TG4 All Ireland Championship:
For the first time in 18 years, Leitrim will play Championship football in September thanks to a one point win over Limerick on Sunday in the All Ireland quarter final. This was always going to be a difficult assignment for Leitrim as they faced opponents that they knew little about except from match results and reputation. On the day, Limerick were worthy opponents and had an exceptionally talented player in Dymphna O?Brien, who deservedly received player of the match for her efforts on behalf of the Shannonsiders. Leitrim were pre match favourites for the game thanks to their defeat of Sligo in the Provincial Final, however this tag did not sit comfortably with the Connacht champions. Leitrim started brightly with an early point to settle the nerves but they resurfaced almost immediately as O?Brien fired over three sublime points in a row. From then on, and despite enjoying plenty of possession, Leitrim could not get on top but continued to work hard. The tactic of deploying a second marker to curtail O?Briens influence settled the defence but inevitably caused problems up front where Limerick deployed their spare player. One point down at half time Leitrim were still well in contention and had the aid of a slight wind for the second period. Leitrim began to again enjoy plenty of possession but again found Scóring hard to come by but with ten minutes remaining it was all to play for with the sides level. There was stalemate for a number of minutes but on a counter attack Limerick scored what looked like a match winning goal as Leitrim dreams turned into a nightmare. Flashbacks to the National League final in May, same venue, and Munster opponents again where Clare dashed Leitrim hopes. However this time it was Leitrim that turned the tables. A perfectly flighted ball to the edge of the square, where Leitrims player of the match, Sarah McLoughlin timed her run to perfection and fisted to the net. Indeed Sarah?s high fielding throughout was a highlight of the game. Two and a half minutes remaining and level again. Then up stepped Maeve Quinn with fifty seconds remaining to fire over what proved to be the match winning score and Leitrim began to dream again. Well done to the panel of twenty seven players who have worked so hard on the training fields of the county to bring Leitrim to within one hour of reaching the All Ireland final. Their opponents in the semi final will be Cavan or Longford who play in Pearse Park next Sunday. The All Ireland semi final will be played on Saturday 9th September in Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon and will be televised live on TG4.

Sponsorship:
Leitrim county board would welcome any offers of sponsorship to help with the ongoing cost of preparing the team on their football journey this year. All enquiries to ChairpersonÓgeraldine Creamer at 086 3290256.

Supporters:
A special word of thanks again to the supporters who turned out in their numbers to support the team on Sunday. There are certainly getting excitement and value for money in the games played by the ladies this year ? your support was very much appreciated and we will be looking forward to evenÓgreater numbers in three weeks time.

Intermediate Championship Final:
Next Saturday evening the Intermediate Championship will be decided when Cloone play Kiltubrid at 7.00pm in Ballinamore. Having disposed of Annaduff, Bornacoola, St Josephs and finally Mohill, these two teams will undoubtedly serve up a great game of football for the final. Both teams will be confident of success and it is a difficult game to predict. Cloone?s challenge could be affected by the fitness of the Brennan sisters, Sinead and Lorraine who both picked up injuries on Sunday but will hopefully have recovered in time while Eileen Colreavy, and Aisling Brennan will also have big impact on the game. Kiltubrid will be looking to the form of players in young Aine Tighe and the more experienced Blaithin McKiernan, Miranda Burke, Emer Kelly and Emer Horan inÓgoal. A game not to be missed and best of luck to both teams and management. Admission to the game is Adults ?10 and Students ?5.

Senior B Championship:
Annaduff, Bornacoola, St Josephs, Glencar Manor, Ballinaglera and St Marys are this years participants in the Senior B Championship which gets underway on Friday evening with the first of the two quarter finals. St Josephs travel to Dromod to take on Bornacoola at 7.00pm. On form to date St Josephs should progress to the semi final. The second quarter final sees Annaduff play newly crowned Junior A champions Glencar Manor. This will be a very interesting clash and a repeat performance of their championship form a couple of weeks ago could see Glencar Manor progress. This game also takes place on Friday evening at 7.30pm and is provisionally fixed for Aughawillan

Division 3 League:
A result of a crucial game between Dromahair and Aughawillan may decide the finalists of the Division 3. This game will be played on Saturday afternoon.

Minor 9 a Side:
The first semi final of the championship taakes place between Kiltubrid and Aughawillan next Tuesday evening at venue and time to be confirmed.

Guess the score Competition:
The draw for the winner of the ?500 prize will take place at County training tonight and the result announced next week. There was no correct entry for the exact scoreline of 1-14 to 3-7 but seven entries are in the running for the prize. Congratulations to Niamh O?Malley from the St Josephs club who wins ?50 for selling the most entries.

Tommy Murphy Cup Final:
Best wished to Leitrim on Sunday next as they face Louth in Croke Park in the final. A great experience for the Leitrim team and a win would be well deserved for their efforts during the year.

 

 

22-Aug-06 by Patricia Bohan – Ladies PRO