Scór na nÓg Tráth na gCeist 2018

The Leitrim Scór na nÓg quiz will take place next Friday 5th January in the Mayflower Drumshanbo at 7pm. Club tables comprise of 4 people aged under 17 effective January 1st 2018. Club’s are welcome to enter as many teams as they wish.

The winners of the Leitrim county final winners will qualify for the All Ireland in Sligo IT on February 17th. They will also take part in a Connacht round to be held in Claremorris on January 14th. The Connacht round was introduced to provide teams with an opportunity to sit the quiz once more and a Connacht title medal will be presented to the winning team on that day also.

We ask club’s to submit team entries for the Leitrim round by Thursday 4th January by return email.

2018 Scór na nÓg Results

Scór na nÓg Finals – The County Finals of Scór na nÓg took place last Sunday, December 17th in Ballinamore Community Centre. The finals which were due to take place on December 10th was postponed due to icy weather conditions. While an inconvenience to clubs and participant’s during the busy festive season, it was a very enjoyable evening and the audience were entertained from start to finish  with music, song & dance. Adjudicators from Cavan & Mayo had the task of deciding the Leitrim finalists and had no easy tasks on the day as the standard of competitors and efforts from the club left them with a lot of hard decisions to make. St Mary’s Kathy Butler hosted the afternoon’s competition as Bean an Tí.
Clubs that took part, made huge efforts to enter most of the competitions,  in particular, Mohill and St Marys with a phenomenal turnout of competitors. It was great to see such a large crowd for the 2018 finals and to see many clubs making a comeback this year -Leitrim Gaels, Melvin Gaels,  Dromahair & Sean O’Heslin’s, fantastic to see new faces on the stage. Congratulations to all of the clubs that took part and help keep the tradition alive.

Mohill produced a novel Leiriu, it was lovely to have one back on Leitrim stage. A funny & comical piece that will hopefully see them do well in Connacht finals. Aughnasheelan Set dancers also made a comeback, having last participated in the 2015/16 All-Ireland, they will be hoping to put their best foot forward in Connacht to make the All-Ireland final in Sligo in February.
Medals were presented to the all the Leitrim winners by Terence Boyle, Chairperson of Leitrim County Board. The Cormac MacGiolla Shield for Club na Bliana was won by Mohill club for their huge participation. The club managed to have double entries in each discipline with the exception of set dancing. The shield was presented by Ailbhe Mc Gill to Mohill’s Roisin Kennedy.

Thanks to all the clubs and mentors for giving of their time so selflessly to aid and encourage the young people of their clubs to take part this year. It is safe to say the future of our Irish heritage and culture is safe and well in these young hands.

The Leitrim County Title Winners are as follows:

Rince Foirne: St Marys

Amhranaíocht Aonair: Amelia Pajak, Mohill

Ceol Uirlise: St Marys

Aithriseoireacht: Michael Connorton, St Marys 

Bailéad Ghrúpa: St Marys 

Leiriu – Mohill

Set Dancing – Aughnasheelan

The winners proceed to the Connacht Finals in Claremorris, Co Mayo, on Sunday 14th of January 2017 at 2.30pm. Wishing all of the clubs the very best of luck.

How the Motions fared

Following tonight’s County Committee meeting, we give you a rundown on how the motions from last Sunday’s Convention and tonight’s County Committee fared:

Motions  – County Convention 2018

Competitions – Championship

  1. The Under 21 Championship to be discontinued from 2017 and replaced by an Under 20 Championship from 2018 forward.

Coiste Chontae Liatroma – Passed

 

  1. Seeding to be introduced into the draws for the 2018 Senior Football Championship and Intermediate Football Championship as follows:
  • 2017 Senior Finalists to be seeded into opposite groups and the remaining two semi-finalists to be similarly seeded. Both draws to be open in this regard. Remaining teams will be drawn randomly to constitute the groups.
  • 2017 Intermediate losing finalists and relegated team from Senior in 2017 to be seeded into opposite groups and the remaining two semi-finalists to be similarly seeded. Both draws to be open in this regard. Remaining teams will be drawn randomly to constitute the groups.
  • Similar seeding to be followed while the current structure remains in existence.

Coiste Chontae Liatroma – Passed

  1. That the senior and intermediate championships be restructured as follows (to the 2016 format). It is initially divided into three groups of four, with each group consisting of four teams with no seeding. An open draw decides placement into the groups.

Every team in each group plays each other once. The top two teams in each group qualify for the quarter-finals. The highest ranked third placed team also qualifies for the quarter-finals. The two lowest ranked third placed teams play off, with the winner qualifying for the quarter-finals and the loser entering the relegation playoffs. All fourth placed teams also enter the relegation playoffs.

The competition proceeds with a knockout format from here, with quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final to determine the winner. Relegation semi-finals and a relegation final determine the team to be relegated.

There will be an open draw for quarter-finals, semi-finals and relegation semi-finals.

The intermediate champions are promoted to the senior championship in the following year.

The relegated senior team plays in the intermediate championship in the following year.

The relegated intermediate team plays in the junior ‘A’ championship in the following year.

The following regulation will be applied in the case of teams finishing on equal points in the group:

(c) Except where provided for otherwise in County Bye-Law or in Competition Regulation, when Teams finish with equal points for Qualification for the Concluding Stages, or for Promotion or Relegation, the tie shall be decided by the following means and in the order specified: (i) Where two or more Teams only are involved – the outcome of the meeting of the two Teams in the previous game in the Competition; (ii) Scoring Difference (subtracting the total Scores Against from total Scores For); (iii) Highest Total Score For; (iv) A Play-Off.

All regulations previously pertaining to the senior championship to be amended accordingly.

Achadh Mhaoláin – Defeated

Competitions – Leagues/Shields

  1. CCC to be given the authority include in its regulations the scheduling of two rounds of the All County Leagues that are to be exclusively played without members of the Leitrim Senior Football Panel in 2018 and the years beyond, while the current format of 12 Team leagues continues.

Coiste Chontae Liatroma – Passed

  1. The numbers in teams in All County Leagues to be reduced at the end of the 2018 season to a maximum of 10 teams per division in the following manner:
  • ACL Division 1 Relegation of the bottom two teams to Division 2
  • ACL Division 2 No Promotion of the top two teams to Division 1 and relegation of the bottom 4 teams to Division 3.
  • ACL Division 3 No Promotion of top two teams to Division 2 and relegation of bottom 6 teams to Division 4.
  • ACL Division 4 No promotion and an ACL Division 5 to be reintroduced in 2019 and the number of remaining teams to be split as closely as evenly between these two divisions as possible with a maximum of 10 in ACL Div 4.

Coiste Chontae Liatroma – Defeated

  1. From 2018 Shield League Competitions at adult level be discontinued.

Coiste Chontae Liatroma – Passed

Competitions – Grading

  1. CCC Liatroma to be given the brief to examine derogation from Rule 6.14 2017 with a view to formulating a regulation that is more equitable towards the relative playing strength of clubs and their ability to field teams. CCC to have any revised playing eligibility regulation formulated for approval at the March meeting of Coiste Chontae Liatroma.

Coiste Chontae Liatroma – Passed

  1. That in order to halt the dramatic fall-off in the number of teams competing in our Championships that the following changes be introduced to the interpretation of the derogation from Rule 6.14 in 2018: The 15 players who start in the first round championship match for a club, at Senior, Intermediate and Junior A, be precluded from playing at a lower championship level for the club in the same year. All other limitations in relation to this derogation remain as in 2017.

Béal an Átha Moir Sea Uí Eislín – Defeated

  1. That the regulation which applies to Div 4 of the leagues whereby a match can be played at 13 a side, if one or both teams only have 13 players, that this be extended to games in the Junior B Championship in 2018 and beyond.

Béal an Átha Moir Sea Uí Eislín – Passed

 

  1. Grading of Players: From 2018 forward clubs must nominate 13 players who are from among the First 17 used in the highest grade of championship football of the previous year to be its First 13 for League purposes only. If a club has three league teams, the remaining players from among this First Championship 17 of the previous year plus any additional players who played at any stage in its highest ranked team in the previous year’s championship shall be the first players listed on its Second League 13. The remaining players on the Second 13 to be players who were among the club’s Second Championship 17 in the previous year. All remaining club players only shall be eligible to play league football on the club’s third team. In the case of clubs having only a second team and that team eligible to play in ACL Division 4 and any Division 5 that may exist in 2018 and beyond, the club shall be required to nominate 11 players to be its First 11. These players shall be from among its First 17 in the previous year’s championship.

Exceptions:

  • Should a club have a player who hasn’t been graded in accordance with the above criteria on account of not having played before First 17 previous year’s championship being established, for whatever reason, then the club may make a case for that player’s grading at the higher level.
  • Members of the current Leitrim Senior Football Panel must be named on the First 13, irrespective of their current championship status.

Coiste Chontae Liatroma – Passed

  1. That in order to halt the dramatic fall-off in the number of teams in our Leagues that the following changes be introduced in 2018: Clubs that fielded only one League team in 2017 and who wish to register a second team in 2018, be required to name 11 players who not be eligible to play with their second team in 2018. Clubs that fielded two League teams in 2017 be required to name 11 players who played for their first team in 2017 and will not be eligible to play with their second team in 2018. Clubs that fielded three League teams in 2017, be required to name 13 players who will be eligible to play with their first team only. Then name a further 11 players who not be eligible to play with their third team in 2018.

Béal an Átha Moir Sea Uí Eislín – not taken as Superseded by Motion 11

  1. The following pertains to competitions where there is re-grading of teams; i.e. from 15 aside to a lower number (e.g. 13 aside). Prior to the Competitions Control Committee (CCC) structuring competitions, the teams wishing to participate in the lower grade competition (meaning a competition comprising teams of less than 15 a side), shall submit an official list to the CCC at least 3 weeks in advance of the competitions commencement. The team shall not be allowed deviate from this list for the remainder of the particular competition.

Naomh Pádraig Droim Dhá Thiar – Passed

Congress Motion

  1. The GAA will not allow continued exclusive TV coverage for any games to any subscription channel, after the current contract expires. In future all proposed GAA match TV coverage will be made available via free to air

Naomh Muire Cill Tochairt – Passed

Comhairle Connacht

  1. That in the event of their existence each club participating in Connacht Club Championship matches be circulated with a copy of the Provincial Council Match Regulations governing the organisation and presentation of these games in advance of the competition commencement. Such regulations to be amended, if required in 2018 to specify arrangements regarding venues that are suitable for all these matches, covering all eventualities.

Achadh na Síleann – Passed

  1. In the event that no specific Connacht Club Championship Match Organisation Regulations exist that such be formulated n 2018 for circulation to clubs in advance of their participation in the relevant competition. Such regulations to specify arrangements regarding venues that are suitable for all these matches,  covering all eventualities.

Achadh na Síleann – Passed

General

  1. That two delegates from Leitrim Ladies’ County Board have the right to attend the Men’s County Board meetings with speaking rights, but not voting rights.

 

Achadh Mhaoláin – Passed

  1. That two delegates from the Leitrim Men’s County have the right to attend the Ladies’ County Board meetings with speaking rights, but not voting rights.

 

Achadh Mhaoláin – Withdrawn as not currently relevant to this forum

 

Cairde Liatroma Prizwinners December 2017

The following were the lucky winners at tonight’s December County Committee Meeting:

€100 – Seamus Mitchell, Mohill GAA Club

€100 – John Kelly, Dromahair St Patrick’s Club

€100 – John Farrell, Dromahair St Patrick’s Club

€100 – Joe Shannon, St Mary’s Kiltoghert GAA Club

€100 – Joe Cox, Annaduff GAA Club

€300 – Bornacoola GAA Club

Coaching Courses Cancelled this evening

You are advised that the Martin Fogarty Hurling Course organised for this evening in Sligo, and the Award 1 Football Course due to take place in Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada this evening have both been postponed due to weather conditions.

The Award 1 Football Course will commence on Monday next 18th December in Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada.

Tomorrow night’s Award 1 course is Manorhamilton is still going ahead as planned.

2018 County Convention Motions and Players Survey Results

In advance of the County Convention and County Committee Meeting that decides playing structures for 2018, we list the various motions and it should be noted what the players told us in a survey carried out last October in conjunction with the Club Forum:

2017 Players Survey

Motions  – County Convention 2018

Competitions – Championship

  1. The Under 21 Championship to be discontinued from 2017 and replaced by an Under 20 Championship from 2018 forward.

Coiste Chontae Liatroma

 

  1. Seeding to be introduced into the draws for the 2018 Senior Football Championship and Intermediate Football Championship as follows:
  • 2017 Senior Finalists to be seeded into opposite groups and the remaining two semi-finalists to be similarly seeded. Both draws to be open in this regard. Remaining teams will be drawn randomly to constitute the groups.
  • 2017 Intermediate losing finalists and relegated team from Senior in 2017 to be seeded into opposite groups and the remaining two semi-finalists to be similarly seeded. Both draws to be open in this regard. Remaining teams will be drawn randomly to constitute the groups.
  • Similar seeding to be followed while the current structure remains in existence.

Coiste Chontae Liatroma

  1. That the senior and intermediate championships be restructured as follows (to the 2016 format). It is initially divided into three groups of four, with each group consisting of four teams with no seeding. An open draw decides placement into the groups. Every team in each group plays each other once. The top two teams in each group qualify for the quarter-finals. The highest ranked third-placed team also qualifies for the quarter-finals. The two lowest ranked third-placed teams playoff, with the winner qualifying for the quarter-finals and the loser entering the relegation playoffs. All fourth-placed teams also enter the relegation playoffs. The competition proceeds with a knockout format from here, with quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final to determine the winner. Relegation semi-finals and a relegation final determine the team to be relegated. There will be an open draw for quarter-finals, semi-finals and relegation semi-finals. The intermediate champions are promoted to the senior championship in the following year. The relegated senior team plays in the intermediate championship in the following year. The relegated intermediate team plays in the junior ‘A’ championship in the following year. The following regulation will be applied in the case of teams finishing on equal points in the group: Official Guide Rule 6.21 (c) Except where provided for otherwise in County Bye-Law or in Competition Regulation, when Teams finish with equal points for Qualification for the Concluding Stages, or for Promotion or Relegation, the tie shall be decided by the following means and in the order specified: (i) Where two or more Teams only are involved – the outcome of the meeting of the two Teams in the previous game in the Competition; (ii) Scoring Difference (subtracting the total Scores Against from total Scores For); (iii) Highest Total Score For; (iv) A Play-Off. All regulations previously pertaining to the senior championship to be amended accordingly.

Achadh Mhaoláin

Competitions – Leagues/Shields

  1. CCC to be given the authority include in its regulations the scheduling of two rounds of the All-County Leagues that are to be exclusively played without members of the Leitrim Senior Football Panel in 2018 and the years beyond, while the current format of 12 Team leagues continues.

Coiste Chontae Liatroma

  1. The numbers in teams in All-County Leagues to be reduced at the end of the 2018 season to a maximum of 10 teams per division in the following manner:
  • ACL Division 1 Relegation of the bottom two teams to Division 2
  • ACL Division 2 No Promotion of the top two teams to Division 1 and relegation of the bottom 4 teams to Division 3.
  • ACL Division 3 No Promotion of top two teams to Division 2 and relegation of bottom 6 teams to Division 4.
  • ACL Division 4 No promotion and an ACL Division 5 to be reintroduced in 2019 and the number of remaining teams to be split as closely as evenly between these two divisions as possible with a maximum of 10 in ACL Div 4.

Coiste Chontae Liatroma

  1. From 2018 Shield League Competitions at adult level be discontinued.

Coiste Chontae Liatroma

Competitions – Grading

  1. CCC Liatroma to be given the brief to examine derogation from Rule 6.14 2017 with a view to formulating a regulation that is more equitable towards the relative playing strength of clubs and their ability to field teams. CCC to have any revised playing eligibility regulation formulated for approval at the March meeting of Coiste Chontae Liatroma.

Coiste Chontae Liatroma

  1. That in order to halt the dramatic fall-off in the number of teams competing in our Championships that the following changes be introduced to the interpretation of the derogation from Rule 6.14 in 2018: The 15 players who start in the first round championship match for a club, at Senior, Intermediate and Junior A, be precluded from playing at a lower championship level for the club in the same year. All other limitations in relation to this derogation remain as in 2017.

Béal an Átha Moir Sea Uí Eislín

  1. That the regulation which applies to Div 4 of the leagues whereby a match can be played at 13 aside, if one or both teams only have 13 players, that this be extended to games in the Junior B Championship in 2018 and beyond.

Béal an Átha Moir Sea Uí Eislín

 

  1. Grading of Players: From 2018 forward players must nominate 13 players who are from among the First 17 used in the highest grade of championship football of the previous year to be its First 13 for League purposes only. If a club has three league teams, the remaining players from among this First Championship 17 of the previous year plus any additional players who played at any stage in its highest ranked team in the previous year’s championship shall be the first players listed on its Second League 13. The remaining players on the Second 13 to be players who were among the club’s Second Championship 17 in the previous year. All remaining club players only shall be eligible to play league football on the club’s third team. In the case of clubs having only a second team and that team eligible to play in ACL Division 4 and any Division 5 that may exist in 2018 and beyond, the club shall be required to nominate 11 players to be its First 11. These players shall be from among its First 17 in the previous year’s championship.

Exceptions:

  • Should a club have a player who hasn’t been graded in accordance with the above criteria on account of not having played before First 17 previous year’s championship being established, for whatever reason, then the club may make a case for that player’s grading at the higher level.
  • Members of the current Leitrim Senior Football Panel must be named on the First 13, irrespective of their current championship status.

Coiste Chontae Liatroma

  1. That in order to halt the dramatic fall-off in the number of teams in our Leagues that the following changes be introduced in 2018: Clubs that fielded only one League team in 2017 and who wish to register a second team in 2018, be required to name 11 players who not be eligible to play with their second team in 2018. Clubs that fielded two League teams in 2017 be required to name 11 players who played for their first team in 2017 and will not be eligible to play with their second team in 2018. Clubs that fielded three League teams in 2017, be required to name 13 players who will be eligible to play with their first team only. Then name a further 11 players who not be eligible to play with their third team in 2018.

Béal an Átha Moir Sea Uí Eislín

  1. The following pertains to competitions where there is re-grading of teams; i.e. from 15 aside to a lower number (e.g. 13 aside). Prior to the Competitions Control Committee (CCC) structuring competitions, the teams wishing to participate in the lower grade competition (meaning a competition comprising teams of less than 15 aside), shall submit an official list to the CCC at least 3 weeks in advance of the competitions commencement. The team shall not be allowed deviate from this list for the remainder of the particular competition. For teams wishing to compete in a lower grade competition, the maximum number of players permitted on the list is the starting number plus 6 substitutes.

Naomh Pádraig Droim Dhá Thiar

Comhdháil Bhliantúil

  1. The GAA will not allow continued exclusive TV coverage for any games to any subscription channel after the current contract expires. In future, all proposed GAA match TV coverage will be made available via free to air

Naomh Muire Cill Tochairt

Comhairle Connacht

  1. That in the event of their existence each club participating in Connacht Club Championship matches be circulated with a copy of the Provincial Council Match Regulations governing the organisation and presentation of these games in advance of the competition commencement. Such regulations to be amended, if required in 2018 to specify arrangements regarding venues that are suitable for all these matches, covering all eventualities.

Achadh na Síleann

  1. In the event that no specific Connacht Club Championship Match Organisation Regulations exist that such be formulated n 2018 for circulation to clubs in advance of their participation in the relevant competition. Such regulations to specify arrangements regarding venues that are suitable for all these matches,  covering all eventualities.

Achadh na Síleann

General

  1. That two delegates from Leitrim Ladies’ County Board have the right to attend the Men’s County Board meetings with speaking rights, but not voting rights.

 

Achadh Mhaoláin

  1. That two delegates from the Leitrim Men’s County have the right to attend the Ladies’ County Board meetings with speaking rights, but not voting rights.

 

Achadh Mhaoláin

The late Ettie Clinton, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo

Leitrim GAA would like to convey its sympathy to Dr Declan Loftus, Drumshanbo, former longstanding doctor to the Leitrim County Footballers on the recent death of his sister, Ettie Clinton, Crossmolina, Co Mayo. The late Ettie was interred yesterday, Wednesday, in Crossmolina.

Ettie was a treasured and devoted mother to Annette, Dr Declan, Caroline, Brian and Sinead. Cherished sister of the late Dr.J.V, Martin and Kevin. Deeply missed by her brothers Dr Mickey, Dan, Dr Declan, Finian, Dr Colm, Liam and Shane and her sister Siobhan, her sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, her beloved grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and a large circle of friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh sí.

Convention 2018 Nominations

Ainmniúcháin

Cathaoirleach:                                     Traolach  Ó Baoil

Leas Cathaoirleach:                            Stiofan Ó Floinn

Rúnaí:                                                  Attracta Ni Raghailligh

Leas Rúnaí:                                         Seán Ó Cianáin

Cisteoir:                                               Martín Mac Artáin

Leas Cisteoir:                                      Sheamus Ó Miachain; Padraig Ó Fitcheallaigh

Oifigeach Forbartha:

Oifigeach Oiliúna:                               Aodh Cliontúin

Oifigeach Cultúra agus Teanga:       Clár Ní Chrosáin

Oifigeach Páistí:                                   Gearóid Mac an Ghalloglaidh

Oifigeach Caidreamh Poiblí:             Déaglán Ó Buacháin

Comhairle Connacht:(2)                    Sean Ó Maoilmhiaigh; Eanna  Mac Tighernáin; Padraig Ó Fitcheallaigh

Árd Comhairle:                                   Sean O’Suilleabhain; Eanna  Mac Tighernáin; Stiofan Ó Floinn

Comhdháil Connacht: (4)                 Traolach  Ó Baoil; Attracta Ni Raghailligh; Martín Mac Artáin

Comhdháil Bhliantúil: (4)                Traolach  Ó Baoil; Attracta Ni Raghailligh; Martín Mac Artáin

 

Postponed – Under 13 Games Centres

Due to adverse weather conditions this mornings (Saturday) Under 13 Regional Game Centres in Centre of Excellence & Glencar Community Park are postponed.

 

 

LH Heating Under 21 Championship Final Fixture Change

The 2017 LH Heating Under 21 (13 a side) Final will now take place tomorrow Saturday at 2.30pm in Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada.

Saturday 18 November

LH Heating Under 21 (13 a side) Final Glencar/Manorhamilton v St Francis’

Time 2.30pm

Venue Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada

Leitrim/Sligo GAA welcomes Martin Fogarty to a Hurling Workshop

Date: Monday, December 11th

Time: 7.00-9.00pm

Venue: Summerhill College Gym(Sligo)

While this is aimed at hurling coaches, all coaches are invited and welcome to attend. This is a joint venture by Sligo and Leitrim GAA Coaching and Games Development.

Decorated ex-Kilkenny selector Martin Fogarty has been appointed National Hurling Development manager by the GAA.

The new role, which was recommended by the Hurling 2020 Committee, includes a specific responsibility for the development of hurling

Among the other aims of the committee will be a review of county games programmes for club players, devising other activities and initiatives with the aim of maximising participation across all levels of the games, and consideration of the restoration of a mentoring programme in designated counties.

Fogarty, who was a selector with Kilkenny from 2005-2013 when the Cats won six All-Ireland titles, said: “Hurling has always been my life and I’m delighted and honoured to have appointed as National Hurling Development manager.

“There is tremendous work taking place in the development and promotion of hurling around the country – not all of it being recognised and not all of it yielding trophies.

“But I want to shine a light on the work that is being done to grow the game and to support it and also work to ensure that hurling has a great future.”

Fogarty, who also led Kilkenny’s Under-21s to successive All-Ireland titles in 2003 and 2004, In recent years Leitrim has become a force in underage hurling both in club and at county development squads.

Martin will be meeting the club coaches and volunteers from 7-8pm where he will do a workshop on how to maximize the resources each club have and for the last part, Martin will be taking the Sligo/Leitrim u17 hurlers in an indoor session from 8-9:30pm.

This evening is an evening not to be missed. All club coaches and anyone that is interested in sport should come and listen to hear what Martin has to say.

 

Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Hurling Initiative

Hurling Initiative – This year in Leitrim, Cumann na mBunscol Liatroma, in conjunction with Leitrim GAA Coaching and Games Committee decided to run a hurling initiative due to the poor number of schools registering interest in hurling competitions (3 schools out of 38).  Our determination is to make hurling as accessible as possible to all primary school pupils.

The Plan – We met with National Hurling Development Manager Martin Fogarty, Connacht Hurling Development Officer Damien Coleman, Hurling Coach Michael Carroll and Leitrim Games Development Manager Thomas Keenan and explored possible issues and devised a plan. We liaised with our Games Development Manager Thomas Keenan to buy equipment (200 helmets, 200 hurls, and 200 sliotars) and we made up six packs each containing 30 of each. Each pack also contains the Hurling Fun-Do information pack which contains fun, easy-to-do skills and drills.

In this regard, we would like to acknowledge the subsidising of the equipment by Leitrim GAA to reduce the investment cost to Cumann na mBunscoil Liatroma.

We would like to thank the above people for the input and advice that they have given us to bring this initiative to a reality. We look forward to the schools of the county getting involved and we are hopeful that with the encouragement and help of the Coaching and Games Development and buy-in from our schools and teachers that current primary school pupils of all ages will enjoy an experience that will foster an interest in the camán and sliotar.

These kits will be delivered to six schools at a time for six-week “Sessions”. During this six-week session, a hurling coach will visit the teachers in the school to help them devise a six-week programme. This is designed to help make the school self-sufficient and not entirely reliant on hurling coaches. We believe that everyone can be a hurling coach. After the six-week session is over, all six schools will come together and have a blitz, giving the children a chance to use their newly-learned skills with other children who are at the same level as themselves in a fun, non-competitive way. Schools do not pay to borrow these kits for the sessions but have the option to buy the sets after the six weeks should they choose to do so. This offers them a free trial before they commit to buying the expensive gear.

We are currently piloting the scheme in six schools with a full rollout in January. There will be three sessions between Jan – June 2018 and with five sessions planned for the 2018-19 school year and the target is to have every school in the county trying hurling for six weeks for free. More info is available and Leitrim schools can register their interest at cnmb.leitrim@gaa.ie or follow us @cnmbleitrim on Twitter.

Our photographs feature pupils from Scoil Mhuire NS, Bornacoola, St Brigid’s NS, Drumcong, Aughnasheelin NS, Drumkeerin NS and St Joseph’s NS, Aughavas, making excellent use of the equipment.

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