Live stream updates – new platform – live.leitrimgaa.ie

This week is the last of the free to view games as the stream team head to Annaduff GAA pitch for the Smith Monumentals Round 5 Intermediate clash between Annaduff and Gortletteragh.  The throw-in is at 7pm and we plan to go live around 6:45 with the popular pre-match build up including interviews.

For the last number of games we utilised our YouTube account but from this point on wards we will be moving over completely to our new video streaming platform which has been carefully chosen to offer the best opportunities to view games on as large a selection of devices as possible.

Last week we made available a sneak peak of the login process to allow you to start activating your accounts and familarising yourselves with the process – this was achieved by clicking on a link on this website.   A large number of people have already created their accounts which is a free account and is a relatively simple process – no credit card information is required at this stage.

This week the full blown platform is being unveiled and this weeks livestream will be available to view free of charge.  This weeks game or any future games will NOT be available on Youtube.
The link to the new home for our live streams is:   Live.LeitrimGAA.ie

All of the previous free games are already available on the new platform as we have moved them over from YouTube and they will remain free to view in their new home.

It is advisable to create your account now and view some of the previous free games to familiarise yourself with the variety of devices upon which you can view the games.  We suggest that you don’t leave it until 5 minutes before throw-in to figure out how it works !

There is a 24/7 support website available at https://support.inplayer.com/  with advise to solve most problems.   A support person is available 2 hours before throw in to assist with login issues – support@inplayer.com

As many have already found out creating an account is quick, easy, free and can be done by a simple 1 step connection to your favorite social media account like Facebook, Twitter or via a more traditional email & password combination (recommended).  Only use the social media login option if you are going to view on a device that you already use for social media.     If logging in directly on something like a Smart TV it is advisable to use the email/password combination as social media quick logins may not work.  As mentioned above credit card information is NOT required at this stage.

The video player is web browser based to provide access to as large a selection of devices as possible.  All games should be easily viewable on ios based devices like iphones, ipads,  Windows based devices like standard laptops, phones, etc,  and Android based devices like smartphones and tablets.  Basically any device that has a browser should be able to reach the platform

The video player is compatible with Chromecast & Airplay to allow you to view on your TV via your connecting device as listed above – you will need to use mirror mode which is an extra step in the process and if using an ipad/iphone to cast then you may need to utilise a 3rd party app.

Some Smart TV’s will allow streaming without any issues from within their built-in browser however chromecasting or similar is recommended – please note you will need to cast using the mirror option which is an extra step compared to the single click option with YouTube.

If you have an Android based SmartTV and not using casting then the recommend browser for streaming is PuffinTV.  For more assistance please go here.  This can also be used for all other Android devices like smartphones – please test your device’s capability well in advance of a live event.

Some quick pointers for a successful viewing experience:

  • on most devices Chrome (PuffinTV on android)  is the preferred browser to get to Live.LeitrimGAA.ie 
  • using Social Media logins may not work on some devices  – the traditional username/password is recommended especially on devices that you don’t normally use for social media
  • your broadband download speed should be in excess of 5mbs
    (as we aim to stream in Full HD* (1080p) where possible from Quarterfinals onwards    .) 
  • If a stream should fail please refresh your browser and this should help you to reconnect. 
  • if casting you will need to use the mirror screen option from your device – chromecasting or similar is the recommended approach and if using an ipad/iphone to cast then you may need to utilise a compatible 3rd party app. 
  • Try out various options well in advance of your chosen event in order to find the method that suits your device(s).

Unfortunately it is not possible to integrate YouTube into a paywall system and 6 different paywall systems were evaluated during extensive trials over a number of weeks.   We believe that we have chosen the system that offers the public the easiest access, easiest payment method and the ability to play back on the largest number of devices.  Many of the other paywall systems tested did not allow casting so watching on a small screen was the only option.  Also other systems did not adjust the speed to try and match your broadband connection speed – in a lot of cases if your broadband speed dipped then you would lose the picture.  To avoid all these issues we are using Vimeo the 2nd most popular player to YouTube and it successfully integrates with the paywall software.

Please note that the sharing of your account with others is not possible as the system is designed to detect account sharing and will block all simultaneous connections.

For any login or registration-related questions please visit:
https://support.inplayer.com/

A support team member will also available 2 hours before a scheduled live game to provide assistance.

Officials associated with Leitrim GAA will not be in a position to provide support.

Details of payed services and possible packages will be announced closer to the quarter final stage.

I hope you enjoy the new platform and advise you to test it out well in advance of next weekends game !

Brendan Doyle
IT officer

*subject to a reliable upload connection at venue

 

 

Thank you GDA Seán!!!

Leitrim GAA would like to record its heartfelt appreciation of the work that GDA Sean Gallagher has carried out with our Coaching and Games Development Department since his arrival in 2018, as heads to pastures new. Sean has been offered and is taking up a Primary Teaching position in the new school year and we wish him well with this venture.

A fully qualified Primary Teacher, Seán was successful in securing a vacant GDA position with Leitrim GAA back in 2018. In the intervening period, he has given his all to the clubs and young players under his watch. His professional approach towards the job has resulted in many seeds sown that will hopefully reap benefit for players, clubs and county into the future. He will be sorely missed.

We are really sorry to have to say goodbye to Seán, but we understand his position. We wish him the very best of luck in continuing with his teaching career, we know he’s not gone too far away and we look forward to any input or assistance he may be in a position to provide into the future.

Míle buíochas, a Sheáin.

Leitrim Dream Team 2000-2020

Congratulations to all of the players who were chosen by the readers of the Leitrim Observer over the past six weeks and made the Leitrim Dream Team 2000-2020. The project which was administered entirely by our local newspaper drew a huge response from the general public and this is the team chosen entirely by you, our supporters, and readers of the Leitrim Observer.  Well done to all who participated in this task and or thanks to Observer editor Claire McGovern for her input into this mammoth task. The question is now, who would like to manage this team? All expressions of interest are welcome!!!

Vote for Leitrim’s Dream Team 2000-2020 with Leitrim Observer

The Leitrim Observer, over the past few weeks, has been building up to the readers’ selection of the Leitrim Dream Team 2000-2020. The selection has been narrowed down to three players for each of the 15 positions and polling closes on Friday, June 12 at 5pm. This venture, in association with Leitrim GAA, is sure to arouse much debate and if you want to have your say you may access full details here

 

 

TG4 unveil GAA matches for June

Another month of classic matches ahead as TG4 announce All Ireland Gold schedule for June
#AllIrelandGold

Sunday 7 June

2.25pm  All Ireland Gold – Kerry v Offaly 1980

A chance to see Kerry v Offaly in the 1980 All Ireland Senior Football Championship Semi Final. Commentary by Michael O’Hehir. This match was played in Croke Park on the 24 August 1980 and the spectators were treated to a pulsating game of football. Kerry were managed by Mick O’Dwyer and the Kingdom included stars such as Pat Spillane, Mikey Sheehy, Eoin Liston, John Egan, Ger Power, Ogie Moran and 1980 Player of the Year Jack O’Shea. The Offaly footballers were managed by Eugene McGee and his team included Gerry Carroll, Richie Connor and Matt Connor who was one of Offaly’s greatest ever sportspeople. Matt Connor was the championship’s top scorer in 1980 and he also won Offaly’s only GAA All Star Football Award that year. Offaly were confident going into this Semi-Final having been crowned Leinster Football Champions after beating Dublin – the Dubs were going for their seventh Leinster title in a row.

 

4.00pm  Limerick v Galway 2018

A chance to see Limerick v Galway in the 2018 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final from Croke Park. 82,300 were in attendance at GAA headquarters to see the 131st All Ireland Hurling Final. Galway went into this Final as the defending champions and were looking to win their sixth All-Ireland Senior title. John Kiely was managing a Limerick team who were appearing in their first final since 2007 and were looking for an eighth All Ireland title – their last win was in 1973. The two counties had played each other in the final twice prior to this: in 1923 and 1980 with Galway winning both. Commentary by Garry Mac Donncha.

 

 

Sunday 14 June

2.35pm   All Ireland Gold – Antrim v Offaly 1989

A chance to see Antrim v Offaly in the 1989 All-Ireland Hurling Semi Final from Croke Park. This hurling match produced one of the biggest stories of the 1980s.  Offaly had defeated Kilkenny in the Leinster Final and were up against Antrim who had been crowned Ulster champions after beating Down. Antrim manager Jim Nelson and his team were hoping to reach their first All-Ireland Final in 46 years with players such as Terence McNaughton, Olcan McFetridge, Aidan McCarry, Danny McNaughton and captain Ciaran Barr. The date was August 6th 1989 and 64,127 were at Croke Park to see the Saffrons take on The Faithful County.

 

4.00pm    Dublin v Mayo 2017

Action from Dublin v Mayo in the 2017 All Ireland Senior Football Final from Croke Park. This was the fourth occasion that the two counties met in the final, following matches in 1921, 2013 and 2016. Jim Gavin’s Dublin team were seeking their third consecutive All-Ireland title, while Mayo, under Stephen Rochford’s management were aiming for their first All-Ireland since 1951.  82,243 were packed into Croke Park on the 17th September 2017 to see this match.

 

 

Sunday 21 June

2.35pm   All Ireland Gold – Donegal v Dublin 1992

A chance to see Donegal v Dublin in the 1992 All Ireland Senior Football Final from Croke Park. Brian McEniff was the man in charge of the Donegal team that day which included Martin and James McHugh, Brian Murray, Declan Bonner, Matt Gallagher, Manus Boyle and captain Anthony Molloy. Dublin entered the match as heavy favourites to win what would have been their 22nd All-Ireland title – their first since 1983, while Donegal were hoping to win their first All-Ireland title. The 105th All Ireland Football Final was played on the 20 September 1992.

 

4.05pm  Galway v Kilkenny 2019

Action from Galway v Kilkenny in the 2019 All Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Final at Croke Park. Galway were aiming for their third All-Ireland Camogie title having previously won it in 1996 and 2013. Kilkenny were going for their fourteenth title, their first since 2016. The two teams had only met in the final once before — in 2013, when Galway won. Kilkenny had beaten Tipperary in a high scoring Semi Final while Galway reached the Final after beating Cork in the other Semi Final. The 88th All-Ireland Camogie Final was played on the 8th September 2019.

 

 

Sunday 28 June

2.40pm  All Ireland Gold – Cork v Wexford 1976

A chance to see Cork v Wexford in the 1976 All Ireland Senior Hurling Final at Croke Park.  Wexford were going for their first All-Ireland title since 1968 while the Leesiders had won it last in 1970. The Cork team were managed by Fr. Bertie Troy and included players such as Jimmy Barry Murphy, Seanie O’Leary, Charlie McCarthy and captain Ray Cummins who played at full forward and was also the first player to win an All Star in both codes. The Slaneysiders were managed by Tom Neville and had Willie Murphy, John and Martin Quigley, Mick Jacob, Colm Doran, John Nolan, Mick Butler and Texaco Hurler of the Year Tony Doran in their team. The 90th All-Ireland Hurling Final was played on Sunday 5 September 1976.

 

4.05pm  Dublin v Kerry 2019

2019 All Ireland Football Final Replay

A chance to see Dublin v Kerry in the 2019 All Ireland Senior Football Final Replay at Croke Park. Both teams were back in GAA Headquarters two weeks after drawing 1-16 a piece in an enthralling drawn match.  82,300 were packed into Croke Park on this Saturday evening to witness a historic match Sunder the lights. Dublin went into the final aiming for an unprecedented five-in-a-row of All-Ireland titles. Kerry and Dublin had met in 13 previous All-Ireland finals, with Kerry winning eight of these and Dublin five.

v

The West Is Awake!

Connacht G.A.A. ensures the West is well and truly awake!

The G.A.A. dressing rooms, pitches, walkways and training grounds around the country maybe desolate, however, it’s cultural wing, Scór, is busier than ever. From Manorhamilton in North Leitrim down to beautiful Kinvara in South Galway, and from Achill on the Atlantic coast to Tarmonbarry on the Roscommon/Longford border, there’s barely a club in the mighty West left untouched by GAA Scór activities. How fitting so are the words of Thomas Davies’ rousing ballad ‘The West’s Awake’, to celebrate Scór participation in Connacht during these unprecedented times and represent the province in Virtual Scór.

This memorable rendition of a song synonymous with wonderful sporting days for western teams, features over 30 musicians and singers from 14 clubs across the province. With all local and county rivalries put aside, these performers have contributed their time and expertise for this special collaboration in a spirit of goodwill and pride befitting our country’s response to the challenging times we are living through. A great surprise to many was the inclusion of G.A.A. legends Jimmy Murray (Roscommon), Joe McDonagh (Galway) and of course, who many would regard as the original voice of Gaelic games, Dublin’s, Mícheál Ó hEithir.

The project was co-ordinated by Tom Murray, Rúnaí of Coiste Scór Chonnacht, who put the call out to Connacht Scór officials and delegates from each county to liaise with people at local level. Seán Ó Murchú, Cathaoirleach, Coiste Scór Chonnacht, has praised the efforts of all involved saying “it’s so heartening to see the great calibre of talent in the west making such a united contribution to ‘Virtual Scór’”. These sentiments were echoed by Gerry McGovern, Uachtarán, Comhairle Chonnacht, who remarked “all in Connacht G.A.A. can be immensely proud of this initiative”.

Ensuring that the final product was successfully brought together, the expertise and experience of Gareth McGreevy from Saul GAA in Co. Down was brought on board. Gareth has been responsible for some excellent ‘Virtual Scór’ collaborations over the past few weeks which have seen singers and musicians from all over Ireland record versions of the ‘May the Road Rise to Meet You’ and Dana’s ‘All Kinds of Everything’. Connacht Scór is indebted to Gareth for lending his time and professionalism to his fellow Gaels in the west.

‘Virtual Scór’ has been a source of tremendous entertainment, distraction and fun over the past two months. The absence of our native field sports and club activities has left an indelible void in the lives of many and presented an obstacle to the natural expression of our Irishness offered through Cumann Luthchleas Gael. ‘Virtual Scór’ has hugely helped to counteract this void for many Gaels all over the country and beyond, and so Connacht Scór would like to dedicate this song to the men behind the movement, Aodán Ó Braonáin, Chairman of the National Scór Committee, and Rúnaí, Jamie Ó Tuama (Páirc an Chrócaigh), for their tireless work and efforts in keeping Scór to the fore in this novel way.

 

 

Singers and musicians involved in the production are:

Cian and Caoimhe Kearns (Owenmore Gaels GAA, Sligo), Niamh Farrell (St. Mary’s GAA, Sligo), Damien McGuinness and Deirdre Kilgannon (St. Farnon’s GAA, Sligo), Carmel Costelloe (Menlough/Skehana GAA, Galway), Ellen Keane, Emily and Emmet Greaney (Abbeyknockmoy GAA, Galway), Siobhán Breathnach (Kilconly GAA, Galway), Paula Kiernan (Carrigallen GAA, Leitrim), Fionnuala Maxwell (Annaduff GAA, Leitrim), Laura Crossan and Eleanor Smith (St. Mary’s Kiltoghert GAA, Leitrim), Sarah Keane (Elphin GAA, Roscommon), Fiachra Guihen, Elizabeth Earley and Rachel Noone (St. Ronan’s GAA, Roscommon), Mary Murray, Claire and Anne Marie Murray, Lisa and Tom Murray, Louise Fallon, Ciara Dempsey, Áine O’Connor Flynn, Padraig and Gordon O’Connor, Donncha and Alastair Beegan (St. Dominics GAA, Roscommon, Ann Forry and Fiona Connaghan (CLG Acla/Achill GAA, Mayo), Joanne McAndrew (Kilfian GAA, Mayo).

The production was launched at 8pm on Friday evening on Connacht G.A.A.’s Facebook page. In less than 20 hours it has over 21,000 views from right across the world.

In the words of Thomas Davies “but hark a voice like thunder spake, the West’s Awake, the West’s Awake!”

 

Webinar sessions planned for GAA club officers

The GAA, the LGFA and the Camogie Association are pleased to announce the rollout of a series of online-based live webinar sessions for Club Officers.

The circumstances we now find ourselves in are unprecedented, and with Gaelic Games activity interrupted on the field, this is a unique opportunity for Officers and volunteers involved in our games worldwide to engage with, and increase their knowledge base via the medium of remote learning.

Module: Fostering Wellbeing & Resilience during Covid-19

Audience: Club Officers

Date & Time: April 21st, 7pm

Link: Click Here

Module: Club Strategic Planning

Audience: Club Officers

Date and Time: April 29th, 6pm

Link: Click Here

There is much more to be accessed Here

COVID-19 RESOURCES

Our Health and Wellbeing is very important and as we approach the long weekend please see below and attached a number of resources that may be beneficial for you to share with your networks;

 

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Leitrim Community Response Forum established to assist citizens during Covid 19 – Dedicated community support helpline to be available from Monday

At the instigation of Minister Murphy a Covid-19 Community Response Forum will be put in place for each City/County and coordinated by the Local Authority in each case.

A dedicated community support helpline will be established in Leitrim to assist at-risk members of the public in accessing non-emergency and non-medical supports and advice during the current public health emergency. The confidential phoneline service is being established by the new Leitrim COVID-19 Community Response Forum, which includes over a dozen agencies and organisations. The helpline is focused primarily on ensuring that vulnerable members of the community or those living alone can access deliveries of groceries, medicine etc. The role of the Forum is to ensure that there is a coordinated community response and to enable all voluntary statutory agencies to collaborate in support of our communities and particularly of our most vulnerable members.

Included in the Leitrim COVID-19 Community Response Forum are:

· Leitrim County Council

· Health Service Executive

· An Garda Síochána

· Leitrim Development Company

· Leitrim GAA

· An Post

· Leitrim PPN

· Citizens Information

· Alone

· Local Link Donegal Sligo Leitrim

· IFA

· Leitrim Age Friendly Alliance

· Leitrim Civil Defence

· Leitrim Volunteer Centre

· Leitrim International Community Group

· Order of Malta

· Other community, voluntary and sports representatives

The new phoneline is just one aspect of the Forum’s work. Its core aim is contributing to the community-wide effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Leitrim COVID-19 Community Response Forum will ensure that the wide variety of groups working across the county to assist those in need, will do so in an organised, collaborative and targeted way. Leitrim COVID-19 Community Response Forum is there to ensure the very best use of the many resources assisting vulnerable persons with their daily needs at this unprecedented time, whether that is collecting medication, food shopping, social support and contact.

Chief Executive of Leitrim County Council, Lar Power, explains “There are a number of agencies and community groups currently doing excellent work in delivering care to older and vulnerable people in our communities across County Leitrim. These groups are currently operating independently of each other and Leitrim COVID-19 Community Response Forum’s role is to provide a targeted, integrated and coordinated approach to the delivery of these much-needed services to our more vulnerable citizens across the County during the COVID-19 pandemic. This public health crisis has changed life for so many, and we are there to help with that change. Leitrim County Council staff whose day-jobs have changed due to this crisis, will also be a resource in the management and operation of this community support programme along with our partner agencies/groups.

Set to come into effect from Monday 30th March, Leitrim County Council is providing a dedicated contact number – 071 9650473 – with the lines open from 9AM to 5PM seven days a week.

Our support staff can also be contacted by email at covidsupport@leitrimcoco.ie ”

Contact details of this new service will be promoted on www.leitirmcoco.ie, Leitrim County Council social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram through the local press and media and through parish newsletters. An information leaflet including the new phone number and other information will be distributed around the county, particularly to vulnerable households, over the coming days.

The Late Brendan Gormley, Fohera, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim.

Leitrim GAA wishes to express its sympathies to the family of the late Brendan Gormley, Fohera, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, on his sad passing after a long illness on Monday, January 20th.

Brendan was to the forefront in the promotion of GAA activities in his native Ballinamore and in particular the promotion of Scór in his club throughout the 1980’s. Indeed the club has claimed many Scór honours at county, provincial and national levels. In addition to holding the position of Treasurer of Scór Liatroma, he went on to become Treasurer of Coiste Chontae Liatroma in 1985 and held the position for an unprecedented seventeen consecutive years until 2001. Brendan also served a term as Treasurer of Connacht Council GAA from 1979 to 1982.

Brendan worked tirelessly for Leitrim GAA over his period involved with the County Management Committee and Coiste Chontae Liatroma and would have taken tremendous pride in being associated with Leitrim’s on-field achievements of a quarter-century ago and beyond.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

Our sincere sympathy is extended to Brendan’s wife Rosario, sons Niall and Aaron, daughter Sinead, daughters-in-law Breege (McGovern) & Fiona (Butterly), his dear grandchildren Mya, Romy, Grace, Darragh & Meabh, his sisters Mary (Cavan), Rose Murphy (Carrick-on-Shannon), Agnes Duncan (Kilcock), Margaret Walpole (Mohill), brothers Joe (Cavan), Noel (Dublin) & Donal (Drumree, Co. Meath), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

His remains will be reposing at Smith’s Funeral Home, High St, Ballinamore on Wednesday, January 22 from 5pm,  concluding with prayers at 8pm.

House private at all times, please.

Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinamore on Thursday at 12 noon followed by burial in Oughteragh Cemetery, Ballinamore. Family flowers only, please. Donations in lieu to the North West Hospice, c/o Smiths Funeral Directors, Ballinamore.

National Recognition for Aughnasheelin and Glencar/Manorhamilton

Two Leitrim GAA clubs receive national recognition as official GAA Healthy Clubs in Croke Park

· The award-winning Healthy Clubs Project (HCP) aims to turn clubs into hubs for health in their communities

· Phase 3 of the Healthy Club Project seen over 170 Healthy Club Initiatives ran in 84 GAA Clubs across Ireland

· With almost the same number of GAA clubs as GPs across Ireland, the project offers a new setting in which to deliver health promotion and interventions

A special ceremony which ran alongside the GAA’s National Healthy Club Conference in Croke Park on October 5th, saw 84 GAA clubs recognised as official ‘Healthy Clubs’ on the island of Ireland. The day was about given recognition to the clubs and volunteers, by individually acknowledging the contribution that each GAA Healthy Club makes in bringing the vision for Healthy Ireland to life: where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health and wellbeing to their full potential.

Two Leitrim GAA clubs, Aughnasheelin and Glencar Manorhamilton can now proudly fly a flag above their grounds (endorsed by both Healthy Ireland and the Public Health Agency in NI), letting their members and communities know that they value health and wellbeing as much as leagues and championships.

In January 2018, almost 300 clubs applied to participate in Phase 3 of the project (just 60 participated in Phase 3 between 2015-2017). Many cited the dearth of services in their communities that are tackling issues such as obesity, sedentary lifestyles, mental health and suicide. They wanted to be part of the solution. Clubs engage with their members and community before identifying health themes upon which to focus on. Most common include physical activity for non-playing members; healthy eating; emotional wellbeing; engaging older members of the community; youth development; smoke free clubs; gambling, drug, and alcohol education; and inclusion and integration. These two progressive GAA clubs are amongst the first in Leitrim to receive national recognition. Their various health and wellbeing initiatives have had a tremendous impact on their clubs and wider communities.

The innovative Healthy Club model was developed in partnership with Healthy Ireland, the HSE’s health promotion division, the National Office for Suicide Prevention, and is supported by Irish Life through a CSR investment. In an era of unprecedented societal health challenges, the Healthy Club Project aims to harness the potential of the GAA club setting to deliver evidence-based health promotion information and interventions, backed up by appropriate policies and partnerships. Its potential to be replicated by other sports is currently being explored by a working group involving the FAI, IRFU, and Athletics Ireland.

John Horan, An Uachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael acknowledged this at the recognition day in Croke Park, “The 84 Healthy Clubs recognised today have gone above and beyond what is normally expected of a sports club. Health and wellbeing is core to what the GAA is all about

and these clubs help bring that to life. I’d like to thank our partners, Healthy Ireland, the HSE, National Office for Suicide Prevention, the Public Health Agency, and Irish Life, for helping to make the Healthy Club project the success it is. We look forward to growing it from strength to strength.”

Teresa Kilmartin, Chief People Officer, Irish Life said, “Irish Life are delighted to work with the GAA on the Healthy Club initiative. The GAA, reaches into every community on the island of Ireland, and has a significant role to play in the health of the nation through its promotion of Gaelic Games. The association’s Healthy Club initiative brings a new dimension to this work. It enables people to access health in an exciting new way. We believe this work has the potential to improve the future health of communities across the country.”

There are numerous benefits to clubs that take part in the GAA Healthy Club Project including exclusive access to Healthy Club resources and support. The independent evaluation by Waterford IT’s Centre for Health Behaviour Research of Phase 2 of the Healthy Club Project revealed its potential to increase membership, improvements in health promoting activities, better opportunity to link the local community with club activities and opening up new funding avenues all the while enhancing the health of the nation and ensuring a healthier future for everyone.

The GAA Healthy Club Project is now open to new applicants. GAA clubs are invited to submit expressions of interest to join the next phase of the Healthy Club Project which will commence on February 1st, 2020. There are 150 places available to interested clubs. Closing date to submit completed applications is Friday, 15th November 2019. Expression of interest forms can be completed online on www.gaa.ie/community

For more information please contact the GAA Community & Health Team on community.health@gaa.ie

5 October 2019; Biddy O’Neill, National Programme Lead, Healthy Ireland, left, and Teresa Kilmartin, Chief People Office, Irish Life, right, with the Official Healthy Club Award winners 2019 from the clubs of Augnasheelin and Glencar Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim, at the GAA Healthy Club Conference 2019 at Croke Park, Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile 

Hats off to the Leitrim Supporters

Now that the dust has settled on our magnificent 2019 Allianz League campaign, we must acknowledge a number of items. Firstly we thank our players and management for the efforts they have made on our behalf all spring in bringing a pep to the step of all associated with Leitrim GAA. Marooned in Division 4 since relegation in the Spring of 2008, it seemed at times that the interminable wait to advance up the league would painfully continue forever. However, the signs of something positive that could germinate sooner rather than later occurred during last Summer’s championship season with heartening displays, a never say die attitude and memorable days in Gaelic Park, and versus Louth and Monaghan in the Qualifiers.

This year’s campaign has brought joy and honour to our county. A brilliant league campaign that included many late but nonetheless deserved victories has concluded with the much-coveted prize of promotion to Division 3 for 2020 and a chance to test our developing young team against stronger opposition. While the result of the league final didn’t go our way, the performance of our players was magnificent on Saturday last. They gave it their all and left everything on the hallowed ground of Croke Park in pursuit of victory and for that nobody could possibly ask for more. We heartily congratulate Derry who were deserving victors on the day. We salute the efforts of Terry Hyland and his management team for getting the players to this stage in their first year at the helm as we look forward to the Connacht Championship next month in hope, a chance for continued development and further progress.

We wish to thank all media outlets, online, local and national print, local and national radio and TV, whose coverage of this journey was unparallelled in our recent history and gave a great lift to the efforts of all involved. Many thanks for your coverage which is greatly appreciated by all and painted our county and Leitrim GAA in a most positive light.

Last, and by certainly no means least we must acknowledge the magnificent support for the lads on Saturday last. Our support base has been steadily growing all season but Saturday last exceeded all expectations. The colour and noise that our supporters brought to HQ was the talk of the weekend and while it’s not that often Leitrim teams get the opportunity to play in a national final in Croke Park, our supporters were magnificent and if the players left their all on the field of play, they will also be the first to acknowledge that they were lifted by the push they received from the stands. It’s not easy to fill Croke Park with supporters cheers but our supporters more than passed that test and were truly magnificent. Special word towards the hundreds who travelled overseas to be there also. Hats off to all involved from players, management, officials and supporters! A magnificent weekend and all that was missing at the end of it was the League trophy!