Today, 9th February 2018, Leitrim Hurling was left shaken and in disbelief by the news of the death of Leitrim Hurling legend, Patrick (Paddy) Phelan. One of the great players, managers, committee members, and characters the GAA has ever seen, Paddy will forever be a legend, especially within the Leitrim hurling family.
It is hard to know where to begin when it comes to this legend and good friend of mine Paddy Phelan. Paddy was a stalwart, a hero and an inspiration. He encompassed everything that was right about the GAA. Paddy was widely regarded as a people person, always willing to give of his time. There are no words we can say here to do justice to the person that Paddy was. He will be so much missed. He was a real friend and a gentleman. If you’re looking for a real role model, then you look no further than Paddy Phelan.
While Paddy was born and reared in Kilkenny, Leitrim took a huge part of his heart when he moved to the county to work as an engineer in Leitrim County Council.
Approximately 40 years ago, Paddy, Michael Dorrigan and I met and struck up a strong friendship based primarily around hurling which resulted in the three of us commencing hurling within the county. However, it must be said that without Paddy it would never have been the success it was. The three of us soldiered together and never was a bad word said between any of us. Unfortunately today the link has been broken with the loss of Paddy. Ironically, the last time Paddy saw his beloved Leitrim Senior Hurling team tog out in the green and gold was in Croke Park, the hallowed ground in June 2017 when the team reached the Lory Meagher Championship final. This occasion was the first ever time for a Leitrim Senior hurling team to reach Croke Park and what an occasion it was! How proud Paddy was that day watching lads he had coached from a very young age run out onto Croke Park to play in an All Ireland Final. All those days in Park Lane and travelling the county for matches with the bag of helmets, hurls and sliotars had finally come to fruition. I, for one, am delighted Paddy was there with me that day to experience such a marvellous occasion and to offer his constant positive support and guidance not only to me as manager but to every single player on the team. It is impossible to put into words what Paddy means to hurling in Leitrim and the void that has been left by his passing. We can, however, be grateful that his son, Hilary, has taken over from Paddy as Secretary of the Leitrim Hurling Board, while his grandson Liam is on the verge of breaking onto the Leitrim Senior Hurling team, which I know very well Paddy is very very proud of.
Paddy’s involvement in Leitrim GAA and Leitrim hurling, in particular, has been profound. Paddy has been involved on Connacht Council, representing Leitrim hurling, and has also been a member of the Leitrim GAA Executive for a long period of time. Most notably, Paddy has served as Chairperson, Secretary & Treasurer on the Leitrim Hurling Board at different stages over the last 40 years. His work and commitment to all committees he has been involved in is an inspiration and his dedication has been second to none.
The last Leitrim Senior hurling game which Paddy played in was just 25 years ago when Leitrim were short a player against Sligo in a National Hurling League game. Of course, Paddy stood forward and said he would fill the place which he did. He grabbed the green and gold jersey without a word said and played the match. Not many people can say they had such a long hurling career as a player. This showed the character of Paddy as he would never let you down. Similarly, just last year when Paddy was receiving treatment in Galway, he would make sure that he would be home on time to go to training with me in Mullingar. He enjoyed those training sessions and the matches with the boys and the fun that was had.
Over his years involved in Leitrim and the time I have known Paddy, one thing I must say about him is that he never ever criticised a referee or a match official. At the end of a game and if luck wasn’t on our side Paddy always said: “Ye had your chances”. He was exactly spot on!
The memories of Paddy we have are endless and I am sure these memories will continue to be shared for a long time. Paddy brought such joy and happiness to so many people and his presence will be greatly missed. I will greatly miss Paddy’s company going to training sessions and matches with the Leitrim hurling team along with his guidance and constant support. His passing is a huge blow to Leitrim Hurling while the passion he had for his home county and hurling, in general, is inspirational. As manager of the Leitrim Senior Hurling team, the biggest thing this team can do now is to go on and win a National Title in 2018 in Paddy’s honour. And we will for Paddy!
On behalf of Leitrim Hurling, I wish to offer our deepest sympathies to his wife Monica, his sons Alan, Hilary and Patrick, daughters in law, grandchildren, relatives, neighbours and his wide circle of friends.
Thank you for all the good times Paddy. We will never forget you. Rest in Peace.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.
Compiled by Martin Cunniffe, Chairman Leitrim Hurling.
Death Notice of the late Paddy Phelan (courtesy of RIP.ie)
Patrick Phelan B.E, C.ENG, formerly of Leitrim Co. Council. Patrick late of Station Rd. Carrick-on-Shannon and formerly of Ballinaslee, Attanagh Co. Kilkenny on February 9th, 2018. Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his wife Monica (nee Gleeson), loving sons Alan, Hilary, and Patrick, daughters in law Helen, Karina and Olivia, grandchildren, brothers Donal (Kilkenny) and John (Newbridge), relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
Rest in Peace
Reposing at the residence of his son Hilary and daughter in law Karina, opposite Drumsna Church, on Sunday, 11th February, 2018 between the hours of 2pm and 6pm. House strictly private at all other times, please. Funeral Mass on Monday, 12th February, at 2pm in St. Michael’s Church, Drumlion with burial immediately afterwards in Drumlion Cemetery. Family flowers only, please. Donations in lieu to North-West Hospice, Sligo.
GAELIC ARMOUR ANNOUNCES LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP WITH LEITRIM GAA20th November 2024 - 9:16 pm
Handball News
HandballLeitrim handball hosted the Connaught Finals of the Colleges Connaught Finals in Drumshanbo and Fenagh Handball Clubs on Sunday last. 17 Games were played in Total to complete the competition. Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim took part. The competition consisted of four Grades. First Year, Junior, Minor and Senior in Boys and Girls.
Leitrim had 8 players taking part. Ronan Moran, Edel O Donnel, Amy O Donnell, Evan Foley, Dean Cornyn, Karl
Foley all from Drumshanbo Vocational School. Darren Wrynne from Ballinamore Community School. Aoibhe Logan who Played for Ursuline College Sligo.In total, Leitrim players came home with 7 Silver Medals. Congrats to all. Leitrim Handball would like to thank all the referees and all the people who fed the players and their families on the day as this was the first time this event came to Leitrim.
Gaeltacht Scholarships 2018
GeneralScoláireachtaí Gaeltachta 2018 – There was a large number of applicants for the Gaeltacht grants offered by Coiste Contae Liatroma. This year, Leitrim County Board GAA was pleased to receive support from Leitrim County Council. This allowed the Board to increase the number of grants made. Grants of between €200 and €400 were awarded to the winners.
Is deas a fheiceáil go bhfuil an méid sin daoine óga ag dul go dtí an Ghaeltacht chun a gcuid Ghaeilge a fheabhsú. Buíochas do na buachaillí agus na cailíní go léir a chuir isteach ar na scoláireachtaí agus comhghairdeas do na buaiteoirí. Buíochas freisin do Choláiste na bhFiann agus Coláiste Ó Direáin a thug páirt-scoláireachtaí dúinn.
Buaiteoirí
1. Caillin Murphy, Cornacreagh, Béal an Átha Móir
2. Shane Smith, Drumroosk North, Fíonach
3. Cillian Cullen, Ballyduff, Béal an Átha Móir
4. Maria Mc Grenaghan, Cornaroy, Droim Seanbhó
5. Emmet Doran, Finisklin, Carrick on Shannon
6. Eentje Ó Gaibheacháin Dunagáin, Farnagh, Carrick on Shannon
7. Alva Sheridan, Clooneen, Manorhamilton
8. Elanor Smith, Hartley Carrick on Shannon
9. Micheal O Conallain, Fawnlion, Fivmilebourne
10. Mark Lowe, Corhownagh Carrick on Shannon
11. Muireann Devaney, Mulcaun, Glencar
12. Liam Torsney, Ardakip Beg
13. Gemma McNamara, Gortnacamdarragh, Cloone
14. Rachel McGarry, Drumleague, Leitrim PO
15. Seán Ó Niadh, Hartley, Cora Droma Rúisc
16. Maria Cunningham, Sonnaghbeg, Cloone
17. Cormac Redican, Drumroosk North, Fíonach
Finola Armstrong-McGuire, Cathaoirleach Comhairle Contae Liatroma, and Attracta O’Reilly, Leitrim County Board GAA County Secretary doing the draw for Gaeltacht Grants in Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada. Leitrim County Council provided funding for some of the grants in 2018.
More referees please
CoachingIn order for the GAA and its games to survive, we need to recruit new referees. This especially applies to clubs who have no referees and have had no referee in years. A special effort has to be made to unearth this rare species in these clubs. Some clubs in our county continue to supply the board with top class referees and we thank them sincerely for that while others pay lip service and simply do nothing but complain. The opportunity for each club to rectify this problem can be sorted by putting forward at least one suitable if not two suitable people for training on March 9th in the Bush Hotel at 8 o clock. Contact Sean at 0861267414 for any more details.
2018 All-Ireland Scór na nÓg Finals
ScórThe All-Ireland Scór na nÓg Finals took place last Saturday 17th February in the Knocknarea Arena, Sligo. A sold out packed venue, showing the enthusiasm for clubs nationwide to support the talented young people from across the country.
In Question Time, Leitrim were represented on Saturday morning in the ballroom of the Clayton Hotel by Ballinamore Sean O’Heslin’s. Tough questions put to the teams this year and was eventually won by Cornafean of Cavan. Leitrim boys did very well coming in 11th place, the top spot once again of the Connacht teams. This year’s Quizmaster was John Devaney from County Down GAA Board.
Leitrim was honoured to have 3 more acts representing Connacht on the stage for the live stream in the Arena. All of the competitors have trained hard over the past few weeks and were anxious to do their very best, particularly knowing the world may be watching. St Mary’s dancers were first act on stage in Sligo and they were honoured to be opening the show. Their performance of the Cross Reel was excellent but just not enough to bring the title back to Leitrim. Mohill’s Amelia Pajak was the last of the 4 solo singers to perform. She gave a beautiful rendition of Siúil a Rún, but the title went to Cork.
Last up for Leitrim was three times Connacht champions St Marys ballad group. Their performance was highly anticipated by the audience. Despite their best efforts it was not enough to secure the All-Ireland title. Despite no wins last Saturday all of our competitors did Leitrim and Connacht extremely proud.
The one and only medal to go to Connacht went to Katie Heneghan of St Aidan’s Roscommon. This is the young ladies 2nd win in this competition, having previously won the Recitation cup in 2016.
TG4 were also in Sligo to record the day’s proceedings. Broadcasting the event live on YouTube for the very first time in the history of Scór. It was a huge draw for people unable to travel or secure tickets for the sold-out event. A one-hour highlights programme will be shown on TG4 at a further date and details will be circulated as soon as it is confirmed. Meanwhile, the live stream shown on Saturday last is available online.
All Ireland Scór na nÓg Champions 2018
Tráth na gCeisteanna Boird: Cornafean, Cavan. Rince Foirne – Killeavy, Armagh. Amhránaíocht Aonair – Maggie Moynihan, Cullen club, Cork. Aithriseoireacht- Katie Heneghan, St Aidan’s, Roscommon. Bailéad Ghrúpa – Carberry Rangers, Cork. Léiriú- The Downs, Westmeath. Ceol Uirlise – Borris/Kilcotten, Laois. Rince Seit – Spa, Kerry.
Senior Scór is going straight to the County Final once again. It will be held in the Mayflower Drumshanbo on the 3rd of March with the county title winners going forward to the Connaught final in on Monday 19th of March at 4pm. The Leitrim final will start with quiz at approx. 6pm, followed by the main stage, approx. 7.30pm. Entries for the Leitrim final to be submitted by return of email irishculturalofficer.leitrim@gaa.ie by Monday 26th February.
Scór na mBunscoileanna dates have been set for 9th & 10th of March – Venues are Cloone & Drumshanbo Mayflower. Both nights at 6pm. It is hoped that Schools Scór be encouraged and receive any assistance needed by the county clubs for participation as this is where the talent and love of the music song & dance is nurtured. It is a fantastic outlet & will help identify new people in your community that may not necessarily be involved in field games but may like to join the club and get involved in the area. Full details have been issued to the schools and to clubs.
Hnadball NEWS 20/02/2018
HandballConnacht 40×20 Juvenile A Finals – The Connacht Juvenile A finals were played in Claregalway Co. Galway on Saturday with two Leitrim handballers in action: Ciaran McMorrow (Drumshanbo HC) and Cormac Scollan (Fenagh HC). It wasn’t to be Leitrim’s day with both players coming up against stronger opposition. In the U14 final, Ciaran was defeated by Mikey Kelly (Galway) while In the U16 final Cormac was defeated by Lorcan Conlon (Mayo).
Club Cairde Liatroma January and February Winners Drawn
Club CairdeThe following were the lucky winners at last night’s February County Committee Meeting:
January Winners
€100 – Brenda and Paul Mulvey, Ballinaglera GAA Club
€100 – Enda Stenson, Eslin GAA Club
€100 – Sean McGovern, Cloone GAA Club
€100 – Fergus Torsney, St. Patrick’s Dromahair GAA Club
€100 – Geraldine Walpole, Mohill GAA Club
€300 – Bornacoola GAA Club
February Winners
€100 – Tom Crowe, St Mary’s Kiltoghert GAA Club
€100 – Joe Shannon, St Mary’s Kiltoghert GAA Club
€100 – Sean McGovern, Cloone GAA Club
€100 – Gerry McGovern, Cloone GAA Club
€100 – Michael and Noel McGirl, Drumreilly GAA Club
€300 – St. Patrick’s Dromahair GAA Club
Oisín McConville Coaching Course Fully Booked Out
CoachingThe Oisín McConville Coaching Course in The Centre of Excellence has now been fully booked. A waiting list is in operation and anybody who wishes to be placed on this waiting list you may contact Leitrim GPO James Glancy at 0864082561 or james.glancy.gda.leitrim@gaa.ie
Oisín McConville Coaching Course – Only 20 Places remain
CoachingThe Oisín McConville Coaching Course on Thursday next, February 22nd, in the Centre of Excellence is booking out fast. Only 20 places remain.
Contact Leitrim GPO James Glancy at 0864082561 or james.glancy.gda.leitrim@gaa.ie to book your place now.
Handball News
Cumann na mBunscol, HandballConnacht Junior B 40×20 Semi-Final – Fenagh’s Jarlath Scollan booked his place in the Connacht 40×20 Junior B Final with a hard fought victory over Galway’s James Dempsey on Sunday on a scoreline of 12-21, 21-12, 21-11. Although the scoreline doesn’t suggest it, the game was much closer, with long rallies and both players executing some great kill shots.
Connacht Cuman na mBunscol Finals – The Cuman na mBunscol Finals were played in Salthill Co. Galway on Sunday with 5 pupils from St Patrick’s NS Drumshanbo taking part: Aidan Dowler, Aoife Nolan, Daire McCabe, Sean Nolan, and Senan McGowan. Aoife Nolan won a Connacht Bronze Medal in the Girls U13 competition. Well done to all the participants
All-Ireland Scór na nÓg Finals on Saturday next, February 17th
ScórThe All-Ireland Scór na nÓg final will be held this weekend, Saturday 17th February in the Knocknarea Arena, IT Sligo. The competition starts at 3pm sharp. Please note this is a ticket only event. If you have not pre-booked tickets please check with club Scór officers for availability before travelling to the finals. Leitrim is honoured to have 18 young people from the county compete in this year’s final. A phenomenal amount of talent and a great achievement for our small county.
St Mary’s figure dance team are heading to the competition for their first National final in this junior competition. Full of fresh enthusiasm -wishing the young ladies the very best on Saturday.
Another first for the talented Amelia Pajak from Mohill. Amelia represents Leitrim & Connacht in solo singing, a beautiful sweet voice that is sure to see her do very well. Her all Ireland appearance mirrors the St Marys dancers – both having won their first Connacht’s this year and both making an All-Ireland debut this weekend.
Ballad group representatives also from St Marys but are no strangers to the All-Ireland Scór. Saturday will be the group’s 3rd consecutive year to compete at all Ireland.
Ballinamore Sean O’Heslin’s club represents Leitrim in the table quiz. The four boys will be hoping for a good result on Saturday having seen off 9 other clubs in a tight Leitrim final and going on to win the Connacht round of the competition.
This event will be held at the adjacent Clayton Hotel at 11am. Entry to the quiz is free of charge.
Wishing all of the competitors the very best of luck
Figure Dance – St Mary’s
Solo Singing- Amelia Pajak, Mohill
Ballad Group- St Mary’s
Quiz Team – Ballinamore Sean OHeslins
Senior Scór is going straight to the County Final once again. It will be held in the Mayflower Drumshanbo on the 3rd of March with the county title winners going forward to the Connaught final in on Monday 19th of March at 4pm. The Leitrim final will start with quiz at approximately 6pm, followed by the main stage, approx. 7.30pm. Entries for the Leitrim final to be submitted by a return of email irishculturalofficer.leitrim@gaa.ie by Monday 26th February.
Oisin McConville Coaching Workshop on Thursday February 22nd
CoachingArmagh and Crossmaglen legend Oisin McConville will be the star attraction at the next Leitrim GAA Games & Coaching Development Workshop, scheduled for Thursday, February 22, running from 6.15pm until 8.30pm.
McConville will give a workshop at the Leitrim GAA Centre of Excellence with the theme “Effective Forward Play and Decision making in front of goals”.
McConville, a serial winner with his club Crossmaglen Rangers and with Armagh has amassed many County, Provincial and All-Ireland titles in a glittering career and has since moved into management and punditry. This one course that is not to be missed.
Places are limited on this course so contact Leitrim GPO James Glancy at 0864082561 or james.glancy.gda.leitrim@gaa.ie to book your place now.
WORKSHOP DVDS
If you were able to attend any of the previous workshops or simply want to refresh your memory, there are DVDs available, at a cost of €5 per DVD per session. All you have to do to get your copy is contact Leitrim GPO James Glancy at 0864082561 or james.glancy.gda.leitrim@gaa.ie.
The late Paddy Phelan, Station Road, Ck-on-Shannon, Carrick Hurling and Leitrim GAA
Club HurlingToday, 9th February 2018, Leitrim Hurling was left shaken and in disbelief by the news of the death of Leitrim Hurling legend, Patrick (Paddy) Phelan. One of the great players, managers, committee members, and characters the GAA has ever seen, Paddy will forever be a legend, especially within the Leitrim hurling family.
It is hard to know where to begin when it comes to this legend and good friend of mine Paddy Phelan. Paddy was a stalwart, a hero and an inspiration. He encompassed everything that was right about the GAA. Paddy was widely regarded as a people person, always willing to give of his time. There are no words we can say here to do justice to the person that Paddy was. He will be so much missed. He was a real friend and a gentleman. If you’re looking for a real role model, then you look no further than Paddy Phelan.
While Paddy was born and reared in Kilkenny, Leitrim took a huge part of his heart when he moved to the county to work as an engineer in Leitrim County Council.
Approximately 40 years ago, Paddy, Michael Dorrigan and I met and struck up a strong friendship based primarily around hurling which resulted in the three of us commencing hurling within the county. However, it must be said that without Paddy it would never have been the success it was. The three of us soldiered together and never was a bad word said between any of us. Unfortunately today the link has been broken with the loss of Paddy. Ironically, the last time Paddy saw his beloved Leitrim Senior Hurling team tog out in the green and gold was in Croke Park, the hallowed ground in June 2017 when the team reached the Lory Meagher Championship final. This occasion was the first ever time for a Leitrim Senior hurling team to reach Croke Park and what an occasion it was! How proud Paddy was that day watching lads he had coached from a very young age run out onto Croke Park to play in an All Ireland Final. All those days in Park Lane and travelling the county for matches with the bag of helmets, hurls and sliotars had finally come to fruition. I, for one, am delighted Paddy was there with me that day to experience such a marvellous occasion and to offer his constant positive support and guidance not only to me as manager but to every single player on the team. It is impossible to put into words what Paddy means to hurling in Leitrim and the void that has been left by his passing. We can, however, be grateful that his son, Hilary, has taken over from Paddy as Secretary of the Leitrim Hurling Board, while his grandson Liam is on the verge of breaking onto the Leitrim Senior Hurling team, which I know very well Paddy is very very proud of.
Paddy’s involvement in Leitrim GAA and Leitrim hurling, in particular, has been profound. Paddy has been involved on Connacht Council, representing Leitrim hurling, and has also been a member of the Leitrim GAA Executive for a long period of time. Most notably, Paddy has served as Chairperson, Secretary & Treasurer on the Leitrim Hurling Board at different stages over the last 40 years. His work and commitment to all committees he has been involved in is an inspiration and his dedication has been second to none.
The last Leitrim Senior hurling game which Paddy played in was just 25 years ago when Leitrim were short a player against Sligo in a National Hurling League game. Of course, Paddy stood forward and said he would fill the place which he did. He grabbed the green and gold jersey without a word said and played the match. Not many people can say they had such a long hurling career as a player. This showed the character of Paddy as he would never let you down. Similarly, just last year when Paddy was receiving treatment in Galway, he would make sure that he would be home on time to go to training with me in Mullingar. He enjoyed those training sessions and the matches with the boys and the fun that was had.
Over his years involved in Leitrim and the time I have known Paddy, one thing I must say about him is that he never ever criticised a referee or a match official. At the end of a game and if luck wasn’t on our side Paddy always said: “Ye had your chances”. He was exactly spot on!
The memories of Paddy we have are endless and I am sure these memories will continue to be shared for a long time. Paddy brought such joy and happiness to so many people and his presence will be greatly missed. I will greatly miss Paddy’s company going to training sessions and matches with the Leitrim hurling team along with his guidance and constant support. His passing is a huge blow to Leitrim Hurling while the passion he had for his home county and hurling, in general, is inspirational. As manager of the Leitrim Senior Hurling team, the biggest thing this team can do now is to go on and win a National Title in 2018 in Paddy’s honour. And we will for Paddy!
On behalf of Leitrim Hurling, I wish to offer our deepest sympathies to his wife Monica, his sons Alan, Hilary and Patrick, daughters in law, grandchildren, relatives, neighbours and his wide circle of friends.
Thank you for all the good times Paddy. We will never forget you. Rest in Peace.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.
Compiled by Martin Cunniffe, Chairman Leitrim Hurling.
Death Notice of the late Paddy Phelan (courtesy of RIP.ie)
Patrick Phelan B.E, C.ENG, formerly of Leitrim Co. Council. Patrick late of Station Rd. Carrick-on-Shannon and formerly of Ballinaslee, Attanagh Co. Kilkenny on February 9th, 2018. Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his wife Monica (nee Gleeson), loving sons Alan, Hilary, and Patrick, daughters in law Helen, Karina and Olivia, grandchildren, brothers Donal (Kilkenny) and John (Newbridge), relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
Rest in Peace
Reposing at the residence of his son Hilary and daughter in law Karina, opposite Drumsna Church, on Sunday, 11th February, 2018 between the hours of 2pm and 6pm. House strictly private at all other times, please. Funeral Mass on Monday, 12th February, at 2pm in St. Michael’s Church, Drumlion with burial immediately afterwards in Drumlion Cemetery. Family flowers only, please. Donations in lieu to North-West Hospice, Sligo.