Remarkable Year of Growth and Achievement in 2025 for Leitrim Handball

Positive Vibes as LeitrimGAA Handball Marks a Remarkable Year of Growth and Achievement in 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, Leitrim GAA Handball can reflect with pride on a year marked by significant growth, strong community involvement, and notable success at regional, national and international levels.
The past year has seen participation across the county continue to rise, with Leitrim’s four handball clubs now catering for over 100 juvenile players. While many enjoy the sport socially, an increasing number are competing at a high level, highlighting the healthy balance between participation and performance within the county.
The season began on a positive note in January with the successful running of the Shannonside League. Featuring over 60 games and involving juvenile players from Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo, the league provided valuable competitive opportunities and set the tone for the year ahead.
One of the standout stories of 2025 was the continued success of Fenagh’s Sophie Kane. Sophie enjoyed an exceptional year, winning the Connacht Under-13 40×20 title and claiming medals at European level. Her performances were recognized when she was awarded the Juvenile Leitrim Sport Star of the Year for her achievements in handball both nationally and internationally.
Sophie’s sister, Katie Kane, also had a strong season despite struggling with injury. Highlights included winning gold at the European Tour Under-17 one-wall competition in Belfast and finishing runner-up in the Ladies B grade at the same event. Katie also collected further honors throughout the year at Connacht and national level.
Success was spread across clubs and age groups. Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin and Fenagh’s Daniel Kane were Connacht Under-15 boys’ doubles champions, while Maxim also won the Connacht 60×30 schools’ championship with Mohill Community College and secured a bronze medal at the National Community Games Under-16 boys singles finals. He later reached the semi-final of the All-Ireland Under-14 60×30 championship.
At All-Ireland level, Daniel Kane and Maxim Gilmartin played exceptionally well reaching the Under 15 40×20 doubles final, earning silver medals, while Nora Smith of Manorhamilton finished runner-up in the Girls Minor 60×30 All-Ireland final. Manorhamilton players Joel Smith and Anthony Flynn also featured prominently, finishing runners-up in Connacht Silver Masters B doubles competitions across both 40×20 and 60×30 formats.
Leitrim once again demonstrated its ability to host major events, welcoming the Connacht Juvenile A Finals to Fenagh, Annaduff and Drumshanbo, and hosting All-Ireland Ladies 40×20 Championship matches in Drumshanbo. Connacht 60×30 championship games were also hosted in Drumkeeran during the summer.
Coaching and development remained a central focus throughout the year. National school teachers across the county undertook handball training courses, while additional coaching and teacher education sessions were delivered in Annaduff by GAA Handball Regional Development Officer Clare Conway. Increased parental involvement and volunteer engagement on club committees further strengthened the county’s handball structure.
Player welfare continued to be a priority, with Leitrim GAA Handball completing updated risk assessments and child safeguarding statements. Over 20 coaches and mentors completed safeguarding training during the year, reinforcing the county’s commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment.
Despite challenging weather conditions, local events such as the Manorhamilton one-wall tournament proved highly successful, adapting seamlessly when play was moved indoors. Cormac Scarff wins the boys title, with Arro O’Reilly winning the plate. Abbie Kane wins the girls title, with Emma Curry winning the girls plate.
As the season moved into autumn, Fenagh’s Ed Lee featured prominently in his first foray into wallball competitions, finishing runner-up in the Connacht Diamond Masters final, having achieved silver in the All-Ireland Ruby Masters 60×30 final earlier this year, underlining Leitrim’s core strength and foundations at adult level.
Overall, 2025 has been a year to celebrate for Leitrim GAA Handball — a year of achievement nationally, with growing progress, participation and immense pride locally. The dedication of players, volunteers, and supporters has laid a solid foundation for continued success, and the county looks forward to building further on this momentum in the 2026 seasons to come.
Photo: Silverware for Leitrim at the Irish Wallball Nationals – Katie Kane (Girls 17 and under plate), Adam Neary ( Boys 13 and under plate), Sophie Kane ( Girls 13 and under plate).
Photo:Leitrim’s Ed Lee celebrates with supporters after his Connacht Final victory.
Photo: Coaches and parents from Annaduff and surrounding Handball clubs who completed the GAA Handball Foundation Coaching course delivered by GAA Handball Regional development officer – Clare Conway.
David Mahon
Liathróid Láimhe Liatroma

FBD League Round 1

The FBD League returns this weekend with an opening game against Roscommon in Elphin.

Best of luck to the panel, Steven and his background team. Please come out and support the team!

🏐 | Leitrim 🆚 Roscommon

📅 | Sunday, 4-January

⏰ | 1:00pm

📍 | Orchard Park, Elphin, Co. Roscommon, F45 XE83

🎟️ | Advance ticket sales only  https://www.universe.com/events/fbd-league-2026-r1-roscommon-v-leitrim-tickets-F4HPXJ

2025 Leitrim GAA Convention – Motions and Nominations

Leitrim GAA Convention will take place in the Bush Hotel on Wednesday, December 17.   The bye laws & motions for Convention and the 1st County Board meeting in January are contained in the pdf:    2025 – Convention – Proposed Bye Laws and Motions

The PDF is divided in to sections related to:  LEITRIM BYE LAWS 2026,  GAA Congress Motions, Árd Comhairle, Club Championship, Club Leagues, Underage Football, Referees’ Education/Administration, Competition Regulations & Gaeilge.

 

Comhdháil Bhliantuil 2025

Ainmniúcháin

Chairman: Declan Bohan (Bornacoola)

Vice Chairman: Joe Cox (Annaduff); Adrian McCaffrey (Eslin)

Secretary: Attracta O’Reilly (St. Mary’s Kiltoghert)

Assistant Secretary: Alan Armstrong (Mohill)

Treasurer: Martin McCartin (Drumreilly); Joe Cox (Annaduff)

Assistant Treasurer: John Mulvey (Ballinaglera)

Coaching Officer: Brian Breen (Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins)

Oifigeach Cultúra agus Teanga: Claire Crossan (St. Mary’s Kiltoghert)

Communications Officer: Aoife Keenan (Gortletteragh)

Demographic Officer: Appointee recommended by the outgoing County Committee

Planning & Training Officer: Appointee recommended by the outgoing County Committee

Youth Officer: Appointee recommended by the outgoing County Committee

Connacht Council: (2) Sean McGoldrick (St. Mary’s Kiltoghert); Martin McGowan (Allen Gaels)

Central Council: Pat Feely (Glencar Manorhamilton)

Comhdháil Connacht: (4) Declan Bohan, Attracta O’Reilly, Martin McCartin

Comhdháil Bhliantúil: (4) Declan Bohan, Attracta O’Reilly, Martin McCartin

 

2026 Football Fixtures – FBD League, Allianz National League and Connacht Championship

2026 FBD League

The draw and competition details for the 2026 FBD League have been finalised & Leitrim away in round 1 against Roscommon and are at home against Galway in Round 2.


Round 1:  3rd /4th January –  Sligo v Mayo;  Galway v London;
Sun, Jan 4th  – Roscommon v Leitrim in Elphin at 1pm

Round 2:  9th/10th January – London v Sligo;  Mayo v Roscommon
Sat, Jan 10th – Galway v Leitrim in Tuam at 1pm

Finals:  17th /18th January 2026

  • Top 2 teams FBD Cup Final
  • 3rd & 4th teams Shield Final
  • 5th & 6th teams Plate Final

Competition Regulations:

  • Panel of 26 Players
  • All Players are allowed play, although once substituted a player shall not be allowed to return to the game (Unless a Blood Sub or Head Injury Sub)
  • A Maximum of 6 substitutes allowed during second half of a given game

 

2026 Allianz Football League

The 2026 Allianz Football League Roinn 4 schedule has been confirmed for Leitrim, with three home games in Heartland Credit Union Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada and four trips to Wicklow, London, Tipperary, and Carlow.

Leitrim begin their campaign on the road against Wicklow in Echelon Park, Aughrim, before hosting Waterford in Carrick-on-Shannon. A trip to London follows in mid-February, ahead of a Round 4 home tie with Antrim.

March brings three crucial fixtures: away to Tipperary in Round 5, a local derby against Longford in Round 6, and a final-round clash away to Carlow.

Our 2026 Allianz Football League Roinn 4 fixtures are confirmed 💚💛

Rd 1 – 25 Jan – Wicklow v Leitrim (A), Aughrim – 2pm
Rd 2 – 1 Feb – Leitrim v Waterford (H), Páirc Seán – 1pm
Rd 3 – 15 Feb – London v Leitrim (A), Ruislip – 1pm
Rd 4 – 22 Feb – Leitrim v Antrim (H), Páirc Seán – 2pm
Rd 5 – 1 Mar – Tipperary v Leitrim (A) – Semple Stadium – 2pm
Rd 6 – 15 Mar – Leitrim v Longford (H), Páirc Seán – 2pm
Rd 7 – 22 Mar – Carlow v Leitrim (A), Netwatch Cullen Park – 1pm

Connacht GAA Football Senior Championship 2026

In the Connacht section of the 2026 Championship draw Leitrim will meet Sligo in the quarter final with the winners meeting Galway in the Connacht semi-final.

On the other side of the draw London host Mayo & New York host Roscommon.

Master Fixtures list for 2026 via GAA.ie

The Allianz Football League Finals will take place on March 28/29 with the Division Two, Three, and Four Hurling Finals also scheduled for that weekend.

The Allianz Hurling League Division 1A and 1B Finals will be on April 4/5.

The provincial football championships begin on the weekend of April 11/12. The Munster and Connacht football finals are on the weekend of May 9/10 with the Leinster and Ulster football finals on the weekend of May 16/17.

It’s worth remembering that the All-Ireland SFC and Tailteann Cup will both have new formats in 2026.

The All-Ireland Senior Football Final is slated for Sunday, July 26 while the Tailteann Cup Final will take place on Saturday, July 11.

Leitrim 50 Miles Challenge Returns for 2026: Run, Walk and Connect


Join   |    Donate   |   Facebook Group

Following a well-earned pause in 2025, the much-loved Leitrim 50 Miles Challenge returns in January 2026 with renewed energy, exciting new features, and a powerful message of community and connection. This year’s campaign introduces the slogan Run, Walk and Connect, reflecting the expanded invitation to runners alongside walkers and encouraging participants to engage with Leitrim supporters both at home and abroad.

The 50 Miles Challenge continues to be a joint initiative between Leitrim GAA and Leitrim LGFA, with all proceeds shared equally. Funds raised are vital to supporting inter-county player panels and their aspirations for success in the 2026 season.

Participants will be invited to join the official Facebook Group and Strava Club, fostering a vibrant online community of Leitrim enthusiasts. A new initiative will spotlight the county’s scenic and historic treasures: walkers and runners are encouraged to share photos of hidden gems they encounter during the challenge. Each week in January, a dedicated panel will select the most captivating submissions, awarding prizes to celebrate the beauty and heritage of Leitrim.

The iconic Leitrim 50 Miles Challenge beanie hat returns, featuring both the Leitrim GAA crest and the Leitrim Tourism logo. The logo reinforces the county’s invitation to explore, experience and enjoy. Registration opens 3rd December 2025, with hats dispatched upon payment. Participants will also receive access to the iDonate fundraising page, supporting the challenge’s charitable mission.

Declan Bohan, Chairperson of Leitrim GAA, said: “The return of the Leitrim 50 Miles Challenge in 2026 is a moment of pride for everyone involved in Leitrim GAA. This initiative has always been about more than just fundraising, it’s about bringing people together, celebrating our county, and supporting our players. We’re excited to see the community reconnect and rally behind our teams in a meaningful way.”

Leitrim County Council remains a proud partner in this initiative, working alongside Leitrim GAA and LGFA to promote the county as a premier destination to visit, invest, work and live. This shared message will be amplified through a series of video messages from six prominent Leitrim personalities, who will serve as Ambassadors for the challenge and the county. These videos, funded and coordinated by Leitrim County Council, will be promoted across social media platforms.

Councillor Paddy Farrell, Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, added: “The Leitrim 50 Miles Challenge is a shining example of how sport and community spirit can promote our county on a global stage. Leitrim County Council is delighted to continue its partnership with Leitrim GAA and LGFA, and we look forward to seeing people from all walks of life join in, share their stories, and showcase the best of Leitrim.“

Leitrim businesses and those with Leitrim connections across Ireland and abroad have consistently supported GAA and LGFA fundraising efforts. For 2026, they are invited to become Platinum (€1,500), Gold (€1,000), or Silver (€500) sponsors. Sponsors will be prominently featured in all promotional materials and may choose to endorse the message of one of the six Ambassadors.

Chairperson of Leitrim LGFA, Kathy Butler said: “This Year’s theme, Run, Walk, Connect, captures exactly what we are about. We run and walk for our health, for our clubs, and for our county. We connect with each other, with our heritage, and with Leitrim people near and far. Tugann sé deis dúinn, muintir Liatroma, tacú le na foirne agus lena chéile”.

The Leitrim 50 Miles Challenge 2026 is more than a fundraiser, it is a celebration of community, connection and county pride. Whether walking through Drumshanbo or running in Dubai, every mile brings Leitrim closer together.

For updates and registration details, visit the Leitrim GAA website or follow Leitrim GAA and LGFA on social media.

 

 

 

 

Handball News: Leitrim success at Connacht Cumann na mBunscol Wallball Championships 2025

Plenty of Leitrim success at Connacht Cumann na mBunscol Wallball Championships 2025

Leitrim’s young handballers enjoyed great success at the Cumann na mBunscol Connacht Wallball finals played in Kilglass, Co. Roscommon on Thursday last.

Eimear Nic Thiarnáin and Sophie Mulhall from St Brigid’s NS, Drumcong won gold in the Girls U11 Doubles, while Abbie Kane of St Caillin’s NS, Fenagh also took gold in the Girls U11 Singles.

St Caillin’s NS added to their medal tally with Kayla Crinnigan and Ciara Conlon, who won silver in the Girls U13 Doubles event.

Well done also to Senan Prior Kellegher from St Brigid’s NS, Drumcong, who put in a strong performance and was unlucky to miss out this time in the boys U11 singles category.

Comhghairdeas freisin leis na daltaí ó Ghaelscoil Chluainin a ghlac páirt, ach nár éirigh leo bonn a bhaint an uair seo.

Maith sibh go léir!

 

 

Photo: Eimear Nic Thiarnáin & Sophie Mulhall from St Brigids NS, Drumcong being presented with their medals by Aengus Cunningham – Connacht Juvenile Handball Board.

 

Photo: Abbie Kane, St Caillin’s NS. Fenagh, being presented with her medal by Aengus Cunningham – Connacht Juvenile Handball Board.

 

Photo:  Kayla Crinnigan and Ciara Conlon from St Caillin’s NS. being presented with their medals by Aengus Cunningham – Connacht Juvenile Handball Board.

 

 

David Mahon
Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Leitrim Hurlers – 2026 Lory Meagher Cup & Allianz League schedule

Following today’s draw, Leitrim’s hurlers now know their path through the 2026 Lory Meagher Cup, with three home fixtures and two away ties spread across April and May.
Leitrim will open their campaign at home against Monaghan on the weekend of 11th–12th April, before back-to-back away trips. Round 2 brings an away clash with Lancashire on 18th–19th April, followed a week later by another road game against Longford on 25th–26th April.
The final two rounds are both at home; Warwickshire visit Leitrim in Round 4 on the weekend of 9th–10th May, before the group phase concludes with a home tie against Cavan on 16th–17th May.
2026 Lory Meagher Cup – Leitrim Fixtures
  • Round 1: Leitrim v Monaghan – Home – weekend of 11th–12th April
  • Round 2: Lancashire v Leitrim – Away – weekend of 18th–19th April
  • Round 3: Longford v Leitrim – Away – weekend of 25th–26th April
  • Round 4: Leitrim v Warwickshire – Home – weekend of 9th–10th May
  • Round 5: Leitrim v Cavan – Home – weekend of 16th–17th May
Exact throw-in times and venues will be confirmed closer to each fixture.
https://www.gaa.ie/article/2026-draws-for-mcdonagh-ring-rackard-and-meagher-cups

2026 ALLIANZ NHL DIVISION 4

The fixtures for Leitrim’s 2026 Allianz Hurling League Roinn 4 campaign have been confirmed, with four games at Heartland Credit Union Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada and two trips across the water and border.

Leitrim open with back-to-back home games in Carrick-on-Shannon, hosting Longford in Round 1 and Sligo in Round 2. A visit to Warwickshire follows in early February before another away tie against Monaghan. The campaign then closes out with two further home fixtures against Cavan and Lancashire.

24 Jan – Leitrim v Longford (H) – 2pm
31 Jan – Leitrim v Sligo (H) – 2pm
8 Feb – Warwickshire v Leitrim (A) – 1pm
21 Feb – Monaghan v Leitrim (A) – 2pm
28 Feb – Leitrim v Cavan (H) – 2pm
7 Mar – Leitrim v Lancashire (H) – 1pm

League Final will take place on March 28/29

GAA County Games Development Coordinator (Hurling) Leitrim GAA

Applications are now welcome for the role of GAA Games Development Coordinator (Hurling)  in County Leitrim.


Role Summary

The role holder will be responsible for the delivery of GAA games development policy and related programmes as contained in the county coaching and games development plan in local clubs and schools (Primary and Post Primary) within a geographic area of a county. The role will also focus on establishing self-sufficient and sustainable clubs by building capacity and capability within the volunteer structure to deliver a games development programme. Please note that this is a hurling games development role.

Candidates interested in the above role should apply with an up-to-date cover letter and Curriculum Vitae on or before 3pm on Friday 28th November 2025.

Details and Application process here:
https://www.jobs.ie/job/GAA-County-Games-Development-Coordinator/a-job106204112

Handball News: Golden Gloves Win | Annual Church Gate Collection

Golden Gloves Win for Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin

The 2025 4-wall handball season got underway this weekend with the Annual Golden Gloves tournament in Co. Antrim. Over 200 players from across the country took part, including Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin and Adam Neary.

It was a mixed weekend for the two Annaduff players. Maxim Gilmartin had a strong performance, winning the Boys’ 15 and Under C Championship on Saturday. However, Adam Neary’s tournament was cut short after he injured his shoulder during his first match in the Boys’ 13 and Under category on Sunday.

Congratulations to Maxim on his impressive win, and we wish Adam a speedy recovery.

Annual Church Gate Collection

Leitrim Handball would like to sincerely thank everyone who generously contributed to their Annual Church Gate Collection on November 1st and 2nd, held at masses across the county. A special thanks also goes to our handball players and mentors who volunteered their time to assist with the collection.

The total amount raised was €3,793, and these funds will go directly towards supporting and developing handball throughout the county.

 

Photo : Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin – Golden Gloves Boys 15 & Under C champion 2025.

 

David Mahon
Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

AIB Connacht Clubs – Weekend of Action

On Saturday Allen Gaels & Cluainín Iomáint and then on Sunday Leitrim Gaels and Aughavas are in Connacht Club Semi Finals.

4️⃣ games over 2️⃣ days of AIB Connacht Club action.

🎟️ Entry Tickets for all 4 games: https://www.universe.com/users/connacht-gaa-YWLJG3

📺 3 Games will be Livestreamed: https://page.inplayer.com/connachtgaa/future-games.html

✅ Best of luck to all 4 Leitrim Clubs !

 

🏆 AIB Connacht Club – Senior – SF

🏐 | Leitrim Gaels 🆚 Moycullen
📅 | Sun, 16-Nov at 1:30pm
📍 | in Pearse Stadium

#LeitrimClubChamp | #GAABelong

 

 

 

🏆 AIB Connacht Club – Intermediate – SF

🏐 | Allen Gaels 🆚 Strokestown
📅 | Sat, 15-Nov at 1:30pm
📍 | in K&M Dr Hyde Park

#LeitrimClubChamp | #GAABelong

 

 

 

 

🏆 AIB Connacht Club – Junior – SF

🏐 | Aughavas 🆚 Cárna-Caiseal
📅 | Sun, 16-Nov at 1:30pm
📍 | in Páirc Sheán Ui Heislin

#LeitrimClubChamp | #GAABelong

 

 

 

 

🏆 AIB Connacht Club – Hurling Junior – SF

🏑 | Cluainín Iomáint 🆚 Easkey
📅 | Sat, 15-Nov at 1:30pm
📍 | in Heartland Credit Union
Páirc Seán MacDiarmada

#LeitrimClubChamp | #GAABelong

 

2025 Junior C County Champions – Bornacoola

Congratulations to Bornacoola who were crowned the 2025 Junior C County Champions in Cloone today.

 

Presentation of Junior C Cup to the winning captain Liam Jones by Cathaoirleach Coiste Chontae Liatroma Déaglán Ó Buacháin.

 

Congratulations to Cian Mallon who was today’s Man of the Match presented by Déaglán Ó Buacháin.

 

 

 

 

 

Competition Sponsors – We thank Fresh Today Supermarkets for their sponsorship of all of our Junior Championships for 2025

#LeitrimClubChamp | #GAAbelong

 

2025 Junior A County Champions – Aughavas

Congratulations to Aughavas who were crowned the 2025 Junior A County Champions today.

Aughavas now progress to play the Galway winners Cárna/Caiseal at home on w/e 15-16th Nov in the Semi Final of the AIB Club Junior Championship.  Full Details TBC

 

Presentation of Dick Ellis Memorial Cup to the winning captain Conor Canning by Cathaoirleach Coiste Chontae Liatroma Déaglán Ó Buacháin.

 

Congratulations to Darren Shortt who was today’s Man of the Match. He was presented with his award by Gabriel Cronin, Cronin Dental Laboratories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Competition Sponsors – We thank Fresh Today Supermarkets for their sponsorship of all of our Junior Championships for 2025

📷 Sheelin Photos
Many thanks to Stefan for today’s photos & throughout the championship

 

#LeitrimClubChamp | #GAAbelong