The late Cathal Flynn, Clonee, Co. Meath and formery Gorvagh, Co. Leitrim.

On the 6th April 2021, Leitrim lost its greatest ever footballer Packie McGarty. Less than two months later Leitrim has lost his footballing twin Cathal Flynn. Cathal was a native of Gorvagh, County Leitrim and was resident in Clonee, Co. Meath over many years up to the time of his passing last night.

Flynn & McGarty were to Leitrim what Purcell & Stockwell were to Galway.  Cathal was deeply upset when his ‘footballing twin’ died and spoke of him every day since his passing. Packie always said there was no better corner forward in the game than Cathal Flynn.

Cathal Flynn played his first game with Leitrim in 1952 against Cavan in Ballinamore when he came on as a substitute and his career in the Green and Gold progressed and blossomed from that point forward.  He was a scoring genius, top scorer in the National Football League for nine years in a row, was out injured for a year and returned the following year to top the scoring charts again. McGarty drew the fouls and Flynn converted. But Cathal Flynn was more than just a free-taker.

In the famous 1958 final against Galway when Leitrim lost on a scoreline of 2-10 to 1-11, the Connacht Tribune reported ‘it was Flynn who sent the Leitrim supporters wild when he scored the goal in the 14th minute of the second half when he rounded Keeley and sent a flashing drive along the ground to the net’. Cathal Flynn was brilliant throughout and ended the game with a personal tally of  1-6.

Cathal played in the Connacht Finals of 1957, ’58, ’59, ’60 & ’63 and lost them all.

Cathal Flynn, Leo McAlinden, Eugene Boland and Columba Cryan were honoured by selection on the Connacht Railway Cup team as substitutes as far back as 1954.

In 1958 – Packy McGarty and Columba Cryan were joined by a new Railway Cup Star genius, corner-forward Cathal Flynn.

In the semi-final v Leinster – in Ballinasloe in front of 11,000 spectators Connacht won -1-11 to 0-7. Packy and Cathal scored 1-7

The next day in the Irish Press the headline by Padraig Puirseal was ‘McGarty & Flynn stole the show in Ballinasloe’. He won his only Railway Cup medal that year. Cathal will always be spoken of as one of the Leitrim Twins ‘McGarty & Flynn’

He passed away in James Connolly Memorial Hospital Blanchardstown last night and is survived by his wife Terry, daughter Clara, son-in-law Dave, sisters Eilish and Brid, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and a large circle of friends.

Former Leitrim GAA Secretary Tommy Moran has paid tribute to the late Cathal and his contribution to Leitrim GAA in a Leitrim Observer article reproduced here

On behalf of Leitrim GAA and the Supporters Club, we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to all his family.

Leitrim Supporters Club Tickets

A Gentle Reminder That Leitrim Supporters Club Tickets remain on sale from all GAA Clubs within the county or from any member of the Leitrim Management Committee. Draw takes place on Saturday 19th June.  1st Prize €5,000, 2nd Prize €2,000, 3rd Prize €1,000 plus 9 more fantastic prizes on offer. Please support our main yearly fundraiser.

 

2021 Leitrim GAA Club Fixture Schedule Approved

A meeting of the Leitrim GAA Management Committee last night approved the 2021 Club Fixture Schedule for all grades from adult through underage as drawn up by CCCC Liatroma. Competitions at the adult level will commence with the 2021 Masonite Leagues across the weekend June 19/20 for certain clubs and in general, the Masonite Leagues will be up and running for all clubs by WE 26/27 June. There will be four full rounds of leagues played from these starting points and it is planned that the Masonite League Finals will be played across all divisions if possible over the last two weekends of July. Members of the Leitrim Senior Football, Senior Hurling and Under 2o Football Panels will not be eligible to play in these leagues until after the point at which their respective team has exited championship action for 2021. The only exception to this will be in the case of any Championship Match weekend at which juncture players who have not been named on the matchday panel of 1-26 will become eligible to play for their clubs on these weekends only. There will be no promotion or relegation in 2021 Masonite Leagues, the top two teams in each division will contest a League Final. The League Divisions have been graded on the basis of 2019 finishing positions.

The 2020 Smith Monumentals IFC Final, Annaduff v Gortletteragh, and the 2020 Vistamed JFA Final, Aughavas v Cloone, are scheduled for WE July 24/25 and the 2020 Vistamed JFCB Final, Allen Gaels v Mohill is scheduled for July 31.

The 2021 Connacht Gold SFC, Smith Monumentals IFC and Corrib Oil JFC A, B and C will commence with the first round of the Connacht Gold SFC on WE 6/7/8 August.

The complete 2021 Club Master Fixture Plan is as follows:

2021 Leitrim GAA Adult Master Fixture Plan

Leitrim’s Health Is Wealth – Today – 7-30pm

Don’t forget Leitrim’s Health Is Wealth This evening starting at 7-30pm

Link to join   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg3ropnkwO0

Speakers at this event will include

  • Nora Owen (former Justice Minister who cared for her husband Brian RIP who had dementia and is an ambassador for the HSE initiative Understand Together)
  • Michael Harding (writer and raconteur speaking about his depression and finding his way out of the dark)
  • Mary Forte ( North West Hospice Commercial Manager who looks after their two charity shops with a team of 50 volunteers)
  • Terence Boyle (Leitrim GAA)
  • Nathan Carter (Country music superstar)
  • Pauline McKeown & a graduate from Coolmine Addiction Centre
  • Leonie McKiernan (Leitrim Observer)
  • Charlie McGettigan 
  • Seamus O’ Rourke

 

Special guests on the night Amy Gilgunn and Nathan Carter.

Aidan Crossan RIP

,

Aidan Crossan was one of five brothers who, between them, collected 19 Senior Football Championship medals as part of Ballinamore Seán O’Heslin’s teams in the golden years of the 1970s and 1980s. Aidan was a panel member for two senior football championship wins and also a senior hurling championship. For a number of years he played with Aughnasheelin and won a junior football league with the club. When P J Carroll took over the management of the Leitrim senior team in 1989, he chose Aidan Crossan as one of his selectors and this team brought Leitrim their All Ireland B title in 1990. Aidan also organized a fundraising walk for the underage teams in the Seán O’Heslin’s and Aughnasheelin clubs for a number of years. Aidan had a passionate interest in the GAA and was also involved with teams in Cavan.

Aidan passed away on Friday last and will be buried on Monday in Killygarry, Co Cavan.

Sonas Síoraí d’á anam uasal

 

Calling all Leitrim GAA Clubs…..

Calling all Leitrim GAA Clubs

Kellogg launches nationwide competition with prizes worth €40,000 up for grabs for local GAA club

 

Monday, 17th May 2021: All GAA clubs across the county are in with a chance of winning incredible prizes as part of Kellogg’s sponsorship of the Kellogg’s GAA Cúl camps. Kellogg, now in its tenth year sponsoring the Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps, has launched the nationwide on-pack promotion for all GAA clubs to be in with a chance to win prizes worth €40,000 – a game-changing amount for any GAA club.

At a time when fundraising has proved challenging, this competition provides GAA clubs with an incredible opportunity to claim great prizes through a simple mechanic. In order to nominate your club, all that is required is to pick up a promotional box of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies or Bran Flakes. Using the unique on-pack code, log on to kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/competition and nominate the club of choice. All nominations will be entered into a final draw to win one of three cash prizes – €25,000, €10,000 or €5,000.

Last year saw Skryne GFC of Meath, Wicklow’s Rathnew GAA club and Newmarket on Fergus GAA club in County Clare win the prizes. Celebrating the news, last year’s winners acknowledged how important the funds were to the local club particularly in terms of maintaining activities for the children and wider community. They also extended a big thanks to club members and local families for entering their clubs into the competition.

Starting on 28th June and running up to 27th August, the 2021 Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps will run in line with government guidelines and subject to the advice of the relevant authorities. The number of camps and capacity at this year’s camps will increase as we get closer to the summer months with some already on sale, so parents are reminded to book early to avoid disappointment as demand is expected to be higher than ever.

Sarah Ferguson, Kellogg Ireland General Manager said “Kellogg is very proud to be involved in a partnership which involves children the length and breadth of the country, each of whom will get the chance to meet up with their friends and enjoy themselves in a healthy and safe outdoor environment. This is the tenth year of our sponsorship and we are thrilled to watch the Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps to continue to go from strength to strength and it was particularly pleasing to see how well it worked last year during a difficult year. We are also very proud of supporting the grass roots of the GAA and are delighted to once again announce the competition for clubs nationwide.”

GAA Cúl Camps co-ordinator Charlie Harrison added “It’s time to make Summer plans! Keeping in line with Government guidelines we are thankfully in a position to deliver the camps during the months of July and August 2021 to children living in all 32 counties. Naturally, after the year we’ve all had to endure, the idea of finally getting out of the house, being active and seeing other children sounds hugely appealing. We are mindful of the reality that Covid 19 will still be with us however, and we will be very much guided by the government and relevant authorities to ensure all reasonable safety measures and protocols are adhered to in the rollout of our camps.

 

For more information on the Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps visit gaa.ie/kelloggsculcamps/competition  

 

Allianz Football League Rd 1 Leitrim v Sligo Team Announcement

Foireann Peile Sinsir Liatroma 
In aghaidh: Sligeach Comórtas: Sraith Allianz Roinn 4 North
Ainm(Béarla) Club
1 Brendan Flynn Gaeil Liatroma
2 Jack Gilheany Naomh Caillin, Fíonach
3 Conor Reynolds Eanach Dubh
4 Aidan Flynn Gaeil Liatroma
5 Paddy Maguire Gleann an Chairthe/Cluainín
6 Oisín Madden Maothail
7 Cillian McGloin Gaeil na Meilge
8 Dean McGovern Seán Ó hEislin, Béal an Átha Móir
9 David Bruen Gaeil Liatroma
10 Shane Quinn Maothail
11 Donal Wrynn Naomh Caillin, Fíonach
12 Mark Plunkett Achadh an Mhuilinn
13 Darragh Rooney Gaeil na Meilge
14 Keith Beirne Maothail
15 Evan Sweeney Gleann an Chairthe/Cluainín
16 Diarmuid McKiernan Gaeil na hAilne
17 Keith Keegan Maothail
18 Tom Prior Seán Ó hEislin, Béal an Átha Móir
19 Oisin McCaffrey Seán Ó hEislin, Béal an Átha Móir
20 Pierce Dolan Achadh an Mhuilinn
21 Ryan O Rourke Naomh Caillin, Fíonach
22 Mark Diffley Naomh Muire Cill Tochairt
23 Niall McGovern Seán Ó hEislin, Béal an Átha Móir
24 Conor Dolan Gleann an Chairthe/Cluainín
25 Riordan Ó Rourke Naomh Caillin, Fíonach
26 Shane Moran Seán Ó hEislin, Béal an Átha Móir

2021 Leitrim GAA Supporters Club Virtual Launch 8pm TONIGHT 13.05.2021

The 2021 Leitrim Leitrim GAA Supporters Club Draw will be launched tonight, May 13, at 8pm. This year’s launch, which celebrates 35 years of the Leitrim GAA Supporters Club, breaks new ground, and in keeping with the many changes that have affected the way we now operate, is a virtual event. This, however, makes it all the more exciting, and dare I say it, more accessible to many more people than would have traditionally attended the launch in Croke Park, as has been the practice over many recent seasons.
Tonight’s show will be of 75 minutes duration approximately and is not to be missed with many any varied contributions. As we look forward to the start of the intercounty season for our senior footballers and hurlers this weekend, and the return of our Under 20’s and Under 17’s to training this week, we similarly look forward to you joining in with us for a night of fun and craic at 8pm.

“Join us tonight @8pm for the launch of @leitrimgaa Supporters’ Club Draw with contributions from @seamus_orourke & @EdwinaGuckian plus a preview of the league and championship with senior team manager Terry Hyland. Join us live on https://www.facebook.com/GAALeitrim or www.leitrimsupportersclub.ie

Introducing Leitrim GAA Podcast brought to you by a partnership of Leitrim Daily and Leitrim GAA

Welcome to the launch of a new look Leitrim GAA Podcast, brought to you by a partnership of Leitrim Daily and Leitrim GAA.   It’s going to be a weekly hour or so look into the world of Leitrim Club and County Gaelic Games.

In today’s first episode of the new look show, available as in both a video & audio version, county board chairman Enda Stenson (0:21) kicks off proceedings with an introduction to the show and a brief catch up for the activities over the close season including some innovative fundraising initiatives to keep the activities of the inter county sides at all levels running.

We’ll meet the panel of hosts for the year ahead with Derek Kelleher (9:49), Aidan Rooney (11:01) and Colin Regan (13:26) joining Leitrim Daily host Breifne Earley on a weekly basis for the year ahead. They review their last six months unique pandemic experience and the upcoming National Football League & Connacht Championship campaigns.

They talk about their respective Connacht final appearances and non appearances, Leitrim’s decent record in Markievicz Park and discuss split loyalties in the Rooney household as Aidan’s son Nathan will be in the Sligo squad for the National Football League opener on Sunday.

Former Chairman of Connacht Council and Secretary of Leitrim GAA Tommy Moran (30:02) joins Derek and Breifne to recall memories of Packie McGarty, the Leitrim legend who passed away recently. Tommy recounts his memories of the Mohill man’s performances in four consecutive Connacht Finals through out the late 1950’s and his automatic inclusion on Connacht teams in the Railway Cup and Ireland teams through four decades in the green and gold jersey.

Olcan Conway (42:53), Leitrim Senior Hurling Manager, drops in to talk about the new arrivals into his squad, how preparations have been going and how much he’s enjoying being back on a sideline in recent weeks.

Senior Football Manager Terry Hyland (59:49) joins Derek and Breifne to discuss his side’s preparation for the 2021 season in uncertain times. He discusses the challenges posed by Covid restrictions and the real world impact of committing to inter county gaelic games for players in 2021.

Terry chats about expectations within the squad going into Division 4 as one of the favourites to emerge from the division this year and his hopes going into a potential Championship semi final against Mayo or Sligo, in two months time.

The list of Show’s will grow as each week passes’ and you can get access to both video and podcast versions here:  LeitrimGAA.ie/Podcasts/

Leitrim’s Health Is Wealth Virtual Event 2021

Following on from the phenomenal success of the Leitrim’s Health Is Wealth event, organisers, Hubert McHugh and Valerie Cogan, have confirmed details of the line-up for a new virtual event. The free event is planned for May 26th next and will be live streamed straight to your home from the ManorHUB in Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim.

The event in 2020 was to be the last Leitrim’s Health is Wealth, however after several approaches from people within the community, it was felt there was a greater need than ever to create a sense of hope and solidarity. There has been lots of data recently which has shown that peoples mental health has been severely impacted by depression, stress, loneliness and isolation.

The world is a very different place since February 2020 when the last event was held in the packed out Landmark Hotel. The global pandemic has changed everybody’s lives in ways that we never thought was possible. While Leitrim’s Health is Wealth has always tried to deliver a message of hope to people struggling with mental health issues this year above any other we all need to be given a message of hope.

The event moderator is Paul Williams (investigative journalist) who gave a powerful testimonial after last year’s event, calling it, “one of the most impressive, enriching and indeed well-organised conferences I have ever attended… it brought comfort, reassurance and most importantly, hope to the carers, loved ones and sufferers alike. The powerful message from that emotional night to those suffering with mental health issues was that you are not alone”.

Speaking at last year’s conference, both Hubert McHugh and Valerie Cogan stated that when they started with Leitrim’s Health is Wealth in 2017, their aim was to start a conversation around mental health issues in order to try and reduce stigma associated with it and to try and encourage people to believe that it was ok not to be ok and it was ok to look for help. As with every county in Ireland, the suicide rate is too high. They wanted their message to resonate with the everyday ordinary person on the street. They have always wanted this event to be accessible to all and this year is no different.

Speakers at this event will include

  • Nora Owen (former Justice Minister who cared for her husband Brian RIP who had dementia and is an ambassador for the HSE initiative Understand Together)
  • Michael Harding (writer and raconteur speaking about his depression and finding his way out of the dark)
  • Mary Forte ( North West Hospice Commercial Manager who looks after their two charity shops with a team of 50 volunteers)
  • Terence Boyle (Leitrim GAA)
  • Nathan Carter (Country music superstar)
  • Pauline McKeown & a graduate from Coolmine Addiction Centre
  • Leonie McKiernan (Leitrim Observer)
  • Charlie McGettigan
  • Seamus O’ Rourke

 

Special guest on the night Amy Gilgunn.

Also on the night we will be running an online donation page with all proceeds going to the North West Hospice.

Leitrim’s Health is Wealth is run in association with the Leitrim Observer, Breffni Mental Health Association, Janssen, Strandum, Healthy Leitrim, Leitrim Development Co. and the Leitrim Board of the GAA.
LINK TO LIVE EVENT

https://youtu.be/xg3ropnkwO0

Running Order for Leitrim’s Health is Wealth

Wednesday, May 26

No Description Status
1 Intro – Valerie and Hubert chat – message of hope

  1. Panel 1 – Valerie Cogan, Hubert McHugh, Ronan Hazlett and Leonie (20 minutes)
 Live
2 Charlie McGettigan music (chat and music – 7 minutes) pandemic song Live
3 Nora Owen (7 minutes) – bereavement Prerec
4 Seamus O’Rourke (chat and recitation – 10 minutes Live
5 Pauline McKeown Prerec
6
  1. Panel 2 – (Volunteering) Terence Boyle (GAA), Mary Forte (Irish Hospice) and Dennis O’Brien (Nursing Oficer – Mental Health – Leitrim) – 20 minutes

 

 Live
7
  1. Live – Amy Gilgunn (3 minutes)

 

 Live (Backing Track)
8 Michael Harding – (7 minutes) Live / Pre Rec
9 Nathan Carter – Pre record (4 minutes 15 secs Live

 

 

https://youtu.be/xg3ropnkwO0

Valerie Cogan & Hubert McHugh

0868926967 / 0851060753

The late Padraig Murray, Drumcong, County Leitrim

Leitrim GAA wishes to express its deepest sympathies with the family of the late Padraig Murray, Drumcong, Co. Leitrim, following his recent passing. The late Padraig is the father of Leitrim GAA Management Committee member Jamie Murray. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

Funeral Arrangements are located at https://rip.ie/death-notice/padraig-murray-drumcong-leitrim/457148

Leitrim’s Health is Wealth 2021 Virtual Event

 

Leitrim’s Health is Wealth 2021

 

Following on from the phenomenal success of the Leitrim’s Health Is Wealth event, organisers, Hubert McHugh and Valerie Cogan, have confirmed details of the line-up for a new virtual event. The free event is planned for May 26th next and will be live streamed straight to your home from the ManorHUB in Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim.

The event in 2020 was to be the last Leitrim’s Health is Wealth, however after several approaches from people within the community, it was felt there was a greater need than ever to create a sense of hope and solidarity. There has been lots of data recently which has shown that peoples mental health has been severely impacted by depression, stress, loneliness and isolation.

The world is a very different place since February 2020 when the last event was held in the packed out Landmark Hotel. The global pandemic has changed everybody’s lives in ways that we never thought was possible. While Leitrim’s Health is Wealth has always tried to deliver a message of hope to people struggling with mental health issues this year above any other we all need to be given a message of hope.

The event moderator is Paul Williams (investigative journalist) who gave a powerful testimonial after last year’s event, calling it, “one of the most impressive, enriching and indeed well-organised conferences I have ever attended… it brought comfort, reassurance and most importantly, hope to the carers, loved ones and sufferers alike. The powerful message from that emotional night to those suffering with mental health issues was that you are not alone”.

Speaking at last year’s conference, both Hubert McHugh and Valerie Cogan stated that when they started with Leitrim’s Health is Wealth in 2017, their aim was to start a conversation around mental health issues in order to try and reduce stigma associated with it and to try and encourage people to believe that it was ok not to be ok and it was ok to look for help. As with every county in Ireland, the suicide rate is too high. They wanted their message to resonate with the everyday ordinary person on the street. They have always wanted this event to be accessible to all and this year is no different.

Speakers at this event will include

· Nora Owen (former Justice Minister who cared for her husband Brian RIP who had dementia and is an ambassador for the HSE initiative Understand Together)

· Michael Harding (writer and raconteur speaking about his depression and finding his way out of the dark)

· Mary Forte ( North West Hospice Commercial Manager who looks after their two charity shops with a team of 50 volunteers)

· Terence Boyle (Leitrim GAA)

· Nathan Carter (Country music superstar)

· Pauline McKeown & a graduate from Coolmine Addiction Centre

· Alan Quinlan (former Irish Rugby International and broadcaster/journalist)

· Leonie McKiernan (Leitrim Observer)

· Charlie McGettigan

· Seamus O’ Rourke

 

Special guest on the night Amy Gilgunn.

Leitrim’s Health is Wealth is run in association with the Leitrim Observer, Breffni Mental Health Association, Janssen, Strandum, Healthy Leitrim, Leitrim Development Co. and the Leitrim Board of the GAA.

Details of the link to join this event will be published later.