Scór na mBunscoileanna

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

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

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

Invitation to Dublin Branch Leitrim Supporters Club Launch in Croke Park January 22

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 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

Rededication of Philly McGuinnes Memorial Park

Rededication of Philly McGuinnes Memorial Park

Today, January 11, 2015 was a red letter day for the Mohill GAA Club as the club rededicated what was formerly St Manachans Park in honour of the late Philly McGuinness. The official reopening was performed by Uachtaran Tofa CLCG Aogan O Fearghail, in the presence of members of the extended McGuinness family including the late Philly’s mother Phil and his brothers John and Michael. Mohill club chairman Padraig McLoughlin welcomed all to the reopening and the speakers included Connacht Council secretary John Prenty, Aogan O Fearghail and John McGuinness on behalf of the family. Also in attendance were Leitrim captain for the day Danny Beck, President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association Pat Quill, Chairman of Leitrim County Council Paddy O Rourke and members of Leitrim and Galway County Boards. A large crowd comprised of Mohill GAA members and Leitrim Supporters witnessed the unveiling. The club produced an excellent match day memorial programme which will be a collector’s item in years to come. The official blessing was performed by Fr Pat Murphy.

Following the official ceremony all patrons present took up their positions to enjoy the exciting Connacht FBD League encounter Leitrim v Galway which was played out in front of an attendance estimated to be in excess of 1500. 

 

 

11-Jan-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO

First Outing for Leitrim Under 21 Team 2015

First Outing for Leitrim Under 21 Team 2015

Leitrim Under 21 Football team made its competitive 2015 debut inÓgracefield this afternoon and after an exciting encounter with the home team, eventually came out on the wrong side of a 1-10 to 0-12 scoreline with Offaly kicking the winning score with virtually the last kick of the game, a free converted by ace corner forward Shane Moriarity.

Leitrim, playing with great resolve and purpose had the better of the early exchanges of this, at all times, competitive encounter and with greater economy in front of the posts held a five point advantage heading into the interval. However, two Offaly points on the stroke of the half time whistle brought the home side back into contention.

It was very much end to end in the second period, but the crucial score arrived early in the third quarter as Moriarity goaled for the Faithful County and a point almost immediately turned the game in their favour. scores were exchanged as the game ebbed and flowed from there to the finish. The Leitrim lads recovered from a two point deficit to level matters as the game entered added time. Chances were available to both sides as the respective sets of energetic and enthusiastic players searched for a winner, however the converted free decided matters and there was no remaining time for a Leitrim response.

Nonetheless it was an encouraging opening start to the Under 21 season and we look forward to the meeting with Laois on the other side of Portarlington next Saturday.

Leitrim: Diarmuid McKiernan, Tommy Rogan, Gary Butler, Keelan McHugh, Michael Clancy (0-1), Niall McLoughlin, Jack De Lacy, Declan Daly, Felim McHugh (0-1), Mark Plunkett (0-1), Nicholas Moore (0-3), James Rooney, Luke Murphy, Gary Plunkett(0-2), Conor Gaffney(0-3). Subs used: Aaron McLoughlin, Niall Brady, Darragh Farrell, Dean McGovern, Gary Fowley (0-1).

Offaly: Dylan Buckley, Ken Hogan, James Lawlor, Jim Hendy, James Malley, Garth Corbett, Alan Heffernan, Conor McNamee, Declan Byrne (0-1), Niall Dempsey, Darragh KeenÓghan, Ciaran Maloney, Ruairi McNamee, Joe Maher (0-3), Sean Moriarity (1-5). Subs used: Eoin Lowry (0-1), Mickey Keogh, Kevin Beirne, Jamie Evans, Aaron Whelan.    

 

 

10-Jan-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO

Official Reopening and Rededication of Pairc Philib Mhic Aongusa Mohill

Official Reopening and Rededication of Pairc Philib Mhic Aongusa. Mohill

 

On Sunday next, January 11 2015, Mohill GAA Club will officially reopen and rededicate Pairc Philib Mac Aongusa, in advance of the Connacht FBD Round 2 match Leitrim v Galway. The official ceremony will take place at 1pm and the Mohill Club is delighted to have Uachtaran Tofa Cumann Luthchleas Gael Aogan O Fearghail present to perform the official opening.

 

Philly McGuinness was one of Mohill’s and Leitrim’s brightest stars until his untimely passing at 26 years of age, following a tragic accident sustained in a Leitrim SFL match between his beloved Mohill and Melvin Gaels played in Annaduff on April 17, 2010.

 

In the intervening time Mohill GAA Club has done tremendous work and continued fundraising to bring its playing surface up to modern day standards with the addition of an all weather playing surface and this is a fitting monument to the late Philly McGuinness. Ar Dheis De go raibh se.

 

1pm    Official Reopening Philly McGuinness Park by Uachtaran Tofa Cumann Luthchleas               Gael Aogan O Fearghail.

 

2pm    FBD Connacht Football League Leitrim v Galway  

 

 

07-Jan-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO

Leitrim GAA Supporters Club 2015

Dublin Supporters’ Club Launch 2015 lands two Leitrim Legends

It’s beenÓgreat to get involved in the Dublin branch of the Leitrim Supporters’ Club these past few years.

Having finished up playing for the county it’s important for me to be able to contribute to the efforts of the various county teams in a small way by assisting the long-standing committee in their important work. My Croke Park Leitrim colleague Feargal McGill and I felt we could perhaps help the committee engage with some of the younger Leitrimites living in Dublin so we got on-board three years ago. Thankfully the past two supporters’ club draw launches in Croke Park have been a resounding success and have been enthusiastically supported by Leitrim natives and their families in Dublin and surrounding areas, while the ever-faithful natives have also travelled inÓgreat numbers from the homeland on both occasions. I have no doubt the 2015 launch will prove as interesting as we have once more secured the support of two apt special guests to bring a little something extra to the occasion.

The launch of the Dublin branch of the Leitrim Supporters’ Club 2015 will take place in Croke Park on Thursday, January 22, with Charlie McGettigan and Colin Griffin attending as special guests on the night.

I must admit I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Colin Griffin as he is an athlete I have admired for many years. The single-minded nature of his chosen discipline always appealed to me (having largely chosen team sports over individual disciplines) and I am really looking forward to probing Colin about his journey from Ballinamore AC athlete to the Irish Olympian. Colin retired from international competition in 2014 and has since opened his own business ‘The High Altitude Centre’ in the Santry Sports Surgery Clinic and I also look forward to exploring how he feels his wealth of high performance knowledge and experience could be transferred to the playing and training fields by the various Leitrim squads and management teams.

Taking up the mantel from Eleanor Shanley, who wowed the large assembled crowd last year, Charlie will also offer all present the opportunity to hear one of the country’s favourite singers in the hallowed grounds of Croke Park before officially launching the 2015 draw. Charlie needs no introduction as a singer, of course, but is almost as well known in the northwest and midlands region these days for his very popular Saturday radio show on Shannonside Northern Sound. For many Charlie will always be best known as the man who won the Eurovision Song Contest, but for me he will always simply be Shane’s dad.  

Shane was a great friend and a brilliant team mate and his death as a result of a building site accident in Boston in 1998 partly shaped my life and the lives of so many who knew and loved him. Rarely a week goes by when I don’t think of Shane and the dignified way Charlie, Goretti, Tara, and Ciara dealt with their terrible loss helped me greatly when I lost my own brother Gordon four years later.

Charlie is a great raconteur and I’ve no doubt his words and songs will really enhance what will be the third launch of the Supporters’ Club launch in Croke Park. This event has gone from strength to strength over the past number of years with 160 people cramming into the Celtic Suite in GAA headquarters last year to support the occasion. We hope to match those numbers this year so if you are in Dublin on the night please to do come along – it’s a great gathering of Leitrim folk and promises to be an interesting and enjoyable occasion.

Liatroim abú.  

 

 

05-Jan-15 by Colin Regan

Want to Improve your Irish?

Want to Improve your Irish?

 

Ballinamore Library will be again be running a Ciorcal Comhrá every Tuesday where people meet to practice their Irish and to improve their use of the language with help from the organisers. It is run in a very enjoyable manner and is attended by adults and also by some Leaving Cert students for whom the practice is good for their Irish orals. Those attending are divided into separate groups starting with people with very basic knowledge of Irish to those with a reasonable amount of the language and those who are more advanced.

 

The Ballinamore Irish classes are now spoken about far and wide and draw a large number of people every year. The Ciorcal Comhrá starts Tuesday 6 January in Ballinamore Library and runs from 8.30pm to 9.45pm. Admission is free. Beidh Fáilte romhat.

 

 

05-Jan-15 by Sean O Suilleabhain

FBD Winning Start for Leitrim Footballers

Leiitrim 3-17 GMIT 1-07

A new look Leitrim team began its defence of the FBD Connacht Senior Football League 2015 with a comprehensive 16 point victory over the students of GMIT in ideal conditions at Cloone this afternoon. Shane Ward and his management will be pleased to have got the season off to a winning start which is encouraging for all as they face into the new season. With a lot of new faces on board at this level the Leitrim players and management will be glad to have got the first match of the season played out in such a positive manner, in front of a decent sized attendance for the time of year.

Ciaran Gilheaney had the honour of Scóring Leitrim’s first point of 2015 as Andy Glennon responded with two points to give the students an early lead. Niall Woods, Fergal Clancy and Kevin Conlon added Leitrim scores to which Cian Donaghue responded with a point for GMIT.  However, Leitrim took over at this stage and further scores from Ciaran Gilheaney (1-1), Kevin Conlon (0-3), and points from Fergal Clancy, Paddy McGowan, Niall Woods saw Leitrim holding a commanding 1-12 to 0-4 half time interval lead.

Darragh Joyce opened the second half Scóring for the visitors with a point but another flurry of Leitrim scores over the remainder of the third quarter opened up an unassailable lead. Conlon (1-2), Christy McGowan (1-0), and points each for James McGrail and Danny Beck almost completed Leitrim’s tally for the afternoon before points for Darragh Joyce and Cian Donaghue and a late goal from Alan MeenÓghan completed the students’ tally. It fell to Fergal Clancy to complete the afternoon’s Scóring.

So a pleasing afternoon for all involved in the Leitrim set up and we look forward to the meeting with Galway in Mohill on Sunday next at the rededication of the Philly McGuinness Park.

Leitrim: Philip Farrelly, Niall Woods (0-2), RonanÓgallagher, Barry Prior, Conor Farrell, Gary Reynolds, Sean McWeeney, Paddy McGowan (0-2), James McGrail (0-1), Shane Quinn, Fergal Clancy (0-3), Daniel Beck (0-1), Ciaran Gilheaney (1-2), Christy McGowan (1-0), Kevin Conlon (1-6). Subs: Cathal McCrann for Gilheaney, Jonathan Connolly for Quinn, Conor Doonan for C McGowan, Ronan Reynolds for Farrell, Ronan Flynn for Conlon and Gerry Kelly for P McGowan.

GMIT: Conor Nolan, James Madden, Gerry Mcloughlin, Darren Moran, Stephen McDonnell (0-1), Richard Sweeney, Cian Donaghue (0-1), Micheal O Brien, Dean Styles, Anthony Coyne (0-1), Martin Shaughnessy, Eddie Egan, Kevin Nally, Andy Glennon (0-2), Darragh Joyce (0-2). Subs: Michael Farragher for Styles, Adrian Molloy for Shaughnessy, Ray Geraghty for Coyne, Kieran Reddington for O’Brien, Alan MeenÓghan (1-0) for Joyce and Johnny Doyle for Moran.

Referee: Paul Daly (Roscommon)

 

 

04-Jan-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO

U21 Hastings Cup Match v Clare off

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, our first Inter County match of the new season will not go ahead today. We have been informed this morning that Clare will not be fulfilling the Under 21 Hastings Cup fixture due to have been played at 2pm in Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada this afternoon. 

 

 

03-Jan-15 by Declan Bohan – PRO