Have no regrets be in Pairc Sean on Sunday

Come up for the Match

Leitrim’s big day is on Sunday, the annual pilgrimage to Páirc Seán MacDiarmada for the Minor and Connacht Gold Senior Football Finals.

What club in the county would not want to be part of it all? Who would not want to play in a Senior Championship Final? Is there a young footballer anywhere that would not jump at the opportunity to slip on a club jersey in a county Minor Final?

Last Sunday Croke Park did not have a vacant seat. Supporters of both counties and GAA followers from every county filled the stands and the terraces. But many had come from afar. When a county makes it to the All Ireland, a fever grips every corner, every household, every townland, every native. Flights are booked at short notice and Gaels pay top dollar to fly home from all corners, be they near or far – Australia, the States, South America, Europe, Liverpool or mainland Europe; sun holidays are abandoned; the phone calls home tell the relations to beg, borrow or steal tickets. Then, of course, there are GAA enthusiasts who fly in every year, irrespective of who makes it to the final, the few bob is put aside for this weekend, year after year. The wonder is, where do all the tickets manÓge to come from?

The good news for Sunday is that the games in Carrick are not all ticket, like the mobiles it’s pay as you go. And do you know, there will be as much excitement, or more, than there was with Kerry and Donegal in Croker. The rebirth of Aughawillan, a club whose password is passion, coming up against the reigning champions, St. Mary’s. There will be more at Mass in Carrick Church on Sunday morning than live in the whole parish of Aughawillan. But it’s not the dog in the fight that counts, it’s the fight in the dog. So be there.

Get there in time for the Minor game, with St. Manchan’s – Mohill, Eslin and Cloone – taking on St. Felim’s, the Ballinamore/Aughavas combination. Each side contains stars in their own right, who have played Minor for Leitrim and Senior for their own clubs. This will be a close one.

On your way in, make sure you get the Match Programme. It’s top class and chock full of info on the four clubs, the teams, the match officials, the youngsters from Annaduff, Aughnasheelin, Leitrim Gaels and Drumkeerin who line out in the exhibitionÓgames, together with memories and memorabilia and super, super photographs. It could be a lucky programme for you too – each one is numbered and a draw will be held at half time in the Senior game for a prize sponsored by Championship sponsors, Connacht Gold.

As well as all that you get the chance to honour stars of the past, when the Jubilee Team, the 1964 Senior Champions, Ballinamore, are introduced on the field. Throw in the harmonious music from the Kiltubrid Pipe Band, who will lead the pre-match parade. What more could you want?

Don’t be one of those saying on Monday “I heard the County Final was great, I should have gone”.

Have no regrets, be in Páirc Seán on Sunday.

 

 

25-Sep-14 by Leitrim GAA

Match Programme a Must

Make sure to get your copy of our match programme for Sundays Connacht Gold Leitrim Senior & Minor Football Championship Final in Páirc Seán on Sunday next.

Our bumper 68 page colour feature packed programme would make an ideal gift to send overseas to those not in a position to be in Carrick-on-Shannon on Super Sunday.

And thanks to the generosity of the championship sponsors Connacht Gold, one lucky purchaser of the match programme will go home with a Prize from Connacht Gold.

Nothing beats being there.

 

 

 

25-Sep-14 by Leitrim GAA

Up for the Match

Check out this link for highlights from our night at Up for the Match in the Bush Hotel – 4 vidoes to enjoy.

Special thanks to Tommy Moran and Brian Blake for making such a wonderful night possible. 

 

 

 

24-Sep-14 by Colette Fox – PRO

Gold for Leitrim in Handball

Martin Raftery was Drumshanbos pride and joy last weekend when he captured the All Ireland Junior 60×30 championship at the expence of Paul Lambert of Wexford.   In a thrilling and energy sapping three game marathon at the Na Fianna GAA handball complex inÓglasnevin Dublin, Raftery won the game 16-21  21-17  21-19.

In a game that could have gone either way, Raftery had to dig deep after a very good start by Lambert. A sharper looking Lambert was killing the ball at every chance while Raftery relied more on defencive and passing shots. Both sides found aces hard to come by and long rallys took its toll on energy levels, so it was always going to be the survival of the fittest. In that regard it was Raftery who looked the strongest and more composed as the game went on. 

After losing the first set Raftery adjusted his game and serves to Lamberts weaker left overhand side had telling effect and with veteran Ed Lee emparting his knowledge and experience as coach the Leitrim man was now looking at a more vunerable Lambert. In a hard fought second game lasting thirty eight minutes Raftery tied the game with a 21-17 victory.

Everything was now to be played for by both men, but the momenteum was now with Raftery. Some fine tuning with coach Ed Lee and Raftery was in a confident mood with the smell of victory in his nostrils.  A blistering start from the Leitrim man in the third game had the Leitrim supporters on their feet and at 12-4 up it looked good but a revival by Lambert brought him to 13 all and it was now backs to the wall. Raftery made another break 20-14 only to be reeled in again and repeatedly served game ball before crossing the line at 21-19, a triumptant and delighted Raftery waved his Leitrim shirt to the crowd releasing the tension of a gruelling and tough two hour twelve minute game. 

Afterwards Raftery was presented with his  All Ireland Gold medal to the delight of his supporters by referee Frank Daly. It was a case of the west awake as the two Sligo players, Martin Cooney and Shane Bruen also went on to win their games in what was a great day for both sets of supporters.

 

 

 

 

24-Sep-14 by Handball – PRO

Up for the Match

Connacht Gold Leitrim Senior Football Championship

“Up for the Match”

Leitrim GAA will be hosting an “Up for the Match” style programme from the Bush Hotel Carrick-on-Shannon this Saturday night 20th September featuring interviews with the team management and the captains from this years Connacht Gold Senior County Finalists St Marys and Aughawillan and a stroll down memory lane with former greats from both clubs.

 

 

The inimitable Tommy Moran will be in the chair and the show throws in at 9.00pm with admission free.

An evening not to be missed.

 

 

 

17-Sep-14 by Colette Fox – PRO

All Ireland Football Final showing at Carrick Cineplex

Carrick Cineplex is delighted to announce that well be showing the GAA Football All Ireland Senior Championship Final
 
– Kerry vs Donegal –
 
Live on the big screen this Sunday, 21st September
 
Doors open at 3pm, throw in is 3.30pm and entry is a €3 donation on the door, benefiting local clubs – Leitrim Gaels, Shannon Gaels & St Marys GAA Clubs.
 
Please share & help spread the word!
 

 

 

17-Sep-14 by Leitrim GAA

Leitrim Ladies Weekly Notes

Senior Championship:

Congratulations to St Patricks Dromahair who defeated St Josephs in the Coxs Steakhouse Senior Championship. Also well done to Sinead Fowley who was Player of the Match. 

Intermediate Championship Final:

This Saturday sees Oughteragh Gaels and St Francis fight it out to become the Coxs Steakhouse Intermediate Champions. The final is at 5:00pm in Cloone. Best of luck to both teams. 

U12 9aside Final:

Fenagh and Gortletteragh will play each other in the Supermac U12 9aside Final this Thursday (18th Sept) at 6:30 in Mohill.  Best of luck to both teams.

U12 13aside Final: 

The U12 13aside Final is on this Saturday at 11am in Leitrim Village. St Marys and Glencar Manorhamilton will battle it out.  Best of luck to all.

Junior Championship:

Fenagh will play St Josephs this Sunday in the 5th round of the Championship, time and venue TBC. 

 

 

17-Sep-14 by Ladies PRO

News from the Ladies

Senior Championship Final

Dromahair will play Sf Josephs in the Senior Championship Final this Saturday at 5:30pm in Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada. The U12 11aside final will be the curtain raiser to the Senior Final.

Intermediate Championship Final

Oughteragh Gaels will play St Francis in the Intermediate Final on the 20th of September in a double header with the Junior Final.

U14 13aside Final:

Well done to St Marys who defeated St Brigids in the U14 13 aside final last Saturday.

U13 & U15 Leitrim Development Squads

The U13 & U15 Development Squads are away in Ballyhaunis this Saturday for a Connacht Blitz. Best of luck to the girls. 

 

 

10-Sep-14 by Ladies – PRO

GAA Initiative Launch

GAA INITIATIVE LAUNCH

Leitrim GAA encouraging participation in a wider range of GAA activities

Leitrim Inclusion and Integration Committee will host the rescheduled Leitrim GAA launch of the GAA initiative “Have a Go” on Sunday next September 14th in In Páirc Naomh Mhuire Cloone and are inviting all young people in the county to come along and participate in a range of GAA sporting activities . This event will take place in conjunction with a host of other GAA activities, including a number of blitz games involving neighbouring clubs. The blitz games will start at 1p.m. and the ‘Have a GO day’ activities will start at 2 pm.

Leitrim GAA Inclusion and Integration Committee are asking all GAA clubs, all primary school to encourage their young players to attend this event and to sample a range of games that they have not participated in before.

Have a Go Day in is an opportunity for young people at under 8 under 10 and under 12 to sample sports that they have not played before. On the day there will be an opportunity to play Rounders, Hurling, Camogie and of course Gaelic football for girls and boys.

The event will be attended by Mr Denis o Boyle, Connacht Inclusion and Integration Committee Chairman, Mr Ger Proctor National Rounders Chairman; Mr Cyril Feehily Connacht Rounders Chairman will be in attendance.  Dympna Reilly and a team of national coaches will be in attendance to demonstrate the art of the game of rounders and provide coaching for the young people present. Coaching manuals, rule books and playing equipment will be available on the day.

Leitrim Hurling Coach Steve Feeney, and members of the Leitrim Senior hurling, Leitrim senior Ladies, and Men’s football panels will also be present to provide tuition and coaching. It is also hoped to have other special guests on the day

The GAA have been promoting this “Have a go day “ initiative with a view to attracting more people to the association and also providing the opportunity to young people top sample new sports that they have not had the opportunity to play on a regular basis.

As part of the initiative GAAclubs are asked to invite all the families in their communities to their sports grounds, make them feel welcome and give them the opportunity to participate in the family of GAA activities,

Leitrim GAA Inclusion and Integration officer Gerry McGovern is urging all clubs to host a” Have A Go Day” so as to give more people the opportunity to be part of the club and give new people the opportunity to sample the menu of GAA activities.

“Just because people don’t attend at GAA activities it does not mean that they are not interested, it might mean that they are not invited and maybe don’t feel welcome or that they don’t understand what is involved in the sport. By providing an opportunity like this you are giving an invitation to new people to come to the club, and to participate in the various activities. It will provide the young people of the community with the opportunity to participate in a wider range of sporting activities, get more people involved, and provide them with a social outlet locally. It can also lead to an increase in the playing population, and to an increase in membership and could provide the club with additional expertise in running its many activities.”

All GAA clubs, all primary school in the County are invited to bring their underage players along to this County launch in Cloone on Sunday,and participate in the various sports on offer.

There will also be a range of other activities for the young people to participate in on the day.

Proceedings start with the blitz’s at 100pm and the have a go day activities will start AT 2 PM. and It’s an event not to be missed.

 

 

09-Sep-14 by Leitrim GAA

Latest Handball News

Connacht 60×30 Junior Doubles Champions

Martin Raftery and Jamie Murray won The M Donnelly 60×30 Connacht Junior Doubles Championship defeating Declan Connaughton and Kevin Craddock (Galway) on a score line of 10-21, 21-9, 21-11. The game which was played on Sunday August 31st in St Comans Roscommon saw Martin Raftery completeing the double having won the 60×30 Junior Championship the previous week. Having got off to a slow start the first game went away from the Leitrim lads, but they made no mistake in the second match taking control from the start and never looked like losing, taking the match to a tie break. With Leitrim having serve for the third game Murray and Raftery built up a lead that they wouldnt relinquish and went on to win the game comfortably. The Leitrim lads now play Tipperarys John Ferncombe and Kevin Dempsey in the All-Ireland semi-final, set for Roscommon on Saturday at 3.00pm.
 
M Donnelly 60×30 All Ireland Junior Semi Final
In what has been another great weekend for Leitrim handball Martin Raftery forced his way into the All Ireland Junior 60×30 final when he defeated John Paul O Connor of Limerick at Hospital Co Limerick on Sunday on a score line of 21-18, 20-21, 21-9 in the All Ireland semi final. In fact Martin had a busy weekend as he captained the Allen Gaels football team against Aughawillan on Saurday evening in the Leitrim Senior semi-final at Carrick on Shannon.
 
It was a tired  Raftery that set out for Limerick on Saturday night for a twelve  noon meeting with O Connor in his own court on Sunday. The game was close in the first two games as the scoreline shows. Raftery found it tough against a very experienced player in the first game but pulled off 21-18 win. O Connor pushed Raftery to the back wall in the second game to reduce his killing power and pulled off a21-20 win in a very tight struggle, however his efforts drained him and Rafterys fitness and court craft was too much for him in the third game. This semi final win now sets up an All Ireland final against Paul Lambart of Wexford on 20th September
 
 
 

 

 

08-Sep-14 by Handball PRO

Sympathy

Sympathy

Leitrim County Board GAA extends most sincere sympathy to the Cooke, Murray and McTague families, New Jersey, New York, Carrigallen, Ballinamore and Aughnasheelin on the death of Aisling Cooke.

Aisling is the daughter of Deirdre and Hugh Cooke and granddaughter of Pat and Mrs Murray of Killaneen, Ballinamore and of Paddy and Mrs. Cooke, Gortermone, Carrigallen.

Her death, close to her 15th birthday, is a devastating blow to her parents, younger brother, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and a very wide circle of friends, including her many close personal, college and sporting companions.

As well as being highly academical, Aisling was known throughout the New York and New Jersey areas for her sporting prowess in gaelic Football, Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Ice Hockey and numerous other activities in her community and her schools. Indeed, it was while returning from a charity football game with her team that the minibus in which she was travelling was involved in a road accident in which she received the injuries that eventually proved fatal. Her parents and the wider family circle and neighbours, teachers and school friends, members of the Leitrim GAA Club and Leitrim Society of New York were among the many who gathered at the hospital to pray for Aisling and to be of support to her family. But she passed away peacefully to the immense grief of everyone who knew her.

Pat Murray, who won a Leitrim Senior Championship with Ballinamore in 1956, has been associated with both the Leitrim Club and Leitrim Society since emigrating to New York in 1957 and has been Chairman of the Leitrim Supporters Club in New York since its inception.  He and his wife Pidgie have welcomed and hosted countless Leitrim exiles and visitors in their home in Sunnyside.  All the Cooke, Murray and McTague families have been very supportive of Leitrim County Board GAA and of several Leitrim associated charities in The States and in Ireland.

Tá Aisling imeasc na naomh anois.

 

 

 

05-Sep-14 by Leitrim GAA

Round Robins and Back Doors

Round Robins and Back Doors

There was a time when clubs had one chance in the Championship, just the one bite at the cherry. Their only hope in defeat was to manufacture some sort of an objection inside three days, usually about some opposition player having been drafted in for the day. Indeed, several retired players now boast of having won several championships in different counties in the same year under a variety of names.

Such days are no more. More detailed newspaper reporting and photography, local radio, a more travelled population, attendance at third level colleges and what have you. Within a county, everybody in the GAA knows almost everybody, so a club would be chancing its arm very much with an import. Anyway social media would be hopping about the emergence of a brand new star.

The round robins and back doors are the new championship format, so clubs are no longer training for just one shot at success. The knock-out comes in the Quarter Finals and so we have four teams through for the Intermediate and Senior Semi Finals this weekend, with a few surprise packets included. This is what the Championship is all about.

The CCC has wisely fixed double headers for Saturday and Sunday so that clubs and supporters can watch the full action. The semi-finalists come from a broad geographical range, which should add greatly to the attendances.

It is a little contrary to history to have Ballinamore Sean O’Heslin’s in a fight to regain senior championship status and they will find nothing easy against a rejuvenated Ballinaglera, buoyed after their victory over favourites Eslin, while neighbours Drumkeerin and Dromahair will be anxious to get one over on the other, so there will be plenty of banter around Killargue in the run up to Sunday.

Aughawillan, a club that can always get the very best out of every team member, will be confident of just pipping surprise packet Allen Gaels, but only just. Most focus will be on the clash of the current county senior champions St. Mary’s against the power-house of the last decade or so, Glencar-Manorhamilton.

Last weekend’s All Ireland Semi-Finals showed what can happen in the heat of championship battle, so get along to PáircSeán Mac Diarmada on both Saturday and Sunday evenings and enjoy the action that will enfold. The weather is promised good, the sides are evenly balanced, so where else would you want to be?

Coiste Chontae Liatroma is very pleased at the championship attendances to date this year and appreciates the support shown by the followers of all the teams and by the public in general  and looks forward to another exciting footballing weekend.

 

 

 

04-Sep-14 by Leitrim GAA