Junior C championship 2010                  Under 12D championship 2010

Six in a row for Junior B team after victory over title rivals Oranmore/Maree

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 3.11 Oranmore/Maree 1.10

Kilnadeema/Leitrim completed their group games in Junior B when they took on last year's finalists Oranmore/Maree in Castledaly on Friday August 12th. Having already won all five games, a win here would guarantee a quarter final place. Oranmore/Maree made the better start and lead by two points early on before Garry Winters opened his sides account with a point from play. Kevin Molloy then levelled up the game with a pointed free. The first big break came a few minutes later when Jason Collins shot a goal for Kilnadeema/Leitrim to give his side the lead for the first time, a lead they would never loose again. Kevin Molloy with two pointed free's added to the score before Brian Daniels added two more points from play. Oranmore/Maree did add two more points before the break to leave the score line reading 1.06 to 0.04. Kilnadeema/Leitrim got the perfect start to the second half when Brian Costello scored a second goal for the team and a eight point lead. Further points followed from Shane Lawless, Michael Donoghue and Garry Winters before Oranmore/Maree added two more points. Tom Barrett, Damien Donohue and Garry Curley were then introduced as substitutes and they combined to set up Tom Barrett for a third goal for the team. Oranmore/Maree finished with a flourish and added 1.02 before the end. Kilnadeema/Leitrim had the final sat though and added two more points from play from Michael Donoghue and Garry Winters to leave the final score line a comprehensive seven point difference 3.11 to 1.10. This team is really going well this year and now stand a great chance of going all the way. They have three weeks now before a quarter final game. They also must meet An Spiddal in the league quarter final very shortly.

Scorers: Garry Winters 0.03, Brian Costello 1,00, Jason Collins 1.00, Tom Barrett 1.00, Kevin Molloy 0.03, Michael Donoghue 0.02, Brian Daniels 0.02, Shane Lawless 0.01  
Team Lineout:  Paul Howard, Mark Costello, Fergal Conneely, Eoin Larkin, Mark Whelan, Ramie Larkin, Alan Flaherty,  Brian Daniels, Michael Donoghue, Jason Collins, Garry Winters, Brian Costello, Danny Burke, Kevin Molloy, Shane Lawless.
Subs used: Tom Barrett, Kevin Kelly, Garry Curley, Damien Donohue.
 

Quarter final place for Under 16 team after victory over Turloughmore

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 4.11 Turloughmore 1.11

Under 16 team bounce back after victory over Gort

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 4.07 Gort 2.10

Kilnadeema/Leitrim and Gort meet in a very important Under 16A championship game in Gort on Monday August 9th. This was a game that Kilnadeema/Leitrim had to win at all costs if they wanted to make the knockout stages after losing the opening two games. The game was played on a perfect evening for hurling with a slight breeze aiding Kilnadeema/Leitrim in the opening half. Cathal Broderick, who had a very good game all through opened the scoring for Gort after 5 mins with a point from play. Brian Molloy replied with an equalising point, again from play two minutes later. A few minutes later Brian fielded a long delivery from Ryan Murray, turned his man and crashed home a great goal. Michael Mullins replied for Gort with a pointed free a minute later. Brian Molloy continued to torment the Gort defence and shot over another  great point from play after 10mins. Brian then added a pointed free before Aiden Helebert scored a lovely point for Gort. Brian Molloy added another pointed free before Helebert won a free for Gort near goal which Michael Mullins crashed to the net after 23 mins. Brian Molloy came up trumps again three minutes later with another great goal . Gort finished the half better and added two points from play through  Michael Mullins and Aiden Helebert to leave the half time score reading 2.04 to 1.05. We wondered would the breeze be a big help to Gort but it was Kilnadeema/Leitrim who took a big step towards victory when Tommy Mottrom connected to a long Brian Molloy free to score a brilliant goal. Michael Mullins opened Gort's account with a pointed free after 9 mins. Brian Molloy then added a lovely point from play after great work from Jacques Chahin made it possible. Gort were not out of it though and soon were celebrating another goal when Jack Cummins reacted first to a loose ball to bring his team right back in the game. Cathal Broderick then really came into it for Gort scoring two wonderful points to level up the game after 23 mins. Brian Molloy settled the nerves again with a pointed free before captain Cillian Dowling scored a great goal when he connected first time to score an unstoppable shot. Darren O'Donoghue then scored a good point for Gort as the game moved up and down the pitch at great pace. Brian Molloy replied with another pointed free before Cathal Broderick shot over his fourth point from play only to see time run out as the final whistle sounded on a score line of 4.07 to 2.10. This was a very good performance from a team under extreme pressure to get a result. Victory over Turloughmore on Thursday next might be enough to get through.

Scorers: Brian Molloy 2.07, Tommy Mottrom 1.00, Cillian Dowling 1.00

Team Lineout: Conor Cunningham, Evan Curley, Glen Costello, Fergal Broderick,  Conor Howard, Dara O'Donoghue, Ryan  Murray, Jacques Chahin, Cillian Dowling, Tony Molloy, Brian Molloy, Tommy Mottrom, Liam Kelly, Martin O'Brien, Eoin Morrissey.
Subs used: Keith Callanan, Patrick Halpin.

Junior B team victorious over Salthill despite poor second half performance

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 2.16 Salthill 2.08

Kilnadeema/Leitrim Junior B team took on  Salthill in their second last game in the group stages when they meet in Ballindereen on Tuesday August 3rd. The game was played in continues drizzle which made handling difficult. Salthill got the opening score of the game when Neil Hyland pointed a free in the second minute. Brian Costello, Kilnadeema/Leitrim main score getter over the hour soon had the sides level with a great point from play. Tony Kelly then shot Kilnadeema/Leitrim into the lead with a good long range point, a lead they would not loose again. Brian Costello shot over his second point on 4 mins, this time from a 65'. Jason Collins then scored a point after two free's were missed at either end. Brian Costello again pointed from play after 9 mins as the game continue to be played mostly in the Salthill half. Kevin Molloy then took over the free taking as only he can and soon registered a score, Neil Hyland did likewise for the City side before Tom Barrett scored a lovely point from play to leave the score reading 0.07 to 0.02 after 15 mins. Salthill then got a major boost when Kevin Lynch shot a goal to leave just two in it. Brian Daniels replied for Kilnadeema/Leitrim and Danny Burke added another point after 23 mins. Troy Tyson then scored a point from play for Salthill as the game ebbed and flowed. Kevin Molloy with another pointed free was soon followed by a goal for his side when a lineball from Jason Collins ended up in the net. Hughie Feeney replied for Salthill again before two Kevin Molloy pointed free's left the half time score reading 1.12 to 1.04. Salthill came out for the second half a different team and completely took over as they shot four unanswered points by the fifteenth minute from Neil Hyland with two free's, Chris Atkins and Kevin Lynch both from play to leave just four in it. Kilnadeema/Leitrim just could not get going and it took until the eighteenth minute before a score arrived when Brian Costello took a free which he miss hit and it ended up in the net to open up the gap again. Amazingly Brian was to be Kilnadeema/Leitrim's only scorer in this half  as he shot  over four more points, one from play to see out the game. Salthill's only reply was a Enda Gavin goal in the last minute to make the score more respectable. The final score line been 2.16 to 2.08. This was a very mixed performance by Kilnadeema/Leitrim with some good play and scores in the opening half totally disappearing in the second half. In fairness to the defence they were quiet good all through. 

Scorers: Brian Costello 1.07, Kevin Molloy 0.04, Jason Collins 1.01, Danny Burke 0.01, Brian Daniels 0.01, Tony Kelly 0.01, Tom Barrett 0.01.
Team Lineout:  Paul Howard, Kevin Kelly, Cathal Shiel, Eoin Larkin, Mark Whelan, Ramie Larkin, Mark Costello,  Brian Daniels, Tom Barrett, Jason Collins, Tony Kelly, Brian Costello, Danny Burke, Kevin Molloy, Shane Lawless.
Subs used: Garry Winters, Michael Donoghue, Garry Curley.
 

Junior C team finish group on a high with great victory over Rahoon/Newcastle
 

Semi final defeat end dream for Under 12 team as Castlegar win in extra time

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 3.01 Castlegar 1.05

The dream of reaching a first ever Under 12 A county final on this it's last year in existence came to a very dramatic and disappointing end when they lost after extra time to their great rivals over the last two years Castlegar when they meet in the semi final in Castledaly on Monday July 19th. Having already defeated the city side in an earlier group game, hopes were high for a repeat even though it was anticipated it would be much tougher this time and so it turned out to be with Castlegar much harder in the challenges this time. Kilnadeema/Leitrim got off to the worse possible start when Alan Duggan goaled inside the first minute after he lobbed goalie Evan Dowling from 30yrards. Castlegar were now on top but could not add to their score and Kevin Roche got his side off the mark eventually after 8mins with a pointed free. Jack Coyle added a similar score for Castlegar seven minutes later to leave the half time score reading 0.01 to 1.01. Kilnadeema/Leitrim would now have wind advantage but were to loose Niall Broderick through injury at half time. Kevin Roche, who would end up scoring everything for his team opened the scoring in the second half with a pointed free from out near the sideline. We had to wait another nine minutes for any more scoring before Roche again scored a point from a free from 40yards out to leave only a point between the sides and game on. The excitement was now at fever pitch among the large attendance and on seventeen minutes all hell broke loose when after Mikie Lynch had caught a long free, he delivered a perfect pass to Kevin Roche who got a lovely flick to the ball to guide it into the net for a crucial goal. A Minute later Kevin put over a brilliant point from play, a score that looked like a winner. Castlegar had other idea's and after putting on a lot of pressure they won a close in free which Jack Coyle duly dispatched to the roof of the net for the equalizer. The referee blew the final whistle as the score read 1.04 to 2.01. We now faced extra time of five minutes each way. Kevin Roche got his team back the lead straight away when he pointed from play. Castlegar knew they had to reply quickly or time would beat them and they quickly got about doing that and won a free in about forty yards out  which was moved closer for decent and in Jack Coyle danger area again. He it a good shot which was saved on to the line only for the ball to some how cross the line before coming back out. The goal stood and Castlegar were ahead again.Try as they might Kilnadeema/Leitrim just could not get that score back and Alan Linnane ended their dream when he blew the final whistle on a final score line of 1.05 to 3.01. This was a tremendous match all through and could have gone anyway. This team should be very proud of themselves as they were brilliant all year and just came up short in the end. Well done to Gary and John. A special mention  about Jack Coyle of Castlegar who looks a real fine for the future. Also Kevin Roche who was super all year among many other for Kilnadeema/Leitrim.

Scorers: Kevin Roche 1.05

Team Lineout: Evan Dowling, Gavin Kenny, Stephen Molloy, Eoghan Monahan, Daniel McAllindan, Arron Murray, Christopher Mahony, Daniel Mahony, Dylan Towolowi, Luke Devine, Mikie Lynch, Alfie Davies, Conor Browne, Kevin Roche, Niall Broderick. sub used: Conor Molloy

Junior B team remain unbeaten with victory over An Spiddal

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 1.15 An Spiddal 1.06

Junior C team held to a draw by Cappataggle in tough championship encounter

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 0.11 Cappataggle 0.11

Under 12 Rionn 5 team bow out of championship after double defeats

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 1.00 Clarenbridge 3.05

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 1.00 Turloughmore 2.03

 Under 12 team advance to semi final after tough battle with Ardrahan
 
Kilnadeema/Leitrim 4.03 Ardrahan 2.03

Turloughmore put an end to the dream for minor team

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 2.10 Turloughmore 3.16

Kilnadeema/Leitrim minor team bowed out of the 2010 A championship when the suffered a nine point defeat in a winner takes all game against Turloughmore which was played in Castledaly on Wednesday July 14th. On a damp wet evening the first half was evenly contested and only two points separated the sides at the break. Dara Herlihy opened the scoring with a pointed free after 5 mins. Kilnadeema/Leitrim were playing very well but they were rocked two minutes later when a defensive mistake lead to a simple tap in goal by county minor star Matthew Keating. Turloughmore full forward Ashley Hurley then pointed two frees as the north Galway side opened up a four point lead and midfielder Mark Murphy then pointed from play to stretch the lead. Kilnadeema/Leitrim were given a real boost on 15 minutes when Shane Lawless scored a cracking goal. Dara Herlihy closed the gap to one two minutes later with his second pointed free. Matthew Keating and Alvin Mitchell then swopted points from play as the game moved up a gear. Turloughmore seemed to be getting the scores easier and both Mark Murphy and Matthew Keating found the range  with points from play as the gap opened up again. Brian Molloy then pointed a lovely shot from near the sideline. Ashley Hurney with a pointed free and a third Mark Murphy point from play had Turloughmore four in front by the 28th minute. Hurley then pointed from play before James Conway changed the game again when he scored a brilliant goal right on half time and it was game on again. Daithi Burke then scored a wonderful long range point before Brian Molloy put over his second point to leave the half time score 1.10 to 2.05. Turloughmore started the second half with two points straight away, first when Daithi Burke pointed a long range free and then Matthew Keating scored from play. Dara Herlihy kept his side in the game with a pointed free after 5 mins. Sometimes luck goes against you and this certainly happened to Kilnadeema/Leitrim when Cormac Whelan got a flick to a high ball to a high ball to deflect it into the net and he repeated the same act three minutes later to end the game as a contested their was now a gap of nine points. Matthew Keating from play and Ashley Hurley from a free made it even worse. Fair play to Kilnadeema/Leitrim as they never gave up and Brian Molloy got his third point of the game from a Lineball after 22 minutes. Mark Murphy and Dara Herlihy then swopted points and both then the same shortly after as the fizzled out on a final score line of 3.16 to 2.10. This was a brave effort by a totally committed Kilnadeema/Leitrim side who won three games and still failed to qualify. it was a great learning process for these players in the future at Under 21 and Adult level.

Scorers: Dara Herlihy 0.06, Brian Molloy 0.03, James Conway 1.00, Shane Lawless 1.00, Alvin Mitchell 0.01.
 Team Lineout: Conor Cunningham, Conal Whelan, Conor Fahy, Niall McGinley , Stephen Farrell, Martin Costello, Dara O'Donoghue, Alvin Mitchell,  Dara Herlihy, Stephen Bruton, Niall Haverty, Brian Molloy, John Callagy, James Conway,  Shane Lawless.
Subs used: Glen Costello, Eoin Morrissey, Ryan Murray, Cillian Dowling.

Under 16 team run out of luck against Clarenbridge  and for second week running end up pointless

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 3.10 Clarenbridge 2.14

Kilnadeema/Leitrim and Clarenbridge produced a tremendous exciting performance in the second round of the under 16 A championship which was played in Clarenbridge on Monday July 12th. Unfortunately for Kilnadeema/Leitrim the result went against the team just like the previous week against Loughrea when they should have won both games especially as they played against fourteen players for almost all the second half against Clarenbridge. Brian Molloy opened the scoring with a point from play after two minutes. Clarenbridge star player Barry Keane playing at centre half back was most impressive and was a star free taker all through. He put Clarenbridge ahead by 5mins with two pointed frees. Tony Molloy levelled up the game again with a lovely point from play before Clarenbridge full forward Sean O'Brien pointed from play. He was to have a Hugh influence on the game and within a minute added another point. Martin O'Brien showed great determination when pointing soon after. Kilnadeema/Leitrim were giving as good as they were getting again the 2008 Feile champions and a wonderful goal a minute later when a combination of Tony Molloy and Liam Kelly set up cousin Brian Molloy for a brilliant goal and with it they had the lead back 1.03 to 0.04. Sean O'Brien got his third point soon after as the game ebbed and flowed. Brian Molloy with a 65' and Niall Armstrong swopted points before Armstrong pointed again to level up the game after 21mins. Tony Molloy who was playing really well put his team back in front again with a point from play before Barry Keane levelled again for the bridge' with a point from a free. Sean O'Brien put the south Galway side ahead again after 28 mins before Kilnadeema/Leitrim finished very strong and two Brian Molloy points, one from a free left his side ahead at the break 0.09 to 1.07. Clarenbridge were rocked five minutes into the second half when wing back Enda Mortimer received a red card for a wild pull. We thought that would be to Kilnadeema/Leitrim's advantage but it was the home side who really pushed on. Brian Molloy put over the opening score of the second half from a free before Sean O'Brien got inside the cover to crash home a vital goal. Barry Keane with three pointed frees pushed the team in maroon into a four point lead. Sean Kilduff and Eric McGuire, both midfielders then added a point each as Clarenbridge got totally on top. Kilnadeema/Leitrim were thrown a life line when Liam Kelly scored a crucial goal. Substitute Keith Callanan then scored a brilliant point from play to close the gap to two. Brian Molloy then scored a super  point from play and victory looked possible. Clarenbridge had other ideas and Gearoid Marmian goaled soon after to finally end the game or so we thought. Eoin Morrissey had other ideas and crashed home a great goal a minute later to leave a hectic finish. The Bridge' held on to leave the final score reading 3.10 to 2.14. This was a very good performance and deserved a better outcome. better days will come very soon. 

Scorers: Brian Molloy 1.06, Liam Kelly 1.00, Eoin Morrissey 1.00, Tony Molloy 0.02, Martin O'Brien 0.01, Keith Callanan 0.01.      

Team Lineout: Daniel Mottrom, Evan Curley, Conor Cunningham, Fergal Broderick,  Glen Costello, Dara O'Donoghue, Ryan  Murray, Martin O'Brien, Conor Howard, Tony Molloy, Eoin Morrissey, Brian Molloy, Liam Kelly, Cillian Dowling, Tommy Mottrom.
Subs used: Jacques Chahin, Keith Callanan, Eoin Morrissey

Heavy rain makes minor championship game a lottery as Clarenbridge win by four

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 1.10 Clarenbridge 2.11

Kilnadeema/Leitrim and Clarenbridge meet in a very important Minor A championship game at a very wet Kenny Park, Athenry on Friday July 9th. A win would qualify Kilnadeema/Leitrim for the quarter finals. This was a game predominately dominated by the free taking of Dara Herlihy and Barry Keane with both very accurate. Barry opened the scoring in the opening minute before Dara equalised two minutes later. Keane put Clarenbridge back in front soon after, again from a free and he added another after 8 mins. Dara replied again soon after as play ebbed and flowed. Dara then leveled the game again after 15 mins with another free. Scores from play were very hard to come by and Herlihy put his side ahead for the first time straight away, again from a free and added another on 22 mins. Clarenbridge who were struggling got the big break through a few minutes later when after Conor Cunningham had made a good save he was unlucky to be beaten by Christopher Bannon with a very soft goal. Michael Daly quickly added a point from play and Barry Keane completed the scoring right on half time with another pointed free to leave the score board reading 1.05 to 0.06. Clarenbridge stormed out of the blocks early in the second half and soon added a goal and a point  through Michael Daly and a great goal struck to the net by Cathal O'Brien. Big trouble for Kilnadeema/Leitrim now and Barry Keane made it worse with another pointed free soon after. Kilnadeema/Leitrim were given a life line when Shane Lawless got the teams first from play with a good goal. Barry Keane responded again with another pointed free. Dara Herlihy with a free and a point from play from Barry Keane, county Under 16 star 2.09 to 1.07. Herlihy reduced the lead to four with another pointed free. The game was in the  melting pot now and two lovely points from Brian Molloy and Alvin Mitchell made a real game of it. Barry Keane with a pointed free and another score, a point from Cathal O'Brien left a gap of five in it at the finish 2.11 to 1.10. This was a great game in terrible conditions and now leaves Kilnadeema/Leitrim needing at least a draw against Turloughmore to qualify. 

Scorers: Dara Herlihy 0.08, Shane Lawless 1.00, Alvin Mitchell 0.01, Brian Molloy 0.01.
Team Lineout: Conor Cunningham, Conal Whelan, Conor Fahy, Glen Costello, , Stephen Farrell, James Conway, Dara O'Donoghue, Alvin Mitchell, Martin Costello, Dara Herlihy, Niall Haverty, Brian Molloy, Steven Bruton, Eoin Morrissey,  Shane Lawless.

Under 12 Rionn 5 team keep on winning after victory over Liam Mellows

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 5.00 Liam Mellows 2.03

Kilnadeema/Leitrim took on Liam Mellows in the Under 12 Rionn 5 on Saturday July 10th in Ballyloughane in the second last game of the group for the team who have remained unbeaten so far. Mellows made the better start and were soon off the mark with a goal. Kilnadeema/Leitrim equalised soon after when Kelvin Fahy goaled. From there to half time Mellows dominated and added three further points to lead 1.03 to 1.00. On the resumption Kilnadeema/Leitrim came more into the game and were soon level when James Leahy goaled. Further goals followed from Leahy again, Kelvin Fahy and Kieran Kelly before Mellows got a consolation goal to leave the final score 5.00 to 2.03.

Scorers: James Leahy 2.00, Kelvin Fahy 2.00, Kieran Kelly 1.00
Team Lineout: Darragh Fahy, Jack Egan, Ruairi kelly, Louis Kelly, Dessie Griffin, Shane Lyons, Vinnie Kenny, Brian Loughnane, Brian Lawless, Kelvin Fahy, James Leahy, Brian Treacy, Francis Larkin, Conor Molloy, Shane Skelly. Subs used: Declan Chahin, Kieran Kelly, Cathal Flynn.

Under 12 team top of group after victory over Clarenbridge

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 1.06 Clarenbridge 0.04

Kilnadeema/Leitrim took on Clarenbridge in the final game of the Under 12 A championship group in Clarenbridge on Thursday July 8th. With both team son maximum points going into the game, this match would decide who would top the group although neither team was willing to show their full hand at this stage of the campaign. Kilnadeema/Leitrim were off the mark first with a point from play by Kevin Roche, but this would be their only score of the first half . Clarenbridge had the lions' share of possession but had only two pointed frees from Evan Niland to show for their efforts at half time. Kilnadeema/Leitrim upped it a gear on the restart and three pointed frees from Kevin Roche had the gap out to two. Conor Brown and Niland swapped points from play before the crucial score arrived when Conor Brown flicked a long ball to the net after good work from Alfie Daly and Mikie Lynch. Mikie then followed up this with a point from play before Evan Niland closed with a free which was deflected over the bar to leave the final score 1.06 to 0.04. Next up is the quarter final.

Scorers: Conor Brown 1.01, Kevin Roche 0.04, Mikie Lynch 0.01.

Team Lineout: Evan Dowling, Gavin Kenny, Stephen Molloy, Eoghan Monahan, Daniel McAllindan, Arron Murray, Christopher Mahony, Daniel Mahony, Dylan Towolowi, Luke Devine, Mikie Lynch, Alfie Davies, Conor Browne, Kevin Roche, Niall Broderick. sub used: Michael Shiel

Under 16 team unlucky defeat to Loughrea in opening round

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 4.10 Loughrea 4.13

Kilnadeema/Leitrim and Loughrea clashed in the opening round of the Under 16A championship in a repeat of last year in Loughrea on Monday July 5th. This was as good a under 16 game as you are likely to see with end to end action all evening and with Kilnadeema/Leitrim really putting it up to the hot favourites leading by 2 pts at half time 2.05 to 1.06 and holding a eight point lead at one stage in the second only to see it vanish in the closing stages. To say Kilnadeema/Leitrim were shot scoring forward is an under statement as Brian Molloy accounted for all bar one point of the total, 4.06 from play, (some performance). Liam Kelly recorded the only other point. The team lead all the way until the last two  minutes when Loughrea got in for a few goals. This team can really put it up to anybody in the coming weeks starting with Clarenbridge next week.

Scorers: Brian Molloy 4.09, Liam Kelly 0.01.
Team Lineout: Daniel Mottrom, Evan Curley, Conor Cunningham, Tony Molloy, Glen Costello, Dara O'Donoghue, Ryan  Murray, Martin O'Brien, Conor Howard, Tommy Mottrom, Eoin Morrissey, Brian Molloy, Liam Kelly, Cillian Dowling, Noel Farrell.

Third victory in a row for Minor team after good second half performance against Michael Cusack's

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 1.15 Michael Cusacks 1.06

Kilnadeema/Leitrim and Michael Cusacks meet for the first time since last years Minor county final when they meet in the 2010 Minor A championship in Gort on Friday July 2nd. After recording a brilliant victory over Castlegar the previous week, Kilnadeema/Leitrim were expected to account for the South Galway side with relative ease but this was for from the way it turned out as Kilnadeema/Leitrim put in one of the worst thirty minutes one could imagine struggling to find any kind of form all over the field and this after making a very good start to the game. Dara Herlihy opened the scoring after three minutes with a point from play and then we were treated to some lovely team play which resulted in a Brian Molloy point from 40yrds. Everything seemed to be going well and that theory was strengthened after ten minutes when Shane Lawless shot low to the corner of the net and the perfect start was made. From here to half time everything started to go wrong, poor shooting, wrong decision making, no intensity and Enda Craddock started the Michael Cusacks comeback with a point from play after 13 mins. Tommy McKeon then pointed to close the gap to a goal. Martin Costello then scored a wonderful point for Kilnadeema/Leitrim to stop the comeback but this did not last long when Adrian Touhey pointed after 21 mins. Michael Cusacks were pressing very hard and were rewarded a close in free on 27 mins, up stepped goalie Steven Diviney to crash home a goal to level up the match. We then had a free for all involving many players before referee Joe Larkin restored order and ended the half on a score line of 1.03 each. We certainly hoped it would not get any worse in the second half. The remerged with a totally different focus and started to produce some of the hurling we have come to expect from them. Brian Molloy who was much more prominent in the second half opening the scoring with a lovely point from play to restore the lead. Shane Lawless followed this up with an equally good point three minutes later. Brendan Burke made sure Michael Cusacks were not going to go away when he pointed soon after before Brian Molloy shot over his third point after 10mins. At this stage Martin Costello in particular was beginning to dominate a large portion of the field and continued to make chances for his forwards. Adrian Touhey kept Michael Cusacks very much still in the match with another point from play a minute later. It was obvious at this stage that Kilnadeema/Leitrim were beginning to look more like themselves and from here to the finish they stepped it up considerably. Alvin Mitchell who really stormed into the game in the last 15 minutes shot over a brilliant point two minutes later before goalie Steven Diviney stepped up again to take another 21, this time he got no goal as he shot over the bar and with it Michael Cusacks chance had gone as they were totally out played from here to the finish. Martin Costello started it off with a great point from play. Midfield partner Alvin Mitchell then added his second. Niall Haverty also improved a lot in the second half  and shot over a super point after 24mins. Brian Molloy came to life again and added two neat points inside a minute. Alvin added his third a minute later and the scoring was complete by Niall Haverty righy at the end of the game to give us an unlikely final score line of 1.15 to 1.06. To sum this final result is very simple, one of the most important in minor level for many years as it sets us up now for a possible quarter final place depending on results. A special mention about the defence who were very good all through conceding only 1.06 for the second week running. Up next Clarenbridge as the big boys roll into town. A special mention about referee Joe Larkin who showed total common since near the end of the opening half when all hell broke loose, something more Referees could taker note of.

Scorers: Brian Molloy 0.05, Shane Lawless 1.01, Alvin Mitchell 0.03, Dara Herlihy 0.02, Martin Costello 0.02, Niall Haverty 0.02.
Team Lineout: Conor Cunningham, Conal Whelan, Conor Fahy, Niall McGinley, Stephen Farrell, James Conway, Dara O'Donoghue, Alvin Mitchell, Martin Costello, Dara Herlihy, Niall Haverty, John Callagy, Steven Bruton, Shane Lawless, Brian Molloy.
Subs used: Eoin Morrissey, Ryan Murray.


Salthill no match for Kilnadeema/Leitrim under 12's in second half

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 2.11 Salthill/Knocknacarra 2.01

Kilnadeema/Leitrim made certain of qualifying for the Under 12A quarter finals when they defeated Salthill/Knocknacarra in a group game in Leitrim on Tuesday June 29th. It was a convincing victory in the finish even though it was anybody's game at the break. The first score of the game didn't arrive until six minutes when Mikie Lynch scored a point from play. Scores were hard to come by and it we had to wait for another eight minutes before  we had another score when Kevin Roche scored a point from play. Salthill replied immediately with a pointed free. Kevin Roche added another point two minutes later which was to prove to be the last of the half as the score board read 0.03 to 0.01 at the break. What ever was said at half time really worked as Kilnadeema/Leitrim moved up a few gears even though it was Salthill who shocked Kilnadeema/Leitrim first with the games opening goal in the opening minute.  Kilnadeema/Leitrim responded very well and the vital goal breakthrough came three minutes into the second half when team captain Kevin Roche goaled to open up a small gap again. Niall Broderick added a point three minutes later and really killed off the game a minute after  when he scored his  teams second goal. Dylan Towolowi added another point and this was added to by points from Niall Broderick again and Mikie Lynch after 12 mins. Kevin Roche then shot over two more points, one from play. Salthill's reply was instant when they got in for their second goal. Kilnadeema/Leitrim had the final scores of the game through Kevin Roche and Mikie Lynch to leave the final score line a convincing 2.11 to 2.01. Next up it is Clarenbridge and much better will be required.

Scorers: Kevin Roche 1.05, Niall Broderick 1.02, Mikie Lynch 0.03, Dylan Towolowi 0.01.
Team Lineout: Evan Dowling, Gavin Kenny, Stephen Molloy, Eoin Monahan, Daniel McAllindan, Arron Murray, Christopher Mahony, Daniel Mahony, Dylan Towolowi, Luke Devine, Mikie Lynch, Conor Browne, Michael Shiel, Kevin Roche, Niall Broderick.

Moycullen hold Intermediate team to draw in final group game

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 1.14 Moycullen 1.14

Kilnadeema/Leitrim and Moycullen meet in the final group game of the Intermediate championship in Athenry on Sunday June 27th with very different interests in the game, a victory would guarantee Kilnadeema/Leitrim would top the group and qualify directly for the quarter final. For Moycullen their was only pride to play for as they were already out of the championship. What transpired was a very disappointing performance from Kilnadeema/Leitrim who found it very hard to get any pattern going in the game and were lucky in the end to scrap a draw against a very eager Moycullen side. A draw that will mean a probable place in the preliminary quarter finals. Kilnadeema/Leitrim played with the breeze in the opening half and shot the opening three points of the game through  Niall Tierney and Kevin Boyle from play and a Tom Tierney pointed free. Moycullen soon had it all level when corner forward Sean Callaghan punished poor marking to score a simple goal and Niall Mannion then put his side ahead with a point from play. Tom Tierney settled things down again with two points, one from play after 16 mins. Vinnie Flaherty leveled it up again straight away with another point from play. Mark Lydon then came up from centre half back to shoot them ahead before Eamon Coleman leveled the game again 0.06 to 1.03.Niall Tierney with his second point opened up a gap again before Gearoid Clancy took over for Moycullen when he scored three in a row, two from play to open up a two point lead and then it was three when Vinnie Flaherty added another great point into the breeze. Niall Tierney responded again with another good point after a great delivery from début boy James Conway. Tom Tierney added another point from play before Henry Lydon pointed again for Moycullen. Tom Tierney and Vinnie Flaherty shared the final scores of the half, both from free to leave it 0.10 to 1.09 at the change over. Michael Regan opened the scoring in the second half with a point after 6 mins before Christopher Hurney replied for the westerners with a point. Kilnadeema/Leitrim needed something to something to happen at this stage and it was a good David Tierney point that started it off. Then we had a shot from Michael Regan that was well saved by Michael Darcy before Regan reacted first to the rebound to crash home a vital goal and a two point lead. Moycullen dug in though and soon were level again through two Gearoid Clancy points from play and Vinnie Flaherty  then put them ahead with a pointed free. David Tierney leveled it up again with a wonderful point before Christopher Hurney looked like he had it won for Moycullen. Then up stepped minor star Dara Herlihy to save the day with a brilliant point from near the sideline to leave the final score line 1.14 each. it was a disappointing game for Kilnadeema/Leitrim and they still have a lot of work to do to have any chance later in the year.   

Scorers: Tom Tierney 0.06, Michael Regan 1.01, Niall Tierney 0.03, Dara Herlihy 0.01, Kevin Boyle 0.01
Team Lineout: Mark Herlihy, James Conway, Patrick Deely, David Spellman, Brian Gardiner, David Spaight, Mark Kelly,  Kevin Boyle, Eamon Coleman, Niall Tierney, David Tierney, Ruairi Costello, Dara Herlihy, Tom Tierney, Michael Regan.
Subs used: Sean Burke, Michael Flanagan.


Minors have runaway victory over Castlegar in championship

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 2.24 Castlegar 1.06

Kilnadeema/Leitrim minor team completed a fantastic weekend of victories over Castlegar club when they turned in a super performance in the Minor A championship which was played in Ballindereen on Friday June 25th. This victory was a performance of wonderful intensity and skill all through with many fine performances throughout the field, a special mention for under 15 stars Brian Molloy and Dara O'Donoghue who were wonderful. Brian shot ten points from play. Dara Herlihy opened the scoring with a point from play in the opening minute before Dean Higgins did likewise for Castlegar. Brian Molloy then shot over his first point after 8mins, one of some brilliant scores he produced. Dara added a pointed free before Steven Bruton shot over a mighty point from out near the sideline after 12 mins. Brian Molloy with a point from play and another Dara Herlihy pointed free left five in it after 18 mins. Brian Molloy with three points and Dara Herlihy  with two points, all from play increased the lead by the 26 min to 0.11 to 0.01. Have come close to getting a goal before this Niall Haverty made no mistake when blasting home a minute later. Dean Higgins with a free and Dara Herlihy with another point from play came the scoreboard ticking over. In fairness to Castlegar and in particular Dean Higgins they did not give up and Dean added three points before the break all from play. Dara Herlihy had the final say in the opening half with a pointed 65' to leave his side well ahead at the break 1.13 to 0.05. Further problems arose for Castlegar straight after half time when Shane Lawless broke away from his marker to score another goal. Brian Molloy continued to score at will in this half and added another point after 5 mins. Alvin Mitchell then got in on the act with a lovely point from centre half forward. Brian Molloy again and Dara Herlihy with a pointed free left eighteen points between the sides after 15 minutes. Dean Higgins then scored a lucky goal for Castlegar which went all the way in from 70 yrds. Kilnadeema/Leitrim responded immediately with many more wonderful scores. Brian Molloy with two from play and Alvin Mitchell again pilled on the misery before Higgins pointed a free. Brian Molloy with his tenth  point from play followed before we had a wonderful point from Niall Haverty on the run. Dara Herlihy as he had opened the scoring also closed it with a pointed 65' in injury time to leave the final score line reading 2.24 to 1.06. This was a brilliant performance from all concerned and it it on now to Michael Cusacks next game in the teams quest to make the quarter finals.

Scorers: Brian Molloy 0.10, Dara Herlihy 0.10, Niall Haverty 1.01, Shane Lawless 1.00, Alvin Mitchell 0.02, Steven Bruton 0.01.    
Team Lineout: Conor Cunningham, Conal Whelan, Conor Fahy, Niall McGinley, Stephen Farrell, James Conway, Dara O'Donoghue, Alvin Mitchell, Martin Costello, Dara Herlihy, Niall Haverty, John Callagy, Steven Bruton, Shane Lawless, Brian Molloy.
Subs used: Cillian Dowling, Ryan Murray, Tommy Mottrom, Glen Costello.

Wonderful victory over  Castlegar keeps under 12's in top spot

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 2.03 Castlegar 0.02

Kilnadeema/Leitrim and Castlegar served up a wonderful exciting game in the Under 12A championship when they meet in Castlegar on Thursday June 24th. This was a clash of two of the best sides in the competition and  after been treated to a very skilful performance Kilnadeema/Leitrim came out on top. The game was very keenly contested all through with a notable amount of ground hurling from both sides but particularly from Kilnadeema/Leitrim who were much sharper than in their first two games.  Kilnadeema/Leitrim were first to have the assistance of the breeze on a very warm evening and scores proved very hard to come by in this half. Kevin Roche opened the scoring after 5 mins with a point from play. jack Coyne, who was very impressive all through for Castlegar leveled up the game with a pointed free soon after. The game was very competitive all through and we had to wait eleven minutes for the next score when Kevin Roche to a great pass from Mikie Lynch to shot over a point. This proved to be the last score of the half  as the final whistle sounded at 2pts to 1pt.kilnadeema/Leitrim made the big breakthrough after four minutes of the second half when Kevin Roche reacted first to a breaking ball to crash home a good goal. We wondered how Castlegar would respond  and what happened next was not what they needed when star defender Daniel Kenny was red carded for a late challenge on Daniel Mahony, unusual occurrence at Under 12 level. Kilnadeema/Leitrim made a great save from a Jack Coyne 21 mtr free after 15 mins and a minute later the game was over as a contest when Kevin Roche goaled again. Mikie Lynch had the final say in the game when he pointed in injury time as the final whistle sound on a score line of 2.03 to 0.02. 

Scorers: Kevin Roche 2.02, Mikie Lynch 0.01.
Team Lineout: Evan Dowling, Gavin Kenny, Stephen Molloy, Eoin Monahan, Daniel McAllindan, Arron Murray, Christopher Mahony, Daniel Mahony, Dylan Towolowi, Luke Devine, Mikie Lynch, Conor Browne, Michael Shiel, Kevin Roche, Niall Broderick.

Two in a row for Under 12 Rionn 5 team after victory over Castlegar

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 3.00 Castlegar 1.03

These are great times for Kilnadeema/Leitrim Under 12 teams as they recorded a double victory over Castlegar. This time it was our second team which recovered well to eventually defeat the city team. Goals from Vinnie Kenny, Conor Molloy and Alfie Davies got the result required.

Scorers: Vinnie Kenny 1.00, Conor Molloy 1.00. Alfie Davies 1.00.
Team Lineout:   Shane Skelly ,Jack Egan, Ruairi Kelly,  John Shiel  Darragh Fahy, Shane Lyons,Vinnie Kenny, Brian Loughnane, Brian Lawless, Kelvin Fahy Alfie Davies , Mark Holohan, Cathal Flynn,Conor Molloy, Francis Larkin. 
 

Under 12's continue with victory over neighbours Loughrea

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 4.04 Loughrea 2.02
Kilnadeema/Leitrim continued to put points on the board in a less than convincing victory over Loughrea in the Under 12A championship on Monday June 21st in Loughrea, this was their third meeting in a few weeks with Kilnadeema/Leitrim coming out on top each time. Kilnadeema/Leitrim elected to play into a strongest breeze in the opening half and soon were on top. Kevin Roche opened the scoring with a pointed free after 2 mins. Mikie Lynch, who had played in Croke Park the previous day in the School's mini games scored a brilliant goal a minute later after a great move. Mark McManus replied for Loughrea with a lovely point from play. Kevin Roche then pointed a good point from play for Kilnadeema/Leitrim. Darragh Curley who is a classy player for Loughrea scored a pointed free after 13mins. it was all looking very good for Kilnadeema/Leitrim coming up to half time until a poor defensive mistake lead to a soft goal for Daniel Staunton to leave the score at the break 1.02 each. With the wind at their back in the second half it was expected the Kilnadeema/Leitrim would move up a gear and Luke Devine gave them the perfect start  with a point from play in the opening minute. Darragh Curley replied with a pointed free before corner forward Niall Broderick crashed home a brilliant goal a minute later. Mikie Lynch then scored a lovely point from play after 8 mins. It was at this point that captain Kevin Roche led by example with two goal, the first a long range shot which deceived the goalie after 12mins and the second a minute later when he finished a shot which Mikie Lynch had saved by the goalie. At this stage the team seemed to take the foot of the gas and Loughrea attacked at will with Darragh Curley leading by example, he scored a goal and a point, both from free's to leave the final score reading 4.04 to 2.04.Two games and two wins with Castlegar up next. 

Scorers: Kevin Roche 2.02, Mikie Lynch 1.01, Luke Devine 0.01
Team Lineout: Evan Dowling, Gavin Kenny, Stephen Molloy, Eoin Monahan, Daniel McAllindan, Arron Murray, Christopher Mahony, Daniel Mahony, Dylan Towolowi, Luke Devine, Mikie Lynch, Conor Browne, Michael Shiel, Kevin Roche, Niall Broderick.

Great run continues as Junior C team topple leaders Ballindereen

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 0.12 Ballindereen 0.09
Kilnadeema/Leitrim Junior C team continued their great start to the championship with a three point victory over group leaders Ballindereen in Leitrim on Friday June 18th. The team were forced to make four changes from their last victory over Liam Mellows. Team veteran John Flanagan opened the scoring with a point from play after the opening minute, he was to retire injured later in the half, a big blow to the team. Ballindereen replied with two quick fire points from play after 6 mins before Brian Flynn scored a wonderful point from play a few minutes later. Peter Gallagher put Ballindereen back in front with a point from play and they doubled their lead through Liam Corcoran soon after. Sean Coakley , a new addition to the team in this game then scored two delightful points from play to level up the game again. Ballindereen restored the lead from play before Niall Haverty scored the first of two 65's and Michael Geargthy then put his team ahead with a lovely point from play. Michael McLoughlin soon added another point from play before Ballindereen scored again to leave the half time score 0.07 to 0.06. Ballindereen levelled up the game again straight after half time before Michael Geargthy replied with a pointed free. Ballindereen did not go away and soon were level again before Alan mannion shot over a great point into the breeze. Brian Flynn the team captain then pointed an equally brilliant point to open up a small lead. Niall Haverty with his second 65' and Michael Geargthy with another pointed free left four between the sides with time almost up. Liam Corcoran had the final score of the game for Ballindereen to leave the score board reading 0.12 to 0.09. This was a very good and important victory which should qualify the team for the quarter finals. 

Scorers: Michael Geargthy 0.03, Sean Coakley 0.02, Niall Haverty 0.02, Brian Flynn 0.02, Michael McLoughlin 0.01, John Flanagan 0.01, Alan Mannion 0.01.
Team Lineout: Frankie Burke, Cathal Farrell, Nicholas Flannery, Eoin Walsh, Richard Meeney,  Cathal Nevin, Michael McLoughlin, Niall Haverty, Conal Whelan,  Alan Mannion, John Flanagan,  Sean Coakley, Brian Flynn, Niall Shaughnessy, Michael Geargthy.
Subs used: Martin Costello, Steven Bruton, Niall McGinley.

 Club field two teams in Under 12 for first time and get a great start

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 3.11 Oranmore/Maree 1.01

Under 12 team too strong for Turloughmore in opening championship game

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 8.12 Turloughmore 0.00

Kilnadeema/Leitrim Under 12 side opened their A championship campaign with a very one sided victory over Turloughmore in Leitrim on Monday June 14th. Kilnadeema/Leitrim with a team that is expected to go very close to ultimate success in this competition were in a different class to the North Galway side who looked completely out of their depth. After a slow start Kevin Roche opened the scoring with a point from play after 4mins. Michael Shiel quickly added a second before the first goal arrived when Centre Half Forward Mikie Lynch got on the end of a good move to crash home after 7mins. Niall Broderick was in like a flash a minute later to score a second after the goalie failed to deal with a long shot. Lynch then added another point from play before Kevin Roche showed his real class pointing three times, two from play. Niall Broderick was enjoying his new roll at corner forward and soon added another goal after been set up by Roche. Mikie Lynch with a point from play and a Kevin Roche free had the team 3.08 to no score up after 17mins. Mikie Lynch was soon adding another point as he continued to torment the Turloughmore defence and Niall Broderick completed his hatrick with a 40 yard shot right on half time. Kevin Roche completed the scoring with another point to leave the half time score 4.10 to no score. Mikie Lynch, who will compete in Croke Park on Sunday in the half time mini games continued to show his class with a goal and a point inside 5 mins of the restart. Midfielder Dylan Towolowi then scored a long range goal. Luke Devine added a point before Alfie Daly scored another goal for the team. Kevin Roche had the last say with another goal near the finish. This was a nightmare for Turloughmore, a club that was winning the Under 14 A title the previous day. Kilnadeema/Leitrim will not have learned much from this final score line of 8.12 to no score and much tougher days lay ahead.

Scorers: Niall Broderick 3.00, Kevin Roche 1.06, Mikie Lynch 1.04, Dylan Towolowi 1.00, Alfie Davies 1.00, Michael Shiel 0.01, Luke Devine 0.01.
Team Lineout: Evan Dowling, Gavin Kenny, Stephen Molloy, Eoin Monahan, Daniel McAllindan, Arron Murray, Christopher Mahony, Daniel Mahony, Dylan Towolowi, Luke Devine, Mikie Lynch, Conor Browne, Michael Shiel, Kevin Roche, Niall Broderick.

Leitrim win National school's title against Moylough

Leitrim N.S 6.02 Moylough 1.00

Leitrim National School won their first title in twelve years when they easily defeated Moylough school in the final which was played in Killimor on Wednesday June 9th. Leitrim fielding a very experienced 9 a side team were always on top. Jack Kenny opened the scoring after two minutes with a goal. Niall Broderick followed this up with another goal shortly after. It was all too easy and Jack Kenny got his second a minute later. Team captain Shane Fahy then came up from defence to get a fourth goal after 10mins. Substitutes were now come on at regular intervals as all players took a break. Jack Kenny completed his hatrick right on halftime to leave the score reading 5.0 to no score. The second half was a very easy going affair with Leitrim doing as they wished. Jack Kenny opened the scoring with a point from play and added another goal after 4mins. Mikie Lynch then came up from defence to score a point from a free. Moylough kept trying and got a goal back near the finish as referee Andrew Keary blew the final whistle on a final score of 6.02 to 1.00. This was a really good victory for a very classy team. man of the match was Mikie Lynch who got a trip to Croke Park as his reward.

Scorers: Jack Kenny 4.01, Niall Broderick 1.00, Shane Fahy 1.00, Mikie Lynch 0.01.   
Team lineout: Darragh Fahy, Dessie Griffin, Mikie Lynch, Shane Fahy, Christopher Mahony, Daniel Mahony, Vinnie Kenny, Niall Broderick, Jack Kenny.
Subs used: Niall Collins, Francis Stewart, Deano Gately, Jordon O'Shaughnessy, Charlie Mahony, Kelvin Fahy.

Intermediate team confirm top position in league with win over Clarenbridge

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 3.14 Clarenbridge 1.11

Scorers: David Tierney 1.03, Niall Tierney 1.01, Dara Herlihy 0.03, Michael Flanagan 0.02, Ruairi Costello 0.01, Brian Gardiner 0.01, Eamon Coleman 0.01, Kevin Boyle 0.01, Tom Tierney 0.01

Team Lineout: Mark Herlihy, Patrick Deely,  Liam Geargthy, Michael Donoghue, Brian Gardiner, Kevin Boyle, Mark Kelly,  Michael Regan,  Eamon Coleman,  Niall Tierney, David Tierney, Ruairi Costello, Dara Herlihy, Tom Tierney, Michael Flanagan.
sub used: Aiden Spaight
Ten point victory for Junior B team may be good enough to reach knockout stage

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 3.10 Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry 0.09

Kilnadeema/Leitrim continued their good form in the Junior B championship recording their third win when they took on Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry in Killimor on Bank Holiday Monday June 7th. This was a typical derby game with exchanges tight for most of the match until Kilnadeema/Leitrim pulled away in the end. Kevin Molloy opened the scoring for his side with a pointed free after Jason Collins was fouled. Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry replied with a point from play from Frank Lillis which was quickly followed by a brilliant point from Brian Costello after a pass from Tony Kelly. Shane Lawless then put his side two points ahead when he scored after he was set up by a good pass out of defence from Mark Whelan. Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry responded with two Andrew Burke points, one from play to level up the game again. Burke was to be Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry's most dangerous player. One of the scores of the day was to follow when Kevin Molloy picked out Michael Donoghue with an excellent pass before Donoghue saw his shot hit the post, Shane Lawless was quickest to respond to the rebound when he first timed his effort over the bar when a goal may have been possible. Kilnadeema/Leitrim were now starting to get on top and a great run  through the defence by Tony Kelly resulted in a well taken goal when he shot to the roof of the net after 20 mins. Tony then shot a point from play to add to his goal. Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry pointed a free from Burke to leave the scoring at the end of the first half, Kilnadeema/Leitrim 1.05 Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry 0.04. Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry started the second half strongly with two points from Andrew Burke, one of which came from play. Kilnadeema/Leitrim responded well with a Brian Costello point from play and another Tony Kelly point after been set up by Shane Lawless to restore a 4- point lead. Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry then hit a purple patch with the next three points. Jason Collins scored an excellent point after a great run through the defence which was followed by a Michael Donoghue point from a free. Substitute Tom Barrett then scored a brilliant point off his left after a good pass out of defence by captain Ramie Larkin. Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry replied with a good point, again from Andrew Burke. Danny Burke put in a good low ball to Tom Barrett who turned his man and finished to the net from close range to give his side some breathing space. Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry responded with another Burke point from play before Shane lawless put the icing on the cake when he goaled after a good pass from Eoin O'Toole to leave the final score, Kilnadeema/Leitrim 3.10 Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry 0.09. Kilnadeema/Leitrim are now half through their group games and remain top of the group. They will look to continue their 100% record when they take on An Spiddal in the next round. 

Scorers: Shane Lawless 1.02, Tony Kelly 1.02, Tom Barrett 1.01, Brian Costello 0.02, Kevin Molloy 0.01, Jason Collins 0.01, Michael Donoghue 0.01
Team Lineout:  Paul Howard, Kevin Kelly, Mark Costello,   Eoin Larkin, Mark Whelan, Ramie Larkin, Gearoid Whelan,  Brian Daniels, Daniel Burke, Jason Collins, Tony Kelly, Brian Costello, Michael Donoghue, Kevin Molloy, Shane Lawless.
Subs used: Tom Barrett, Alan Flaherty, Eoin O'Toole, Damien Donoghue.

Intermediate team qualify for knockout stage after overturning Ballygar

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 3.21 Ballygar 0.11

Duggan Park, Ballinasloe on a very sunny Sunday afternoon on June 6th provided the setting for the meeting of Kilnadeema/Leitrim and Ballygar in the Intermediate hurling championship, and while competitive for over forty minutes, the game was easily won in the end by a far more skilful Kilnadeema/Leitrim side and in doing so have qualified for at least a pre-quarterfinal place later in the year. The team took a long while to get into their stride, especially in the opening half when many chances were missed. This improved a lot in the second half. One of Ballygar's best players was Stephen Lohan, a man with Kilnadeema connections opened the scoring with a pointed free in the opening minute. Kevin Boyle replied immediately with a point from play. Dara Herlihy really came of age in this game as he took on the responsibility of free taking  close in and he duly obliged with a pointed free after 5 mins. Ruairi Costello added a point from play a minute later before Paul McArdle replied with two points in quick succession for Ballygar, both from play to level up the game. Dara Herlihy replied again with another pointed free as exchanges got tough. David Carty then pointed another from play for Ballygar with 19mins played. Stephen Lohan and Dara then exchanged pointed free's as the teams were still level after 23 mins. Tom Tierney, who had missed a few chances up to this stage soon showed how good he is with a really brilliant point from near the sideline. Dara added another point from a free before Niall Tierney shot over a lovely point from distance. with the game still in the balance Dara Herlihy scored a crucial goal after 30 mins when he ran through the defence. Michael Flanagan then took a pass from Tom Tierney to score a lovely point on the run before David Carty scored his second point for Ballygar right on half time to leave the score at the break 1.09 to 0.07. You would have expected Kilnadeema/Leitrim to push on from here, but they started slowly again in this half as Ballygar through three Stephen Lohan free's to a loan Kevin Boyle point from play by the 4th minute left just a goal between the sides. his was as good as it got for Ballygar though as Kilnadeema/Leitrim turned up the pace and skill to push the north Galway side aside. Dara Herlihy started it off with a pointed free before David Tierney with two good points and a first point from play from Dara left seven points between the sides after 14 minutes. Dara and Stephen Lohan then exchanged pointed free's before Ruairi Costello scored a second point from play when a goal might have been possible.  Tom Tierney then scored a long range pointed free followed by a '65 after 24 mins. Michael Regan who was just introduced as a substitute was unlucky to slip when a goal chance presented it self, he made amends soon after with a point from play. Just when we though that might be it, we were treated to two brilliant goals when first David Tierney caught a long Kevin Boyle delivery to score a super goal and a minute later brother Tom broke through the defence to crash home a great goal. Dara Herlihy who starred all day fittingly got the last two scores of the game, two points, one from play to leave the final tally 3.21 to 0.11. This was a workmanlike performance by a good team and they now look forward to playing Moycullen with victory almost certainly guarantying a quarter final spot.

Scorers: Dara Herlihy 1.09, Tom Tierney 1.03, David Tierney 1.02, Ruairi Costello 0.02, Kevin Boyle 0.02, Niall Tierney 0.01, Michael Flanagan 0.01, Michael Regan 0.01
Team Lineout: Mark Herlihy, Patrick Deely,  Liam Geragthy,  David Spellman, Brian Gardiner, David Spaight, Mark Kelly,  Kevin Boyle,   Eamon Coleman,  Niall Tierney, David Tierney, Ruairi Costello, Dara Herlihy, Tom Tierney, Michael Flanagan.
Subs used: Michael Regan and Sean Burke
 

Junior C team bounce back with big win over Liam Mellows

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 3.13 Liam Mellows 0.04

After the disappointment of a one point defeat last weekend to Tommie Larkins, Kilnadeema/Leitrim Junior C team picked themselves up five days later to record a emphatic victory over Liam Mellows in Ballyloughane on Friday June 4th. After Paul Mitchell opened the scoring early on for the hosts, Tom Barrett shot over a lovely equaliser. Mellows lead again shortly after with another point. Kilnadeema/Leitrim who were playing with a strongest breeze were slow to settle, especially in the forward line and it took until the 16th minute for the team to come to life when Tom Barrett again provided the vital score, this time a goal after catching a long John Flanagan delivery. Niall Shaughnessy then scored a lovely point from play. Niall Haverty showed the forwards how to score on 19 mins with a brilliant long range point. Goal number two eventually arrived when John Flanagan scrambled home a goal bound shot. Brian Flynn added a point soon after before Michael Geargthy took over scoring a brilliant point and then a third goal after Brian Flynn did all the hard work to leave the half time score 3.05 to 0.02. Paul Mitchell who was to have an eventful second half for Liam Mellows in more ways than one soon opened the second half scoring with two points. This was the half that John Flanagan really rolled back the years as he shot over some brilliant points from play, four in all in the second half. Brian Flynn, Niall Shaughnessy, and Colm Kelly with two were other point scorers for Kilnadeema/Leitrim. The half was spoiled by some reckless pulling from Liam Mellows players which resulted in bad injuries for Niall Haverty and Ian Burns. Paul Mitchell eventually saw red from the referee, a bit too late i feel. All in all it was a good performance from this improving team with the future looking bright as the final score line showed 3.13 to 0.04.

Scorers: John Flanagan 1.04, Michael Geargthy 1.01, Tom Barrett 1.01, Niall Shaughnessy 0.02, Brian Flynn 0.02, Colm Kelly 0.02, Niall Haverty 0.01.
Team Lineout: Frankie Burke, Cathal Farrell, Ian Burns, Eoin Walsh, David Shaughnessy,  Cathal Nevin, Shane Curley, Niall Haverty, Alan Mannion,  Colm Kelly, Tom Barrett, Niall Shaughnessy, Brian Flynn, John Flanagan, Michael Geargthy.
Subs Used: Adrian Comer, Michael McLoughlin, Gerard Flynn, Sean Coakley, Niall McGinley.

End of season disappointment for Under 14 team as Loughrea win quarter final

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 1.03 Loughrea 1.13

Kilnadeema/Leitrim Under 14 team had their season ended in disappointment when they were defeated by a much better Loughrea side the quarter final of the championship in Craughwell on Monday May 31st. Loughrea who had already contested the Feile na nGeal final a few weeks previous were on top from the first whistle and soon built up a eleven point lead a half time 1.10 to 0.02. Liam Kelly scored the Kilnadeema/Leitrim points, both from free's while we saw some brilliant points from Loughrea through Gearoid Loughnane, James Craven, and the Keary brothers with Loughnane getting the goal. Kilnadeema/Leitrim did better in the second half and actually won the half 1.01 to 0.03. Liam Kelly again was the score getter with the goal coming from a penalty as the final whistle sounded on a score line of 1.13 to 1.03. This was a learning year for a lot of these players and it will stand to them in the future. 

Scorer: Liam Kelly 1.03
Team Lineout: Evan Dowling, Ciaran Connor, Patrick Halpin,  Mikie Lynch, Stephen Molloy, Stephen Roche, Niall Broderick, Daniel Mottrom, Mark Lawless, Shane Fahy, Liam Kelly, Kevin Roche,  Justin Moran, Dylan Towolowi,  Jack Kenny.
Subs used: Eanna Shalvey, Aaron Murray.

Unlucky defeat in opening round of Junior C championship

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 1.11 Tommie Larkins 1.12
Junior C championship hurling returned for Kilnadeema/Leitrim when they took on Tommie Larkins in the opening round of the competition on Sunday May 30th in Leitrim. Under the management of John Geargthy, a new enthusiasm was evident this year with many new players mixing with the not so young. On a perfect morning for hurling Kilnadeema/Leitrim the better start and lead early on through points from play from both Michael Geargthy and Colm Kelly. James Hickey who was Tommie Larkins best player all through replied with a point before Kelly again pointed, this time from a free. Niall Shaughnessy then put over a very good point from play. Just when they were beginning to dominate, Tommie Larkins goaled when James Hickey connected a 65 for his team to shoot past Frankie burke to level up the game after 15 mins. Niall Shaughnessy produced another wonderful point a minute later before Colm Kelly pointed a free. James hickey and Trevor Keown then pointed for the visitors to level up the game again. further points followed from  Michael Flynn and Denis Cormican as Tommie Larkins began to put their stamp on the game. The final score of the half was a lovely point from play from Michael Geargthy to leave the half time score reading 1.05 to 0.07.Niall Haverty, not known for his free taking skills opened the second half scoring with a might point from a free. Tommie Larkins quickly replied before Michael Geargthy levelled up the game after 5 mins. This period of the game was when Tommie Larkins sowed the seeds for victory in the game with four unanswered points by the 17th minute. John Flanagan stopped the rote with a point from play before substitute Kevin Cooney shot over two points from play for Tommie Larkins in quick succession. John Flanagan pointed again after 28 minutes before excitement reached fever pitch a minute later when captain Brian Flynn goaled in a goalmouth scramble to leave just a point between the sides. Referee John Murphy sounded the final whistle immediately on a final score line of 1.12 to 1.11. This was good start to the championship for this new team and hopely they can pick up a victory next weekend.  

Scorers: Brian Flynn 1.00, Michael Geargthy 0.03, Colm Kelly 0.03, John Flanagan 0.02, Niall Shaughnessy 0.02, Niall Haverty 0.01.
Team Lineout: Frankie Burke, Shane Curley, Nicholas Flannery, Eoin Walsh, David Shaughnessy, Ian Burns, Cathal Nevin, Adrian Comer, Niall Haverty, Alan Mannion, John Flanagan, Colm Kelly, Brian Flynn, Niall Shaughnessy, Michael Geargthy.
Subs used: Cathal Farrell, Conal Whelan, Richard Meeney.

Niall Shaughnessy prepares to shoot another point for Kilnadeema/Leitrim Junior C team

Top of the table clash results in victory over Ardrahan  for Junior B team

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 0.14 Ardrahan 2.05

Kilnadeema-Leitrim went in search of their second win in the Junior B championship when they took on Ardrahan in Kilbeacanty on Friday May 28th.
With both teams winning their opening games this was always going to be a hard fought encounter with top place in the group the prize for the winners. Ardrahan were first to score with a point from play from their wing forward who unfortunately had to retire injured soon after. Kilnadeema-Leitrim responded well with a well taken point from play from Shane Lawless followed by a Kevin Molloy pointed free after Jason Collins was fouled. Jason Collins then pointed on the run after a pass from Michael Donoghue to put his side 2 points in front. Ardrahan then responded with a point from a free. Kilnadeema-Leitrim then hit a purple patch scoring the next 3 points. An inspirational Kevin Molloy point from out on the right wing was followed by a great Tony Kelly point from play after great pressure from the Kilnadeema-Leitrim forwards forced the Ardrahan defender to lose possession. A good Mark Whelan pass found Shane Lawless who pointed to put his side 4 points in front. Ardrahan stemmed the tide however with a point from a free. Brian Daniels responded with a good point from play. Kilnadeema-Leitrim were on top at this stage and a superb long range point from wing back Gearoid Whelan lifted his team even further with half time approaching. Ardrahan were given a life line however when they goaled just before the break to leave the half time scores, Kilnadeema-Leitrim 0.08 Ardrahan 1.03.
Kilnadeema-Leitrim opened the scoring in the second half when Kevin Molloy pointed a free after Michael Donoghue was fouled. This was followed by a good Brian Costello point after a good pass from Brian Daniels. Ardrahan responded well however with a point from play and another goal which was scored straight from a close range free to leave the scores level. Kilnadeema-Leitrim edged in front with another Molloy free which was won by the hardworking Jason Collins. Ardrahan responded again with a point to break even and one wondered at this stage if a draw was on the cards. Kilnadeema-Leitrim found an extra gear however and when Shane Lawless was fouled Kevin Molloy was coolness personified when he pointed from a tight angle to put his side in front. Captain Ramie Larkin was then fouled coming out of his defence and up stepped Molloy again like he has done so many times for his club down through the years to slot a super long range free between the posts. Molloy then turned provider setting up Jason Collins who put his side 3 points in front when he scored a great point from play to cap a fine performance. A long run by Shane Lawless then set up Kevin Molloy who was unfortunate to see his goal effort hit the post to give the south Galway men some hope. Ardrahan tried hard put could not penetrate the Kilnadeema-Leitrim defence who again held tight when under pressure. This is a great start for Martin Flynn and his team who now face Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry in the next round where local rivalry will surely result in another close encounter.

Scorers: Kevin Molloy 0.06 (5f), Shane Lawless 0.02, Jason Collins 0.02, Tony Kelly 0.01, Brian Costello 0.01, Brian Daniels 0.01, Gearoid Whelan 0.01.
Team Lineout:  Paul Howard, Mark Costello, Fergal Conneely,  Eoin Larkin, Mark Whelan, Ramie Larkin, Gearoid Whelan,  Brian Daniels, Gary Winters, Jason Collins, Tony Kelly, Brian Costello, Michael Donoghue, Kevin Molloy, Shane Lawless.
Subs used: Danny Burke.
 

Under 14's qualify for quarter-finals after victory over St Thomas

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 5.04 St Thomas 2.02

Kilnadeema/Leitrim Under 14 team qualified for the quarter finals of the A championship after a comprehensive victory St Thomas in Leitrim on Monday May 24th. In a winner take all group game Kilnadeema/Leitrim proved to be much too strong as the scores came much easier to them. Liam Kelly opened the scoring with the first goal after four minutes when he ran through the defence before crashing home a great goal. Liam followed this up three minutes later with a similar score to give his team a perfect start. The goals continued to come and corner forward Jack Kenny was next to score when he had an easy tap in. In a half of goals St Thomas goaled soon after through Eoin Kelly, who surprisingly was taken off immediately. Mark Lawless shot over the first point of the game right on half time to leave the score reading 3.01 to 1.00. St Thomas came more in to the game in the second half and soon pointed a long range free from Conor Fahy. A Minute normal service was resumed as kevin Roche raised another green flag. Jack Kenny then added his second goal after 7 mins. Joseph Caulfield soon scored another goal for St Thomas. Daniel Mottrom was dominating at midfield and soon shot a great point from play. Conor Fahy with another free scored the last point for the visitors. Further points followed for Kilnadeema/Leitrim from Mottrom again, Liam Kelly and Kevin Roche to leave the final margin an eleven point victory 5.04 to 2.02. it was great to qualify for the quarter finals for such a young team which will be most likely against Loughrea.

Scorers: Liam Kelly 2.01, Jack Kenny 2.00, Kevin Roche 1.01 Daniel Mottrom 0.02, Mark Lawless 0.01.
Team Lineout: Evan Dowling, Ciaran Connor, Patrick Halpin,  Mikie Lynch, Stephen Molloy, Stephen Roche, Niall Broderick, Daniel Mottrom, Mark Lawless, Shane Fahy, Liam Kelly, Kevin Roche, Paul Holohan, Justin Moran, Jack Kenny.
Subs used: Declan Chahin, Colm Callagy, Eanna Shalvey.
 

Ciaran Connor puts in a good clearance against St Thomas

Great start to championship for Junior B team as Clarenbridge are blown away

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 4.11 Clarenbridge 0.04

Kilnadeema/Leitrim opened their Junior B championship campaign when they took on Clarenbridge in Loughrea on Saturday May 22nd. Kilnadeema/Leitrim had been on a great run recently in the Junior B league qualifying for the quarter-final in a few weeks time. This Junior B championship game proved to be a one sided affair as Kilnadeema/Leitrim stamped their authority on this game early on which helped them to get their championship campaign off to a winning start. Even against the breeze Kilnadeema/Leitrim dominated in the first half as their solid defence held Clarenbridge scoreless from play. In the early stages of the first half the Kilnadeema/Leitrim full forward line got some great ball from Garry Winters and Brian Daniels in the midfield area, which allowed the speedy Shane Lawless to carve open the Clarenbridge defence at every opportunity. The first point came from Lawless after Jason Collins forced a good save from the Clarenbridge custodian. A Speculative Jason Collins shot then found the net with Kevin Molloy possibly getting the final touch. A Kevin Molloy pointed free after an excellent point following a foul on captain ramie Larkin from a tight angle by Shane lawless .Lawless then hit there net, which was set up by a strong run from Michael Donoghue from out on the wing. A Great move started when Brian Daniels caught a Paul Howard puck out and played an excellent ball to full forward Kevin Molloy who forced a good save. Clarenbridge scored three pointed free's throughout the first half. Kevin Molloy finished the first half scoring for his team with a pointed free after a foul on the tormenting lawless to leave the half time score line Kilnadeema/Leitrim 4.04 Clarenbridge 0.03. Kilnadeema/Leitrim continued to dominate on the score board in the second half with a good Tony Kelly point from play after a good pass from Jason Collins followed by two excellent Michael Donoghue points from play after some strong running. A Superb Brian Costello pass then found Kevin Molloy who slotted over a well taken point from play. The Kilnadeema/Leitrim scoring was wrapped up by points from Michael Donoghue penalty, a good Brian Daniels score from play and a Molloy free. Clarenbridge tried valiantly to get back into the contest but the hardworking Kilnadeema/Leitrim defence snuffed out various opportunities throughout the second half only giving one point away, this from play in thirty minutes. This was a good start for martin Flynn's team which is something that had been lacking in previous Junior B campaigns. Next up is another South Galway team, Ardrahan, who also had a a comprehensive win in their opening game , a mouth water game in prospect.  

Scorers: Kevin Molloy 1.04, Shane Lawless 1.02, Tony Kelly 1.01, Jason Collins 1.00, Michael Donoghue 0.03, Brian Daniels 0.01.
Team Lineout:  Paul Howard, Mark Costello, Fergal Conneely,  Eoin Larkin, Mark Whelan, Ramie Larkin, Gearoid Whelan,  Brian Daniels, Garry Winters, Jason Collins, Tony Kelly, Brian Costello, Michael Donoghue, Kevin Molloy, Shane Lawless.
Subs used: James Conway, Kevin Kelly, Cathal Shiel.

Under 14 team over run by strong Gort side

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 1.01 Gort 4.12

Scorers: Liam Kelly 1.01
Team Lineout: Evan Dowling, Ciaran Connor, Stephen Roche,  Mikie Lynch, Stephen Molloy, Patrick Halpin, Niall Broderick, Daniel Mottrom, Mark Lawless, Dylan Towolowi, Liam Kelly, Kevin Roche, Shane Fahy, Justin Moran, Aaron Murray.
Subs used: Declan Chahin, Paul Holohan, Colm Callagy, Eoin Monahan.

Junior B team reach quarter final of league

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 6.16  Salthill 2.10

Scorers: Michael Donoghue 2.05, Shane Lawless 2.03, Tony Kelly 1.00, Brian Costello 1.00, Brian Daniels 0.03, Gearoid Whelan 0.01, Alan Flaherty 0.01, Eoin O'Toole 0.01, Cathal Shiel 0.01, Daniel Burke 0.01.
Team Lineout:  Michael Geargthy, Mark Costello, Fergal Conneely,  Eoin Larkin, Mark Whelan, Ramie Larkin, Gearoid Whelan,  Brian Daniels, Garry Winters, Jason Collins, Tony Kelly, Danny Burke, Michael Donoghue, Cathal Shiel, Shane Lawless.
Subs used: Alan Flaherty, Eoin O'Toole, Kevin Kelly, Niall O'Shaughnessy, Brian Costello.

Missed chance as Intermediate team draw with Cappataggle

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 1.13 Cappataggle 1.13

Kilnadeema/Leitrim Intermediate team will be kicking themselves for not seeing out this game when they lead by three with ten minutes left to play and were lucky to survive in the end with a draw against senior relegated side Cappataggle in the Intermediate championship in Loughrea on Saturday May 8th.Having already defeated Ballindereen in the opening round, the team were hopeful of another victory here,  but even though playing with the breeze they did not start very well and found themselves behind at halftime. David Burns opened the scoring with a point from play for Cappataggle in the opening minute before Michael Regan replied with a double for Kilnadeema/Leitrim, both points from play. Tom Tierney added a point from a free before Kieran Finn and Damien Joyce had Cappataggle level again. The first big score of the day arrived midway through the half when Patrick Egan goaled for Cappataggle to give them the edge. David Tierney, Ruairi Costello, Kevin Boyle and Tom Tierney all had points from play in the closing minutes of the half with Tom also adding a '65 and a free. Cappataggle had points from Damien Joyce, James Garvey, Kieran Finn with two, Michael Broderick and Alan Dolan to retire at halftime leading 1.10 to 0.09. This looked a good position for the Cappy men but they almost fell apart in the first twenty minutes of the second half as Kilnadeema/Leitrim out scored them 1.04 to no score. Kilnadeema/Leitrim got the perfect start to the second half when David Tierney ran through the defence to score a brilliant goal on county star James Skehill and now their was only a point between them and soon we were level when Tom Tierney shot over a lovely point from play. Dara Herlihy took over the free taking now and soon had his team ahead for the first time after 10 mins. Kevin Boyle who returned to centre half back for this game instead of the injured Eamon Hyland then scored a brilliant long range point,   his second of the game to stretch the lead. Tom Tierney then scored another great point from play after 14 mins, this was the teams last score of the game as Cappataggle finally woke up and attacked time and again. Patrick Egan shot over a nice point soon after. Damien Joyce now operating at midfield having started at wing forward now began to dominate the game and soon scored a close in free. Damien kept the pressure on and well into injury time he made a great run through the defence before shooting over the equaliser. Joe Larkin finally ended the game on a level score line of 1.13 each. This was a result that could have gone either way and a draw was probably the best result.

Scorers: Tom Tierney 0.06, David Tierney 1.01, Kevin Boyle 0.02, Michael Regan 0.02, Ruairi Costello 0.01, Dara Herlihy 0.01
Team Lineout: Michael Flanagan, Patrick Deely,  Liam Geargthy, Brian Gardiner,  David Spellman, Kevin Boyle, Aiden Spaight, Niall Tierney, Eamon Coleman,  Mark Kelly, David Tierney, Ruairi Costello, Dara Herlihy, Tom Tierney, Michael Regan.

Junior team continue to impress in recent league win over Portumna

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 3.14 Portumna 0.03

Scorers: Michael Donoghue 2.03, Shane Lawless 1.03, Kevin Molloy 0.03, Brian Daniels 0.02, Jason Collins 0.01, Enda Fanning 0.01, Cathal Nevin 0.01.
Team Lineout: Paul Howard, Mark Costello, Gearoid Whelan, Eoin Larkin, Mark Whelan, Ramie Larkin, Alan Flaherty, Brian Daniels, Garry Winters, Jason Collins, Enda Fanning, Damien Donoghue, Michael Donoghue, Kevin Molloy, Shane Lawless.
Subs used: Tony Kelly, Cathal Nevin, Aiden Monahan, Kevin Kelly and Shane Curley.

Wonderful victory over St Thomas gets Minors  back on track

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 1.17 St Thomas 3.09

Kilnadeema/Leitrim recorded a fantastic two point victory over three in a row Minor A county finalists in the 2010 second round of the Minor A championship which was played in Kilbeacanty on Friday April 30th.Having lost to Gort in the first round, this was a must win game for Kilnadeema/Leitrim if they had any ambitions of a quarter final spot later on in the year. The team were rocked a few hours before the game when team captain Martin Costello had to cry off due to a dislocated finger. The game was played with a high intensity throughout with many brilliant individual performances on both sides. Anthony Kelly who was playing in his fourth season as a minor with St Thomas and having already lined out in three county finals took over the free taking from injured Conor Cooney and registered the opening score of the game in the first minute, a point from a free. Dara Herlihy replied a few minutes later with a similar score. Steven Murray then got the  opening score from play, a point after seven minutes. Even though playing against a strong breeze in the opening half Kilnadeema/Leitrim were playing very well and soon were level again with a brilliant Shane Lawless point from play. Dara Herlihy then put his side ahead for the first time after 10 mins with a long range point from play and it got even better two minutes later when John Callagy deflected a dangerous ball over the St Thomas bar. St Thomas soon rocked Kilnadeema/Leitrim with the first goal of the game which was put away by Eanna Burke after poor defending gave him the chance. Kelly and Herlihy then swopted pointed free's before Kelly split the posts again, this time from play. We then had one of the scores of the game when Brian Molloy shot over a delightful point from play. St Thomas were now getting a grip on the game and soon added two points from Anthony Kelly and Thomas Mitchell for a three point lead after 22 mins. Shane Lawless replied instantly with another super point after he ran through the defence. Kelly kept the score board ticking over for St Thomas with another pointed free. Kilnadeema/Leitrim finished the half strongly and added two more points before half time, both from Dara Herlihy, one of which was from play to leave the halftime score reading 1.07 to 0.09. It was a good position to be in, one point down and having the breeze to come . Dara Herlihy soon drew the game level with another pointed free in the opening minute of the second half. Six minutes later Eanna Burke put St Thomas back in front with a neat point from play. Herlihy continued to point the free's, his latest  on 8 mins levelled up the game again. St Thomas got another big lift four minutes later when a long free from Darragh Burke was deflected into the net by Steven Murray. Heads did not drop though as Dara Herlihy added another point from a free. Alvin Mitchell who had a super game all through at midfield put just a point between the sides again with a long range shot after 13 mins. Just when Kilnadeema/Leitrim seemed to be making headway into St Thomas lead they were rocked again soon after when Thomas Mitchell scored a brilliant goal. We wondered could Kilnadeema/Leitrim come back again and they responded magnificently, none more so than substitute Cillian Dowling who was to have a magic influence in the last fifteen minutes as first he scored a brilliant point shortly after his introduction. Anthony Kelly answered this score with a point from play before Dara pointed another free, but we knew we would need a goal to have any hope of victory as time ticked away. A Ball broke into the St Thomas square for the yet another time only this time Cillian Dowling was on hand to crash home a brilliant goal to put his side into the lead. he followed this up with a lovely point from play to leave St Thomas shattered as the final whistle sounded on a final score line of 1.17 to 3.09. A first victory in minor A hurling and it it onwards and upwards now towards a possible quarter final. Up next Castlegar in two months time.
 
Scorers: Dara Herlihy 0.10, Cillian Dowling 1.02, Shane Lawless 0.02, Alvin Mitchell 0.01, Brian Molloy 0.01, John Callagy 0.01.

Team Lineout: Conor Cunningham, Conal Whelan, Conor Fahy, Niall McGinley, Stephen Farrell, James Conway, Dara O'Donoghue, Alvin Mitchell, Stephen Bruton, Dara Herlihy, Niall Haverty, Shane Lawless, John Callagy, Eoin Morrissey, Brian Molloy.
Sub used: Cillian Dowling
 

Kilnadeema/Leitrim defender James Conway gets his clearance away against St Thomas

Castlegar prove too strong for Under 14 team in championship

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 2.02 Castlegar 1.07

Kilnadeema/Leitrim opened their championship campaign with a visit to city side Castlegar on Monday April 26th.After losing out to Killimor in Feile Na nGeal this was a chance to get back in the winning grove, but they came up against a very strong, physical team. Castlegar had a real star in the making in their side in wing forward Andrew Connolly and he took some watching throughout the game. he opened the scoring after 2 mins with a pointed free. Liam Kelly soon added the equaliser, a brilliant point from play. Connolly then put Castlegar back in front again after 4 mins with a point from play. Liam Kelly kept the game close with another leveller after eight minutes, a point again from play. Castlegar made a big break through after 10 mins Andrew Connolly goaled after a brilliant save from Evan Dowling. Cathal Ryan then pointed a 65 and the city side finished the first half scoring with another Connolly point from play to leave it 1.04 to 0.02 at the break. Castlegar started the second half strongly and soon Andrew Connolly shot over another pointed free. From here to the finish Kilnadeema/Leitrim finished the stronger and soon put pressure on Castlegar.  Liam Kelly then really took over as he crashed home two goals, the first from a free after 13 mins and a brilliant goal a minute later to level the game.  It was anybody's game now and it took two more points from the star of the game Andrew Connolly to save Castlegar on a final score line of 1.07 to 2.02. This was a disappointing result for the team and they now must prepare for Feile finalists Turloughmore.
  

Scorers: Liam Kelly 2.02
Team Lineout: Evan Dowling, Ciaran Connor, Stephen Roche,  Aaron Murray, Mikie Lynch, Patrick Halpin,  Daniel Mottrom, Mark Lawless, Dylan Towolowi, Liam Kelly, Jack Kenny,  Niall Broderick, Shane Fahy, Kevin Roche.
Sub used, Daniel McAllindan


The Kilnadeema/Leitrim Under 14 team 2010: Back Row: Justin Moran, Paul Holohan, Shane Fahy, Patrick Halpin, Ciaran Connor, Liam Kelly, Colm Callagy, Stephen Roche,
Daniel Mottrom, Mark Lawless, Dylan Towolowi and Jack Kenny. Front Row: Stephen Molloy, Kevin Roche, Mikie Lynch, Daniel McAllindan, Evan Dowling, Aaron Murray, Niall Broderick, Declan Chahin and Eoin Monahan.
 

Opening round success for Intermediate team over Ballindereen

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 2.15 Ballindereen 0.12

Kilnadeema/Leitrim recorded a very good nine point victory over Ballindereen in the opening round of the 2010 Finnerty Plant Hire Intermediate Hurling championship in Loughrea on Sunday April 25th. This was a a repeat of the 2009 opening fixture which was a similar outcome. Ballindereen who had the aid of a strong breeze in the opening half started off very brightly and were first to every ball in the opening exchanges, but it was Dara Herlihy who opened the scoring with a point from play after 3 mins. Ballindereen responded with a Barry Coen point from play before midfielder Brian Gardiner put Kilnadeema/Leitrim back in front soon after with another point from play. Pakie Carr replied immediately with another equalizer. Ballindereen were then hit for six when Full Forward Tom Tierney got inside the Ballindereen defence and crashed home the opening goal after six minutes.  Kevin Lane replied with a pointed free before we had the sad sight when  Eamon Hyland was carried off with a bad knee injury. Ballindereen goalie Michael Kelly then brought off a great save from Tom Tierney before Shane Coen shot over a good point from play. Tom Tierney with a point from a free and a Mark Kelly point from play extended the lead after 26 mins. Ballindereen recorded the next two scores through Shane Coen and Patrick Sheehan before Tom Tierney had the final say with two points from free's to leave the half time score reading 1.06 to 0.06. The second half started with any score for the opening five minutes before Tom Tierney added a brilliant point from near the sideline. Ballindereen goalie Michael Kelly was called on again to make another great save from David Tierney after 6 mins before Michael Flanagan pointed the breaking ball. Tom Tierney with a point from a free and a Shane Coen point from play left five points between the sides after 8 mins. Then we had the very unusual sight of Kilnadeema/Leitrim goalie and captain Mark Herlihy been sent off along with Ballindeeren's Sean Coen after they tangled on the ground. Michael Flanagan went into goals for Kilnadeema/Leitrim. Tom Tierney kept the score board man busy with two more points from free's before the real killer goal arrived when Tom Tierney made a great run through the defence and set up Dara Herlihy for a simple goal and game over after 17 mins. Shane Coen a free for Ballindereen a minute later before David Tierney and Mark Lane swopted points. Shane Coen and Kevin Lane kept Ballindereen in touch after 28  mins. Kilnadeema/Leitrim finished the stronger and had points from David and Tom Tierney, both from play. Shane Coen added two more points for the losers before Eamon Coleman and Brian Gardiner finished the scoring in injury time to leave the final score line 2.15 to 0.12. This was a overall good performance with still plenty to work on for the Cappataggle game in two weeks.  

Scorers: Tom Tierney 1.07 Dara Herlihy 1.01, Brian Gardiner 0.02, David Tierney 0.02, Michael Flanagan 0.01, Mark Kelly 0.01, Eamon Coleman 0.01
Team Lineout: Mark Herlihy, Patrick Deely,  Liam Geargthy, Ruairi Conneely,  David Spellman, Eamon Hyland, Aiden Spaight, Brian Gardiner, Kevin Boyle,  Mark Kelly, David Tierney, Ruairi Costello, Dara Herlihy, Tom Tierney, Michael Flanagan.
Sub used: Eamon Coleman.

Brian Gardiner takes this ball on the run against Ballindereen

Junior B team enjoy first success in league

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 0.17  Killimordaly 2.08

Scorers; Michael Donoghue 0.06, Brian Daniels 0.02, Enda Fanning 0.02, Eamon Coleman 0.01, Tony Kelly 0.01, Tom Barrett 0.01, Kevin Molloy 0.01, Shane Lawless 0.01, Eoin O'Toole 0.01, Ruairi Costello 0.01.
Team Lineout: Paul Howard, Kevin Kelly, Cathal Shiel, Eoin Larkin, Ramie Larkin, Alan Flaherty, Mark Whelan, Eamon Coleman, Brian Daniels,  Tony Kelly, Enda Fanning, Tom Barrett, Michael Donoghue,  Kevin Molloy and Shane Lawless.
subs used: Ruairi Costello, Fergal Conneely, Eoin O'Toole.

 

Intermediate team have big win  in league against Ahascragh/Fohenagh

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 6.13 Ahascragh/Fohenagh 0.10

Scorers: Tom Tierney 1.07, David Tierney 2.01, Brian Daniels 2.00, Michael Flanagan 1.01, Mark Kelly 0.03, David Spellman 0.01
Team Lineout: Mark Herlihy, Patrick Deely,  Ruairi Conneely, Brian Gardiner, David Spellman, Eamon Hyland, Aiden Spaight, Kevin Boyle, Eamon Coleman, Mark Kelly, David Tierney, Ruairi Costello, Brian Daniels, Tom Tierney, Michael Flanagan.

Junior B team lose out to Castlegar in league

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 1.08 Castlegar 2.15

Scorers: Kevin Molloy 0.05, Shane Lawless 1.01, Martin Costello 0.01, Alvin Mitchell 0.01.

Team Lineout: Paul Howard, Mark Costello, Cathal Shiel, Eoin Larkin, James Conway, Mark Whelan, Martin Costello, Eamon Coleman, Brian Daniels, Jason Collins, Tony Kelly, Michael Donoghue, Brian Costello, Kevin Molloy and Shane Lawless.
Subs used: Alvin Mitchell, Cathal Nevin, Kevin Kelly, Damien Donohue, Adrian Comhar.

Goals prove decisive as Under 21's bow out in semi final with Liam Mellows

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 0.14 Liam Mellows 2.11
 

St. Brendan's Park Loughrea was the sunny setting for this U21B semi final on Saturday April 10th. These two sides had met in the 2008 U16B final where Kilnadeema-Leitrim were the victors so this was a chance for Liam Mellows to inflict revenge. Liam Mellows were going into this match after two hard fought wins over Oranmore-Maree in the preliminary quarter final the previous Friday and Killimordaly in quarter final the previous Wednesday. Kilnadeema-Leitrim also had a closely contested quarter final where they recorded a win over Mellick Eyrecoart.Liam Mellows played with the aid of the breeze in the first half and there was no sign of fatigue on their part as they were the first to get onto the scoreboard recording the first two points of the day. The first came from play by Ronan O’Halloran after 4 minutes and the second a free from John O’Halloran after 9 minutes. Kilnadeema-Leitrim then settled into the game and had two goal chances created by some strong running from Tom Barrett and Ruairi Costello. Both chances were snuffed out however by a combination of good saves from Mellows keeper, Michael Forde, and some good tackling from their defence. This period of Kilnadeema-Leitrim pressure did result in a pointed free from Dara Herlihy after 10 minutes to put one between the sides. Mellows then hit a purple patch where they scored 5 of the next 6 scores. A pointed free after 11 minutes and a 65 on the 15 minute mark from Mellows free taker John O’Halloran was followed by a good point from play from Mellows midfielder Rian Mangan after 16 minutes. Kilnadeema-Leitrim hit back with a good point from play by Shane Lawless after 17 minutes. Mellows continued their early dominance with a point from their centre forward Alan Clancy. The first goal of the game then came when John O’Halloran gained possession and rifled an unstoppable shot to the roof of the net to leave the scores 1-06 to 0-02 in favour of Mellows. To Kilnadeema-Leitrim’s credit they rose to the challenge with the next 4 points, 2 pointed frees from Dara Herlihy after 20 & 23 minutes and 2 excellent points from play from Shane Lawless who was creating havoc the Mellows defence. Kilnadeema-Leitrim’s fight back was stalled though when their defence failed to clear the ball from the danger area and some how Mellow’s Shane Minton scrambled the ball into the back of the net on 26 minutes to restore a 2 goal lead, 2-06 to 0-06. Kilnadeema-Leitrim responded well when Dara Herlihy pointed a 65 on 26 minutes followed by well taken points from play from Ruairi Costello and Herlihy again. Mellows were to have the final say when Rian Mangan pointed from play to end a pulsating first half with Mellows on top 2-07 to 0-09.The second half also started brightly for Mellows with John O’Halloran scoring a pointed free after 7 minutes. This was followed by 2 well taken points from play by Kilnadeema-Leitrim’s Alvin Mitchell and Tom Barrett to leave a goal between the sides, 2-08 to 0-11. Mellows ace marksman John O’Halloran then pointed another free and Shane Minton scored 2 excellent points from play, one from a tight angle out near the sideline which proved inspirational, to restore a 2 goal lead after 20 minutes. At this stage one felt that Kilnadeema-Leitrim would need a goal if they were to salvage something from the game. They did score the next 3 points of the game with 2 Dara Herlihy frees sandwiched by a rousing long range point from Mark Kelly to leave a goal between the sides going into the dying moments. Unfortunately for them the goal never came as the Mellow’s defence held solid to put them into the final on a score line of 2-11 to 0-14. As the saying goes "Goals win games" and this certainly was the case here as the clinical Liam Mellows got the crucial goals which resulted in Kilnadeema-Leitrim always playing catch-up. Credit must be given to both teams as the large turnout was rewarded with a good open game with some excellent hurling throughout. For Kilnadeema-Leitrim this was a disappointing end to their season but they will now need to re-group and concentrate on other competitions in the hope of some silverware. Liam Mellows can now look forward to a final meeting with Ardrahan in what has been a rejuvenated U21 championship due to the no-nonsense scheduling of fixtures this year.

 
Scorers: Dara Herlihy 0.07 (6f), Shane Lawless 0.03, Alvin Mitchell 0.01, Tom Barrett 0.01, Mark Kelly 0.01, Ruairi Costello 0.01.Team Lineout: Paul Howard, Kevin Kelly, Martin Costello, Cathal Nevin, James Conway, Brian Gardiner, Alvin Mitchell, Mark Kelly, Michael Donoghue, Dara Herlihy, Tom Barrett, Gary Winters, Eoin O'Toole, Ruairi Costello, Shane Lawless. Subs used: Gary Curley, Niall Haverty, Gearoid Whelan.

Intermediate team continue good start to league with victory over Kilbeacanty

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 5.09 Kilbeacanty 1.11

Kilnadeema/Leitrim continued their good start to the 2010 League with a high scoring victory over unbeaten Kilbeacanty in Leitrim on Sunday April 11th. The team lead 3.04 to 0.05 at half time. Goals from David Tierney with two, Michael Regan, Brian Daniels and Tony Kelly made it easy in the end.

Scorers: David Tierney 2.00, Tom Tierney 0.05, Brian Daniels 1.01, Tony Kelly 1.00, Michael Regan 1.00, Eamon Coleman 0.01, Mark Kelly 0.01, David Spellman 0.01.
Team Lineout: Mark Herlihy, Patrick Deely, Liam Geargthy, Ruairi Conneely, David Spellman, Eamon Hyland, Aiden Spaight, Kevin Boyle, Eamon Coleman, Mark Kelly, David Tierney, Brian Gardiner, Tony Kelly, Tom Tierney, Michael Regan.
 

Intermediate team earn hard worked draw in Ballymacward

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 1.10 Padraig Pearses 0.13

Scorers: Tom Tierney  0.06, David Tierney 1.02, Michael Regan 0.02, Eamon Coleman 0.01.
Team Lineout: Mark Herlihy, Patrick Deely, Ruairi Conneely, Brian Gardiner, David Spellman, Eamon Hyland, Aiden Spaight, Kevin Boyle, Eamon Coleman, David Tierney, Enda Fanning, Tony Kelly, Garry Curley, Tom Tierney, Michael Regan.
Subs Used: James Conway and Ruairi Costello.
 
Minors come up short in opening championship game with Gort

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 2.09 Gort 3.14

After putting up a great performance from start to finish, Kilnadeema/Leitrim still ended up on the end of an eight point defeat in the opening round of the Minor A championship which was against a strong Gort side in Castledaly on Good Friday, April 2nd. Kilnadeema/Leitrim who were playing in the top grade of Minor hurling for the first time in many years were forced to line out without star forward and county Minor star Dara Herlihy who had a Hand injury. right from the start Kilnadeema/Leitrim gave as good as they got which was great to see considering six players were playing in their first ever Minor championship game. Gort opened the scoring when Albert Mullins pointed from play in the opening minute. Two minutes later Shane Lawless broke through only to see his goal bound shot brilliantly saved by Gort goalie Kaelan Higgins, which he deflected over for a point. One of the players who had a big say in the final result was Gort Full Forward Michael Mullins and he gave Gort back the lead again after 10 mins when he pointed a free. Brian Molloy, just out of Under 14 then shot over a wonderful point from play a minute later as the game ebbed and flowed. Gort made the first big breakthrough soon after when Corner Forward Cian Collins goaled after his shot hit the crossbar and deflected in. Alvin Mitchell replied with a tremendous point from play after 15 mins as two points separated the sides. Disaster struck five minutes later when after Conor Cunningham made a good save the ball broke kindly for Corner Forward Gerry O'Donoghue who kicked the Sliotar to the net. If two goals were hard to take, a third was a real killer and it arrived a minute later when Michael Mullins blasted home an easy goal to open up an eight point lead and he added a another pointed free soon after. Shane Lawless then won a hard ball near the sideline and shot over a delightful point. The final score of the half was another Mullins pointed free as we arrived at the break losing 3.04 to 0.04. Kilnadeema/Leitrim captain Martin Costello had suffered a bad facial injury in that half but bravely played on in the second half in a lot of pain. Michael Mullins continued where he left off with a pointed free straight after half time and his colleague Gerry O'Donoghue followed this up with a wonderful point after running all the way up the field. Brian Molloy, who had taken on the free taking duties from the injured Dara got the teams first score of the second half after 5 mins. Michael Mullins continued to have a big influence on the game and this for a lad still under 16 and he added to Gort's tally with a point from play a minute later. Patrick Lally then made the gap twelve points with another point from play for Gort. Kilnadeema/Leitrim continued to improve all over the pitch and soon got just reward when Brian Molloy goaled after 10 mins and he added a pointed free straight away to reduce the lead to seven. Gerry O'Donoghue settled down Gort again with another point from play . Shane Lawless, who continued to put pressure on the Gort defence and scored a wonderful point from play after 19 minutes. Brian Molloy, who by now had really settled into Minor hurling scored a classy point from the opposite wing  to close to seven again. Gort were still going well though and soon stretched their lead again as O'Donoghue, and the Mullins brothers all added points from play. Kilnadeema/Leitrim were still competing well and finished in a flourish with a good goal from Shane Lawless to leave the final score line reading 3.14 to 2.09 in a pulsating game. This was a hard day for this very young side with nine players playing Minor for the first time by the time the final whistle arrived, a good learning lesson for them for the games ahead in this group. If Dara was not injured imsure the score would have been very much closer and this argues well for the future.  

Scorers: Brian Molloy 1.05, Shane Lawless 1.03, Alvin Mitchell 0.01.
Team Lineout: Conor Cunningham, Niall McGinley, Martin Costello, Stephen Farrell, James Conway, Conor Fahy, Ryan Murray, Alvin Mitchell, Conal Whelan, Brian Molloy, Niall Haverty, Shane Lawless, John Callagy, Stephen Bruton, Cillian Dowling.
Subs used: Dara O'Donoghue, Eoin Morrissey and Glen Costello.


Brian Molloy scores a wonderful point against Gort

Revenge is sweet as Under 21 team reach county semi-final

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 0.13 Mellick/Eyrecoart 2.04

When Kilnadeema/Leitrim Under 21 team and Supporters trooped out of Killimor a few weeks ago after losing to Mellick/Eyrecoart by five points in the opening round of the championship, there were many heads down and out. The team got a second chance and made the most of it with victory over Michael Breaneach's last week. When the draw was made for the quarter finals last weekend, we could not have wished for a better draw as we were handed Mellick/Eyrecoart and a chance for instant revenge, who then selves had a very good victory over Carnmore in the second round. The game was played in Ballinasloe on Saturday March 27th. it ebbed and flowed in the first half with first Kilnadeema/Leitrim on top and Mellick/Eyrecoart on top up to half time. Kilnadeema-Leitrim playing against a stiff breeze in the first half opened the scoring after 3 minutes with a pointed free from Dara Herlihy. This was followed by a good point from play after 9 minutes from captain Eoin O'Toole after a good pass from Gary Winters. Kilnadeema-Leitrim were then hit by a goal from Mellick /Eyrecourt's full forward Trevor Moran on 12 minutes after a dangerous run through the defence by midfielder Patrick Ryan. Mellick Eyrecoart then hit a purple patch to score the next 3 points one from play and 2 from frees. Kilnadeema Leitrim responded well though scoring 2 points before half time. A Dara Herlihy free on 26 minutes was followed by an excellent Mark Kelly point from play on 28 minutes after a good pass from Dara allowed Mark to burst through the Eyrecoart defence. This left the scores delicately poised at 1:03 to 0:04 at the break in Eyrecourt's favour.
 Kilnadeema-Leitrim introduced Niall Haverty and Gary Curley at half time and these 2 subs were to have a big impact in the second half winning a lot of ball in the forward line. Kilnadeema-Leitrim started the second half brightly with a long range Dara Herlihy point from play after a good pass from Mark Kelly. Kilnadeema-Leitrim were now dominating all over the field and this was reflected on the scoreboard with 2 pointed frees from Dara Herlihy getting his team back into the lead my the minimum. Midfielder Mark Kelly then hit a soaring point from play which helped inspire his team even further. The tempo of the game was now a full flow and a pointed free from Eyrecourt's Trevor Moran brought his team back into it. This was answered by 2 pointed frees from Dara Herlihy one which was won by Gary Curley and the other after extreme pressure from the Kilnadeema-Leitrim forwards resulted in an Eyrecoart defender over carrying the ball. Mark Kelly then scored another inspirational point from play to push his side further ahead. This was followed by a well taken point from play by Kilnadeema-Leitrim's full forward Ruairi Costello. A long ball out of the defence by Brian Gardiner fell to Eoin O'Toole who hit the side netting after good work to get through on goal. Eoin redeemed himself however with a good point from play to push his side into a 6 point lead going into the last few minutes. This lead forced Eyrecoart to try for goals and a 20 metre free was blasted wide by Trevor Moran with 5 minutes to play. This Eyrecoart pressure eventually paid off when they were awarded a penalty which Kevin Moran blasted to the net to leave just 3 points between the sides with time almost up. This proved to be the last score of the day however as the Kilnadeema-Leitrim defence held solid.
 This was an excellent team display by Kilnadeema-Leitrim who can now look forward to a semi final appearance where further improvement will be needed as they are sure to come up against stiffer opposition.
 
Scorers: Dara Herlihy 0.07 (6f), Mark Kelly 0.03, Eoin O'Toole 0.02, Ruairi Costello 0.01.
Team Lineout: Paul Howard, Kevin Kelly, Martin Costello, Cathal Nevin James Conway, Brian Gardiner, Alvin Mitchell, Mark Kelly, Michael Donoghue, Dara Herlihy, Damien Donoghue, Garry Winters, Eoin O'Toole, Ruairi Costello, Shane Lawless.
Subs used: Niall Haverty, Gary Curley, Michael McLoughlin, Shane Curley.


 

 Under 14 Feile Na nGeal title hopes end on opening day

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 2.01 Killimor 0.10

Kilnadeema/Leitrim Under 14 team put their Feile Na nGeal title of 2009 on the line for the first time this year when took on near neighbours Killimor in the first round proper in Leitrim on Saturday March 27th. With only six of the winning team of last year to choose from, the team had a very young feel to it with many under 12's on board, also they were meeting a Killimor side who had defeated a fancied Gort in the preliminary round the previous week and were fancied to do well themselves this year even though they are only a B side.  Killimor dominated the opening half assisted by the breeze and took a eight point lead close to half time before Liam Kelly struck for a goal. Six pointed free's from Conor Donnelly gave Killimor a big platform to build on. Shane Madden got the game first score from play, a point after six minutes for Killimor. Two minutes later Niall O'Toole pointed from play. Right on half time Liam Kelly gave his side some hope for the second half when he crashed home a penalty to leave the half time score reading 1.00 to 0.08. With the breeze backing Kilnadeema/Leitrim in the second half it was hoped for some kind of response but it was Killimor who soon added to the score with another pointed free from Conor Donnelly and a point from play from Sean Callagy extended the lead. A Lead of seven points was still not impossible to pull back and a  goal from a Stephen Roche 65 closed the gap to four after 13 mins. Stephen then put just a goal between the sides with a pointed free soon after. From here to the end Kilnadeema/Leitrim went very close to getting an equalising goal with Sean Grady in the Killimor goal pulling off a great save from Liam Kelly near the end. Time eventually  ran out and the Feile title went with it as Killimor advanced to the next round on a final score line of 2.01 to 0.10. This was a disappointing performance from Kilnadeema/Leitrim especially as they failed to score from play. They must now move on and prepare for the championship in a few weeks time.

Scorers: Stephen Roche 1.01, Liam Kelly 1.00

Team Lineout: Evan Dowling, Mickey Lynch, Stephen Roche, Stephen Molloy, Aaron Murray, Patrick Halpin, Shane Fahey, Ciaran Connor, Daniel Mottrom, Dylan Towolowi, Jack Kenny, Mark Lawless, Niall Broderick, Kevin Roche, Liam Kelly.


Daniel Mottrom takes on the Killimor defence

Under 21 team back on track with pre-quarter final victory over Michael Breaneach's

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 2.09 Michael Breaneach's 1.04

Kilnadeema/Leitrim Under 21 team kept their hopes of success in the 2010 championship very much alive when they recorded an eight point victory over Michael Breaneach's in the pre-quarter final in Ardrahan on Sunday March 21st. They have now qualified for the quarter final where they find themselves rematched with their opening round opponents Mellick/Eyrecoart next weekend. While this was a workmanlike performance and a comfortable victory, it was a close battle for long stages of the opening half as both sides missed many chances. The team showed three changes from the first day out including the exclusion of suspended Gearoid Whelan. Dara Herlihy opened the scoring after three minutes with a pointed free after a foul on Shane lawless. Michael Breaneach's then gave just as good as they got without getting on the scoreboard. Kilnadeema/Leitrim were also missing many good scoring chances early on before the first goal arrived on 11 mins and it was a delightful worked goal and a super finish from Eoin O'Toole after hard work in the build up by Dara Herlihy and Shane Lawless. Michael Breaneach's finally got off the mark two minutes later when Naoise O'Leonard shot over a good point from play and the lead was down to two soon after when Fiach O'Bearra scored a wonderful free from over 100mtr. Kilnadeema/Leitrim really needed to up the performance  at this stage and it got worse two minutes later with another pointed free again from O'Bearra. Kilnadeema/Leitrim finally got their scoring act together a minute later in bizarre circumstances when after been awarded a 21mtr free, Dara Herlihy totally failed to lift the ball only for the alert Damien Donohue to pick up the ball and shot over a lovely point, Dara was soon back in the groove though as he shot over a 65 after 24mins. Garry Curley then added to the lead with a neat point on the run to open up a four point lead. Dara was called on again to point another free before the really decisive score of the game arrived close to half time when after a long delivery out of defence from Brian Gardiner, Shane lawless took a pass from Eoin O'Toole before crashing home an unstoppable goal to leave the half time score line 2.05 to 0.03. Eight points looked a good lead at this stage. Their was early drama in the second half when Michael Breaneach's were awarded a close in free only for Martin Costello to make a crucial block to put the ball out for a 65. Fiach O'Bearra put this over to reduce the lead. Dara Herlihy replied with a pointed free after 3mins. We then had nine minutes of scoreless action before Herlihy scored another pointed free. A Minute later we had the score of the day when Mark Kelly shot over a great point from midfield. Scores continued to be hard to come by until Dara pointed another free after 23mins. Michael Breaneach's owned a lot of the ball in the second half and were putting a lot of pressure on the Kilnadeema/Leitrim defence without much success until they were finally rewarded for their persistence after 26mins when Martin Cualain goaled for the Connemara side to close the gap back to eight again, this after Paul Howard had made a good save. This proved to be the last score in a low scoring game 2.09 to 1.04. This was a workman like performance without been anyway brilliant and a lot of work needs to be done before they square up to Mellick/Eyrecoart again in a weeks time especially in the forward division as the backs looked quiet solid this time out with Brian Gardiner, James Conway, Cathal Nevin and Martin Costello outstanding at times. Garry Winters was very lively in the forward line.

Scorers: Dara Herlihy 0.06, Shane Lawless 1.00, Eoin O'Toole 1.00, Garry Curley 0.01, Damien Donohue 0.01, Mark Kelly 0.01.
Team Lineout: Paul Howard, Kevin Kelly Martin Costello, Cathal Nevin James Conway, Brian Gardiner, Alvin Mitchell, Mark Kelly, Michael Donoghue, Garry Winters, Damien Donoghue,  Garry Curley, Eoin O'Toole, Dara Herlihy,  Shane Lawless.
Subs used: Niall Haverty, Colm Kelly, Aiden Monaghan, Ruairi Costello.


James Conway shows a clean pair of heels to his Michael Breaneach's opponient

 

Intermediate team off to to winning start in opening league game as Junior team lose by four

Mullagh 1.14  Kilnadeema/Leitrim 3.16

Kilnadeema/Leitrim Intermediate team started off on 2010 road to hopefully a successful conclusion with an opening league game in Mullagh on Saturday March 6th. With a very experimental team on show and with Mullagh having some former senior players on board after been regraded last season, this was always going to be a tough game. A First half lead of just two points 0.10 to 1.05 backed up just this. The second half though belonged to Tom Tierney in particular as he crashed home three great goals to ease his team to victory in the end by eight points. The game will certainly help as the team have been in heavy training with Pat Higgins up to now.

Scorers: Tom Tierney 3.07, Michael Flanagan 0.04, David Spellman 0.01, Eamon Hyland 0.01, Brian Gardiner 0.01, Niall Tierney 0.01, Dara Herlihy 0.01.
Team Lineout: Mark Herlihy, Patrick Deely, Liam Geargthy, Ruairi Conneely, David Spellman, Eamon Hyland, Aiden Spaight, Brian Gardiner, Eamon Coleman, Niall Tierney, Tony Kelly, Michael Regan, Dara Herlihy, Tom Tierney, Michael Flanagan.
Subs used: Brian Daniels, James Conway.

Mountbellow/Moylough 2.09 Kilnadeema/Leitrim 2.05

Kilnadeema/Leitrim Junior B team under the new management of Martin Flynn got their league campaign under way with a defeat away to Mountbellow/Moylough on Sunday march 7th. Even though the team looked very experienced on paper it still needs time to gel together and also needs to find a confident free taker as their many score able  frees missed in this game.
Scorers: Kevin Boyle 1.01, Tony Kelly 1.00, Michael Donoghue 0.02, Garry Curley 0.01, Eamon Coleman 0.01, Jason Collins 0.01.
Team Lineout: Paul Howard, Mark Costello, Cathal Shiel, Eoin Larkin, Mark Whelan, Kevin Boyle, Alan Flaherty, Eamon Coleman, Ramie Larkin, Jason Collins, Enda Fanning, Brian Daniels, Garry Curley, Ruairi Costello, Michael Donoghue.
Subs used: Tony Kelly, Garry Winters.

Disappointing start to season as Under 21 team lose out to Mellick/Eyrecoart

Kilnadeema/Leitrim 0.10 Mellick/Eyrecoart 4.03
 

A new decade, and a new season already as the first balls are struck in championship hurling on the last Saturday of February as Kilnadeema/Leitrim and Mellick/Eyrecoart clashed in the opening round of the Under 21 championship, which took place in Killimor. The game which was played on a very heavy, sticky pitch (what can you expect after the very severe winter we have injured) turned out to be a big disappointment for a Kilnadeema/Leitrim team which were very hopeful of doing well this year. Even though they retired to the dressing room at half time only one point in arrears and with the assurance of the breeze to come in the second time, they never really got going in the second half as they were rocked with two quick goals for the Shannonsiders. Kilnadeema/Leitrim who lined out minus the injured Ruairi Costello and Padraic Stapleton and with five minors on the team never really got going. Mellick/Eyrecoart were first to score when Gavin Neylon got on the end of a breaking ball to score a point after 3 mins. Eyrecoart continued to dominate the early exchanges and soon doubled their lead with a neat point from midfielder Patrick Ryan. Kenneth Lyons then picked off a third point after ten minutes as Mellick/Eyrecoart looked very sharp at this stage. Amazingly this was to be the last point they would score in the game. While Kilnadeema/Leitrim were getting a few good balls into their forward line there were no scores coming off them. They suffered an even bigger blow on 18 mins when a line ball, which they had been awarded, was instead changed to a free to Eyrecoart out around midfield. Centre half back Aiden Treacy struck the free well, it dropped short before deflecting off martin Costello’s Hurley and into the net to give the Shannonsiders a six-point lead. Just a minute later Kilnadeema/Leitrim finally got on the scoreboard when Shane Lawless shot over a great point after a great catch and turn. Dara Herlihy then pointed a free after 22 mins after Eoin O’Toole was fouled. Dara then shot over a lovely point from play after been set up by Eoin. Five minutes later Eoin O’Toole got a point of his own again from play to close the gap to two. The final score of the half was another pointed free from Dara Herlihy after Shane lawless did all the good work, this score arrived right on half time to leave the minimum between the sides at the break 1.03 to 0.05.With the breeze to come and a realisation that the team needed to step up a few gears on their first half performance, it was expected that Kilnadeema/Leitrim would push on. This did not materialise though as Mellick/Eyrecoart got the perfect start to the second half when Kenneth Lyons got inside the defence to crash home a good goal past a stranded Paul Howard. The ball should have been cleared by at least three players before it reached Kenneth. Dara Herlihy replied on 4 mins with a pointed free before disaster struck again after nine minutes when Kevin Moran had all the time in the world to pick his spot with a low shot under the body of Paul Howard for goal number three and a six point lead. We wondered could Kilnadeema/Leitrim make a comeback. Dara Herlihy with his fifth point from a free after 18 mins closed the gap. A Minute later Shane lawless shot over his second point from play. Kilnadeema/Leitrim were now on top all over the field and soon had the gap down to three when Michael Donoghue scored a wonderful point after 20 mins. Then we had a player from each side red carded when Gearoid Whelan and Francis Hynes got involved in a tangle, a bit unfortunate especially on Gearoid’s behalf. This drove Kilnadeema/Leitrim on even further but no matter how hard they tried they couldn’t break through the Eyrecoart defence. Finally after 28 mins Dara Herlihy shot over another pointed free to leave just two in it. There was a few chances of further scores to equalise before the finish to no avail before the final goal arrived, again for Mellick/Eyrecoart when Gavin Neylon scrambled home from close range before referee peter Murphy ended the game on a final score line of 4.03 to 0.10. Many questions were left unanswered after this game about how good or not this side really is as they never really reached the highs expected off them especially the more experienced lads. They now must regroup and prepare for there second game where it must be victory this time.

Scorers: Dara Herlihy 0.06, Shane Lawless 0.02, Michael Donoghue 0.01, and Eoin O’Toole 0.01.
Team Lineout: Paul Howard, Gearoid Whelan, Martin Costello, Shane Curley, James Conway, Brian Gardiner, Cathal Nevin, Mark Kelly, Michael Donoghue, Damien Donoghue, Aiden Monaghan, Alvin Mitchell, Dara Herlihy, Eoin O’Toole, Shane Lawless.
Subs used: Garry Curley, Kevin Kelly, Niall Haverty, and Garry Winters.

 
Eoin O'Toole shows his skills against Mellick/Eyrecoart