Leitrim Gaels v Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins

Leitrim Gaels v Bornacoola

Leitrim Gaels v St. Brigid’s

St. Francis v Dromahair

Leitrim LSFC and LIFC Previews

The Leitrim Ladues SFC reaches it's conclusion this weekend whilst the IFC semi finals are also scheduled to take place. Here's the brief ahead of three massive games.

SENIOR A

FINAL

Glencar/Manorhamilton v Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins

The Senior final takes place in Avant Money Sean Mac Diarmada Pairc on Sunday afternoon at 3:00 and it throws together Glencar-Manorhamilton and Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins, a repeat of the 2020 final.

If this year is anything like that final, it will be entertaining. Glencar-Manor were dominant in the group stages, with their free scoring forwards being complimented by a well rounded team supporting both Muireann Devaney and Leah Fox who contributed most of the scoring.

Sean O'Heslins are looking to recover from a loss last weekend in the Senior B final to Kiltubrid. They struggled in places through the group stages, a disappointing loss to St. Joseph's standing out.

Manor will go in as favourites but Ballinamore have showed in this particular fixture against this particular opponent that they can never be written off, as a maximum of four points have seperated these sides in their last three competitive meetings in both league and championship. With this in mind Ballinamore seem better suited to face Manor then any team in the county.

Ballinamore also possess more scorers than Manor, but the latter are a more well rounded team. Rumours abound that Ailbhe Clancy is set to travel home from her Dubai base, a huge boost for Manor. Her presence could very well help the three in a row case.

For Ballinamore, the key to victory lies in keeping Fox and Devaney quiet. It's a big ask, but if they manage that then they've given themselves a great chance at securing their first Senior title.

RELEGATION FINAL

St. Francis v Dromahair

These two sides met in one of the most exciting clashes of the championship a couple of weeks ago, with missed penalties, goalkeepers scoring them and only a point separating the final score all taking place. Now, they face off to ensure senior survival.

Dromahair are still looking for their first win of the season, so now is a good time to step up. The forwards are capable of scoring, but Niamh McDonagh will look to keep Roisin and Amy Fowley at bay.

Given how their championship has gone, Dromahair will surprisingly enter as slight favourites. But as the last fixture proved, it can go any way between these two sides, another excellent performance from St. Francis could be enough to keep them at the top table for next season.

LADIES INTERMEDIATE SEMI-FINALS

St. Mary's Kiltoghert v Drumkeerin

Mary's come into this one as clear favourites. Drumkeerin have been rattled by the emigration of Annemarie Gallagher and the season ending injury of Niamh Ryan, their only county player.

Mary's have boasted some impressive results without really getting out of second gear this term and likely progress to the final again this weekend. However, a performance against the winners of St. Brigid's and Mohill will have to be better to go one further than last year's defeat to Dromahair.

St. Brigid's v Mohill

This is likely to be a lot closer than the first semi final. These two have already met in this years championship, with Dearbhaile Beirne being kept quiet en-route to a Brigid's victory.

If Brigid's can repeat that type of performance, they should win. But Mohill won this title two years ago and the core of the squad knows what it takes to win it out.

Síomha Quinn has been great for Brigid's, helped massively by Carla Leguen, Sinead Quinn and Mary McKeon. Aisling Quinn and Ciara Gaffney have been solid in midfield and since coming back from injury, Tara Fitzpatrick has racked up a few points.

For Mohill, Denise Stenson, Deirdre Ward and Charlene Tyrrell in the middle will be key to providing a platform for the attack. Their chances of winning a championship could also be swung depending on Beirne's availability. Sarah Boyle has emerged as a genuine talent and coupled with the strong running of Emma Quinn, they're bound to be in this.

This one will simply come down to whichever defence stands up the most on the day.

St. Mary’s v Drumkeeran

Leitrim LSFC and LIFC Previews

The Leitrim Ladues SFC reaches it's conclusion this weekend whilst the IFC semi finals are also scheduled to take place. Here's the brief ahead of three massive games.

SENIOR A

FINAL

Glencar/Manorhamilton v Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins

The Senior final takes place in Avant Money Sean Mac Diarmada Pairc on Sunday afternoon at 3:00 and it throws together Glencar-Manorhamilton and Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins, a repeat of the 2020 final.

If this year is anything like that final, it will be entertaining. Glencar-Manor were dominant in the group stages, with their free scoring forwards being complimented by a well rounded team supporting both Muireann Devaney and Leah Fox who contributed most of the scoring.

Sean O'Heslins are looking to recover from a loss last weekend in the Senior B final to Kiltubrid. They struggled in places through the group stages, a disappointing loss to St. Joseph's standing out.

Manor will go in as favourites but Ballinamore have showed in this particular fixture against this particular opponent that they can never be written off, as a maximum of four points have seperated these sides in their last three competitive meetings in both league and championship. With this in mind Ballinamore seem better suited to face Manor then any team in the county.

Ballinamore also possess more scorers than Manor, but the latter are a more well rounded team. Rumours abound that Ailbhe Clancy is set to travel home from her Dubai base, a huge boost for Manor. Her presence could very well help the three in a row case.

For Ballinamore, the key to victory lies in keeping Fox and Devaney quiet. It's a big ask, but if they manage that then they've given themselves a great chance at securing their first Senior title.

RELEGATION FINAL

St. Francis v Dromahair

These two sides met in one of the most exciting clashes of the championship a couple of weeks ago, with missed penalties, goalkeepers scoring them and only a point separating the final score all taking place. Now, they face off to ensure senior survival.

Dromahair are still looking for their first win of the season, so now is a good time to step up. The forwards are capable of scoring, but Niamh McDonagh will look to keep Roisin and Amy Fowley at bay.

Given how their championship has gone, Dromahair will surprisingly enter as slight favourites. But as the last fixture proved, it can go any way between these two sides, another excellent performance from St. Francis could be enough to keep them at the top table for next season.

LADIES INTERMEDIATE SEMI-FINALS

St. Mary's Kiltoghert v Drumkeerin

Mary's come into this one as clear favourites. Drumkeerin have been rattled by the emigration of Annemarie Gallagher and the season ending injury of Niamh Ryan, their only county player.

Mary's have boasted some impressive results without really getting out of second gear this term and likely progress to the final again this weekend. However, a performance against the winners of St. Brigid's and Mohill will have to be better to go one further than last year's defeat to Dromahair.

St. Brigid's v Mohill

This is likely to be a lot closer than the first semi final. These two have already met in this years championship, with Dearbhaile Beirne being kept quiet en-route to a Brigid's victory.

If Brigid's can repeat that type of performance, they should win. But Mohill won this title two years ago and the core of the squad knows what it takes to win it out.

Síomha Quinn has been great for Brigid's, helped massively by Carla Leguen, Sinead Quinn and Mary McKeon. Aisling Quinn and Ciara Gaffney have been solid in midfield and since coming back from injury, Tara Fitzpatrick has racked up a few points.

For Mohill, Denise Stenson, Deirdre Ward and Charlene Tyrrell in the middle will be key to providing a platform for the attack. Their chances of winning a championship could also be swung depending on Beirne's availability. Sarah Boyle has emerged as a genuine talent and coupled with the strong running of Emma Quinn, they're bound to be in this.

This one will simply come down to whichever defence stands up the most on the day.

Leitrim Gaels v Keeldra Gaels

Leitrim LGFA Championship Previews

There's big games across all three championships this weekend as we should see a clearer picture of both the Senior A and B championships following the matches tomorrow morning. All games at 11:00am unless otherwise stated.

SENIOR

Glencar/Manorhamilton v St. Josephs

St. Joseph's will be looking for revenge after their defeat to Glencar-Manor in last years final. Having already lost to Kiltubrid too, they have the added incentive of needing to win this one.

A loss with results going against them could see Joseph's slip into a relegation battle, so there's a lot on the line here. It will be a tough one, as Manor have enough firepower up front to see them over the line. It tends to be tight between these two however so expect a good contest.

Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins v St. Francis

This is probably the the most fascinating matchup of all the championship matches this weekend. Following defeat to Kiltubrid, St. Francis are in the business of picking up the pieces.

Their performance in recent weeks however has surprised people and they are definitely capable of making it difficult for the hosts here. Victory for Sean O'Heslins on the other guarantees safe passage into the Senior B final, with Kiltubrid their most likely opponents, which is also the case for the visitors.

Ballinamore will call on their core in the centre to recover from last week when they were upset by St. Joseph's. They'll also need to see improvement from their forwards if they are to make the final and potentially gain promotion.

St. Patrick's Dromahair v Kiltubrid

Dromahair have had a tough welcome to the senior grade, losing their last three games. They now require wins against Kiltubrid and/or Sean O'Heslins to secure their status for next year.

They ran St. Francis close in their first match and could spring a surprise in either of their last two games. However, they are up against it on both occasions.

Although the results aren't falling their way, performances are suggesting they can potentially get at least one win. Given their head to head record against St. Francis, they'll need all they can muster in both games. They'll be calling on their blend of youth and experience in attack to pull off the great escape.

INTERMEDIATE

Fenagh St. Cailins v St. Brigids (Throw In: 8:45am)

Fenagh have struggled at this level and failed to fulfil a fixture in Round 2 after a heavy defeat to Mary's in the opening weekend. Brigid's on the other hand are eager to get more points on the board and edge closer to the top seeded position.

Given the way the results have gone, a Brigid's win would set up a final week clash with Mary's that would likely be a final preview. They'll enter this one as hot favourites, believing a win is inevitable.

Drumkeeran v Mohill (Throw In: 10:45am)

Drumkeeran will look to pile pressure on their opponents Sunday as they look to secure a higher finish than they did last year. This would also consolidate their place in the inter grade for another season.

Mohill on the other hand have had a disappointing start to the season with defeats to both St. Mary's and St. Brigid's, leaving them in joint third place with Fenagh. After this one they'll face Fenagh, hoping to put themselves into a semi final.

Whether they can challenge Brigid's or Mary's is another thing, but for now they need a win on the board. A big display against Drumkeeran would go a long way toward showing they're still capable of challenging.

JUNIOR

Leitrim Gaels v Keeldra Gaels

Both teams enter this one top of the table unbeaten with two victories apiece. At an early stage, it's already a very interesting game.

Keeldra Gaels are still reeling following relegation last year and are hoping to show they're intent on going straight back up. Both teams are already guaranteed a semi final but will be hoping to gain a favourable seeding an avoid Annaduff.

It can still be considered a potential final preview however. Both teams will be hoping to lay down a marker of intent, so this could be fascinating.

Leitrim Gaels v Annaduff

Leitrim LGFA Championship Previews

Another week, another set of fixtures across Leitrim in every grade. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the action in the Senior, Intermediate and Junior Championships this weekend with Keeldra Gaels and St. Brigid's starting the weekend's action this evening in Cloone.

SENIOR:

Kiltubrid v Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins

Ballinamore are coming off the back of a defeat to Glencar/Manorhamilton, but nonetheless put in a good performance to keep the score tight against the defending champions.

Kiltubrid on the other hand pulled off somewhat of a shock against St. Josephs, a sign of their steady improvement year by year, with them finally looking like they mean business. Michelle Guckian gets a lot of the headlines, but overall they have a solid group, including Sinead and Niamh Tighe and Emma Guckian as a foil for Michelle up front.

They are a young side that has been improving all over the field, particularly at centre back with Lauren Tivnan. The return of Miranda Burke in goals will also help them solidify their defence.

They are in a strong position to challenge Ballinamore at the weekend and likely enter as favourites. This fixture also doubles as a Senior B Championship clash, so both sides will be eyeing up both titles.

St. Joseph's v Dromahair

Dromahair showed a drastic improvement from their first game when they almost snatched a victory against St. Francis last week. Two penalties decided this one, as Dromahair missed one whilst conceding one that Francis tucked away. This was ultimately costly as they only lost out by a point in the end.

They make the long journey to Joseph's and it's essentially a free hit, as the result will not factor into the Senior B Championship, so they can have a crack at this one without worrying about relegation if they lose. The hosts on the other hand, are looking to get their season up and running following a disappointing loss to Kiltubrid last week.

St. Francis v Glencar/Manorhamilton

An onslaught from a high powered Glencar-Manor attack is expected, as St. Francis struggled to cope with them in last years championship that resulted in a heavy defeat.

Despite pulling off a fantastic result last week against Dromahair, inspired by our team of the week selection Niamh McDonagh, they may struggle to live with a better side in this one. The visitors blew Dromahair away in the opening round and it's hard to see anything else happening between these two on Sunday.

INTERMEDIATE:

Fenagh St. Caillins v Drumkeerin

The sole game at Intermediate level this weekend sees the two sides most are tipping for the relegation shakeup face off at 7pm on Sunday evening. Fenagh were given a tough welcome to Intermediate football by St. Mary's Kiltoghert last weekend but will look to bounce back with a big game against Drumkeerin.

Drumkeerin produced a solid performance against St. Brigid's last weekend but ultimately ended up on the losing side and will be eager to ensure their Intermediate survival with a victory in this encounter. The North Leitrim side will be favourites going into this clash but there will be a kick in the visitors before the championship is out. Don't rule them out this weekend.

JUNIOR:

Keeldra Gaels v St. Brigid's

St. Brigid's second string meanwhile were impressive throughout against Leitrim Gaels last week but just ran out of steam in the last quarter hour. They do have the capacity however to challenge and win games at this level.

Keeldra on the other hand are playing in their first game since relegation and will be hoping to repeat the success of 2019 when they went all the way at junior level. They played well last year despite the ultimately disappointing ending and will be expected to contend for the junior title, but obviously today will be the strongest indicator yet as to whether that'll happen or not.

Brigid's could be hamstrung if they lose players to their first team, but if they don't they will be formidable. Louise Gallagher will bring firepower to their attack, whilst Keeldra will look to Shaylyn and Alanna Ward for inspiration.

Leitrim Gaels v Annaduff

Annaduff were beaten comfortably by Glencar-Manor's second team last weekend and consist of a young, inexperienced side. Whilst they have talent, they are raw and are more of a side for the future.

The hosts meanwhile possess a wide range of ability and skill and were very impressive in their dismissal of Brigid's last weekend. They could emerge as genuine contenders at this level with the likes of Catherine Farrell, Orla Smith, Rebecca Moran and Willow Donegan.

Gaels should have the firepower, but Annaduff's Vivienne Egan could turn out to be a matchwinner. It should be tight, but the Leitrim Village side will be favoured slightly.

St. Brigid’s 3-12 – 7-8 Leitrim Gaels

Leitrim Gaels secure first-ever win over St Brigids in LJFC

Leitrim Gaels Ladies turned on the style in their very first championship game as they picked up a win in a historic day for the club. St Brigid’s second team made for formidable opposition and played their part in an entertaining contest.

It was the experienced players who made their mark in this game. The impressive Catherine Farrell scored 5-04 for Leitrim Gaels while Louise Gallagher was a real threat for the Brigid’s side.

Barely 20 seconds had elapsed on the clock when Orla Smith set up Farrell for her first goal of the game. In the fourth minute Chloe Harvey grabbed her and her side’s first goal. One minute later Farrell was on target again with a fine goal.

In the eighth minute Harvey found the top corner of the net to cut the deficit to just one point. In the 13th minute St. Brigid’s were awarded a penalty but Sonia Maguire made a great save to deny Gallagher. 

Three points from Gallagher gave Brigid’s the lead for the first time in the 21st minute but two minutes later Niamh Hargaden drew the Gaels level. The side’s were level again in the second minute of first half stoppage time before a neat Farrell point gave Gaels a one point lead going in at the interval.

Another Farrell point in the 36th minute edged her side ahead by two but Deirdre Quinn and Jemma Galligan drew the sides level for the sixth time in the 39th minute. In the 43rd minute Farrell got through for her and her side’s third goal. Jacinta Maguire replied with a point for Brigid’s but two goals in the space of two minutes from Farrell and Smith put Gaels in the driving seat. It was Farrell that set Smith up for her goal in the 47th minute.

Gallagher kicked over a good point to close the gap to six points in the 54th minute but the exceptional Farrell raised the green flag with another goal one minute later.

Karen Reynolds got a seventh goal for the Gaels in the 60th minute while just before the end Maguire’s effort crossed the line for a third Brigid’s goal.