Leitrim U20s - 4 Like(s)
I was at the U20 match last night. A case of what might have been once more. An entertaining game with some brilliant scores on both sides but saying that the defending was dreadful. No doubt we theres a good few of those players well able to make the senior panel next year. Particularly: Kieran Cullen, Shaun Chandler, Riordain O'Rourke, Aaron Hoare and Mark Diffley. Jack Gilheany as we know has already been playing for the Seniors. There's a good few more who have the potential in the future to play senior inter-county football but probably need an extra year or two S&C to develop. The worry is now that they are out of the system and will be forgotten about. Liam Rowley the captain from Mohill is someone I knew very little about but impressed aswell another one of the production line down there it seems. It's been a long time since I've seen a Leitrim team be so direct with the pace to get in behind a defence and go for goal as often as possible. Cullens pace is hard to describe. I've seen others on here compare him to Jack Heslin but I would guess he is far faster and a bigger man aswell. All he needs is to put on some timber and he has the potential to be as good as he wants to be if he can start to execute in the final third. Aaron Hoare is a huge man with a great fetch and tries hard but he is going to have to continue to work extremely hard to keep mobile if he is to breakthrough to the senior team - reminds me of Gary McCluskey a small bit. Riordain O'Rourke was strangely started as a wing-back when he plays for his club as an inside forward and was very good there for the juniors a few weeks ago but he got a black-card early and was a huge loss to the team. Mark Diffley was brilliant in flashes and it looks like St Marys have a gem if they can strengthen him up a small bit as he could get ruffed around by senior men yet. He took his goal and penalty brilliantly but missed another goal chance by a tiny margin for a hat-trick. Jack Gilheany was holding his own the whole game nothing spectacular than just as players were dropping with flies in the second period of extra time he drove the team on practically on his own. The inside forward line of Clancy, Prior and Reynolds all have a huge future. From what I know that may have been Clancy and Reynolds first competitive game this year as they have been injured which is impressive as they seemed sharp. All three should be put on S&C plans and onto the Leitrim juniors next year to continue their development as theirs no doubt they have the potential. Now to the negatives. Ross got a man sent off with 17 or so minutes left of normal time. It looked as if we had no plan or strategy on how to exploit this. We were 6 points up with a man extra in our home ground with the wind and we didn't close the game out. That is a disaster whatever way you look at it. What's more is a lot of our main players were cramping up and had to be taken off which is worse. What sort of training had they been doing? Unfortunately from a training aspect the management have to take the blame as we have all heard the different stories about the training these boys have been doing but the players themselves have to take some blame. It's well known that a good few of them were 'enjoying themselves' at the weekend at various concerts etc. As much as we've all scoffed at the appointment of under qualified coaches to these positions there's not much they can do if the players themselves don't look after themselves the week leading up to the game after training for 6 months. This is where Leitrim football needs a culture shift. It would also can't be forgotten the fact that Cillian McGloin was of age for this team. It's hard to underestimate the difference he would have made. I'm not sure if he was still injured but even having him involved with the players in the last few months would have pushed them on. The same goes for young Caleb Duffy from Allen Gaels he was by far their standout player in the Senior championship last year even at his age but was unfortunately in the UK for college during the year but surprisingly was not asked onto the panel after he returned. He's another player that needs to be looked after and developed. As frustrating as it was to loose last night it was great to see young Leitrim footballers to play without baggage or respect for a Roscommon team and just back themselves to take them on. Bodes well for the future even if they should have closed it out.

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 27/06/2019 10:55:05

Division 4 - National League - 3 Like(s)

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 31/01/2019 16:54:32

Division 4 - National League - 3 Like(s)
I fully agree that Derry were and are a better more experienced team than us and fully deserved their victory and I was also very proud and impressed with aspects of our performance. These things can all be true while also criticizing some of the decisions of the management who just like the players should not be immune from criticism even if they have been a breath of fresh air this year. Starting Emlyn Mulligan was completely wrong. Starting Emlyn and then not putting him on frees was even worse. Taking off Shane Moran was crazy. Playing Mark Plunkett as a Centre back all year and then come the day of the final switching him back to midfield must have been hard to understand for the player. He may be brilliant but hopefully he does not become the new Donal Wrynn where he is used to fill a hole wherever we have a problem. Using Sean McWeeney as a sweeper all year and then playing him as a conventional wing-back the day of the final and switching Shane Quinn back to his Sweeper role from last year was also hard to fathom. Dropping Pearce Dolan and then bringing him on as a conventional Full Forward did not work. He's the type of player with his age profile and ability that I would be looking to build around not mess with his confidence. I would guess that at whatever debriefing of the game the squad do Gary Plunkett will be looking for an explanation about how he did not even get on let alone start. We also need to get more out of Darragh Rooney it has seemed to be that Terry hasn't had much faith in him since the beginning of the year but he is so young so his potential is huge. Players like Aidan Flynn, Evan Sweeney and Conor Reynolds have flourished under their management when I would have guessed that nobody would have thought they were inter-county standard which with a small pick is a massive bonus. The half-forward line is also an issue. Playing Domhnail Flynn and Dean McGoven together cannot work. They don't have the required speed. You might get away with one of them but certainly not the two of them. Look, these are all criticism but doesn't mean I have lost faith in the management team. They have been brilliant but I do think they went against a few of their principals when it came to the final. Really think a good 6 weeks can push us on for the Roscommon game with a few boys to come into the team.

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 09/04/2019 10:49:06

Leitrim Juniors 2018 - 2 Like(s)
Does anyone know what the story with the junior team is this year? Even though our team last year had a lot of our senior panel on it I feel it proved very useful as it gave a few lads such as Shane Quinn a way back into the county game. Was trying to think of a list of players who didn't play inter county championship football last year who could represent us well and when I thought about it we could have an even stronger team than last year. However, one caveat I do feel it should be taken out of Benny's hands, he has enough on his plate and it might be a good political move in an effort to reintroduce certain players back into a Leitrim set up in an eye to next year. Here's what I came up with and I am sure I am forgetting a few decent players. Farrelly (Ballinamore) P.Earley (Aughnasheelin) F.McTague (Aughawillan) S.McWeeney(Aughnasheelin) Mulvey(Drumshanbo) O'Brien(Manor) N.McWeeny(St.Marys) S.Flanagan (Aughawillan) P.Dolan(Aughawillan) D.Farrell (St.Marys) M.Plunkett (Aughawillan) D.Flynn(Mohill) N.Moore(Drumshanbo) E.Mulligan (Melvin) C.Dolan(Manor) In my view the majority of that team are good enough to be on the senior panel and a few good enough to start. 9 of that team have represented Leitrim seniors in either league orchampionship which says a lot. That would leave a bench with the likes of Gilheaney (Fenagh), Cunningham (Dromahair), Feeley(SOH), Leyden(SOH), P.Dolan(Aughnasheelin), M.Beirne(Drumshanbo), A.Wynne(Drumshanbo) D.McCabe (Drumreilly) C.Reynolds (Annaduff) Wynne(Ballinaglera) and Nevin O'Donnell if he regains fitness. I'm sure other posters will be able to add more names. I just think it could be a very worthwhile exercise if clubs could be convinced to release players such as these. It also highlights that there are loads of good quality footballers in Leitrim as this doesn't even include players who played senior last year and who aren't on the panel now for various reasons.

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 08/03/2018 22:42:16

Division 4 - National League - 2 Like(s)
That's the team I think Terry will select. McKiernan Flynn Maguire McWeeney Mulvey Plunkett McWeeney Moran McGovern Heslin Flynn Quinn O'Rourke Dolan Plunkett From watching Derry the last day they are physically huge around the middle third. So winning primary possession from Kickouts and not carrying the ball into contact will be huge. I do think going overly defensive will be shooting ourselves in the foot. Try run some of their big players and put them on the back foot and facing their own goals. Heslin should start and if he's not sharp take him off when he starts to tire; he gives us an out ball on the half forward line which we have been lacking in his absence. Pearce Dolan at full forward will be crucial. Brendan Rodgers will probably pick him up so hopefully when Dolan drifts Rodgers will follow him and leave space for our other forwards. I'd start Gary Plunkett, he has shown with his club and in bursts with the county that he can handle the pressure and everyone knows the scoring ability he has if he gets going early. Why I'd start him though is his physicality, he's a great foil for O'Rourke and is well able to win his own ball. If we leave O'Rourke, Gary Plunkett and Jack Heslin forward and Domhnail Flynn, Shane Quinn and Pearce Dolan drift then we should have a good balance. Shane Moran has probably been our best player throughout the league but he is going to have to up it again if we are going to be competitive. McGovern alongside him worries me. We all know he has the talent but on a fast moving pitch like Croke Park I'd be worried he might get caught out fitness wise. In defence, Aidan Flynn is going to have to mark Shane McGuigan, with Fergal McTague looking like he's not being considered as a starter Flynn is the only one of our defenders strong enough for him and he went to town on us the last day. Paddy Maguire will have to mark Enda Lynn who is a really intelligent footballer. Padraig Cassidy is a massive man, he didn't start against us the last day but is a definite for Saturday. Mark Plunkett will have to pick him up around our half back line. The one who worries me is Christopher Bradley, He's brilliant. Maybe Michael McWeeney will tag him but if Bradley drifts it will leave our defence wide open. Sean McWeeney as our sweeper has been lacking pace but he is probably our best reader of the game and makes good decisions once on the ball so he will have to pick up runners coming through, if he was struggling I'd bring on either McGloin or Oisin Madden as they are both good at carrying the ball and have the pace for getting around the park. I honestly believe this is a winnable game. First 20 minutes is key. If we can keep in touching distance it will settle our boys who will be nervous and if we can be in the game with 20 minutes to go the likes of Darragh Rooney and EmlynMulligan could come on to push us over the line. Discipline will be key. We can't afford to get black cards or reds it will ruin us. Penny for Paul Brennans thoughts, He'll be warming up as our game is in the closing stages. Faith.

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 26/03/2019 11:42:55

Club league 2018 - 2 Like(s)
I went to the Mohill and Aughawillan game as a neutral as I expected it to be the best game in the county at the weekend. Here are a few things I learned. 1 - Thank god this game was played in Mohill as Aughawillan might have one of the best teams in the county but their pitch is a wet marshy bog 2- Shane Quinn never has a game under a 7/8 rating - Mohills most important player 3- Along with being Aughawillan's best player Mark Plunkett was easily the best player on the pitch even if his team was being over run 4 - Ronan Gallagher and Darren McLoughlin probably made the right call leaving Mohill this year as their replacements are arguably better - Mohill depth is scary - Two young Harkin brothers and the youngest Mitchell were superb for young players 5 - The game plan Mohill are trying to implement is quite like Dublin's - keep possession at all cost and keep wide until you get your shooters on the ball in the best position - Very impressive 6 - Mohill probably deserved to win by atleast 12 points - Missed four clear goal scoring opportunities at least 7- The fact that Aughawillan seemed to be missing half a team were out played and yet only lost by two scores against the best squad in the county sums up that club - If every other team could learn something from Aughawillans attitude our county would be in a better place 8- Aughawillans Goalkeeper is by far the best shot stopper in the county - both sets of supporters went away in awe of some of the saves he made - How he is not or has never been on the county panel especially when we have a keeper crisis is baffling 9 - Both these teams are miles ahead of anything else in this county at present and as a neutral I would love this to be the county final pairing as their seems to be a bit of needle between both sets of players which adds to the game 10 - The only fathomable reason I can see that Aughawillan's Flanagan isn't on the county team is his temperament but in a county with such small playing base can we afford to overlook someone with his pure strength and ability 11 - The old *BS line that Leitrim don't have talent is proved redundant when you consider that Keith Beirne, Domhnail Flynn, Shane Quinn, Keegan, Mitchell, Oisin Madden, Mark Plunkett, Sean Flanagan, Gary Plunkett, Colin McGuire were all playing in this game and have huge talent. This doesn't even count Noel Plunkett, Pearce Dolan, Fergal McTague, Caillain Canning and Ronan Kennedy who were missing and are good enough to make an impact at inter county level. 12 - There's a common theme here but how is the likes of Gary Plunkett (especially), Flanagan and their Goalkeeper McGuire not on the Leitrim panel, and this doesn't even account for Dolan who is injured is beyond me. I quizzed some of the Augahwillans supporters and there seems to be a genuine apathy to the county management and with how some of their players have been treated in the last few years. Some were even saying that M.Plunkett was crazy for going back in with Benny? I would hope come next year and a new management this will change. But it frustrated me an untold amount how good the 2 Plunketts, Flanagan and their keeper were (even when losing badly) and we seen none of them represent Leitrim during the league. We know the Willies can be difficult to put up with but we can't do without their top players. 13- Keith Beirne, Oisin Madden, Mitchells x 2, Harkins x2, Shane Quinn, Domhnaill Flynn, Keegan, and Canning are all under 25 - The only thing that will stop this group of Mohill players winning 3 of four more championships is their attitude and drive.

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 09/04/2018 11:51:05

Connacht Championship - 2 Like(s)
Just under a month to go till our match against the Rossies in the Hyde. Disappointing to hear that Darragh Rooney has decided to leave the panel even more worrying is the reports that one or 2 others may follow suit. I really think we can put up a good show against the Rossies. We haven't been competitive against them in years but I'd be disappointed if we didn't give them a scare or atleast keep in within 5 points this year. After reflecting on the League Final I have no doubts that Terry will make changes to the team. Going to run through what I think might happen. McCrann will stay in nets. As harsh as it was on McKiernan the decision was vindicated and no reason to change it now. The Roscommon Full Forward line will consist of Diarmuid Murtagh, Conor Cox and either Lennon or Cathal Cregg. Paddy will have to mark Murtagh he is their real star, if he returns to top form after injury and can't be given a free roam. Conor Cox as been some find for them, he is a bull and can kick off both feet. In my eyes, now that he will have had an extra 6 weeks training since the Final Fergal McTague is the only defender we have that is physical enough to take on Cox and has to start. Finally, Michael McWeeney to pick up Lennon or Cregg. In the half back line I'd make one change. Aidan Flynn to wing-back but to tag Enda Smith no matter where he roams to. Flynn has been brilliant this year and is definitely one of our fittest and physically strong players - I cant see anyone else that could nulify Smith. Therefore Shane Quinn will move to Center back and Ray Mulvey hopefully continues his brilliant year at wing back. In Midfield I'd go with Shane Moran and Pearce Dolan. Moran is a no brainer even with the baffling decision to take him off against Derry. And Pearce Dolan need faith put in him we've all seen his ability but messing him around at no.14 can't be helping his confidence. He will also suit Tadgh O'Rourke who is a rangy lanky midfielder who has started all of the Rossies games. The half Forward line is where I'd make big changes. We were far to immobile and slow here against Derry and the lack of a link man all year has been killing us leaving our full forward line to isolated. I'd go with Cillian McGloin, Mark Plunkett and Jack Heslin here. McGloin and Heslin pace can cause any team trouble and Plunkett is probably best at 11 where he can roam and really get involved in the play while also switching with Moran now and again to give him a breather. Plunkett and McGloin are also big men and can be targets for our kickouts. Losing Darragh Rooney is a massive blow to our full forward line. but we still have more scoring forwards then we have ever had. Ryan O'Rourke is obviously a guaranteed starter but with the way Anthony Cunningham has been setting them up I expect their sweeper to be covering him at all times. So others will have to step up. At the beginning of the year if you had of told me that Evan Sweeney would have been starting with the forwards we have available I would have scoffed but he has proved me completely wrong and for a small man wins his fair share of 50/50 ball so I'd start him again. Than finally I'd bring Gary Plunkett in. Still can't get my head around how he seen no game time in headquarters but he has pace, strength and can kick off both feet and crucially has done it in high pressured games for the Willies so I think he is the perfect foil for O'Rourke to free up space for him. There is a few issues to sort out. Free taking being the main one. I'd let Mark Plunkett or McCrann take the ones from 40 yards out and then let any of the three in the full forward line take the close in ones. It's an area we can't afford to slip up in. The full back line was taken to the cleaners against Derry so needs to tighten up but I expect the Rossies to play a sweeper so that should free Shane Quinn up to do the same. There has been some talk that Donal Wrynn has been asked in again which would be huge in my eyes but It's said he is still under work pressure. McCrann Maguire McTague McWeeney Flynn Quinn Mulvey Moran Dolan McGloin Plunkett Heslin O'Rourke Plunkett Sweeney Subs: McKiernan Madden C.Reynolds McWeeney N.Plunkett McGovern Flynn Mulligan Moran Cullen Brady

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 16/04/2019 13:08:02

Championship 2018 - 2 Like(s)
Getting close now. The New York - Corofin result and Jamie Clarkes performance have gave some people more jitters which is understandable. But let's look at our own strengths;
Paddy McGuire is more than holding his own at senior championship level in Dublin. Keith Beirne was one of the highest scorers throughout the four leagues even though he played for a team on a terrible run and who didn't even play all their fixtures. Ryan O'Rourke was seen as deserving enough to Captain a Maynooth Sigerson team who were stacked with inter-county players including past professional Aussie rules and soccer players. Mark Plunkett has returned and many would argue that he is the most influential footballer that Leitrim have and has been seen as good enough to start for DCU Sigerson team and even get invited to Aussie rules trials a few years ago. Darragh Rooney is in my view the most exciting young forward that has came through in Leitrim in 20 years and even if he is still young he has impacted in every big match he has played for Leitrim so far. Shane Quin has been Leitrim best player this year and his Mohill team were more than capable of challenging Castlebar in the Connacht club championship last year. Donal Wrynn even if he is harshly criticised is a leader even at a young age and is as physically developed as any Division one player and was also a key player on successful DCU teams. Emlyn Mulligan will still have enough class as any of the New York forwards if he is sharp after his comeback. We also have the benefit that our boys play constant football with their clubs and have been training with Leitrim since last November in the main which New York have not been doing.
As a county as a protection method we can be quiet flippant about our football teams/players and we undersell their talents so that when we do loose we aren't too upset about it. But this has to be clear; we now possess the required talent that we may not have had for the last 5 years. No result apart from a win is acceptable.

Great to hear of the sheer number of people travelling over from all areas of the county should be a great atmosphere all weekend. Best of luck to the lads, Nothing to fear.

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 01/05/2018 14:07:46

National League 2018 - 2 Like(s)
I hear that there has been even more players returning who would not commit from the start of the year. Mark Plunkett and G.Reynolds are supposedly the latest to return. Normally I would be completely against players returning after not joining up with the panel since they began last October. However, if all normal protocol such as a players vote where they have said it is okay for these players to rejoin the panel than I am okay with it. Also, we are not in a normal situation. Moral and confidence surrounding the county team is at an all-time low even though we have a higher quality of young players at our disposal. Losing to New York would be another nail in the coffin and can't be let happen. Playing New York is also significant as we need to keep our diaspora on-board for funding reasons and losing to them would harm this. The amount of injuries we have along with players dropping off the panel, being dropped or not committing in the first place also means that we need these players more than ever. So frustrating that for whatever reason none of these players were available at the beginning of the year as I truly believe we are a better side than Carlow and would have finally got promoted with proper coaching.

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 21/03/2018 10:08:56

Leitrim Football 2018 - 2 Like(s)
I've had a go at selecting a panel of players that could complete a Strength and conditioning programme over the winter and then go onto represent Leitrim at Senior and Junior Level. One benefit of Leitrim's small population is that it is easy to see players numerous times over a year and to know who could potentially step up or not. Before anyone looses the plot over my selections I understand that all these players will not either commit or be of the required standard even after S&C but it can be no harm challenging them over the winter as it will in the very least benefit club football. Goalkeepers: 1. Benny Flynn (23) (Leitrim Gaels) 2. Phillip Farrelly (28) (Ballinamore) 3. Colin McGuire (25) (Aughawillan) 4. Conor Glancy (St. Mary's) Defenders: 1. Paddy McGuire (29) (Manor) 2. Mattie Murphy (25) (Ballinamore) 3. James Mitchell (21) (Mohill) 4. Michael McWeeney (25) (St. Mary's) 5. Noel Plunkett (24) (Aughawillan) 6. Oisin Madden (21) (Mohill) 7. Paul Brennan (30) (Melvin Gaels) 8. Thomas Quinn (23) (Castleknock) 9. James Rooney (23) (Manor) 10. Donal Wrynn (23) (Fenagh) 11. Shane Quinn (24) (Mohill) 12. Paul Earley (27) (Aughnasheelin) 13. Shaun Chandler (18) (Leitrim Gaels) 14. Nicholas McWeeny (27) (St. Mary's) 15. Fergal McTague (20) (Aughawillan) 16. James O'Brien (25) (Manor) 17. Sean McWeeney (26) (Aughnasheelin) 18. Alan Armstrong (25) Mohill 19. Eanna Madden (23) (Mohill) Midfielders: 1. Shane Moran (25) (Ballinamore) 2. Dean McGovern (21) (Ballinamore) 3. Conor Cullen (21) (Aughnasheelin) 4. Pearce Dolan (20) (Aughawillan) 5. Sean Flanagan (25) (Aughawillan) 6. Damien Moran (26) (Boornacoola) 7. Niall McGovern (19) (Ballinamore) 8. Keith Keegan(21) (Mohill) 9. Sean Fox (23) (Aughawillan) 10. Caillain Canning (23) (Mohill) Forwards: 1. Mark Plunkett(21) (Aughawillan) 2. Ryan O'Rourke (21) (Fenagh) 3. Jack Heslin (21) (Gortletragh) 4. Daire Farrell (22) (St. Marys) 5. Nevin O'Donnell (24)(Shannon Gaels) 6. Conor Gaffney (21) (Drumreilly) 7. Gary Plunkett (23) (Aughawillan) 8. Ronan Kennedy (30) (Mohill) 9. Keith Beirne (21) (Mohill) 10. Darragh Rooney (20) (Melvin Gaels) 11. Robbie Cunningham (21) (Dromahair) 12. Cillian McGloin (19) (Melvin Gaels) 13. Emlyn Mulligan (31) (Melvin Gaels) 14. Enda Moreton (21) (Leitrim Gaels) 15. Eoin Ward (28) (Carrigallen) 16. Domhnall Flynn (25) (Mohill) 17. Conor Dolan (21) (Manor) 18. Carberry (23) (Cloone)

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 12/10/2017 10:17:18

Division 4 - National League - 2 Like(s)
Some start! That win is worth a lot more than two points. The value of that will be seen in training this week. It will guarantee that any doubters on the panel will fully buy into the management teams methods. Competition for places will also be through the roof. What was even better was that I didn't even think we were great yesterday, and yet we still won by 13 points which coming out of a Leitrim supporters mouth is crazy. It just didn't click for us in the first half but that can be put down to Wexford being fresh, nerves, getting used to a new system, players playing with eachother for the first time and the fact that 4 out of our named 6 defenders wouldn't be natural defensive players. A few things that didn't work: McGovern at full forward didn't work aswell as it did against Mayo as he struggled to get space with the sweeper infront of him but it is something I would stick with for the next game. The strategy to place Domhnail Flynn and Damien Moran on the two wings to give an out ball for our kick outs just didn't work and meant that we became too narrow at times and slow in our build up play although Flynns workrate in the second half was immense. Sean McWeeney as a sweeper had a great came and came out with a world of ball which freed up Quinn and Mulvey to attack. Paddy was brilliant in a defensive sense as always but he brought the ball into contact to many times and got turned over. What can we say about Ryan O'Rourke? They could not deal with him. He can turn on a 6 pence and was flowing with confidence. On hard ground on a fast pitch he is going to be a nightmare for any team he faces.

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 28/01/2019 10:58:46

Connacht Championship - 2 Like(s)

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 14/05/2019 20:12:29

County Panel 2019 - 2 Like(s)

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 05/01/2019 14:51:45

Leitrim Football 2018 - 1 Like(s)
These are the 8 players who are not committing from last year's panel. There may well be more and maybe some of these will come in at a later stage but at the moment these players are gone. Paddy McGuire, James Rooney, Shane Moran, Oisin Madden, Mark Plunkett, Pearce Dolan, Gary Plunkett, Conor Cullen it is looking like Paddy McGuire who is by far the best defender in the county is out. Shane Moran our most experienced midfielder is out. Our two starting wing half backs from last year are gone. The word is that Cullen is out injured for between 4 and 6 months but will be treated by the county's medical team but will miss the whole league. Two of the Plunkett's and Pearce Dolan are gone with no other Aughawillan man called up apart from Noel Plunkett who is staying involved. So from what I can see we are left with the majority of last year's u21 panel. Donal Wrynn and Benny Flynn are our two most experienced players at 25 which highlights how we cannot retain players over the last 10 years. There is it seems no players from Manor and only one from Aughawillan. Which means Fenagh has more players on the panel than Aughawillan and Manor combined for example? Emlyn Mulligan and Nevin O'Donnell are only rehabbing from cruciate injuries which they have each done numerous times before which means their return is not entirely certain in the long run. However, it will be said that these are all personal decisions from the players which is obviously true. But let's get real, if the management team were inspiring confidence all these players would be committing especially as everyone can see the talent coming through. It must be soul destroying for the players that are giving their time to represent Leitrim that none of these players will play. I would be sure that someone could name a team of players that are not committing that would beat our panel for next year, which to me should be seen as a crisis but to the county board it seems acceptable. It's not nice to say as I respect Guckian and Quinn but if there were people with the required experience and abilities in charge all these players would be committing.

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 02/11/2017 14:17:23

Division 4 - National League - 1 Like(s)
Here's the team I would go with for Aughrim on Sunday: McKiernan M. McWeeney Paddy Flynn Quinn M.Plunkett Mulvey Dolan Moran Heslin G.Plunkett Flynn O'Rourke McGovern McWeeney After winning by 13 points I can't see there being many changes if any. It didn't really work out for Damien Moran the last day so I think I'd bring in Gary Plunkett who is a lot more explosive. The only reason I am not considering starting Darragh Rooney is the fact he is still involved in Sigerson with DCU and is still only 20 and we have options so there is no need to burn him out this early in the year! Him and McGloin are serious options to bring on with 25 mins left as they are fast and direct, by the time championship comes around I expect them to be there or there abouts for a starting role. Much like the sod in Pairc Sean the field in Aughrim makes for a slow enough game especially in these weather conditions . Shane Moran is going to have to have a huge game again especially in the physical matters. I think I would also take McGovern out completely and have him around the middle. It would also give us 4 long options on our own kick outs. That would leave 3 players permanently in our attack in Heslin, O'Rourke and Plunkett as McWeeney has been a sweeper and Flynn also drops deep. It may sound defensive but they all have pace and then you would have runners from deep to support them.

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 30/01/2019 13:15:30

National League 2018 - 1 Like(s)

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 16/02/2018 17:32:58

Qualifiers 2019 - 1 Like(s)
Clare were just a different class to us. It shows the step-up that we need to make and once again highlighted the areas that we need to improve on. Mainly stopping runners coming straight down our middle un-interrupted. We still managed to kick 17 points against a Division 2 team without our main scoring forward which was impressive. The final score was a bit misleading and we were lucky to not have lost by a lot more. Nobody for us really stood out. Michael McWeeney was okay coming out with the ball but once again he was roasted by David Tubridy the man he was meant to be man-marking which is his primary duty. Would love to see him tried at no 6 going forward. Mark Plunkett had some good moments on the ball and once again his tackling once he made contact was very good and made some turnovers. He is our best foot passer into the forward line but simply he doesn't have the pace to be an inter-county defender and it's doing him a disservice by expecting him to plug this hole in our team when he would be our best no 11 and was our best midfielder when he played there - Robbing Peter to pay Paul. Shane Moran had some exceptional moments and kicked 3 points from play for a midfielder which is very impressive but no matter when I see him play he persists on carrying the ball straight into contact and is also prone to giving away cheap ball. Dean McGovern also scored 3 points but it's hard to know where to play him as he doesn't impact the play near enough for the talent he possesses his work-rate also need to improve hugely if he is to keep his place next year. Shane Quinn covered a serious amount of ground as usual and gives his all but still think there is more in him once he is in possession. Jack Heslin and Jack Gilheany made the world of difference when they came in. We started to pick up a lot more ball around the middle and Jack is our only player that can break the lines of the opposition defence with his pace but he badly need to work on his finishing as it is so flakey. Still can't fathom the reasons why we played the half-forward line that we did but hopefully that will change for next year. There's so much to work with going forward but being realistic we are going to need to find a Full Back, a Centre back and a centre forward if we are going to stay in Div 3 next year. It's vital that we get the likes of Donal Wrynn and Keith Beirne who weren't involved this year along with Darragh Rooney and Conor Cullen etc. That's before we even begin talking about the likes of Thomas Quinn, Chris Guckian or the Leitrim man winning Ulster titles…. Poor last few weeks but a positive year as a whole (which we haven't had to many of lately)!!

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 24/06/2019 22:35:11

Leitrim Inter-County 2020 - 1 Like(s)
To have any chance of competing in Division 3 we are going to have to have a lot more pace and power in our team along with being a lot more efficient when taking our chances. We are going to have to clog up the middle and play on the break a lot of the time. Donal Wrynn returning should be a huge help with this. We can't afford to have slow play or passengers like we did at times last year. We need to break the lines more instead of some of the lateral play last year. Our kick out strategy needs to improve aswell. When we came under pressure in the big games last year it seemed as if Mark Plunkett was the only one showing and teams just doubled up on him otherwise we played short which meant we had to run the entire length of the field and we did not have the pace or power to be effective at this. Donal Wrynn in his last few games with the county two years ago was really stepping up in this respect so it should help along with Pearce Dolan developing and getting stronger. As had been said before by others I also struggle to fully decide on who should be in our main positions of Full back, Centre back and one of the Midfield positions. This is a major concern as they should be mainstays in a serious team. One of the issues here is the Mark Plunkett is more than capable at no 6 and in midfield. I just hope he isn't messed around like Donal Wrynn has been for years. I would actually like to see him on the half forward line as he is a brilliant passer and would be a perfect out ball for kick outs along with his attacking abilities. However, he has been starting for DCU Sigerson team at 6 which is a phenomenal achievement considering the talent they have at their disposal. Could Wrynn play here? If we got the much talked about Quinn or Guckian from Dublin clubs it would solve this problem straight away. Any chance of this? Or dare I suggest Paul Brennan? Every year when we struggle at 6 it's more of a disgrace what was allowed to happen. A two man full forward line with O'Rourke and Rooney could be deadly with Shane Moran or Dean McGovern switching in and out from 14. The introduction of the mark in my eyes will make sure we play a big man at 14 I would guess. Paddy Maguire could play 6 but we need him to mark the best attacker on the opposing team whomever that may be. Hopefully McTague will be developed more at 3 this year after being messed around in the Hyde as he has huge potential as he has power pace and can be nasty and that is what we need. Especially as I said teams will probably play a big man at 14. Michael McWeeneys high standards fell back a small bit last year but it would be a huge boost if he came back in. Hopefully a few bolters make an impact like Conor Reynolds and Evan Sweeney last year. Ciaran and Conor Cullen, Sean Flanagan and Caleb Duffy could be the ones. We really need McGloin and Heslin to really stand up and be counted as they have real speed that can help us transition from defense to attack and break down opposing teams. On the Keith Beirne issue I was as annoyed as anyone with what seemed to be happening but he was having a tough year personally which has to be taken into account. He has represented Leitrim at all ages from a young age and if he is willing to do so again in 2020 I will be more than happy to see it. We at times struggled at free taking so he could easily force his way into the team if he gets himself to county level S&C standard. I think our Junior team could be a real help this year if it is used smartly to blood a lot of these players and provide competition.

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 02/11/2019 13:35:43

Division 4 - National League - 1 Like(s)
This is a big one folks. It's not necessary that we win but if we do the goose will nearly be cooked. Derry are playing Wicklow on Sunday aswell so if they could do us a favour and win it would leave us in an undeniably strong position. We've never had an easy game in Limerick and I don't expect one on Sunday. Any updates on Shane Moran or Jack Heslin's injuries? Dean McGovern will be back from his concussion and there's talk that Fergal McTague should be fit aswell. Here's the team I think Terry will select if everybody's fit. Diarmuid McKiernan Paddy Maguire Michael McWeeney Aidan Flynn Sean McWeeney Mark Plunkett Ray Mulvey Pearce Dolan Shane Moran Domhnail Flynn Jack Heslin Shane Quinn Ryan O'Rourke Darragh Rooney Evan Sweeney I can't see him rushing McTague back after a hamstring injury so I would say he will hold him in reserve. He also has seen something in Evan Sweeney so I expect him to start once again even if I would go with Gary Plunkett or Cillian McGloin. Our bench will be very strong once again and will be needed. Don't care how we get a win here as long as we can get over the line.

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 18/02/2019 10:19:08

County Panel 2019 - 1 Like(s)
So now that Leitrim club football is 95% complete it's fair to say that we have no players that are going under the radar. There was a trial game of sorts the morning of the Senior county final but it will be another few weeks before everyone that needs to be their will be attending. The most exciting news of the last few weeks is that Paul Brennan is no longer able to commit to Donegal as they won't facilitate for his work commitments and the word is that he will be back playing for Melvin Gaels in 2019. Hopefully Terry Hyland will do whatever it takes to get him involved. From what I have heard the management have also contacted Chris Guckian (a nephew of Benny) who will be playing for St Judes in the Dublin championship final and Tomas Quinn and are positive that they may commit to joining the panel. If we got Brennan, Quinn and Guckian it would drive the standards through the roof along with the players who wouldn't commit for various reasons under the old regime. To show this I am going to try and pick an extended panel who I think should be brought in for S&C over the Winter. In my view it is more than good enough to get out of Division 4. Goalkeepers: Diarmuid McKiernan, Benny Flynn Defenders 1. Paddy McGuire 2. Michael McWeeney 3. Tomas Quinn 4. Paul Brennan 5. Noel Plunkett 6. Donal Wrynn 7. Shane Quinn 8. James Rooney 9. Oisin Madden 10. Fergal McTague 11. Matthew Murphy 12. Thomas Mulvey 13. Sean McWeeney 14. James Mitchell 15. Alan Armstrong 16. Daire Farrell 17. Keith Keegan 18. James O'Brien 19. Gary Reynolds 20. Conor Farrell 21. Sean Harkin 22. Colm Neville Midfielders 1. Dean McGovern 2. Pearce Dolan 3. Sean Flanagan 4. Conor Cullen 5. Colly Morton 6. Jack Gilheany 7. Aaron Hoare Forwards 1. Mark Plunkett 2. Ryan O'Rourke 3. Shane Moran 4. Keith Beirne 5. Darragh Rooney 6. Cillian McGloin 7. Emlyn Mulligan 8. Jack Heslin 9. Gary Plunkett 10. Aidan Flynn 11. Niall McGovern 12. Conor Gaffney 13. Eoin Ward 14. Robbie Cunningham 15. Domhnail Flynn 16. Damien Moran 17. Conor Beirne 18. Nevin O'Donnell 19. Ciaran Cullen

LeitrimWay (Leitrim) - 22/10/2018 12:45:22