Connacht G.A.A. ensures the West is well and truly awake!
The G.A.A. dressing rooms, pitches, walkways and training grounds around the country maybe desolate, however, it’s cultural wing, Scór, is busier than ever. From Manorhamilton in North Leitrim down to beautiful Kinvara in South Galway, and from Achill on the Atlantic coast to Tarmonbarry on the Roscommon/Longford border, there’s barely a club in the mighty West left untouched by GAA Scór activities. How fitting so are the words of Thomas Davies’ rousing ballad ‘The West’s Awake’, to celebrate Scór participation in Connacht during these unprecedented times and represent the province in Virtual Scór.
This memorable rendition of a song synonymous with wonderful sporting days for western teams, features over 30 musicians and singers from 14 clubs across the province. With all local and county rivalries put aside, these performers have contributed their time and expertise for this special collaboration in a spirit of goodwill and pride befitting our country’s response to the challenging times we are living through. A great surprise to many was the inclusion of G.A.A. legends Jimmy Murray (Roscommon), Joe McDonagh (Galway) and of course, who many would regard as the original voice of Gaelic games, Dublin’s, Mícheál Ó hEithir.
The project was co-ordinated by Tom Murray, Rúnaí of Coiste Scór Chonnacht, who put the call out to Connacht Scór officials and delegates from each county to liaise with people at local level. Seán Ó Murchú, Cathaoirleach, Coiste Scór Chonnacht, has praised the efforts of all involved saying “it’s so heartening to see the great calibre of talent in the west making such a united contribution to ‘Virtual Scór’”. These sentiments were echoed by Gerry McGovern, Uachtarán, Comhairle Chonnacht, who remarked “all in Connacht G.A.A. can be immensely proud of this initiative”.
Ensuring that the final product was successfully brought together, the expertise and experience of Gareth McGreevy from Saul GAA in Co. Down was brought on board. Gareth has been responsible for some excellent ‘Virtual Scór’ collaborations over the past few weeks which have seen singers and musicians from all over Ireland record versions of the ‘May the Road Rise to Meet You’ and Dana’s ‘All Kinds of Everything’. Connacht Scór is indebted to Gareth for lending his time and professionalism to his fellow Gaels in the west.
‘Virtual Scór’ has been a source of tremendous entertainment, distraction and fun over the past two months. The absence of our native field sports and club activities has left an indelible void in the lives of many and presented an obstacle to the natural expression of our Irishness offered through Cumann Luthchleas Gael. ‘Virtual Scór’ has hugely helped to counteract this void for many Gaels all over the country and beyond, and so Connacht Scór would like to dedicate this song to the men behind the movement, Aodán Ó Braonáin, Chairman of the National Scór Committee, and Rúnaí, Jamie Ó Tuama (Páirc an Chrócaigh), for their tireless work and efforts in keeping Scór to the fore in this novel way.
Singers and musicians involved in the production are:
Cian and Caoimhe Kearns (Owenmore Gaels GAA, Sligo), Niamh Farrell (St. Mary’s GAA, Sligo), Damien McGuinness and Deirdre Kilgannon (St. Farnon’s GAA, Sligo), Carmel Costelloe (Menlough/Skehana GAA, Galway), Ellen Keane, Emily and Emmet Greaney (Abbeyknockmoy GAA, Galway), Siobhán Breathnach (Kilconly GAA, Galway), Paula Kiernan (Carrigallen GAA, Leitrim), Fionnuala Maxwell (Annaduff GAA, Leitrim), Laura Crossan and Eleanor Smith (St. Mary’s Kiltoghert GAA, Leitrim), Sarah Keane (Elphin GAA, Roscommon), Fiachra Guihen, Elizabeth Earley and Rachel Noone (St. Ronan’s GAA, Roscommon), Mary Murray, Claire and Anne Marie Murray, Lisa and Tom Murray, Louise Fallon, Ciara Dempsey, Áine O’Connor Flynn, Padraig and Gordon O’Connor, Donncha and Alastair Beegan (St. Dominics GAA, Roscommon, Ann Forry and Fiona Connaghan (CLG Acla/Achill GAA, Mayo), Joanne McAndrew (Kilfian GAA, Mayo).
The production was launched at 8pm on Friday evening on Connacht G.A.A.’s Facebook page. In less than 20 hours it has over 21,000 views from right across the world.
In the words of Thomas Davies “but hark a voice like thunder spake, the West’s Awake, the West’s Awake!”
Leitrim Handball Juvenile Christmas League reaches knockout stages3rd January 2025 - 1:00 pm
The West Is Awake!
ScórConnacht G.A.A. ensures the West is well and truly awake!
The G.A.A. dressing rooms, pitches, walkways and training grounds around the country maybe desolate, however, it’s cultural wing, Scór, is busier than ever. From Manorhamilton in North Leitrim down to beautiful Kinvara in South Galway, and from Achill on the Atlantic coast to Tarmonbarry on the Roscommon/Longford border, there’s barely a club in the mighty West left untouched by GAA Scór activities. How fitting so are the words of Thomas Davies’ rousing ballad ‘The West’s Awake’, to celebrate Scór participation in Connacht during these unprecedented times and represent the province in Virtual Scór.
This memorable rendition of a song synonymous with wonderful sporting days for western teams, features over 30 musicians and singers from 14 clubs across the province. With all local and county rivalries put aside, these performers have contributed their time and expertise for this special collaboration in a spirit of goodwill and pride befitting our country’s response to the challenging times we are living through. A great surprise to many was the inclusion of G.A.A. legends Jimmy Murray (Roscommon), Joe McDonagh (Galway) and of course, who many would regard as the original voice of Gaelic games, Dublin’s, Mícheál Ó hEithir.
The project was co-ordinated by Tom Murray, Rúnaí of Coiste Scór Chonnacht, who put the call out to Connacht Scór officials and delegates from each county to liaise with people at local level. Seán Ó Murchú, Cathaoirleach, Coiste Scór Chonnacht, has praised the efforts of all involved saying “it’s so heartening to see the great calibre of talent in the west making such a united contribution to ‘Virtual Scór’”. These sentiments were echoed by Gerry McGovern, Uachtarán, Comhairle Chonnacht, who remarked “all in Connacht G.A.A. can be immensely proud of this initiative”.
Ensuring that the final product was successfully brought together, the expertise and experience of Gareth McGreevy from Saul GAA in Co. Down was brought on board. Gareth has been responsible for some excellent ‘Virtual Scór’ collaborations over the past few weeks which have seen singers and musicians from all over Ireland record versions of the ‘May the Road Rise to Meet You’ and Dana’s ‘All Kinds of Everything’. Connacht Scór is indebted to Gareth for lending his time and professionalism to his fellow Gaels in the west.
‘Virtual Scór’ has been a source of tremendous entertainment, distraction and fun over the past two months. The absence of our native field sports and club activities has left an indelible void in the lives of many and presented an obstacle to the natural expression of our Irishness offered through Cumann Luthchleas Gael. ‘Virtual Scór’ has hugely helped to counteract this void for many Gaels all over the country and beyond, and so Connacht Scór would like to dedicate this song to the men behind the movement, Aodán Ó Braonáin, Chairman of the National Scór Committee, and Rúnaí, Jamie Ó Tuama (Páirc an Chrócaigh), for their tireless work and efforts in keeping Scór to the fore in this novel way.
Singers and musicians involved in the production are:
Cian and Caoimhe Kearns (Owenmore Gaels GAA, Sligo), Niamh Farrell (St. Mary’s GAA, Sligo), Damien McGuinness and Deirdre Kilgannon (St. Farnon’s GAA, Sligo), Carmel Costelloe (Menlough/Skehana GAA, Galway), Ellen Keane, Emily and Emmet Greaney (Abbeyknockmoy GAA, Galway), Siobhán Breathnach (Kilconly GAA, Galway), Paula Kiernan (Carrigallen GAA, Leitrim), Fionnuala Maxwell (Annaduff GAA, Leitrim), Laura Crossan and Eleanor Smith (St. Mary’s Kiltoghert GAA, Leitrim), Sarah Keane (Elphin GAA, Roscommon), Fiachra Guihen, Elizabeth Earley and Rachel Noone (St. Ronan’s GAA, Roscommon), Mary Murray, Claire and Anne Marie Murray, Lisa and Tom Murray, Louise Fallon, Ciara Dempsey, Áine O’Connor Flynn, Padraig and Gordon O’Connor, Donncha and Alastair Beegan (St. Dominics GAA, Roscommon, Ann Forry and Fiona Connaghan (CLG Acla/Achill GAA, Mayo), Joanne McAndrew (Kilfian GAA, Mayo).
The production was launched at 8pm on Friday evening on Connacht G.A.A.’s Facebook page. In less than 20 hours it has over 21,000 views from right across the world.
In the words of Thomas Davies “but hark a voice like thunder spake, the West’s Awake, the West’s Awake!”
#LeitrimGAASupportingOthers has had good night’s sleep!!
County FootballFollowing yesterday’s highly successful fundraising campaign on behalf of Sláinte 2020 and Pieta House, there is still an opportunity for people to participate and to contribute to this effort. If you feel you could complete a walk, run, cycle or jog today then why not join the many who did yesterday across the globe and be part of this movement!! As with yesterday, we would be delighted if you could post a message with your footage at the details below! Be part of a great Leitrim On the Move effort!!
If you would like to join us today, please post your footage to www.facebook.com/LeitrimGAASupportingOthers/
The proceeds of this fundraising will be Sláinte 2020 and Pieta House. This morning the fund has just exceeded €19k of its current €20k target so let’s break that barrier!!
You may make a donation by accessing our Gofundme page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/leitrim-gaa-supporting-others
To update you on the event we have set up a dedicated Facebook page to which we are encouraging supporters who will hopefully join the event tomorrow to post pictures of your participation in this event. The dedicated page is at www.facebook.com/LeitrimGAASupportingOthers/
Looking forward to your participation!!
#LeitrimGAASupportingOthers Rests Overnight
GeneralWhat brilliant day it has been in the #LeitrimGAASupportingOthers as the people of Leitrim and Leitrim people and their friends around the globe joined the Leitrim Players, past and present, officials and supporters, in covering literally thousands of kilometers, whether walking, jogging, running or cycling in aid of our two nominated charities Sláinte 2020 and Pieta House.
The promotional build-up to today has been phenomenal from the usual suspects who gave so many hours in the preparation and promotion. Our gratitude is extended to the Players and Team Management Personnel who kept the push on this as we approached the weekend. We are deeply indebted to you the public who have rallied behind this event to push it well beyond our expectations in terms of contributions, which is what it was all about at the outset. We are very proud of you all!!
However, this is far from finished and will remain open across the remainder of the weekend and next week as there are still people out there whom we know for fact who will only be in a position to complete this tomorrow and across the days ahead. So Brendan Doyle and Brian Blake, and PRO Barbara who have manned this forum ALL of today, you are far from finished! And in mentioning Brendan and Brian, we have to say the amount of time you, in particular, have invested in what has essentially been a team effort has been phenomenal all week!!
If you would like to join us tomorrow, please keep sending or post your footage to www.facebook.com/LeitrimGAASupportingOthers/
The proceeds of this fundraising will be Sláinte 2020 and Pieta House. Today the fund has just exceeded €18k and a new target of €20k has been set so let’s join in tomorrow to help reach this magic figure!!
You may make a donation by accessing our Gofundme page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/leitrim-gaa-supporting-others
To update you on the event we have set up a dedicated Facebook page to which we are encouraging supporters who will hopefully join the event tomorrow to post pictures of your participation in this event. The dedicated page is at www.facebook.com/LeitrimGAASupportingOthers/
Looking forward to ‘seeing’ you again tomorrow!!
“I’m In” Part 3 has roared from the production line!!
County FootballHeadlining the 3rd unique sequel of “I’m In” is well known Leitrim playwright and entertainer Seamus O ‘Rourke as he joins a host other Leitrim people who are limbering up and getting ready for today’s activities – Have a look for yourself!
The week-long promotion of the event is almost at a conclusion and we look forward to supporters and families joining Leitrim Players, past and present in what should be a great Leitrim Day in support of Sláinte 2020 and Pieta House.
We look forward to the support of all Leitrim people in what should prove to be an uplifting experience for all Leitrim people both near and far!
The proceeds of today’s fundraising will be Sláinte 2020 and Pieta House. This morning, over €9k of the €10k target has been reached and it continues to grow steadily.
You may make a donation by accessing our Gofundme page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/leitrim-gaa-supporting-others
To update you on the event we have set up a dedicated Facebook page to which we are encouraging supporters who will hopefully join the event today to post pictures of your participation in this event. The dedicated page is at www.facebook.com/LeitrimGAASupportingOthers/
See our previous news item for tips on how to send your pics and videos to us.
Looking forward to ‘seeing’ you across our social media platforms – don’t forget to use hashtag #LeitrimGAASupportingOthers
#LeitrimGAASupportingOthers How to Get Fully Involved
GeneralWith tomorrow just around the corner, this is a reminder of how you get fully involved and interactive with the whole project and be in with a chance of winning one of three Leitrim GAA merchandise including a signed Jersey !!
The prizes will be drawn from among those who have contributed to the GoFundMe
Donate here https://www.gofundme.com/f/leitrim-gaa-supporting-others
Share your pictures and videos with us and if you use Facebook you can:
1 – Upload to your own page and tag us by typing @LeitrimGAASupportingOthers in your post
2 – or You can post directly to our special page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/LeitrimGAASupportingOthers/
On Twitter & Instagram, you can tag us as normal
Twitter – http://twitter.com/LeitrimGAA
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/leitrimgaa_official/
And – on all platforms use the hashtag #LeitrimGAASupportingOthers
The
Virtual Recording “The West’s Awake”
ScórTomás Ó Muirí
Runaí, Coiste Scór Chonnacht
A host of new people pledge “I’m in” for Saturday May 16
County FootballAs tomorrow’s #LeitrimGAASupportingOthers fundraising venture draws ever closer, a host of fresh faces have pledged their support and participation!
The week-long promotion of the event is almost at a conclusion and we look forward to supporters and families joining Leitrim Players, past and present in what should be a great Leitrim Day in support of Sláinte 2020 and Pieta House.
We look forward to the support of all Leitrim people tomorrow in what should prove to be an uplifting experience for all Leitrim people both near and far!
The proceeds of tomorrow’s fundraising will be Sláinte 2020 and Pieta House. This afternoon, almost €6.8 of the €10k target has been reached and it continues to grow steadily.
You may make a donation by accessing our Gofundme page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/leitrim-gaa-supporting-others
To update you on the event we have set up a dedicated Facebook page to which we are encouraging supporters who will hopefully join the event tomorrow to post pictures of your participation in this event. The dedicated page is at www.facebook.com/LeitrimGAASupportingOthers/
Looking forward to ‘seeing’ you tomorrow!!
Incoming GAA President Larry McCarthy joins our Latest Interview Series
County FootballAs we look forward to Saturday’s #LeitrimGAASupportingOthers we offer you the latest in the promotional material that our technical staff has been working hard behind the scenes to produce. This time, our anchorman John Lynch conducts an interview with incoming Uachtarán Larry McCarthy from his New York base. We have a very strong connection with New York at the moment as Caitríona and Seamus Clarke of JP Clarke’s, of course, are the current Leitrim Team Sponsors. Also participating is Leitrim Senior Team Manager Terry Hyland.
Uachtarán Tofa CLG Larry McCarthy shares an insight into what the New Yorkers are currently experiencing as regards the COVID-19 Pandemic outlining the harrowing situation experienced on the ground and the effect this crisis is having on the Irish in New York, particularly in relation to the unemployment crisis. He acknowledges the huge connection that New York currently experiences with Connacht GAA and stresses the important role the GAA plays in fundraising at this time. This is reinforced by Terry Hyland who stresses the importance of Leitrim’s involvement in raising awareness of the New York situation as it currently stands. Sláinte 202o is the organisation that is spearheading the New York aid package on behalf of Irish people. We are very pleased that Larry McCarthy accepted the invitation to appear on this broadcast. As always we thank John Lynch for anchoring this production.
We look forward to the support of all Leitrim people on Saturday in what should prove to be an uplifting experience for all Leitrim people both near and far!
The proceeds of Saturday’s fundraising will be Sláinte 2020 and Pieta House. This evening, almost €6k of the €10k target has been reached and it continues to grow steadily.
You may make a donation by accessing our Gofundme page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/leitrim-gaa-supporting-others
To update you on the event we have set up a dedicated Facebook page to which we are encouraging supporters who will hopefully join the event on Saturday to post pictures of your participation in this event. The dedicated page is at www.facebook.com/LeitrimGAASupportingOthers/
Looking forward to ‘seeing’ you on Saturday!!
“I’m in for Saturday” pledge Leitrim Players Past and Present in video shoot
GeneralThe build-up to Saturday’s #LeitrimGAASupportingOthers continues and we have realtime footage of many of those who will be taking part. A selection of current and past Leitrim players have taken the time to pledge their support of this fundraising venture by recording footage and you can access it exclusively here.
We look forward to the support of all Leitrim people on Saturday in what should prove to be an uplifting experience for all Leitrim people both near and far!
The proceeds of Saturday’s fundraising will be Sláinte 2020 and Pieta House. This morning, €5.5k of the €10k target has been reached and it continues to grow steadily.
You may make a donation by accessing our Gofundme page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/leitrim-gaa-supporting-others
To update you on the event we have set up a dedicated Facebook page to which we are encouraging supporters who will hopefully join the event on Saturday to post pictures of your participation in this event. The dedicated page is at www.facebook.com/LeitrimGAASupportingOthers/
Looking forward to ‘seeing’ you on Saturday!!
Leitrim players and manager have a special message for supporters
County FootballOur host John Lynch interviews Leitrim Manager Terry Hyland and players Ryan O’Rourke and Paddy Maguire in advance of this Saturday’s fundraiser for New York’s Slainte 2020 campaign and Pieta House. Members of the public are asked to participate in the event over the weekend by raising sponsorship and to enjoy the fun as you wear and share your Leitrim colours with pride.
The current players and many elder lemons will be linking in with family/friends both near and far to sponsor them so please give generously – all proceeds go to two very worthy charities that are close to Leitrim peoples hearts. Keep an eye out for many famous faces of the past as they appear on our social media channels over the next few days asking for your support.
A special facebook page is operational here at Leitrim GAA – Supporting Others and ready for all the pics and the GoFundMe page for donations is accessible now if you wish to donate here. Over €5,000 has already been raised with thanks to many donors and we aim to achieve the €10,000 target.
Leitrim GAA Supporting Others Fundraising May 16 Update
GeneralWe are actively promoting the Leitrim GAA Supporting Others Fundraising Drive which is scheduled for Saturday next May 16.
To update you on the event we have set up a dedicated Facebook page to which we are encouraging supporters who will hopefully join the event on Saturday to post pictures of your participation in this event. The dedicated page is at www.facebook.com/LeitrimGAASupportingOthers/
With regard to the beneficiaries of this fundraising venture, Pieta House and Sláinte 2020, while the majority of people here would be aware of the excellent services being provided by the Dublin based unit, perhaps less is known of Sláinte 2020 which is a partnership consisting of The Aisling Irish Centre, Emerald Isle immigration Centre, New York GAA, New York Irish Centre and United Irish Counties, five long-established Irish not-for-profit organizations that have solid reputations, strong track records and are well known and trusted by members of the Irish community. In April Sláinte 2020 has launched its fundraising website. It plans to harness the collective reach of well-known and long-standing Irish organizations to maximize fundraising to assist individuals and families adversely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Already gaining much momentum, Sláinte 2020 has raised over $150,000 in three weeks, with an additional $15,000 pledged. Of this, $148,000 has been allocated in grants to date. A thorough review process ensures that all recipients demonstrate verified financial need. While this is a great start, the volume of applications pouring in indicates an even greater need for support in the Irish community than that originally anticipated. They have received over 450 applications in three weeks and estimate that $400,000 would be required just to meet current requests for support. Given that Sláinte 2020 is now receiving on average 30 applications per day, they project that goal figure to increase considerably in the coming weeks. Although construction work may resume shortly in New York, approximately TWO-THIRDS of their applicants work in the hospitality sector. Any financial reprieve for that sector in the foreseeable future is likely to come slowly and prove sorely inadequate to counter great hardships threatening them and their families.
At Leitrim GAA we have established very strong links with the Irish community over the years and indeed on our four trips stateside since 2003 to play in Connacht SFC in Gaelic Park. Our Main Team Sponsors Seamus and Caitríona Clarke are heavily involved in Sláinte 2020 and we view this fundraising effort as an opportunity to send something back.
We look forward to your participation on Saturday & our donation link is below.
Brendan (Benny) Meehan RIP
General, RIPLeitrim GAA would like to express its sympathy on the sudden death of Brendan (Benny) Meehan.
Brendan, a former club player with Kiltubrid passed away suddenly at his parents’ residence, surrounded by his loving fiancée Shauna and heartbroken parents, Brian and Ann.
He will be sorely missed by his sisters and brother Deirdre, Kevin and Mairead, sister in law Niamh, brothers in law Mark and Christopher, nieces and nephews Lauren, Leona, Liam, Ciara and Ryan. Also missed by Shauna’s family, Christina, Michael, Ciara, Raymond and Granny Anna, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and a large circle of friends.
Brendan is a nephew of Leitrim GAA Insurance Officer PJ Meehan.
Ar Dheis De go raibh sé.