Leitrim Ladies News:

[b]Fund Raising:[/b]
By now all players in the county should have been distributed with Guess the score Cards for the Connacht Final on 30th July.

The lines are ?2 each and ?500 prize for the correct answer. If there are more than 1 winner a draw will be made for the prize. Everyone is asked to support this fund raising effort to support the Ladies who are totally self financing and in need of funds.

[b]Club Championship:[/b]
The first round of the championship was played last weekend with many clubs in action. In the first round of the Intermediate Championship on Saturday evening, Mohill proved too strong for St Josephs with a winning margin of 2.09 to 1.06. St Josephs led at the interval by a narrow margin but faced strong wind and very wet conditions entering the second period. Mohill used this to their advantage to put them in the driving seat for a place in the final. On Sunday morning a very weak Bornacoola team faced an in form Cloone team in Aughavas and performed well in the first half. However in the second half Cloone pulled away to win by 3.12 to 1.01. In the third game, Annaduff found Aughawillan too strong and were well beaten. However all games involving Aughawillan will not be important in the final shake up as they are included in the earlier rounds in order to facilitate them with club football as they are only eligible to play senior club football in 2006.
In the Junior A Championship semi final, an experienced Ballinaglera had an impressive win over an up and coming Glencar Manor team on Sunday morning, a result that has now qualified them for the final on 6th August. In the Division 3 league, Sean O Heslins defeated Glenfarne/Kilty on Sunday morning.

[b]Minor Championship:[/b]
Five teams have entered the 9 a side minor championship with Sean OHeslins, Kiltubrid, Allen Gaels, Ballinaglera and Aughawillan. The first quarter final of the competition takes place next Tuesday evening featuring Aughawillan and the losers of the Kiltubrid v Sean O Heslins game played yesterday evening. The loser of this game will face the losers of the Ballinaglera v Allen Gaels game on 25th July with the winners of these ties qualifying for the semi finals.

[b]Playing Rules ? Part 2[/b]
It is important to note a number of differences in the ladies playing rules of ladies football compared to the GAA rules

1. A player may pick the ball off the ground with the toe or with one or both hands, providing she is in standing position.

2. A player while on the ground may play the ball away from her, but cannot bring it into her possession.

3. The ball when caught may be: kicked, struck with the fist or open hand; hopped once with one or both hands or solo it toe to hand.

4. A ball that has not been caught may be bounced more than once in succession with one or both hands.

5. A player may change the ball from one hand to the other once, provided the original holding hand maintains contact with the ball until the change is completed.

6. A player may not kick the ball as an opponent is about to pick it up or take it into her possession.

7. The ball cannot be held longer than it is necessary to kick, fist, hand pass, hop it away, or move four steps. A player may carry the ball for 4 steps and kick it off on the 5th step

 

 

13-Jul-06 by Patricia Bohan – Ladies PRO

[b]New Chairperson:[/b] Congratulations to Geraldine Creamer from Ballinaglera who was elected as the new Chairperson of the Ladies county Board on Monday night following the resignation of George Manek. Congratulations also to Padraig Kelly from Kiltubrid who was also elected as vice chairperson. The county board would like to thank George for all of the work he has done for the county board over the past six months and wish him well in his retirement.

[b]F?ile na nÓg:[/b] Leitrim were represented by St Josephs girls at the annual F?ile na nÓg festival in Wicklow at the weekend. The interest in this years festival was heightened as Leitrim have the honour of hosting in 2007. The weekend started well for the Leitrim representatives with all of the teams enjoying a win in their opening game. The beautiful weather ensured a wonderful weekend of football with the parade of 144 teams the highlight on Friday evening. The news got better on Saturday morning when Nicky Brennan and Geraldine Giles decended from the skies to scenic Wicklow town on the first of their stops to visit many of the venues to present an award for the best turned out girls team at the parade to St Josephs. A win over St Brigids from Roscommon in their second game ensured an all or nothing clash with Eastern Harps from Sligo in the last game. However it was not to be despite the best efforts of the Leitrim girls. In the skills competition Lorraine Moran outshone her competitors and qualified for the next round. On to Hollywood for the semifinals and with the large support of mentors and parents, Breege had everyone dressed in their finest for a visit to a famous venue ? noone told her it was the other Hollywood.! Well done to the club who were excellent ambassadors for the county over the weekend and also to the St Marys and Leitrim Gaels boys teams. Despite of or maybe because of an evening dip in the harbour, Sharon, Phillipa and Alanah were up bright and early for a 3 hour trip to Tuam on Sunday to see off Galway and qualify for the Connacht final. Aided by the great weather, the weekend was a huge success for the Garden County committee which was at its scenic best for the weekend and Leitrim have a lot to look forward to next year.

[b]Club Championship:[/b] Next weekend the first round of the intermediate championship will commence with a number of games down for decision. On Saturday evening in Fenagh, Mohill take on St Josephs at 7.00 inÓgroup B while on Sunday Bornacoola face an in form Cloone in Aughavas and Annaduff face Aughawillan in Kiltubrid. In the Junior Championship Ballinaglera play Glencar Manor in Drumkeerin. The games on Sunday morning will take place at 11.30.

[b]Minor Championship:[/b] The minor championship will start on Tuesday next and the final date for entries is tomorrow morning.

[b]Under 12 Championship:[/b] A number of revisions have been made to the format of the competition. See fixtures for details of this weeks games.

[b]Under 14 Championship:[/b]Gortlettragh and Kiltubrid played in the Under 14 7 a side final yesterday evening while in Shield competition will be completed shortly with Aughawillan playing Ballinaglera and Melvin Gaels playing Aughnasheelin on Saturday or Monday to be confirmed.

[b]All Ireland qualifier:[/b]Best of luck to the Leitrim team as they face Sligo on Sunday next in Pairc Sean.

[b]Fund raising:[/b]All players will be forwarded with sponsorship cards for a Guess the score competition for the Connacht Final over the next few days to raise some much needed funds. It is important that every effort is made by the players for this venture in order to continue with the work of the Board.

[b]Rules – Part 2:[/b]
The ladies blood sub rule differs from that in the mens game as follows;

1. A player who is bleeding, has blood on her body or playing attire, as a result of an injury sustained during play, shall, on the instructions of the referee, immediately leave the field of play to receive medical attention. She shall not return to the field of play until the bleeding has stopped, all blood cleaned off and the blood stained attire cleaned or replaced.

2. The injured area should be covered where possible. The injured player may be replaced by a Blood Substitute who shall notify the referee in writing, that she is a Blood Substitute.

3. The Blood Substitute shall NOT count as a substitute allowed under the normal substitution rules, if or when the injured player returns to the field, as a Direct Replacement for the player who replaced her.

4. Where the injured player returns to the field of play as a replacement for any other player, apart from the Blood Substitute that directly replaced her, her team shall be deemed to have used a Normal Substitution.

5. Where a Blood Substitution is sent off, her team shall substitute another player if they wish to bring the original player back onto the field of play. This shall NOT count as a Normal Substitution.

6. Where a team has used their Full compliment of Normal Substitutions in either Normal or Extra Time and a player suffers a blood injury, she may be replaced with a Blood Substitute.

Playing rules Part 1

1.A player may pick the ball off the ground with the toe or with one or both hands, providing she is in standing position.

2. A player while on the ground may play the ball away from her, but cannot bring it into her possession.

3. The ball when caught may be: kicked, struck with the fist or open hand; hopped once with one or both hands or solo it toe to hand.

4. A ball that has not been caught may be bounced more than once in succession with one or both hands.

5. A player may change the ball from one hand to the other once, provided the original holding hand maintains contact with the ball until the change is completed.

6. A player may not kick the ball as an opponent is about to pick it up or take it into her possession.

7. The ball cannot be held longer than it is necessary to kick, fist, hand pass, hop it away, or move four steps. A player may carry the ball for 4 steps and kick it off on the 5th step

8. A player may not throw the ball.

 

 

04-Jul-06 by Patricia Bohan

Leitrim 1-15 Galway 1-05

As the temperatures soared in Tuam on Sunday, Leitrim rose yet again to the challenge to qualify for the Connacht Final for the fifth successive year. From the start Leitrim took the game to Galway and showed that they were determined to get back again to the final.

Two excellent frees from Ann Marie Cox settled Leitrim and although they were made work hard by Galway, the result of the game was never in doubt. The highlight of the first half was a superb point from the endline from Cox. Led by the hard working duo of Maeve Quinn and Sarah McLoughlin at midfield, all of the Leitrim lines worked very hard to diminish the ever present threat of a Galway team that possessed plenty of skill. Leitrim rode their luck at times as Galway threatened the Leitrim goal but with Louise Loughlin in fine form they were restricted to a single goal.

The pace of the game fell a little in the second half as the heat took its toal but a searing run by Clare Owens was well finished by Cox to ensure there would be no fightback from the home team. Following a year of incredible commitment from the panel, Leitrim have well deserved their place in the final to be played against holders Sligo in Castlebar on 30th June.

Leitrim:
Louise Loughlin, Emer Kelly, Sharon Kerrigan, Mairead Stenson, Amanda Sweeney, Teresa Mylott, Mary Mckeon, Maeve Quinn, Sarah McLoughlin, Naomi Faughnan, Sinead Quinn, Lorraine Brennan, Ann Marie Cox, Aoife Kelly, Clare Owens. Subs: Eimear McGlade for Faughnan, Carla Creegan for Emer Kelly (inj)

 

 

03-Jul-06 by Patricia Bohan

Leitrim Ladies Notes:

[b]TG4 Connacht Championship Semi Final:[/b]
Next weekend Leitrim travel to Tuam to take onÓgalway in the Connacht Semi Final at 3.00pm. This will be a very tough assignment for Leitrim who are hoping to make the Connacht final for the fifth successive year. Galway reached the final of the Division 4 National League only to be defeated by a single point by Monaghan. In this years championship so far, Galway have put in very impressive performances and will look forward to meeting Leitrim on their home ground. Leitrim have not had a competitive game for a number of weeks and with injury problems, will have to start without a full strength team. Best of luck to all concerned.

[b]National Feile:[/b]
Best of luck to the St Josephs under 14 team who travel to Wicklow to take part in the National Feile na nÓg competition next weekend. The team will be hosted by the St Patricks club from Wicklow town.

[b]9 a Side Senior Final:[/b]
Congratulations to Mohill who secured their first ever senior title when they defeated holders Kiltubrid on Friday evening last. See full report next week.

[b]Under 14 Shield Final:[/b]
Congratulations to St Marys who also secured a long awaited underage tilte when they defeated Sean O Heslins in the shield final last Thursday evening.

[b]Wedding Bells:[/b]
Congratulations and best wishes to Aughawillan and former country player Karen McGovern on her wedding to Aughawillan?s Peter Prior on Friday last.

[b]County Board Meeting:[/b]
Clubs should note that an important meeting of the County Board meeting will take place on Monday evening next 3rd July in Arus Padraig, Drumshanbo. All clubs are requested to attend.

[b]Playing Rules ? Part 1:[/b]
This week we start a regular feature on the playing rules for ladies football. As the feature develops over the weeks, a number of differences will emerge in the playing rules of ladies and mens football, where the rules can often be confused.

1. The attire for playing Ladies Gaelic Football is jersey, shorts, socks and boots and members of the same team shall have uniform attire in shorts and socks. Players cannot be allowed to wear jewellery, ear rings, hair slides or other items that may cause injury whilst playing Ladies Gaelic Football.

2. In 15 a side competitions a team must have 11 players to start a game. They may finish with 11 players or less.

3. Bicycle shorts are prohibited except with doctor?s certificate and must be the same colour as the shorts.

4. A size 4 football is used in all competitions from U-11upwards. A smaller size 3 may be used in younger age groups.

5 Subs and Extra Time: – 5 subs are allowed during the normal course of the game. An additional 5 subs are allowed where Extra Time, which consists of 10 mins each way is played. Where a Second Period of extra time is played an additional 5 subs can be used.

A player sent off for a Red Card offence in Normal Time may be replaced by a Sub for extra time, as may a player sent off in the first period of Extra Time be replaced by a Sub for the Second period of extra time.

Where Extra Time is played in a game, a player sent to the ?Sin Bin? for a First Yellow Card offence in Normal Time, cannot be replaced by a substitute for Extra Time until she has served her 10 minutes Playing Time in the ?Sin Bin?. However her team shall be deemed to have used a Normal Substitute. Should the Sin Binned player resume playing after her ?Sin Bin? time has expired and having been replaced by a substitute for Extra time, her team shall be deemed to have used a Second Substitute (A player sent off for 2 Yellow Card offences in normal time can be replaced for Extra Time).

Next week will feature a closer look at the blood sub rule and some of the playing rules.

 

 

27-Jun-06 by Patricia Bohan

[b]Connacht F?ile: [/b]
A total of ten Leitrim teams incorporating sixteen clubs took part in the Connacht F?ile on Saturday. This turned out to be a great occasion and a great experience for all of the teams that took part. Visiting the six girls host clubs in Leitrim during the afternoon, St Marys, Annaduff, Cloone, Aughavas, Fenagh and Kiltubrid have to be complimented on both the presentation of their facilities which were in perfect condition and their hospitality and organisation which was excellent. The non competitive nature of the games ensured some excellent football and enjoyment for all of the players. In particular the amalgamations that came together to facilitate this 15 a side tournament was a particular success story of the day. It was also very special for the clubs to have a visit from the president of Cumann Peil Gael na mBan, Geraldine Giles. Well done to all who made the day such a success

[b]County Round Up:[/b]
The countdown to the Connacht semi final clash with Galway in three weeks time continues as Leitrim played a competitive challenge against Longford in Shroid on Sunday morning. The early action saw Leitrim play with a stiff breeze and helped Leitrim to an early lead. Maeve Quinn hit the first Leitrim goal as her 45 deceived the Longford keeper and hit the net. There was little between the teams throughout as two second half goals from man Ann Marie Cox penalty and Lorraine Brennan secured a 3.09 to 3.07 win for Leitrim. The team had to line out without the services of Sinead Brennan, Sinead Quinn and Eimear McGlade through injury in addition to Anna Conlan, Mairead Stenson and Michelle McNulty who are currently sitting the Leaving Cert exam. Leitrim: Emer Horan, Emer Kelly, Sharon Kerrigan, Camilla McDonagh, Teresa Mylott, Mary McKeon, Eilis Quinn, Maeve Quinn, Sarah McLoughlin, Naomi Faughnan, Lorraine Brennan, Erin Farrell, Clare Owens, Aoife Kelly, Ann Marie Cox. Subs Used at half time: Louise Loughlin, Phillipa Maguire, Lisa McGowan, Alanah Bohan, Amanda Sweeney and Carla Creegan. Next Sunday, the team will face a very strong test away to Laois who have been promoted to the top fight following a comprehensive Division 2 title win against Kildare.

[b]9 a Side League:[/b]
It was a quiet weekend on the club scene with just 3 games played. The last scheduled round of the Intermediate 9 a side was played on Sunday morning with Annaduff defeating Bornacoola and St Marys defeating Ballinaglera. In the senior competition Mohill defeated Cloone. The finals of the Intermediale and Senior 9 a side are scheduled for 24th June, with the Junior Final due to be played on 23rd July.

 

 

12-Jun-06 by Patricia Bohan

[b]TG4 Connacht Championship:[/b]
Leitrim enjoyed a facile win over Mayo in the Quarter final on Friday evening last in Loughglynn, Co Roscommon. The semi final against Galway will be played away on 2nd July.

[b]Leitrim F?ile Blitz:[/b]
Last Saturday week eight teams took part in a 15 a side blitz in Annaduff and St Marys to prepare for the Connacht Blitz next Saturday. A very enjoyable day was had by all that participated. Thanks to everyone involved for their help on the day and to the 2 host clubs that provided refreshments.

[b]Interprovincials:[/b]
Well done to Sarah McLoughlin, Eimear McGlade and Sinead Brennan who represented Connacht at the Interprovincials in Mullingar 2 weeks ago

[b]Under 14 Final:[/b]
Well done to St Josephs who won the Under 14 Championship final on Saturday against Dromahair.

[b]Exam Time:[/b]
Best of luck to all of our players sitting the Junior and Leaving cert over the next couple of weeks.

 

 

07-Jun-06 by Patricia Bohan

[b]TG4 Connacht Championship: [/b]
The weather took its toll on a number of games at the weekend and the Leitrim Mayo quarter final in Cloone on Sunday was no exception. The referee declared the pitch unplayable forty minutes before the throw in and a new date is yet to be confirmed by Connacht Council.

[b]9 a Side Leagues: [/b]
Ballinaglera deferated Bornacoola on Friday evening to remain undefeated in the competition to date. On Sunday morning Glencar Manor had a narrow win over St Marys. The St Josephs game against Annaduff had to be postponed due to weather conditions.

[b]Leitrim F?ile Blitz: [/b]
Next Saturday ten teams will compete in a 15 a side blitz at two venues. Due to weather conditions at present, the venues have yet to be confirmed but all clubs will be notified during the week.

[b]Interprovincials:[/b]
Congratulations and best wishes to Sarah McLoughlin, Sinead Brennan and Eimear McGlade who have been selected on the Connacht panel for the Interprovincial tournament in Mullingar at the weekend and to Jason Tanaine who will be part of the management team.

 

 

23-May-06 by Patricia Bohan

[b]Club Leagues: [/b]
An understrength Aughawillan team qualified for the Division 1 League final on Saturday evening with a 1.12 to 1.07 win over Kiltubrid. In an entertaining game, Aughawillan set the early pace with points from Niamh McGlade to take a four point lead before Miranda Burke pointed to settle Kiltubrid. A goal from Sinead Tighe gave Kiltubrid a first half lifeline but Aughawillan still held the upper hand at half time leading by 0-7 to 1-02. An early Kiltubrid point reduced the arrears as Aughawillan again began to gain some momentum to stretch their lead to two points. Mid mad through the half a well struck 45 from Maeve Quinn caused confusion in the Kiltubrid defence and went straight into the net putting some distance between the teams. Kiltubrid continued to press forward but some poor finishing by the forwards ensured that Aughawillan enjoyed a five point win. On Sunday Mohill had the opportunity to join Aughawillan in the final when Cloone were the visitors to Mohill. In a high Scóring game, Cloone enjoyed their best performance in two years in recording a comprehensive 1-17 to 0-12 win. This result now means a three way playoff between Mohill, Cloone and Kiltubrid, each having recorded one victory each in the league to date.

Only one game was played in Division 2 with St Josephs remaining top of the table with a comprehensive 5.13 to 1.05 win over St Marys. The Bornacoola v Glencar Manor and Annaduff v Ballinaglera games were postponed. In Division 3, Sean O?Heslin?s joined Dromahair at the top of the table when they defeated Dromahair by a single point on a scoreline of 3.04 to 1.09.

[b]Connacht Club League:[/b]
Aughawillan were in action again on Sunday when they travelled to Westport to play Grainne Mhaols of Galway in the preliminary round of the Connacht Club League and came away with a 2.06 to 2.02 win. This win now earns Aughawillan a quarter final tie with Castleconnor of Sligo. In the same competition Kiltubrid bowed out of the competition on Thursday last as they were defeated by 1.12 to 1.03 by St Brendans of Galway. Mohill face Tourlestrane of Sligo in the same competition.

[b]TG4 Connacht Junior Championship:[/b]
Its back to county action again next Sunday as Leitrim face Mayo in the Quarter final of the Connacht Championship. Mayo were defeated by London three weeks ago and Galway on Sunday evening and will have to travel to Leitrim for the game. As the Championship now enters the knockout stages, this is a must winÓgame for Leitrim The disappointment of the results against Sligo and in particular the heartbreaking loss to Clare in the League final will have to be put aside on Sunday. This is a game Leitrim should win to set up a semi final date with Galway at the end of June. See fixtures for details.

[b]Connacht Feile 2006:[/b]
A total of eleven teams from Leitrim have entered the festival to be played on 10th June. A mini blitz will be ran by the county board on Saturday 27th May.

[b]9 a Side Club Leagues:[/b]
Next weekend round 3 of the intermediate league will be played. Bornacoola and Ballinaglera meet on Friday evening in Dromod while Glencar Manor versus St Marys and St Josephs against Annaduff are scheduled for Sunday morning.

 

 

15-May-06 by Patricia Bohan

[b]Suzuki Ladies national League Final:[/b]
Heartbreak in Athlone for Leitrim on Sunday when Clare snatched a last minute goal to win the League Final. Similar to the Sligo game, Leitrim opened the game brightly and went into a four point lead before Clare hit back with two goals to earn a three point lead at the break. However Leitrim never gave up in the second half and levelled the game midway through before Clare hit the front again. This game will be remembered only for the final moments. Down a single point with time almost up Clare Owens converted Leitrim?s only goal chance of the game with just a minute remaining a minute on the countdown clock. Unfortunately lack of concentration and a last gasp effort from Tammy Hehir ended Leitrim?s dream and the title went to Clare with a single point win. In the end a huge effort for Leitrim just fell short and the prospect of promotion to Division 2 as champions was snatched away in a single moment. It was a game Leitrim could have won but too many wides and an inability to close down by the defence was crucial in the end. Leitrim now have a break of two weeks before the next outing in the Championship quarter final against Mayo on 21st May.

[b]Club Leagues:[/b]
Its back to the club leagues next weekend with two crucial games down for decision in Division 1. In Division 1 Aughawillan will play Kiltubrid on Saturday. This is a must winÓgame for Kiltubrid to keep their hopes of qualification for the final on track. On Sunday Mohill play Cloone, where a win for Mohill will guarantee them at least a playoff place. Cloone are still in contention but also must win to keep them in the race. In Division 2 St Joseph?s play St Marys and Glencar Manor play Bornacooola with home wins the most likely results to keep both teams unbeaten. Annaduff have a home game against Ballinaglera and this should be enough to ensure victory while Sean O Heslins and Dromahair meet in Division 3 with the visitors hoping to extend their unbeaten run.

[b]9 a Side Leagues:[/b]
In the Intermediate competition St Mary?s had a comfortable win over Bornacoola by 3.08 to 2.00 Ballinaglera winning by 2.06 to 1.07 against St Josephs. Glencar Manor defeated Annaduff by 4.09 to 1.06. In the junior league Sean O Heslins defeated Dromahair by 3.03 to 2.03 with a late goal. In a high Scóring encounter Gortlettragh recorded a 6.05 to 3.12 win over Fenagh and Aughawillan enjoyed a 1.11 to 0.05 win over neighbours Aughnasheelin.

[b]Underdogs:[/b]
The Underdogs are returning for a fresh campaign. The time for ladies football has come. In December 2006 the ladies Football Underdogs team will go up against the 2006 All-Ireland Ladies Senior Football Champions. Its the Underdogs against the Topdogs. This time around the will be lead by Brian Mullins of Dub, along with two other well-known football personalities. It is accepted that Mullins was one of the best midfielders in the history of Gaelic football. He has four All-Ireland medals and a spell managing Derry under his belt. TG4 and Adare Productions are inviting applications from players now. Any player over 18 who has never played senior county football and has never been nominated for or has won an All-Star, qualifies as an Underdog and can apply. Four of last years Underdogs went on to play for their county despite being overlooked until then. To apply visit TG4?s website, www.tg4.ie, and click on the Underdogs link. The first Trial will take place in Limerick on Sat 27th May 2006. The second Trial will take place in Dublin on Sun 28th May 2006. Callbacks will take place on Sat 10th June.

[b]Connacht Feile:[/b]
Clubs are reminded that Thursday May 11th is the closing date for entries for the Connacht Feile on 10th June.

 

 

09-May-06 by Patricia Bohan

Tir Conaill Harps GAC is a community based Club inÓglasgow

The Tir Conaill Harps GAC is a community based club inÓglasgow. We are quite a unique club by virtue of the fact that in addition to playing the traditional gaelic codes of camogie and football, we also run a ladies shinty team who compete in the Scottish Camanachd championships. Over the weekend of 2nd-4th June, the club will be hosting the first ever Glasgow Womens Celtic Sports Festival at various venues in the city.

The festival is aimed at celebrating the contribution women make to the development of our club and also to raise the profile of gaelic games among the wider community inÓglasgow. Among the event being planned are exhibition matches in all three codes, schools challenge matches, come and try coaching for local youngsters, coaching courses in football and camogie as well as tournaments involving visiting teams from Ireland. The weekend will be rounded off with a ceili with the music being provided by club members.

We would like to hear from clubs in Ireland who may be interested in participating. The club will be able to assist with organising transport and accommodation.

Further details about the club is available on our website

www.conaill.fsnet.co.uk

or by contacting us by phone or e-mail :

0044 (0)141 221 4553

E-mail tom@conaill.fsnet.co.uk

 

 

09-May-06 by Tir Conaill Harps

[b]TG4 Connacht Championship:[/b]
It was d?j? vu for Leitrim once again in the Connacht Championship on Sunday last in Tubbercurry as Leitrim were defeated by Sligo in the second round of the championship. For the first twenty five minutes of the game it was all Leitrim as they played some great football to take seven point lead. Then the turning point of the game as Maeve Quinn was inexplicably sinbinned for ten minutes and Sligo rattled in two goals and two points to lead by a single point at the break. Indeed the referees decision in relation to the sinbinning of two Sligo players was also very questionable and gave a false impression of what was a very clean and sporting contest. In the second half Sligo upped their performance to show why they are one of the best teams in the country and time and time again breached a disappointing Leitrim defence that had performed so well last week against Fermanagh. Under increasing pressure Leitrim could not respond and in the end had to give second best to an impressive Sligo team. This result means that Leitrim must now face a quarter final game on 21st May as Sligo go through to the semi finals in July.

[b]Suzuki Division 3 National League Final:[/b]
Last Sunday?s result will have to be quickly forgotten as we face Clare in the League final. This game will be a defining moment of the season and a big test of the character of the team and how they respond to the defeat. Leitrim and Clare met in Tuam on 19th February in the second round of the league where Leitrim recorded a deserved 3.11 to 0.10 win. This result will mean nothing on Sunday however as Clare have continued to improve and recorded a 5.14 to 1.4 win over Wicklow in the semi final two weeks ago. Hopes are high that Sinead Brennan will be recovered from injury and able to line out on Sunday to boost a Leitrim defence that suffered a traumatic second half against a rampant Sligo. Ann Marie Cox who was carried of with injury late in the game on Sunday should be fully recovered while Karen McGovern has recently resumed training after a long injury layoff. Clare will be slight favourites going into the game having played at the top level for a number of years and have great physical strength on the ball. Since the last game two of Clare?s leading players Majella Griffin and Tammy Hehir have returned to the team and featured prominently in recent games. Leitrim will need to win midfield on Sunday to have a chance of lifting a title last won six years ago but both the forwards and backs in particular must lift their performances to the highest level for victory. The Division 4 final betweenÓgalway and Monaghan junior teams will also feature as part of a double header with the venue to be finalised during the week. The Division 1 final between Cork and Meath and the Division 2 final with Kildare and Laois will be televised live on TG4 on Saturday evening next from Parnell Park, Dublin with a 6.00pm start.

[b]Feile Development Meeting:[/b]
Helen O?Rourke, CEO of Cumann Peil Gael na mBan will attend a meeting in The Bush Hotel, Carrick at 9.00pm on Monday next 8th May. This meeting should be attended by all club executives and in particular Managers and coaches of under 14 teams who hope to participate in the Connacht Feile on 10th June and next years National Feile in Leitrim. It is hoped that all girls in Leitrim will get an opportunity to participate in Feile and all aspects of participation will be discussed. Development and coaching for the future will also be an important topic for discussion and it is important for the development of the game in the county that all clubs are represented.

[b]Registrations:[/b]
Clubs are asked to send in club registrations for 2006/2007 as soon as possible to County Registrar, Emer Horan.

[b]Club Leagues:[/b]
A number of games are down for decision next weekend, however with the National League Final on Sunday, the fixtures are subject to change. Intermediate 9 a Side League: Ballinaglera v St Josephs, Bornacoola v St Marys, Glencar Manor v Annaduff. Division 3 League: Gortlettragh v Fenagh, Aughnasheelin v Aughawillan.

 

 

01-May-06 by Patricia Bohan

[b]Suzuki Ladies National League Semi Final:[/b]
Well done to the county team on an excellent performance in Carrick on Sunday against Fermanagh in the league semi final. As predicted this was a close game with little to choose between the sides at the break as Fermanagh held a single point lead. Leitrim however began to dominate more in the second half and should have been in a more comfortable position at the end only for some wayward shooting. Two excellent goals from Sharon Kerrigan and Ann Marie Cox in the second period sealed victory that was well deserved on the day. This win ensures promotion to Division 2 for next year. Leitrim?s last appearance in the Division 3 final was in 2000 and resulted in a win against Galway and the squad will be hoping for the same result in the final against Clare in two weeks time.

[b]TG4 Connacht Championship:[/b]
The will be no rest for the team this week as the focus now turns to the Connacht Championship when we travel to face Sligo next Sunday. Leitrim?s preparations for this game will have benefited from two tough games against Antrim and Fermanagh in the league. However Sligo have also had a good League campaign in Division 2 but fell at the semi final stage to Kildare on Sunday last. A win over Sligo will see the team progress to the semi final stage in June but a loss means Leitrim will have to play a quarter final game in May. With a lot of football to be played in the championship this year, this game will give both sides an opportunity to see championship form at this stage of the season. Sligo, having qualified for the last two All Ireland Finals will be strong favourites but Leitrim should come quite close to causing an upset. See fixtures for details.

[b]9 a Side Leagues:[/b]
Three games were played in Division 2 at the weekend. Glencar Manor continued their unbeaten form in competition to date with a 2.05 to 0.07 win over Ballinaglera while St Marys had their first win of the year when they surprisingly defeated Annaduff by 2.05 to 2.03. In the third game St Josephs again remain unbeaten so far this year with a 3.07 to 0.03 win over Bornacoola in Dromod.

 

 

24-Apr-06 by Patricia Bohan