On the One Road

The road trip could have been worse. For some time, Leitrim  supporters thought they would have to be in Newry for a 2pm throw-in in the Qualifier on Saturday and then at the final whistle hotfoot it to the Hyde for the Minor Championship. At least common sense and a bit of co-operation ridded us of the chances of speeding tickets and we can now have our afternoon tea at home on Saturday before crossing the bridge and then an early Mass and breakfast Sunday before heading north for what we hope will be a double.

I’d say you’d get good odds on that bet. How come it’s always that way with Leitrim? No matter how promising a team might be, come championship time the green and gold is predicted to bite the dust.

How unfair is that on our Minor team that takes to the field against the Rossies, a team they have beaten – as well as Sligo, Mayo and Galway – on their way to capturing this year’s Connacht League title? “Ah, the Championship will be a different story” is a frequent comment in GAA circles. Indeed, such a remark would have been on the lips of some of our own followers — but don’t dare say it to Enda Lyons, his selectors or any of their players. Thank God, they have faith, as have CoistenanÓg officers and they face Roscommon with real confidence and very real expectations of a victory, hard-fought though it will be.

History will not be weighing heavily on our Minor side, none of whom will remember the last Connacht Minor Championship victory in 1998. All of them would have been in the cradle or the creche that day, so they are carrying no baggage about Leitrim not winning two in a row or whatever. They have the added advantage though of having their Manager Enda Lyons who actually played with the winning minor team in 1998 to give them a clear insight of what the Connacht Minor Championship is all about. For the rest of us, 1998 seems quite a while back, though Enda Lyons is still between the sticks for Carrigallen, the midfield pairing that day, Michael Duignan and Gary McCloskey, are still starring in the same position for Bornacoola, as well as other team members like John McKeon who still wear their club jerseys with distinction, so they are well known to the Minor panel and would have come up against them on the field of play. So the Minors won’t feel as if they are trying to exorcise ghosts of the past and they know they are as least as good as their own age group from Roscommon, who sat the same Leaving Cert exams, went to the same Discos or maybe even the same schools. Just watch the body language of the Leitrim players as they run out on to the Hyde, which means be there to lend your support.

Sean Hagan and his men have their work cut out for Sunday. But hold it — when the Qualifier Draws were made, didn’t all the experts predict that Derry and Down had Lady Luck on their side, drawing Longford and Leitrim at home. A cake walk into Round II they said. Derry, who had been in the Allianz Division I Final and a Down team that rattled the Tyrone net several times in their drawnÓgame. We should take a leaf from Longford’s book and head off North to win, not to put on a good show, or to be happy not to take a hammering, but to win.

Down looked very ordinary in the replay against Tyrone, Leitrim looked good in the second half against Roscommon, the last Championship appearances of both teams, so it would be foolish to give up just yet.

The Leitrim squad has taken a couple of whammies once again, but it’s the panel that togs out in Newry that really matters and the fifteen or twenty one who carry the jersey into the fray. One thing we can be sure of, is that they will play their hearts out.

On Sunday morning don’t be looking up at the sky and saying “I think it will rain, I’ll stay at home and catch it on Shannonside or Ocean FM; anyway Newry is an awkward place to get to”. That’s just making excuses. Instead, say to yourself “It would kill me not to be there to see them beat Down”.

Nothing, absolutely nothing, beats being there.

 

 

26-Jun-14 by Leitrim GAA

 
It’s in your Blood!
 
Donation clinic in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon on Tues 24th and Wed 25th June from 4.30-8pm daily.
 
Take the short quiz on Giveblood.ie first to see if you are eligible to donate.
 
 

 

 

23-Jun-14 by Leitrim GAA

It is sad to learn of the death of Kevin OMalley.  Kevin was one of the stars of the great Melvin Gaels Championship winning teams of the 60s and also represented Leitrim with distinction in League and Championship including the 1963 Connacht Final.  Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.  
 
Death Notice and Funeral Arrangements
 
The death has occurred of Kevin OMALLEY Dublin /Kinlough, Leitrim — June 22, 2014 (peacefully) after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family, at St. Vincents Hospital, beloved husband of Maureen and loving father of Aidan and Gerard; sadly missed by his loving wife, sons, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  
 
Reposing at home on Monday. Funeral on Tuesday after 10am Mass in Church of the Ascension of the Lord, Balally, to Glencullen Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu to Cancer Research.

 

 

23-Jun-14 by Colette Fox – PRO

The GAA today confirmed fixture details for the Football Qualifier Round 1B game between Down and Leitrim.  The game has been fixed for SUNDAY 29th June at 2pm in Páirc Esler, Newry.

Our loyal supporters are asked to make the journey in support of the Green and Gold.

 

 

23-Jun-14 by Leitrim GAA

Juice Plus Dawn Run:
Leitrim Ladies GFA launched their Annual Juice Plus Dawn Run on Thursday June 5th in The Landmark Hotel. Leitrim LGFA are delighted to have Damien Brennan & Juice Plus on Board again as their main sponsor.  This is the fourth year of the Juice Plus Dawn Run & it takes place on June 21st at 6am in St Marys Club House. Along with first man & lady, Juice Plus Dawn Run have introduced four new categories, first man & lady over 55 & first Junior Boy & Girl U20. Hot showers & refreshments will be provided in St Marys Club Rooms after the run. Register online www.runireland.ie or on the morning from 5am. All joggers & walkers welcome. For more information check out our Facebook page Leitrim Ladies GFA. 
 
U10 blitz:
There will be an U10 blitz taking place in Dromahair this Saturday at 10:30am. All clubs are encouraged to take part. 
 
U12 Championship:
U12 Championship kicked off yesterday evening (Thursday) with the first matches in the 13 aside taking place with Glencar Manorhamilton vs Dromahair, and St Josephs vs Allen Gaels. Next Thursday, 19th June sees the 9 aside commence with Glenfarne Kiltyclogher vs Kiltubrid, Aughnasheelin vs Bornacoola, St Marys vs Gortletteragh, Aughawillan vs Annaduff and Fenagh vs Drumkeerin. Next Thursday the 19th also sees the second round of the 13aside take place with Dromahair vs St Josephs, Allen Gaels vs Mohill and Sean OHeslins vs Glencar Manorhamilton.

 

 

13-Jun-14 by Ladies

2014 U14 Development squad trials.

Trials for this years U14 County development squad will take place on the following dates: 

The trials will commence at 7pm on both evenings, players asked to be in attendance by 6.45pm.

Monday next June 16th in Ballinaglera GAA for the following clubs:

Allen Gaels, Drumkeerin, Dromahair, Melvin Gaels, Glencar Manorhamilton, St. Osnats, Glenfarne Kiltyclogher, Leitrim Gaels, St. Marys & Kiltubrid. 

________________________________________________________________________

Monday June 23rd in Fenagh St.Caillins GAA for the following clubs:

Fenagh St.Caillins, Ballinamore Sean OHeslins, Carrigallen, Aughavas, Cloone, Gortletteragh, Mohill, Bornacoola, Annaduff, Aughawillan, Aughnasheelin & Drumreilly. 

________________________________________________________________________

All players must be in their final year at under 14 i.e born in 2000. 

For any further information please contact Thomas Keenan 087-6591049.

 

 

13-Jun-14 by Leitrim GAA

Leitrim Ladies GFA launched their Annual Juice Plus Dawn Run on Thursday June 5th in The Landmark Hotel. Leitrim LGFA are delighted to have Damien Brennan & Juice Plus on Board again as their main sponsor.  This is the Fourth year of the Juice Plus Dawn Run & it takes place on June 21st at 6am in St Marys Club House. Along with first man & lady Juice Plus Dawn Run have introduced four new categories, first man & lady over 55 & first Junior Boy & Girl U20. Hot showers & refreshments will be provided in St Marys Club Rooms after the run. Register online www.runireland.ie or on the morning from 5am. All joggers & walkers welcome. For more information check out our Facebook page Leitrim Ladies GFA.

 

 

 

10-Jun-14 by Leitrim Ladies

Its in Your Blood
 
 
 
The GAA are supporting the Irish Blood Transfusion Service by raising awareness about blood donation clinics. Blood is always in demand and over 4700 donations were needed in Sligo and Cavan Hospitals last year. There will be donation clinics in the Bee Park Resource Centre, Manorhamilton on Tuesday 10th from 6-9.30pm and in Ballinamore Community Centre on Wednesday 11th June from 3-5pm and from 7-9.30pm. The first step is to take the short eligibility quiz on the www.giveblood.ie website. When registering to donate, inform the clinic staff that you heard about the clinics through the GAA.
 

 

 

10-Jun-14 by Colette Fox – PRO

The Round 1a and Round 1b Football Qualifier Draws took place this morning, on Morning Ireland, RTÉ Radio 1 in the presence of an tUachtarán, Liam Ó Neill.

All-Ireland Football Qualifiers Round 1A Draw:

 

Derry v Longford

Laois v Fermanagh

Limerick v London

Wicklow v Offaly

 

All-Ireland Football Qualifiers Round 1B Draw:

 

Louth v Monaghan/Tyrone

Cavan v Westmeath

Carlow/Meath v Clare/Waterford

Down v Leitrim

 

***

All dates, times and venues for the above fixtures will be confirmed by the GAAs CCCC in due course. 

 

 

09-Jun-14 by Leitrim GAA

 Football Qualifier Draws 1a & 1b – THIS MONDAY, JUNE 9TH

Please note that the Round 1a and Round 1b Football Qualifier Draws will take place this MONDAY morning, JUNE 9th on MORNING IRELAND, RTE Radio 1 at 8.35pm (approx) in the presence of an tUachtarán, Liam O Neill.

Outlined below is how the draws will work and what teams will be involved. 

 Round 1 Draws – JUNE 9TH 2014

Round 1a – Draw to take place on 9th June

4 games take place on June 21st

Draw involves the Eight counties on the “A” side of the Provincial Championship that do not qualify for the Provincial Semi-Finals, i.e. the following teams/losers of the following games:

Leinster                                   Ulster                          Munster                      Connacht

Wicklow                           Fermanagh            Limerick                 London

Offaly                              Derry  

Dublin/Laois

Wexford/Longford

Procedure: All Eight slips placed in one bowl; 1st team drawn plays  2nd, 3rd drawn plays 4th and so on.

Round 1b – Draw to take place on 9th June

4 games take place on June 28th

Draw involves the Eight counties on the “A” side of the Provincial Championship that do not qualify for the Provincial Semi-Finals, i.e. the following teams/losers of the following games:

Leinster                                   Ulster                          Munster                      Connacht

Westmeath                      Down                     Clare/Waterford      Leitrim

Louth/Kildare                    Armagh/Cavan           

Carlow/Meath                    Monaghan/Tyrone

Procedure: All Eight slips placed in one bowl; 1st team drawn plays 2nd, 3rd drawn plays 4th and so on.

Venues, times and dates to be confirmed by C.C.C.C on Tuesday, June 10th

First team drawn shall have home advantage;

Exceptions:

[ol]

  • Where two teams who have already met in the 2014 Provincial Championship, are drawn to meet, the winner of the earlier game in the Championship shall have home venue
  • Except as provided for above, if a County did not have home advantage in the 1st Round of the 2013 Qualifier Series, it shall have Home Advantage in the 1st Round in 2014. In the event of both teams having played away in 2013 or both teams having played at home  the first team drawn shall have home advantage*.
  • [/ol]

     

    *Counties drawn away in Round 1 in 2013:

    A Side: Laois, Fear Manach, Luimneach, Cill Mhantáin

    B Side:  Tír Eoghain

     

     

     

    05-Jun-14 by Leitrim GAA

    Juice Plus Dawn Run
    Leitrim Ladies in conjunction with Juice Plus are holding a 10km Run/Walk on the 21st June at 6am.  Make sure to register online at www.runireland.com or you can register on the morning at 5am.  Starting at St Marys GAA Club house and registration is only €10!  It will be a great and refreshing way to start your day! 
     
    U12 Development Squad
    The u12 development squad have training this Saturday the 31st of May at 10am. All girls in their last year of U12 are invited to attend. 
     
    Pat Quill Visit
    Last Wednesday Pat Quill President of the LGFA visiited Leitrim National Schools in preperation for Feile. He was accompanied by Connacht LGFA President Liam Costigan and Leitrim Ladies Aine Tighe!  They visited Drumlease, Ardvarney, Ballinamore GNS and Mohill NS.
     
    Connacht Interprovincial Team
    Congratulations to Sarah McLoughlin, Aine Tighe, Niamh Tighe and Sharon Kerrigan who represented Leitrim at the Interprovincials last Saturday.  Connacht were narrowly beaten by Ulster in the final by a single point!
     

     

     

    30-May-14 by Colette Fox – PRO

    Leitrim GAA Golf Classic 2014
    Prize Winners
     
    1st               Newbridge Cutlery Set
                       Seamus Sweeney
                       Niall Sweeny
                       Leo KavanÓgh
                       Denis Flynn
     
    2nd              Coffee maker
                       Sean Flynn
                       Seamus Mitchell
                       Michael Mitchell
                       John Manton
     
    3rd               Leitrim Crystal Bowl
                       Declan Loftus
                       Jason Loftus
                       Colm Loftus
                       Jonnie Ahern
     
    4th               Radio
                       Peter Flynn
                       Seamus Mc Weeney
                       Michael Shearke
                       Kevin Beirne
     
    5th               Lanterns
                       Mel Sorohan
                       Tony Gray
                       Tom Gray
                       Tom Griffin                   
     
    Ladies:
     
    1st               Slieve Russel Green Fees + Pastry Set                                              
                        Renee Dolan
                       Anne Keenan
                       Siobhan Talbot
                       Geradilne Farry

     

     

    17-May-14 by Leitrim GAA