Sligo Prevail in Concluding Connacht FBD League 2015 Encounter.

Sligo 2-9 Leitrim 1-10

The Connacht FBD League 2015 concluded for Leitrim and Sligo in Markievicz  Park, Sligo, this afternoon and after an entertaining and exciting match it was the home side which took the spoils as both sides look forward to the Allianz Leagues which commence in two weeks time. With Galway having secured their place in the FBD final last week it was an ideal opportunity for both managements to have a look at the depth of their squads and following  this, at all times, competitive joust both managements will no doubt have taken many positives forward to reflect on.

The match opened with Leitrim on the attack from the throw in and Kevin Conlan pointed to give the visitors an early advantage. Adrian Marren equalised almost immediately with a close range point and the same player put Sligo into the lead shortly afterwards with another point. Two minutes later Conlan with a 45 restored parity and following a foul on himself and the same player restored Leitrim’s advantage with free as we approached the end of the first quarter and Alan McLoughlin entered the action for Ciaran Gilheaney. Another Conlan point from 40m from play was immediately responded to with a Marren point from play and by the 20th minute corner forward Niall Murphy sent over for the Yeats men to equalise. Yet another Conlan point(free) gave Leitrim the slenderest of advantages before a huge Marren point from play sent the teams in level at half time, five points apiece.

Kenneth Sweeney replaced Padraic Clarke on the Sligo team for the start of the second half and team captain Mark Breheny restored Sligo’s lead with a point from play.  Two minutes midfielder Pat Hughes found the net to open a significant lead for the home side and James McGrail joined the action in place of Cathal McCrann for the visitors. A brilliant goal line clearance by Dylan Keane proved was significant for the Leitrim men as they looked to stay in the match. Alan McLoughlin reduced the deficit with a point and Robbie Lowe replaced Danny Beck with 7 second half minutes played. Leitrim restored parity as Ronan Kennedy found the net with a tidy finish and Conlan with a point put Leitrim ahead as this game ebbed and flowed.

As the game entered its final quarter, Brehony levelled for the home side. Donal Wrynne replaced Christy McGowan on Leitrim side and Keelan Cawley entered the fray for Conor Kerins, Sligo.  Breheny, this time with a free opened the slenderest of leads for Sligo and with 8 minutes remaining the green flag was raised once again, this time Breheny was the finisher and shortly afterwards Kenneth Sweeney opened a five point advantage.  Shane Moran came on for Fergal Clancy and a double substitution by the home side saw Barry O Mahoney and Luke Bree enter for Neil Ewing and Shane Stenson. Conlan reduced the deficit to four points with a free as Sligo continued to empty their bench Niall O Donaghue and Damien O Boyle in for Charlie Harrison and StephenÓgilmartin.

Conlan, from a free, and Barry Prior from play reduced the margin to two points with time running out and Leitrim searching for match saving scores. However it wasn’t to be for the visitors and Sligo held on to record a two point win.

Thus ends the FBD campaign for 2015 and it has seen Leitrim emerge from the winter with a very committed and energetic group of players, a healthy mix of youth sprinkled with experience.  Shane Ward and his management team will have learned a lot about the talent available to them from the competitive experience it has been as they look to shape their team for the forthcoming Allianz Leagues which commence on February 1st with a home tie against neighbours Longford in Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada.

Leitrim: Brendan Flynn, Matthew Murphy, RonanÓgallagher, Dylan Keane, Barry Prior (0-1), Gary Reynolds, Sean McWeeney, Paddy McGowan, Cathal McCrann, Christy McGowan, Fergal Clancy, Danny Beck, Ciaran Gilheaney, Ronan Kennedy (1-0), Kevin Conlan (0-8). Subs used: Alan McLoughlin (0-1), James McGrail, Robbie Lowe, Donal Wrynne and Shane Moran.

Sligo: Aidan Devanney, Eoin Flanagan, Ross Donovan, Daniel Maye, Conor Kerins, Noel Gaughan, Shane Stenson, StephenÓgilmartin, Pat Hughes (1-0), Neil Ewing, Mark Brehony (0-3), Charlie Harrison, Padraic Clarke, Adrian Marren (1-4), Niall Murphy (0-1). Subs used: Kenneth Sweeney (0-1), Keelan Cawley, Barry O Mahony, Luke Bree, Niall McDonagh, Damien O Boyle.

 

 

18-Jan-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO

A pitch inspection has just taken place in Markievicz Park and the FBD Connacht League game between Sligo and Leitrim gets the go ahead for 2pm throw in. 

Be careful on the roads – see you there!

 

 

18-Jan-15 by Leitrim GAA

Connacht SHL Round 3 match Sligo v Leitrim, due to be played tomorrow, Saturday, has been postponed. It has been rescheduled for Saturday next January 24 at 2pm in Tubercurry.

 

 

16-Jan-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO

Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta 2015

 

There were a large number of applicants for the Leitrim Co Board GAA Gaeltacht Grants and the draw for the winners resulted in the following offers of from €200 to €350.

 

Buíochas do na buachaillí agus na cailíní go léir a chuir isteach ar na scoláireachtaí agus comhghairdeas do na buaiteoirí. Buíochas freisin do Coláiste na bhFiann agus Coláiste Ó Direáin agus Coláiste Chamuis a thug páirt- scoláireachtaí dúinn.

 

Seo iad na daoine a fuair scoláireachtaí don bhliain seo:

 

 

Sarah McCormack, Drumbollogue, Drumcong, Carrick on Shannon,

Conor Clarke, Drumhall, Drumshanbo, Co Liatroma.

Peter O’Neill, Gortletteragh, Mohill.

Caoimhe Canning, Lisdadnan, Mohill. 

Aoife Cafferty, Drumlonan, Gorvagh, Mohill.

Conchubhair Ó Duibhir, Garbhach, Maothail.

Michaela Harte, Bóthar Pháirc na Saileán, Béal an Atha Móir.

Aoife Ní Fhlannacha (Clancy) MeenÓgh, Kiltyclogher.

Michael McTague, Drumcroman, Béal an Atha Móir.

Rose McLoughlin, Drumroosk North, Fenagh

Grainne Casey, Drumshanbo North, Aughavas

Oisin McGovern, Drumany, Foxfield,

Tom McKeon, Corlough, Fenagh

Hannah Gilmartin, Uragh, Kinlough

James Honeyman, Balycalleen, Fenagh,

Niamh Ní Dhuibhir, Garbhach, Maothail

 

Coláiste na bhFiann have offered further reductions for attendance at their colleges in Ros Muc and Gaoth Dobhair. If you haven already booked a college and are interested in those please contact Seán Ó Súilleabháin at 087 6821566

 

 

 

14-Jan-15 by Sean O Suilleabhain

Further Gaeltacht grants for Cumann na bhFiann

 

Coláiste na bhFiann have offered further reductions of €200 each for attendance at their colleges in Ros Muc and Gaoth Dobhair. If you havent already booked a college and are interested in those please contact Seán Ó Súilleabháin at 087 6821566

 

 

14-Jan-15 by Sean O Suilleabhain

The late Patsy Guckian. Shannon Lodge, Ck-on-Shannon and St Marys GAA Club

 

Leitrim GAA wishes to offer its sincere condolences to the family of the late Patsy Guckian, Shannon Lodge, Ck-on-Shannon, who passed to his eternal reward yesterday. Patsy, a former employee of ESB, was a lifetime GAA stalwart giving so much of his spare time towards the development of underage players in the St. Mary’s, Kiltoghert, Club over the 1980’s and early 1990’s and indeed also shared his expertise as selector with various county underage teams of that era. He also served as a Leitrim Senior selector in the mid 1980s. The unprecedented success of the St Mary’s underage teams in the 1980’s and into the 1990’s was testament to the work spearheaded by the genial Patsy.

 

Indeed in 1988, with Patsy at the helm, St Mary’s won all of the underage championship titles on offer from Under 12 to Under 21, a haul of trophies never before achieved or since matched. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the St Mary’s Club Patsy was presented with the Ciba-Geigy sponsored GAA Provincial and County Club Person of the Year Award in 1986.

 

This improvement of standards in the county town club, no doubt spurred on other clubs in an effort to match the St Mary’s underage machines of that era and the stock of Leitrim teams at all levels improved greatly. Ultimately the underage players of St. Marys, who were the product of Patsy’s dedication, went on to share in the Club’s second SFC win of 1995, the year in which they also won the Intermediate and Minor A Championship titles, an unprecedented haul of silverware that that is unlikely to be repeated in the future.

 

A former club player with both Annaduff and St. Marys, Patsy also represented Leitrim in the early 1960s.

 

Patsy is survived by his wife Gladys, sons Brendan and Pat, daughters Aine and Michelle. His remains will repose at his residence in Shannon Lodge, Ck-on Shannon today (Wednesday) from 2pm to 5pm with removal to arrive at St Mary’s Church, Ck-on-Shannon at 7pm. His funeral mass will take place on Thursday at 12 noon with burial immediately afterwards in KiltoghertCemetery.

 

Ar Dheis De go raibh se.

 

 

14-Jan-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO

The County Coach Education Committee is running a number of Coach Education Courses during the months of January and February as detailed below.

The booking details have been circulated to all Club Secretaries and people interested in completing these courses are asked to contact their respective Club Secretary to complete booking details.

Coach Education Courses 2015  
     
Date Course  Venue
12/01 to 28/01 Foundation Award On – Line On – Line
     
16-Jan Award 1 Youth/Adult Drumshanbo
17-Jan Award 1 Youth/Adult Drumshanbo
23-Jan Award 1 Youth/Adult Drumshanbo
24-Jan Award 1 Youth/Adult Drumshanbo
30-Jan Award 1 Youth/Adult Drumshanbo
31-Jan Award 1 Youth/Adult Drumshanbo
     
30-Jan Foundation Award Manorhamilton
31-Jan Foundation Award Manorhamilton
     
06-Feb Foundation Award Drumshanbo
07-Feb Foundation Award Drumshanbo
     
06-Feb Foundation Award Mohill
07-Feb Foundation Award Mohill
     
20-Feb Award 1 Child Annaduff
21-Feb Award 1 Child Annaduff
27-Feb Award 1 Child Annaduff
28-Feb Award 1 Child Annaduff

 

 

 

12-Jan-15 by Padraig McGourty – Coaching Officer

Schools Scór is just around the corner on the 22nd and 23rd of January.

Both nights will be held in the Mayflower Drumshanbo starting at 6pm.

Many schools are participating this year, if your child is interested in taking part in a solo or group event, please contact their primary school for entries.

Schools are reminded to have all entries submitted with Scór by Thursday morning at the latest.

Wishing all of the Scór na mBunscoileanna‏ the very best of luck.

 

 

12-Jan-15 by Claire Crossan – PRO – Scor

Connacht Scór na nÓg Finals are taking place this Saturday the 17th of  January, in Claremorris Co Mayo, starting at 2pm sharp.

There are no advance tickets, admission is payable on the door on the day.

Our Leitrim winners will be hoping for a place in the All-Ireland final, in Citywest Dublin on February 14th.

Wishing all of our Leitrim teams and all involved the very best of  luck.

Rince Foirne: St Marys
Amhranaíocht Aonair: Kathy McLoughlin, Leitrim Gaels
Ceol Uirlise: Leitrim Gaels
Aithriseoireacht: Sarah McWeeney, Aughnasheelin
Bailéad Ghrúpa: Leitrim Gaels
Leiriú: No Competitors
Rince  Seit: No Competitors

 

 

12-Jan-15 by Claire Crossan – PRO – Scor

The late John Madden, Market Street, Dromahair, Co. Leitrim

 

Leitrim GAA would like to tender its deepest sympathy to the family of the late John Madden, Dromahair, who has passed to his eternal reward. John was the quintessential GAA man, happy to help out behind the scenes. He stood quietly at many gates throughout the county over the past decade or more collecting admission with no fuss or fanfare. A great Leitrim Supporter he was in Cloone on Sunday last at the Leitrim v GMIT FBD encounter and indeed would most likely have been in Mohill at the rededication of the Philly McGuinness Memorial Park. John’s remains will repose at Fowley’s Funeral Home, Dromahair, from 4.30pm to 7pm on Monday. Removal on Monday to St. Patrick’s Church, Dromahair, arriving at 7.30pm. Mass of the Resurrection on Tuesday at 11am. Burial afterwards in Creevelea Abbey.  Ar dheis De go raibh se. 

 

 

 

11-Jan-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO

The Leitrim GAA Supporters Club (Dublin Branch) is delighted to invite you to attend the Supporters Club annual launch on Thursday, January 22, at 7.30pm in the Celtic Suite of the home of the GAA, Croke Park.

 

We are honoured that Charlie McGettigan will officially launch the 2015 Supporters Club draw on the night while also treating us to a few songs, while recently retired Leitrim Olympic athlete Colin Griffin will also be a special guest on the night.

Acting as MC on the night former Leitrim footballer Colin Regan will interview the Ballinamore athlete about his successful career while the new Leitrim senior football Manager, Shane Ward, will outline his plans for the year ahead. The new County Chairperson, Terence Boyle, will also address the expected large gathering with information on the exciting news of the completion of the Centre of Excellence in Annaduff early this year.

 

Last year’s launch in Croke Park drew the largest crowd in years with over 160 people in attendance. It was a great social occasion with many Leitrim natives travelling from Meath, Louth, Wicklow, Kildare, and all over Dublin to catch up. As ever a large crowd also travelled from the Leitrim to be there on the night.

This will be another great Leitrim gathering and we hope you can join us. Please also spread the word to anyone from Leitrim you may know that would be interested in attending – the more the merrier.

 

Doors will open at 7.30pm with the addresses and entertainment starting at 8pm sharp. Light refreshments will be served. A special draw will take place for those who buy a Supporters Club ticket or take a booklet of tickets to sell. I very much look forward to seeing you on the night.

 

Mike Feeney, Chairperson Dublin Branch

 

 

11-Jan-15 by Mike Feeney, Chairperson Dublin

Leitrim relinquishes hold on Connacht FBD Trophy after Titanic battle with Galway

Leitrim 1-9 Galway 0-13

Leitrim’s Connacht FBD League unbeaten run, stretching back to January 2012, came to an end at the excellently appointed Philly McGuinness Memorial Park in Mohill today as Galway prevailed by a single point, thus qualifying for the 2015 FBD League Final. In what was an absorbing and always interesting match, played in front of an estimated crowd in excess of 1500, Galway at times threatened to pull away only to be reeled in by the determined and well organised Leitrim in team and in the very last play of the match the winners had to pack 12 players in front of the ball as Kevin Conlan looked to engineer a goal from a 20 meter free. As it turned out Conlan’s powerful kick went over the bar and the Tribesmen took the spoils.

 It was entirely appropriate on the day that was in it that Mohill’s  Alan McLoughlin opened the Scóring with a point in the fourth minute. Points from Patrick Sweeney and Johnny Heaney got Galway on their way before McLoughlin levelled matters.

Points from Gary O Donnell (2), three from Shane Walsh (2 frees) and Danny Cummins to which Thomas Mulvey replied for Leitrim saw Galway open up a five point advantage. An entertaining first half concluded with a trade of points from Galway’s Martin Cody and Leitrim’s Kevin Conlan, a free.

Half time Leitrim 0-4 Galway 0-9

With breeze advantage in the second period Sean McWeeney opened Leitrim’s second half account with a fine score from distance. Almost immediately Galway were awarded a clear cut penalty but Shane Walsh’s firmly struck attempt blazed wide. Taking full advantage of the let off, points from Shane Moran and a Conlon free reduced the lead to two points. In what was indicative of the see- saw nature of this game points from Cody, Cathal Sweeney and Walsh reopened the visitors five point advantage.

Leitrim were not in the mood to give up their title easily and following a long  Sean McWeeney delivery, James McGrail broke down the ball and Alan McLoughlin finished to the net much to the delight of the large attendance present. Cody and Ronan Reynolds traded points and with time running out Galway played a lot of possession football in their attempt to keep Leitrim at bay. Following a break down in this possession Leitrim were awarded a free in and Conlan concluded the Scóring, with the full time whistle sounding immediately.

So Galway have qualified for the Connacht FBD League Final 2015 but the Leitrim team and management can be very proud of their contribution to the first match played in Philly McGuinness Memorial Park, a match which was always competitive and one in which the late Philly would have revelled.

Leitrim: Philip Farrelly, Barry Prior, RonanÓgallagher, Niall Woods, Ronan Reynolds (0-1), Gary Reynolds, Sean McWeeney (0-1), Paddy McGowan, Damian Moran, Thomas Mulvey (0-1), Fergal Clancy, Danny Beck, Alan McLoughlin (1-2), James McGrail, Kevin Conlan (0-3). Subs used: Shane Quinn, Shane Moran (0-1), Ronan Kennedy and Ciaran Gilheaney.

Galway: Manus Breathnach, Tom Fahy, Declan Kyne, Colin Forde, Johnny Heaney (0-1), Gary O Donnell (0-2), Gareth Bradshaw, Fiontan O Curraoin, Enda Tierney, Cathal Sweeney (0-1), Shane Walsh (0-4), Martin Coady(0-3), Oisin O Brien, Patrick Sweeney (0-1) Danny Cummins (0-1). Subs used: John Egan, David Walsh, Sean Denvir and Eddie Hoare.

 

 

11-Jan-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO