It is with great sadness we learn of the death of Leitrim GAA Legend Packy McGarty RIP. Packy passed to his eternal reward last night (Monday).
Packy McGarty, not only one of the greatest Leitrim footballers to put on a county jersey but one of the greatest footballers of all time. Not just because he was a great footballer but because he embodied all that is admirable in human nature – pride of place, utter dedication, an almost fanatical devotion to the cause of Leitrim Football and a complete absence of bitterness. Above all, despite all the near misses and litany of disappointments, he retained that youthful enthusiasm that sustained him, year after year for all the 22 years he played Inter -county football ( 1949-1971).
Packy’s gave many majestic displays on the football field but among the most memorable were:
The 1954 Railway Cup game against Munster in Tralee
The Railway Cup semi-final v Leinster in 1958
The 1958 Connacht Final v Galway
The JF Kennedy games in New York in 1964 when two players were selected from each province to play in a Memorial Game
1954: At the age of 20 McGarty was a star with the county team and was rewarded with a starting place on the Connacht team against Munster in Tralee in 1954 along with his Leitrim colleague Tony Hayden. Packy was working with the ESB at the time in Donegal and began the long journey on Saturday morning arriving in Tralee on Saturday evening. He scored 1-4 that day and after his first point Padraig Carney (Mayo) came over to him and said, ‘well done junior’. M V Cogley writing in the Irish Press wrote- “Packy McGarty whose clean fielding, speed off the mark, and accurate placing proved altogether too much for Jas Murphy of Kerry who can rarely have had such an undistinguished hour’” Jas Murphy was 6’ 3 “and Packy loved playing against tall players. Packy was not overawed, he was always confident in his own ability
1958: Packy won three Railway Cup medals in ’57 and ’58 as a player and one as a sub in 1967. At the time Railway Cup Finals attracted crowds of 50,000. In the 1958 Railway Cup Railway Cup semi- Final in Ballinasloe against Leinster when he and his fellow parishioner Cathal Flynn from Gorvagh in a 1-11 to 0-7 victory between them scored 1-7. The headline in the Irish Press next day was ‘McGarty & Flynn-stole the show in Ballinasloe’
1958 Connacht Final: Packy was instrumental in getting Leitrim to four Connacht finals in a row – 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960 and 1963 & 1967. The 1958 Connacht Final, however, more than any of the others, has bittersweet memories for Packy, which Galway won by 2 points, 2-10 to 1-11. Sweet, because it was, perhaps, his greatest game ever in the Leitrim Jersey; bitter, because it was another defeat in a game Leitrim could have won Leitrim were 4 points behind at half-time and Packy recalls “there was only a light partition between the dressing rooms and the speeches coming from the dressing room at half-time were shocking. The partition was shaking with the hits”. Leitrim hit back in the second half and when Cathal Flynn banged home a goal. “Roscommon shook that day”. Leitrim pulled level with ten minutes to go, but Galway scored three late points to close out the game. McGarty was carried shoulder high off the pitch, but he felt that “the stuffing was knocked out of us that day”. The Roscommon Herald reported that it was one of the best Connacht Finals ever seen; It went on “Packy, this loyal son of Leitrim, was an inspiration. Bobbing, ducking, swerving, splitting the defence with his brilliant runs, placing shrewd passes, rallying his forces, and his display will be a treasured gem in the storehouse of treasured memories. The Leitrim Observer humorously recorded “A half time tip to the Leitrim mentors went unheeded, send McGarty out for the second half without a jersey”
Peadar O Brien in the Irish Press reported- ‘Oh what a wonderful hour of football glory for 15 gallant Leitrim men’. Galway were good but had no one to match the brilliance of McGarty’
The reporter Breffni in the Longford Leader ‘considering he was pulled on 14 times, and his no 11 jersey in shreds he gave a lesson in sportsmanship as he never once retaliated although he received plenty of provocation. Long may he reign as King’
Journalist Jim Lydon wrote- “The wonderful display of Packy McGarty will live long in the memory of the 12,000 spectators fortunate enough to be present. I have never witnessed nor can I ever hope to witness a better individual performance than that turned in by the wonderful Leitrim player. It was indeed a fitting tribute that he should be carried off the field shoulder high at the end of a brilliant game”
1964 – J F Kennedy Memorial Games Gaelic Park New York – Leitrim beat Cavan 1-9 to 0-8 with Packy scoring 8 points.
Packy won three Irish ‘Caps’ when an Ireland team played the Combined Universities’ in an annual event where the proceeds went to the Catholic Social Services Conference. To represent Ireland was the greatest honour the GAA could bestow on a player
Packy also has the most unusual distinction of been marked by the same player in three matches in one week. Jas Murphy (Kerry & Munster) marked Packy in the Railway Cup on Sunday, Jas marked Packy again on the Monday in an All Ireland v Combined Universities match and again on a Friday night in a Dublin League game between UCD & Sean McDermott’s.
Packy was honoured in been selected on the Sunday Independent Team of the Century for players who never won an All-Ireland, the Connacht Team of the Millennium and of course the Leitrim Team of the Millennium.
On a very special night in the Bush Hotel at the Leitrim team of the Millennium Dinner Leo McAlinden speaking on behalf of the team paid a heartfelt tribute to Packy McGarty “I feel compelled to mention one player. He would be what we now call a Superstar. Packy McGarty is an incredibly special person. He is exceptionally talented but is also the most modest and easiest controlled player this county has ever seen. No players has given the Administration less trouble than Packy McGarty” At this point in the proceedings 300 people stood up and gave a resounding round of applause to this man who many refer to as the ‘GOD’ of Leitrim football.
We should leave the last word to Jack Mahon (R.I.P.), the famous Galway player, who was McGarty’s direct opponent in three Connacht finals, and with whom McGarty lined out for Connacht in the Railway Cup. His tribute is a fitting testimony to Packy, both as a player and a human being.
“It was my pleasure and at times discomfort to be Packie’s direct opponent in the Connacht Finals of 1957 in Galway, 1958 in Roscommon and ’59 in Sligo. He was then at the zenith of his career. He had the elasticity of a rubber ball, could turn on a sixpence, was an impeccable sportsman, kept coming at you toe to hand, toe to hand, was indomitable, irrepressible, a born footballer. ’58 was his greatest hour. I remember being delighted to see the rain fall before the end, feeling I would have a fielding advantage, which I had. One incident from that game, refereed by Johnny Mulvey, is still with me. Early in the game Sean Purcell and myself sandwiched him between us, and a knowing nod between us suggested the end of the threat of McGarty that day. He bounced up from being winded to take the free, got on with the game, and played the game of his life.
I remember clearly the 1959 final in Sligo. I had been injured in a clash with Packy just before the full-time whistle, and for one reason or another did not meet him after the game. I had to drive my brother Brendan to catch the boat from Dun Laoghaire to England. Having bid goodbye to my brother who should race down the pier, almost the last to catch the boat, bag in hand but the bold Packy. A quick shake hands, no time for a chat, but I really admired this man who had to be in time for work the following morning. It was around this time that Packy was the victim of a vicious frontal charge after he had kicked the ball in a club game with Tara’s. A rotten facial injury required eleven stitches and the culprit, well known in London circles, got off scot-free. A lesser mortal would have given it all up. Not Packy. This greatest of all Leitrim men had more to give to his county”
On behalf of Leitrim GAA, we extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Ella and the entire McGarty family at their very sad loss.
Packy McGarty RIP Leitrim GAA
Packy McGarty RIP Mohill GAA
The late Packy McGarty RIP, Leitrim GAA and Mohill GAA.
General, RIPIt is with great sadness we learn of the death of Leitrim GAA Legend Packy McGarty RIP. Packy passed to his eternal reward last night (Monday).
Packy McGarty, not only one of the greatest Leitrim footballers to put on a county jersey but one of the greatest footballers of all time. Not just because he was a great footballer but because he embodied all that is admirable in human nature – pride of place, utter dedication, an almost fanatical devotion to the cause of Leitrim Football and a complete absence of bitterness. Above all, despite all the near misses and litany of disappointments, he retained that youthful enthusiasm that sustained him, year after year for all the 22 years he played Inter -county football ( 1949-1971).
Packy’s gave many majestic displays on the football field but among the most memorable were:
The 1954 Railway Cup game against Munster in Tralee
The Railway Cup semi-final v Leinster in 1958
The 1958 Connacht Final v Galway
The JF Kennedy games in New York in 1964 when two players were selected from each province to play in a Memorial Game
1954: At the age of 20 McGarty was a star with the county team and was rewarded with a starting place on the Connacht team against Munster in Tralee in 1954 along with his Leitrim colleague Tony Hayden. Packy was working with the ESB at the time in Donegal and began the long journey on Saturday morning arriving in Tralee on Saturday evening. He scored 1-4 that day and after his first point Padraig Carney (Mayo) came over to him and said, ‘well done junior’. M V Cogley writing in the Irish Press wrote- “Packy McGarty whose clean fielding, speed off the mark, and accurate placing proved altogether too much for Jas Murphy of Kerry who can rarely have had such an undistinguished hour’” Jas Murphy was 6’ 3 “and Packy loved playing against tall players. Packy was not overawed, he was always confident in his own ability
1958: Packy won three Railway Cup medals in ’57 and ’58 as a player and one as a sub in 1967. At the time Railway Cup Finals attracted crowds of 50,000. In the 1958 Railway Cup Railway Cup semi- Final in Ballinasloe against Leinster when he and his fellow parishioner Cathal Flynn from Gorvagh in a 1-11 to 0-7 victory between them scored 1-7. The headline in the Irish Press next day was ‘McGarty & Flynn-stole the show in Ballinasloe’
1958 Connacht Final: Packy was instrumental in getting Leitrim to four Connacht finals in a row – 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960 and 1963 & 1967. The 1958 Connacht Final, however, more than any of the others, has bittersweet memories for Packy, which Galway won by 2 points, 2-10 to 1-11. Sweet, because it was, perhaps, his greatest game ever in the Leitrim Jersey; bitter, because it was another defeat in a game Leitrim could have won Leitrim were 4 points behind at half-time and Packy recalls “there was only a light partition between the dressing rooms and the speeches coming from the dressing room at half-time were shocking. The partition was shaking with the hits”. Leitrim hit back in the second half and when Cathal Flynn banged home a goal. “Roscommon shook that day”. Leitrim pulled level with ten minutes to go, but Galway scored three late points to close out the game. McGarty was carried shoulder high off the pitch, but he felt that “the stuffing was knocked out of us that day”. The Roscommon Herald reported that it was one of the best Connacht Finals ever seen; It went on “Packy, this loyal son of Leitrim, was an inspiration. Bobbing, ducking, swerving, splitting the defence with his brilliant runs, placing shrewd passes, rallying his forces, and his display will be a treasured gem in the storehouse of treasured memories. The Leitrim Observer humorously recorded “A half time tip to the Leitrim mentors went unheeded, send McGarty out for the second half without a jersey”
Peadar O Brien in the Irish Press reported- ‘Oh what a wonderful hour of football glory for 15 gallant Leitrim men’. Galway were good but had no one to match the brilliance of McGarty’
The reporter Breffni in the Longford Leader ‘considering he was pulled on 14 times, and his no 11 jersey in shreds he gave a lesson in sportsmanship as he never once retaliated although he received plenty of provocation. Long may he reign as King’
Journalist Jim Lydon wrote- “The wonderful display of Packy McGarty will live long in the memory of the 12,000 spectators fortunate enough to be present. I have never witnessed nor can I ever hope to witness a better individual performance than that turned in by the wonderful Leitrim player. It was indeed a fitting tribute that he should be carried off the field shoulder high at the end of a brilliant game”
1964 – J F Kennedy Memorial Games Gaelic Park New York – Leitrim beat Cavan 1-9 to 0-8 with Packy scoring 8 points.
Packy won three Irish ‘Caps’ when an Ireland team played the Combined Universities’ in an annual event where the proceeds went to the Catholic Social Services Conference. To represent Ireland was the greatest honour the GAA could bestow on a player
Packy also has the most unusual distinction of been marked by the same player in three matches in one week. Jas Murphy (Kerry & Munster) marked Packy in the Railway Cup on Sunday, Jas marked Packy again on the Monday in an All Ireland v Combined Universities match and again on a Friday night in a Dublin League game between UCD & Sean McDermott’s.
Packy was honoured in been selected on the Sunday Independent Team of the Century for players who never won an All-Ireland, the Connacht Team of the Millennium and of course the Leitrim Team of the Millennium.
On a very special night in the Bush Hotel at the Leitrim team of the Millennium Dinner Leo McAlinden speaking on behalf of the team paid a heartfelt tribute to Packy McGarty “I feel compelled to mention one player. He would be what we now call a Superstar. Packy McGarty is an incredibly special person. He is exceptionally talented but is also the most modest and easiest controlled player this county has ever seen. No players has given the Administration less trouble than Packy McGarty” At this point in the proceedings 300 people stood up and gave a resounding round of applause to this man who many refer to as the ‘GOD’ of Leitrim football.
We should leave the last word to Jack Mahon (R.I.P.), the famous Galway player, who was McGarty’s direct opponent in three Connacht finals, and with whom McGarty lined out for Connacht in the Railway Cup. His tribute is a fitting testimony to Packy, both as a player and a human being.
“It was my pleasure and at times discomfort to be Packie’s direct opponent in the Connacht Finals of 1957 in Galway, 1958 in Roscommon and ’59 in Sligo. He was then at the zenith of his career. He had the elasticity of a rubber ball, could turn on a sixpence, was an impeccable sportsman, kept coming at you toe to hand, toe to hand, was indomitable, irrepressible, a born footballer. ’58 was his greatest hour. I remember being delighted to see the rain fall before the end, feeling I would have a fielding advantage, which I had. One incident from that game, refereed by Johnny Mulvey, is still with me. Early in the game Sean Purcell and myself sandwiched him between us, and a knowing nod between us suggested the end of the threat of McGarty that day. He bounced up from being winded to take the free, got on with the game, and played the game of his life.
I remember clearly the 1959 final in Sligo. I had been injured in a clash with Packy just before the full-time whistle, and for one reason or another did not meet him after the game. I had to drive my brother Brendan to catch the boat from Dun Laoghaire to England. Having bid goodbye to my brother who should race down the pier, almost the last to catch the boat, bag in hand but the bold Packy. A quick shake hands, no time for a chat, but I really admired this man who had to be in time for work the following morning. It was around this time that Packy was the victim of a vicious frontal charge after he had kicked the ball in a club game with Tara’s. A rotten facial injury required eleven stitches and the culprit, well known in London circles, got off scot-free. A lesser mortal would have given it all up. Not Packy. This greatest of all Leitrim men had more to give to his county”
On behalf of Leitrim GAA, we extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Ella and the entire McGarty family at their very sad loss.
Packy McGarty RIP Leitrim GAA
Packy McGarty RIP Mohill GAA
UPDATE: winawedding.ie €1,000 winner – Mary Poniard, Manorhamilton
Cairde LiatromaUpdate: Congratulations to Mary Poniard in Manorhamilton who was our winner of €1,000 earlier tonight in our winaWedding draw !
Our winawedding fundraiser is proving to be quite a hit as the early bird tickets sold out in 10 days and sales have been very strong since it was launched. The quality and value of the prize on offer organised by Leitrim GAA in conjunction with Lough Rynn Castle is attracting a lot of attention. The gift option to purchase tickets on behalf of others is being very well received. The website is winawedding.ie where standard and gift tickets are available to purchase online.
Tonight our County Secretary Declan Bohan will host the draw for one lucky winner whose number will be generated at random from the pool of 1,000 early bird tickets. The draw will be broadcast on our Facebook page at 8pm.
winaWedding.ie – Early Bird tickets are nearly sold out
Cairde LiatromaLast Friday night we announced our exciting win a Wedding draw worth €25,000 in conjunction with Lough Rynn Castle Estate and Gardens. Ticket sales have been very strong all week and we want to alert you to the fact that the Early Bird tickets are nearly sold out. There will be an additional mini draw for €1,000 when the early bird tickets are sold.
To get a ticket go to winaWedding.ie. There is a gift option available so you can purchase a ticket on behalf of someone else.
We also have a dedicated Facebook page and Instagram page set up for the duration of the draw.
The details of the draw are:
Win a €25,000 Dream Wedding Day Package At Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens
It’s a fairy tale dream of many to get married in a Castle, and for one lucky couple this dream could be made a reality, by simply entering a competition on winaWedding.ie
If you have put your wedding plans on hold due to the pandemic, or maybe you are recently engaged, then here’s a competition worth entering. Leitrim GAA in partnership with the luxurious Lough Rynn Castle Estate and Gardens, are offering a lucky couple the opportunity to Win a Dream Wedding, valued at €25,000 for 150 guests.
The ticket price of €22.50 is for an early bird purchase with multiple ticket purchases priced at €20 each
The dream prize covers everything you would want for that perfect day:
• Arrival Drinks and Canapé Reception for all your guests
• An exquisite 6 Course Meal
• Wine served though out the meal
• An Evening Buffet
• Room décor – including pipe draping, fairy lights and chair covers
• Wedding Suite + 10 deluxe bedrooms for bridal party and / or family
• Full access to the Lough Rynn Estate & Walled Gardens for Photography
Simply enter at winaWedding.ie with the first 1,000 tickets offered at €22.50 each. Tickets can be purchased for yourself or as a gift.
Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens have a dedicated Wedding Team available 7 days a week, and look forward to working with the winning couple in putting their dream plan together.
The wedding prize is valid until January 2025, with an option to extend to January 2026.
To enter the draw, tickets can be purchased at winaWedding.ie, so hurry as the first 1,000 tickets are being sold at an Early Bird price of €22.50 with total tickets limited to 4995. There will be an additional mini draw for €1,000 when the early bird tickets are sold.
The Draw is scheduled to take place on July 3rd and is being run by Cairde Liatroma on behalf of Leitrim GAA.
winaWedding.ie – Win a €25,000 Dream Wedding Day Package At Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens
Cairde Liatroma[UPDATE: The Early Bird tickets sold out in 10 days – ticket prices are currently €27.50 each with multiple ticket purchases priced at €25 each]
Win a €25,000 Dream Wedding Day Package At Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens
It’s a fairy tale dream of many to get married in a Castle, and for one lucky couple this dream could be made a reality, by simply entering a competition on winaWedding.ie
If you have put your wedding plans on hold due to the pandemic, or maybe you are recently engaged, then here’s a competition worth entering. Leitrim GAA in partnership with the luxurious Lough Rynn Castle Estate and Gardens, are offering a lucky couple the opportunity to Win a Dream Wedding, valued at €25,000 for 150 guests.
The ticket price of €27.50 with multiple ticket purchases priced at €25 each
The dream prize covers everything you would want for that perfect day:
• Arrival Drinks and Canapé Reception for all your guests
• An exquisite 6 Course Meal
• Wine served though out the meal
• An Evening Buffet
• Room décor – including pipe draping, fairy lights and chair covers
• Wedding Suite + 10 deluxe bedrooms for bridal party and / or family
• Full access to the Lough Rynn Estate & Walled Gardens for Photography
Simply enter at winaWedding.ie – Tickets can be purchased for yourself or as a gift.
Chairman of Leitrim GAA, Enda Stenson says “we are delighted to partner up with the beautiful Lough Rynn Castle. It is one of the leading wedding venues in the country, and we are thrilled with Lough Rynn’s support to Leitrim GAA. It’s an amazing prize for some lucky couple to win, I’ve been to weddings there myself, and it’s a super venue, the service is always top class, and the grounds and walled gardens are spectacular for wedding pictures. This is a hugely positive initiative given the difficult year we have all had”
Speaking to Lough Rynn Castle’s General Manager Ciaran Reidy, “We have always been loyal supporters of our local GAA community, and we are extremely proud to support Leitrim GAA through this campaign, which will benefit the overall development of county Leitrim GAA.
For the prize winners, they certainly are in for a treat; we will ensure they have the most wonderful wedding day experience.
This competition is open to everyone, we are particularly mindful of all those who have been unable to hold the wedding of their dreams due to restrictions and who have a wish to celebrate their union with wider family and friends at a later stage , where this prize is ideally suited to them also. We are extremely excited about this partnership. The tickets can be also purchased as a gift and the prize is valid up to January 2025.”
Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens have a dedicated Wedding Team available 7 days a week, and look forward to working with the winning couple in putting their dream plan together.
The wedding prize is valid until January 2025, with an option to extend to January 2026.
The Draw is scheduled to take place on July 3rd and is being run by Cairde Liatroma on behalf of Leitrim GAA.
here is a quick recap of the launch that was broadcast earlier:
The website is winaWedding.ie
Please like and share the links that are available on our social media channels. We have also set up a special Facebook page that is operational from today. Would you mind helping us jump start it – all you have to do is like and share it.
We will be posting regular updates on it over the next few days so any likes & reposts you can give our content is much appreciated.
New Laochra Gael Series returns to TG4
GeneralLAOCHRA GAEL returns with six more legends who performed heroics on the field and who each have a unique and extraordinary story to tell.
The Laochra Gael season returns on TG4 at 9:30pm on Thursday evenings starting 25th March
YouTube clip: https://youtu.be/T-rD7bTT3us
#LaochraGael
The definitive GAA sports series returned to TG4 this spring for a 19th series. The hour-long format has proved a huge success, bringing each player’s personal stories to screen. The series which already featured six extraordinary Laochra with genuine star quality took a break from our screens in early February but is now returning with the remaining six exceptional Laochra. The series reveals deeper, fresh and sometimes unexpected insights into the lives of these icons. While their sporting careers continue to provide the backdrop to the story, the series travels well beyond the four white lines. Gripping personal storylines will compel viewers to travel towards territory unique to the GAA television landscape.
The Laochra Gael season returns on TG4 at 9:30pm on Thursday evenings starting 25th March.
Laochra Gael Series:
Programme 1: Eoin Larkin, 9.30pm, Thursday 25th March
Programme 2: Pete McGrath, 9.30pm, Thursday 1st April
Programme 3: Briege Corkery, 9.30pm, Thursday 8th April
Programme 4: Bernard Flynn, 9.30pm, Thursday 15th April
Programme 5: Seán Cavanagh, 9.30pm, Thursday 22nd April
Programme 6: Liam Griffin, 9.30pm, Thursday 29th April
Eoin Larkin
Laochra Gael returns with the story of Kilkenny hurler, Eoin Larkin. Hurling has been at the core of his life since he was a boy. And the game was vital in maintaining Eoin’s bond with his father after his parents’ separation. After successful years underage, Eoin became a cornerstone of the greatest team of all time, winning 8 All Ireland medals and Hurler of the Year. But in the background he was struggling. Towards the end of his career, his mental health declined. He kept his suffering a secret, until he received a phone call from Brian Cody that changed his life.
Pete McGrath
Pete played football in the North in the seventies, a time when Gaelic Games was a dangerous pursuit. As a teacher and trainer, he instilled in young people that sport was the best way to express their nationalism. As manager of Down, he brought the Sam Maguire across the border for the first time since the sixties, inspiring an Ulster Takeover in football. The cloud of violence was always present, but for a time Pete McGrath and the Down footballers united the province, and the country.
Briege Corkery
eighteen All Ireland medals and sixteen All Stars, Dual-Star Briege has won more than anyone in the history of Gaelic Games. She accepted two Sportswoman of the Year awards with humility and shyness. She was the ultimate team player. The life and soul of the dressing room, the lynchpin on the field, Briege collected her last All Ireland six months after giving birth to her son Tadhg. In the conversation about the greatest of all time, Briege Corkery is at the centre.
Bernard Flynn
Despite being small from the day he was born, Bernard was at the centre of the Meath football revival under Seán Boylan. As part of a legendary full forward line, Bernard provided some of the greatest individual displays of any forward in his era. Unbeknownst to anyone, he was struggling the whole time. He paid dearly for it in retirement when his body completely gave up. And while he was suffering physically, his entire business collapsed overnight. It was then that Bernard learned the true meaning of survival.
Seán Cavanagh
Seán overcame his early challenges with nutrition to become one of the most accomplished athletes of his era. He put himself under incredible pressure. Insecurity became a driving force, and he came through the tragedies that were visited upon the team to win three All Ireland titles. Uncompromising on the field and in life, Seán has had his share of criticism. But nobody bothers Seán more than Seán Cavanagh, one of the most fascinating characters in modern sport.
Liam Griffin
For the Series Finale of Laochra Gael comes the story of Liam Griffin. He was inspired by the Rackards and their likes as he grew up, but Wexford hurling was in dire straits when Liam was made manager in 1995. It went from bad to worse from the start with heavy defeats and controversy. In his second year as manager, unbeknownst to anyone he would be stepping down as soon as Wexford were out of the championship because of his wife Mary’s illness. As it happened, they went all the way in 1996. He wasn’t there for long but Liam Griffin’s legacy will live forever.
Ahead of the new Laochra Gael Series Uachtarán CLG, John Horan said: “I am delighted to see the success of the Laochra Gael series continuing and for another batch of worthy heroes to be recognised. The history of the GAA has been blessed by some inspirational figures who have helped shape the games that are so popular today and mean so much to so many. This series gives us a chance to again salute that contribution. Congrats to all involved.”
TG4’s Head of Sport, Rónán Ó Coisdealbha said: “TG4 are very proud to be broadcasting another great series of Laochra Gael which marks the great achievements and stories that our Gaelic Games legends have to tell. This is the beginning of the nineteenth series of Laochra Gael which aired on TG4 for the first time in 2001 and it has continued as a long standing and popular part of our schedule bringing these amazing stories to viewers in Ireland and all over the world. I wish to thank all the participants who took part, their families, Nemeton TV, GAA, LGFA, Camogie Association and everyone in the extended Gaelic Games family for all their assistance in making this series happen in such a challenging year.”
This new season’s batch of GAA Legends already included Kevin Cassidy who lost out on an All Ireland medal because of his contribution to a book – Ryan O’Dwyer, who was on the cusp of leading the Dublin hurlers to glory, before he cost them an All Ireland title. Thérèse Maher, who finally fulfilled her destiny having lost five All Ireland Camogie Finals. Roscommon’s Shane Curran, one of football’s great characters, and the prototype of the modern playmaking goalkeeper. Johnny Pilkington, the heartbeat of the mighty Offaly hurlers of the 1990s, and one of the game’s greatest characters. And Dermot Earley, who showed extraordinary courage in the face of crippling injuries, cancer and the death of his father. These can currently be viewed on the TG4 Player.
Twelve outstanding Gaels. Twelve remarkable personal stories.
The series is produced by NemetonTV, the independent production company from An Rinn in the Waterford Gaeltacht which has produced much of TG4’s acclaimed sports coverage.
Media Contact: Linda Ní Ghríofa, Communications Editor TG4, linda.ni.ghriofa@tg4.ie Mob: 087 9172864
Cairde Liatroma CLG Committee approved among other Leitrim GAA 2021 Committees
GeneralAmong the various 2021 sub-committees of Leitrim GAA which were approved at a meeting of the Leitrim GAA Management Committee of 13.03.2021 is the newly established Cairde Liatroma Sub-Committee. This committee will be responsible for fundraising ongoing and in addition to normal activities of the Leitrim GAA Supporters Club Committee. The new committee will be making an exciting announcement on Friday night at 8pm here and on our Facebook page.
We wish the members of all the sub-committees the best of luck in their work throughout 2021.
Leitrim GAA Management Committee: Enda Stenson (Chair): Michael Quinn: Declan Bohan (Rúnaí): Martin McCartin: Noeleen McLoughlin: Barbara Loughlin Byrne: Terence Boyle: Attracta O’Reilly: PJ Meehan: John Mulvey: Pat Feely: Enda Tiernan: Laura Crossan: Paddy O Connor: Paul Murphy: Jamie Murray: Mark Heslin: Vincent O Rourke: Brian Blake.
Competitions Control Committee: Seamus McManus (Chair): Vincent O Rourke (Rúnaí): John Keenan [Rúnaí Smachta]: P. Mc Morrow: M. Doherty: S. Mc Goldrick [Underage Fixtures]: H. Phelan [Coiste Iomána]: E O Grady [Referees coordinator]. D. Bohan (Fixture Analyst)
Hearings Committee: S. Mc Govern (Chair): L. Faughnan [Rúnaí]: P. Egan: S. Murray: J. Mc Nama: K. Torsney: T. Boyle.
Finance Committee: M. McCartin [Chair]: J. Mulvey: N. McLoughlin: P. O’Connor: M. Quinn: E. Stenson: D. Bohan.
Cairde Liatroma Committee: M. McCartin (Chair): J. Mulvey: M. Feeney: N. McLoughlin: E. Duignan: P. White: S. Clarke: C. Clarke: B. Doyle: B. Blake.
Public Relations/Marketing Committee B. Loughlin-Byrne: J. Molloy: B. Doyle: D. Bohan: E. Tiernan: B. Blake.
Coiste Iomána: P. O Connor (Chair): H. Phelan(Rúnaí): E. Stenson: D. Bohan: Martin McCartin: plus one delegate of each affiliated club.
Cultural Committee: L. Crossan(Chair): G Keegan: B. Reynolds: R. Kennedy: C. Crossan: K. Butler.
Supporters Club: J. Mulvey (Chair): M. Quinn, M. Mc Cartin: J. J. Cullen: M. Feeney: N. McLoughlin: S. Mc Goldrick: G. Gallogly: J. McWeeney: T. Boyle: A. O’Reilly: B. Loughlin-Byrne: P Brown: C. McCartin (NY).
Coiste na nÓg: P. Murphy [Chair]: M. Kenny(Rúnaí): B. Loughlin Byrne: N. McLoughlin: S. McGoldrick: P. McGourty: M. McKiernan: M. Heslin.
Coaching and Games Steering Committee: P. Murphy [Chair]: T. Keenan [Rúnaí]: E. Stenson: D. Bohan: M. McCartin: B. Loughlin Byrne: M. Heslin: C. Cregg.
Páirc Seán Committee: S. Mc Goldrick (Chair) M. Doherty: R. Butler: S. Murray: E. Stenson: S. Butler: M. Diffley: A. O Reilly: M. McCartin:
Health and Wellbeing: B. Loughlin-Byrne (Chair) N. Brady (Rúnaí): K. Williams: M. Fanning: T. Boyle: D. Loftus: H. McHugh: M. Heslin.
Handball: J. Murray (Chair): J. Smyth (Rúnaí): S. Wrynn (Treasurer): N. Scollan (PRO):
Fixtures Analysts: D. Bohan: M. Quinn.
County Development and Safety: T. Boyle (Chair) M. Quinn: P. McGourty: P. Feely: PJ Meehan: H. Clinton: S. Mc Goldrick.
Dr Philomena MacManus (née O’Hagan) Manorhamilton RIP
General, RIPThe death has occurred of Dr Philomena MacManus, mother of John MacManus, loyal sponsor and long time friend of Leitrim GAA. We wish to express our deepest sympathy to her husband Desmond, children Liz, John, Maeve and Dervla, brother Fergus, sisters Leon, Norleen and Mai, daughter-in-law Maria, sons-in-law Fred, Conor and Denis, adoring grandchildren Cathal Óg, Aisling, Eoin, Garrett, Eabha, Ríona, Gavin, Desmond, Aoife, Conall, Tom and Maebh, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and large circle of friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sí.
Be Ready To Play
CoachingA Message From Cathal Cregg- Connacht GAA…..
Attached is important information on the “Be Ready to Play Programme” (https://www.gaa.ie/news/ground-breaking-be-ready-to-play-coaching-programme-launched/).
We are running a live launch webinar on Tuesday March 2nd at 7pm via Microsoft Teams. It would be great if you can join us, just click on the link below:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NmZkNDgwYTktOGI4Zi00ODFhLTg1N2EtNmZiOWQ5NDMwNzA0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22ac45bc86-afd4-42a5-9fc3-3e87e1b77fce%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a435cf56-8783-4469-b1f6-a4e18adcc9fd%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d
Speakers for the launch include:
Registration begins through the GAA eLearning site on March 3rd https://learning.gaa.ie/bereadytoplay
The GAA Be Ready to Play Programme is a Coaching and Sports Science programme, supported by UPMC Healthcare, that will be delivered via webinars, online training programmes, instructional videos and live sessions. This is a holistic programme supporting male and female youth and adult players, and coaches during their return to training post Covid and building up to playing games again, therefore encompassing the full playing season. We aim to educate coaches and players by providing an evidence informed programme. This will hopefully result in increased enjoyment, performance, participation and reduced injury risk.
The Programme will include –
Our goal is to sign up as many Gaelic Games Coaches and players as possible and support return to play while providing a lasting educational and support resource for Gaelic Games.
Fosterign Campaign
GeneralWould you like to become a Foster Parent? Please follow the link Below
Fostering Poster MS teams 10th March 2021 (1)
Virtual Scór 2021
ScórCalling on all Leitrim clubs. Its that time of year again to dust off the dancing shoes, take out those musical instruments or clear the throat for a song or a resitation. For more information contact irishculturalofficer.leitrim@gaa.ie
Irish Language & Cultural Officer Webinar (Thursday February 25th 2021)
GeneralMasonite Ireland Recruiting General Operatives
GeneralMasonite Ireland, a long-established manufacturing company in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, is seeking to recruit a number of General Operatives to start in March.
Responsibilities
As a General Operative, you will be responsible for:
Further details here
Masonite Ireland has a long association with Leitrim GAA and is currently the sponsor of the Adult Club Leagues.