Roll of Honour 2009

 

Championships

 

                  Winner                                             Runner Up      

SFC       Gleann an Chairthe/Cluainin            Carraig Alainn

SHC       Naomh Muire                              

IFC        Cluain                                        Achadh Mhaoileann

JFC A    Achadh Easa                               Aislinne

JFC B   Eanach Dubh                              

JFC C                                

U21 A                             Naomh Muire

U21 B                              

 

All County Football Leagues

                                    Winner                                Runner Up

Division 1      Gleann an Chairthe/Cluainin         Cill Tiobraid

Division 2     Carraig Alainn                            Droim Da Thiar

Division 3               Baile na gCleireach

Division 4     Cill Tiobraid                               Beal an Atha Moir-Sean Ui Eislin

Division 5     Achadh na Sileann                     Carraig Alainn

 

All County Football Shields

                                    Winner                              Runner Up

Shield A       Naomh Muire                            Gaeil na Meilge

Shield B       Carraig Alainn                           Droim Da Thiar

 

 

12-Dec-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Having done the hard work in the first half in restricting a wind-aided St. Marys to just three points, Champions Oughteragh Gaels retained their Leitrim Under 21 Championship title with some ease last Saturday afternoon in a remarkably firm Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada.
Inspired by Man of the Match Gavin Sammon, the Aughnasheelin and Ballinamore Sean OHeslins combination exuded too much class for a St. Marys outfit that started brightly but could not maintain their tempo in the face of a hard working and hungry Oughteragh Gaels.

With many doubting that the Final would go ahead on Saturday morning due to the deluge that hit the county last week, it was a remarkable testament to the work undertaken in Pairc Sean that the County ground was in such fantastic condition last Saturday for the Final.

Gavin Sammons flair in attack was a crucial factor in Oughteraghs victory but more important was the incredible work-rate demonstrated by all their players throughout the field – their swarm defence meant that apart from an initial bright burst, St. Marys never got the sort of room they needed to cause any damage.

That pressure started in the forward where all six attackers harried and hassled the Carrick men trying to bring the ball out of defence so much that they were never able to pick out their passes or had the sort of time on the ball that they needed.

That was particularly noticeable in the first half where, despite playing against the wind, Oughteragh actually had, by far, the greater tally of wides as they camped in the Marys half for the last ten minutes of the first period.

With such a wall in front of them, a disconsolate St. Marys must have known that the writing was on the wall as they were unable to build up any sort of lead despite having the strong wind at their backs.

And within 11 minutes of the second half, Oughteragh had used that self same wind to build up an impregnable four point lead.

Gavin Sammon rightly took the plaudits but there were plenty of other heroes on the day – Shane Morans impressive strength and direct running through the centre of the park was something that St. Marys had no answer while the movement and hard work of Shane Murphy and DamienÓgilheaney was another great asset.

At midfield, Wayne McKeon had a quite first half but drove his team on during the second half, providing much of the forward impetus of his team. Fergal McManuss hard work and non-stop running was another big plus for Oughteragh Gaels.

A tight and very disciplined Oughteragh defence never allowed St. Marys the sort of room they so desperately needed to score with Sean McWeeney, Matthew Murphy, David Leydon and Jim McTague standing out.

For a disappointing St. Marys, there were few positives – William Guckian did well inÓgoal while Ray Mulvey, Nicholas McWeeney and Conor Guckian all had their moments.

St. Marys looked to make an early statement of intent and did so when, just 39 seconds in, Nicholas McWeeneys clever pass found Alan Doherty in space and the corner-forward curled over a lovely point. St.Marys were pushing hard early on but not creating chances.

Indeed, at the other end, Oughteragh Gaels were making progress and after a Shane Moran shot was caught by keeper Conor Guckian, DamienÓgilheaney drew the sides level when he converted a free after a Ronan Kennedy foul on six minutes.

Three minutes later, and a wide from Fergal McManus, the champions went in front when a lovely move down the centre ended with Shane Murphy firing over, although a pass inside may have released an unmarked team-mate for a score.

Marys replied instantly when a long ball out of defence found Ray Mulvey in space and he hammered a 55-yard free over the bar, just sneaking inside the post.

But despite playing against the wind, it was Oughteragh who were creating the chances but not converting as Shane Moran and Shane Murphy both hit wides. It proved costly on 19 minutes when Liam McTiernan and Alan Doherty combined in a lovely move to set up Donal Butler for an excellent point.

Incredibly, the town team were not to score for another 40 minutes as the intense work-rate of the Oughteragh Gaels players soon began to stifle their free-flowing style.

Brian Farrell and Wayne McKeon traded wides in the following minutes while Shane McWeeney was also off-target but another Gilheaney free in the last minute of normal time ensured that Oughteragh Gaels would go into the halftime break level at 0-3 apiece.

It could have been even better for the champions only that Marys keeper William Guckian cleared a dangerous ball ahead of an in-running opponent.

But there was no denying the momentum was with Oughteragh Gaels as they would now have the strong wind behind them in the second half. St. Marys tried to give them something to worry about but Philip Farrelly easily held Donal Butlers hot while Shane Murphy hit a wide at the other end.

Oughteragh took the lead again on two minutes when a foul on Moran saw Gilheaney convert after two minutes but worries started to eat at the Oughteragh supporters as their team missed two good chances from Wayne McKeon and Gilheaney.

However, the tide turned whenÓgavin Sammon produced a wonderful pass to set up Brendan Mulvey for a brilliant point on seven minutes, a lead immediately extended when the kick-out was sent to Sammon in the right corner and he curled over a fabulous point.

That suddenly opened up a three point gap and given the conditions, it looked like a match-winning lead, a feeling reinforced when David Tiernan was somewhat harshly punished when he slid in ahead of an Oughteragh player for the ball, was penalised and DamienÓgilheaney fired over the Marys bar.

From the kick-out, the ball came to Gavin Sammon who played it forward but got it back and fired over a great point to stretch the lead to five points.Sammon also got a yellow two minutes later but Marys were finding it impossible to make any head-way against the non-stop harrying of the Oughteragh players.

Oughteragh almost broke through for a goal on 19 minutes when Shane Morans long ball found DamienÓgilheaney with his back to goal with only William Guckian to beat. The Aughnasheelin man opted to turn and fire first time when he had plenty of time and space and Guckian stood firm, making a vital save.

Lady luck turned onÓguckian within a minute – Gavin Sammon tried to a point with a shot from the right wing, some 20 yards out, but the ball fell short. Unfortunately for the Marys keeper, he seemed to get his feet caught up as the shot sailed over his head and into the net.

That definitely sealed the game although it seemed to provoke St. Marys into their best spell of the second half although it didnt lead to many scores. Alan Doherty had a horrendous miss from a close range free while he also had a long range shot held by Philip Farrelly.

Marys did manÓge to get a score when Dohertys quickly taken free allowed Ray Mulvey drive over his second point of the contest. They almost had a chance of a goal in injury time but David Tiernan shot wide to end the contest.

Oughteragh Gaels

Philip Farrelly, Paul Earley, David Leydon, Matthew Murphy, Joe McGirl, Sean McWeeney, Jim McTague, Fergal McManus, Wayne McKeon, Brendan Mulvey, Shane Moran, Gavin Sammon, Shane McWeeney, DamienÓgilheaney, Shane Murphy. Subs: Philip Murphy, Paddy McManus & Keith Boyle for McGirl, Earley & McWeeney (54 mins), Enda Quinn for M. Murphy (60 mins).

St. Marys Kiltoghert

William Guckian, Ruairi McLoughlin, Conor Guckian, Ronan Kennedy, Micheal McWeeney, David Tiernan, Fergal McLoughlin, Ray Mulvey (0-2), Conor McWeeney, Nicholas McWeeney, Liam McTiernan, Donal Butler (0-2), Brian Farrell, Daragh Singleton, Alan Doherty (0-1). Subs: John Healy for F. McLoughlin (39 mins), Conor Glancy for Singleton (52 mins).

Referee: Ray McBrien.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article courtesy of Leitrim Observer and is located at LeitrimObserver.ie

 

 

 

 

 

27-Nov-09 by LeitrimObserver.ie

Melvin Gaels emerged victorious in the U-21 B Championship Final in Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada on Saturday afternoon last after an absorbing contest against Glenfarne/ Kiltyclogher but they had to do it the hard way as Glenfarne/ Kiltyclogher more than played their part in the contest.

U-21 B CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
MELVIN GAELS 1-12
GLENFARNE/KILTYCLOGHER 2-6

Both sides had periods of dominance during the game and for a period it seemed as though the excellent work of the Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher defenders coupled with the precise finishing of the forwards would see them victorious.

However, Melvin Gaels were able to overcome the body blow of conceding goals at critical times and responded in style to emerge victorious.
Paul Og Ferguson joked when he was accepting the cup on behalf of his team, the Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher players will point to the lose of their captain Fergal Clancy, who was absent with a broken figure and say they would have emerged victorious had he been present.

Of course such talk is hypothetical and even without their influential captain, Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher more than played their part in what was a nail-biting and very enjoyable game played in fine conditions despite the torrential rain that had fallen in the days leading up to the game.

Melvin Gaels started the game with real purpose and were rewarded for their early pressure when Peter McGowan pointed after Conor Sheridans pass.

The Kinlough men were unable to build on their positive start as the Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher defence held firm, with Sean McManus playing particularly well and when the opportunities arose to launch attacks of their own they did so and were duly rewarded.

By the time the game was nine minute old three Diarmuid Clancy frees gave Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher an early advantage and gave an early indication that this game would go right to the wire.

Both sides had opportunities to add to their tallys and while Melvin Gaels were enjoying more possession they were finding it difficult to penetrate the Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher rearguard.

The pressure that Melvin Gaels had been applying was rewarded midway through the half when Conor Sheridan claimed a Jessie McGuinness to point and reduce the deficit to the narrowest margin.

However, in keeping with the unpredictable nature of the game, Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher struck back in emphatic style.

Having won possession 35 meters from the Melvin Gaels goal, the ball was passed quickly and decisively before Diarmuid Clancy picked out Padraig Sweeney whose shot crept inside the left post despite the best efforts of a defender and goalkeeper Paul Rooney.

Having enjoyed so much possession and having then suffered the blow of conceding the games opening goal, the question was how would Melvin Gaels respond.

The response was exactly what Manager Gareth Phelan would have wanted as his side dominated the remainder of the half.

One area where Melvin Gaels were having a lot of joy was from Glenfarne/Kiltycloghers kick-outs and his proved to be the case when Jessie McGuinness rose unopposed to claim possession before passing to Conor Sheridan. With the minimum of fuss Sheridan pointed to reduce the arrears to three points.

The Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher was further reduced when James Bredin converted a free after Packie Hill was fouled.

Although he was having difficulty with his kickouts there was nothing wrong with Francis Keaneys shot stopping as he illustrated twice in quick succession to deny both James Bredin and Conor Sheridan both of whom seemed destined to score their sides opening goal.

A Paul Og Ferguson free six minutes before the break levelled matters before Declan Roper scored a fine individual point in the 30th minute to retake the lead for Melvin Gaels.

Having been held scoreless since Padraig Sweeneys 19th minute goal, Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher completed the first half Scóring when Diarmuid Clancy converted a free after Dermot Harkin was fouled.

With the scores level at 1-4 to 0-7 as the second half got underway not too many in Pairc Sean would have been able to predict with any degree of certainty who would emerge victorious.

Having finished the second half so strongly, Melvin Gaels scored the opening point of the half through Packie Hill just 23 seconds after the restart. However, any thoughts that Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher would be over run for the remainder of the game vanished within a minute as they struck for their second goal of the game.

After James Murrays initial shot hit the post, Ronan McGowan was on hand to apply the finishing touch and duly opened up a two point lead for his side.

Having worked so hard to recover from the setback of conceding the first goal questions were now being asked as to how Melvin Gaels would respond to the challenge of having to do the same again.

To their credit they responded well, but once again they found the Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher defence in top form while Melvin Gaels needed to guard themselves against the pacy counter-attacks which were so effective in the opening half.

One such counter-attack almost resulted in Glenfarne/Kiltycloghers third goal but Niall Clancy was denied by the outstretched boot of Paul Rooney.

Still trailing by two points and with 13 minutes of the game remaining, Melvin Gaels lifted their level of intensity and were duly rewarded when Conor Sheridan picked out midfield colleague Declan Roper after a good passing move. Roper made no mistake with his pointed effort to reduce the deficit to the narrowest of margins.

A Paul Og Ferguson point drew the sides level, before Melvin Gaels struck decisively for a goal that gave them a lead they had worked so hard to establish.

James Bredin picked out Packie Hill who found the Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher goal with a nice finish.

Having enjoyed the lead for a sizable portion of the game, Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher were now left with no option other than to attack in a bid to get themselves back into contention.

A Diarmuid Clancy free reduced the deficit to a solitary point, but the Melvin Gaels defenders were now showing that what they were capable of as they made life very difficult for their north Leitrim rivals.

At the other end two points in as many minutes from James Bredin, who scored from a tight angle and a Paul Og Ferguson free after Jessie McGuinness was fouled extended Melvin Gaels lead to four points and with just five minutes remaining it was looking as though they were on course for victory.

Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher gave their all in the closing stages but found the Melvin Gaels defence, marshalled by Shane Ryan and Patrick McGowan in fine form.

There was time for just one more score as Diarmuid Clancy converted a free after Shane McLoughlin was fouled and Melvin Gaels held on for what was a deserved, but hard earned victory after a memorable game which both teams contributed greatly to.

Melvin Gaels
Paul Rooney, Shane Ryan, Patrick McGowan, Sean Kilkenny, Paul Brennan, Donal Clancy, Jessie McGuinness, Conor Sheridan (0-2), Declan Roper (0-2), Packie Hill (1-1), Peter McGowan (0-1), Paul Og Ferguson (0-3), James Bredin (0-3). Sub: Patrick Kilkenny for Peter McGowan (35 mins).

Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher
Francis Keaney, Shane Ferguson, Paul Gilligan, Sean McManus, John McHugh, Diarmuid Clancy (0-6), Dermot Harkin, Niall Clancy, James Murray, Shane McLoughlin, Padraig Sweeney (1-0), Ronan McGowan (1-0), Shane McLoughlin. Sub: Stephen McManus for McGowan (52 mins), Daire Clancy for Sweeney (57 mins).

Referee: Brendan Sammon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article courtesy of Leitrim Observer and is located at LeitrimObserver.ie

 

 

17-Nov-09 by LeitrimObserver.ie

A brave effort from Leitrim champions Glencar/Manorhamilton fell short at Tuam Stadium yesterday as Corofins greater experience saw them advance to the final.

The champions had to recover from a strong opening quarter from a Glencar/Manor side who were hoping to become the first side from Leitrim in 12 years to reach the provincial decider.

Glencar/Manor were well worth their 0-5 to 0-3 lead after 13 minutes and Corofin, without injured Galway star Kieran Fitzgerald and top scorer Alan ODonovan, were clearly rattled.

But then Corofin took over and they held the Leitrim kingpins scoreless for the next 20 minutes before turning the screw in the second half to run out easy winners.

James Glancy kicked two frees for the visitors — one a superb effort from the left touchline — while David Poinard, Brian McDonald and Gerry Hickey also found the range to put Glencar/Manor 0-5 to 0-3 in front after 13 minutes.

pace

But the pace of county player Alan Burke and Galway minor Ronan Steede started to yield dividends for Corofin and they finished the opening half strongly with captain Kieran Comer landing a couple of frees and Steede, Aidan Donnellan and Kieran McGrath finding their range.

Glancy ended a 20-minute barren spell when he pointed from play three minutes after the restart and then he kicked another wonderful free –this time with his left foot — to leave just a point between them with 22 minutes left.

But the Leitrim champions managed just two more points from there to the end as Damien Burke, Cathal Silke and Tony Goggins shored up their defence.

A point from Michael Farragher after 39 minutes meant that all six Corofin forwards found the target but the decisive score came after 44 minutes when a Ronan Steede effort was saved by Shane Sweeney but Comer followed up to blast home the rebound to send Corofin on their way.

scorers — Corofin: K Comer 1-3 (3fs); M Farragher 1-2; K McGrath, R Steede 0-2 each; A Donnellan, A Burke, J Canney, S Monaghan 0-1 each. Glencar/Manorhamilton: J Glancy 0-5 (4f); D Poinard, B McDonald, G Hickey, A Hickey 0-1 each.

Corofin — D Morris; G Delaney, D Burke, C Silke; D Keane, T Goggins, G Sice; G Higgins, A Donnellan; M Farragher, K McGrath, R Steede; K Comer, J Canney, A Burke. Subs: S Monaghan for Delaney (44), J Burke for Steede (54).

Glencar/Manorhamilton — S Sweeney; D Poinard, A OFlynn, P Maguire; J OBrien, P Gilmartin, J Gilmartin; D Sweeney, A Hickey; G Hickey, C Ryan, D Kelly; J Glancy, B McDonald, A Croal. Subs: T McDonald for Poinard (33) A McDonald for OBrien (38), F McGourty for B McDonald (45), A Sweeney for Ryan (50), S Kerrigan for Croal (55).

Ref — D Hunt (Roscommon)

 

 

09-Nov-09 by Irish Independant.ie

It was a case of so near and yet so far for Cloone on Sunday last in Salthill as despite a flying start and a brave late rally they were defeated by Leitir Mor by a solitary point in the AIB Intermediate Connacht Club Championship semi-final.

AIB CONNACHT CLUB INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL
CLOONE 1-7
LEITIR MOR 1-8

Having raced into a four point lead inside nine minutes, the Cloone players were showing the kind of belief which never really looked evident from the Aughavas players earlier in the day. Although Leitir Mor came back into the game as the half progressed Cloone still led by a point at half-time and the omens were looking positive.

What will annoy Cloone is the fact that even though they were playing in to a strong wind in the second half, they missed several chances in the second half which would have helped them at least take the game to extra-time. Although they werent playing as well as they were in the opening period, Cloone will have every right to look back on this game as one that got away.

With the words of encouragement and advice from Gerry Flanagan, Padraig Quinn and Gerry Conway still ringing in their ears and urged on by a large travelling support from Cloone and Aughavas, Cloone made a very positive start to the game.

Senior county man Damien ODonnell was a real handful for the Leitrim Mor defence while Donal Brennan also looked a constant threat when in possession in the opening stages, while captainÓgavin Reynolds and the hugely impressive Seamus Maguire helped break up attacks get Cloone back into offensive mode.

Brennan opened the Scóring with a second minute point and that lead was doubled as Cloone continued to take the game to their opponents.

Adrian Nicholls found the run of Mark Creegan and with the other Cloone defenders making clever runs, taking the Leitir Mor defenders away from the advancing corner forward, Creegan was given the opportunity to advance, which he duly did before finishing well.

Cloones bright start to the game was rewarded with two further points, both from Damien ODonnell frees. With only nine minutes of the game gone, Cloone were being caused few problems in defence, were dominant in midfield and were running riot up front.

Leitir Mor struck for their first score of the half after 15 minutes when Daithi Mac Donnchadha converted from a free. However, Leitir Mor were still struggling to fully establish themselves in the game as Cloone continue to take the game to the Galway champions.

Leitir Mor needed a moment of inspiration and they got just that 18 minutes into the half when Daithi Mac Donnchadha executed a defence splitting diagonal ball into the path of Cormac O Conghailes run.
With only Cloone goalkeeper Kieran Casey to beat, O Conghaile made no mistake with a strong finish to level the scores.

Having been outplayed for much of the half, Leitir Mor took the lead for the first time when Mac Donnchadha converted a free.

The final nine minutes of the half were absorbing as Cloone looked to finish the half with an advantage having played with the wind, while Leitir Mor looked like they were just beginning to find their rhythm.

Donal Brennan scored his second point of the game to level matters, but Cloone had Kieran Casey to thank for not falling behind again when he produced a fine save to deny Fiachra Breathnach.

That save proved to be particularly important as within a minute, Cloone had retaken the lead with Adrian Nicholls on hand to apply the finish touch to a fine move.

Michael Lohan, Seamus Maguire and Damien ODonnell were all involved in carving the Leitir Mor defence open and when ODonnell struck it seemed as though he was going to score the games second goal.

ODonnell was denied by a fine Eoghan O Conghaile save but the unmarked Nicholls was on hand to palm the rebound to the Leitir Mor defence to reestablish a three point lead for the Leitrim Intermediate champions.

Leitir Mor were by now, however fully up to speed and they finished the half the stronger with two frees from Daithi Mac Donnchadha meaning there was just a point between the sides at the break, with Cloone leading 1-5 to 1-4.Cloone would have been hoping to start the second half as strongly as the first but instead it was Leitir Mor who seized the initiative straight from the restart.

Having scored two points in the final minutes of the first half, Leitir Mor scored two further unanswered points through Ferdia Breathnach within a minute and 15 seconds of the restart.

With the wind at their backs, Leitir Mor continued to press forward asking plenty of questions of the Cloone defence. Those questions were answered with some fine defending which helped keep the Leitir Mor attacks from registering further scores.

However, such was the pressure being exerted it was of little surprise when Leitir Mor extended their lead to two points through a Daithi Mac Donnchadha free 12 minutes into the half.

That lead was extended to three points a minute later when substitute Patrick Mark O Fatharta converted a 45 with his first touch of the ball.
Although they were trailing by only three points, Cloone were beginning to look in real danger with the game being dictated by the Leitir Mor players.

The game could have been all but over as a contest were it not for Kieran Casey who made a another fine save to deny Ferdia Breathnach with just 13 minutes of the game remaining.

With time running out, Cloone showed great resilience to lift their game in the final quarter of the game but were still struggling to make an impression on the scoreboard.

Damien ODonnells free was claimed under his crossbar by Eoghan O Conghaile while a Donal Brennan free sailed wide.

With three minutes to go, the game seemed to be up for Cloone, however the players certainly didnt share that opinion and came agonisingly close to Scóring a dramatic late goal.

Brian Mulveys searching high ball broke to Alan Canning after Adrian Nicholls had put goalkeeper O Conghaile under pressure. However O Conghaile managed to regain his composure and made a top class, one-handed save to deny Canning.

Damien ODonnell pointed in the last minute of normal time to reduce Leitir Mors lead to two points and although time was rapidly running out, Cloone were now pouring forward in numbers and were in complete control of the football.

Cloone poured forward again with Donal Brennan, Mark Beirne, Michael Lohan and Damien ODonnell all combining well as they unhinged the Leitir Mor defence. When the ball came back to Beirne he quickly surveyed his options before striking for goal from 13 meters out. Although his effort was well struck it was always veering to the left of the Leitir Mor goal and Cloone were forced to regroup and attempt to launch another attack.

If proof was needed that it wasnt going to be Cloones day it arrived in the first minute of injury time when Damien ODonnells free sailed wide. There was still time for Michael Lohan to score a late point but ultimately there was no time for Cloone to get that elusive equalising score.

Having started so well it was frustrating for Cloone to be overhauled so early in the second half and it was a bitter pill to swallow having had enough chances late in the game to force extra-time that they came up just short.

When the disappointment of last Sunday subsides, Cloone will be able to reflect on what has a great year for their club with a lot of pride and look forward to senior championship football next year.

Cloone
Kieran Casey, Seamus McCaffrey, Aidan Mulvey, Daragh Tiernan, Seamus Maguire, Gavin Reynolds, Declan Brennan, Alan Canning, Mark Beirne, Donal Brennan (0-1), Michael Lohan (0-1), Adrian Nicholls (1-0), Mark Creegan (0-1), Damien ODonnell (0-3), Padraig Harte. Subs: Brian Mulvey for Harte (27 mins), Niall Brennan for Tiernan (48 mins), Declan Tiernan for Mulvey (54 mins).

Leitir Mor
Eoghan O Conghaile, Coilin O Hogain, Seosamh Seoighe, Padraic Mac an Riogh, Michael Pol O Ceallaigh, Ciaran Bairead, Tomas O Griofa, Antaine O Griofa, Cristoir Flatharta, Cormac O Conghaile (1-0), Fiachra Breathnach (0-2), Daithi Mac Donnchadha (0-5), Eamonn O Loinsigh, Ferdia Breathnach, Peatsai Seoighe. Subs: Patrick Mark O Fatharta (0-1) for O Loinsigh (42 mins), Eanna O Cathain for Mac an Riogh (54 mins), Padraic Bairead for O Conghaile (60 mins).

Referee: R Gurren (Mayo)

 

 

 

05-Nov-09 by Philip Rooney – LeitrimObserver.ie

Neighbours Aughavas and Cloone will put aside their rivalry for an afternoon next Sunday and will be cheering each other on in Pearse Stadium in Salthill when they travel to Galway for their debuts in the AIB Connacht Intermediate and Junior Championship Semi-Finals.
Cloone take on an impressive Leitir Mor in the Intermediate competition at 2.30 next Sunday while Aughavas open the proceedings when they face An Spideal in the Junior Championship at 1.00.

Both Leitrim teams are just one game away from emulating their neighbours Carrigallen in reaching a Provincial Club Final but both sides will not under-estimate the size of the task against them in Pearse Stadium.

One unusual factor that the two Leitrim teams will have to overcome is the lack of games they have had since they won their titles at the end of September. Due to the early finish of Division 2, both teams have been without competitive League action since they both won their finals in dramatic circumstances.

No doubt, both clubs have been training hard and playing challenge games but there is nothing like the real thing and the lack of hard games will be a concern to Cloone Manager Gerry Flanagan and his Aughavas counter-part Kenneth Smith next Sunday.

However, both are preparing quite diligently for Sundays semi-finals and with the right amount of time to have enjoyed and then recovered from their celebrations, Cloone and Aughavas will be raring to go.

Another factor that both teams will have to consider is the strong sea-breeze that will come roaring down the centre of Pearse Stadium, often turning games into something approaching contests of back & forwards.

Both teams should be prepared to be under the cosh if they are facing a strong wind and realise that they must play intelligent football against the wind but more importantly when they have it at their backs.

There is a tendency in a lot of teams to think that the wind will do all the work for them and both Cloone and Aughavas must realise that the wind wont put the ball over the bar for them!

However, nobody in either camp will be under-estimating the size of the task facing Cloone and Aughavas.

Leitir Mor upset the odds, much as Cloone did against Aughawillan, by beating the fancied St. James in the Galway Final at the end of September, winning a low Scóring match 0-9 to 0-7. They led 0-7 to 0-2 at the break but were pegged back before they staged a late rally to take the victory.

St. James boast current Galway star Paul Conroy in their ranks but Leitir Mor also boast some quality players inÓgalway Senior players Fiachra and Ferdia Breathnach and given the strength of Galway clubs in the Intermediate competition, it is a tough ask.

Leitir Mor suffered just one loss in the Intermediate Championship, losing 2-8 to 0-8 to Menlough but went on to beat Caherlistrane before gaining quite a good deal of revenge on Menlough by beating them 3-10 to 0-7.

They disposed of Oranmore-Maree in the Semi-Finals before pipping Oughterard 1-12 to 1-11 in the Semi-Final.

No more than Leitir Mor, An Spideal have also had a tough passage through the Galway Junior Championship, which is divided into two sections – North and West.

Playing in the West Division, An Spideal defeated Renvyle 3-14 to 2-8 in the first round before overcoming Fr Griffin’s Eire Og in the Quarter-Final by 1-13 to 0-8. In the Semi-Finals, they saw off Salthill Knocknacarra before pipping the Aran Islands in the West Final, 1-10 to 0-12.

That qualified them to meet Headford in the County Final proper and the Gaeltacht side overcame their opponents with two points to spare, 0-13 to 1-8.

The fact that both Galway sides are Gaeltacht based will add greatly to their support and anyone under-estimating the strength of the Galway Junior champions would do well to remember the beating Clifden handed out to Eslin two years ago in Tuam.

Aughnasheelin also suffered at the hands of St. Michael’s last year but Carrigallen’s exploits in 2006 should serve as an ideal boost to their neighbours as they became the first Leitrim club team to beat Galway opposition in a Provincial Club Championship game.

On the other side of the draws, Sligo’s Geevagh take on Westport in the Intermediate competition while Roscommon’s Ballinameen face Kiltimagh in the Junior competition.

Victory on Sunday for either Leitrim team would mean a short turn-around for the winners with both the Intermediate and Junior Finals fixed for the following Sunday, November 8.

Again the big question is what sort of shape, both mentally and physically, the two Leitrim teams will be in ahead of next Sunday’s double clash.

Cloone will be looking to replicate their high intensity and non-stop work of the County Final next Sunday and Damien O’Donnell is sure to be a key player for the Leitrim champions.

If O’Donnell, who is sure to be well marked by Leitir Mor, can make any headway, he could do some serious damage as the dry and hard pitch of Pearse Stadium is sure to suit his pace and roaming style.

In defence, Cloone will be anxious to recapture that defiant spirit that they showed so well against Aughawillan.

Aughavas will also be relying on the prolific Colm Maguire for their scores next Sunday but the supply of ball into them is just as important an issue. When Eslin cut off the supply lines in the County Final, Maguire was left isolated and he will need a better support.

Although most would believe that Aughavas have the slighter easier task, nobody in the club will underestimate An Spideal, particularly after their struggles against Eslin and how close they came to victory.

 

 

31-Oct-09 by John Connolly – LeitrimObserver.ie