gelncar-Manor
This has the potential of being a really exciting game as Drumkeeran are top of the table and straight through to Quarters while both of these have it all to play for with the 2nd place going a begging.
In IFC Group 2: Ballinaglera v Glenfarne/Kilty
Both teams are already through so this one will decide the placings. Ballinaglera have a 3 poitn score advantage over Glenfarne going into this game..
In IFC Group 3: Cloone v Drumreilly
Carrigallen can rest easy this weekend as Cloone and Drumreilly battle for the last place. Drumreilly already have one point from their earlier draw with Carrigallen but they are not there yet as Cloone play their 2nd game to determine their future. A draw for Drumreilly will suffice, Cloone need all the points.
In IFC Group 4: Aughnasheelin v Aughavas
Dromahaire are also resting this weekend as they are already through to the next stage. Both Aughnasheelin & Aughavas have come a cropper to Drumreilly but all of that will be forgotten as they both fight it out to decide 2nd place.
In the [b]Junior A[/b] competition the 2 semi finals are arranged for Sunday after the quarter final battles last weekend. At 11am Annaduff play Sean O Heslins and at 1pm Eslin play Melvin Gaels.
[b]Junior C[/b] is also at the Semi Final stage with both games scheduled for Saturday evening. St. Osnats take on St. Marys in Drumshanbo and Aughnasheelin meet neighbours Sean O Heslins [b]in Cloone under lights ![/b]. Both games should be entertaining and worth watching.
01-Sep-06 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Message from Tir Conaill Harps GAC Glasgow
Club FootballThe following was received from Tir Conaill Harps GAC:
The Tir Conaill Harps GAC, Glasgow, runs teams from underage to adult level in football, camogie, ladies football and shinty. We would be delighted to hear from any of your club teams interested in coming over for exchange trips.
We are also interesting in recruiting new players of any standard and are looking for qualified coaches to work in our target primary and secondary schools. Anyone coming to work or study inÓglasgow will be made most welcome in the club.
Tommy Main
Development Officer
Tir Conaill Harps Gaelic Athletic Club
St.Patricks Primary School
10 Perth.St
Glasgow
G3 8UQ
Tel: 0141 221 4553
Scottish Charity No.SCO34520
www.conaill.fsnet.co.uk
30-Aug-06 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Ladies Intermediate Championship Final
Club HurlingLadies Intermediate Championship Final
Cloone 4-10 Kiltubrid 3-05
Inspired by team captain Eileen Donohue, Cloone turned back the years with a powerful display to capture the Intermediate Championship title against a brave Kiltubrid challenge in Ballinamore on Saturday evening last. While Cloone dominated the game with a solid and sometimes perfect performance, they met a very determined Kiltubrid resistance and it was only into the second half before they finally got the scores to seal the game. Both teams put in a great hour?s effort throughout the game, and must be pleased that all of the players on the field played to their full potential in the final. In the end the experience of the Cloone players was a big factor in the outcome of the game with Donohue, her sister Annette, Teresa Mylott, Carla Creegan and the three Brennan sisters, Tara McCabe and Aoife Kelly all contributing well to the Cloone effort. Kiltubrid will be disappointed with the result but can take great encouragement from the efforts of a number of players on the day including Miranda Burke, Blaithin McKiernan, Sinead Meehan, Emer Kelly, Emer Horan and in particular younger players Aine Tighe and Aoife McWeeney.
Straight from the throw in Cloone won possession and set up the first attack of the game with Aisling Brennan, Eileen Donohue and Lorraine Brennan all involved before Aoife Kelly fired over the opening score. This was quickly followed by a Donohue wide. Moments later midfielder Sinead Brennan hit in a dangerous ball that was well dealt with by Kiltubrid keeper Emer Horan but Cloone won posession again and pass from Aisling Brennan to Andrea Beirne resulted in a foul on the Cloone forward. However the opportunity was wasted as Tara McCabe hit the free wide. Five minutes into the game a sideline ball to Cloone resulted in Kiltubrid possession but in overcarying the ball in an attempt clear, Tara McCabe made no mistake from the resulting free. Kiltubrid eventually worked the ball up field and a testing ball into the square was only half cleared by the defence and Miranda Burke hit the loose ball over off the ground to open Kiltubrids account after nine minutes. Moments later Cloone were awarded a 45 and a good ball in from Sinead Brennan fell nicely to sister Aisling who hit a similar shot over the bar to reestablish the Cloone lead. Two Kiltubrid attacks were well won back by Carla Creegan at full back to keep the Cloone goal intact. Another attack was set up by Donohue as Lorraine Brennan hit a wide. As the half progressed Cloone dominated the midfield battle and had another opportunity of a score as a great ball in from Sinead Brennan was won by Tara McCabe who fed Donohue and she set up Sinead again for a fine point. Kiltubrid were under serious pressure to win their own kickout but Emer Kelly became more prominent as they began to make some inroads into the Cloone defence. However Annette Donnelly and Teresa Mylott cut out a number of Kiltubrid attacks before Emer Kelly was fouled but the free was sent wide. Another sweeping move from Cloone upfield was started by Grainne Tiernan and found the impressive Aisling Brennan in space, however Tara McCabe missed a great opportunity to extend the Cloone lead. Moments later Miranda Burke found Aine Tighe in the corner and as she attacked was fouled but hit over the free to leave just two points between the teams. This free seemed to inspire Kiltubrid into action but Regina Bohan missed a chance to narrow the gap with her effort. A poor clearance from keeper Aisling Mitchell fell to Sandra Early who was fouled but this time Tighes free went narrowly wide. With ten minutes remaining in the half Tighe had another free to reduce the gap to the minimum and this time she obliged as Kiltubrid enjoyed their best period of the game. However Cloone responded immediately when Aisling Brennan sent in a great ball to Aoife Kelly who was fouled and McCabe pointed the free. Kiltubrid again won possession with Aoife McWeeney?s pass to Aine Tighe who was supported by a great run from Siobhan Kelly who blasted over the bar when a goal was on to leave the half time score five points to four in Cloone?s favour.
Within twenty seconds of the resumption, Cloone were two points up as Sinead Brennan won the throw in and found Aisling Brennan who was supported again by Donohue and her perfect return pass was pointed by Aisling. Three minutes later Cloone were rocked by a Kiltubrid goal as Emer Kelly took advantage of a loose ball after a clash between two players and her intended pass across the square deceived keeper Aisling Mitchell and ended in the far corner of the net. Cloone responded immediately with a Tara McCabe free after a foul on Lorraine Brennan to level matters. As they had threatened all through the game, Cloone suddenly found another level and went into the lead again with a great point from McCabe after solid defending from Noreen Colreavy. A minute later they doubled that lead when Sinead Brennan found Aoife Kelly in space and she fired over a point. The turning point came two minutes later after Andrea Beirne did well to keep in play a long range free from Lorraine Brennan and her pass set up Tara McCabe for Cloone?s first goal of the evening. A great win by Donohue in the middle of the field found Aisling Brennan and when her initial shot hit the crossbar, Aoife Kelly was on hand to blast to the net as Cloone moved into an eight point lead. Kiltubrid were now on the back foot but responded immediately with an attack from Regina Bohan and Aoife McWeeney who found Siobhan Kelly but she was unlucky to see her goal chance go narrowly wide. Three minutes later Cloone went eleven points up as Aoife Kelly was again at the end of a sweeping Cloone move and she finished with and unstoppable effort to the back of the net. Kiltubrid tried to make an impression up front and twice Aine Tighe tried her best to find the net but a commanding back line snuffed out her efforts. They did have a great chance of a goal midway through the half but Aoife McWeeney?s effort hit the crossbar and Emer Kelly hit the rebound wide. However two minutes later they were rewarded as a Regina Bohan free found Tighe on the edge of the square and she scored a well placed goal. Aoife Kelly and Andrea Beirne hit wides for Cloone and a Sinead Brennan effort was well dealt with by Emer Horan. Another Kiltubrid effort was held by Mitchell but she over carried in an attempt to clear and Tighe pointed the 13m free. With five minutes remaining Eileen Donohue was rewarded with a point for her efforts following a good attack by Aoife Kelly. Kelly herself had two more opportunity?s to add to her tally but one went narrowly wide while Emer Horan saved well at her near post. As the game moved into injury time there Kelly hit her third goal of the game for Cloone following another great Cloone move up the field to confirm their superiority on the day, however there was time for a last attack for Kiltubrid and sub Lisa McWeeney finished well to the net for a consolationÓgoal. The presentation the new Mary O?Brien Kelly Memorial cup for this first Intermediate Championship title was made by County Board ChairpersonÓgeraldine Creamer to the winning captain Eileen Donohoe.
Cloone: Aisling Mitchell, Grainne Tiernan, Carla Creegan, Annette Donnnelly, Teresa Mylott, Louise Heslin, Noreen Colreavy, Sinead Brennan (0-1), Lorraine Brennan, Andrea Beirne, Eileen Donohue (0-1), Carmel Monaghan, Aisling Brennan (0-2), Tara McCabe(1-04), Aoife Kelly (3-02). Subs: Una McKeon, Una Creegan, Patricia Beirne, Brenda Reynolds, Aisling McCabe, Olivia Reynolds, Niamh Brennan, Andrea Kelly, Katie Moran, Catherine Murphy, Sinead Creegan.
Kiltubrid: Emer Horan, Claire Kelly, Sinead Meehan, Grainne Gill, Sinead Tighe, Blaithin McKiernan, Tara Evans, Linda Tighe, Emer Kelly (1-0), Regina Bohan, Siobhan Kelly (0-1), Sandra Early, Aoife McWeeney, Miranda Burke (0-1), Aine Tighe (1-03). Subs: Tracey Costello, Kathy Beirne, Lisa Mcweeney (1-0), Sinead Byrne, Aine Meehan, Claire Judge, Stephanie Reynolds, Cloda Foley, Helene Duignan, Martina Gilmartin, Kara McLoughlin, Orlaith Heeran, Shiela Guckian, Siobhan Carroll, Deirdre Harris.
Referee: Ray McBrien
28-Aug-06 by Patricia Bohan – Ladies PRO
Live scores
Club HurlingAt 14 minutes to 2pm today our
website became a victim of its own success as the volume of visitors caused the site to crash and go offline. Our webteam and photo team were unable to connect and provide a service despite various attempts during the afternoon.
For this lack of service we apologise as we had everything in place to broadcast the scores live around the world.
We are still trying to determine exactly how many visitors were trying to access the site before 2pm but suffice it to say that we will do what we can to prevent this happening in the future.
Anyway website aside it was not a good day on the field as a much sharper Louth outfit took an early lead and maintained it throughout the game. This report from RTE tells it all:
[b]Big win for the Wee County[/b]
Sunday, 27 August 2006 7:53
Louth celebrate their Tommy Murphy Cup win
Louth enjoyed their second major success of the year as they defeated Leitrim by 3-14 to 1-11 to lift the Tommy Murphy Cup at Croke Park this afternoon.
The sides exchanged early points until John O Brien broke from his left corner-back position and sent a rasping shot across the goal where Brian White slid in to give Louth the early advantage with a well takenÓgoal.
Leitrim were having trouble getting supply to their forwards in the early stages and twice put the ball into the hands of Leitrim keeper Cathal McGrann. They eventually split the posts courtesy of a free from corner-forward JohnÓglancy.
Minutes later, a free from Darren Clarke struck the post and fell to Shane Lennon who found enough space among the Leitrim defenders to put the ball over the bar on 14 minutes.
White had a golden opportunity for a second goal moments later as he found himself through with only McGrann to beat. However, McGrann spread himself superbly to deny him his second green flag. White made up for it by hitting another point despite the close attention of the Leitrim defenders.
Louth were making Leitrim battle hard for possession and managed to use the long ball to the advantage of their full-forward line.
Leitrims last line of defence were finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the pressure and McCrann was called into action again on 20 minutes when he came from his line to clear a high ball, but Darren Clarke was unable to control the resulting loose ball. Wing-back Ray FinnÓganÓgot forward to add to Louths tally just after.
Leitrim centre-back Francis Holohan then managed to sneak past the tight Wee County defence but was unable to beat Reynolds as the ball spun wide.
Leitrim had another chance to goal as Glancy sent a ball across the goal but Reynolds came to the rescue again, putting Donal Brennan under enough pressure to prevent his effort crossing the line.
Dessie Dolan Senior sent on Declan Maxwell for Colin Regan on 29 minutes to try and break the miserly Louth defence.
Before he got the chance, Ronan Carroll scored his first point of the day as the Leitrim defence were again found wanting. Moments later Clarke added a point.
There was more misery for Leitrim as Shane Lennon prospered from a deflected Darren Clarke shot. He leaped higher than McGrann to punch the ball over the line.
Maxwell finally got the chance to make an impression and added a point to the Leitrim tally with his first possession. He made another impression moments later as he broke a loose ball to Barry Prior to send the wing-forward free to grab another point.
Duignan added a touch of respectability to the score-line before half-time as the Louth defenders gave away a free in front of the posts, allowing him to convert with ease. Louth went in leading 2-07 to 0-05.
Leitrim took to the field with more purpose in the second half and immediately managed to stretch the Louth defence and Ciaran Duignan slotted over the first point of the half from a free.
Darren Clarke scored a point in response, following a good break from Farrelly.
The Louth defence conceded another scoreable free in front of goal and Duignan was only too happy to reduce the Wee County lead to seven points. Duignan added another sweet point seconds later as he curled the ball over from a difficult angle, before Glancy had a good opportunity to add another but shot wide.
Louth were in danger of suffering from another bout of second-half-syndrome (as they did in their Leinster opener against Meath) before Clarke added his fourth point of the day. Louth led 2-09 to 0-08 with every score for the Wee County coming from play.
Clarke was on fire as he added a fifth point as Louth battled their way back to the position of prominence that they enjoyed throughout the first half. Maxwell responded for the Connacht side with a well taken point from the left.
A high challenge on Brian White by Dermot Reynolds, in front of the referee, resulted in Clarke Scóring Louths first point of the day from a placed ball.
Noel Doonan was on the field for all of fifteen seconds when he connected with a good line-ball from Cathal Duignan to score Leitrims first goal of the day and give them some hope entering the final fifteen minutes.
Darren Clarke then had the perfect chance to reply with a goal but he fired the ball over the bar with an openÓgoal beckoning.
Barry Prior and Ciaran Duignan both sent good chances wide with ten minutes to go and allowed the impetus to return to Louth. JP Rooney took advantage of the situation to score his second point of the afternoon and leave seven points between the sides again.
Duignan popped another free over with four minutes to go but Louth had steadied their ship and added a point from the impressive Mark Brennan before JP Rooney enjoyed a bit of luck to score his sides third goal of the day.
Declan Maxwell added one of the points of the year in injury time but all was lost for the Connacht side as Louth went on to add the Tommy Murphy Cup to the NFL Division Two title won in April.
LEITRIM: C McGrann; D Reynolds, K McKeon, M McGuinness; B McWeeney, F Holohan, S Foley; G McLoskey, C Carroll; C Regan, M Foley, B Prior; J Glancy, D Brennan, C Duignan.
LOUTH: S Reynolds; D Brennan, C Goss, J O Brien; P McGinnitty, M Fanning, R FinnÓgan; M Farrelly, P Keenan; B White, M Brennan, R Carroll; D Clarke, S Lennon, JP Rooney.
27-Aug-06 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Live scores from Croke Park
GeneralOur web and photo team are all geared up to broadcast the Live scores and Photo Gallery from Croke Park at tomorrows Tommy Murphy Cup final at 2pm.
Click on the link for the Live scores and Photographs on the left hand menu. Follow the instructions for each and both services will be loaded in seperate windows.
26-Aug-06 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
Junior Championship Update
Club Hurling[b]Junior B Final[/b]
The Junior B final between St. Marys and Leitrm Gaels was played in wet and slippery conditions in P?ric Sean yesterday evening. Leitrim Gaels were not able to reply to 4 straight points from the St. Marys men in the final quarter of the game and St. Marys ran out winners in a very low Scóring encounter. Final score St. Marys 0-8 Leitrim Gaels 0-4.
[b]Junior A[/b]
In the Junior A competition 4 quarter finals and the 2 relegation semifinals are scheduled for this evening and they are as follows:
Allen Gaels v Eslin at 5.00 in P?ric Sean – Ref. Thomas Forde
Gortletteragh v Melvin Gaels at 6.30 in P?irc Sean – Ref. Eamonn O Grady
Aughavas v Sean O Heslins at 5.00 in Cloone – Ref. Kieran Moran
Annaduff v Bornacoola at 4.45 in Dromod – Ref. Sean McCartin
JFCA – Relegation SF Drumkeerin v Mohill at 5.00 in Aughnasheelin – Ref. James McCaffrey
JFCA – Relegation SF Aughawillan v Carrigallen at 5.00 in Drumreilly – Ref. Walter Sharpley
26-Aug-06 by Brendan Doyle – PRO