Archive for category: General

January 9 2017

A chara,

The Leitrim GAA Supporters Club(Dublin Branch) is delighted to invite you to attend the 2017 Supporters’ Club  annual launch on Thursday January 19,at 7.30pm in the Celtic Suite of the home of GAA-Croke Park.

The county’s 1994 Connacht championship winning Manager, John O’Mahony, will be the special guest on the occasion. 

The night has become a must-attend event for anyone with a Leitrim connection in the capital and surrounding counties, while the quality of entertainment over the past two years has also attracted a large crowd from home.

This year an equally large crowd is expected to hear why O’Mahony has come back to the promised land to assist in his role of selector the new Leitrim senior team Manager, Benny Guckian. (Their backroom team is completed by selector and former Leitrim All Star Seamus Quinn and coach Michael Moyles.)

While John O’Mahony will forever hold a special place in Leitrim hearts for steering the county to only their second Connacht championship in 1994, he went on to guide Galway to All-Ireland titles in 1998 and 2001.

His recent biography, ‘Keeping the Faith’ reveals the man’s passion for football in the West. MC on the night, Colin Regan, one of his former players, will talk to ‘Johnno’ about his life in the game, and the secret to unlocking Leitrim’s potential.

Prior to the interview, Benny Guckian will outline his plans for the year ahead while County Chairperson, Terrence Boyle, will offer an update on all Leitrim GAA activities. Joe Layden will also outline the ambitious plans of B.U.I..L.D,, an initiative designed to support Leitrim GAA in reaching its full potential.

The night will conclude with a special performance from some of Leitrim’s finest Scór performers, entertaining the audience with some home-grown talent and hospitality.

We also especially welcome Leitrim Guardian Person of the Year Hubert Mc Hugh.

The night, of course, kick-starts a fundraising campaign without which the Leitrim County Board simply couldn’t continue its high level of work and investment in Leitrim teams on and off the field. The event will take place on Thursday, January 19, in the Celtic Suite of Croke Park with parking available in the Cusack Stand car park (accessed through the GAA museum entrance off Clonliffe Road.

Doors will open at 7.30pm with the addresses and entertainment starting at 8pm sharp. Light refreshments will be provided at the interval with the night concluding at 9.45pm sharp.All are welcome to this free event.

I very much look forward to seeing you on the night.

Mike Feeney, Chairperson Dublin Branch

Ph:0872515433;email mike@mafeeney.com

09-Jan-17 by Mike Feeney-Leitrim GAA Supporters Club Dublin

New Rule – Congress 2016

 Applicable 1 January 2017 

2.12 Mark 

When a player catches the ball cleanly from a Kick-Out without it touching the ground, on or past the 45m line nearest the Kick-Out point, he shall be awarded a ‘Mark’ by the Referee. 

The player awarded a ‘Mark’ shall have the options of (a) Taking a free kick or (b) Playing on immediately.  

The following procedures shall apply:  

(a)   Free Kick  

The player shall signify to the Referee if he is availing of the free kick and then take the free kick himself from the hand from the point where he was awarded the ‘Mark’. 

Once the player indicates he is taking the ‘Mark’, the Referee shall allow up to five seconds for the player to take the kick. If the player delays longer than five seconds, the Referee shall cancel the ‘Mark’ and throw in the ball between a player from each side.

Once the player indicates he is taking the ‘Mark’, the opposing players must retreat 10m to allow the player space to take the kick. If an opposing player deliberately blocks or attempts to block the kick within 10m, or if an opposing player impedes the player while he is taking the kick, the Referee shall penalise the opposing team by bringing the ball forward 13m.

If the Referee determines that the player who makes the ‘Mark’ has been injured in the process and is unable to take the kick, the Referee shall direct the Player’s nearest team mate to take the kick but he may not score directly from the kick. 

(b) Play on immediately 

(i) In this circumstance the player may not be challenged for the ball until he carries the ball up to a maximum of four consecutive steps or holds the ball for no longer than the time needed to take four steps and/or makes one act of kicking, handpassing, bouncing or toe-tapping the ball. 

(ii) If the Player is illegally challenged, a free kick shall be awarded to his team from the point at which the challenge is made, and this free kick may be taken by any player on his team.

 “The Mark” – Applicable 1 January 2017

Central Council gave an Interpretation as follows:

The referee shall award “the mark” by blowing the whistle.

“On or past the 45m line” shall mean that both feet of the catcher are on or past the 45m line when he catches the ball or on landing.

In order to signify that he wishes to take a free-kick, the player who catches the ball and has been awarded a “mark” by the referee should stop playing. If he does not obviously stop then it should be taken that he is “playing on”.

“Challenged” as mentioned in the rule is taken as “tackle” as defined; once the player plays on he may be tackled after four steps or once he plays the ball in any way.

All players must be at least 13 metres from where “the mark” is awarded.

When a player who is awarded a “mark” is injured, any team mate may take the free kick, which must be taken from the hands. The player in question may not score directly from the kick. (Current rule states that only the “nearest team mate” may take the free kick).

In order to be awarded a “Mark”, the ball must not have been touched in flight by another player. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1.      How does the Referee award a “Mark”?

The Referee awards a Mark by blowing the whistle.

2.      To be awarded a “Mark” does the catch have to be from a kick-out from the player’s own team?

No, a Mark shall be awarded if the catch is from a kick-out from either team.

3.      Is a “Mark” awarded for a catch from a kick-out no matter where it takes place?

No, a Mark shall be awarded if the catch is made on or outside the 45m line from a kick-out from either team.

4.      How does the player who is awarded the “Mark”, “signify to the Referee” that he is availing of the free kick?

In order to signify that he wishes to take a free-kick, the player who catches the ball and has been awarded the “Mark” by the Referee should stop playing. If he does not obviously stop then it should be taken that he is “playing on”.

5.      How long has the player awarded the “Mark” to take the free kick?

He shall not delay longer than five seconds.

6.      If the player awarded the “Mark” delays the taking of the free kick by more than five seconds, what is the award?

The Mark and free kick shall be cancelled and a throw-in between one player from each side is awarded

6.   How far do players have to be from the free kick?

      All players (team-mates and opponents) must be 13m from the free kick.

7.   If the player who has been awarded the Mark chooses to take a free kick and a player from the opposing team blocks or attempts to block that kick within 13m or interferes with the player who has chosen to take the kick, what is the award?

A free kick 13m more advantageous shall be awarded.

8.   What happens if a team mate plays the ball within 13m of the free kick awarded for the Mark?

A free kick is awarded to the opposition.

9.   If the player awarded the Mark is injured in the process what is the award?

Any team mate may take the free kick from the hands, but he may not score directly frm the kick.

10. What is the award if a player, who is taking the free kick following an injury to a team mate, scores directly from the kick?

score is disallowed and a throw-in between one player from each side is awarded.

11. When the player awarded the Mark decides to play on, when may he be tackled?

He may be tackled after he takes four steps or once he plays the ball in any way.

12. What is the award if a player who has chosen to play on is illegally challenged?

A free kick shall be awarded at the point at which the illegal challenge is made.

13. Where can Players, Referees, Officials, Administrators and Supporters get more information?

For more information and explanatory video please visit gaa.ie here

04-Jan-17 by Official GAA

Meeting Coiste Chontae Liatroma 15 Nollaig 2017

There was resounding support for a changing of the competition structures across all levels at the meeting of Coiste Chontae Liatroma tonight. Almost all competitions from Senior to Underage are the subject of structural change. Headlining this mood for change is the fact the SFC and IFC Competitions will now be played at round robin stage in two groups of six teams as a motion from Mohill was successful. League semi-finals have been removed in league competitions in Division 1 and 2. No less important and perhaps most significant is that underage structures have received their most radical revamp ever as Leitrim looks to the future.

Senior & Intermediate Football Championships 2017

The following will be the new format for the 2017 Connacht Gold Senior and Fox Monumentals Intermediate Championships:

That the 12 competing teams be divided into two groups of six (A & B) numbered 1-6 in each group, each team having five group games. Random selection will be used with the first team drawn out going into Group A and the second team to be drawn out going into Group B etc.

The top four teams in each group would make up the eight teams contesting the quarter-finals with the bottom two teams in each group contesting the Relegation Semi Finals.

The draw for the Quarter Finals will be as follows:

Place    (Group)                                    Place    (Group)

1          (A)                   vs                     4          (B)

2          (A)                   vs                     3          (B)

1          (B)                   vs                     4          (A)

2          (B)                   vs                     3          (A)

The Semi Finals shall be an Open Draw.

The Relegation Semi-Finals would be as follows:

Place    (Group)                         Place    (Group)

5          (A)                   vs         6          (B)

6          (A)                   vs         5          (B)

Rule 6.24(4)(c) to apply in determining the final placings in the event of a tie at the conclusion of the league stage. 

Underage Competition Structures

The Underage Review Committee was successful inÓgaining very large support for the new structures proposed. Changes will see age grades moving from the more traditional age grades as underage and adult football are totally decoupled for 2017 with Under 18 grade removed and replaced by Under 17. Provision has been made in the games calendar for a much better spread of games and the number of games at each level has beenÓgreatly increased, in most cases almost doubled. It is planned to have all games played at 15 a side and 13 a side with official 11 a side and 9 a side competitions removed from the games calendar.

Under 13, 15 and 17 Competition Regulations 2017

The following Competition Regulations will apply for 2017:

Under 13 Leagues

Games in 13 a side and 15 a side to be played in Round Robin format with all teams playing each other in accordance with draws completed by CCC Liatroma.
Following the conclusion of the round robin series team in 1^st and 2^nd place in each of the 15 a side and 13 a side shall play in respective league finals.
Following the conclusion of the round robin series team in 3rd and 4th place in each of the 15 a side and 13 a side shall play in respective shield finals.
Following the conclusion of the round robin series team in 5th and 6th place in each of the 15 a side and 13 a side shall play in respective plate finals.
Teams in 7^th and 8^th place of 15 a side shall be regraded to 13 a side championship and replaced by the 13 a side league finalists.

Under 13 Championships

Games in 13 a side and 15 a side to be played in Round Robin format with all teams playing each other in accordance with draws completed by CCC Liatroma.
Following the conclusion of the round robin series, a top 4 and bottom 4/5 shall be determined in each respective competition.
Top 4 shall play for the A Championship and bottom 4/5 shall play a Shield competition in each of 15 a side and 13 a side.
In the A Championship two semi finals shall be played with 1^st place playing 4^th and 2^nd playing 3^rd. Respective semi final winners meet in A Championship Final.
In the Shield Competition two semi-finals shall be played with 5^th playing 8^th/9^th and 6^th playing 7^th. Respective semi-final winners meet in the Shield Final.

Under 15 Leagues

Games in 13 a side and 15 a side to be played in Round Robin format with all teams playing each other in accordance with draws completed by CCC Liatroma.
Following the conclusion of the round robin series team in 1^st and 2^nd place in each of the 15 a side and 13 a side shall play in respective league finals.
Following the conclusion of the round robin series team in 3rd and 4th place in each of the 15 a side and 13 a side shall play in respective shield finals.
Following the conclusion of the round robin series team in 5th and 6th place in each of the 15 a side and 13 a side shall play in respective plate finals.
Teams in 7^th and 8^th place of 15 a side shall be regraded to 13 a side championship and replaced by the 13 a side league finalists.

Under 15 Championships

Games in 13 a side and 15 a side to be played in Round Robin format with all teams playing each other in accordance with draws completed by CCC Liatroma.
Following the conclusion of the round robin series, a top 4 and bottom 4 shall be determined in each respective competition.
Top 4 shall play for the A Championship and bottom 4 shall play a Shield competition in each of 15 a side and 13 a side.
In the A Championship two semi finals shall be played with 1^st place playing 4^th and 2^nd playing 3^rd. Respective semi final winners meet in A Championship Final.
In the Shield Competition two semi finals shall be played with 5^th playing 8^th and 6^th playing 7^th. Respective semi final winners meet in the Shield Final.

Under 17 Leagues

Games in 13 a side and 15 a side to be played in Round Robin format with all teams playing each other in accordance with draws completed by CCC Liatroma.
Following the conclusion of the round robin series team in 1^st and 2^nd place in each of the 15 a side and 13 a side shall play in respective league finals.
Teams in 7^th and 8^th place of 15 a side league shall be regraded to 13 a side championship and replaced by the 13 a side league finalists.

Under 17 Championships

Games in 13 a side and 15 a side to be played in Round Robin format with all teams playing each other in accordance with draws completed by CCC Liatroma.
Following the conclusion of the round robin series, a top 4 and bottom 4 shall be determined in each respective competition.
Top 4 shall play for the A Championship and bottom 4 shall play a Shield competition in each of 15 a side and 13 a side.
In the A Championship two semi finals shall be played with 1^st place playing 4^th and 2^nd playing 3^rd. Respective semi final winners meet in A Championship Final.
In the Shield Competition two semi finals shall be played with 5^th playing 8^th and 6^th playing 7^th. Respective semi final winners meet in the Shield Final.

Regulations governing the administration of competition, including postponements, will be drawn up by the CCC.

Pitch Dimensions

Under 13 Leagues and Championships

100m x 80m using small regulatory portable goals.

Under 15 Leagues and Championships

Full pitch

15-Dec-16 by Declan Bohan – PRO

Coiste Chontae Liatroma Awards 2016 

Jim Lynch Hall of Fame: Patsy Prior, Aughawillan

County Player of Year: Paddy Maguire, Glencar/Manorhamilton

Senior Club Player of Year: Pearce Dolan, Aughawillan

Intermediate Club Player of Year: Dean Mc Govern, Ballinamore Sean O Heslins

Junior Club Player of Year: Seamus Sweeney, Aughavas

Senior Referee of Year: Noel Heron, Allen Gaels

Minor Player of Year: Darren Maxwell, Ballinamore Sean O Heslins

U16 Player of Year: Aaron Hoare, Aughasheelin

Coiste na nÓg Referee of Year: Kevin Mallon, Bornacoola

Club Grounds of Year: Allen Gaels

County Hurler of Year: Liam Moreton, Carrick Hurling

Senior Club Hurler of Year: Niall Mc Loughlin, Cluainin Iomáint

Junior Club Hurler of Year: Peter Poniard, Cluainin Iomáint

Senior Handballer of Year: Joel Smith, Glencar/Manorhamilton

Juvenile Handballer of Year: Cormac Scollan, Fenagh Handball

05-Dec-16 by Declan Bohan – PRO

South and North Leitrim Clubs & Community Group Sports Forum Meetings

Leitrim Sports Partnership (LSP) works to promote participation, inclusion and coordination in sport at a local level. LSP aids the continuous development of all the clubs and community groups that are located within the County. This is achieved by providing information in relevant areas, offering education and training programmes to improve the knowledge of the clubs and their members and implement programmes which provide adequate assistance to help the clubs and community groups grow and develop further.

Leitrim Sports Partnership is establishing a North and South Leitrim Sports Forum to represent all of the various sports clubs and community groups in the area. Every sports club/group based in the County can nominate one/two individuals to represent it on the Sports Forum, where members will tackle issues of:

• Mutual interest,
• Discover methods of overcoming local community issues,
• Looking at funding opportunities for clubs/groups,
• Identifying best practice in club development etc.

This group allows for better communication between clubs and community groups and act as a coordinated voice for local level sports clubs in the County. Leitrim sport partnership will advise on how they can help, support, and advise best practice in sport development.

Leitrim Sport Partnership in partnership with North Leitrim clubs & community groups would like to invite clubs/community groups to the North Leitrim sport forum on Wednesday 2^nd November 2016 @ 7.00pm in the Beepark resource centre, Manorhamilton.

Leitrim sport partnership in partnership with South Leitrim clubs & community groups would like to invite one/two officers from each clubs/community groups to the South Leitrim sport forum on Wednesday 9^th November 2016 @ 7.15pm in the Canoe Donaghue Hall, Mohill.

Both evenings will commence with a coffee/tea and sandwiches with ample time being given for Q&A and discussion during the meeting.

I would be extremely grateful if you could R.S.V.P by no later than Friday 21st October to cmulligan@leitrimcoco.ie or 0719650498 or if you require additional information about the meeting, please don’t hesitate to get in contact. Please let us know of any issues arising in your club/ issues you wish to discuss in this meeting. Please advise us of any special mobility or dietary requirements you may have.

Attendance Form completed and posted to Leitrim Sport Partnership

(Club to nominate one/two club officers to attend, address above)

 I hope you are able to accept this invitation and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Leitrim Sports Coordinator

Declan Boyle                                                      

02-Nov-16 by Declan Boyle – Leitriim Sports Partnership

Irish Language and 1916 Exhibition for Ballinamore

“The Revival of the Irish language and the Easter Rising” – “Athbheochan na Gaeilge agus Éirí Amach na Casca” sin é an t-ainm ar taispeántas atá curtha le chéile ag Conradh na Gaeilge mar chomóradh ar Éirí Amach na Cásca.

This exhibition has been seen throughout the country and abroad but will have its Leitrim Launch in Ballinamore Library on Tuesday night next, 18 October,  at 7.00. The launch will be performed by Seán Ó Murchadha from Conradh na Gaeilge. The exhibition will run for two weeks. It will be of especial interest to secondary school students.

Insíonn sé scéal na Gaeilge agus Eirí Amach na Casca le cheile. Beidh fáilte roimh gach duine ar an Mairt nó aon lá ina dhiaidh sin.

17-Oct-16 by Declan Bohan – PRO