Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins v Naomh Padraig Dromahair

Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins v Kiltubrid

Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins v St. Joseph’s

Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins v Bornacoola

Sean O’Heslins v Glencar Manor

Leitrim Ladies Championship Previews

The second week of action in the Ladies championships throws up some exciting ties on Sunday morning, including a repeat of the 2020 senior final between Ballinamore and Glencar/Manorhamilton.

It will also see arguably the two other main challengers to Glencar/Manor's throne go head to head, as Kiltubrid face St. Joseph's. Meanwhile at Junior level Leitrim Gaels take to the field in their first ever fixture at adult level when they host St.Brigid's at 2pm in Leitrim Village.

Senior:

Sean O'Heslins v Glencar/Manor

Ballinamore and Glencar/Manor do battle in the repeat of the 2020 championship final, and it will be interesting to see how much Sean O'Heslins have closed the gap to their opponents in that period.

They missed out on the final last year but will be hoping to re-establish themselves with the return of some key players and some young talent breaking through. The loss of Emma McGovern is a huge one in the Ballinamore attack, but they've had Roisin McHugh, Niamh Donohoe and Laura O'Dowd to rely on in terms of scores.

On the other hand the forwards have been vital in Manor's success over the years, with Ailbhe Clancy, Muireann Devaney and Leah Fox proving influential. This tie will most likely be decided by whichever defence does more to slow down the opposing side's attacking units.

Kiltubrid v St. Joseph's

Two sides well capable of winning the competition square up to each other as Kiltubrid host St. Joseph's.

St. Joseph's will be eager to get back to the county final having lost out at that stage last year, and they would fancy another crack at Glencar/Manor if both teams can progress that far. However they've struggled at times in terms of quality and Kiltubrid appear to be in good form so are likely to be the biggest challengers in 2022.

Don't write off St. Joseph's though, who have won three of the last five championships at this grade. This could possibly be the tie of the weekend for the neutral supporter giving an indication as to where both sides are in their campaign.

Dromahair v St. Francis

St. Francis travel north to face last year's intermediate champions Dromahair on Sunday morning, hoping to open their championship campaign on the right foot.

St. Francis' game was postponed at the weekend while Dromahair got off to a rocky start with a big defeat to Glencar/Manorhamilton. Gerry Ballantine will feel his side need to get something from this game in order to survive at senior grade.

St. Francis should have the firepower to take the win, however it remains to be seen how the loss of Ailish Corynyn in midfield impacts them. Dromahair have some talented young players and this could be an opportunity for them to make a mark. This will most likely be a high-scoring affair between two forward packs.

Intermediate:

St. Mary's Kiltoghert v Fenagh St. Caillins

Mary's come into this one looking to build on their victory last week over Mohill. A win over Fenagh would ensure the Carrick side's place in the semi finals.

The firepower up front for the home side, particularly Sarah Reynolds and Aisling Leahy, should be enough to secure a win. Fenagh have struggled for numbers in recent years, although they did manage to win the Junior Championship last year.

The loss of Roisin O'Toole is a huge blow to their chances. Sunday's game will be a tall task, but stranger things have happened. The experience of Caroline Guckian in goals, Jasmine Maye and the Bruen sisters, Kasey and Elise, form the backbone of a Carrick team that should have enough to win however.

Drumkeeran v St.Brigids

This will be an interesting one, as Drumkeeran always have a kick in them but will be without Annemarie Gallagher, which is sure to play a factor. St. Brigid's boast a lot of exciting talent, with the Quinn clan, all intercounty stars, heavily represented in the side.

Former all star Maeve in goals all the way through to the youngest member, Sile, are covering every line on this team. The Quinn's are ably supported by Ciana Stringer, who's really grown into the role of playmaker in the side.

Drumkeeran are capable of a big result even without Gallagher, but they'll need all they can muster to both stay in this grade and pull off a shock. If this is to happen, they'll look to county keeper Niamh Ryan who has impressed both in goals and outfield for the club this season.

Junior:

The Junior Championship also starts this weekend, with the first round of games taking place.

All eyes will be on Leitrim Village, as Leitrim Gaels take to the field at this level for the first time in their history. It's a huge moment for the club that has come out of their Mothers & Other's programme.

This has given their side a huge range of age and ability, so it'll be interesting to see how that materialises on the field for the coming season. St. Brigid's will also have faced Drumkeeran early on at Intermediate level, so expect a large attendance. It'll be hard to call with so many unknowns ahead of throw in who'll be available for either side.

Leitrim Gaels however do have the backbone of Catherine Farrell and Orla Flynn, who have Senior intercounty experience, so they may have enough to secure victory.

The final game is Annaduff and Glencar/Manorhamilton. This is set to take place at 7pm Sunday.

Manor have always been impressive at this level, consistently displaying a strong second team. This year should be no different.

They will lose a few players to the senior side, so again this fixture could hinge on who's available. It has the potential to be the clash of the weekend if Glencar have enough players.

Annaduff are a young side still finding their feet in the game but should have enough firepower to overcome a second team. Vivienne Egan's scoring prowess will be a key factor in deciding it and if she's on form, expect a comfortable Annaduff win.

Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins v St. Brigid’s

Leitrim 4-18 – 1-6 Fermanagh

Leitrim dominate Shannon Erne Derby with Fermanagh

Leitrim started their Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 4 campaign with a Michelle Guckian inspired display to a 4-18 to 1-06 victory over Fermanagh in Ballinamore this afternoon.

Leitrim's forwards were just too powerful on the day for their northern neighbours in poor conditions, as the sides who were only separated by a single point in last year's All-Ireland Intermediate championship were poles apart in this encounter.

Michelle Guckian who finished with 1-7 to her credit before her withdrawal mid way through the second half was the main target for the green and gold side. It wasn't a one woman show though as she was ably assisted by a fantastic group around her, debutant Sarah Reynolds getting her senior inter county career with a goal with her very first attack.

A harsh sinbin for lively Fermanagh centre forward Blaithin Bogue after twenty minutes was probably the end of the game as a contest, although Leitrim had already opened a healthy eight point lead at that stage. Fermanagh just never really recovered and looked a broken side long before the end of the game. Missing a large proportion of last year's squad they will need some steel added to compete in the Intermediate Championship again later in the season.

Just before the break Leitrim's best goal of the game arrived with a fantastic piece of inter play involving Guckian saw Roisin Fowley find the net to effectively finish the contest opening a fourteen point lead that Leitrim never looked like loosing hold off at any stage.

Leitrim Manager Hugh Donnelly will be happy with his side's performance level and the opportunity to get a look at all 30 members of his panel as he took full advantage of the rolling substitutes to bring every player into the fray, a number of them for the first time.

Fermanagh did rally well at the death and a goal from Blaithin Bogue and two points from Eimear Smyth in injury time put a slightly nicer look on the scoreline from the northerners point of view. Elaine Maguire had been impressive for the northerners in the first half but didn't feature in the second half of the game. Brenda Bannon also stood out for the Erne county.

Glencar Manor v St. Joseph’s

St. Joseph’s v Kiltubrid

Dromahair v Drumkeeran