Under 13 Regional Game Centres are up and running. It is the perfect opportunity for young players to hone their skills in the company of their peers of the same age. Upcoming Game Centres are as follows:

The u13 regional game centres will take place over the coming weekend at the following venues.

·         Glencar Community Park,  Saturday 18th from 10am-11.30am.

·         Ballinamore & Annaduff regions will combine in the Leitrim GAA centre in Annaduff on Sunday 19th from 11am-12.30.

Please note: The u13 game centre is open to boys in their last year at the under 13 grade this year.

This Coaching and Games Development initiative took place at St Osnat’s GAA Grounds, Glencar on Saturday morning last.

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

€100 – Seamus Mitchell, Mohill GAA Club

€100 – Gretta O Neill, Carrigallen GAA Club

€100 – Jack Dolan, Drumkeerin GAA Club

€100 – Christine Gaffney, Drumreilly GAA Club

€100 – Raymond McHugh, Ballinamore Sean O Heslin’s GAA Club

€300 – Aughavas GAA Club

Leitrim . . . 2-06 Longford . . . 0-10

A goal from Diarmuid Kelleher in the first minute of stoppage time saw Leitrim snatch a last-gasp victory over Longford in the Fr Manning U-16 Football Tournament Plate semi-final at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Saturday last.

Kelleher also scored the goal in the first half that left his side leading by 1-4 to 0-6 at the break, with the four points coming from the boot of Jamie Quinn (three frees). Longford dominated for much of the second half but some excellent defensive work by Leitrim and some poor shot selection meant that Leitrim were always in the game. Two Jamie Quinn pointed frees left the minimum between the sides entering the final minutes. Both sides were pressing for the winning score, the Longford goalkeeper making two fine saves, both from Kelleher shots, while at the other end Donal Casey and the Leitrim defence were forcing the Longford forwards into mistakes. Kelleher then forced home his second goal in stoppage time following another Leitrim attack.

Leitrim now meet Louth in the Plate final.

LEITRIM: Sean Reynolds (St Mary’s); Tom McKeon (Fenagh), Donal Casey (Leitrim Village), Shane McGloine (Melvin Gaels); Oisin Niblock (Rinn Gaels), Eoin McLoughlin (Fenagh), Francis McGovern (Ballinamore); Jack Hughes (Annaduff), Colin Moran (Allen Gaels); Daniel Maguire (Drumkeerin), Caolan Clancy (Melvin Gaels), Tom Prior (Ballinamore); Oisin Bohan (St Mary’s), Jamie Quinn (Rinn Gaels, 0-6, five frees), Diarmuid Kelleher (St Mary’s, 2-0).

Subs:- Shaifik Ohbihi (St Joseph’s) for O Bohan (33 mins); Niall Keegan (Mohill) for O Niblock (48 mins); Conal McGovern (Fenagh) for D Maguire (55 mins).

ELEANOR SHANLEY will play Dublin show at The Unitarian Church, Stephens Green alongside some Leitrim friends on Sunday, December 10th, 2017. Tickets priced €20 and €23 including booking fees are now on sale from tickets.ie

Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 7.45pm. It’s a straight set with no break so it’s guaranteed not be a late night.

The concert will feature Paul Kelly (mandolin and fiddle) and Niall Hughes (double bass and guitar)

This year’s concert will also feature an exclusive live performance from Leitrim’s own Garadice, who will join Eleanor as special guests.

“Exquisite” & “Folk Roots of the highest order” – Colm O’Hare, Hot Press

“Exquisitely beautiful” – Irish Music Magazine

“Gorgeous And Bright” – No 1 played song on RTE Radio 1, summer 2015

With a career spanning over twenty years, Eleanor Shanley is one of the most loved singers in our country’s folk music history.

Whether as a soloist, or collaborating with De Dannan, or her time collaborating with the late Ronnie Drew (RIP), that voice rings threw with such lyrical emotion, every time.

As a solo artist Eleanor Shanley has had a date with The Unitarian Church at Christmas time for the last few years. All shows have sold out too. Indeed, this is Eleanor’s third consecutive December show at this beautiful landmark location on Dublin’s St Stephens Green, and one that always excites.

This year Eleanor will be joined by Paul Kelly (mandolin and fiddle) and Niall Hughes (double bass and guitar). This year’s show on December 10th show will have an extra special addition to the night, not possible in previous years.

· On the night Eleanor will introduce us to her new collaborators, GARADICE. Having met during their collective time touring Leitrim Equation in 2016, this year the four-piece collaborative made the decision to start recording together. Within Garadice Eleanor is joined by John McCartin (Guitar), Dave Sheridan (Flute, Accordion and Piano) and Padraig McGovern (Uileann Pipes and Whistles). Some live shows are likely from Garadice in 2018 in parallel to Eleanor recording her new studio album.

· However, this live Dublin performance on December 10th will be the collaborator’s first in the city. A first and very special opportunity to hear some of the recordings set to be released in Garadice’s debut album in 2018.

Eleanor Shanley still possesses a voice as pure and lyrical as the first day she stepped in front of a microphone with De Danann in 1990. Renowned for her unique interpretation of Irish and Roots songs, Eleanor has been at the top of her profession since her first appearance with De Danann. She recorded two critically acclaimed albums with them ‘A Jacket of Batteries’ and ‘Half Set in Harlem’. While a member of De Danann she also toured Europe, Australia, China, Japan and the USA as well as taking part in several tours of Ireland.

Eleanor has worked with many great musicians through the years and also recorded with The Dubliners, Sharon Shannon, Donal Lunny, to U2 and too many more both at home & internationally to mention here. Her time working with Ronnie Drew was a very special time in her life, and this a friendship she treasured. They recorded two albums together, A Couple More Years, and El Amor De Mi Vida, which was recorded shortly before Ronnie died, Eleanor and Ronnie performed live together on many occasions, also.

Eleanor’s happiest place is performing and to frequently have an opportunity to perform with friends too makes the experience even more special.

Having toured Ireland, the continent and in Canada and the USA frequently over recent years one would wonder where Eleanor found the time to release a new album also. This she did, with 2015’s Forever Young (her 14th). The album presented Eleanor with the most played track on RTE Radio 1 the same summer, the Thom Moore classic, Gorgeous and Bright

Highlights in recent years include performing at RTE Radio’s 1916 Commemoration Concert in Dublin, together with performing at Here’s To You, Ronnie Drew – A Celebration. In honour of her dear, dear friend, the concert was held at Vicar Street in September of the same year.

This year so far has included live shows in Denmark, where Eleanor was awarded The Danish Folk Music Award in 2015, a testament, were it needed, to her popularity in this market. She is only the second Irish artist to receive this honour since its inception 20 years ago. Live shows also called in Germany and here at home. Indeed, Eleanor has just returned from Canada where she expects to be touring in 2018, possibly also in parallel with recording her next album!

www.eleanorshanley.ie | @eleanorshanley

LINKS

TV / Radio Links

RTE Radio 1 Special (broadcast Sept 2015 & again March 27, 2016) Listen here: http://www.rte.ie/radio1/in-session/

Late Late Show performance – October 2015 http://goo.gl/7s38Rt

RTE Radio 1 In Session (filmed by Christian Tierney)

Forever Young https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA7J1nEOlQI

County Convention, which reviews 2017 and prepares for the coming year takes place at the Bush Hotel on Monday, December 11th next. Nomination and Motion Forms have been with all club secretaries for the past two weeks and are due to be returned to an Rúnaí Chontae by Monday night next, November 13th.

With regard to Nomination Forms, clubs have been advised that the positions of Central Council Delegate, Development Officer, Connacht Council(1) and Assistant Treasurer are being vacated by the previous incumbents PJ Meehan, Pat Feely, Jim Meehan and John Mulvey respectively as they have completed the maximum 5 years in the positions. In addition to this, Seán Ó Súilleabháín is vacating the position of Leas Cathaoirleach. We would like to acknowledge the valued contributions made by all five over the past number of years in their respective positions.

While all positions on the Management Committee are open to nomination and contest, the very fact that 5 positions will be guaranteed to have different personnel in 2018 will hopefully encourage GAA people from around the county to show an interest in getting involved in the management of Leitrim GAA business from 2018 forward.

Contact your club by Monday to ensure your nomination is on the Clár on December 11th.

Leitrim GAA recently conducted an Adult Playing Structures Review which included a Club Forum on October 23rd. The forum was very well attended by club officials and a number of current players. The review committee also organised a survey of adult club players which was circulated through the club secretaries, social media and this website. A total of 156 players responded to the survey, representative of all grades playing adult football in Leitrim. The players also were invited to submit their views at the end of the survey. Leitrim GAA would like to acknowledge the time taken by the players to complete the survey and also the painstaking manner in which many chose to make submissions which are most thought-provoking. The submissions of players as regards playing structures have been circulated to all club secretaries earlier this week for clubs’ consideration.

Taking into consideration the feedback from the forum and players’ survey/submissions the review committee has formulated a number of motions which will be published here once convention motion submission deadline has passed. The deadline for submission of motions by clubs is Monday next, November 13th.

You may view the Players Survey Results below.

2017 Players Survey

The launch of 2018 All-Ireland Scór took place in Sligo  IT on October 12th last. The launch event was officiated by Aogan O’Fearghail, Uachtaran Cuman Luthchleas Gael Scór and Sligo Scór Chairman Keith Henry along with county board committees. Sligo is honoured to have been chosen as the host venue for Junior and Senior Scór finals for 2018 as initially proposed Connacht Chairman & Leitrim native Gerry McGovern and supported by Coiste Scór Connacht. It is anticipated it will encourage an increase in participation across county finals in the province vying for places in both finals.  What an honour it would be to have some of our Leitrim talent representing us in our neighbouring county. As always we ask all the Leitrim clubs to make their very best efforts putting together their entries. Craic agus Ceoil being the core element of this cultural event.

The following dates have been set for Leitrim Scór Finals for 2017/18. Also included are the dates of provincial & all Ireland dates.
Further details as available will be posted on our Facebook page – Scór Liatroma, Leitrim GAA website & the Leitrim Observer.

Scór na nÓg

Leitrim County Final Sunday 10th December 2017 2pm, venue TBC

Quiz Sunday, January 8th, Venue TBC

Connacht provincial final Sunday 14th January 2.30pm Claremorris

All Ireland Final Saturday 17th February 2018 Sligo IT

Senior Scór 

Leitrim County Final 24th February 2018, venue TBC

Connacht Provincial Final March,  venue & date to be confirmed

All Ireland Final Saturday 14th April 2018 Sligo IT

Scór na mBunscoileanna

Date yet to be confirmed

Due to cancellations, five places have become available for the John Morrison Coaching Workshop. ‘Games Senses’ takes place in Centre of Excellence, Annaduff, tomorrow evening commencing at 7.30pm.

These additional places may be secured by contacting Leitrim GAA Games Promotion Officer James Glancy on (086) 4082561 or email james.glancy.gda.leitrim@gaa.ie.

The cost of the workshop will be €5.

Melvin Gaels GAA amongst the first official GAA Healthy Clubs to receive national recognition

· The award-winning Healthy Clubs Project (HCP) aims to turn clubs into hubs for health in their communities

· With almost the same number of GAA clubs as GPs across Ireland, the project offers a new setting in which to deliver health promotion and interventions

· Leading GAA ambassador Seán Cavanagh strongly commends the club for their leadership

November 4th – A special ceremony with governmental representation in Croke Park today saw 58 GAA clubs recognised as the first official ‘Healthy Clubs’ on the island of Ireland.

Eight Connacht clubs, including Melvin Gaels GAA in Leitrim, can now proudly fly a flag above their grounds (endorsed by both Healthy Ireland and the Public Health Agency in NI), letting their members and communities know that they value health and wellbeing as much as leagues and championships.

In January 2016, almost 100 clubs applied to participate in Phase 2 of the project (just 16 participated in Phase 1 between 2013-2015). Many cited the dearth of services in their communities that are tackling issues such as obesity, sedentary lifestyles, mental health and suicide. They wanted to be part of the solution.

Clubs engage with their members and community before identifying health themes upon which to focus on. Most common include healthy eating; physical activity for non-playing members; emotional well-being; engaging older members of the community; youth development; gambling, drug, and alcohol education; and inclusion and integration. Almost half of the clubs (29) also opted to become completely smoke-free venues as part of their 18-month journey.

Progressive GAA club, Melvin Gaels is the first in Leitrim to receive national recognition. Their innovative Melvin Gaels Million Minutes health challenge had a tremendous impact on the club and the wider community. Collectively they achieved their target of logging a million minutes of physical activity over eight weeks. The challenge captured the imagination of all elements of the local community, young and old, from families and individuals to schools and businesses. They all contributed by logging their minutes each week, gathering each Friday evening for a health-related discussion in Kinlough Community Centre, joining the walking/running group each Saturday evening, or by kindly donating prizes or running classes for those taking part. The initiative highlighted the broad variety of physical activity that locals are engaged in, ranging from the ever-popular walking to yoga, cycling, athletics, karate, gymnastics, horse-riding, strength and conditioning, surfing, kayaking, gardening, dancing, tai-chi, to good old-fashioned play.

Former Tyrone football captain Seán Cavanagh is a big supporter of the GAA’s Healthy Club Project (HCP) and presented the clubs with their official flag and plaque in Croke Park on Saturday, November 4th. He said “I’ve seen myself how the GAA brings communities together in so many different ways so it’s fantastic to see the association taking a leadership role in developing healthier communities. The Healthy Clubs around the country are having a positive impact on so many children and young people and as a parent, I think it is fantastic. Through this project, I think people will start to appreciate the role of the GAA in our communities even more.”

The innovative Healthy Club model was developed in partnership with Healthy Ireland, the HSE’s health promotion division, the National Office for Suicide Prevention, and is supported by Irish Life through a CSR investment. In an era of unprecedented societal health challenges, the Healthy Club Project aims to harness the potential of the GAA club setting to deliver evidence-based health promotion information and interventions, backed up by appropriate policies and partnerships. Its potential to be replicated by other sports is currently being explored by a working group involving the FAI, IRFU, and Athletics Ireland.

Similar work is being undertaken across European sports associations, and for the past three years the GAA has contributed its learnings to the EU-wide Sports Clubs for Health project. This culminated with the GAA’s Community & Health manager, Colin Regan, presenting on the Healthy Club project to a sub-committee of the EU Parliament in Brussels in April.

The Healthy Clubs project is being independently evaluated by a team from Waterford IT’s Centre for Health Behaviour Research. While the final report into Phase 2 won’t be available until December, the research team have already noted significant successes (see editor’s notes for examples of successful interventions).

Aogán Ó Fearghail, An Uachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael said, “The 58 Healthy Clubs recognised today have gone above and beyond what is normally expected of a sports club. Health and wellbeing is core to what the GAA is all about and these clubs help bring that to life. 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 it from strength to strength.”

Recognising the achievements of the clubs in Croke Park at the Healthy Club Recognition Event is Catherine Byrne, Minister of State for Health Promotion and the National Drugs Strategy, Department of Health (ROI). She said, “Today is all about recognition for the clubs and the volunteers who make this happen at club level. I would like to congratulate all of the clubs and volunteers involved and acknowledge the contribution that they are all making to bring the vision for Healthy Ireland to life: where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health and wellbeing to their full potential”

David Harney, CEO, Irish Life said, “Irish Life are delighted to work with the GAA on the Healthy Club initiative. The GAA reaches into every community on the island of Ireland and has a significant role to play in the health of the nation through its promotion of Gaelic Games. The association’s Healthy Club initiative brings a new dimension to this work. It enables people to

access health in an exciting new way. We believe this work has the potential to improve the future health of communities across the country.”

There are numerous benefits to clubs that take part in the GAA HCP including exclusive access to Healthy Club resources and support. The independent evaluation by Waterford IT’s Centre for Health Behaviour Research of Phase 1 of the HCP revealed its potential to increase membership, improvements in health-promoting activities, better opportunity to link the local community with club activities and opening up new funding avenues all the while enhancing the health of the nation and ensuring a healthier future for everyone.

The GAA hope to extend the project to 150 clubs in Phase 3 (with expressions of interest to open in early 2018) before opening the project to all interested clubs in 2020. There are 1,600 clubs in Ireland and over 400 abroad. For more information, visit: www.gaa.ie/community Follow: @officialgaa or Like: www.facebook.com/officialgaa/ #gaahealth

For more information or to request an interview please contact:

Wilson Hartnell:

Emma Walsh, Tel: 0873170897 or E: emma.walsh@ogilvy.com

Amber Brown, Tel: 087 779 9719 or E: amber.brown@ogilvy.com

Melvin Gaels Million Minutes

Earlier in the year, Melvin Gaels GAA Club inspired its local community off the field to record one million minutes of health-enhancing physical activity. The initiative was part of the Melvin Gaels’ involvement in the GAA’s Healthy Club project and intended to increase awareness of the importance to health of regular physical activity while bringing the community together to achieve this goal collectively. The idea was the brain child of the Melvin Gaels’ Healthy Club project team leader, Katherine Williams, who was ably assisted by Mary McSharry, Ciara Barrett, and Mary Rooney. The innovative challenge captured the imagination of all elements of the local community, young and old, from families and individuals to schools and businesses. They all contributed by logging their minutes each week. The initiative highlighted the broad variety of physical activity that locals are engaged in, ranging from the ever-popular walking to yoga, cycling, athletics, karate, gymnastics, horse-riding, strength and conditioning, surfing, kayaking, gardening, dancing, tai-chi, to good old-fashioned play. Each Friday of the eight-week challenge participants were invited to gather at the Kinlough Community Centre to log their weekly minutes of physical activity and to enjoy an array of health-related workshops and speakers covering topics such as healthy eating and nutrition, healthy checks, functional movement, mental fitness and emotional wellbeing.

 

 

Jackie Gallagher – Melvin Gaels and Leitrim Footballer – RIP

The death has taken place of one of Melvin Gaels’ greatest footballers, Jackie Gallagher. Jackie was fullback and captain when the Gaels won their first ever Senior Championship in 1959 and he was in the same position as they completed a four-in-a-row of titles from 1959 to 1962. He won a fifth title in 1965. That wasn’t Jackie’s only senior title because he was the cornerback on the Ballinamore Seán O’Heslin’s team that won the 1956 Senior Championship. Ironically, Melvin Gaels beat O’Heslin’s in the 1959 final to take their first title and, in a most unusual scoreline, it finished 1-6 to 0-0. Jackie spent his working life teaching in Ballinamore Vocational School.

Jackie Gallagher was also a prominent county player and, while he started as a cornerback, he starred in goals for Leitrim throughout the golden period when they reached four Connacht finals in a row. He was the goalkeeper in three of them including the memorable 1958 final against Galway. In 1962, he won a Connacht Junior Championship with Leitrim and also played in the 1959 National League Semi-final against Derry in Croke Park. In times when few goalkeepers took the kick outs, Jackie’s long deliveries were famous and would be eminently suited for today’s “mark”. Jackie was also brother-in-law to Aidan McGowan, who was Uachtarán Comhairle Connacht.

Our sympathy to his wife Tess, daughters Finola, Maureen and Aileen, son Niall, family and friends.

Sonas síoraí d’fhear uasal macánta thar na bearta, mar mhúinteoir agus mar pheileadóir.

Funeral Arrangements

John Joseph (Jackie) Gallagher, Church St., Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim and formerly Glenade, Co. Leitrim. Peacefully at Oakview Nursing Home, Belturbet. Reposing at his home on Wednesday from 3pm to 10pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday at 12 noon in St. Patrick’s church, Ballinamore followed by burial in Oughteragh Cemetery. Family Flowers only please, donations, in lieu, if desired to The Parkinsons Association of Ireland, c/o Smiths Funeral Directors.

Leitrim GAA would like to offer its sincere sympathy to the family of the late John Joe Dolan, Church Street, Carrigallen, who passed away on Friday last. John Joe was a member of the Leitrim Minor Team which won the Connacht Minor Football Championship in 1945 and the following year he was a member of the Leitrim Connacht Junior Championship winning team. John Joe, a former Ulster Colleges McRory Cup Medal winner with St. Patrick’s College Cavan in 1943, represented Ulster on the Colleges Interprovincial team in 1944. He captured a Leitrim Senior Championship medal with Tully in 1945.

John Joe is sadly missed by his sons Con and Michael, daughters Colette, Marie and Geraldine, daughter-in-law Bernie, partners Mick and Colbert, grandchildren, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Removal tomorrow, Monday, to St Mary’s Church, Carrigallen, arriving for funeral mass at twelve noon.

Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

 

Fr. Manning Round 3

Leitrim 3 – 12    Meath 7 – 14

Midway through the second half of this very entertaining game, the scoreboard showed the sides level, 3-10 a-piece, however, in a three-minute blitz Meath ended the game as a contest, scoring three goals.

Leitrim started the game with a sense of urgency, Oisin Bohan and Caolan Clancy pointed frees and two superb goals from David O’Connell and Donal Casey left them leading 2 -02 to 0-00 after 4 minutes. Meath responded well, Points from Joe Moore (free), Matthew Costello(play) and a goal from Evan Corrigan pegged back Leitrim but further points from Diarmuid Kelleher(play), Caolan Clancy and Paul Keaney (frees) kept them in control.

Meath made two substitutions, bringing on Ian Birmingham and Conor Quigley and both players made an instant impact, firing over a point each and Birmingham setting up Matthew Costello for his second point from play. Meath levelled the game in the 20th minute with an excellent goal from Conor Quigley. Eoin McLoughlin replaced the injured Niall Keegan on the Leitrim team. Meath scored their third goal from a Luke Mitchell penalty which looked a very harsh call against the Leitrim defence. Jack Hughes and Tom Prior pointed, Oisin Bohan scored Leitrim’s third goal, reacting smartly to the ball coming back off the upright before Luke Mitchell brought the first half to an end with a pointed free.

Half Time – Leitrim 3 – 07      Meath 3 – 06

The second half opened with Meath points from Ian Birmingham, Matthew Costello and two pointed frees by Luke Mitchell with Leitrim replies from Oisin Bohan, Diarmuid Kelleher and Caolan Clancy, 12 minutes played and the sides level. In the following 3 minutes, Joe Moore(two) and Evan Corrigan goaled and further points from Mitchell, Birmingham and Colin Hawdon sealed the win for Meath. Two Caolan Clancy frees and 1 -01 from Meath sub Aitzol King ended the scoring.

Final score Leitrim 3 – 12    Meath 7 – 14

Leitrim will be disappointed at the manner of the defeat, they played very well up until the Meath blitz but players will learn that mistakes at this level are clinically punished.

Leitrim Panel

Sean Reynolds St Marys, Shaifik Ohbihi St Josephs, Niall Keegan Mohill, Tom McKeon Fenagh, Paul Keaney St Marys, Shane McGloin Melvin Gaels, Daniel Maguire Drumkerrin, David OConnell St Marys, Jack Hughes Annaduff, Colin Moran Allen Gaels, Peter Conolly Melvin Gaels, Oisin Bohan St Marys, Coalan Clancy Melvin Gaels, Donal Casey Leitrim Gaels, Oisin Niblock Gortletteragh, Eoin McLoughlin Fenagh St. Caillins, Matthew Early Leitrim Gaels, Francis Shanley Annaduff, Tom Prior Ballinamore S. O’H, Francis McGovern Ballinamore S. O’H, Jamie Quinn Gortletteragh, Conal McGovern Fenagh St. Caillins, Diarmuid Kellegher St Marys.