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.
https://www.leitrimgaa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Coaching_news2.jpg400400Leitrim GAA PROhttps://www.leitrimgaa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cropped-Leitrim_Crest_3d_Trans_552x552-180x180.pngLeitrim GAA PRO2017-11-16 20:59:062017-11-16 22:04:09Leitrim/Sligo GAA welcomes Martin Fogarty to a Hurling Workshop
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.
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.
https://www.leitrimgaa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/WhatsApp-Image-2017-11-11-at-11.38.04-e1510700256692.jpeg7681024Leitrim GAA PROhttps://www.leitrimgaa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cropped-Leitrim_Crest_3d_Trans_552x552-180x180.pngLeitrim GAA PRO2017-11-14 22:58:462017-11-14 22:58:46Coaching and Games Development Under 13 Games Centres
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).
https://www.leitrimgaa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/DSCN2161.jpg15362048Leitrim GAA PROhttps://www.leitrimgaa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cropped-Leitrim_Crest_3d_Trans_552x552-180x180.pngLeitrim GAA PRO2017-11-13 23:06:522017-11-13 23:06:52Fr Manning U-16 Football Tournament Plate Semi-Final Match Report
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!
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.
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
https://www.leitrimgaa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Scor-logo.png10001000Leitrim GAA PROhttps://www.leitrimgaa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cropped-Leitrim_Crest_3d_Trans_552x552-180x180.pngLeitrim GAA PRO2017-11-08 22:22:272017-11-08 22:22:272018 Scór na nÓg and Scór Sinsir dates revealed
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.
https://www.leitrimgaa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Coaching_news2.jpg400400Leitrim GAA PROhttps://www.leitrimgaa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cropped-Leitrim_Crest_3d_Trans_552x552-180x180.pngLeitrim GAA PRO2017-11-08 18:01:002017-11-08 18:01:00Five Places available at John Morrison Coaching Workshop
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.
Allianz Football & Hurling Leagues 202518th January 2025 - 10:15 am
LH Heating Under 21 Championship Final Fixture Change
Club FootballThe 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
CoachingDate: 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
Cumann na mBunscolHurling 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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Coaching and Games Development Under 13 Games Centres
CoachingUnder 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.
Club Cairde November Prize Winners
Club CairdeThe 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
Fr Manning U-16 Football Tournament Plate Semi-Final Match Report
CoachingLeitrim . . . 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 Dublin Show – Sunday December 10
GeneralELEANOR 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 2018 – 5 Management Positions Vacated
GeneralCounty 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 Adult Playing Structures Review – Players Survey
Club FootballLeitrim 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
2018 Scór na nÓg and Scór Sinsir dates revealed
ScórThe 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
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
Five Places available at John Morrison Coaching Workshop
CoachingDue 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.
Official GAA Press Release – Melvin Gaels GAA Club – Healthy Clubs Project
GeneralMelvin 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.