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Replying To ThePowerhouse: "Credit where its due, the announcement of a combined Leitrim schools team is very positive and a huge step in the right direction. Well done to all involved." I initially thought that but reading into the detail I'm not so sure. The likes of Ballinamore PPS would draw students in from parts of West Cavan, Carrick CS from North Roscommon & Drumshanbo VS from Cavan. Is it fair to completely exclude those students from playing at a higher level? I get it's to develop Leitrim players / students but surely a limited selection of say 5 per panel would be beneficial to all? Let's say this happened 15yrs or so ago, the likes of Gearoid McKiernan from Swanlinbar (who went to Ballinamore) would have been excluded and we all know how good of a player he was / is. I also wonder if it would restrict the like of Carrick if they happened to move up from B to A? I guess it's better than doing nothing but I wonder could we have pushed for more.
Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 1013 - 14/09/2023 15:36:33
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Replying To Leitrimforliam: "I don't really understand it tbh. Its basically going to be the same as the county minor team so pretty pointless. Will the Cavan lads that go to Ballinamore and Carrigallen and the Rossies in Carrick be on the team. So were possibly strengthening our neighbours. What needs to be done is the county board needs to go into schools and actually encourage football. At the minute teachers are left in charge to coach teams and some might not have a clue. As a past pupil of Mohill community College I can say from my experience we weren't allowed train during school hours which meant teachers would have to stay on after school to train pupils which rarely happened. They built a full size pitch behind the school but there was a ban on being allowed to play on it during lunch. This pitch costing in excess of €100,000 is now a mossy, rushy mess as it was not looked after. A real kick in the teeth to many clubs in the county who are trying there best to fundraise to improve their clubs. This is not the way to improve leitrim football. Just look at the recent fenagh-allen gaels amalgamation and the macdiarmada gaels farce before that and this new schools team is just an extension of that. Rant over." The CB has been granted special permission for the panel to be Leitrim-based players only. I think the level will be as good if not better than inter-county underage: many of the top schools attract players from more than one county, and various clubs, and competition will be fierce. Jarlath's comes to mind. And surely any exposure to playing at the top level available can only be a good thing. It's got to be better for our best players than just playing at B, C, D, and even E level in uncompetitive matches. I will say that the organisation of those matches could be a logistical nightmare. Just getting a schools game played on time and having all your players available for it is a minefield.
I agree with more needing to be done in schools. Sligo, for example, seem to have a strong model, and are reaping the rewards. Our GDOs/CDOs should be working in schools, ideally on a weekly basis during their season. You're right in saying that teachers' coaching isn't always up to scratch; it can be a thankless role at times, and it's very difficult to get meaningful training going after a school day, and to get buy-in from students, parents, and other teachers. Schools should make more allowances and allow the odd session during the school day -- as a PE substitute or whatever. We have to get creative to arrest our slide and make the best of our resources.
As far as MCC goes, it's widely known that previous management did not place great value on sporting activities, which was a shame, given their fantastic facilities and good numbers. However, I see that changing with the new principal in place. Was that pitch/field good to begin with?
Finally, I agree that Fenagh-Allen Gaels was a stretch too far, due to the fact that they won their recent minor league so easily. However, I disagree re. MCDG. They have been competitive in most competitions since their foundation, but have won very few. Their main 'achievement' has been to keep Carrick honest at u20 level (have you no concerns about Carrick winning at virtually every level from u13 up?) Their teams have certainly benefitted Kiltubrid, and I'd imagine SOH, too, although I still hear grumblings from the SOH side about players dropping out due to lack of game time.
Overall, I think it's fine to be critical of a new idea but you have to be willing to suggest a better alternative. What should we be doing at club level instead, when the current club structure does seem to be paying off with our underage county teams being more competitive? Return to the days of 15, 13, 11, and 9-a-side?
Creidim... (Leitrim) - Posts: 45 - 14/09/2023 19:32:51
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Replying To Square_B: "I initially thought that but reading into the detail I'm not so sure. The likes of Ballinamore PPS would draw students in from parts of West Cavan, Carrick CS from North Roscommon & Drumshanbo VS from Cavan. Is it fair to completely exclude those students from playing at a higher level? I get it's to develop Leitrim players / students but surely a limited selection of say 5 per panel would be beneficial to all? Let's say this happened 15yrs or so ago, the likes of Gearoid McKiernan from Swanlinbar (who went to Ballinamore) would have been excluded and we all know how good of a player he was / is. I also wonder if it would restrict the like of Carrick if they happened to move up from B to A? I guess it's better than doing nothing but I wonder could we have pushed for more." Apologies it does state that its confined to Leitrim players. Does this mean the individual schools teams are scrapped now? The reality is is that every player on the schools county team will be on the minor county team. It really seems futile its not like a schools team like st brendans or a boarding school where they will be training together every day. Your expecting 16-17 year olds to play and train county, schools county team, schools team, and club football. Where are they going to train? Presumably Annaduff. So your expecting a leaving cert student who's possibly already sacrificing study time to play county to have to now also travel down from manorhamilton or Carrigallen to Annaduff for schools training as well as travel down for minor training. When they could be just training with their own school time inside school hours.
Leitrimforliam (Leitrim) - Posts: 324 - 14/09/2023 23:52:41
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I expect Ballinamore to come through this weekend but theres no doubting how disappointing their performances have been so far. Something doesn't seem to be clicking.
Now, if they can get Paul Moran and Tom Prior doing damage they will be a match for any team with the power of the McGoverns, Shane Moran and young McKiernan coming through the middle.
The worry for them is that their backline is bereft off any old school man markers. Will they be able to handle Evan Sweeney and Conor Dolan (if fit)?
Theres been a lot of hype about young McNulty but Is still feel he has a lot to learn yet but on the ball and physically. No doubt he will get there but the test at t he weekend is where we will see what level he is at as Ballinamore will surely target him.
The Dromahair and Aughnasheelin game is interesting as both of them have the ability to play decent football at times while then being horrendous all within the same game. I'd probably tip Aughnasheelin to come through just about.
The final game should be a mismatch. Aughawillan should dispense with Gortleteragh easily enough. The Willies were probably unlucky with the draw but they were always going to struggle once they lost a few key players through injury. That being said they will probably feel they should have got results against Ballinamore and Manor. The talk of certain players causing havoc within their club is very worrying for a team of their age profile and with talk of more of them going travelling next year it could be a tough few years for them.
The same applies for Gort who will be losing Jack Heslin and Francie Flynn shortly after this game.
The county board are going to have to really get active and address the issue of emigration as it is decimating rural clubs.
Leitrim1234 (Leitrim) - Posts: 312 - 15/09/2023 11:53:30
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Replying To Leitrim1234: "I expect Ballinamore to come through this weekend but theres no doubting how disappointing their performances have been so far. Something doesn't seem to be clicking.
Now, if they can get Paul Moran and Tom Prior doing damage they will be a match for any team with the power of the McGoverns, Shane Moran and young McKiernan coming through the middle.
The worry for them is that their backline is bereft off any old school man markers. Will they be able to handle Evan Sweeney and Conor Dolan (if fit)?
Theres been a lot of hype about young McNulty but Is still feel he has a lot to learn yet but on the ball and physically. No doubt he will get there but the test at t he weekend is where we will see what level he is at as Ballinamore will surely target him.
The Dromahair and Aughnasheelin game is interesting as both of them have the ability to play decent football at times while then being horrendous all within the same game. I'd probably tip Aughnasheelin to come through just about.
The final game should be a mismatch. Aughawillan should dispense with Gortleteragh easily enough. The Willies were probably unlucky with the draw but they were always going to struggle once they lost a few key players through injury. That being said they will probably feel they should have got results against Ballinamore and Manor. The talk of certain players causing havoc within their club is very worrying for a team of their age profile and with talk of more of them going travelling next year it could be a tough few years for them.
The same applies for Gort who will be losing Jack Heslin and Francie Flynn shortly after this game.
The county board are going to have to really get active and address the issue of emigration as it is decimating rural clubs." Will the County Board seize their passports?
Seanfanbocht (Roscommon) - Posts: 1898 - 15/09/2023 12:44:16
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Replying To Leitrimforliam: "Apologies it does state that its confined to Leitrim players. Does this mean the individual schools teams are scrapped now? The reality is is that every player on the schools county team will be on the minor county team. It really seems futile its not like a schools team like st brendans or a boarding school where they will be training together every day. Your expecting 16-17 year olds to play and train county, schools county team, schools team, and club football. Where are they going to train? Presumably Annaduff. So your expecting a leaving cert student who's possibly already sacrificing study time to play county to have to now also travel down from manorhamilton or Carrigallen to Annaduff for schools training as well as travel down for minor training. When they could be just training with their own school time inside school hours." How come the reaction to this appears to be negative on this forum for a variety of different reasons,many of which are inaccurate ,for example their schools will continue to compete as normal.
Anyone I talk to welcomes it ,including John Connolly.
Is the leitrim forum just a whinging forum?
joeman123 (Leitrim) - Posts: 503 - 15/09/2023 13:03:48
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Replying To Leitrim1234: "I expect Ballinamore to come through this weekend but theres no doubting how disappointing their performances have been so far. Something doesn't seem to be clicking.
Now, if they can get Paul Moran and Tom Prior doing damage they will be a match for any team with the power of the McGoverns, Shane Moran and young McKiernan coming through the middle.
The worry for them is that their backline is bereft off any old school man markers. Will they be able to handle Evan Sweeney and Conor Dolan (if fit)?
Theres been a lot of hype about young McNulty but Is still feel he has a lot to learn yet but on the ball and physically. No doubt he will get there but the test at t he weekend is where we will see what level he is at as Ballinamore will surely target him.
The Dromahair and Aughnasheelin game is interesting as both of them have the ability to play decent football at times while then being horrendous all within the same game. I'd probably tip Aughnasheelin to come through just about.
The final game should be a mismatch. Aughawillan should dispense with Gortleteragh easily enough. The Willies were probably unlucky with the draw but they were always going to struggle once they lost a few key players through injury. That being said they will probably feel they should have got results against Ballinamore and Manor. The talk of certain players causing havoc within their club is very worrying for a team of their age profile and with talk of more of them going travelling next year it could be a tough few years for them.
The same applies for Gort who will be losing Jack Heslin and Francie Flynn shortly after this game.
The county board are going to have to really get active and address the issue of emigration as it is decimating rural clubs." I agree with your comments but what can the CB do about emigration!!!!
joeman123 (Leitrim) - Posts: 503 - 15/09/2023 13:05:53
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Replying To Leitrimforliam: "Apologies it does state that its confined to Leitrim players. Does this mean the individual schools teams are scrapped now? The reality is is that every player on the schools county team will be on the minor county team. It really seems futile its not like a schools team like st brendans or a boarding school where they will be training together every day. Your expecting 16-17 year olds to play and train county, schools county team, schools team, and club football. Where are they going to train? Presumably Annaduff. So your expecting a leaving cert student who's possibly already sacrificing study time to play county to have to now also travel down from manorhamilton or Carrigallen to Annaduff for schools training as well as travel down for minor training. When they could be just training with their own school time inside school hours." I do think the logistics of it are going to be difficult, especially at first. On a practical level, it's hard to see the best players being able to play Senior A and the lower grade for their own school, when both competitions run concurrently. If a player had 2 matches in one week, that would equate to at least 1 school day missed that week. But I'm hopeful the CB do have a plan or structure in mind. They surely had to submit a detailed plan as to how the initiative would work for it to be accepted. Maybe the training venue will rotate or be somewhere central-ish? I remember training in Drumkeerin for minor. Re. training during school time, there probably now needs to be some directive from the CB to schools or an agreement where schools allow some amount of training during school time. But I'd say the Senior A training would need to take place at night to maximise availability. Anyway, it's being trialled for 2 years, we're trying something different to achieve different, and hopefully better, results, and I'm all for it.
Creidim... (Leitrim) - Posts: 45 - 15/09/2023 15:08:33
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Replying To Creidim...: "The CB has been granted special permission for the panel to be Leitrim-based players only. I think the level will be as good if not better than inter-county underage: many of the top schools attract players from more than one county, and various clubs, and competition will be fierce. Jarlath's comes to mind. And surely any exposure to playing at the top level available can only be a good thing. It's got to be better for our best players than just playing at B, C, D, and even E level in uncompetitive matches. I will say that the organisation of those matches could be a logistical nightmare. Just getting a schools game played on time and having all your players available for it is a minefield.
I agree with more needing to be done in schools. Sligo, for example, seem to have a strong model, and are reaping the rewards. Our GDOs/CDOs should be working in schools, ideally on a weekly basis during their season. You're right in saying that teachers' coaching isn't always up to scratch; it can be a thankless role at times, and it's very difficult to get meaningful training going after a school day, and to get buy-in from students, parents, and other teachers. Schools should make more allowances and allow the odd session during the school day -- as a PE substitute or whatever. We have to get creative to arrest our slide and make the best of our resources.
As far as MCC goes, it's widely known that previous management did not place great value on sporting activities, which was a shame, given their fantastic facilities and good numbers. However, I see that changing with the new principal in place. Was that pitch/field good to begin with?
Finally, I agree that Fenagh-Allen Gaels was a stretch too far, due to the fact that they won their recent minor league so easily. However, I disagree re. MCDG. They have been competitive in most competitions since their foundation, but have won very few. Their main 'achievement' has been to keep Carrick honest at u20 level (have you no concerns about Carrick winning at virtually every level from u13 up?) Their teams have certainly benefitted Kiltubrid, and I'd imagine SOH, too, although I still hear grumblings from the SOH side about players dropping out due to lack of game time.
Overall, I think it's fine to be critical of a new idea but you have to be willing to suggest a better alternative. What should we be doing at club level instead, when the current club structure does seem to be paying off with our underage county teams being more competitive? Return to the days of 15, 13, 11, and 9-a-side?" I think most people realise that amalgamations are a necessary evil at underage but the whole thing should've been managed at a county level somehow with more natural linkups. Having clubs who don't even border each other like those mentioned above coming together ad hoc is far from ideal. The St Bridget's link up is natural enough but really Allen Gaels should be with Kiltubrid or Leitrim Gaels or the latter two together. Fenagh with Kiltubrid or Ballinamore. Now Fenagh parents have to drive past Kiltubrid pitch to get their kids to a 'home' game in Drumshanbo and vice versa, Ballinamore parents driving 10k past Fenagh pitch to get theirs 'home' in Kiltubrid. Not logical.
Alternatively, could there be elite competitions (Carrick and maybe 3 or 4 regional sides?) 15 a side comps for the better players backed up by club competitions? Maybe even 13 and 11 a side, not ideal I know but it keeps lads involved. Young players are giving up because of little game time and that needs to be addressed somehow. They'll be needed as adult players some day.
TheCartownBus2 (Leitrim) - Posts: 42 - 15/09/2023 16:22:53
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Replying To Leitrim1234: "I expect Ballinamore to come through this weekend but theres no doubting how disappointing their performances have been so far. Something doesn't seem to be clicking.
Now, if they can get Paul Moran and Tom Prior doing damage they will be a match for any team with the power of the McGoverns, Shane Moran and young McKiernan coming through the middle.
The worry for them is that their backline is bereft off any old school man markers. Will they be able to handle Evan Sweeney and Conor Dolan (if fit)?
Theres been a lot of hype about young McNulty but Is still feel he has a lot to learn yet but on the ball and physically. No doubt he will get there but the test at t he weekend is where we will see what level he is at as Ballinamore will surely target him.
The Dromahair and Aughnasheelin game is interesting as both of them have the ability to play decent football at times while then being horrendous all within the same game. I'd probably tip Aughnasheelin to come through just about.
The final game should be a mismatch. Aughawillan should dispense with Gortleteragh easily enough. The Willies were probably unlucky with the draw but they were always going to struggle once they lost a few key players through injury. That being said they will probably feel they should have got results against Ballinamore and Manor. The talk of certain players causing havoc within their club is very worrying for a team of their age profile and with talk of more of them going travelling next year it could be a tough few years for them.
The same applies for Gort who will be losing Jack Heslin and Francie Flynn shortly after this game.
The county board are going to have to really get active and address the issue of emigration as it is decimating rural clubs." Hard to know what the County Board can do to address emigration. Oh they can make representations to employers in the county for sure (which they have been doing) but they can't magic up well paying, meaningful jobs in the locality in fairness. And in fairness, there's lots of well paid work in Ireland (mainly Dublin) for graduates. A lot of lads just might not want to put the time in travelling home to play football which is fair enough, it's not for everyone. The same committment you had 30 years ago isn't there. And you can't stop lads from travelling either so I'm not sure what they expectation could be here.
Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 1013 - 15/09/2023 17:15:15
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Replying To Square_B: "Hard to know what the County Board can do to address emigration. Oh they can make representations to employers in the county for sure (which they have been doing) but they can't magic up well paying, meaningful jobs in the locality in fairness. And in fairness, there's lots of well paid work in Ireland (mainly Dublin) for graduates. A lot of lads just might not want to put the time in travelling home to play football which is fair enough, it's not for everyone. The same committment you had 30 years ago isn't there. And you can't stop lads from travelling either so I'm not sure what they expectation could be here." It is what it is I think. Young lads around the country drop off football when they finish school, we are just unlucky that we have a small population and unless there is a business (or maybe a woman) at home for them they don't see the rewards of commuting home to play ball especially if their club is intermediate/junior and slim hope of going higher.
I know other small counties like Louth, Fermanagh punch above their weight but those counties have or are in closer proximity to resources Leitrim don't have.
gaelsboy (Leitrim) - Posts: 560 - 16/09/2023 10:45:57
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Replying To gaelsboy: "It is what it is I think. Young lads around the country drop off football when they finish school, we are just unlucky that we have a small population and unless there is a business (or maybe a woman) at home for them they don't see the rewards of commuting home to play ball especially if their club is intermediate/junior and slim hope of going higher.
I know other small counties like Louth, Fermanagh punch above their weight but those counties have or are in closer proximity to resources Leitrim don't have." Louth has about 4 tines the population of Leitrim.
Seanfanbocht (Roscommon) - Posts: 1898 - 16/09/2023 12:09:31
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With the fixture between Kiltubrid and Carrigallen off now that leave a extra headache for the CCC I'd assume it'll follow the same trend as lastweek with the fixture been played at 2pm tomorrow week?
Weaternpro (Leitrim) - Posts: 63 - 16/09/2023 14:57:04
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Great display by Darren Cox Annaduff scoring 2 -6 against Ballinaglera just now.
Surely another good prospect for the Leitrim U20s and possibly Leitrim seniors.
joeman123 (Leitrim) - Posts: 503 - 16/09/2023 18:00:10
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Credit to Dromahair remain senior for another Yr I had them favourites to go down but Aughasheelin have fallen of a cliff
Weaternpro (Leitrim) - Posts: 63 - 16/09/2023 21:17:57
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Replying To Weaternpro: "Credit to Dromahair remain senior for another Yr I had them favourites to go down but Aughasheelin have fallen of a cliff" Aughnasheelin will beat Gortletteragh.
green.and.gold (Leitrim) - Posts: 427 - 16/09/2023 21:33:42
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I'll be brutally honest watched the Annaduff game yesterday first off now Darren Cox don't get me wrong decent level of football but he kicked 3-4 very handy frees and the first goal he got was luck. Just because he's down on a scoreboard for this doesn't mean you have to jump on the hype train just because he's a young lad if you watch the game he doesn't do much from play as a centre forward the likes of Seamus McMorrow and Enda Maguire for Gleara were just as effective. Annaduffs level of fitness definitely has dropped and it's clear to see. That scrappy goal doesn't go in and Bgleara are waking up today in a semi final. I still think the like of Allen Gaels & Melvin are way to strong for the likes of Annaduff CGallon and Kiltubrid on the big stage. I think everyone is calling for the double Gaels final as it will be a ding dong battle
Leitrimknowall (Leitrim) - Posts: 18 - 17/09/2023 12:51:23
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Replying To Weaternpro: "Credit to Dromahair remain senior for another Yr I had them favourites to go down but Aughasheelin have fallen of a cliff" Headed over from to that game yesterday and to be fair Aughnasheelin were the better in the first half but missed a lot of chances. Dromahair hung in there and Robbie Cunningham got them over the line. Neds to me look like they are down 8/9 of their team from last season. The 2 Cullens, 2 sammons, Egan, Gilgunn, Philip Dolan, young Gunn who is a serious talent all either emigrated, retired, injured. Small clubs can't afford to lose those type of first team players. Throw in the fact that Fitzpatrick did his knee just before the championship and they were always up against it. Dromahair on the other hand are building a decent group. They were competitive in their games v Mohill and Manor and ran Leitrim Gaels close also. They need to hold onto Cunningham/Fowley/Feeney to continue to grow but my feeling is they will be a senior team for a good while yet.
Neds v Gort now and it's a flip of a coin between them. I don't know if it will make much difference as I believe the county board will look to relegate more teams next season and whoever survives this game is only delaying the inevitable. If the neds find some form they could sneak it.
timeforachange (Leitrim) - Posts: 88 - 17/09/2023 13:03:19
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Replying To Leitrimknowall: "I'll be brutally honest watched the Annaduff game yesterday first off now Darren Cox don't get me wrong decent level of football but he kicked 3-4 very handy frees and the first goal he got was luck. Just because he's down on a scoreboard for this doesn't mean you have to jump on the hype train just because he's a young lad if you watch the game he doesn't do much from play as a centre forward the likes of Seamus McMorrow and Enda Maguire for Gleara were just as effective. Annaduffs level of fitness definitely has dropped and it's clear to see. That scrappy goal doesn't go in and Bgleara are waking up today in a semi final. I still think the like of Allen Gaels & Melvin are way to strong for the likes of Annaduff CGallon and Kiltubrid on the big stage. I think everyone is calling for the double Gaels final as it will be a ding dong battle" Annaduff showed some resolve to stay in the game. Glera will be kicking themselves that they couldn't see it home. A lucky enough goal and then it fell to pieces for Glera. Duff very young, Glera well drilled and once they went 5 up I couldn't see anything but a win for them. They will be devastated. Good drama though and an entertaining evening
timeforachange (Leitrim) - Posts: 88 - 17/09/2023 13:06:21
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Replying To timeforachange: "Annaduff showed some resolve to stay in the game. Glera will be kicking themselves that they couldn't see it home. A lucky enough goal and then it fell to pieces for Glera. Duff very young, Glera well drilled and once they went 5 up I couldn't see anything but a win for them. They will be devastated. Good drama though and an entertaining evening" Absolutely couldn't agree more I think the legs went and that was it but really compared to years annaduff are definitely no world beaters.
Leitrimknowall (Leitrim) - Posts: 18 - 17/09/2023 13:52:51
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