GAA open next stage of award winning Healthy Club Project
The Healthy Club project aims to transform GAA clubs into health-enhancing hubs for their communities
- With flagship Healthy Clubs now in every county of Ireland, the GAA is calling on more clubs to get involved
- So far, over 12,000 people have benefitted from physical activity programmes and 50% of Healthy Clubs are now smoke-free zones
- 1,000 people engaged with mental health and emotional wellbeing programmes
- Over half (55%) of Healthy Clubs delivered healthy eating programmes targeting teenagers in particular
- Dublin Ladies Footballer Lyndsey Davey, Waterford Hurler Jamie Barron and Mayo Footballer Diarmuid O’Connor leading the call for clubs to get involved
- 58 active Healthy Clubs, with 39,000 members delivering a range of projects including physical fitness, mental wellbeing and community initiatives
[Tuesday, 16th January 2018] An independent evaluation by the Centre for Health Behaviour Research, Waterford IT, has revealed that the GAA Healthy Club Project (HCP) is showing significant and lasting improvements to the health of communities across Ireland[1]. Stemming from this, the Healthy Club Project is calling on further clubs to make the GAA a healthier place for everyone to enjoy by signing up to this transformative initiative.
The HCP began in 2013, in partnership with Healthy Ireland, HSE, National Office for Suicide Prevention, and kindly supported by Irish Life. Its aim is to make every GAA club in Ireland a hub for health, capable of providing their members and communities with programmes that support their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
As part of the HCP to date, 58 clubs have delivered 350 initiatives covering: physical activity, healthy eating, mental fitness, gambling, alcohol and drug education, training and personal development, anti-bullying, anti-smoking and community development. The evaluation by Waterford IT revealed that approximately 60-80%1 of these initiatives were having a medium to high impact on members’ health.
Launching the next stage of the HCP, Minister for Health Simon Harris said: “Congratulations to the GAA clubs that have already taken part in the Healthy Club Project. You are leading the charge and have already made a hugely positive contribution to the communities you serve.
The Government recently launched the Healthy Ireland 2018 campaign by which we want to encourage people to make positive choices to improve their physical and mental health. These positive choices are based around three key areas – eating more healthily, being more active, and minding our mental wellbeing. The Healthy Club Project is a great example of one of our key sporting organisations working in partnership with the health sector to help people achieve these positive changes.”
Aogán Ó Fearghail, An Uachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael said: “Health and wellbeing is core to what the GAA is all about and the Healthy Club Project aims to build on this by making our clubs hubs for health that everyone can experience and enjoy. I’d like to thank our partners, Healthy Ireland, the HSE, National Office for Suicide Prevention, the Public Health Agency, and Irish Life, for helping to make the Healthy Club project the success it is. We look forward to growing the project from 60 to 150 clubs in this new phase.”
There are numerous examples of the positive impact the HCP is having within communities across Ireland, one such example is the “Men on the Move” (MOTM) programme. MOTM is a 12-week programme funded by the HSE and delivered through the LSP network, aiming to promote physical activity and general wellbeing among men over the age of 30.
The 12 week results of the Healthy Club participants showed an average weight loss of 2kg, and an average waist circumference drop of 3-4 cm, maintained at the 26-week check. There was also a one-minute improvement in the time to complete one mile.
Participants also recorded improvements to their social and emotional wellbeing. The programme brought men together and provided them with the opportunity to exercise at their own pace, while developing new friendships. Some of the personal experiences reported by the men include: enhanced confidence, communication and self- care. Direct quotes include: “The Men on The Move programme has created new friendships and left me feeling more positive about myself” and “I looked forward to the sessions to switch off and have a bit of craic with the lads after a tough day at work”. For at least one man, the programme has been “simply life changing”.
Minister of State for Health Promotion Catherine Byrne noted that many individuals and organisations are now consciously adopting more healthy lifestyles and paid tribute to the GAA’s role in this: “These welcome developments in society are taking place alongside the well established traditions of healthy and positive lifestyles that the GAA has long promoted in its proud history. Against that background I would like to acknowledge the level of commitment demonstrated by volunteers in the GAA Clubs who are actively promoting health and wellbeing and leading the way for other sporting organisations.”
Speaking about Irish Life’s support for the Healthy Club Project, David Harney, CEO, Irish Life said: “The Healthy Club Project is a natural fit with Irish Life’s vision – we want to help people build better futures. Since 1884, the GAA has been Irelands largest sporting organisation and with almost the same number of GAA clubs as GPs across Ireland, the HCP is the ideal forum through which to deliver health messages, and initiatives. There is a natural synergy between Irish Life and the Healthy Club Project and we’re delighted to continue to support such an important initiative.”
Dublin Ladies footballer, Lyndsey Davey said: “I’m delighted to be an ambassador for the GAA Healthy Club Project, it’s really a fantastic initiative and has the potential to have a life changing impact on Dublin people’s lives. My mum is a volunteer with the Skerries Healthy Club and loves it! I’ve seen first-hand how the Healthy Club Project champions the deeper values associated with the GAA: those of community, inclusivity and health and wellbeing. I would encourage all Dublin clubs to sign up for the Healthy Club Project and make your club a friendlier place for everyone to enjoy.”
Waterford hurler, Jamie Barron said: “The GAA Healthy Club Project has the potential to have a life changing impact on Waterford people’s lives, that’s why I’m excited to champion the cause. The GAA is committed to getting Ireland more active, particularly the non- playing population and the Healthy Club Project provides clubs with the opportunity to make this happen. I would encourage all Waterford clubs to sign up for the Healthy Club Project and move Ireland one step closer towards a healthier future.”
Mayo Footballer Diarmuid O’Connor said: “I’m delighted to be an ambassador for the Healthy Clubs Project on behalf of the GAA, this programme has the potential to have a life changing impact on Mayo people’s lives. The GAA is woven into the fabric of Ireland and local clubs provide the perfect space to implement healthy lifestyle programmes, which can support everyone in the community. I would encourage all Mayo clubs to sign up for the Healthy Club Project and make your club a more positive experience for all.”
Clubs are encouraged to get involved and enjoy the numerous benefits, including exclusive access to Healthy Club resources, the potential to increase membership and broaden the volunteer base, better community engagement with club activities, improvements in health promoting activities, improved goodwill for the club, and opening up funding avenues, all the while enhancing the health of the nation.
Clubs can apply to participate in the Healthy Club Project by completing the online form on www.gaa.ie/community The closing date is Monday, January 29th.
Follow: @officialgaa or Like: www.facebook.com/officialgaa/ #gaahealth
[1] Lane, A., Murphy, N., and Callaghan, D. (2018). The Health Impact of the GAA Healthy Club Project. Centre for Health Behaviour Research, WIT, Waterford, Ireland.
GAELIC ARMOUR ANNOUNCES LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP WITH LEITRIM GAA20th November 2024 - 9:16 pm
GAA CALLS ON ALL LEITRIM CLUBS TO LEAD IRELAND TOWARDS A HEALTHIER FUTURE
GeneralGAA open next stage of award winning Healthy Club Project
The Healthy Club project aims to transform GAA clubs into health-enhancing hubs for their communities
[Tuesday, 16th January 2018] An independent evaluation by the Centre for Health Behaviour Research, Waterford IT, has revealed that the GAA Healthy Club Project (HCP) is showing significant and lasting improvements to the health of communities across Ireland[1]. Stemming from this, the Healthy Club Project is calling on further clubs to make the GAA a healthier place for everyone to enjoy by signing up to this transformative initiative.
The HCP began in 2013, in partnership with Healthy Ireland, HSE, National Office for Suicide Prevention, and kindly supported by Irish Life. Its aim is to make every GAA club in Ireland a hub for health, capable of providing their members and communities with programmes that support their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
As part of the HCP to date, 58 clubs have delivered 350 initiatives covering: physical activity, healthy eating, mental fitness, gambling, alcohol and drug education, training and personal development, anti-bullying, anti-smoking and community development. The evaluation by Waterford IT revealed that approximately 60-80%1 of these initiatives were having a medium to high impact on members’ health.
Launching the next stage of the HCP, Minister for Health Simon Harris said: “Congratulations to the GAA clubs that have already taken part in the Healthy Club Project. You are leading the charge and have already made a hugely positive contribution to the communities you serve.
The Government recently launched the Healthy Ireland 2018 campaign by which we want to encourage people to make positive choices to improve their physical and mental health. These positive choices are based around three key areas – eating more healthily, being more active, and minding our mental wellbeing. The Healthy Club Project is a great example of one of our key sporting organisations working in partnership with the health sector to help people achieve these positive changes.”
Aogán Ó Fearghail, An Uachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael said: “Health and wellbeing is core to what the GAA is all about and the Healthy Club Project aims to build on this by making our clubs hubs for health that everyone can experience and enjoy. I’d like to thank our partners, Healthy Ireland, the HSE, National Office for Suicide Prevention, the Public Health Agency, and Irish Life, for helping to make the Healthy Club project the success it is. We look forward to growing the project from 60 to 150 clubs in this new phase.”
There are numerous examples of the positive impact the HCP is having within communities across Ireland, one such example is the “Men on the Move” (MOTM) programme. MOTM is a 12-week programme funded by the HSE and delivered through the LSP network, aiming to promote physical activity and general wellbeing among men over the age of 30.
The 12 week results of the Healthy Club participants showed an average weight loss of 2kg, and an average waist circumference drop of 3-4 cm, maintained at the 26-week check. There was also a one-minute improvement in the time to complete one mile.
Participants also recorded improvements to their social and emotional wellbeing. The programme brought men together and provided them with the opportunity to exercise at their own pace, while developing new friendships. Some of the personal experiences reported by the men include: enhanced confidence, communication and self- care. Direct quotes include: “The Men on The Move programme has created new friendships and left me feeling more positive about myself” and “I looked forward to the sessions to switch off and have a bit of craic with the lads after a tough day at work”. For at least one man, the programme has been “simply life changing”.
Minister of State for Health Promotion Catherine Byrne noted that many individuals and organisations are now consciously adopting more healthy lifestyles and paid tribute to the GAA’s role in this: “These welcome developments in society are taking place alongside the well established traditions of healthy and positive lifestyles that the GAA has long promoted in its proud history. Against that background I would like to acknowledge the level of commitment demonstrated by volunteers in the GAA Clubs who are actively promoting health and wellbeing and leading the way for other sporting organisations.”
Speaking about Irish Life’s support for the Healthy Club Project, David Harney, CEO, Irish Life said: “The Healthy Club Project is a natural fit with Irish Life’s vision – we want to help people build better futures. Since 1884, the GAA has been Irelands largest sporting organisation and with almost the same number of GAA clubs as GPs across Ireland, the HCP is the ideal forum through which to deliver health messages, and initiatives. There is a natural synergy between Irish Life and the Healthy Club Project and we’re delighted to continue to support such an important initiative.”
Dublin Ladies footballer, Lyndsey Davey said: “I’m delighted to be an ambassador for the GAA Healthy Club Project, it’s really a fantastic initiative and has the potential to have a life changing impact on Dublin people’s lives. My mum is a volunteer with the Skerries Healthy Club and loves it! I’ve seen first-hand how the Healthy Club Project champions the deeper values associated with the GAA: those of community, inclusivity and health and wellbeing. I would encourage all Dublin clubs to sign up for the Healthy Club Project and make your club a friendlier place for everyone to enjoy.”
Waterford hurler, Jamie Barron said: “The GAA Healthy Club Project has the potential to have a life changing impact on Waterford people’s lives, that’s why I’m excited to champion the cause. The GAA is committed to getting Ireland more active, particularly the non- playing population and the Healthy Club Project provides clubs with the opportunity to make this happen. I would encourage all Waterford clubs to sign up for the Healthy Club Project and move Ireland one step closer towards a healthier future.”
Mayo Footballer Diarmuid O’Connor said: “I’m delighted to be an ambassador for the Healthy Clubs Project on behalf of the GAA, this programme has the potential to have a life changing impact on Mayo people’s lives. The GAA is woven into the fabric of Ireland and local clubs provide the perfect space to implement healthy lifestyle programmes, which can support everyone in the community. I would encourage all Mayo clubs to sign up for the Healthy Club Project and make your club a more positive experience for all.”
Clubs are encouraged to get involved and enjoy the numerous benefits, including exclusive access to Healthy Club resources, the potential to increase membership and broaden the volunteer base, better community engagement with club activities, improvements in health promoting activities, improved goodwill for the club, and opening up funding avenues, all the while enhancing the health of the nation.
Clubs can apply to participate in the Healthy Club Project by completing the online form on www.gaa.ie/community The closing date is Monday, January 29th.
Follow: @officialgaa or Like: www.facebook.com/officialgaa/ #gaahealth
[1] Lane, A., Murphy, N., and Callaghan, D. (2018). The Health Impact of the GAA Healthy Club Project. Centre for Health Behaviour Research, WIT, Waterford, Ireland.
Funeral arrangements for the late Kathleen McDermott, Drumlion, Ck-on-Shannon, Co Roscommon.
GeneralLeitrim GAA wishes to express its deepest sympathy to the family of the late Kathleen McDermott, Drumlion, Ck-on-Shannon, Co Roscommon who passed away earlier today. the late Kathleen is the mother of Rúnaí Choiste Chontae Liatroma CLG, Attracta Ní Raghallaigh.
Funeral arrangements: McDermott (nee Moran) Ballincullen, Drumlion, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon. 17th of January 2018, peacefully at Sligo University Hospital. Kathleen, relict of Mick. Deeply regretted by her sons Vincent (Tullamore), Michael (Swords), Kieran (Banagher), John (Carrick-on-Shannon), daughters Attracta (Carrick-on-Shannon) and Aggie (Dublin), daughters-in-law Nancy, Teresa and Paula, son-in-law Martin, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and a large circle of friends.
Rest in Peace
Remains will repose on Friday in St. Patrick’s Hospital Chapel, Carrick-on-Shannon from 2.30pm until 5.30pm. Removal to St. Michael’s Church, Drumlion, arriving at 7.00pm. Funeral Mass on Saturday at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in Drumlion Cemetery.
Paddy Christie/James Glancy Coaching Workshop Fully Booked
CoachingThe Paddy Christie/James Glancy Coaching Workshop on January 25th is now fully booked and a waiting list is in operation. If you wish to be placed on this list please contact James at 0864082561 or james.glancy.gda.leitrim@gaa.ie.
Dublin Launch of 2018 Leitrim Supporters Club on this Thursday Night
GeneralTHE ONE and only Marty Morrissey will be the special guest at the annual Leitrim Supporters’ Club launch in the Celtic Suite of Croke Park on this Thursday at 7.30pm sharp.
The country’s favourite sports presenter is sure to draw a huge crowd to what has become a must-attend event for anyone with a Leitrim connection in the capital and surrounding counties.
This year’s gathering also includes a special recognition by the Leitrim Supporters’ Club of the three Leitrim legends who, 60 years ago this year, won Railway Cup Medals in 1958: Columba Cryan, Packy McGarty and Cathal Flynn. All three played for Leitrim in the most talked about game of them all, the famous 1958 Connacht Final v Galway.
Continuing the strong vein of talent to entertain at the gathering will be none other than super-group, Garadice, a collection of some of Leitrim’s finest musical exponents.
Organised by the Dublin Branch of the Leitrim’s Supporters Club, last year’s event drew 160 attendees and proved another highlight of the year’s social calendar.
More used to interviewing than being interviewed, Marty Morrissey will find the tables turned as Leitrim Observer columnist and MC for the night, puts the Clare man through his paces in a wide-ranging chat that will touch upon his stellar broadcasting career, his time as a player and a manager, and most recently, his turn on RTE’s hit ‘Dancing with the Stars’.
A bus will travel to Croke Park from Leitrim for the event, times as follows:
Drumshanbo Swimming Pool 4.15pm
Pairc Seán Mac Diarmada 4.40pm
Bornacoola GAA Grounds 5.00pm
The bus is free of charge.
Another Connacht Scór na nÓg Glory Day for Leitrim
ScórA fabulous night for Leitrim taking Four Connacht titles in this year’s Connacht Scór na nÓg. The finals were held last Saturday in Claremorris. The newly introduced Connacht round of the quiz was held as the first event of the day in Claremorris clubhouse. Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins faced the four other Connacht county teams for a provincial round with the Leitrim team winning by a point. All 5 county teams will participate in the 32 county All- Ireland quiz on February 17th in the Clayton Hotel Sligo at 11am. Entrance to the quiz is free of charge.
The first Leitrim competitors to take to the main stage were the young ladies of St Marys Carrick on Shannon in the Figure dancing. The girls gave a great lively and polished performance, winning them Leitrim’s second title of the day. A first win in figure for St Marys in Scog na nÓg in many years & a fine achievement for this team in what was a tight competition seeing off Mayo & Roscommon who had both previously taken part in All-Irelands.
In Solo Singing, Amelia Pajak of Mohill won the Connacht title. Her first appearance at Connacht level and a daunting one for the young lady as she was the first competitor to sing. Nerves didn’t play a part on the day for her as she gave a beautiful solo.
Recitation was a very entertaining competition, from witty tales to old fables and storytelling, each act giving a different slant on the variety of material available for this competition. St Marys Michael Connorton represented Leitrim. High credit to the young man on a fantastic performance. He had great deliverance and poise on the stage and received a very positive return from the audience with cheers and applause. Katie Heneghan of St Dominic’s Roscommon was the judges’ winner on the day.
A fabulous win for St Marys Ballad Group gave an outstanding performance. The Carrick girls clinching their 3rd Connacht title were thrilled to be representing Connacht & Leitrim at the All-Ireland.
St Marys also took part in Instrumental Music on Sunday. The musicians received fantastic rapture from the audience but unfortunately with stiff competition, not the judge’s choice. The Music was a highly entertaining competition; any of the 5 counties could have easily won the title. The musical arrangements they brought to the stage and the array of instruments the young people play with ease, was certainly to be admired. Achill of Mayo lifted the title in Instrumental Music.
Mohill’s second act of the day was in Leiriu. With a funny sketch about school, A great performance was given by the young team, however, the winner was St Dominic’s of Roscommon. Aughnasheelan made a comeback in this year’s Set Dance competition. Having won the Connacht title in 2016 they were giving their all hoping to secure the same success once more but the title went to Abbeyknockmoy of Galway.
Kathy Butler, St Marys had one of the toughest jobs of the days hosting proceedings from the stage as the Bean an Tí. An honourable job she took on with ease. Assuring competitors side stage, keeping all acts moving in running order, and all before announcing each club on stage to perform. Gerry McGovern, Cathaoirleach Coiste Scór Connacht made a presentation of Galway crystal to Kathy in appreciation for her role for the day. An-mathKathy, fabulous job done, representing club, county & province.
The All-Ireland Finals will be held in the Knocknarea Arena, IT Sligo on February 17th at 3pm. Please note it is a ticket only event, tickets are priced at adult: €20, u16:€10. Family pass: €60 (2adults &2 children) Tickets once ordered are non-refundable. They can be ordered through; Claire Crossan 087-6472547. Or through club scor officers. All orders must be placed by Friday January 19th.
Wishing – St Marys, Mohill, Ballinamore Sean O’Heslin’s and all of the Connacht winners the very best of luck at the All-Ireland final.
Connacht Scór na nÓg Winners:
Rince Foirne: St Mary’s Leitrim
Amhranaíocht Aonair: Amelia Pajak, Mohill, Leitrim
Ceol Uirlise: Achill, Mayo
Aithriseoireacht: Katie Heneghan, St Aidan’s, Roscommon
Bailéad Ghrúpa: St Mary’s, Leitrim
Leiriu: St Dominics, Roscommon
Rince Seit: Abbeyknockmoy, Galway
Trath na gCeist: Ballinamore Sean O’Heslin’s, Leitrim
The late Frank Sullivan, Aughnacliffe, Co Longford
GeneralLeitrim GAA wishes to express its sincere sympathy to the family of the late Frank Sullivan, Aughnacliffe, Co. Longford. Frank is the father of former Leitrim County Librarian Seán Ó Súilleabháin. Seán has been an officer of Leitrim GAA in varying capacities over many years and most recently held the position of Leas Cathaoirleach to the end of 2017.
Funeral Arrangements
Peacefully, in the loving care of the staff at the Laurel Lodge Nursing Home (two weeks before his 100th birthday) Pre-deceased by his wife Rosetta. Sadly missed by his loving Family: Sean (Ballinamore), Marie Ward (Clondalkin, Dublin), Settie Blessington (Coolcor), Frank (Aughagarron), Bridie McNerney (Clonfin); Sons-in-law, Tony, Michael and James; Daughters-in-law, Brid and Margaret; Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, loyal neighbours, relatives and friends.
Reposing at his home in Aughakine, today Monday 2:00pm to 9:00pm, and tomorrow Tuesday from 12 noon to 4:00pm. Family time thereafter. Removal Tuesday to St Colmcille’s Church arriving at 7:00pm. Funeral on Wednesday at 11:00am. Burial in adjoining cemetery. (Rhyne Quarries clossed on Wednesday as a mark of respect)
‘Dia go deo leis’
Paddy Christie returns for Coaching Workshop later this Month
CoachingFormer Dublin captain and Minor Team Manager Paddy Christie will back in Leitrim on Thursday, January 25th to deliver another Coaching Workshop. Patrons will remember that Christie delivered the first of a number of fully booked out coaching workshops that have taken place from December 2016 and through 2017 at the County Centre of Excellence in Annaduff.
Christie, currently coaching Trinity College Sigerson Cup Team, also coached Ballymun Kickhams to the Dublin Senior Final in 2017. He will be joined this time by Leitrim Games Promotion Officer James Glancy for a joint workshop with the theme “Modification of Games”.
The aim of the workshop is to help coaches, many of whom are involved at all levels of the game in the county from nursery to juvenile and senior, devise, adapt and modify their training to suit the age-appropriate teams.
The workshop will be held on Thursday, January 25th from 7.15pm to 9.15pm at Centre of Excellence in Annaduff. The cost is again €5 and anyone with any queries can contact Leitrim GPO James Glancy at 0864082561 or james.glancy.gda.leitrim@gaa.ie.
Connacht Scór na Óg Finals on Sunday January 14th
ScórLeitrim Scór na nÓg table quiz took place last Friday night 5th of January in the Mayflower Drumshanbo. 9 clubs from around the county contested a place to represent Leitrim for the table quiz at the upcoming all- Ireland. A nail-biting finish throughout the last 4 rounds as 6 teams were within a point of each other. At the end of the tenth round, there was a 3-way tie with Annaduff, Sean O’Heslin’s and Kiltubrid all on a tie of 70 out of 80 marks. The tiebreaker round saw Sean O’Heslin’s clinch the Leitrim medal for this winning team. Danny Smyth, James Og Maguire, Dillon Beirne and Tom Prior will next weekend take part in a Connacht round in Claremorris against the 4 other Connacht teams. A Connacht medal and title will be awarded to the winning team on the day. This, however, will not have any impact on them being reigning Leitrim champions and the 4 Ballinamore boys will go on to represent Leitrim in the IT on February 14th.
Connacht round of Scór na nÓg Finals is taking place this Sunday 14th of January. The venue is the Town Hall Claremorris starting at 2.30pm sharp.
There are no advance tickets, admission is payable on the door on the day. All of our Leitrim winners will be hoping for a place in the All-Ireland final to be held in Knocknarea Arena, IT Sligo on February 14th. Wishing all of our Leitrim teams and all involved the very best of luck.
Rince Foirne: St Mary’s
Amhranaíocht Aonair: Amelia Pajak, Mohill
Ceol Uirlise: St Marys
Aithriseoireacht: Michael Connorton, St Mary’s
Bailéad Ghrúpa: St Marys
Tráth na gCeist: Sean O’Heslins
Leiriú: Mohill
Rince Seit: Aughnasheelin
2018 County Under 20 Trials
County FootballUnder 20 Trials 2018
Please note that Leitrim Under 20 Trials will take place on Sunday, January 14th at 11.00am and Sunday, January 21st at 11.00am at the Leitrim GAA Centre of Excellence, Annaduff.
It would be appreciated if clubs inform all eligible players of these trials and encourage these players to attend so that all players have the option of presenting for consideration for selection for the 2018 County Under 20 Panel.
If clubs or players have any queries please direct to Team Manager Joe Cox at 0872625571.
Many thanks,
Leitrim Under 20 Team Management 2018
Marty Morrissey special guest at Leitrim Supporters Club launch in Croke Park
GeneralLeitrim legends Columba Cryan, Packy McGarty and Cathal Flynn will also be honoured on the while Leitrim super-group Garadice will provide the musical entertainment.
THE ONE and only Marty Morrissey will be the special guest at the annual Leitrim Supporters’ Club launch in the Celtic Suite of Croke Park on Thursday, January 18, at 7.30pm sharp.
The country’s favourite sports presenter is sure to draw a huge crowd to what has become a must-attend event for anyone with a Leitrim connection in the capital and surrounding counties.
This year’s gathering also includes a special recognition by the Leitrim Supporters’ Club of the three Leitrim legends who, 60 years ago this year, won Railway Cup Medals in 1958: Columba Cryan, Packy McGarty and Cathal Flynn. All three played for Leitrim in the most talked about game of them all, the famous 1958 Connacht Final v Galway.
Continuing the strong vein of talent to entertain at the gathering will be none other than super-group, Garadice, a collection of some of Leitrim’s finest musical exponents.
Organised by the Dublin Branch of the Leitrim’s Supporters Club, last year’s event drew 160 attendees and proved another highlight of the year’s social calendar.
More used to interviewing than being interviewed, Marty Morrissey will find the tables turned as Leitrim Observer columnist and MC for the night, puts the Clare man through his paces in a wide-ranging chat that will touch upon his stellar broadcasting career, his time as a player and a manager, and most recently, his turn on RTE’s hit ‘Dancing with the Stars’.
Prior to this, Leitrim senior team manager, Benny Guckian will outline his plans for the year ahead while County Chairperson, Terrence Boyle, will offer an update on all Leitrim GAA activities.
The night will conclude with a special performance from Garadice. This exceptional quartet features Eleanor Shanley, one of Ireland’s foremost singers since her first appearance as the singer with traditional group De Danann. Padraig McGovern was taught uilleann pipes by master piper P.J. Flood and developed his music as a member of the Ceolas Céili Band. Dave Sheridan’s playing style has been described as “free-flowing and fluid, with sound technique and solid driving rhythm”. He has recorded two highly acclaimed solo albums and has recorded with De Danann and Téada.
John McCartin is both a guitar and fiddle player and has played with many noted bands including Lúnasa and Dervish.
The night, of course, kick-starts a fundraising campaign without which the Leitrim County Board simply couldn’t continue its high level of work and investment in Leitrim teams on and off the field. Leitrim Supporters Draw Tickets (which this year includes a prize of a trip to New York for the championship encounter in May) will be for sale on the night and all who buy one will also be entered in a raffle on the night containing some exceptional Leitrim-themed prizes.
The event will take place on Thursday, January 18, in the Celtic Suite of Croke Park with parking available in the Cusack Stand car park (accessed through the GAA museum entrance off Clonliffe Road.
Doors will open at the slightly earlier time of 7.00pm this year with the addresses and entertainment starting at 7.30pm sharp. Light refreshments will be provided at the interval with the night concluding at 9.15pm sharp. All are welcome to this free event and please let anyone with a Leitrim connection know it’s happening.
A bus will travel to Croke Park from Leitrim for the event, times as follows:
Drumshanbo Swimming Pool 4.15pm
Pairc Seán Mac Diarmada 4.40pm
Bornacoola GAA Grounds 5.00pm
The bus is free of charge.
Want to Improve your Irish?
GeneralBallinamore Library’s Irish classes have acquired the reputation of being one of the most successful in the country with big numbers attending and a most entertaining atmosphere. The Conversation classes, or Ciorcail Comhrá, are now in their eleventh year and are hugely popular every year.
Full range of classes will start again in Ballinamore Library on Tuesday, 9 January 2018 at 8.00pm. There are separate groups for relative beginners, for those who have some Irish and for those who are fluent. These classes are a great opportunity to practice the Irish you know and to improve it. Also, Leaving Cert or transitional year students will find it useful for practice for their Irish orals. Classes are free of charge and will run for 10 weeks to mid March. Seo seans chun an Ghaeilge a labhairt. Beidh fáilte romhat
The late Eamonn Tubman, Fenagh St Caillin’s and Leitrim GAA
GeneralLeitrim GAA wishes to express its deepest sympathies to the family of the late Eamonn Tubman, Fenaghbeg, Fenagh, County Leitrim on his sudden and sad passing.
Eamonn, a lifetime Fenagh St Caillin’s man, was the very essence of a GAA person, stalwart club man who was at the very core of all that’s great in a GAA Club, from physical development to player development. He served in many varying capacities with his club over many decades and offered much toward the development of Leitrim GAA. He served his county excellently through the 1980s and served as County Vice Chairman in Leitrim’s glory years in first half of the 1990s. A GAA man to the core he will be sorely missed by his club and county, but essentially most by his dear family.
Funeral Arrangements
The death has occurred of Eamonn Tubman, Fenaghbeg, Fenagh, Co. Leitrim and formerly of Shivdilla, Gorvagh, Co. Leitrim, Sunday 31st December, 2017 suddenly at his residence.
Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving wife; Nora, sons; Bill, Eamonn Jnr. and Raymond, daughter; Noreen (Dubai), daughter-in-law; Mary, granddaughter; Olivia, sister; Mary (Derby, England), brothers; Liam (Costa Rica) Mehaul (London), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
May he rest in peace.
Remains reposing at his residence on Tuesday (2nd January, 2018) from 2.00pm and on Wednesday (3rd January) until 3.00pm with removal to arrive at St Mary’s Church, Foxfield at 7.00pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday at 12 noon followed by interment to Fenagh New Cemetery.
House private from 3.00pm on Wednesday please.
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu, if desired, to Diabetes Ireland care of Early’s Funeral Directors, Mohill.