Cadbury Hero of the Future

The ‘Cadbury Hero of the Future’ award is part of Cadbury’s continued sponsorship of the under 21 football championship, highlighting the achievements of individuals for outstanding teamwork, passion and performance on the field. Former winners include Keith Higgins – Mayo (2006), FintanÓgoold – Cork (2007) Killian Young – Kerry (2008), Colm O’Neill – Cork (2009) and Rory O’Carroll – Dublin (2010). The question is – who will it be this year?

Looking at the past five winners and how they have progressed onto the senior stage, the award has proven to be a great predictor of future senior stars. Killian Young, Colm O’Neill and FintanÓgould have all gone on to claim All-Ireland Senior medals with Kerry and Cork respectively. Keith Higgins continues to be a constant name in the Mayo defence while Rory O’Carroll was one of the star performers for Dublin in last year’s campaign.

A ‘Hero of the Match’ Award is presented to 15 players, selected based on their performance, from the provincial semi-finals stage through to the All-Ireland final. The winners of the ‘Cadbury Hero of the Match’ awarded during the Championship are shortlisted for the overall ‘Hero of the Future’ award. Due to Galway ace Mark Hehir receiving two awards, there are 14 players on the shortlist this year.

This year’s list of nominees is made of players from eight different counties (Kerry, Cork, Roscommon, Galway, Cavan, Monaghan, Westmeath and Wexford) with All-Ireland finalists Galway and Cavan both having the highest number of nominees with 3 (Mark Hehir, Tomas Fahy and Tomas Flynn from Galway and Gearoid McKiernan, Jack Brady and Barry Reilly from Cavan).

The Cadbury U21 championship continues to be difficult to predict and with early casualties such as Dublin, Mayo, Down and Armagh, it proved to be yet another intriguing championship.

The championship kicked off in Leinster and after a string of surprising results, Carlow faced Wexford and Longford faced Westmeath in the last four. In the first semi final, SeanÓgaul received the Hero of the Match award after an excellent performance from full back. Very comfortable on the ball and well able to marshal the Carlow attack, Sean was always looking to drive his team forward and inspired Wexford to the Leinster final. In the second semi final, Westmeath were looking to make it to back to back Leinster finals, but came up against a very strong Longford side. Although on the wrong end of the result, Conor Lynam was the stand out player on the pitch and showed great skill from placed balls as he kept Westmeath in the tie with 6 points.

Wexford were in the Leinster final for the first time since 2008 and looking to claim their first title. Michael O’Regan won the Hero of the Match award after a brilliant performance from midfield Scóring 2 points including one fantastic free towards the end of the game which settled Wexford and sent them on the way to claiming their first ever U21 Leinster title.

In Munster, Cork came up against Tipperary, while Kerry came up against Limerick. Mark Collins received the Hero of the match award in the Munster semi final for an outstanding display which included 8 points (5 from frees) against the reigning Munster champions Tipperary. Paul Geaney received the Hero of the Match award in a Munster semi final for the second year running. Kerry travelled to Limerick and after a close first half, Kerry ran out comfortable winners in the end thanks to 2-03 from Paul, 2-02 coming from play.

Traditional Munster powers, Kerry and Cork played in the U21 Munster final for the first time since 2004. It promised much but proved to be a very one sided affair with Barry O’Driscoll receiving the Hero of the Match award for his performance. Cork beat arch rivals Kerry by an unbelievable 22 points to claim the Munster crown. Barry kicked from 1-06 full-forward with 1-04 coming from play.

Mayo were a surprise casualty in Connacht having been beaten by Roscommon in the opening round. Roscommon progressed to play Leitrim and were inspired by corner forward, Niall Kilroy who scored 4 points to ensure Roscommon returned to the Connacht final which they were looking to retain. Only just back from injury Niall kicked 3 points from play. In a repeat of the 2010 Connacht semi final, Galway faced Sligo but after an early Scóring spree the result was never going to be repeated. Mark Hehir, playing at centre forward received the Hero of the Match award for his part in the demolition of Sligo kicking 8 points.

Galway were looking to claim their first Connacht title since 2005. Tomas Fahy, had a great game from wing back and managed to get on the score sheet with a very well taken point. Always looking to get up to pitch, Tomas also proved a resolute defender and Galway limited Roscommon to just 0-04 points in the game.

Cavan claimed victory against the holders DonÓgal in the Ulster Semi Final. Barry Reilly received the Hero of the Match for his part in the great performance. Barry kicked 5 points from the wing forward positions and proved to be a real live wire in open play and deadly from placed balls, claiming 4 points from frees. Tyrone and Down served up three thrilling contests in the Ulster quarter final and eventually Tyrone emerged to face Monaghan in the semi final. Monaghan came up against a tried and tested Tyrone side and had a blistering start to the game and lead by 1-02 to no score, however Tyrone came back strong to claim victory. Christopher McGuinness was the main attacking threat for Monaghan and finished off the game with 1-04, 1-03 coming from play and was awarded the Hero of the Match award.

Cavan were back in the Ulster final after defeat by DonÓgal the previous year but proved hungrier this year and with Gearoid McKiernan in fine form, the captain of the Cavan side inspired his team to Cavan’s first U21 provincial success since 1996. He proved to be a real leader on the pitch, constantly looking to get on the ball, setting up attacks and covering in defence. His two points before the break proved vital as it gave Cavan a four point advantage and a massive platform for eventual victory.

In the first Cadbury All-Ireland semi final, Galway came into the game as underdogs as they faced a Cork team boasting Aidan Walsh and Ciarán Sheehan. Thomas Flynn had the task of marking the Young Player of the Year and came out on top. He dominated the middle, scored a point but also tackled well and worked very hard as Galway sent the favourites packing. In the second Cadbury All Ireland semi final, Cavan had just a three day turn around before they had to face Leinster champions Wexford. Jack Brady showed no signs of fatigue at corner forward as he scored 3 points, 2 from play and tormented the Wexford defence with his constant movement and hard work rate.

The Cadbury U21 final was confirmed to take place in Croke Park ahead of the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 clash. Cavan fans travelled in their thousands in hope of a very first All-Ireland at under 21 level, but despite a great start, Cavan couldn’t withstand the Galway onslaught. Mark Hehir, who previously claimed the Hero of match award in the Connacht semi final, also claimed the Cadbury Hero of the Match award in the Cadbury All-Ireland final against Cavan. He kicked 7 points on the day but his ability to pick up breaks and his distribution were both top class. His overall play deserved the Hero of the Match award.

The winners of the ´Cadbury Hero of the Match´ awarded during the Championship are now shortlisted on the Cadbury GAA website and you – as a member of the public are invited to vote online for your choice of ´Cadbury Hero of the Future´.

Kildare senior footballer Dermot Earley, Kerry legend Darragh O´Sé, former Dublin Manger Paul Caffrey and TG4´s Michael O Domhnaill adjudicate the competition and determine who the overall winner will be, taking the public vote into consideration.

http://www.cadburygaau21.com/heroes-of-the-future

 

 

30-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

A Royal Welcome

Oráid Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael on the occasion of the visit of Her Majesty and His Royal Highness to Croke Park on 18.5.2011


Tá fáilte romhaibh go léir go Páirc an Chrócaigh.

Uachtarán na hÉireann, Your Majesty, Your Royal Highness, Dr. McAleese, Airí Rialtais, Ard-Stiúrthóir, Iar-Uachtaráin agus a cáirde go léir.

 

Your Majesty, on behalf of the members of the Gaelic Athletic Association throughout Ireland and across the world, I am delighted to welcome you to our headquarters at Croke Park.

On 1st November 1884 a small group of visionary Irishmen, profoundly imbued with a spirit of national regeneration, formed our Association. The Gaelic Athletic Association was soon to become the largest organisation in Ireland, sporting or otherwise, and one moreover that, as its founding fathers envisaged, has consistently embodied the mood of the nation, culturally, socially and politically.

The Gaelic Athletic Association is deeply rooted in communities in every corner of Ireland, North and South, and throughout the world – above all in Britain – wherever Irish people have made their homes.

Our ethos is proudly voluntary and amateur, but at the pinnacle our teams and players thrill huge crowds with their skill, courage and commitment. The Gaelic Athletic Association offers unrivalled social and sporting opportunities to boys and girls at all levels of talent. We are proud of this vast modern stadium, built mainly through the efforts of our members, and our newly upgraded Museum conveys an exciting sense of our history but also of our present.

One of those present at the foundation of the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1884 was a man named J.K. Bracken whose son, Brendan went on to be a significant presence in the life of the United Kingdom – as founder of the Financial Times newspaper, one of Winston Churchill’s closest friends, and as Minister for Information during the Second World War. This is just one example of the interlinked personal relationships between these islands which have individually and collectively enriched us all in both directions over so many years, and continue to do so today.

We also know that in our shared history there have been many tragic events which have inflicted hurt on us all. While acknowledging the significance of the past and honouring all those that have lost their lives, including those that died in this place, the Gaelic Athletic Association has consistently supported and helped advance the peace process in Northern Ireland.

In particular, we have encouraged the reconciliation and mutual understanding which have so successfully flowed from the Good Friday Agreement and its endorsement in referenda by the people of Ireland, North and South.

Your Majesty’s State Visit, at the invitation of President McAleese, will result in a further important underpinning and advancement of this process, which I firmly believe is now irreversible.

I was of course deeply saddened to attend last month, on behalf of the Gaelic Athletic Association, the tragic funeral of our murdered young member from County Tyrone, PSNI Constable Ronan Kerr.

I was also very heartened by the utter and united determination of people and political leaders across the island, and across the whole community, to stand together against violence and hatred.

The Gaelic Athletic Association for its part will continue to try and build new relationships and to reach out in particular to members of the Unionist community.

Today above all, it is in a positive spirit that we welcome your Majesty and Your Royal Highness to Croke Park. Your presence does honour to our Association, to its special place in Irish life, and to its hundreds of thousands of members. Today will go down in the history of the Gaelic Athletic Association.

Míle buíochas – my great appreciation to all.

 

 

19-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

21st Leitrim Golf Classic in Dublin

The 21st Leitrim Golf Classic will be held in Edmondstown on Friday 20th May, 2011.

The format will be a "Shotgun Start" at 2pm.  If possible all teams should check in circa 1pm so as to allocate starting holes and avail of a light snack prior to golfing.  Dinner will be served at 8pm followed by presentation of prizes.  4 Person teams are 750euro and half team 375euro.  Hole Sponsorship will be 300euro.  

Joe Layden of the Layden group Ltd and Sean & Tony Deane of Deane Homes Ltd are again the Joint sponsors and best thanks to both companies. 

The organising committee led by Barry Donnellan are looking forward to seeing a record number of teams in Edmondstown on the 20th May for the 21st Leitrim Golf Classic. 

 

For further information or booking – contact Barry Donnellan 01 2051405 

 

 

17-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Coiste Chontae Liatroma CLG Church Gate Collection

Coiste Chontae Liatroma CLG Annual Church gate collection for all of County Leitrim takes place on next Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May 2011.  Please support this annual fundraiser.  

Posters have been distributed to all clubs and they are asked to kindly arrange collectors.

 

 

14-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Michael Glancy RIP Cornastalk Manorhamilton

 

Coiste Chontae Liatroma extend deepest sympathy to the family of the late Michael Glancy, Cornastalk, Manorhamilton, who died suddenly on Monday morning. Michael was the father of our senior team captain James and our county pro Colette Fox.

Michaels enthusiasm for our games was evident to those who knew him and his colourful presence the length and breadth of the country supporting club and county, is something we will all miss. Our thoughts are with his wife Phil, his children James, Colette, Geraldine and Jane at this difficult time.

Remains reposing at his family home this evening from 5pm to 9pm, with removal to St. Clares Church, Manorhamilton on Wednesday for funeral mass at 12noon, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis  

 

 

 

 

10-May-11 by Leitrim GAA

Coaching & Games Newsletter

 

Coaching & Games Newsletter

Appointment

Community Hurling Development Officer – Leitrim

Leitrim G.A.A. in partnership with Leitrim Co. Council wishes to recruit a Community Hurling Development Officer for County Leitrim. The position will be a Full Time, 1 year contract. The successful candidate will be responsible for the implementation of community hurling development initiatives within the county. The successful candidate will report to both Leitrim GAA and Leitrim County Council personnel.

The overall purpose of the job will be:
– Ensuring delivery of integrated hurling development programmes throughout the county;
– The promotion of social inclusion through hurling and camogie;
– Delivering active hurling development to key target communities;
– Increasing participation and the opportunities for participation in hurling and camogie in Leitrim.

Application forms, Qualifications and Particulars of offices available from: www.leitrimgaa.ie and www.leitrimcoco.ie or from Admin Office, Leitrim G.A.A., Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada, Ck-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

Application Forms to:
Games Development Manager
Leitrim G.A.A.
Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada
Carrick-on-Shannon
Co. Leitrim

Candidates must be available for interview on Thursday 12th May 2011

Latest Date for applications: 4pm on Wednesday 27th April 2011

 

 

Development Squads

U-16 Development squad
Trials for this years under 16 development squad commenced on Saturday last in Ballinaglera GAA grounds with a great turnout. Further trials will take place this evening, Wednesday 20th in Kiltubrid at 7.30pm with a final trial in Ballinaglera on Saturday next April 23rd commencing at 10am. This year the squad will be managed by former County senior goalkeeper Enda Lyons from Carrigallen along with Hughie Clinton from Dromahair and Joe Cox from Annaduff.

VHI GAA Cul camps 2011
Application forms will be distributed through the clubs and schools after the Easter break, however on-line booking has now commenced and we would encourage as many parents as possible to use this booking format. Camp type means, activities in Football, Hurling & Camogie will take place at the camp.

Code Venue Dates Camp type Cost per Child F/ H/ C 1st. 2nd. 3rd.
LM01 Ck – on – Shannon 4th. July – 08th. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45
LM02 Manorhamilton 4th. July – 08th. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45

LM03 Drumshanbo 11th. July – 15th. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45
LM04 Kinlough 11th. July – 15th. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45
LM05 Dromod 11th. July – 15th. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45

LM06 Aughavas 18th. July – 22rd. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45
LM07 Dromahair 18th. July – 22rd. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45
LM08 Gortletteragh 18th. July – 22rd. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45

LM09 Drumkeerin 25th. July – 29th. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45
LM10 Fenagh 25th. July – 29th. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45
LM11 Leitrim 25th. July – 29th. July F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45

LM12 Ballinamore 8th. August – 12th August F/ H/ C €60 €50 €45

County Coordinator : Thomas Keenan 087 – 6591049

For further information on any of the above contact:

County Coaching officer – Padraig McGourty
Ph: 086 – 8106431
E-mail: coachingofficer.leitrim@gaa.ie

 

Games Manager – Thomas Keenan
Ph: 087 – 6591049 
E-mail: thomas.keenan.gm.leitrim@gaa.ie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21-Apr-11 by Leitrim GAA

Connacht Writers Personality of the Month

Clarinbridge All-Ireland club hero Mark Kerins has been honoured in the Connacht GAA Writers Personality of the Month scheme.

Kerins was the Scóring sensation as the Galway club won their first-ever AIB All-Ireland club hurling championship title by defeating Kilkenny side OLoughlinÓgaels by 2-18 to 0-12, in Croke Park on St Patricks Day.

His tally of 1-7 was a key factor in the victory, and he also received the man-of-the-match award on the day. Mark has been selected for the March award.

The winners to date this year in the prestigious scheme have been: Caltra Cuans ladies footballers, Co. Galway (January); and Senan Kilbride, St Brigids, Roscommon (February). The monthly award winners will receive their presentations at a special function in the TF Royal Theatre and Hotel, Castlebar, after the season is over.

The winner of the Michael McDonnell Award for the Personality of the Year will also be announced on that night.

 

 

15-Apr-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Seeking participants for a new documentary series for TG4

 

GAEIL NUA EABHRAC- The Irish New Yorkers.

Do you know a family that has recently immigrated to New York?

Real Films are making a documentary series on the Irish people in New York. We are looking for an Irish family who has recently emigrated, or are in the process of emigrating who would be interested in sharing their story with us; to allow us film them three or four times over a month or so to see how they are settling in and starting life in New York. How is it finding a new home, new work, new schools and a new life? We are all familiar with the older stories of immigration but what is it like in 2011?

This is not a reality television series it is a two part factual documentary. For 250 years Irish people have immigrated to New York and in most cases very successfully made it their own. We want to tell the story of Irish people who are taking this journey in 2011. As well as our family of newly arrived Irish, we will also tell the stories of first, second and third generation Irish and Irish Americans living in New York.

If you think you fit the bill, or know anyone who does, or if you would like more information please contact Producer Aideen Kane, at the details below.

Irish language is a definite plus but not essential.

Aideen Kane
Real Films
353-86-831-5006
theirishnewyorkers@yahoo.ie

 

 

15-Apr-11 by Leitrim GAA

Golf Classic

A final reminder that Leitrim GAA will host their Golf Classic in Carrick on Shannon Golf Course this Saturday 9th April, 2011 at 11am. 

Interest in the event has increased over the last number of days with a large number of entries received. Groups are still invited to participate.  Details on the event are as follows:-

18 hole

Stableford

Best two scores on each hole

200 euro per team of four

Past and present Leitrim players and officials as well as Leitrim supporters will have the opportunity to meet up at this event to be held at the wonderfully appointed Carrick on Shannon Golf Course.

Among the fabulous prizes on offer include entry into the prestigous Leitrim GAA Golf Classic organised by the Dublin Supporters Club, to be held at Edmondstown golf Course in Rathfarnam, Dublin on the 20th May, 2011.  This Golf Classic is not to be missed as it is celebrating 21 years this year.

As always you dont have to be a club member to participate.

For entries and tee times contact secretary.leitrim@gaa.ie or chairman.leitrim@gaa.ie, Tel 086 8961686

 

 

 

06-Apr-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Leitrim Supporters Club Draw

1st Prize 5000 euro – Sonny McKeon, Drumshanbo
2nd Prize 2000 euro – John Woods, Dromod
3rd Prize 1000 euro – Gerry Donnellan, Leitrim Village
4th Prize 32″ Sony Flat Screen TV – Seamus Bannon, Mohill
5th Prize Tricity Bendix Washing Machine – Timmy Faughnan, Dromod
6th Prize B@B for 2 with evening dinner in The Sliabh Russell Hotel – Dessie Doyle, Drumshanbo
7th Prize Weekend break for 2 in any McNiffe Group Hotel – Oliver Fitzpatrick, Manorhamilton

Many thanks to all our loyal supporters for supporting the draw and our very generous sponsors.
A big thank you to the harworking Leitrim Supporters Club committee, the Dublin Supporters Club,
the Leitrim clubs and all those who sold tickets. Thanks also to Coxs Steakhouse for hosting the draw
and finally WELL DONE to all the lucky winners.

 

 

27-Mar-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Leitrim County Council seek Nominations

Leitrim County Council is seeking nominations from organisations and community groups in County Leitrim which are in any way involved in the promotion and development of any of the various forms of arts and
culture.

There are 3 categories of awards as follows:

(1) Outstanding contribution to Arts and Culture by youth (under 18) groups or individuals.

(2) Outstanding contribution to Arts and Culture by adults groups or individuals.

(3) Hall of Fame /Lifetime Achievement group or individual.

Nomination forms can be sourced from Leitrim County Council and the forms should be completed on behalf of an organisation and returned to the undersigned by 23rd March 2011.

Martin Dolan

Director of Services

Environment, Emergency and Cultural Services

Leitrim County Council

Tel: 0719620005 extn. 213

 

 

20-Mar-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Leitrim Supporters are Simply the Best

This year we celebrate 25 years of the Leitrim Supporters Club and over the 25 years the Leitrim supporters have proved themselves to be the most loyal, committed and generous of any supporters in the country:-

Eamon Duignan, Chairman of the Dublin Branch of the Leitrim Supporters Club tells us "In the very first supporters club draw in 1986 we had 2,000 members and we raised €100,000. Tickets were £100 pound each with monthly prizes of cars for 12 monthly draws. Last year we had 2,200 members in our club. This year we are hoping to get 2,500 who will all wear the special 25th anniversary Scórf"  Eamon also goes on to reveal the true extent of our supporters generosity over the last 10 years:-

*  Total contributed by supporters over the last 10 years € 2,000,000

*  € 120,000 on average per year over the last ten years

*  Supporters donated € 900,000 towards new stand in Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada

Our supporters have not only contributed to the day to day financing of the board but also to the infrastructure in the county which will benefit the GAA and the county for many years to come.  So being part of the Leitrim Supporters Club really does make a difference.  If you want to become a member of our Club please make contact with your club officials or with me on 086 6020192 or email pro.leitrim@gaa.ie. 

 

 

 

19-Mar-11 by Colette Fox – PRO