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Leitrim GAA thread

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Replying To Tacaí Liatroma:  "So tell me this, a chairde, just what exactly has changed from Poacher's Leitrim during the league and Poacher's Leitrim during the championship? I'm absolutely delighted with how the team did against Mayo, but only a couple of weeks ago we were ready for him to pack his bags. Why/how did Leitrim find form against Mayo that they wouldn't/couldn't in the League?"
As I said a few posts back it says more about what's happening with Mayo at the moment. Now that could change next week and Mayo could go out and beat Galway however I have my strong doubts about that. The acid tests will be the first round of the Tailteann and the matches after that. We all eagerly await the draw on Wednesday....

Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 1280 - 28/04/2025 10:13:07    2604892

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Replying To joeman123:  "A few suggestions

The return of Barry McNulty and Donal Casey plus Cillian McGloin who only featured towards the end of the campaign after surgery.

He had little time to prepare for the league and was dealing with a very inexperienced panel due to the departures which prompted Mikey Graham to walk.

He was then hit with a spate of new injuries, McNulty, Jordon Reynolds,Harkin bros, Conor Quinn are just some.

He was depending on 6 under 20 players ,which is unprecedented for any county.

In those circumstances it wasn't too surprising the results were poor.

However, the performance against Mayo was still a huge surprise and the team was well prepared.Let us hope they can build on this ;only time will tell."
If he had so little time for the league- how could he have the team so well prepared from the end of the league to the championship with only two weeks?? He would still have been depending on six under 20s in the Mayo game- the lads you mentioned who were injured wouldn't have made much difference apart from McNulty.

I think it was a backs to the wall performance and lots of teams can pull off one off performances like that and have done through the years- issue is to do it consistently and I do not think we will. That is at his door- he needs to get them performing consistently not in a one off game. So only time will tell.

bláthach (Leitrim) - Posts: 38 - 28/04/2025 11:11:07    2604920

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Could be falling on deaf ears here, but anyway...

I'm not sure if many are involved with clubs competing in - or even following - the U15 Division One league that's ongoing at the minute. It has turned into a complete farce with the "Naomh Eoin" amalgamation.

For those who don't know, Naomh Eoin at u15 level consists of five clubs: Ballinamore, Fenagh, Aughawillan, Drumreilly, and Aughnasheelin. I have no issue with amalgamations being formed when needed for numbers, but for five clubs to join together, enter two teams at U15 level, and dish out hammerings to stand-alone clubs like St Mary's - with scorelines like 8-16 to 0-2 - surely something has to be done.

Bear in mind, St Mary's have been one of the standard bearers for underage football in Leitrim over the past number of years. Full credit must go to Annaduff, St Mary's, and Glencar Manorhamilton who have worked hard with their teams since academy level and are well capable of competing at division one level only now to be met with this five-club shambles.

With an upcoming Féile qualifier tournament this weekend, surely the Leitrim County Board must step in and ensure that the best stand-alone U15 team gets to represent their club and county, rather than a regional amalgamation.

LovelyLeitrim94 (Leitrim) - Posts: 3 - 29/04/2025 09:17:00    2605245

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Replying To LovelyLeitrim94:  "Could be falling on deaf ears here, but anyway...

I'm not sure if many are involved with clubs competing in - or even following - the U15 Division One league that's ongoing at the minute. It has turned into a complete farce with the "Naomh Eoin" amalgamation.

For those who don't know, Naomh Eoin at u15 level consists of five clubs: Ballinamore, Fenagh, Aughawillan, Drumreilly, and Aughnasheelin. I have no issue with amalgamations being formed when needed for numbers, but for five clubs to join together, enter two teams at U15 level, and dish out hammerings to stand-alone clubs like St Mary's - with scorelines like 8-16 to 0-2 - surely something has to be done.

Bear in mind, St Mary's have been one of the standard bearers for underage football in Leitrim over the past number of years. Full credit must go to Annaduff, St Mary's, and Glencar Manorhamilton who have worked hard with their teams since academy level and are well capable of competing at division one level only now to be met with this five-club shambles.

With an upcoming Féile qualifier tournament this weekend, surely the Leitrim County Board must step in and ensure that the best stand-alone U15 team gets to represent their club and county, rather than a regional amalgamation."
A lot of the posters on this forum have zero interest in underage football in the county. It's too much to expect them to join the dots and conclude that the shambles at underage level is the root cause of our problems. In my opinion it's the biggest issue and yet its the easiest fix.

Parochialism will trump player development as far as clubs are concerned. It's been a failure of the County board for the last 20 years. Player development is in the lap of the God's and the individual themselves. The County board has a miniscule input. Clubs are left to their own devices. Recent moral victories aside, our underage results at inter county level speak for themselves. The deluded amongst us, without fail, will tell us every year that this years minors/20s are the best in years. Rinse and repeat.

Whilst St. Mary's getting hammered will garner little sympathy, for those of us interested in Leitrim football as a whole, it simply highlights the shambles that is the administration of Leitrim football. No strategy and the tails are wagging the dog.

ThePowerhouse (Leitrim) - Posts: 219 - 29/04/2025 10:55:12    2605277

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Replying To ThePowerhouse:  "A lot of the posters on this forum have zero interest in underage football in the county. It's too much to expect them to join the dots and conclude that the shambles at underage level is the root cause of our problems. In my opinion it's the biggest issue and yet its the easiest fix.

Parochialism will trump player development as far as clubs are concerned. It's been a failure of the County board for the last 20 years. Player development is in the lap of the God's and the individual themselves. The County board has a miniscule input. Clubs are left to their own devices. Recent moral victories aside, our underage results at inter county level speak for themselves. The deluded amongst us, without fail, will tell us every year that this years minors/20s are the best in years. Rinse and repeat.

Whilst St. Mary's getting hammered will garner little sympathy, for those of us interested in Leitrim football as a whole, it simply highlights the shambles that is the administration of Leitrim football. No strategy and the tails are wagging the dog."
Hard to disagree with any of the above and it does nothing for the player on the bench who perhaps could become a better player with a bit of extra coaching. Lots of lads round the country never made underage panels and transitioned to county teams at senior level. A lot of lads taking on underage teams think they know best because they played the game themselves without too much coaching or have children playing themselves and aren't interested in the development of others. I don't think Leitrim is alone when it comes to this but my god a county like ours needs to dispense with nonsence as described above.

Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 1280 - 29/04/2025 11:44:41    2605304

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Replying To LovelyLeitrim94:  "Could be falling on deaf ears here, but anyway...

I'm not sure if many are involved with clubs competing in - or even following - the U15 Division One league that's ongoing at the minute. It has turned into a complete farce with the "Naomh Eoin" amalgamation.

For those who don't know, Naomh Eoin at u15 level consists of five clubs: Ballinamore, Fenagh, Aughawillan, Drumreilly, and Aughnasheelin. I have no issue with amalgamations being formed when needed for numbers, but for five clubs to join together, enter two teams at U15 level, and dish out hammerings to stand-alone clubs like St Mary's - with scorelines like 8-16 to 0-2 - surely something has to be done.

Bear in mind, St Mary's have been one of the standard bearers for underage football in Leitrim over the past number of years. Full credit must go to Annaduff, St Mary's, and Glencar Manorhamilton who have worked hard with their teams since academy level and are well capable of competing at division one level only now to be met with this five-club shambles.

With an upcoming Féile qualifier tournament this weekend, surely the Leitrim County Board must step in and ensure that the best stand-alone U15 team gets to represent their club and county, rather than a regional amalgamation."
How was this allowed? I did not know we were embracing regional teams like Kerry. Surely 2 different teams could have been made out of this outfit? Smacks of win at all cost mentality.

gaelsboy (Leitrim) - Posts: 625 - 29/04/2025 11:54:45    2605311

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Replying To gaelsboy:  "How was this allowed? I did not know we were embracing regional teams like Kerry. Surely 2 different teams could have been made out of this outfit? Smacks of win at all cost mentality."
They're not a regional team. It's a coincidence that they all happen to be from the Ballinamore hinterland. In 2023 Fenagh, Drumshanbo and Ballinaglera joined up at u17 level. Their links would be tenuous to say the least! I recall Fenagh also joining up with Gortlettragh to form St Manachans at minor level 10 years ago.

There's no method and it's left to the clubs own devices. Aughawillan, Drumreilly and Aughnasheelin would normally join forces at underage under the guise of St. Brigids. That makes sense as they simply don't have the numbers otherwise.

I'm strongly in favour of regional teams but it has to be coordinated properly. There's nothing to stop the retention of the traditional club fixtures whilst also introducing regional teams. The data is there in the form of the CSO and enrolment numbers. It shouldn't be too much to expect that our County board would take charge of this and run it properly.

ThePowerhouse (Leitrim) - Posts: 219 - 29/04/2025 12:37:04    2605329

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its only at U15 level brigids can't field at team so i think 5 players have transferred to ballinamore, to give them football. better than no football at all, U13 & 17 is purely Fenagh/Ballinamore, relax lads.

meathbasedfan (Leitrim) - Posts: 171 - 29/04/2025 13:00:11    2605347

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Great draw for Leitrim in the Tailteann... no reason why we can't progress or even top the group.

Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 1280 - 29/04/2025 13:13:23    2605351

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Replying To meathbasedfan:  "its only at U15 level brigids can't field at team so i think 5 players have transferred to ballinamore, to give them football. better than no football at all, U13 & 17 is purely Fenagh/Ballinamore, relax lads."
I find it hard to believe the St Bridget's cannot put out a team... what happened when these lads were playing the grade below?

Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 1280 - 29/04/2025 13:18:19    2605353

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Replying To Square_B:  "Great draw for Leitrim in the Tailteann... no reason why we can't progress or even top the group."
Are you a day ahead of the rest of us? Draw is not on until tomorrow!

Drax_the_destroyer (UK) - Posts: 403 - 29/04/2025 13:26:20    2605357

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Replying To Square_B:  "I find it hard to believe the St Bridget's cannot put out a team... what happened when these lads were playing the grade below?"
player drop off, and its a fact they can't field. maybe contact them to confirm it.

meathbasedfan (Leitrim) - Posts: 171 - 29/04/2025 13:28:40    2605361

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Replying To Square_B:  "Great draw for Leitrim in the Tailteann... no reason why we can't progress or even top the group."
whats the lotto numbers, the draw isn't until tomorrow

meathbasedfan (Leitrim) - Posts: 171 - 29/04/2025 13:30:21    2605366

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Replying To Square_B:  "Great draw for Leitrim in the Tailteann... no reason why we can't progress or even top the group."
Tell us who are they playing. Also would you happen to have tomorrow's lotto results.

Bowser93 (Leitrim) - Posts: 17 - 29/04/2025 13:35:16    2605368

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Replying To LovelyLeitrim94:  "Could be falling on deaf ears here, but anyway...

I'm not sure if many are involved with clubs competing in - or even following - the U15 Division One league that's ongoing at the minute. It has turned into a complete farce with the "Naomh Eoin" amalgamation.

For those who don't know, Naomh Eoin at u15 level consists of five clubs: Ballinamore, Fenagh, Aughawillan, Drumreilly, and Aughnasheelin. I have no issue with amalgamations being formed when needed for numbers, but for five clubs to join together, enter two teams at U15 level, and dish out hammerings to stand-alone clubs like St Mary's - with scorelines like 8-16 to 0-2 - surely something has to be done.

Bear in mind, St Mary's have been one of the standard bearers for underage football in Leitrim over the past number of years. Full credit must go to Annaduff, St Mary's, and Glencar Manorhamilton who have worked hard with their teams since academy level and are well capable of competing at division one level only now to be met with this five-club shambles.

With an upcoming Féile qualifier tournament this weekend, surely the Leitrim County Board must step in and ensure that the best stand-alone U15 team gets to represent their club and county, rather than a regional amalgamation."
There is no Naomh Eoin 5 club amalgamation. The amalgamation is Fenagh and Ballinamore. St Brigits had 6 players at u15 and they could not field a team. Those 6 players transferred to Ballinamore. This massive 5 club amalgamation you talk about with these 6 players has a total of 23 players within the 2 year rule. They fielded two teams one in division 1 and one in 3. The div 3 team is made up of 13 none named players and lads from u13 to ensure adequate game time. Maybe you should look at the numbers in some of the other clubs you have mentioned - Manor 40, Annaduff 30 , Rinn 31, McCools 33
Oh and the team that defeated Carrick had two brigids players on it.

Mickmac33 (Leitrim) - Posts: 1 - 29/04/2025 13:41:07    2605373

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Replying To Square_B:  "I find it hard to believe the St Bridget's cannot put out a team... what happened when these lads were playing the grade below?"
At u13 in 2023, between league and championship, St Brigids, playing in Div 2 played 12 games, winning 7 and losing the championship final to Allen Gaels by 2 points. Source - https://www.leitrimgaa.ie/competitions-cng/#2023

Bowser93 (Leitrim) - Posts: 17 - 29/04/2025 13:47:39    2605376

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Replying To Mickmac33:  "There is no Naomh Eoin 5 club amalgamation. The amalgamation is Fenagh and Ballinamore. St Brigits had 6 players at u15 and they could not field a team. Those 6 players transferred to Ballinamore. This massive 5 club amalgamation you talk about with these 6 players has a total of 23 players within the 2 year rule. They fielded two teams one in division 1 and one in 3. The div 3 team is made up of 13 none named players and lads from u13 to ensure adequate game time. Maybe you should look at the numbers in some of the other clubs you have mentioned - Manor 40, Annaduff 30 , Rinn 31, McCools 33
Oh and the team that defeated Carrick had two brigids players on it."
An alarming drop in numbers considering the St. Brigids amalgamation reached the u13 final in 2024.

ThePowerhouse (Leitrim) - Posts: 219 - 29/04/2025 14:12:44    2605388

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Replying To Bowser93:  "Tell us who are they playing. Also would you happen to have tomorrow's lotto results."
Seen a post on the Leitrim GAA FB and misread it... jumped the gun. Maybe I should do the lotto....

Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 1280 - 29/04/2025 14:12:52    2605389

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Replying To ThePowerhouse:  "An alarming drop in numbers considering the St. Brigids amalgamation reached the u13 final in 2024."
Very odd for rural players to just stop playing gaelic... something must have happened.

Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 1280 - 29/04/2025 15:57:54    2605432

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Replying To Mickmac33:  "There is no Naomh Eoin 5 club amalgamation. The amalgamation is Fenagh and Ballinamore. St Brigits had 6 players at u15 and they could not field a team. Those 6 players transferred to Ballinamore. This massive 5 club amalgamation you talk about with these 6 players has a total of 23 players within the 2 year rule. They fielded two teams one in division 1 and one in 3. The div 3 team is made up of 13 none named players and lads from u13 to ensure adequate game time. Maybe you should look at the numbers in some of the other clubs you have mentioned - Manor 40, Annaduff 30 , Rinn 31, McCools 33
Oh and the team that defeated Carrick had two brigids players on it."
Unsure where you are pulling your numbers from-out of your ****, I reckon. To write nonsense that Glencar-Manorhamilton and Annaduff have an average of 35 players in a two-year age bracket, which they do not, and that a five-club "regional gathering"-we'll call them that, seeing as you technically reckon they are not an amalgamation-can only gather 23 is laughable. If you're so well up on numbers, maybe you might enlighten us as to how many players Dromahair, Drumkeerin, and Kinlough have-all three of which are competing in Division Two as stand-alone clubs, and full credit to them. The clubs in the "gathering" could really take a leaf out of their books.

The St. Brigid's results from when this age group was U13 speak for themselves-they more than competed in the Division Two Championship. Also bearing in mind that they got to the U13 Division One Championship final last year, only losing out to Manor after extra time-a team which was more than likely backboned by these "6" players. These six, along with a few more who maybe chose not to transfer, along with a few talented u13s, could more than compete in a Division Two Championship or even Division Three if needs be.

As mentioned above by Gaelsboy, this whole thing is driven by a win-at-all-costs mentality, which is evident from Ballinamore jumping from club to club to amalgamate depending on the quality of their neighbouring clubs at a particular level-a trend which is bound to cripple them in years to come.

LovelyLeitrim94 (Leitrim) - Posts: 3 - 29/04/2025 15:58:45    2605434

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