At the Official Launch of the Leitrim GAA & LGFA Quid Game Fundraiser in the Landmark Hotel on Wednesday 12 February 2025, it was announced that 10 companies had already stepped up as sponsors and up to a dozen more potential sponsors were at an advanced stage of discussion with the GAA/LGFA Sponsorship Committee.

The Joint Lead Sponsors were revealed as Cora Systems a thriving local company based in Carrick-on-Shannon led by Philip Martin and the Layden Group, Commercial Property & Investment Dublin led by Joe Layden.

Padraic White, the Chairperson of the Sponsorship Committee, expressed their appreciation of this generous financial support from the lead sponsors. It also proved great encouragement in seeking further sponsorship and this led to the signing up of the eight other sponsors revealed at the official launch.
He expected that when all discussions with corporates were completed the total raised would reach €40,000 for the benefits of Leitrim GAA & LGFA players.

The eight further sponsors whose commitment are greatly appreciated are:
* Moneenatieve Wind Farm, Arigna Mountains – promoters Sheila and Anita Layden
* Advocate Financial Services, Manorhamilton – led by Pat Feely
* The Shed Distillery, Drumshanbo – with entrepreneur Pat Rigney at the helm
* MCI Ireland, Manorhamilton – led by Vincent Keehan
* Collins McNicholas Recruitment, Sligo – whose MD is Niall Murray originally from Carrick on Shannon
* Gannons Bar, Fenagh – led by Tracey Gannon
* Merenda Ltd, Manorhamilton – family firm with Ronan Haslette at the helm
* iSure Underwriting, Cavan – CEO Sean Murray originally from Ballinamore

 

Leitrim County Council has an economic development partnership with Leitrim GAA & LGFA as they have a common interest in the prosperity of the county and more employment opportunities.  This partnership is reflected in the latest videos revealed at the official launch by senior county players Clare Owens and Donal Casey who speak eloquently of the benefits of living and working in County Leitrim.

 

 

There was a buzz of excitement in the Rowing Room at The Landmark Hotel, on Wednesday February 12th, as a joint fundraising initiative between Leitrim GAA & LGFA “Quid Game” was officially launched. The uniqueness of this joint county board initiative, bringing Leitrim LGFA & GAA together as equal partners, was noted by many on the night, with contestants speaking of their pride in the collaboration in the “Leitrim GAA Family”.  The event will be held in the Landmark Hotel on Sunday night the 16th of March 2025

Leitrim GAA Chairperson Declan Bohan spoke about the energy of both organisations working together and how this new initiative is garnering great support across the clubs of the county. As we look forward to the full integration of the GAA & LGFA in 2027 there is a synergy between the two organisations in Leitrim and we are operating as one big family organising this event together.

Quid Game, powered by ClubSpot Events, is designed to deliver all the excitement and suspense of the original series, where no one will die unless of embarrassment!! Participants will engage in a series of six skill-based games that will test their accuracy, endurance, and hand-eye coordination. The evening is already shaping up to be a competitive and an adrenaline-pumping experience for all involved, and there are bound to be many laughs on the night so get the date into your diary. It’s not to be missed!

Liam O’Neill, Vice Chairperson of Leitrim LGFA, noted how delighted the LGFA is to be involved in this fundraiser. He spoke highly of the support from Leitrim County Council and how the community spirit in Leitrim, which is embodied in the Gaelic family, helped him and his family settle into Leitrim when they moved here in 2008. Our family are living proof of many people who have found a great way of life here in Leitrim! Like the 2024 Ladies Intermediate Champions, he is now a proud Leitrim person!

With an array of club members from across the county stepping up to support this unique initiative, there is sure to be some rivalry surfacing as the contestants begin their fundraising race this weekend. Competitors compete for an amazing cash prize of €10,000 where the winner will have the unique opportunity to donate part or all of their winnings to a club or charity of their choice.

Our MC for the evening, Darren Mulvey, spoke with two contestants James McDowell from Ballinaglera and Gareth Foley from Melvin Gaels.

James is looking forward to the games and was sussing out the competition. While noting that many novel fundraisers are starting around the county, he is setting his sights on the big cash prize!!

Gareth spoke about how Melvin Gaels operate as one club and have just last year fielded their first ladies team. This has brought a “new energy and enthusiasm to the club with huge work being led by the ladies behind the scenes, even teaching the lads a thing or two”

The event aims to provide an unforgettable evening’s entertainment for participants while offering local businesses and the wider diaspora a fantastic opportunity to give back to their county. By involving a wide range of participants with representatives from Australia, the UK, and all around Ireland, the event is expected to foster a sense of unity and support within the community of Leitrim.

Both the Ladies’ and men’s county boards extend an exclusive invitation to clubs to nominate players for this novel event. To learn more about the Quid Game Event or to register, interested parties can reach out to Leitrim GAA & LGFA via their social media platforms or by contacting any county board official. This is an event you won’t want to miss!

Full list of Competitors and donation links here:  https://clubspot-events.com/leitrim-gaa-lgfa/

 

L/R: Declan Bohan (Leitrim GAA Chairperson), Liam O’Neill (Vice Chair Leitrim LGFA), Mike Feeney (Chairperson of the Fund Raising Committee) launching the event with Darren Mulvey (MC)

L/R: Quid Games Competitors – Gerry McLoughlin, Kevin Keany, Ruby Mai Keane, James McDowell, Gareth Foley & James Gilmartin

L/R: Padraic White (Chairperson of the Sponsorship Committee) with Darren Mulvey (MC)

 

Saturday last was another memorable day for Leitrim Handball, when the indomitable Sophie Kane added the Connacht U13 girls single title to her ever-growing collection of accolades. Later that evening, Sophie’s multiple national and international successes over the last 12 months was justly rewarded when she collected the 2024 Junior Sports Individual award at the Leitrim Sports Star Awards. A spectacular day for the young Fenagh lady!
These celebrations were a nice distraction on a very busy weekend for Leitrim Handball as the county co-hosted the Connacht U11 – U13 A Championships with Collooney Handball Club in Sligo. Spectators in Fenagh, Drumshanbo and Annaduff were treated to the top underage players from across Connacht showcasing their repertoire of skills in some brilliant high-class handball matches.
Leitrim handball was well represented with four of their up-and-coming players competing over the weekend. Playing in her home alley in Fenagh, Sophie Kane had to work hard to overcome dogged Galway opposition to get through her early round games. In the final, Sophie rallied strongly, defeating Keely Póil from Inis Oírr Co. Galway on a scoreline of 15:6, 15:1 before collecting her Connacht gold medal to rapturous applause from the local and travelling spectators.
Making her Connacht championship debut in the girls U11 singles category, Abbie Kane played strongly in her match against eventual champion Grace Connaughton. Her Galway opponent did enough to edge through, but Abbie can be happy with her day’s work in Drumshanbo.
Meanwhile in Collooney, two more Leitrim players compete in the U13 boy’s singles finals. Drumshanbo’s Mark MacShera played well in his match against Roscommon’s Michael Walsh however the Roscommon man prevailed. Fenagh’s Ruairi McKiernan had early success when he overcame Galway’s Liam Simon-Riggot in a tiebreak game. Despite carrying an injury into the matches, Ruairi fought hard in the next round to bring eventual finalist Donnacha Mulligan to a tiebreak game however the Claregalway man got the better of Ruairi this time.
All travelling supporters were treated to the very best of Leitrim hospitality over the weekend. A special word of appreciation to all the volunteers who provided or served refreshments, and to everyone who helped referee games, or helped in any way over the weekend.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Sophie Kane together with Ruairi McKiernan now turn their attention to the All-Ireland Gael Linn U13 mixed doubles finals next weekend. Playing in Breacach Co. Tyrone, the Fenagh duo are aiming to bring this prestigious title to Leitrim.

Meanwhile, the Connacht handball fraternity will make a return visit to Leitrim next weekend as focus turns to the U14-17 Connacht A championships. Leitrim will be hoping for further success when 10 players from Fenagh, Annaduff and Manorhamilton compete in their respective grades. Best of Luck to everyone in Connacht and All-Ireland action next weekend.

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Leitrim Senior Team / Squad v Laois Announced

#Allianz Football League – Div 3 – Round 1 – Leitrim v Laois

  Tomorrow, Saturday 8th Feb
⏰  2:30pm

  Ballinamore

 Please Note 

NO TICKETS ON SALE AT MATCH VENUE – Advance ticket sales only
(Tickets bought for the original fixture will be valid for this game)

Individual Games: https://am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/fbleitrimleague

4 Match Package: https://am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/link-page/883

or selected Centra & SuperValu stores:

Centra: Drumshanbo
SuperValu: Ballinamore,  Carrick On Shannon,  Manorhamilton

SCÓR SINSIR 2025

Calling all singers, dancers, musicians, actors and trivia experts to represent their local GAA club in the upcoming Senior Scór season.

Dátaí do Dhialann

Leitrim County Final
📍 Mayflower, Drumshanbo
📅 Saturday 8th March
⏰ Quiz 6:30pm
⏰ Stage 8:00pm

Connacht Final
📍 Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo
📅 Saturday 22nd March
⏰ Quiz 5:00pm
⏰ Stage 6:30pm

All Ireland Final
📍 TF Theatre, Castlebar
📅 Saturday 26th April

Laura Crossan – Scór
https://www.facebook.com/scorliatroma

Leitrim GAA Handball hosts Connacht Juvenile  A Finals.

Co. Leitrim will be the epicentre of Connacht juvenile handball over the next three weekends as Leitrim Handball host the 2025 Connacht Juvenile A finals. 

Proceedings start when Annaduff, Fenagh and Drumshanbo alleys in conjunction with Collooney in Sligo hosting the boys and girls u11, u12 and u13 finals next weekend.  

Best of luck to all the Leitrim Handball participants who will be vying for Connacht glory in their respective categories.

Connacht Juvenile 4-wall A Championship 2025  

 

Competition

Name(s)

Club(s)

U11 Girls Singles

Abbie Kane

Fenagh

U11 Boys Doubles

Bríon Cullen & Ronan Siebert

Manorhamilton

U13 Boys Singles

Mark MacShera

Drumshanbo

U13 Boys Singles

Ruairi McKiernan

Fenagh

U13/14 Girls Singles

Sophie Kane

Fenagh

U14 Girls Singles

Sophie Gallogly

Fenagh

U14 Boys Doubles

Adam Neary & Eoin Mahon

Annaduff

U15 Boys Singles

Peter Cox

Annaduff

U15 Boys Doubles

Daniel Kane  & Maxim Gilmartin

Fenagh / Annaduff

U16 Boys Singles

Garry Cox

Annaduff

U16 Boys Doubles

Cormac Scarff & Tadhg Kirwin

Manorhamilton

U17 Girls Singles

Katie Kane

Fenagh

 

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma

The weekend before last in the midst of all kinds of weather, the Scór na nÓg All Ireland Final took place in Monaghan.

Reigning county champions Eslin battled it out in the Tráth na gCeist competition and gave a mighty performance overall. They were were extremely unlucky not to make the final stages rounds having been in contention for one of the top three spots throughout the quiz. They finished up in 5th place in the end with minimal points between the top five teams. Having been in contention for a place in the final and similar to losing by point in the final minutes of a football game, we understand their disappointment but this young team have shown their ability to perform at a high standard at All Ireland level and we are confident that this is not the last we will see of them in the future. Well done to Eoin McNulty, Sarah Kiernan, Ben Kavanagh and Callum Kilcrann who represented Eslin and Leitrim with pride.

 

Leitrim was also represented by Ailíse Maxwell from Annaduff in the solo singing competition. She sang a beautiful Leitrim song called “Where Leitrim Waters Flow”.
Despite her wonderful performance, the winner on the day was Niamh Noade from Armagh. Ailíse has had a very successful year of singing and is the current Leitrim and Connacht Scór na nÓg Champion for Solo Singing as well as being All Ireland Fleadh Champion too.

Scór na nÓg 2024 All-Ireland Champions

Figure Dancing – Newcastle, Tipperary
Solo Singing – Niamh Noade, Mullaghbawn, Armagh
Recitation – Alanna Coroon, The Downs, Westmeath
Ballad Group – Glenflesk, Kerry
Novelty Act – Enniskillen Gaels, Fermanagh
Instrumental Music – Claregalway, Galway
Set Dancing – Spa, Kerry
Quiz – Naomh Columba, Donegal

Connacht Gael Linn Handball success for Fenagh’s Ruairi and Sophie.

Huge congratulations to Ruairi Mc Kiernan & Sophie Kane who won the Gael Linn 40×20 mixed doubles Connacht final hosted in Collooney Co. Sligo on Sunday last.

Representing their club Fenagh and Leitrim Handball in this novel competition, Ruairi and Sophie entered the alley in Collooney with strong ambition based on their recent form.  Each round was played over three matches consisting of a boy’s singles match, a girl’s singles, match and a mixed doubles match. In their quarter final tussle, the  Fenagh duo went about their business methodically to see off a Claregalway combination by an aggregate scoreline of 43-25 over the three matches.

Playing a duo from Bofield Co. Mayo in the semi-final, the Fenagh combination were made to work all the way through an epic three match marathon which took almost an hour to decide! With everything to play for Ruairi and Sophie needed to get a result from their mixed doubles match!  Bofield took an early 12:4 lead however unperturbed the Fenagh duo rallied superbly playing magnificent handball to take the match on a 15:12 scoreline. This was just enough to see them through to the final by the bare minimum aggregate score of 41:40!

Buoyed up by their tough semi-final games, the Fenagh combination met a formidable brother-sister combination from Moycullen Co, Galway in the Final. Watched on by a full house in Collooney,  Ruairi and Sophie played with confidence and composure in their singles matches beating their opponents by an aggregate score of 30-7 meaning they couldn’t be caught in the doubles match, and the Connacht Gael Linn title was coming to Leitrim.

Ruairi and Sophie now go on to represent Fenagh and Leitrim in the Gael Linn All Irelands finals in the national handball centre in Croke Park in  two weeks’ time.   The first Croke Park appearance for Leitrim in 2025!

 


County Leitrim Cumann Na mBunscol Final’s 2025

Drumshanbo handball alley in the Mayflower was standing room only on Sunday afternoon last for the 2025 Leitrim Cumann na mBunscol Finals.  Seven schools from across the county competed in boys and girls singles and doubles competitions in under 11 and under 13 categories. In what was their first competitive outing for many, all participants showed off great skill and confidence in the alley and their schools and handball clubs can be very proud of their accomplishments.

Pick of the matches on the day was the boys u13 singles final when Mark MacShera representing St Patricks NS Drumshanbo, and Ruairi McKiernan for St Bridget’s NS Drumcong served up a top-class display of handball with some astounding rallies.  However, Mark did enough to ensure the gold medal stayed in Drumshanbo this year. Also, the u13 boys doubles final served up a thriller when the clock ran out with only a single score dividing the St Brigids NS pairing of Sam Conroy and Kian McNabola from the Annaduff dynamic duo of Conor Cox and Enda Sharkey.

In line with the national renaissance in handball it was also exciting to see additional Leitrim schools rejoin this year’s event when Darragh Sutherland who trains with Annaduff Handball club represented Bornacoola NS in the boys u11 singles competition.

A big thank you to all the coaches, parents and teachers who prepared the children so brilliantly for Sunday, and to all in Drumshanbo Handball who looked after everyone so well on the day.

Congratulations to all the winners who now go forward to represent their schools and Leitrim in the Connacht Cumann na mBunscol finals in March.

 

Leitrim Cumann na mBunscol Finals 2025  

Drumshanbo – Feb 2nd

U11 Boys Single Semi-Final

Adam Sharkey (Annaduff NS) dft. Darren Sutherland (Bornacoola NS)

U11 Boys Single Final

Ronan Seibert (Gaelscol Chluainin) dft. Adam Sharkey (Annaduff NS)

U11 Boys Doubles Final

 Bríon Cullen & Danann English (St Clare’s NS) dft. Conor Cregan & Gerry Sharkey (Annaduff NS)

U11 Girls Singles Final

Abbie Kane (St Caillin’s NS) bye

U11 Girls Doubles Final

Doireann McKiernan & Eimer McKiernan (St Bridget’s NS) dft. Muireann Cox & Caoimhe Glancy (Annaduff NS)

U13 Boys Singles Semi-final

Ruairi McKiernan (St Bridget’s NS) dft. Padraig Mahon (Annaduff NS)

U13 Boys Singles Final

Mark MacShera (St Patricks NS) dft. Ruairi McKiernan (St Bridget’s NS)

U13 Boys Doubles Semi-Final

 Conor Cox & Enda Sharkery (Annaduff NS) dft. Donnagh McCawley & Sam Rynn (St Clare’s NS)

U13 Boys Doubles Final

Kian McNabola & Sam Conroy (St Bridget’s NS) dft. Conor Cox & Enda Sharkey (Annaduff NS)

U13 Girls Singles Final

Carlene Casserly (St Patrick’s NS) bye

U13 Girls Doubles Final

Kayla Crinnigan & Ciara Conlon (St Caillin’s NS) bye

 


Sophie for Leitrim Sports star.

Best wishes to Fenagh and Leitrim Handball’s Sophie Kane who is nominated in the juvenile category in the  Leitrim Sports Star awards next weekend.  Sophie is a brilliant ambassador for Leitrim Handball and her dedication and commitment to the sport makes her a great role model for all young people in the county.  Go néirí léi.

 

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Leitrim Senior Team / Squad v Clare Announced

#Allianz Football League – Div 3 – Round 2

| Clare Leitrim
| Sun, 02-Feb at 2pm
| in Cusack Park, Ennis

Please Note – NO TICKETS ON SALE AT MATCH VENUE.

Advance ticket sales only

Individual Gameshttps://am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/fbleitrimleague

4 Match Packagehttps://am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/link-page/883

7 Match Package:  https://am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/link-page/881

or selected Centra & SuperValu stores:

Centra: Drumshanbo
SuperValu: Ballinamore,  Carrick On Shannon,  Manorhamilton

#AllianzLeagues  #riseagain  #GAAbelong

Leitrim GAA are delighted to announce Mark Diffley, St Mary’s as Captain of the Leitrim Senior Football Team for 2025 & Barry McNulty, Glencar/Manorhamilton as Vice Captain.

Congratulations to both Mark and Barry & wishing them, the entire panel & management team every success for the year ahead as they take to the field tomorrow against Clare in Round 2 of the Allianz National Football League Division 3.

 

 

Leitrim GAA Supporters Club will charter a bus to next Sunday’s Allianz League Division 3 encounter with Clare in Cusack Park, if there are sufficient numbers interested.
Anybody who wishes to book a seat on the bus is advised to contact Jerome McWeeney ASAP at 0876370051.
Bookings need to be confirmed by Thursday evening latest.

Leitrim GAA Health and Wellbeing/Healthy Clubs

“ Reaching out to our relatives, friends and neighbours”

Right now in the aftermath of such a destructive storm is a good time for us to support those who normally support us.


Proposal to our players
.

1.  Would each of us or any of us be willing to volunteer to help out and look out for someone they already know ?

2.  Someone we already know – could be a relative/neighbour
or a friend who is finding these times challenging.

3.  This would involve making contact by phone or text or just dropping in to say hello especially after dark and maybe phoning ahead if that’s possible.

Benefits :

1.  Would ensure safety and sociability for many.

2.  A vital outlet for each to talk and feel valued. This could be a good time to chat about “The New Rules”!!!

3.  Helps alleviate loneliness for the housebound and ensure they are warm and have vital supplies.

Our community loves to share with our younger people. Under normal circumstances these people are our best supporters and this is a good time for us in the GAA to pay them back by Playing our part.

We have no doubt that people, especially our older generation would value interaction and contact with yourselves.

Thank you for considering this message.

Take care.
Bernie Mulligan Dolan
Chairperson.