Archive for category: Club Hurling

Ladies Intermediate Championship Final

Cloone 4-10 Kiltubrid 3-05

Inspired by team captain Eileen Donohue, Cloone turned back the years with a powerful display to capture the Intermediate Championship title against a brave Kiltubrid challenge in Ballinamore on Saturday evening last. While Cloone dominated the game with a solid and sometimes perfect performance, they met a very determined Kiltubrid resistance and it was only into the second half before they finally got the scores to seal the game. Both teams put in a great hour?s effort throughout the game, and must be pleased that all of the players on the field played to their full potential in the final. In the end the experience of the Cloone players was a big factor in the outcome of the game with Donohue, her sister Annette, Teresa Mylott, Carla Creegan and the three Brennan sisters, Tara McCabe and Aoife Kelly all contributing well to the Cloone effort. Kiltubrid will be disappointed with the result but can take great encouragement from the efforts of a number of players on the day including Miranda Burke, Blaithin McKiernan, Sinead Meehan, Emer Kelly, Emer Horan and in particular younger players Aine Tighe and Aoife McWeeney.

Straight from the throw in Cloone won possession and set up the first attack of the game with Aisling Brennan, Eileen Donohue and Lorraine Brennan all involved before Aoife Kelly fired over the opening score. This was quickly followed by a Donohue wide. Moments later midfielder Sinead Brennan hit in a dangerous ball that was well dealt with by Kiltubrid keeper Emer Horan but Cloone won posession again and pass from Aisling Brennan to Andrea Beirne resulted in a foul on the Cloone forward. However the opportunity was wasted as Tara McCabe hit the free wide. Five minutes into the game a sideline ball to Cloone resulted in Kiltubrid possession but in overcarying the ball in an attempt clear, Tara McCabe made no mistake from the resulting free. Kiltubrid eventually worked the ball up field and a testing ball into the square was only half cleared by the defence and Miranda Burke hit the loose ball over off the ground to open Kiltubrids account after nine minutes. Moments later Cloone were awarded a 45 and a good ball in from Sinead Brennan fell nicely to sister Aisling who hit a similar shot over the bar to reestablish the Cloone lead. Two Kiltubrid attacks were well won back by Carla Creegan at full back to keep the Cloone goal intact. Another attack was set up by Donohue as Lorraine Brennan hit a wide. As the half progressed Cloone dominated the midfield battle and had another opportunity of a score as a great ball in from Sinead Brennan was won by Tara McCabe who fed Donohue and she set up Sinead again for a fine point. Kiltubrid were under serious pressure to win their own kickout but Emer Kelly became more prominent as they began to make some inroads into the Cloone defence. However Annette Donnelly and Teresa Mylott cut out a number of Kiltubrid attacks before Emer Kelly was fouled but the free was sent wide. Another sweeping move from Cloone upfield was started by Grainne Tiernan and found the impressive Aisling Brennan in space, however Tara McCabe missed a great opportunity to extend the Cloone lead. Moments later Miranda Burke found Aine Tighe in the corner and as she attacked was fouled but hit over the free to leave just two points between the teams. This free seemed to inspire Kiltubrid into action but Regina Bohan missed a chance to narrow the gap with her effort. A poor clearance from keeper Aisling Mitchell fell to Sandra Early who was fouled but this time Tighes free went narrowly wide. With ten minutes remaining in the half Tighe had another free to reduce the gap to the minimum and this time she obliged as Kiltubrid enjoyed their best period of the game. However Cloone responded immediately when Aisling Brennan sent in a great ball to Aoife Kelly who was fouled and McCabe pointed the free. Kiltubrid again won possession with Aoife McWeeney?s pass to Aine Tighe who was supported by a great run from Siobhan Kelly who blasted over the bar when a goal was on to leave the half time score five points to four in Cloone?s favour.

Within twenty seconds of the resumption, Cloone were two points up as Sinead Brennan won the throw in and found Aisling Brennan who was supported again by Donohue and her perfect return pass was pointed by Aisling. Three minutes later Cloone were rocked by a Kiltubrid goal as Emer Kelly took advantage of a loose ball after a clash between two players and her intended pass across the square deceived keeper Aisling Mitchell and ended in the far corner of the net. Cloone responded immediately with a Tara McCabe free after a foul on Lorraine Brennan to level matters. As they had threatened all through the game, Cloone suddenly found another level and went into the lead again with a great point from McCabe after solid defending from Noreen Colreavy. A minute later they doubled that lead when Sinead Brennan found Aoife Kelly in space and she fired over a point. The turning point came two minutes later after Andrea Beirne did well to keep in play a long range free from Lorraine Brennan and her pass set up Tara McCabe for Cloone?s first goal of the evening. A great win by Donohue in the middle of the field found Aisling Brennan and when her initial shot hit the crossbar, Aoife Kelly was on hand to blast to the net as Cloone moved into an eight point lead. Kiltubrid were now on the back foot but responded immediately with an attack from Regina Bohan and Aoife McWeeney who found Siobhan Kelly but she was unlucky to see her goal chance go narrowly wide. Three minutes later Cloone went eleven points up as Aoife Kelly was again at the end of a sweeping Cloone move and she finished with and unstoppable effort to the back of the net. Kiltubrid tried to make an impression up front and twice Aine Tighe tried her best to find the net but a commanding back line snuffed out her efforts. They did have a great chance of a goal midway through the half but Aoife McWeeney?s effort hit the crossbar and Emer Kelly hit the rebound wide. However two minutes later they were rewarded as a Regina Bohan free found Tighe on the edge of the square and she scored a well placed goal. Aoife Kelly and Andrea Beirne hit wides for Cloone and a Sinead Brennan effort was well dealt with by Emer Horan. Another Kiltubrid effort was held by Mitchell but she over carried in an attempt to clear and Tighe pointed the 13m free. With five minutes remaining Eileen Donohue was rewarded with a point for her efforts following a good attack by Aoife Kelly. Kelly herself had two more opportunity?s to add to her tally but one went narrowly wide while Emer Horan saved well at her near post. As the game moved into injury time there Kelly hit her third goal of the game for Cloone following another great Cloone move up the field to confirm their superiority on the day, however there was time for a last attack for Kiltubrid and sub Lisa McWeeney finished well to the net for a consolationÓgoal. The presentation the new Mary O?Brien Kelly Memorial cup for this first Intermediate Championship title was made by County Board ChairpersonÓgeraldine Creamer to the winning captain Eileen Donohoe.

Cloone: Aisling Mitchell, Grainne Tiernan, Carla Creegan, Annette Donnnelly, Teresa Mylott, Louise Heslin, Noreen Colreavy, Sinead Brennan (0-1), Lorraine Brennan, Andrea Beirne, Eileen Donohue (0-1), Carmel Monaghan, Aisling Brennan (0-2), Tara McCabe(1-04), Aoife Kelly (3-02). Subs: Una McKeon, Una Creegan, Patricia Beirne, Brenda Reynolds, Aisling McCabe, Olivia Reynolds, Niamh Brennan, Andrea Kelly, Katie Moran, Catherine Murphy, Sinead Creegan.

Kiltubrid: Emer Horan, Claire Kelly, Sinead Meehan, Grainne Gill, Sinead Tighe, Blaithin McKiernan, Tara Evans, Linda Tighe, Emer Kelly (1-0), Regina Bohan, Siobhan Kelly (0-1), Sandra Early, Aoife McWeeney, Miranda Burke (0-1), Aine Tighe (1-03). Subs: Tracey Costello, Kathy Beirne, Lisa Mcweeney (1-0), Sinead Byrne, Aine Meehan, Claire Judge, Stephanie Reynolds, Cloda Foley, Helene Duignan, Martina Gilmartin, Kara McLoughlin, Orlaith Heeran, Shiela Guckian, Siobhan Carroll, Deirdre Harris.

Referee: Ray McBrien

28-Aug-06 by Patricia Bohan – Ladies PRO

[b]Junior B Final[/b]
The Junior B final between St. Marys and Leitrm Gaels was played in wet and slippery conditions in P?ric Sean yesterday evening. Leitrim Gaels were not able to reply to 4 straight points from the St. Marys men in the final quarter of the game and St. Marys ran out winners in a very low Scóring encounter. Final score St. Marys 0-8 Leitrim Gaels 0-4.

[b]Junior A[/b]
In the Junior A competition 4 quarter finals and the 2 relegation semifinals are scheduled for this evening and they are as follows:

Allen Gaels v Eslin at 5.00 in P?ric Sean – Ref. Thomas Forde
Gortletteragh v Melvin Gaels at 6.30 in P?irc Sean – Ref. Eamonn O Grady
Aughavas v Sean O Heslins at 5.00 in Cloone – Ref. Kieran Moran
Annaduff v Bornacoola at 4.45 in Dromod – Ref. Sean McCartin

JFCA – Relegation SF Drumkeerin v Mohill at 5.00 in Aughnasheelin – Ref. James McCaffrey
JFCA – Relegation SF Aughawillan v Carrigallen at 5.00 in Drumreilly – Ref. Walter Sharpley

26-Aug-06 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

Leitrim Ladies Notes

[b]TG4 All Ireland Quarter Final:[/b]
All roads lead to Athlone on Sunday next for Leitrim?s All Ireland Quarter Final meeting with Limerick at 3.30pm in Pairc Ciaran. The game is a double header with the Clare v Fermanagh quarter final to be played at 2.00pm. This will be a journey into the unknown for Leitrim as the teams have only met twice previously in the National League. The last meeting was six years ago when Leitrim won but both teams will have changed a lot since then. Limerick have won the Munster title in 2001 and have also contested the National League Division 3 Final three years ago. This will be a difficult assignment for Leitrim but hopefully a win can be secured to earn a semi final appearance against Cavan or Longford on 9th September. We would appeal to as many supporters as possible to make the journey to Athlone as the great support against Sligo in the Connacht Final certainly lifted the team in the crucial final quarter.

[b]Minor Championship:[/b]
Congratulations to St Josephs on winning the Minor Championship on Saturday evening last when they dramatically defeated a gallant Glencar Manor team with a goal in the dying seconds of the game. This was a very entertaining game played by two very well prepared teams.

[b]Junior B Championship:[/b]
The 2006 championship starts on Saturday evening next when Fenagh travel to Aughnasheelin to play against Aughnasheelin at 7.00pm in the first quarter final.

[b]Tommy Murphy Cup:[/b]
Congratulations to the Leitrim mens team on qualifying for the final in Croke Park on Sunday week with a great win over Carlow.

15-Aug-06 by Patricia Bohan

Leitrim booked their place in the final of the Tommy Murphy Cup on August 27th after an excellent game and well deserved victory over Carlow.

This game was moved to Birr due to the likelihood of traffic congestion in the Tullamore area, however many supporters experienced long delays as a vintage festival in Birr resulted in many detours through narrow roads. Many spectators had to park up on the opposite side of the town in order to make it in time to see any of the first half.

Leitrim lined out without John McKeon (fractured wrist) and Gary McCloskey(dental injury) and with Colin Regan reported to be suffering from a viral infection the outlook was looking bleak. Leitrims last few encounters with Carlow saw them come out with defeats and the monkey was definitely on the Leitrim backs going into this game.

Leitrim started well with a 45m free within the first 2 minutes which went wide. Carlow got off the blocks with 2 points registered within the first 7 minutes. This was to be Carlows only time to lead as Leitrims Shane Foley registered the first point. This was followed up by a fine score from Donal Brennan. Carlow tried to reply and even hit the upright as Leitrim backs were kept busy. Noel Doonan who had an impressive game at midfield scored to put Leitrim ahead and then Ciaran Duignan registered his first point. Carlow replied with a point from Walsh. Leitrim went on to score 4 unanswered points before Carlow?s Alan Kelly scored 2 before half time. scoreline at halftime Leitrim 0-8 Carlow 0-5. Leitrim had a 3 point advantage but looked the better team.

The second half Leitrim started well and with the assistance of the breeze really dominated this half. Points were exchanged between Colin Regan and Carlows Thomas Walsh followed by a wide from Carlow. Donal Brennan added another point, Philly McGuinness replaced Barry Prior on the Leitrim Team and Carlows Alan Kelly kicked a scoreable free wide. Ciaran Duignan scored another fine point which was followed some minutes later with a wide from James Glancy. Throughout this half Carlow were guilty of kicking the ball into the hands of a grateful Leitrim keeper Cathal McCrann. Carlow scored another point from Alan Kelly and then the hammer blow came for Carlow as Ciaran Duignan scored a goal for Leitrim in the 24th minute. Leitrim had Carlow in a very tight grip as Donal Brennan was very unfortunate not to score another goal when he chipped the keeper and hit the crossbar.

Carlow hit a wide and missed a goal chance as a goalmouth instance saw sand and dust fly everywhere and finally the ball was carried out of the Leitrim defence. Shane Foley made way for Danny Beck as we were into the last 7 minutes of the game. The pace slowed somewhat as Leitrm spent a lot of time behind the ball and making sure no last minute upsets occurred. Declan Maxwell entered the fray for James Glancy and very quickly got involved as the Carlow defence was carved open when Maxwell short passed to Donal Brennan who blasted the ball home for Leitrims second goal as the game entered injury time. Declan Maxwell got what was to be the last score of the game as he registered a point. Ciaran Duignan made way for Dara McKiernan and Leitrim made sure of the result by holding on to possession as the referee finally blew the whistle in the 38th minute.

Fulltime result – Leitrim 2-12 Carlow 0-8

It was a great Leitrim performance and very difficult to identify a man of the match as the defence were rock solid, Midfield did an excellent job against big Carlow opponents and the forwards were full of vim and vigour with loads of ideas and weren t afraid to take their chances. Overall a very promising performance. The next two weeks will be busy for supporters as the scramble for tickets begins but this Leitrim team are worth the effort as they present a threat to a flying Louth team who go in as favourites to the Tommy Murphy final.

14-Aug-06 by Brendan Doyle – PRO

The seated section in front of the stand in P?irc Sean will be ticket only (?20). Tickets which have been distributed to the clubs should now be available locally.

Admission to all other areas is by cash on the gate and the prices are ?15 for Adults and ?10 for Students and OAPs with valid ID.

Children are free !

Patrons are requested to arrive early and to co-operate with Gardai and Stewards

05-Jul-06 by Brendan Doyle – PRO