Leitrim clubs must head for Galway

News received this evening indicates our three new county title holders must pack up their gear and head to Galway venues for their respective semi-final encounters with the new Galway title holders in the AIB Connacht Club championships. 

Venues have not been decided yet but Aughavas and Cloone will meet An Spideal and Leitir Mór in the Junior and Intermediate competitions on November 1st.  These games may be played as a double header but this is to be confirmed.

The Senior county champions Glencar Manorhamilton must wait 1 week longer before their trip when they will meet the eventual winners of the Galway final between Corofin v Mountbellew/Moylough on November 8th also at a Galway venue.  The Galway senior final is scheduled for next Sunday Oct 4th in Tuam.

Best of luck to our three teams in the weeks ahead.

 

 

 

 

28-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

County Finals – summary

This weekend s finals were not for the fainthearted as we witnessed 3 cracking games over the 2 days.  Approx 2,000 supporters were in Ballinamore on Saturday evening followed by 5,000 in Carrick on Sunday to witness 3 nail-bitters.  The neutral and partisan supporter got great value for money in the 3 excellent games that saw 6 very evenly matched teams battle it out for their respective county title honors. 

This is a game that will go down in the annals as a classic as Glencar Manorhamilton put back to back County titles together after an enthralling final against Carrigallen in front of crowd of 5,000 in Páirc Seán.  Carrigallen opened the game with a blistering pace and had a goal scored with 43 seconds.  They led most of the way through the half but Glencar Manor never let up and Carrigallen held out to lead by 1 at half time.

During the break the Under 12 teams from every club in the county paraded around the field led by Kiltubrid Pipe band.  This spectacle of color marked the 125 anniversary of the GAA.

The second half was full of drama right until the last kick of the ball in a game that swayed one way then the next.  Carrigallen will rue missed chances after Manor managed to bring the game to a draw before taking the lead.  Carrigallen brought on veteran Brian Doyle in the 47th minute and he had an immediate impact as he scored a key goal to put Carrigallen back into the lead.

The Manor men held their head and play some excellent football to bring the game to a draw heading into to full time.  Manor edged ahead to win by the slimiest of margins and put back to back titles together.

Earlier in the Junior A game Aughavas came out victors in another terrific encounter as held out to win by 2 points against Eslin.  Eslin had many chances to go into the lead in the second half but at least 4 goal chances went a begging as the hit everything bar the back of the net.  Aughavas were very relieved to hear the final whistle and this game was the perfect opening game for the afternoon.

In Ballinamore on Saturday evening Cloone upset the odds by storming their way to a victory right from the throw-in, it was close in the end as Aughawillan crept back in to the game and were within 1 point in the end but Cloone held out for the coveted title and a return to Senior football for 2010. 

The highlights of the Intermediate game are now online along with the fireworks after-wards in the village !

More photographic and video highlights from the Senior and Junior A games will be available here online over the days as Brian Blake and James Molloy capture the moments.

 

 

27-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Local Radio coverage of the County finals

Local Radio stations Shannonside and Ocean FM will have full live commentary of the two championship finals from Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, as well as updates from the intermediate championship final over the weekend.

In the intermediate championship final, its Aughawillan against Cloone in Ballinamore from 4.45pm on Saturday.

On Sunday county title holders Glencar-Manor face Carrigallen at 2:50pm in the Senior County Final while earlier in the Junior A final Aughavas and Eslin meet at 1pm.

So make sure to join Kevin Blessing and PJ Leddy live from Pairc Sean this Saturday and Sunday on Ocean FM.  While John Lynch and Seamus Gallagher will bring all the action to our listeners in south Leitrim and the surrounding counties on Shannonside Northern Sound.

Why not bring along a portable radio to the game and listen in to the commentary while absorbing the atmosphere !

By Radio: Shannonside FM and OceanFM will broadcast live coverage

 

 

26-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Juvenile parade on Sunday next to mark 125 anniversary

 

 

To mark the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the GAAs foundation a parade will take place at half time of the Senior game on Sunday next.  All of Leitrims 24 clubs will parade their Under 12 teams around Páirc Sean in what should be a very colorful display.

The Under 12 Teams will  assemble at scoreboard End Terrace of Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada by 2.30pm prior to the half time whistle in the Senior game.  The  Teams will enter pitch from this end on Stand Side and parade behind Kiltubrid Pipe Band the length of pitch (Stand Side) and continue across Town End and proceed down far side of pitch to exit score Board End at conclusion of the Parade.

The event will be recorded on camera both video and stills and available on our website in the photo gallery and video library early next week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

National League 2010 – Provisional fixtures

Waterford are scheduled to be Leitrims first opponents of the 2010 Allianz National League Division Four campaign on Sunday, February 11, next year after the proposed fixtures for the competition were published last weekend.

With most Leitrim fans hoping to avoid a trip to Limerick, the worst fears have been realised as the Treaty Men are due to host Leitrim in the last game of the campaign on Sunday, April 11.

It means that Longford, who dropped down from Division 3 with Limerick, will be visitors to Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada next year for an eagerly awaited local derby on Saturday, April 3.

The provisional fixtures for the National Football and Hurling Leagues have been released to County Boards for approval and could be adjusted but it is believed that most will go ahead as planned.

Leitrim will have their bye week in the middle of the campaign on Sunday, March 14, meaning that the county will be involved up to the last day of the campaign.

Mickey Moran and John Morrisons side will also have three Saturday games against Kilkenny on February 20, Carlow away on March 27, and Longford on April 3.

In the hurling fixtures, Leitrim open their league with a trip to take on neighbours Cavan and Fermanagh in the first two games but host South Down and Monaghan in their only two home ties, with a trip Longford in between.

 

The full list of Leitrims proposed National League fixtures is:

 

National Football League Division 4

Sunday, February 7: Leitrim v Waterford, London v Limerick, Carlow v Longford, Clare v Wicklow.

Saturday, February 13: Limerick v Carlow

Sunday, February 14: Wicklow v Leitrim, Kilkenny v Clare, Waterford v London.

Saturday, February 20: London v Wicklow; Longford v Limerick; Carlow v Waterford; Leitrim v Kilkenny.

Sunday, March 7: Waterford v Longford, Kilkenny v London, Wicklow v Carlow, Clare v Leitrim.

Saturday, March 13: Limerick v Waterford

Sunday, March 14: Carlow v Kilkenny, Longford v Wicklow, London v Clare. Leitrim BYE

Sunday, March 21: Leitrim v London, Kilkenny v Longford, Wicklow v Limerick, Clare v Carlow.

Saturday, March 27: Carlow v Leitrim, Limerick v Kilkenny

Sunday, March 28: Longford v Clare, Waterford v Wicklow.

Saturday, April 3: Kilkenny v Waterford, Leitrim v Longford, Clare v Limerick, London v Carlow.

Sunday, April 11: Waterford v Clare, Limerick v Leitrim, Wicklow v Kilkenny, Longford v London.

 

 

National Hurling League Division 4

Sunday, February 21: Monaghan v Fermanagh, Cavan v Leitrim, Longford v South Down.

Sunday, February 28: Fermanagh v Leitrim, Longford v Cavan, South Down v Monaghan.

Sunday, March 14: Fermanagh v Cavan, Leitrim v South Down, Monaghan v Longford.

Sunday, March 21: South Down v Fermanagh, Longford v Leitrim, Cavan v Monaghan.

Sunday, March 28: Leitrim v Monaghan, South Down v Cavan, Fermanagh v Longford.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This full report is available thanks to John Connolly and the Leitrim Observer
– its available in this weeks edition of the Observer and online here

 

 

 

 

 

 

23-Sep-09 by LeitrimObserver.ie

Leitrim Pics in Cul4kidz – Free supplement with Irish Times

Promo in about the Irish Times Cúl4kidz Supplement out tomorrow which will feature some pics from the Leitrim camp in Melvin Gaels taken by James Molloy.

Watch out for the next super cool edition of Cúl4kidz which will be
free with the Irish Times on Tuesday, September 15th. Tell your
teacher now cos you just cant afford to miss this one! Its the
All-Ireland Special and will be jam-packed with top GAA action

Its got top interviews with Kilkenny superstar JJ Delaney, Tipps
Shane McGrath, Cork football hero James Masters, Monaghan Ladies
football star Niamh Kindlon and Waterford camogie star Trish Jackman.
Find out about the oldest living All-Ireland medal winner, see Ronaldo
playing hurling and find out about the new Croke Park pitch. Read cool
GAA Go Games stories, check out the cool spread of Vhi GAA Cúl Camp
pics from around the country, get all scientific with SCI-delines, win
great prizes plus learn how to make cool crafts with Céim ar Aghaidh.
Find out how you and your class can get your cool artwork up on the
walls in Croker in the GAAllery section. Phew! and oh yeah, its got
posters of your favourite GAA stars, loads of GAA history, skills n
drills, fan pics, your cool drawings, plus games and puzzles.

We know your gonna just love your Cúl4kidz All-Ireland Special, free
with the Irish Times on Tuesday, September 15th. Leg it down to your
local newsagents now and join the club!!

 

 

14-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

GWP Intermediate Semi-final – Cloone v GlenfarneKiltyclogher

Cloone have booked their place in the GWP sponsored Intermediate Final in 3 weeks time after they took control of their semi-final game mid way through the first half and never looked back. Conditions did not favor fast flowing football as the persistent rain left players fumbling after a slip ball while trying to maintain their footing.

Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher made the first attack straight from the throw-in which ended in a wide. Cloone set out their stall in the 3 minute with a score from Mark Beirne. Glenfarnes Padraig Sweeney opened their account with a point from a a free after M Maguire kicked another score-able chance wide from a free. Damien O Donnell converted a free for Cloone and Sweeney did likewise for Glenfarne. Cloone missed two more opportunities from O Donnell and Brennan in the 14 & 15th minutes. Glenfarne/Kilty registered their last score of the half on the 17th minute when Fergal Clancy popped over a free.

Cloone took control of the game for the rest of the half and 5 points unanswered in addition to wasting 5 more Scórable chances that were pushed wide. Damien O Donnell scored 2 while Mark Beirne, Donal Brennan and number 2 Seamus McCaffrey brought the half time scores to Cloone 0-07 Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher 0-3

Cloone restarted the second half with a Damien O Donnell shot that dropped short but Glenfarne Kiltyclogher had their best spell of the game as they controlled it from the 3 to 13th minute. Fergal Clancy and Padraig Sweeney both scored from frees but other chances went a begging as Clancy missed a free and later he had a shot onÓgoal saved on the goal line by Cloone number 2 Seamus McCaffrey. While two points separated the teams Glenfarne were finished Scóring as Cloone fought back and Mickey Lohan scored them an important stabilising point from play.

Donal Brennan missed another chance shortly afterwards but the drama was about to unfold at the other end. Glenfarne got a penalty in the 19th minute and it was Padriag Sweeney who stepped up to take it. The shot was knee height and to the left but Cloones keeper Kieran Casey saved the penalty and possibly their place in the final as he went full stretch to parry the ball away.

Cloone woke up from this fright and put in a storming final 10 minutes finished the game with scores from O Donnell and Creegan.

Full time: Cloone 0-11 Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher 0-5
Referee: Tom Forde

 

 

07-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Masonite Senior Semi-final – Carrigallen v Melvin Gaels

Carrigallen emerged out of the mist & drizzle of Páirc Seán yesterday evening to claim their place in the final in a tough and at times physical encounter with Melvin Gaels. The touted underdogs put in a great team performance but Ciaran Flynn stood out for his personal score tally of 7 out of a total of 10 points scored.

The Gaels have been noted to smother opponents with fast high paced defending leading to turnovers but they were not able to handle the Carrigallen men bedecked in the colours of neighbouring Longford Club Fr Manning Gaels. The Gaels wearing their traditional colours were blitzed from the off and were down 4 points to no score after 10 minutes. Ciaran Flynn registered 2 from play and 1 from a free with the 4th point from Eoin Ward.

On the 11th minute Melvin Gaels woke up and play moved to their forward line. Paul McGurrin scored into the Tesco end from play from the 20m mark. This was followed by Conor Sheridan with a free taken from the ground in the 13th minute. David McSharry and Colin Regan kept the pressure on but both hit wide. Finally on the 21st the Gaels got within a point of Carrigallen when Dan Branley fisted over to bring their tally to 3 points. Carrigallen responded and Flynn and Ward restored a 3 point advantage from a free and play respectively.

Melvin Gaels dominated for another 4 minutes but wasted chances as Paul McGurrin dropped short into Enda Lyons hands and Conor Sheridan kicked wide a 20m free. Midfielder Stephen McGurrinÓgot their last point of the half in the 27th minute.

Carrigallen finished strongest and should have increased their lead but Ciaran Flynn dropped a free short followed by an Eoin Ward long range shot from play on the stand side that sailed wide. Half time Carrigallen 0-06 Melvin Gaels 0-04

Melvin Gaels opened the 2nd half with a flourish and the outcome of their first attack could have changed the game. Within seconds of the restart Stehen Mc Gurirn dropped a very high ball into the Carrigallen small square, Enda Lyons moved quickly off his line and parried it away to safety. If this shot have crossed the black spot 1 point would have separated the sides and we could have had a different result.

Carrigallen responded to this early attack and they moved the ball quickly out of defence getting the ball to target man Flynn who won a free and duly converted. On the 3rd minute he brought the teams total to 8 points with another free from the left after he was fouled by James Phelan.

Colin Regan took control for the Gaels and secured 2 points over the next 5 minutes but this was punctuated at the other end by a Carrigallen kick from Eamonn O Malley which curved like a banana from left to right and finally landed into the Gaels square almost reaching the bottom of the right upright before rebounding into the hands of a Melvin Gaels player. Carrigallen had the next 2 attacks resulting in a Killian Ward wide followed by an Eoin Ward shot that dropped into Gareth Phelans hands.

Melvin Gaels upped a gear and bombarded the Carrigallen defense for a full 12 minutes but were only able to return 1 point for their effort. The score after this stage was Carrigallen 0-08 Melvin Gaels 0-7. Carrigallen who hadnt scored since the 3rd minute were under considerable pressure in defence. The Gaels were guilty of bad wides on 3 occasions and there were some heroic performances by the Carrigallen backs. David Flynn put in 2 key blocks during that time and Noel Doonan plucked a Conor Sheridan shot out of the air which was almost over the cross bar and was destined to be a point. But Carrigallen had survived that particular onslaught and proceeded to score 2 more from play in the 27 and 28th minutes.

A goal divided them and as injury time was announced you could sense that Melvin Gaels were going to throw everything including the sink at Carrigallen. A battle royal ensued for the remaining minutes as balls were bombed in and dropped agonisingly short for the Gaels. The slippy conditions added to the drama as players skidded around in the mist.

Literally the last kick of the game deep in injury time was from Colin Regan who drove a rocket at the top right of the CarrigallenÓgoals and Enda Lyons threw himself at the ball which he parried against the post to clearance as he crashed off the post to save the day for Carrigallen. Seconds later Eamonn OGrady checked his watch observed that a little over the required time had been played and blew the full time whistle, Carrigallen celebrations commenced.

 

 

 

07-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

County Finals – fixtures update

CCC Liatroma at its meeting last night decided on the following Line up re Weekend 26-27 Mean Fomhair:

 

Satharn 26 Mean Fomhair 2009

Venue: Pairc Sean Ui Eislin

 

 

Masonite SFC Relegation Final Replay

Time TBC – Achadh na Sileann v Droim Oir Bhealaigh

 

GWP IFC Final

Time TBC – Achadh Mhaoileann v Cluain

 

 

 

Domhnach 27 Mean Fomhair 2009

Venue: Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada

 

 

GWP JFC A Final

Time TBC – Achadh Easa/Gaeil Liatroma v Aislinne/Gortleitreach

 

Masonite SFC Final

Time TBC – Carraig Alainn v Barr na Cuille/Gleann an Chairthe-Cluainin

 

 

Additional Fixtures will be added to this list where possible.

 

 

07-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

GWP Intermediate Semi-final – Aughwaillan v Gortletteragh

Aughawillan and Gortletteragh played out a tough physical encounter in the GWP Intermediate Championship semi-final yesterday in Páirc Séan MacDiarmada. Aughawillan emerged victors by 2 points in a game that was close and tense and could have gone either way. It was a draw at halftime with each team Scóring 5 points and it was Aughawillans Sean Quinn that opened the Scóring with a point from play. Gortletteragh didnt get on the scoreboard until the 11 minute with a point form Ciaran Egan. Aughawillan wasted a lot of chances and had a total of 6 wides in the opening half. Gortletteragh had dominated from the 19 to 27 minute when they clocked up 4 points, C McCrann (2), C Reynolds and P Keane. Aughawillan relied on Morgan Quinn and Barry Prior to steady the ship from play and placed ball as they brought the half time tally to 5 each.

The second half saw a reversal of the wides tally of the 2nd half as Gortletteragh were guilty of wayward shooting. Aughawillan restarted the half with a quick score from Shane Flanagan followed by a quick reply from Gorts Cathal McCrann. The key moment came shortly afterwards in the 6th minute when Aughawillan number 19 Ciaran Smith hit the ball passed Colm Canning to score the only goal of the game. This was quickly complemented by a point from Barry Prior. From the 8th minute until the 20th Gortletteragh pounded the resolute Aughawillan defence with only 3 points to show as they wasted many chances. One point separated them going into the last 10 minutes and this was increased by 1 for Aughawillan with a Morgan Quinn point from play. Gortletteragh responded with 2 from play to bring the game to a draw on the 23rd minute but it was Aughawillan who finished strongest as Quinn and Prior stepped up on the 28th and 30th minute with two fine points to claim their teams place in the final in 3 weeks time.

It was a physical encounter that wasnt very stylish at times but Aughawillan wont mind as they now await the outcome of todays Cloone v Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher clash at 4:30pm in Carrick.

Full Time score – Aughawillan 1-09  Gortletteragh 0-10

Referee:  James McCaffrey

 

 

 

06-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Masonite Senior Semi-final – Bornacoola v Glencar Manorhamilton

If ever the old cliché of a game of two halves was to be used correctly then yesterday evenings Masonite Senior championship fare was worthy of its proper use. Both teams will come away from this game full of mixed emotions as they must be equally frustrated at missed opportunities and relieved to have survived and to get another chance. It was an absorbing game and if the replay is half as good as yesterdays game then it will still be value for money.

Bornacoola played all of their best football in the 1st half, they commanded the centre area, made the breaks and scored at will and it was they that opened the Scóring within the first minute and dominated the last 10 leading to the break. They completely outplayed Glencar/Manor who looked rooted to the ground and who only managed 3 points from Adrian Croal (2) and Dominic Kelly in the 3rd, 11th and 13th minutes. It was a draw at this stage as Manor managed to hold their head as they scraped together some sequences of play. While the scoreboard remained locked on 3 points each from the 13th to the 20 minute you could feel that Bornacoola were building up a head of steam and on the 21st minute they opened the valve and started a 5 point unanswered Scóring spree. Philip Howard kicked and then fisted points from play, followed 4 minutes later by a long range kick from Damien Moran In the closing minutes Mark McCloskey slotted over a free and Sean McKeon registered the teams 8th point in the 32nd minute. Such was the Bors dominance that Manor only managed two wides in addition to their 3 scores. At half time it was Bornacoola 0-08 Glencar/Manor 0-03 but this was all to change.

Glencar/Manor may have been shell shocked to a point in the first half but they found themselves in the second and it was Bornacoola who were under siege for almost 25 minutes of the half. The Manor team will scratch their heads and wonder can they ever have as bad a shooting day again as the collectively blasted the ball wide on 10 occasions throughout the 2nd half. They dominated the midfield, half backs and forwards areas throughout the half and it was on the 6th minute James Clancy finally got the Manor Scóring engine started after two false attempts by Glancy and Croal in the early minutes. Manor were clearly in control as they bombarded the Bornacoola back lines. James Glancy put a free wide but on the 8th minute midfielder Arron Hickey let a rocket fly from outside the small square and Bors keeper Fergal McGill had to pull off a fantastic save. Manor picked up another gear much to the Bornacoola dismay but they wasted another two chances from Darren Sweeney and James Glancy. Finally on the 11th minute the Manor assault paid dividends, wearing number 3 and playing a round the centre half back area it was Adrian O Flynn who made the break through and he drove home an inch perfect daisy cutter into the bottom left corner of the Bornacoola net. 1 point now separated the teams. Manors shooting nightmare continued as Dominic Kelly missed two chances for points. Bornacoola finally got the ball as far as their forwards in a rare attack and they missed a golden opportunity as Damien Morans fist didnt connect with a crossed ball into the large square and with Shane Sweeney off his line a goal chance was missed. James Glancy missed Manors 10th chance of the game which was quickly followed by a similar miss at the other end for Bornacoola.

On the 21st minute it was a drawnÓgame as James Glancy finally found the target with a free and Glencar Manor took the lead for the first time on the 23rd minute when Stephen O Hara pointed a fine score after a quick pass down the stand side orchestrated by James Glancy who was now roving back towards the midfield.

It was their only score of the half but it was a key score as Mark McCloskey kept Bornacoolas hopes alive with a free in the 25th minute to bring the game back to a draw. Other chances went a begging for the Bors in the last few minutes including two 45s. Michael Duignan had an opportunity just before the 30th minute but it didnt reach the target and was defended well by a resolute Manor defence. James Glancy put a free wide at the other end and this was to be Manors last chance. Nerves were frayed for both sets of supporters as chances were going a begging. Michael Duignan had the final opportunity to rob a victory with a 45 in the dying seconds after several attacks by Bornacoola were smothered by a wall of Manor men. Duginans placed kick was similar to his previous one and he didnt get his customary clean long range strike as he dropped the ball in short and eventually the Manor defence cleared their lines.

They have it all to do again next weekend (dates, time etc to be confirmed later) as both teams will rue missed opportunities.

Full time score: Bornacoola 0-09 Glencar Manorhamilton 1-06
Referee: Francis Flynn

 

 

06-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Semifinals on local radio this weekend

Local Radio stations Shannonside and Ocean FM will have full live commentary of the two Senior Football championship semi-finals from Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada, as well as live
updates from the two intermediate championship semis over the weekend.

Holders Glencar-Manor face Bornacoola in a repeat of last years final
at 6.15pm on Saturday, while Melvin Gaels will take on Carrigallen in
the second semi-final at 6.15pm on Sunday.

In the intermediate championship, its Aughawillan against Gorlettragh
from 4.45pm on Saturday, and Cloone versus Glenfarne-Kiltyclogher from
4.45pm on Sunday.

So make sure to join Kevin Blessing and PJ Leddy live from Pairc Sean
this Saturday and Sunday on the northwests Ocean FM.  While John Lynch and Seamus Gallagher will bring all the action to our listeners in south Leitrim and the surrounding counties on Shannonside Northern Sound.

Why not bring along a portable radio to the game and listen in to the commentary while absorbing the atmosphere !

By Radio: Shannonside FM and OceanFM will broadcast full live coverage

 

 

04-Sep-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO