29 December 2003

• Club A.G.M.
  Our AGM took place last Sunday in Liscarbin Social Centre, with a large number present with new faces. Outgoing Chairman Finbarr Keaney’s address was thorough, Secretary Nolaig Carroll gave a detailed report on Club activities throughout the year and Treasurer Barry McKiernan outlined a detailed report on the financial dealings of the club throughout the year. After a long drawn out election of new club officers the following were elected – President Fr. Seamus McKeon, Chairman Conor Doherty, Asst. Chairman Noel Gill, Secretary PJ Meehan, Asst Secretary Nollaig Carroll, Joint Treasurers Barry McKiernan & Emer Horan, PRO Eoin Meehan, Underage Secretary Michael McGirl, Irish Officer Christina McGourty, Insurance Officer/Register Adrian Lee. All team trainers from underage up to senior/junior management have yet to be finalised.

• Race Night.
  The Race Night turned out to be a huge success with a full sell out of horses, trainers and jockeys. Thanks to all sponsors, all who bought horses, trainers and jockeys, our sellers, those who responded from overseas, to the Cardiff family who placed their premises at our disposal, to Johnny McGrath for his efficient showing of the race tapes, to Des and Brian for their race build up and commentary. Finally to all who organised and supported the event thanks.

• Highlanders .v. Lowlanders
  The annual St.Stephens day Charity football match between the Highlanders -Aghacashel/Drumcong and the Lowlanders – Keshcarrigan/Kilclare played before a large crowd, resulted in a one sided affair with the Lowlanders running out comprehensive winners in a well contested game in varying weather conditions, refereed by Finbarr Keaney, the two teams were as follows Highlanders – B Doyle, D McGirl, J McGovern, B McKiernan, E Doyle, F Meehan, B Doyle, R Mahon C Scollan, A Lee, R Harris, B Meehan, G Winters, A Mckiernan, S Tighe, E Lee, B Tighe, E Meehan, P McGirl, P Winters, M Bohan, P Reynolds, J Cardiff, D Lee, C Dwyer while the Lowlanders – S Guckian, S Gilmarin, D Gilmartin, P Gilmartin, N Foley, N Gill, A Bohan, S Foley, C Doherty, G Foley, P Foley, B Foley, M Earley, J Gill, N O’Donoghue, J Foley, G Gilmartin, S Whitlow. All proceeds on the day went to the Iran earthquake fund.. Also many thanks to Mickey Bohan for sponsoring both Man Of The Match awards who were Shane Whitlow and John McGovern, also to McNama’s Sheemore Lounge, Kilclare for after match refreshments.

• Sympathy.
  We extend our deepest sympathy to the Murray family Rantogue on the death of Mike Joe Murray whose funeral took place last week. May he rest in peace.

• Kiltubrid Ladies - Raffle
  The Ladies GAA would like to say a thanks to all who bought and sold lines for their recent Christmas Raffle. A big thank you to Cardiffs, Drumcong and Foleys Keshcarrigan for displaying hampers and cards. The winners were as follows – Christmas Hampers to both Sr.Eva Horkin, Carrick and Fergal Meehan while the other prizes went to Bridget Murray, Margaret Foley, Carrick, Sharon Foley and Seamus Tighe.

• Ladies AGM
  The Ladies AGM will be held on this Friday 2nd January 2004 in Cardiffs, Drumcong at 9.30pm sharp. All players, members, supporters and any new members interested in the Ladies club are asked to attend.

• Greetings
  Happy New Year to all our readers at home and abroad who have supported us throughout 2003.

22 December 2003

• Club A.G.M.
  This years AGM takes place next Sunday 28th December in Liscarbin Social Centre. All supporters and players are invited along. The meeting starts at 3 pm sharp and a good attendance would be very encouraging.

• Race Night.
  All race cards should now be with the treasurer as you read this. The race night begins at 9.45 pm on St Stephens Night (Friday 26th Dec) in Cardiffs Lounge Drumcong.

• Annual St Stephens Day Charity Game.
  The pitch looks good for the annual inter parish challenge game which goes ahead this Friday St Stephens Day. Throw in is at 1.30 pm. All stops are being pulled out by both sides to ensure the title goes to their team. Players have been flown back from London and San Francisco USA to mention just a few of the efforts to bolster teams for the day. Everyone is invited along to see just how fit players are following the various training schemes undertaken over the past number of weeks.

• Sympathy.
  Our deepest sympathy to the Lynch (Couraghy) and McKeon (Kilclare) families on their recent bereavements.

• Christmas Masses in the Parish.
  Christmas Eve…. At 9.30 pm in Drumcong and at 12.00 Midnight in Rantogue. Christmas Day…. 11.30 am in Drumcong. New Years Day…. 8.30 pm in Drumcong.

• Greetings.
  We welcome to our community all who have taken up residence in our parish, all who are visiting and all who have returned for the festive season . We wish each of you a very happy Christmas and good health in 2004.

15 December 2003

• Club A.G.M.
  This years AGM takes place on Sunday 28th December in Liscarbin Social Centre. Lots of notice for all interested in getting involved in the day to day running of the club. All club members are asked to return their nomination forms as requested by the secretary.

• Race Night.
  All those with cards are asked to ensure lines are fully sold and returned to club treasurer no later than next Monday night 22nd Dec. The race night begins at 9.45 pm on St Stephens Night (Friday 26th Dec) in Cardiffs Lounge Drumcong.

• Annual St Stephens Day Charity Game.
  An exciting build up to this dual of the upper segment versus the lower segment of our parish. Secret training hideouts are being used by both training camps with rather unusual match tactics being hatched.

• Leitrim Vocational Schools Team Lose.
  Hard luck to our youngsters who had to taste All Ireland Final defeat again at the hands of the Tipperary lads. The game was played in Athlone and many supporters travelled up for the game.

• Drumshanbo Volleyballers Win All Ireland.
  After a wait of ten years or so Drumshanbo Vocational School captured All Ireland success at the expense of Loughrea V.S.. Congratulations to all involved in this major achievement.

• Dublin Champions.
  Congratulations to Kiltubrid players Noel Gill, Fergal Meehan, Dara McKiernan (prior to his departure down under) and Shane Foley on assisting “Menolly Homes” win the Dublin Inter Firms football championship. They contributed with some outstanding displays throughout the competition but unfortunately they were defeated in the replay of the Leinster final last weekend by the Kildare champions “Tegral” of Athy. Having witnessed this replay one couldn’t but be amazed by the standard of football at this level as both teams contested this encounter with great skill and determination. However on the balance of play on the day Tegral of Athy just about deserve to go one step further and now meet the Munster champions in the All Ireland semi-final. The Menolly Homes team was managed by former Kiltubrid player Ciaran Lee.

• County Convention.
  Our club were represented at this years convention by Kevin Nealon, Michael J. McKiernan and P.J. Meehan. It was held in Lough Allen College, Drumkeerin last Sunday. A very smooth meeting covering many topics kept the attendance focused on the many details of the past years’ sporting activities.

• Christmas Greetings.
  From all at the club to all of you who browse these notes weekly, we wish each of you a very happy Christmas and Good Luck in 2004. Thanks to all at the Observer for their coverage throughout the past year.

08 December 2003

• Club A.G.M.
  This years AGM takes place on Sunday 28th December in Liscarbin Social Centre. Lots of notice for all interested in getting involved in the day to day running of the club. All club members are asked to return their nomination forms as requested by the secretary.

• St Brigids March On.
  With four Leitrim connected players St Brigids of Dublin won their first Leinster title last Sunday at the expense of Round Towers of Kildare. The Darcy brothers Declan and Ken together with Jason Ward and ex Kiltubrid player Colin McGlynn all contributed to the current run of success of the Dublin champions. They now meet the Munster champions An Gaeltacht of Kerry in the All Ireland club semi-final.

• Race Night.
  All those with cards are asked to ensure lines are fully sold before Christmas.

• County Convention.
  Delegates are reminded to attend the annual Leitrim GAA County Convention which takes place next Sunday 14th Dec in the Community College in Drumkeerin.

• Good Man U Kevin.
  Hardworking club officer Kevin Nealon travelled to see the opposition sport as he attended last Saturday’s game between Manchester United and Aston Villa. The four goal game was worth all the effort and Kevin enjoyed every minute of it.

01 December 2003

• Weekly Notes
  Just to remind everyone who wishes to have any item/person mentioned in these notes to have same with PRO by Sunday evenings.

• Club A.G.M.
  This years AGM takes place on Sunday 28th December in Liscarbin Social Centre. Lots of notice for all interested in getting involved in the day to day running of the club. All club members are asked to return their nomination forms as requested by the secretary.

• The Shee-Beags v The Less-Carbins
  The annual football challenge on St Stephens Day goes ahead this year as usual with the best of three to be decided as the titles are even at this stage. Odds are a bit hazy as the rumour of some team defections is giving the sideliners plenty to ponder about. The bringing back of some players from down under to bolster teams has not yet been ruled out. The rezoning of team territories is at cabinet table and is a cause for concern to the many loyal cheerleaders from both sides. Another change of name for both teams has even been suggested: the Highlanders to be known as the Sleevenears and the Lowlanders as the Sheebeggars. This promises to be a very close contest as both teams wont be letting the title go to either mountain. The day ends with the club race night which will take place in Cardiff’s Lounge. Horses, Owners and Trainers are on sale at the usual outlets as well as from club members.

24 November 2003

• Benefit Social.
  This Friday Night 28th November there will be a Benefit Social for Seamus Mullaney, Kilclare in Cardiffs, Drumcong. Please support one of our greatest supporters of every event in this and in the wider community.

• Weekly Notes
  Just to remind everyone who wishes to have any item/person mentioned in these notes to have same with PRO by Sunday evenings.

• Club A.G.M.
  This years AGM takes place on Sunday 28th December in Liscarbin Social Centre. Lots of notice for all interested in getting involved in the day to day running of the club.

• Race Night.
  The club race night will take place this year on St Stephens Night in Cardiff’s Lounge. Horses, Owners and Trainers are on sale at the usual outlets as well as from club members.

• Ladies Church Gate Collection.
  The Ladies Club would like to thank everyone who contributed so generously to their annual collection at both churches in the parish last weekend.

17 November 2003

• Annual Parish Bazaar.
  Bazaar takes place this weekend Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd November in Cardiff’s Lounge, Drumcong. Great selection of prizes this year including Star Prize of a ‘Top of the Range’ Raleigh Mountain Bike. Other prizes include household items, farm requirements, luxury goods and many unusual and useful prizes for all ages. Come along and ensure all your friends are aware so no one will be disappointed.

• Weekly Notes
  Just to remind everyone who wishes to have any item/person mentioned in these notes to have same with PRO by Sunday evenings.

• Club A.G.M.
  This years AGM takes place on Sunday 28th December in Liscarbin Social Centre. Lots of notice for all interested in getting involved in the day to day running of the club.

• Benefit Social.
  There will be a Benefit Social for Seamus Mullaney, Kilclare who is making steady progress from an illness that has ruled him out of work for some time now. The date is 28th November and Cardiffs, Drumcong is the venue.

• Race Night.
  The club race night will take place this year on St Stephens Night in Cardiff’s Lounge. The finance committee are busy preparing the course as we speak.

• Coaching.
  Anyone with an interest in availing of coaching programme please contact club secretary.

• Web Site.
  Just to remind everyone that the Parish Website is there for everyone to browse. Current as well as past Newsletters and Club Notes can be read by logging on to www.kiltubrid.com .

10 November 2003

• Under 21 Championship
  Our game last Sunday in Ballinaglera against Melvin Gaels proved a little too much to ask as we had to line out less a few players from the panel due to a variety of reasons. Melvin Gaels were a far stronger team and played with greater hunger to win by three points. Good luck to Melvin Gaels as they go in search of this years under 21 championship title. Thanks to all players and team management for their efforts in search of two in a row which is not to be. Thanks to all supporters who once again turned out in their numbers.

• Pictures From Down Under
  The pictures coming from oz look good. How did Ronan O’Gara get his photograph taken with Dara and Brian.

• Two More Nurses
  Congratulations to two more Kiltubrid ladies Nicola Foley and Deirdre Meehan who graduated in the nursing field last week, also congrats to all who graduated from Sligo I.T. during last weekend.

• Weekly Notes
  Just to remind everyone who wishes to have any item/person mentioned in these notes to have same with PRO by Sunday evenings.

• Annual Parish Bazaar.
  This year’s Bazaar takes place weekend after next 21st and 22nd November in Cardiff’s Lounge, Drumcong. Great selection of prizes this year including Star Prize of a ‘Top of the Range’ Raleigh Mountain Bike. Other prixes include household items, farm requirements, luxury goods and many unusual prizes for all ages. Come along and ensure all your friends are aware so no one will be disappointed.

03 November 2003

• Under 21 Team
  Still no word when we will be playing our next game, but keep an eye on fixtures for details.

• Words From Down Under
  Good to hear that all from our immediate community in Australia have met and are enjoying their experiences to date, including the Ausie Rules Series and the Rugby World Cup games.

• Graduations
  Congratulations to Kiltubrid Ladies footballers Grainne Gill and Siobhan Foley who recently graduated as qualified nurses in England recently.

• Service of Rememberance.
  On Sunday next 9th November at 3 pm there will be a Liturgical Celebration to remember our deceased brothers and sisters, remembering in a special way all those who have died from the parish since last November.

• Items For Weekly Notes
  Just to remind everyone who wishes to have any item mentioned in these notes to have same with PRO by Sunday evenings. Its up to all of you to ensure no one gets left out as the PRO doesn’t hear everything.

27 October 2003

• Under 12 Girls Champions
  Kiltubrid 6 – 6 Aughawillan 4 – 10 On Saturday last 25th Oct in Fenagh our U 12 Girls claimed the title which has not been won for 10 years. As we lost the final to the same opposition after a replay last year and starting with five of that team, the girls were determined to win. Kiltubrid went into an early lead with a goal from captain Aoife McWeeney, and a point from Aine Tighe, but Grainne McGlade replied with a goal for Aughawillan. Both teams fought hard for possession and took their scores well. Kiltubrid finished the first half on top with a score of 4 – 5 to 3 – 3. Aughawillan had the wind in the second half and fought back. It was no place for the faint-hearted as both teams gave it everything. The brave Kiltubrid girls never gave up and kept pushing forward, Sinead Byrne scored a great goal to keep us in front going into the last five minutes, but Aughawillan came back and went into a one point lead.

• 
  In goals Nicole McMahon made some great saves and backs Claire Kelly, Niamh Tighe and Clodagh Foley defended everything that came at them, and got their reward as Kiltubrid scored that winning goal. Sinead McKeon, Sinead Byrne and Rachel Gill and Sub Karen Murray worked hard to win possession up front. At midfield Aine Tighe never stopped running to deny Arva’s Grainne McGlade getting through the defence, and Aoife McWeeney battled it out with Aoife Fox and finished off a great display with the winning goal. Scorers: Aoife McWeeney 3—2, Aine Tighe 2---4, Sinead Byrne 1---0 Team: Nicole McMahon, Niamh Tighe, Claire Kelly, Clodagh Foley, Aoife McWeeney, Aine Tighe, Sinead McKeon, Sinead Byrne, Ravhel Gill. Subs: Karen Murray for Rachel Gill, Aisling McGourty, Avril McGovern, Cathriona Cardiff, Michelle Byrne, Ciara McWeeney, Sinead McGourty, Roisin Judge. After County Chairperson Mary Shanley presented the cup, great celebrations took place which was followed by a meal and showing of the match video, thanks to the Cardiff family.

• Congratulations
  To Sharon Foley and Conor Doherty who have announced their engagement last weekend. Best wishes for the future from everyone at the club.

• Under 16 Girls
  Exited from this years competition at the hands of the Mohill girls who were much too strong for our young team.

• Llama Pat (S..t) Competition.
  Last Sunday 26th October our park was host to two unusual animals as two Alpacas (Peruvian Llamas) created a bit of a stir as they were introduced to the many spectators there to witness the moment the first piece of pat was dropped. We didnt have to wait very long until the spot was selected by the first of the Alpakas to drop its matter thereby earning € 500 for Ms Mary Prior, Mullaghagarve, Aghacashel who correctly marked the corresponding square on the draw sheet. Thanks to all who bought squares, to Swan Island Animal Farm who provided the animals for the day and also to the organisers within our finance committee who worked hard to make this fundraiser a great success.

• Under 21 Team
  Semifinal this weekend with Melvin Gaels as the opposition. Check fixtures for confirmation of time and venue.

• FAI Cup Final Winners
  Congrats to neighbours Longford Town who won the FAI Cup final for the first time ever by defeating St Pats on a scoreline of 2-nil.

• Park Closed Due To Ongoing Development
  All users of the pitch are reminded that as and from last Sunday the pitch is closed to allow the new surface recover from the latest piece of development where a layer of sand has been laid and levelled to complete the earlier drainage job done during the year. Hoping this wont have any major implications for the rest of the year as by now all competitions are nearly complete with the exception of the under 21's.

• Leitrim Face either Sligo or Roscommon
  The draw for the 2004 championship sees Leitrim playing in the Connaught semifinal against the winners of either Sligo or Roscommon.

20 October 2003

• Juniors.
  Despite missing some of our junior panel the team performed with great bite to overcome Drumkeerin last Sunday by just one point. The game was close all the way through with the balance shifting to and fro all through the hour. Final score 0 –12 to 1 – 8.

• Under 12 Girls Into Final.
  Good result for the young girls who had a comfortable win over the young girls from Annaduff last Thursday in Annaduff. They now meet Aughawillan in the final. This game is almost certain to be played this weekend, so check fixtures pages and as usual come out in your numbers to cheer on the girls.

• Under 16 Girls
  Play off against Cloone on Sunday evening proved to be a difficult task as the Cloone ladies provided stiff opposition until our girls took control into the second half winning by 4—13 to 1 – 7. We now play Mohill in the next qualifying game. Keep an eye on fixtures.

• Llama Pat (S..t) Competition.
  Next Sunday 26th October a Llama will arrive at our football park to deposit its waste food on a spot within a square of the grid on the pitch. One of you can expect to go home with € 500 as the prize for selecting the correct spot where the Llama (s…’s) does its business. Squares (limited number) at € 5 each are available from any of the finance committee. This midterm fundraiser will go towards ongoing development at our football park.

• Sympathy
  We offer our sympathy to the Costello family Funshinnagh on the death of Ms Kathleen Murphy Drumgarn, Gorvagh mother of Mary Costello. May she rest in peace.

• Under 21 Training
  Continues for all players this Friday night at 8 pm. Not sure of who we will be playing but expect the fixture to be very soon. Check results and possible fixture in case its this coming weekend.

• Connaught Club Championship
  Hard luck to St Marys who were narrowly defeated by the Galway champions Caltra last Sunday in Cloone.

• St Brigids Win Dublin County Final.
  St Brigids won the Dublin county final for their first time ever by defeating Kilmacud Crokes in the final played last Sunday in Parnell Park. Ex Leitrim players Declan and Ken Darcy along with Colin McGlynn and Jason Ward (captain) were part of the winning panel.

• New Arrival
  Congratulations to Teresa and Finbar Keaney on the birth of their daughter from all at the club.

13 October 2003

• Seniors.
  Final game for this year played against neighbours Fenagh St Caillins last Sunday proved an uphill task as we were forced to line out minus many of our players due to a variety of reasons from flu to injury etc. However the panel provided us with a depth of talent that saw many players in positions that they hadn’t fielded in before. The second half comeback from an eight point deficit to go one point in front gave everyone that hope for the future feeling going into the winter break. St Caillins got that all important last minute goal to leave a winning margin of two points and in turn take the points on the day.

• Juniors and Under 21’s
  Training for all players with an interest in the next few games at this level continues this Friday night.

• Congrats.
  To all at Drumshanbo and District Credit Union on the celebration of your 25 years in business serving the community.

• Llama Pat Competition.
  On Sunday week 26th October an unusual animal to these parts will run onto Kiltubrid football park to deposit his/her waste processed food. One punter who owns a square of the grid on the pitch can expect to go home with € 500 prize for selecting the correct spot where the Llama does its business. Squares (limited number) at € 5 each are available from club finance committee.

• Down Under
  Good luck and safe journey to those players who are going on a winter break to Australia. Have a great time and keep 2004 in mind as the panel of players needs all available bodies.

• International Credit Union Day.
  Tomorrow Thursday 16th Oct ’03 is International Credit Union Day and to mark this occasion and the coinciding occasion of your local Credit Union in Drumshanbo celebrating its 25th Anniversary an Open Day will be held at the Drumshanbo offices this Thursday. Everyone is invited along where light refreshments will be served and all callers will be included in a special free draw for a Hamper. So why not drop in where staff will be happy to assist with any queries you may have about all the services of your local Credit Union.

06 October 2003

• Seniors.
  At the time of going to press it is almost certain that we play our last league game against St Caillins, Fenagh nest Sunday 12th Oct. Check fixtures in these pages for confirmation of venue, time etc..

• World Handball Championship.
  Kiltubrid’s links with this momentous event taking place in Ireland this year are Paul Gilmartin, joint Trainer of the juveniles for the championships and also that versatile young sportsman Emmett Mahon who will compete in the juvenile section of the championships to be held at a venue in Kilkenny. The championships start on 19th October and end on 26th October. Good luck to all young competitors from the greater Leitrim area travelling to Kilkenny next Sunday week.

• Thirty Years Married.
  Congrats to Kathleen and Des Foley who celebrated their thirtieth wedding anniversary last weekend.

• All Ireland Ladies Football Finals.
  Mayo are All Ireland Senior Ladies champions once again as they deprived the Dublin girls their day in the sun/drizzle by scoring a late goal, their only score of the second half with the clock ticking fast to the end of thirty minutes, while the All Ireland Junior Ladies title went to the Donegal girls who easily disposed of the girls from Kildare. Many of Kiltubrid’s ladies footballers from all grades travelled up to Croke Park for the game including the under 12’s who were there to cheer on young Ms Clodagh Foley who competed in the half-time mini game to mark the occasion. Last Sunday was the final viewing of games from Hill Sixteen as we know it as the final stage of Croke Park’s development sees the “Hill” come tumbling down to end what has been the familiar sea of blue on the terraces where many Dublin teams were greeted by their fanatical supporters over the years.

• Llama Pat (S..t) Competition.
  On Sunday 26th October Kiltubrid G.A.A. will see an unusual animal to these parts run onto our football park to deposit his/her waste processed food (s..t) wherever and whenever the time to do so arrives. Anxious punters who will own a square of the grid on the pitch can expect to go home with € 500 as their prize for selecting the correct spot where the Llama (s…’s) does its business. Squares (limited number) at € 5 each will be available from this week.

• Training
  Note….. no training tonight Wednesday. Training continues for all players this Friday.

29 September 2003

• All Ireland Football Final Tickets.
  Draw for the club allocation of tickets took place last week with the following two lucky members getting the tickets…Brendan Meehan and Enda McKeon.

• Sympathy.
  We offer our sympathy to the O’Connor family of Dromod on the sudden passing of Jimmy O’Connor one of Leitrim’s Greats for his off the field sponsorship and never-ending support of Leitrim football at all levels, also to the Annaduff club on the loss of one of their great club personalities. As a mark of respect for the late Jimmy O’Connor all club fixtures in Leitrim were postponed over the past weekend. May he rest in peace.

• Leitrim Exit Masters at Semi-Finals Stage.
  Despite a good start Leitrim just couldn’t match the experience of Dublin last Saturday in the Downs football grounds outside of Mullingar, Co Westmeath. This has been a great run by our more senior reps as they had some very good games up to this stage of the competition. Our club representatives on the day were Prionsias Reynolds and Pat McWeeney. Final score 0—15 to 1----8.

• Congrats Sue.
  Congratulations to Sue O’Donoghue of Keshcarrigan who was one of the contestants on last Saturdays’ Winning Streak game show. Sue arrived home very pleased after scooping a major cash prize and a brand new car. Accompanied by friends and relations the travelling party by all accounts had a ball at R.T.E. We wish you and your family many years of happiness with your win Sue, and may this break through bring more good fortune to some other three star hopefuls from this community.

• All Ireland Title For Tyrone at last.
  Everyone who has the remotest interest in Gaelic Football greeted the final whistle last Sunday with that great feeling that the underdog had triumphed at last. Maureen McGlynn’s phone was constantly engaged for the evening after the game as well wishers contacted to say well done and congrats to this years’ parish of Kiltubrid link with All Ireland Final glory. Tyrone native Maureen a former school friend of Mickey Harte the winning team manager and neighbour of the country’s most popular captain Peter Canavan was over the moon with the result. Last year it was Annie Tighe’s turn, this year its Maureen McGlynn who celebrates, and hopefully we here in Leitrim will experience that winning feeling some day soon.

• Clodagh For Croke Park.
  Good luck to Kiltubrid’s under 12 girl’s representative Clodagh Foley of Lisconnor, Kilclare who lines out in the game at the half-time interval of the All Ireland Ladies Final next Sunday in Croke Park. Hope you enjoy your day at G.A.A. H.Q..

• Senior League.
  Final game of this year’s league campaign may take place this weekend as we have to play Fenagh’s St Caillins to wind up our senior games for the year. Check the fixtures in the sports pages of the Observer or on our Parish Website at www.kiltubrid.com.

22 September 2003

• Ladies Under 16 Team.
  Our under 16 girls had a good win over Cloone last Tuesday in Cloone. Final score 4--5 to 2--5

• All Ireland Football Final Tickets.
  Draw for the club allocation of tickets will take place this week. The draw is confined to paid up club members, so if you want to be in with a chance as well as being a member of your club contact club registrar Adrian Lee without delay.

• Sympathy.
  We offer our sympathy to the Moran family, Gortnawane on the death of Ms Brigid Moran. May she rest in peace.

• Great Friends….Different Flags.
  Two neighbouring Kiltubrid ladies find themselves at opposite ends of the football supporter’s arena next Sunday as Tyrone take on Armagh in the All Ireland football final. Maureen McGlynn will be supporting her native Tyrone as they seek their first title, while Annie Tighe will be cheering on her native Armagh to a possible two in a row. Whatever the outcome, the two Northern natives will remain as they have been very good friends. Here’s wishing all supporters of both counties within our community the best of luck in the final as next year it may well be Leitrim in the final and that’ll solve any divided loyalties that may exist.

• Junior League.
  Game against Drumkeerin due for last weekend postponed to this weekend. Check fixtures in these pages and also with club before you travel.

• Senior League.
  Allen Gaels strolled through this game at the greatest of ease with only a few players providing any major obstacles for them. Although missing some players one cannot understand from a spectators/supporters point of view how recent championship form can drop so far in just a few short weeks. The game on Sunday last as a contest was all over after thirty five to forty minutes as the Gaels were shooting at will in spite of token resistance. It’s been a long year of continuous training and commitment by everyone and when the final game is played for this year players can relax and enjoy the break until activities resume in 2004.

• Leitrim Qualify for Masters Semi-Finals.
  Following a very exciting and close game our over 40’s had a two point margin to spare over a very strong Tyrone team in the quarter final played in Brewster Park, Enniskillen last Saturday evening. Hearing some of the game facts from the previous games I couldn’t resist going along to support and witness this competition at first hand. The game served up by both teams was played with skill and pace and was very competitive at times over the hour. Younger players from both Tyrone and Leitrim could have picked up a few tricks of the trade from this contest between the two panels with many years of experience behind them. Final score was 1---11 to 1---9. Our own club reps on the day were Prionsias Reynolds and Pat McWeeney while Seamus Tighe was unavailable to line out this weekend. Leitrim now go into the semi-final against Donegal. Watch these pages for details of date, venue etc..

15 September 2003

• Training
  Training continues for all players as usual on Wednesdays and Fridays.

• Weekly Notes.
  Please have any sporting item of interest included in the weekly notes by forwarding same to club P.R.O. by Sunday evenings.

• Hurling All Ireland Tickets.
  The winners of the two tickets for last Sunday’s All Ireland hurling final were Pat McWeeney and Kevin Nealon.

• Ladies Under 16 Team.
  Good result for our under 16 girls who had a narrow victory over a very strong Mohill side last Wednesday in Kiltubrid.

• All Ireland Football Final Tickets.
  Draw for the club allocation of tickets will take place during the week prior to the final. The draw is confined to paid up club members, so if you want to be in with a chance as well as being a member of your club contact club registrar Adrian Lee without delay.

• Under 14 Boys.
  Hard luck to our under 14 boys who were defeated by the Carrigallen lads last Friday evening.

• Double Celebrations.
  Congrats to Gearoid Foley and Eoin Meehan who celebrated their 18th Birthdays’ last weekend. A good time was had by one and all.

• Congrats.
  To ex club player Gary Burke, Aghacashel who recently graduated with a BSc Honours degree in Radiography at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown, Belfast. Garry is currently employed at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.

• Sympathy.
  We offer our sympathy to the McGourty family, Rossy on the death of Ms Margaret Earley, Mohill aunt of Sean McGourty. May she rest in peace.

• Tidy Towns Winners.
  We congratulate all winners in the various categories including our own village of Keshcarrigan who for the second year in a row earned themselves the title of most improved town in Co Leitrim. They will receive the Super Valu Endeavour Award again this year and all involved including residents, F.A.S team and the committee are to be congratulated.

• North West Hospice Coffee Morning.
  Will be held in McKeon’s Keshcarrigan tomorrow Thursday 18th Sept between 10am and 12 noon. Please support this very worthy cause.

• Junior Certificate Results.
  Well done to all young people from our community who received their Junior Cert results last week. All are encouraged to build on these results as they take another step in their ongoing education leading to their individual career choices.

• Rural Housing.
  We in this club wish to add our voice of agreement to the views of those who have rightly so taken issue with the houseless fields of rural Ireland. No one has the right to decide at a distance that certain parts of this county and or many other counties should be house free zones. Young people that we in the G.A.A. as an organistaion have given the opportunity to participate in all sports deserve the right to go on living within the community of their birthplace if they wish to. The survival of rural parish sporting teams depends on the availability of young people from within the confines of each parish. Movement of families to urban centres denudes the countryside of its invaluable resource namely the youth who are its future. We ask all political reps at local and national level to back this call and give support to recent statements by our country’s top politicians.

• Over One Hundred and Twenty Years of Experience.
  Leitrim’s senior seniors had a good win over Tipperary last Saturday in Gortletteragh. Assisted by Kiltubrid’s three long serving stars bringing over 120 years experience this was a very good result indeed. Keep up the good work Seamus, Prionsias and Pat.

08 September 2003

• Training Important ???
  Training continues for All Senior, Junior and Under 21 players, Wednesday and Friday Night at 8pm, still plenty games left in league and also there is the matter of the under 21 Championship coming up soon.

• County Final
  Congrats to neighbours St Marys who are this years senior county champions following their two point victory over Fenagh last Sunday in Pairc Sean, also commiserations to our neighbours on the other side St Caillins of Fenagh. Congrats to Sean O Heslins who won the ‘B’ Championship title as they defeated Annaduff also in Pairc Sean.

• Senior League
  Points are hard to come by as our seniors are experiencing great difficulty in matching recent championship form. Ballinaglera proved to be tough opposition as they held us to a draw last weekend.

• Juniors
  Good win over Leitrim Gaels last weekend. Some great individual displays. Keep up the training and some or all of the remaining games could be within your reach.

• Fixtures
  Senior game this weekend against St Caillins. Check fixtures to confirm time, venue etc..

• Three Wise Men.
  Leitrim’s “Over Two Score” team played Mayo last Sunday in Sligo and were unlucky to lose a close game. Kiltubrid club last Sunday made up twenty per cent of the starting line up in the shape of Seamus Tighe, Proinsias Reynolds and Pat McWeeney. Well done lads.

• Weekly Notes.
  All involved in sport within the community are reminded to have any sporting item of interest included in the weekly notes by forwarding same to club P.R.O. by Sunday evenings.

01 September 2003

• Under 12 Boys and Girls
  Kiltubrid under 12 girls team had a great victory over St.Marys last week. While Kiltubrid under 12 Boys had a good victory in championship.

• Under 14 Boys
  In Kiltubrid last Friday night, anyone present was witness to a very high scoring game between Kiltubrid and Eslin which finished with Kiltubrid coming out on top by 5-21 to 7-1.

• Minor Boys
  Our team bowed out of the Championship last Monday week in Fenagh against Drumkerrin with a defeat but not without a fight before losing narrowly, the panel for the entire championship was - Jamie Murray, David McWeeney, David McCormack, Alan McGovern Shane Whitlow, Micheal McGirl, Eamon Geoghegan, Gearoid Foley, Eoin Meehan, Jame Foley, Dermot McKeon, Paul McGirl, Brian Tighe, Ronan Geoghegan, Micheal McKiernan, Declan Molloy, Christopher Dwyer, Shane Cardiff, Manager Prioncias Reynolds.

• Senior League
  Our Senior team had a narrow defeat at the hands of Drumreilly last Saturday evening on a soreline of 1-10 to 0-12, the team was – Noel Gill, Niall Foley, Gerry Winters, Enda McKeon, David McGirl, Barry Doyle, Fergal Meehan, Chris Carrol, Shane Foley, Conor Doherty, Aidan McKiernan, Michael Earley, Brendan Meehan, Brian Mc Kiernan, James Gill, Subs used Gearoid Foley and Dara McKiernan.

• Junior League
  While our Junior team faired no better against St. Marys losing by 1-10 to 1-08 last Sunday, the team was – Stephen Guckian, Barry McKiernan, Eamon Doyle, Paul Gilmartin, Proincias Reynolds, Brian McKiernan, David McGirl, Richard Mahon, Noel Gill, Michael Earley, Aidan McKiernan, James Cardiff, Gerry Gilmartin, Brendan Doyle, Brendan Meehan, Subs used Gearoid Foley, Niall Foley and Conor Doherty.

• Kiltubrid in Croke Park
  Well done to Aoife McWeeney and Aine Tighe who represented Drumcong N.S. at half-time of the senior All-Ireland Semi-Final in Croke Park as part of the I.N.TO. Cumman Na mBunscoil mini-sevens, first time in over ten years Drumcong N.S. has been represented in Croke Park.

• Training Important ???
  Training continues for ALL Senior, Junior and Under 21 players, Wednesday and Friday Night at 8pm, still plenty games left in league and also there is the matter of the under 21 Championship coming up soon.

• County Final
  Best wishes to our two neighbouring Clubs of Fenagh St Caillians and St Marys Kiltoghert in the Senior Championship Final next Sunday.

• Fixtures
  No fixtures to hand at time of going to press but check fixture lists to confirm, maybe a senior or junior league game ?

25 August 2003

• Senior Championship Semi-Final.
  Brilliant display by our gallant young team who narrowly lost this their first senior championship semi-final. Having taken the game to St Marys it was heartbreaking to lose by the margin of just two points. This was by far our best performance to date as the lads played with style, skill and commitment throughout the hour. To the entire panel we in the parish say thanks for your hard work leading up to all games and while the heads are a little low at the moment there’s no doubt you’ll be back. Thanks to the team management for their dedication to detail and the giving of your time week after week. Its difficult to write anything consoling except to say the better team on the day were the losers but football was the real winner as this game was one of the best championship games in Leitrim in recent times. The turnout of support was above all expectations and we say a big thank you to all of you for your support over the year. To the players who delayed their holiday departure we say thanks and hope you have a great time in the sunshine. As we in Kiltubrid provide the land bridging Carrick and Fenagh we wish both teams well in the final, and who knows the cup may yet pass through Kiltubrid on 7th Sept.

• Junior League.
  Check fixtures in this paper as I think we have a game this evening (Wednesday). All junior panellists please make sure we have everyone available.

• Senior League.
  Again check fixtures here in this paper for confirmation of league game this weekend. All players please make yourselves available. Stay in touch with club secretary to confirm times etc.

• Park Development.
  Meeting of the park committee this Wednesday night 27th Aug in Sheemore Lounge, Kilclare at 10 pm sharp. All members of the park committee to attend please.

• Missing Jerseys.
  Good to have No 26 Jersey returned and now maybe the person with No 27 will do likewise as obviously both went the same direction on the same day.

18 August 2003

• Senior Championship Semi-Final.
  Next Sunday evening in Pairc Sean we play our very first Senior Championship semi-final. St Marys of Carrick provide the opposition and this will be a very strong test for us as we enter this unknown territory. Support from everyone of our followers is now more essential than ever as this young team of ours seek a place in the county final on Sept 7th next.

• Congratulations.
  To John Joe and Bridget Redican who celebrated their 45th Wedding Anniversary last weekend. They were accompanied by all their family and friends who joined with them in the celebrations.

• Thanks St Callians.
  For the use of their pitch by our senior team for a training session last Sunday due to the game on our own pitch between Leitrim Gaels and Allen Gaels coinciding with our planned training session.

11 August 2003

• Congratulations.
  To Shane Keaney and Carmel Fox who were married last Friday in St Brigid’s Church Drumcong.

• Minors
  Our young minor boys couldn’t match the lads from Cloone in Fenagh last Friday evening as they were defeated by a more powerful Cloone unit.

• Leitrim Ladies.
  Scoring eighteen points in a Connaught Final would win most games but our County Ladies were in hard luck against Sligo who scored four goals and eight points to give the Sligo Ladies a winning margin of two points. Our Club reps on the panel were Naomi Lee, Linda Tighe and Sandra Earley.

• Affiliation Fees – Ladies
  To all ladies who have not yet paid up their affiliation fees. Please pay before 31st August 2003, to either Helen Tighe, Sinead Meehan or Emer Horan. Senior Players €23 and Underage Players €10. Only five players have paid to date, this has an impact on the funds of the club which is unfair to all those who spent hours on fundraising for the club.

• Senior Championship.
  Into the last four following our win over Mohill last Saturday evening in Cloone. With the semifinal just a short time away its down to serious training for everyone in the panel. Twenty nine years ago three of the remaining four teams won the county championship in the form of a short lived amalgamation known as Sheemore Gaels combining the parishes of Fenagh, Kiltubrid and Carrick. Thanks to all our supporters for your loyalty once again. St Marys of Carrick are our semifinal opponents.

• Div 3 Junior League.
  Our game with Leitrim Gaels last Sunday was postponed. Check with club for new date etc.

• Leitrim Gaels Tournament.
  Following the after match celebrations a small panel of players took part in the Leitrim Gaels Tournament last Sunday. Our team reached the final playing Leitrim Gaels but had to accept silver medals as there was a five point difference at the end. Thanks to the Leitrim Gaels Club for their invitation to participate.

• Under 12’s In Tournament Final.
  Our under twelve’s were narrowly defeated in the final of the Leitrim Gaels Tournament on Saturday last. This was a great final won by the host club who were the slightly better team on the day. Again thanks to Leitrim Gaels for the invitation to participate.

04 August 2003

• Kiltubrid v Gortletteragh
  Both teams lined out a little under strength, but it was the visitors who stayed in front to take the points in Kiltubrid last Sunday. Not availing of open opportunities in front of goal was our main downfall. Over elaboration and an unwillingness to have a go saw many golden chances squandered over the hour. This will go down as a game thrown away rather than a game lost. Not taking anything away from Gortletteragh victory as they took whatever scoring chances that came their way, doing the simple things like scoring points when the opportunity presented itself.

• P. J. Lynch Memorial Tournament.
  An entertaining series of short seven a side games between teams representing the six public watering holes connected to the parish formed the annual P.J. Lynch tournament competition played at our park last Sunday. This was for a change played in excellent conditions as our park looked good and was in excellent condition for the games last Sunday. Following the play offs two teams contested the final which was won by the team representing Meehan’s who had a narrow winning margin over Tom and Mary McNamara’s Sheemore Lounge. The P.J Lynch cup was presented to the winning team following the club draw on Sunday night in McKeon’s, Hillsbrook House. And while I’m on this subject we take this opportunity to wish the best of luck to Tom and Mary McNamara who have been called to the Bar at Kilclare.

• Get Well Wishes.
  Everyone at the club sends best wishes to Oliver Scollan recently hospitalised and wish him a speedy recovery to full health and back home very soon.

• Club Draw.
  The winners of our draw held last Sunday night in McKeon’s Kesh were as follows :-- € 2000….. Caroline Bohan, Funshinagh, Keshcarrigan, €500........Ms Pat Creegan, Cloone, € 100 each…… Aine Redican, Drumcara, Foxfield, Michael Geoghegan, Aghacashel, Michael Dwyer, New York, Johnny Earley, Kilclare and Sinead Foley c/o Gerties, Kesh. The club finance committee wish to thank everyone who supported the draw, to those who organised the draw, to our supporters in the U.SA. for their generosity and willingness to support, to Dermot and all at the Leitrim Resource centre Mohill for the tickets, to McKeons for hosting the draw, to Des and Kathleen Foley & staff for the food preparation, to Nick & Derek for the Bar.B.Q. cooking, to Michael Scollan and Karl Scollan for donating the food for the day, to Brian & Ann Meehan for their sponsorship of one of the € 100 prizes and finally the lads in the finance committee who made sure everything was organised for the day including the Bar B. Q.

• Under 14 Boys
  Hard luck to our gallant under fourteen boys who lost to Eslin last week. The unavailability of key players weakened the panel but the team on the day put in a brave performance in the face of defeat.

• Under 12 Girls Championship.
  Great result against St Josephs as our young ladies recorded a good victory last Friday. They play the girls from Dromahaire this Thursday evening at 7pm at home in our pitch.

• Affiliation Fees – Ladies
  To all ladies who have not yet paid up their affiliation fees. Please pay before 31st August 2003, to either Helen Tighe, Sinead Meehan or Emer Horan. Senior Players €23 and Underage Players €10. Only five players have paid to date, this has an impact on the funds of the club which is unfair to all those who spent hours on fundraising for the club.

• Under 16 Boys
  A very under strength Kiltubrid side were no match for the Fenagh lads who had a comfortable win in this game.

• Senior Championship.
  As we go to press we are playing Mohill in Cloone this Saturday evening at 6 pm in the quarter final of this year’s senior championship. To say this is our biggest game to date is an understatement. Mohill are a fine young fast thinking outfit who play with great skill and determination. Our panel know all there is to be known about Mohill v Kiltubrid games over the recent past. We need all the support possible on Saturday to give the lads that extra bit of encouragement.

• Div 3 Junior League.
  We are due to play Leitrim Gaels this Sunday at 12 noon in our pitch. All players take note and check with club to confirm time etc..

• Cemetery Sunday ……10th August.
  Next Sunday is the annual Blessing of the Graves Ceremony in the Parish of Kiltubrid. The Ceremony takes place after 11.30 am Mass in Drumcong .

• Connaught Final For Leitrim Ladies.
  Good luck to the Leitrim Ladies Junior team who play Sligo in the Connaught final on Sunday next in Pearse Stadium, Galway.

28 July 2003

• P. J. Lynch Memorial Tournament:
  Six teams from the entire possible eligible players panel will compete in this annual tournament on next Sunday. Throw in is at 1.30 sharp. This competition forms part of this Club Day of festivities including B.B.Q in Kesh leading up to our “Once Off Limited Draw” which takes place in McKeon’s, Kesh on Sunday night next 3rd August. There are still some tickets available from any Club member. First Prize is € 2000 followed by € 500 as Second prize and Five prizes of € 100 each. Ticket sellers are asked to return all monies and ticket stubs to the club treasurer by this Friday night 1st August in Cardiff’s at 10 pm.

• County Ladies.
  Belated congrats to our County Ladies who put in a powerful performance to advance in the Connaught Junior Championship at the expense of Galway Ladies last Sunday week. Our club reps on the panel were Naomi Lee, Linda Tighe and Sandra Earley. Well done to all concerned.

• What If ????.
  I guess we’ll never know but you have to hand it to neighbours Roscommon who progressed to the All Ireland Quarter finals as they wore down the Lillywhites in over ninety minutes of end to end football. We in Leitrim can take some comfort from Roscommon’s forward march in the by now well recognised fact that Leitrim are and would have been up there with the best had lady luck shone a little brighter on the home side in Pairc Sean some weeks ago.

• Kiltubrid v Cloone
  We move on to the quarter finals following our defeat of Cloone on Sunday last in St Mary’s Park, Carrick on Shannon. Following the previous week’s display this was a very big improvement indeed. Cloone failed to pose any real threat over the course of the game and our lads shouldn’t run away with any ideas of them being any threat to the other teams in the next rounds. Enough of the negativity as this combined effort was by far our best game to date this year. Its down to serious training commitment from everyone in the panel now. Thanks to all supporters for your turnout on Sunday and just to say that the change of venue was beyond our control; so as well as bringing your eight euro next time bring an umbrella and some stacking chairs to save standing in the rain for the hour or so. Oh by the way we have one thing in common with the Rossies….we’re into the last eight.

• Ladies Senior Championship.
  Our girls struggling to build a panel lost to Mohill Ladies on Sunday last in Annaduff. Some good individual performances despite being on the losing side.

• Cemetery Sunday ……10th August.
  Next Sunday week is the date of the annual Blessing of the Graves Ceremony in the Parish of Kiltubrid. The Ceremony takes place after 11.30 am Mass in Drumcong on Sunday 10th August.

21 July 2003

• Club Draw:
  Tickets for our limited draw are selling very well. Still some tickets available from any Club member. First Prize is 2000 Euro followed by 500 Euro as Second prize and Five prizes of 100 Euro each. Proceeds to ongoing park development for the benefit of all the young people from our community.

• Sympathy:
  We sympathise with Ladies footballer Cathy Kane on the death of her grandfather Frank Kane, Cormongan, Drumshanbo whose funeral took place last week. May he rest in peace.

• Kiltubrid v Aughnasheelin:
  Good evenings work in Pairc Sean as our seniors accounted for neighbours Aughnasheelin last Sunday. This result was in doubt right up to the end of the second thirty plus minutes. Aughnasheelin gave our lads some scary moments as we had to come from behind on many occasions to eventually put our noses in front as the finishing line approached. Next game is on this Saturday 26th July when we play our final game of this round against Cloone also in Pairc Sean at 6.00pm A win in this one would put us through to the next round but we still have to play a lot better than last Sunday to expect to win against Cloone. We thank our supporters for their loyalty to date and again on Saturday we need every possible piece of support to give encouragement to the team. Check fixtures before you travel.

• Great Performance by Under 21’s:
  Hard luck to our County Under 21’s who played the game of their life despite coming away with second fiddle as the Mayo squad progressed to the semi-final where they meet Sligo. Our own Shane Foley didn’t disappoint as his combined defensive play with the other backs thwarted the many menacing attacks of the Mayo forwards throughout the hour. The thunder shower prior to throw in caused the surface of Pairc Sean to be very difficult for all players to maintain the perpendicular but both teams coped well to provide an exciting quality game for the spectators.

• Cardiff’s Smiling:
  It was well worth the long trip for the Cardiff family, Drumcong as a second half thriller in Nowlan Park, Kilkenny saw Wexford storm through to beat Waterford in this All Ireland Hurling championship qualifier last Saturday evening. Many teams will be shown the video of this second half turnaround in match preparation sessions going into games of hurling and or football. Kevin Nealon who accompanied the Cardiff’s to Nowlan Park says there’s nothing to compare with the atmosphere he experienced at this game of hurling,

• Key Of The Door
  Congratulations to Ms Jenny McKiernan, Rossy who celebrated her 21st Birthday last weekend. A good enjoyable evening – night was had by one and all.

• U 14 Girls – Feile Peil Na N – Og.
  Our young ladies were hosts of the Claremorris Ladies G.A.A. during their trip to the Feile Peil NaN-Og last weekend. The hospitality shown by the Claremorris Ladies was far beyond all expectations and all those travelling wish to express their gratitude to everyone at the host club. Our girls performed very well in their division. Congrats to Siobhan Kelly who reached the semifinals of the football skills competition. Thanks to all Parents and Mentors for their assistance with the trip. Thanks to the following sponsors:--- Team Gear….Dessie Foley, Francie Gilmartin and James & Eilish Cardiff. The other valued sponsors were ….Scollans Meats, Drumshanbo, McLoughlin’s Supervalue, Ballinamore, Drino and Lees of Aghacashel.

• Under 14 Girls Medals.
  The Ladies wish to thank Des and Kathleen Foley for hosting the recent presentation of Girls Medals. Thanks to those who sponsored prizes including Ann Marie McGirl of the Hair Shop, Drumshanbo, Francie Gilmartin and Lees of Aghacashel. The following are the girls who received medals : -- Clare Kelly, Christine Gill, Helene Duignan, Rachel Gill, Kathy Beirne, Aine Tighe, Siobhan Kelly, Sinead Tighe, Nicole McMahon, Tara Evans, Aoife McWeeney, Clodagh Foley, Orla McGourty, Aisling McGourty, Niamh Tighe, Catriona Cardiff, Roisin Judge, Ciara McWeeney, Michelle Fleming and Sinead Byrne.

• Congratulations
  To Sinead Tighe and Aine Tighe who returned home to Kiltubrid all smiles after their excellent performances in the Lucozade Sport National T&F Championships held in Tullamore recently. Sinead achieved 1st Place in the 2000m Girls U.14 Walk and Aine achieved 5th place in the u.12 Girls 600m running event. Well done Girls! We wish a speedy recovery to Tara Evans who qualified but could not compete in these championships due to injury. Hope to see you back in action soon Tara.

• Senior Championship
  The Ladies take on Mohill in the first round of the Senior Championship at 12.30pm on Sunday 27th June. Please check fixtures for venue. The girls I know will appreciate your support as always.

• Cemetery Sunday ……10th August.
  Just a note to inform anyone who may not be aware of the date of the annual Blessing of the Graves Ceremony and may wish to attend. The Ceremony takes place after 11.30 am Mass in Drumcong on Sunday 10th August.

14 July 2003

• Club Draw.
  Tickets for our limited draw are available from club members and players. Get yours without delay as we need to have accounts up to date prior to the draw .

• Kiltubrid v Mohill
  A very useful challenge last Saturday evening in Mohill where both teams gave some food for thought for their individual team selectors and management.

• Senior Championship
  This weekend we face Aughnasheelin in the next round of this years Senior Championship. As we go to press its scheduled to take place on Sunday evening at 7.30 pm in Pairc Sean. Check with Club before you travel to confirm time . date and venue. Also on Saturday 26th July we play our final game of this round against Cloone also in Pairc Sean at 6.00pm

• Youth Festival of Prayer.
  Knock Shrine in conjunction with Youth 2000 celebrate faith and youth in a young persons retreat from the 7th to 10th August at Our Lady’s Shrine, Knock, Co Mayo. The theme is “I will give you a peace that the world cannot give you.” For more information contact Emma or Ann at (094) 88100. The aim of the festival are to provide young people with a positive experience of Church and to meet with other young people in a faith environment. The festival includes---- prayer, music, guest-speakers, workshops, share groups and plenty of time for ‘ceol agus craic’. With your help we hope to repeat the huge success of last year, but on an even larger scale.

• Under 21 B Championship
  Our team have a bye to the semifinal of this competition where they face the winners of Melvin Gaels and Cloone. No date for the competition is available yet.

• Congratulations
  To Fr Liam Kelly who celebrated the Silver Jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood recently. We also wish Fr Liam well in his appointment as Parish Priest in Denn, Co Cavan.

• Thank You.
  To the Leitrim Supporters Club in New York for their generous contribution to all the clubs of our county including our own.

07 July 2003

• Club Draw.
  Tickets for our limited draw are available from club members and players. Get yours without delay as we need to have all draw accounts up to date prior to the draw date.

• Kiltubrid v Eslin.
  Despite the slow start in the first half our Junior team pressed a little heavier on the accelerator in the second half to win this game with relative ease. Good display by both sides who gave great commitment right up to the final whistle.

• Sympathy.
  We offer the sympathy of everyone at the club to the Mullaney family Kilclare on the death of Ellie Mullaney whose funeral took place last week . May she rest in peace.

• Offaly Lucky.
  Luck is a great thing , no more so than in football as we listened in agony to Saturday evening’s game on local radio when neighbours Roscommon beat Offaly in extra time to qualify for the next round of the championship. Would we have beaten Offaly??? We’ll never know. We can all visualise the moment the ball was scrambled across the Leitrim goal line in Pairc Sean a couple of Sunday’s ago to deprive us of qualification to go forward to meet as it turned out to be Offaly.

• U.14 Girls ……. Feile Peil Na N-Óg 2003
  Our U14 Ladies – Leitrim Championship Winners 2002 will travel to Claremorris next Friday 11th – 13th July to represent their county in this years “Feile Peile Na N-Óg”. This is a great opportunity for the girls to display their skills and talents among other teams participating in this All-Ireland event. The event is being held in Galway and our team and mentors are kindly being hosted by Claremorris Ladies GAA Club in Mayo. The girls have been training rigorously in preparation for this competition. The girls would like to thank all the sponsors for their generosity. We wish the girls team and supporters travelling all the best and hope everyone has a great time.

• Presentation of U14 Girls Medals
  The U14 Girls were presented with their championship winning medals last Friday night in Gerties Pub Keshcarrigan. Thanks to our county players Shane Foley and Christy Carroll who presented the medals. Thanks to all their supporters throughout the campaign and to all who donated prizes for the raffle which was held on the night to help defray costs in their forthcoming trip to Feile Peil Na-Nóg in Galway. Your support was as always very generous as is much appreciated.

• Ladies League.
  The ladies were out against Aughawillan on Sunday last in our pitch. With many young girls on the team the ladies put in a brave hours football despite losing to the visitors. Some very good individual performances from practically all players who must be looking around to see where are all those who could be at training and helping to rebuild the panel to encouraging levels. So girls when you read this get in touch and come to training: its good for you and for the moral of everybody trying to keep the show on the road. With the Senior Championship just around the corner its training as usual for everyone. Keep up the good work.

30 June 2003

• Club Draw:
  With just over four weeks to our big draw every ticket seller is asked to maximise sales. .

• Kiltubrid v Drumreilly.
  Played in ideal conditions both teams served up a great game in the second half. The first half was a bit dull to say the least with Drumreilly leading by two points at half-time 0 – 5 to 0 – 3. The second half was a very good value for money affair with both teams giving more commitment right up to the end with Drumreilly having the edge with the half-time margin maintained with the final score of 0 –12 to 1 – 7. So its back to the drawing board to see where we get the jigsaw pieces fitting more neatly to give a better result in the final two remaining games of this round. Cloone pitch was in excellent condition for the games on Sunday and its great credit to everyone involved in its upkeep.

• New Arrival:
  Congratulations to Sandra and Martin Moran Rantogue on the birth of their baby girl Amy.

• Mass Rock:
  Great to see a good crowd making the annual pilgrimage to the Mass Rock last Saturday evening. Weather was very suitable for the journey up and down the mountain.

• U.14 Girls Head West for Feile Peil Na N-Óg 2003
  Our U14 Ladies – Leitrim Championship Winners 2002 will travel to Claremorris weekend 11th – 13th July to represent their county in this years “Feile Peile Na N-Óg”. This is a great opportunity for the girls to display their skills and talents among other teams participating in this All-Ireland event. The event is being held in Galway and our team and mentors are kindly being hosted by Claremorris Ladies GAA Club in Mayo. A raffle will be held in conjunction with the presentation of the U14 girls medals this Friday night in Gerties, Keshcarrigan, to help defray costs of the trip. Your support will be appreciated. The girls have been training rigorously in preparation for this competition. We wish the girls team every success and enjoyment as they look forward to this once in their lifetime event.

• Presentation of U14 Girls Medals:
  The U14 Girls will be presented with their championship winning medals this Friday night in Gerties Pub Keshcarrigan. A raffle will be held on the night to help defray costs in their forthcoming trip to Feile Peil Na-Nóg in Galway. Your support as always is appreciated.

• Ladies Senior Championship:
  The Ladies Senior Championship is just around the corner and as usual the team are toiling away in preparation. Great to see some new eager faces gearing up for the championship and as always spirits are high in anticipation of successful participation in this years championship. Good to see Darren back in action with the lads and we wish to thank him for his help. Thanks to Naomi for stepping in so urgently and keeping the girls on their toes. Training as usual for everyone. Keep up the hard work girls.

23 June 2003

• Kiltubrid v Eslin
  Our Juniors played their first and last game of this year’s Junior Championship last Sunday in Annaduff as the Eslin team emerged with the narrowest of margins to go forward to the semi-final. Final score 2—5 to 0 –12.

• Club Draw:
  With just over five weeks to our big draw every ticket seller is asked to maximise sales and have all money returned by 18th July 2003. The ongoing Park Development puts demands on scarce resources, so its up to everyone to make sure the draw is a success.

• Brilliant Display Despite Losing by Leitrim.
  As most people said this game was going to be a close result, but no one dreamt that we would be robbed at the finishing line by neighbours Roscommon. Disappointment echoed around Pairc Sean as Leitrim supporters exited in disbelief that the game had been lost. We all shared in the losing feeling none more so than our gallant county panel of players and management who have worked hard to bring the standard of their game up to this level. Our club reps Shane and Christy didn’t shirk their responsibility as they contributed a major part to this game with superb displays throughout the seventy minutes. We can all talk about the ‘what might have beens’ but the entire team gave us great hope for the future with their skill and fitness and good combination football. We wish Roscommon the best of luck in their next game. Coming home with long faces from the game to witness on telly the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics soon put this result in the back pages as we observed the happy faces of thousands of the very special athletes from around the world parading into Croke Park. A spectacular display of colour etc showed the world that the word ‘Disability’ was being turned into the word ‘Thisability’ as contestants of various disciplines were proving their ability above any disability. We as a nation can be justifiably proud of our willingness to help out as over thirty thousand volunteers from all over Ireland are assisting with the games with many people from our parish actively involved at some of the venues around the country.

• Paper Relocation:
  Our County Paper the Leitrim Observer have moved into state of the art premises in the Hartley Business Park, Carrick on Shannon. We wish all of the staff the best of luck in their new location and we in Kiltubrid are glad to see them heading out our road from Carrick where the parking area will make life a lot easier for everyone calling to the office of the paper.

• Annual Mass at the Mass Rock:
  Next Saturday 28th June is the date of this years pilgrimage to the Mass Rock. Departure from assembly point at Rantogue is 6 pm with Mass at Mass Rock when all pilgrims have reached the Mass Rock at 7.15 pm approx.

• Under 14 Boys:
  Good result against the young lads from Kinlough last Friday evening as our youngsters upped their tempo in the second half to win this game comfortably.

• Croke Park Bound:
  Congratulations to Aoife McWeeney and Aine Tighe who have been picked to play in Croke Park in the Mini Sevens games at the half-time break during one of the All Ireland semi-finals in August. Well done girls and here’s wishing both of you the best of luck and hope you enjoy your experience at H.Q.

• Kiltubrid v Drumreilly:
  Second game of the five team first round qualifier for our seniors who travel to Cloone to take on Drumreilly. The game is on this Sunday evening at 7.30 pm. Check fixtures in these pages to confirm details. Supporters are urged to come out and get behind your team as we go in search of a second victory following the win over Carrigallen last week.

16 June 2003

• Kiltubrid v Carrigallen.
  Our seniors opened their championship campaign with a good win over Carrigallen last Saturday evening in Cloone. Played on one of the warmest days of this year so far , by the way it was 19.5 degrees in Cloone last Saturday evening. This was never going to be an easy hours football at any rate as Carrigallen made our lads go in search of a higher gear before they got to grips with the never say die mentality of the Carrigallen lads. A very sporting and good value for money game was served up by both teams who had the average turnout of supporters keyed-in right up to the final whistle. Final Score 1 – 13 to 1 -- 9.

• Special Olympics.
  The summer weather that greeted the Special Olympics Torch Bearing Parties arriving in Leitrim last Sunday en route to Dublin for next Saturday’s Pageant in Croke Park created a festival atmosphere in the four host centres. Many people from our parish travelled to Mohill, Ck on Shannon and Drumshanbo to savour this once in a lifetime event. Our Pipe Band were part of the celebrations in Mohill, Ck on Shannon and Drumshanbo. This is the first time that the Special Olympics were ever held outside of U.S.A.

• Club Draw.
  With just over six weeks to our big draw every ticket seller is asked to maximise sales and have all money returned by 18th July 2003. The ongoing Park Development puts demands on scarce resources, so its up to everyone to make sure the draw is a success.

• Sympathy.
  The club committee, membership and players extend their sympathy to the Carroll family on the death of Maureen Martin , Coventry, England, sister of Lilly Carroll, Carrickport. May she rest in peace.

• Junior Team Play Eslin.
  Next Sunday week the 21st June is the planned date for our Juniors who play Eslin in the first round of the championship. Time of throw-in is 1:15 pm in Annaduff, but check fixtures for official details.

• Annual Mass at the Mass Rock.
  Saturday week 28th June is the date of this years pilgrimage to the Mass Rock. Departure from assembly point at Rantogue is 6 pm with Mass at starting when all pilgrims have reached the Mass Rock.

• Feile Handball.
  Congratulations to that versatile young sportsman Emmett Mahon who was a Silver Medalist in the Under 14 Feile handball competitions held in Leixlip, Co Kildare last week.

• Back Door or Trap Door?
  Yes its the draw we expected but thought it couldn’t happen, as we take on neighbours Roscommon in Pairc Sean this Saturday 21st June at 4.15 pm. Its an all ticket affair and you all know the means of getting your ticket. The club will have its usual allocation to sell, and everyone is expected to have picked up their ticket(s) by this Thursday night from the same seller as before. Meanwhile we wish Christy and Shane all the best on Saturday together with the entire Leitrim panel of players and management.

09 June 2003

• Club Executive Meeting:
  Will take place this Friday night 13th June at 10 pm in Lynches, Kilclare.

• Kiltubrid v Aughawillan:
  Close call for our seniors as they made hard work of getting even scorewise against Aughawillan last Saturday evening in Aughawillan in the league. Based on current form our panel will take heart from this result as it gets the team back tenderly on track as we play our first game of this years championship next weekend.

• Special Olympics:
  Next weekend is a very special time in the sporting life of our country as thousands of young special needs athletes from around the world converge on individual host towns all over the thirty two counties to compete at world level in various sporting disciplines. We welcome those coming to Leitrim especially, as Drumshanbo, Manorhamilton, Mohill and Carrick on Shannon play host to different countries for the duration of the games. The torch run led by the Law Enforcement Team enters Drumshanbo at 2 pm next Sunday 15th June.

• Benefit Social:
  For Francis Lynch this Friday 13th June in Monicas Bar, Drumshanbo. Music by Francie Smith and numerous other artists. Please support this very worthy event.

• Kiltubrid v Carrigallen.:
  Next Sunday our Seniors play game one in the ‘best of five teams group’ when they entertain Carrigallen. The other three teams in the group are Cloone, Drumreilly and Aughnasheelin. All supporters are urged to come out and lend your support to our youthful band of players who have had a very good 2002. But now back up at senior level it’s a different kettle of fish playing other teams that have high hopes of doing well in this years championship. Please check Observer for fixtures time, date and venue.

• Smiles All Round At Drumcong:
  The Cardiff family had every good reason to smile last Sunday evening as their home county of Wexford had a well deserved win over Offaly in the Leinster Hurling Semi-Final.

• Girls Win Schools Final:
  The wintery conditions didn’t inhibit our young girls or the girls from Drumshanbo as both teams kept the shivering spectators on their feet for most of this final played at Pairc Sean last Monday evening. Drumcong school team went into this game as slight favourites and for the early stages of this game they were made to dig deep into their footballing resources as the Drumshanbo girls played their best football to date showing that in the not too distant future they will make their mark on the ladies football scene. Enough about the opposition as our girls playing with the wintery breeze showed that they could rise to any threat in the tight opening quarter to go on to lead at half time. The second half was end to end stuff as our young ladies kept the Drumshanbo attack at bay time and time again. Final score 6 – 9 to 3 – 1. Well done to everyone involved including trainers, teachers and parents and the entire panel who trained hard for this title. The medals and the school trophies were presented to both teams by Dessie Doyle who praised both sets of players for their entertaining game.

• continued......
  Claire Kelly accepted the trophy as Captain of the winning team and before her three hip hips thanked everyone who was a part of this victory. Great to see so many supporters turning out on Monday evening when it would be a lot more comfortable to stay at home in the warmer conditions of home. In the game before our final the young girls of Aughnasheelin were victorious in their final against Leckaun N.S. and we congratulate them also. The Dumcong National School panel was as follows:-- Aine Tighe, Aisling McGourty, Avril McGovern, Cathriona Cardiff, Clodagh Foley, Sinead Byrne, Christine Gill, Claire Kelly (capt), Aoife McWeeney, Nicole McMahon, Roisin Judge, Niamh Tighe, Ciara McWeeney, Rachel Gill, Cloe Elberse Devlin, Lisa Elberse Devlin, Michelle Byrne, Sinead McKeon, Karen Murray.

02 June 2003

• Challenge Games:
  We played two challenges last weekend. On Friday evening Aughavas and on Sunday evening Mohill. Both games have given both trainers and players further thoughts and ideas to make final decisions for the first round of the championship.

• Leitrim v Galway.
  As complete underdogs our county team gave all supporters great value for money as they took the game to Galway in Pairc Sean last Sunday. The nine point margin as everyone knows doesn’t reflect the true result of the game. Our club reps Christy and Shane played a major part in this game and together with the rest of the panel must now be looking forward to the rear door next round of this years championship with a little more than a degree of optimism.

• Kiltubrid v Aughawillan.
  Due to the fact that we have a bye in the first round of the championship we have a league game against Aughawillan on this Saturday evening in Aughawillan. Check fixtures for times and venue confirmation.

• Training for Seniors and Juniors:
  Takes place as usual with a full attendance expected.

• Half-Time Mini Sevens
  Kiltubrid Ladies were well represented by Aoife McWeeney who played some excellent football as the young school girls of Leitrim had the upper hand of the girls from Galway.

• Pipe Band:
  Providing the entertainment on Sunday last in Carrick were our Parish Band who as usual were looking very smart as they paraded the teams and played before the game and during the match interval. Great to see many young faces joining the band and keeping the Parish tradition going year after year since 1949.

• Community Games Athletics County Finals:
  Congratulations to the winners and all who participated in the County Finals of the community games recently. We wish all of good luck as you go forward to the next stage of the competition.

• New Arrival:
  Congratulations to Pauline and Sean Kelly, Kilclare on the birth of their baby daughter.

26 May 2003

• Leitrim Minors
  Leitrim Under 18’s picked up the O’Donoghue Shield by their victory over Longford in the final played last Saturday in Cloone. This win comes after a disappointing result in the Connaught Championship the previous Sunday in Galway. Well done to everyone involved.

• Kiltubrid v Bornacoola Challenge Game.
  Short notice works best as the turnout for this challenge game was very good indeed. The short notice didn’t change the current form as the lads from Bornacoola showed that their skill and pace as being on target for the championship. We need to get down to the task of getting in the right mode for the major task ahead namely the first round of this year’s Senior Championship. Its up to each member of the panel to treat the preparation as an urgency if we are to get the result expected by our supporters.

• Special Club Draw.
  Tickets are now available for our club “Limited Draw” to be held August Bank Holiday weekend. € 3000 in prizes with € 2000 as 1stPrize, € 500 as 2ndPrize, with Five Prizes of €100 each. Tickets are €20 each with funds raised going towards Park Development.

• Girls Mini Sevens.
  Congratulations to our Girls Mini Sevens team as they became County Champions by winning their game against Drumshanbo by the minimum margin last Wednesday. They overcame terrible weather conditions to win the title. The team was Nicole McMahon, Claire Kelly, Clodagh Foley, Aoife McWeeney, Aine Tighe, Christine Gill (capt), and Sinead Byrne. Subs were – Aisling McGourty, Rachel Gill and Karen Murray. Then on Saturday representing their County they played their hearts out to record some excellent performances against the County Representatives from the other four Counties of Connaught. There is no team winner at those Inter County playoffs, as the purpose of the exercise is to select a shortlist of individual players to play in the “Halftime Mini Sevens” during the finals of the provincial championship games and on to Croke Park for the Semi-Finals and later the All Ireland Final.

• Sympathy.
  We extend our deepest sympathy to the Foley family of Lisconnor, Kilclare on the death of Tessie McDonagh (nee Lynch formerly of Corderry Moreton), aunt of Francie Foley whose funeral took place in Louisburgh, Co Mayo. May she rest in peace.

• No 2 Jersey.
  The number 2 jersey from the Martin Moran kit is missing. So if anybody has it at home, please return it as it is needed for the underage matches.

• Feile.
  All those wishing to participate in Feile should bring their original birth certificates and a passport photograph to the next training as soon as possible.

• Affiliation Fees.
  A quick note to remind those who have not paid their affiliation fees. Senior-€ 23 and Underage € 10. All fees should be with the club treasurer now.

• Eddie is World Pool No 2.
  We salute young Eddie McGowan of Drumshanbo who was pipped at the final frame in the World finals of the special Wheelchair Pool Championships held in Blackpool last week. Taking second place in the World in any competition is no mean achievement. For Eddie who takes these games in his stride a big home coming welcoming party greeted him at Meehan’s High Street where he was presented with a Special Plaque to mark the occasion last weekend.

• Leitrim v Galway.
  Next Sunday is D day for our County team as they take on the might of Galway in the next round of the Connaught Championship under former Leitrim Manager John O’Mahony. We wish Christy and Shane together with the whole panel all the best on Sunday and remember its all on the day where Pairc Sean should be packed to capacity for this one. Oh by the way, our parish will be further represented by the attendance of our Pipe Band who have in their ranks many new young faces who have been in training over the past two years.

• Tickets for The Match on Sunday.
  Tickets are available tonight Wednesday at the dressing rooms at the pitch. Call to the pitch before 10.00pm tonight and have money at hand for your ticket(s). The club allocation of whatever tickets are left over will be returned to the County Board tonight Wednesday.

• County Team Church Gate Collection.
  Thanks to everyone who contributed so generously to the collection at both church gates last Sunday.

19 May 2003

• Last Weeks’ Notes:
  Will be printed in these pages this week as there was a technical problem at Observer receiving end last week.

• Under 21 Photographs:
  Those who would like to get enlarged (12 x 8) copies of photographs of the recent County Under 21 Champs are asked to contact Club P.R.O.

• Leitrim Minors Deserved A Draw:
  Despite a magical comeback in the second half our young brave hearts couldn’t manage to close the one point gap against old rivals Galway last Sunday in Pearse Stadium. Their opening quarter and second half performance was by all accounts one of the best by a Leitrim minor team in recent years.

• Kiltubrid v Aughawillan:
  The recent return to the usual weather conditions put paid to our Senior game against Aughawillan scheduled for last Saturday evening.

• Leitrim Ladies:
  Congrats to our county ladies team who had a fine victory over the Sligo ladies last Sunday. Our club reps on the day were Naomi Lee, Linda Tighe and Sandra Earley. Very well done to one and all and good luck in the next stage of the competition.

• Special Club Draw:
  Tickets are now available for our club “Limited Draw” to be held August Bank Holiday weekend. € 3000 in prizes with € 2000 1stPrize, € 500 2ndPrize, with Five Prizes of €100 each. Tickets are €20 each with funds raised going towards Park Development.

• Training for Seniors.
  A reminder for all home based players that training tonight Wednesday is at 7.30 sharp.

• Under 14 Boys:
  Training for all tomorrow Thursday evening. Check starting time.

• Sympathy
  We extend our deepest sympathy to the Moran family, Kesh and the Duignan family Ballinamore on the untimely death of Elizabeth Duignan (nee Moran), Kilaneen, Ballinamore. May she rest in peace.

• Galway v Leitrim Match Tickets:
  Now that we know who’s coming to Carrick to take on Leitrim in the next round of the Connaught Championship on Sunday week 1st June, we have the sale of match tickets to contend with. All club members who want tickets please let Club Officers know by this Sunday night at the latest. Anyone who misses this deadline may make their own arrangements as the club will have returned any surplus tickets by then.

• Ladies Schools Team:
  The girls school’s team started the league well with an impressive win over neighbours Drumshanbo a few weeks ago. This was followed with victories over Aughavas and Drumlease and most recently, with a comfortable win over Carrigallen. Keep it up girls!

• Mini Sevens:
  Support for our up and coming stars of the girls ‘mini sevens’ team would be greatly appreciated when they face rivals Drumshanbo today at 1 o’clock in the county final. Check fixtures for venue etc..

• Green Flag:
  Congratulations to the staff and students of Drumcong National School on their Green Flag award.

• Ladies Nine A Side:
  The ladies are competing in a special nine a side league. The next match is this Sunday against Mohill. Full turnout of all players expected. Check fixtures for venue.

• Feile:
  All those wishing to participate in Feile should bring their original birth certificates and a passport photograph to the next training as soon as possible.

• Affiliation Fees:
  A quick note to those who have not paid their affiliation fees. Senior-€ 23 and Underage € 10. All fees should be given to the club treasurer sooner rather than later.

• No 2 Jersey:
  The number 2 jersey from the Martin Moran kit is missing. So if anybody has it at home, please return it as it is needed for the underage matches.

• Exams:
  Best of luck to all those doing exams.

12 May 2003

• Under 21 Photographs:
  Those who would like to get enlarged (12 x 8) copies of photographs of the recent County Under 21 Champs are asked to contact Club P.R.O. by this Friday night 16th May. After that those who want a copy can make their own arrangements.

• Ladies:
  Congratulations to Cathriona McKeon, Liscarbin and Aidan Faughnan, Drumsna who have announced their engagement recently. Best wishes from all at the club. Meanwhile on the playing field our ladies played one of their better games of the year even though they went down to the girls from Cloone in this special “nine a side” league filler competition.

• Juniors:
  A great game but another defeat at the hands of Carrigallen in Carrigallen. Accuracy in front of the uprights was a fairly serious problem as many chances were squandered. Despite this there’s no taking away from Carrigallen’s direct approach to the game as they won the match with a scoreline of 1…12 to 0….10.

• Kiltubrid v Annaduff:
  The less said the better as Annaduff tore shreds off our squad to march on to a rather easy victory in this one. There’s no doubt about it, Annaduff had winning this game their main focus as they were hungrier for victory and showed a great level of sharpness and fitness all over the field. Now its back to the drawing board for everyone where no doubt the lesson learned will if built on propel the Kiltubrid rocket back on course so they can get used to their winning ways again. Final score 2-11 to 0-4.

• Items For Club Notes:
  We can only put into the notes whatever information is forwarded by Sunday evenings at the latest. If you think someone or something in general sporting terms should get a mention don’t be shy in giving the P.R.O. a ring with your story. Oh, by the way all club notes from the past up to the current week can be accessed in the Parish website at www.kiltubrid.com and log on to G.A.A. link.

• Special Club Draw:
  Tickets are now available for our club “Limited Draw” to be held August Bank Holiday weekend. € 3000 in prizes with € 2000 1stPrize, € 500 2ndPrize, with Five Prizes of €100 each. Tickets are €20 each with funds raised going towards Park Development.

• ‘Gangs Of New York’:
  By now all players, supporters (comedians, singers, actors, story-tellers, alcohol filters, etc. etc.) are safely home from the big apple. By all accounts a ‘whale of a time’ was had by everyone. The hospitality shown by the New York based Leitrim people was second to none and all who travelled for the game say a big ‘Thank You’ for everything and here’s hoping things are back to normal for each of you following the festival atmosphere generated by the visit of our County Team and Supporters.

05 May 2003

• Confirmation:
  Congratulations to the following children from our Parish National School who were confirmed by Bishop Colm O’Reilly last Sunday during 11.30 Mass in St Brigid’s Church, Drumcong:; Daniel McGirl, Aoife McWeeney, Kieran Murray, Nicole McMahon, Dominic Keaney, Claire Kelly, David McGourty, Christine Gill, Raymond Duignan, Rowan Currid, Francis McGough.

• New Referees:
  Best of luck to our new club referees who passed their final test to become the latest additions to the list of club referees within our county. Make no mistake about it the challenges ahead for any modern day referee are a very testing and enduring experience. Of course we cannot have games without the person in the middle with the whistle and the by now inscribed title (given by the punters at every game) on their jersey. We as spectators all at times call referees by anything except their christian names and in doing so make life for them miserable and very often force the shortening of their refereeing careers. To Barry, Emer, Eoin, Helen, Brian and Sinead here’s hoping your courage to become a steward of our popular national sport is for each of you a very enjoyable and worthwhile experience.

• Parish Weddings:
  Last weekend was one the busiest in our Parish Church as we had Three Weddings as well as Confirmation for the children of Kiltubrid and Fenagh. Congratulations to the following couples who were married in St Brigid’s Church, Drumcong: Deirdre Harris and Liam Ferry, Eimear Gilmartin and David Moran, Carmel McCabe and Tomas Taylor. Best wishes to all the happy couples in their future lives together.

• Sympathy:
  We offer our deepest sympathy to the Gilbride and McNulty families on the deaths of John Gilbride formerly Liscarbin uncle of Cathal Gilbride, Drumlease, Dromahaire and Charlie McHugh, Killaneen, Ballinamore father of Joan McNulty, Kilclare. May their souls rest in peace.

• Under 21 Photographs:
  Those who would like to get enlarged (12 x 8) copies of photographs of the recent County Under 21 Champs are asked to contact Club P.R.O. by this Friday night 9th May.

• Ladies:
  We congratulate two ex lady footballers on the occasion of their marriages last week: - Deirdre Harris who married Liam Ferry and Carmel McCabe who married Tomas Taylor. May you have long and happy lives together.

• NY Almost Send Leitrim Home Facing The Back Door:
  Listening to this encounter on local radio last Sunday evening was edge of seat stuff when our County Team had the battle of a lifetime on their hands as the home side led this game for the larger part until the final minutes of time added on. Having come through this lesson in grit and determination from New York the team and panel return home energy sapped but relieved knowing that 1st June will be another test of their true mettle. There’s no point in going on about it, as the full report will tell you the real story from Gaelic Park. We the ‘stay at home gang’ owe a tremendous gratitude to Shannonside-Northern Sound Radio for their coverage of the game and the before and after happenings in New York. Congrats to the team management and the entire panel for their hard work in preparation up to and including the game itself.

28 April 2003

• U.S.A. Bound:
  Good wishes to our Club players Christopher Carroll and Shane Foley, the County Team and Management as they go in search of a chunk of the Big Apple on Sunday next in New York. To all supporters travelling may you have a safe journey and a great weekend.

• Ladies:
  The ladies were out in force during the Easter weekend to raise much needed funds for the club. We kickstarted the weekend with a busy day of bag-packing in Glancy’s Supermarket, Carrick on Shannon. We would like to sincerely thank all the staff and management for their kindness. A word of thanks to the customers who contributed and to all the girls from the club who participated. Sunday morning dawned on a selection of “incredible edibles” after both Rantogue and Drumcong masses. Our Cake Sale went down a treat and we would like to express our gratitude to those who slaved over hot stoves for our worthy cause and produced mouth-watering delights. Our appreciation towards everyone who reached deep into their pockets to donate so generously and everyone who assisted on the day. The following people were the winners in the Easter Egg draw : Dylan Easterbrook, Clare McNabola and Breda Keaney – Congratulations!. A quick reminder to the ladies who have not as yet paid their affiliation fees. The fees include… € 23 for Senior players and € 10 for Underage players

• Rain at Last:
  The colour of the pitch is getting greener as the much needed rain fell heavily over the weekend. The new grass is making steady progress and hopefully we wont have to wait too long for the first cut and a return to the use of the full pitch.

• Juniors :
  Minus some regulars our team on the day put in a credible performance despite losing against Annaduff away from home on Sunday last. Final score 1-- 8 to 0—4.

• Car Parking Stewards:
  This Sunday the young people from Kiltubrid and Fenagh will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during the 11.30 am Mass in Drumcong. Volunteers are required to assist with the parking of cars. The school grounds will be open to accommodate the extra traffic expected. All who are helping out are requested to be at Drumcong at 10.45 am on Sunday.

21 April 2003

• Kiltubrid v St Ronans Challenge Game:
  Good workout for both sides in this challenge played in Ballyfarnon last Saturday evening.

• Get Well Wishes:
  To Emmett Lee who joins the growing list of panel injuries as he picked up a nasty shoulder injury last Saturday in Ballyfarnon.

• Under 21’s Are New County B Champions:
  Great scenes followed the final whistle in Pairc Sean last Thursday following our under 21’s victory over a very strong Drumkeerin side to capture the Club’s Ninth title for 2002. The year past surely sets a record that will be difficult to repeat. The delayed start of this final had very little unsettling effect on our young lads who battled all the way to the final whistle to keep the Drumkeerin team at bay time and time again. Stephen Guckian in goals was our hero of the hour as he saved some ‘what you’d bet your life on’ goal opportunities for the Drumkeerin side. Aidan Bohan must be the most disappointed panel member as he was unable to line out due to the injury he picked up in a recent league game. Well done to all involved in this result and thanks to the Cardiff family for the refreshments after the game.

• Cheer Up Seamus:
  Good to hear that one of our great supporters Seamus Mullaney, Kilclare is making steady progress at Cavan Hospital following recent surgery. Everyone at home is thinking of you at this time and looking forward to seeing you back home soon to fly that green and red checkered flag.

• Padraig Lynch Tournament:
  Using the short pitch we had the annual tournament for the Lynch Cup. After some thrilling football and some cryptic points formula the team led by Noel Gill was adjudged to have the overall points to receive the cup. Thanks to the Lynch family for the refreshments following the games.

• Down to the Wire:
  Another panel member was added to the non available list as Brendan Doyle had a not exactly the trip of a life-time when some barbed wire came in contact with his hands to leave him with no option but stand on the sideline on Sunday. Hope the wounds heal soon and tending to the horse will be a less hazardous task in the future.

• Leitrim v New York:
  As we countdown to Sunday week we hope that Declan Rowley can call on all or most of his panel for Leitrim’s championship opener in New York. Glad to hear that Christy is back training with the squad. We all share in the build up to this and every game where our county are involved and should avoid being fashionable by any comments that would create any mental block to the best performance of the team. The lads in the county panel are from all our clubs and deserve any encouragement that we can offer at this time. So lets all say to the panel and management go for it ye have prepared with the best available talent from our county and together with that element of luck that every sport requires the lads will fly home with their minds set on the next game of the championship.

• H to Nil (Water):
  The recent dry spell has been long overdue in this country, but our playing grounds would benefit from some fresh rainwater to give that final spur to the newly sown grass trying to grow on the new surface. We’re not praying for rain but a little would help at this time.

14 April 2003

• Kiltubrid v Aughnasheelin:
  As expected our team found Aughnasheelin a hard nut to crack in this Senior League encounter played in Fenagh on Saturday evening last. Minus some of our first team regulars probably gave the opposition the incentive to go all out from the throw in. This they did and led by two points at half time. That was the end of their dominance as the half-time talk in our dressing room was not exactly part of the Passion reading of last Sunday and our team took the game by the scruff of the neck to march on to victory ; like the final assault on Baghdad the result was a forgone conclusion as James Gill fired three scuds into the Aughnasheelin net in the first five minutes to leave the result staring everyone in the face despite fierce resistance from our opponents. Final score 4 -9 to 0 -7. Thanks to Des and Kathleen for the aftermatch refreshments as we travelled home from the game.

• Ladies. –Tired Of Baking!:
  Then come along to our Parish Masses next Sunday Easter Sunday April 20th. Kiltubrid Ladies are holding a “Cake Sale” after both Parish Masses – After Rantogue 10am Mass and Drumcong 11.30am Mass. As this is a fund raising event for the above we would be grateful if every player from underage to senior would put in a big effort in baking/cooking for the day. All donations from everyone would be a great help. Items for the event can be left into Cardiff’s this Saturday evening. Our biggest problem when running a Cake Sale is that we never have enough of goodies on the day. So all you Ladies and Gents: out with the aprons , on with the ovens and show us your baking skills as well as your footballing skills. “Bon Appetite”

• Get Well Wishes:
  To Aidan Bohan and Darragh McKiernan who picked up injuries on Saturday last, also to Barry Doyle and Christy Carroll hoping all of your injuries are not too prolonged. Good to see Karl Scollan back at training after his recent ankle injury.

• Thanks:
  To Willie Bohan and James Cardiff for the new footballs we received last week.

• Under 21’s:
  Your support is requested for our U. 21 Team who play Drumkeerin in the final. As we go to press the final is set for tomorrow (Thursday) evening in Pairc Sean at 6pm, however, check fixtures to confirm time, date and venue. As this is the last remaining game of the 2002 season another title would really put the icing on the 2002 cake for our club.

• Saint Mary’ New Pitch:
  Congratulations to neighbours Saint Marys who officially opened their new playing grounds last Sunday. The change in the weather didn’t effect things too badly and the occasion was surely the highlight of their year as this great facility situated within the general town area was unveiled to the wider audience with two games; Kilmore v St Marys and Leitrim v Tipperary and in both cases the luck stayed out of town for Carrick and Leitrim.

07 April 2003

• Kiltubrid v Bornacoola:
  Our Juniors failed to capitalise on their blistering start last Sunday as they took their eyes off the winning post and allowed Bornacoola back into the game to finish the stronger side winning by a comfortable five points. Final score was 4—6 to 2—10.

• Ladies:
  Once again old rivals Aughawillan proved a major stumbling block for our youthful senior side last Sunday in Aughawillan who won the game without much difficulty.

• Under 16 Boys:
  The young lads had a comfortable victory over Ballinaglera last week. They are now through to a final in this League competition against the same opposition.

• Seniors:
  Its neighbours Aughnasheelin next Saturday in the next game of the league. Check fixtures for official time, venue etc..

• Handball Awards:
  At the Connaught Handball awards held on Friday Night 28th March in Williamstown, Co Galway, Emmett Mahon and Martin Rafferty were joint Connaught Young Male Players of the Year title winners. Also on the night Paul Gilmartin collected Noels Gill’s Connaught Novice B. Medal. Again congrats to one and all.

• Ladies Easter Fundraising Weekend:
  “Bag-Packing” will take place in Glancy’s Supervalue on Saturday 19th April. All members please help with this event. Contact Sinead or Emer for details on how you can help, also “Cake Sale” on Easter Sunday after masses in Rantogue and Drumcong. Those wishing to donate cakes etc please leave them into Cardiff’s on Easter Saturday. Thank you.

• Leitrim Minors v Galway:
  Great display by our county team who drew the game against the young lads from Galway.

• G.A.A. Car Park:
  The car park at the pitch is for patrons, players and officials and is not to be used by anyone else especially those on the night shift.

• Saint Marys New Park:
  The club wish Saint Marys all the best with Sunday’s big day as they officially open their new pitch.

31 March 2003

• Park Improvements:
  All those players who are using the park for training are urged to continue using the Annadale end for the present and keep outside of the section taped off at all times until we have a coat of grass all over the park.

• Kiltubrid v Drumkeerin:
  Sharing the spoils was very acceptable as an end result on Sunday as our depleted Senior panel turned in a very gutsy performance in the second half to scramble a draw. Losing by six points at half-time things didn’t look good but all players awoke to the task on hand and despite a penalty being expertly saved they went on to equalise into injury time. Thanks to Brian and Ann Meehan for the after match refreshments on our way home on Sunday.

• Ladies:
  First game of the current league campaign took place last Saturday in Mohill against the home side. Our ladies found returning to this level a little bit difficult as Mohill had an easy victory and showed that they are a very worthy senior team.

• Connaught Champion:
  Congratulations to Noel Gill, Kilclare who took the Connaught Senior B Singles title last Friday in Drumshanbo at the expense of Leo Logan of the Drumshanbo Handball Club. It was a great occasion for both players to have qualified for the Connaught final from the earlier rounds of the competition.

• Under 16 Boys:
  Good win for our young charges last Saturday in Cloone as they had a well earned victory against the home side.

• Juniors:
  Check the fixtures as I’m nearly sure we have a game this weekend against Bornacoola.

24 March 2003

• Sympathy:
  We offer our deepest sympathy to Ellen Keane, Proughlish on the death of her father Patrick McParland, Co Armagh and London, also to Mary Rose Geoghegan, Aghacashel on the death of her uncle Michael Benison, Ballinamore and Aughnasheelin. May their souls rest in peace.

• Senior Challenge:
  A challenge game was played on Sunday last against Aughavas in Aughavas. Good workout for all those players who were available from both sides.

• Refereeing Course:
  Very good feedback from those attending this course. Hoping to see many new faces in command of the whistle in the weeks and months ahead.

• Park Improvements:
  All those players who are using the park for training are urged to use the Annadale end only until we have a coat of grass all over the park.

• Finance Committee:
  Meeting of the committee on Sunday immediately after the league game against Drumkeerin

• Additional Insurance:
  Just a reminder to all players who may not be aware of this special good value insurance cover available. It should give ease of mind to anyone who may pick up an injury.

• Kiltubrid v Drumkeerin:
  We revisit the Senior League contest this Sunday with Drumkeerin providing the opposition. The game is scheduled for Ballintogher Grounds, Co Sligo. Check with any member of the Club towards the weekend to confirm the venue, time etc. before you travel.

• Leitrim v London:
  As was expected our County team returned with the points from London last weekend. Now its up to Belfast for a crack at the Antrim lads where if the current improvement in form continues we can pick up another two points.

• Ladies:
  Training for all players this Friday evening at 8pm.

• Handball:
  Mixed fortunes on the local handball front last weekend. Noel Gill won his way through to the Connaught final of the Novice B Singles and we wish him the best of luck as he competes against Leo Logan of Drumshanbo. Emmett Mahon and Martin Rafferty were unlucky in the All Ireland finals in the Under 14 Doubles, Niall Foley and Tadgh Mulvey were defeated in the Novice B Doubles final. Well done to one and all.

17 March 2003

• Parish Mission:
  Our Parish Mission ended last Saturday evening the 15th March with a special Mass at 6 pm in St Brigid’s Church, Drumcong. The past week was a very enjoyable experience in our Churches with large turnouts at all ceremonies.

• Senior Challenge:
  A very worthwhile challenge game played on Sunday last against St Michaels of Cootehall. Good to learn that Karol Scollan is making a full recovery following an injury picked up during this game.

• Refereeing Course:
  Our Club was represented by males and females at the start of the refereeing course which commenced in Ck on Shannon last weekend.

• 2002 Under 21 Championship:
  Great start to this competition as our under 21’s cleared the first two hurdles faultless at the expense of Leitrim Gaels on Saturday and Melvin Gaels on Monday. They now contest the final against Drumkeerin. Check fixtures for date and venue etc.. Get well wishes to James Gill who picked up an injury during the game against Melvin Gaels on Monday.

• Saint Patrick’s Day:
  In Summer like weather our Pipe Band entertained people attending both masses in our parish as well as taking part in the procession of Shamrock to the Altars of both churches. The band then took part in the Carrick on Shannon parade. Great to see many young people lining out for their first St Patrick’s Day with the band. Well done to all involved in making sure the musical tradition of our Parish Pipe Band continues.

• Park Improvements:
  With the current dry spell leaving our park more trafficable reseeding took place last Tuesday. Hoping to have a green surface in time for our second league game of the season. Home advantage goes to the opposition for our first game the weekend after next as we have to give the pitch surface time to heal.

• Finance Committee:
  Meeting of the committee this Friday night in Lynches at 9pm.

• Additional Insurance:
  All players are seriously encouraged to consider the additional players injury insurance cover on offer. The low uptake of this additional cover is leaving the insurers having to rethink offering this very worthwhile scheme after this year. Players needing information on this special insurance cover should contact Adrian Lee without delay. Insurance is only expensive if you don’t have it should you need it.

• Training:
  For seniors, juniors and minors continues this Thursday night at 8pm in Moorelands Equestrian Centre.

• Under 16’s:
  Training continues Thursday night in Moorelands Equestrian Centre at 7pm. Possibility of game this Saturday—check fixtures.

• Leitrim v London:
  Good luck the County panel who travel to London for their game against the home side.

• Ladies:
  Training on Sunday at 12.30pm. All new members are very welcome. Our first game is on 30th March. Also to remind you that our annual Cake Sale is on Easter Sunday.

10 March 2003

• St Stephen’s Day Charity Game:
  Proceeds totalling € 720 from the Highlanders v Lowlanders Charity match have been distributed to the following :-- “St Patrick’s Hospital Patients Comfort Fund”, Carrick on Shannon, “North West Hospice”, The Mall, Sligo and “Kiltubrid Care Of The Aged”. Each received € 240.

• Parish Mission:
  Our Parish Mission opened on Sunday evening and continues all this week ending this Saturday 15th March with a special Mass at 6 pm in St Brigid’s Church, Drumcong.

• Leitrim v Wicklow:
  Although wind assisted for the first thirty five minutes Leitrim trailed Wicklow by a point at the break. On the resumption of play and with some second half personnel changes it was a different home side who took the game to Wicklow . Our own Shane Foley when introduced at centre half back played a major part in this second victory of this league campaign. Final score Leitrim 1—14 to Wicklow’s 1—7. Its London next and after that the last game before going to New York its up to Casement Park where Antrim provide the opposition. Good to hear that Christy is making a steady return to fitness and should line out very soon again in the middle of the park for our county side.

• Senior Challenge:
  A very worthwhile challenge game played on Sunday morning against Bornacoola in Dromod. We thank the Bornacoola club for the game and the aftermatch hospitality and hopefully we can return the challenge when our pitch makes a full recovery which at the moment is not being helped by the present break in the weather.

• Into the All Ireland Final:
  Congratulations to Leitrim’s Emmett Mahon and Martin Rafferty of Drumshanbo who qualified for the Under 14 All Ireland Handball Doubles final to be played in Mayo. They defeated the Tyrone representatives in the semifinal on Sunday last in Carrickmore.

• Drug Awareness:
  Ballinamore and districts Drug Awareness will hold a parent to parent programme in Mean Scoil Fatima, commencing Wednesday 19th March at 8pm. It will run for one night per week for five weeks for approx. two hours per night. Programme is very suitable for parents of Senior Primary and First Year Secondary School students and will help make Parents/Adults aware of the problems associated with Alcohol / Drugs in young people today. Contact Secretary at 078—44207.

03 March 2003

• Dinner Dance
  As was planned and anticipated last Friday night’s Dinner Dance turned out to be a very successful and entertaining night. The large attendance by all accounts enjoyed every moment of their night. We congratulate all medal winners and a special word of congratulations to the special award recipients namely Helen Tighe who was selected as the “Ladies Player Of The Year”, Brian McKiernan the “Junior Player Of The Year”, Dara McKiernan the “Senior Player of the Year” and last but not least Pat McWeeney who was the very popular choice selection as the “Club Man Of The Year”. Presentations were made to Pat and Tony for their dedication to detail making sure we had our teams in great shape for all the games over the past year. We thank each and every one of you who bought tickets and were there on the night, thanks to each of you our valued sponsors who once again came forward with your various sponsorship means, to Leitrim County Board personnel for their presence, to Paul Taylor and Brendan Phillips of the Eastern Harps Club and Sligo County Team who made the presentations. Lastly thanks to our own organising committee who put in many hours ensuring everything was in place for the night. Any outstanding ticket money should be with the Treasurer by now.

• Leitrim v Louth
  Losing by the narrowest of margins once again is no consolation to our gallant County team who travelled across the country to Ardee, Co Louth in search of two points. The first half was for the most part played in atrocious weather conditions, and it was the wee county who got the better start with a goal and a point in the first two minutes. Leitrim left it until the dying minutes of the game before they replied in like fashion with their late goal and a point. But it was the scores in between that made the difference and left our team with another one point deficit at the final whistle. Next Sunday its Wicklow at home and here’s hoping for a luckier break as team management will hopefully have more players available as they return from injuries to the pack.

• Club Trainers:
  Meeting for all trainers involved in club teams from Under 12’s up to Seniors takes place this Wednesday night 5th March at 10pm in Lynches, Kilclare.

• Athletics:
  Congratulations to the following athletes from our parish who competed in various events and age categories in Nenagh Indoor Athletics Arena, Co Tipperary last weekend. Those competing were :-Sinead Tighe, Dermot McKeon, Tara Evans and Niall Slevin. Please see coverage of the events in the Athletics Reports section of these pages of the Observer.

• Ladies Notes:
  The Kiltubrid G.A.A. Dinner Dance was held in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Sahannon on Friday night 28th February. Everyone donned their gladrags for the social event of the football year. The ladies were presented with their well-deserved medals and an enjoyable night was had by all. Congratulations to Helen Tighe who received “Player of the Year” award. Well done Helen. To Darren Gilmartin who received an award for his dedication and commitment to the team over the years – a ‘Big Thank You’.

• Parish Mission:
  Just to let everyone know that our Parish Mission starts this Sunday 9th March. All households should have Mission Leaflet with full list of Times etc..

24 February 2003

• Senior Scor:
  Anyone interested in participating in Senior Scor please contact Christina McGourty at 42316.

• Dinner Dance:
  It’s here at last the date we have been looking forward to as our Club Dinner Dance takes place this Friday the 28th February 2003 in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon. All ticket money should be with the Treasurer by now. This is our Club event of the year and we hope everyone has a very enjoyable night. Visiting on the night to make the medal presentations will be Sligo Players Paul Taylor and Brendan Phillips. All patrons to be seated by 8.45pm at the latest.

• Leitrim v Louth:
  Next Sunday Leitrim travel to the Wee County to take on the home side in game four of the league. Good luck to all players and team management who go in search of a further two points.

• Park Overhaul:
  Work has gone well on the drainage of the park last week. Again many volunteers made themselves available to do many hours work by hand to avoid any heavy machinery trafficking on the new surface. Eight volunteers went stone mad as they picked every visible stone from the pitch on Saturday last. The ground is ready for sowing of grass seed which should be completed as you read these notes.

• Connaught Council New President:
  Congratulations and good luck to Sean O’Heslin’s Club man Tommie Moran who has taken up his new post last Thursday night as President of Connaught Council.

• Sympathy:
  The club extends its sympathy to Gemma Winters on the death of her Grandmother Sarah Costello, Dunmore, Co Galway. May she rest in peace.

• Medal Presentations:
  A great turnout of young players, parents and supporters last Thursday night for the presentation of medals to the Under 12’s and Under 14’s teams. Thanks to all who made the event possible, to those who provided refreshments, to the School Board of Management for the use of the School, to Mick Breslin, Sligo I.T. team manager and Cavan Under 21 and Sigerson footballer Pat Brady who added to the occasion with their words of encouragement to all young people gathered on the night. Donegal All Star footballer Kevin Cassidy will visit at a later date to do a Football Coaching Session for the young players as he could not attend on the night due to him having to attend to a football injury at a Dublin Hospital.

• Aine is Well Again:
  Good wishes to Aine Tighe who is making a full recovery following her recent visit to hospital.

17 February 2003

• Senior Scor:
  Anyone interested in participating in Senior Scor please contact Christina McGourty at 42316.

• Dinner Dance:
  Takes place next Friday week the 28th February 2003 in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon. All tickets are now distributed and any spare tickets should be made available by this Friday Night 21st Feb at the latest. Money for all tickets should be with the Treasurer by this Thursday night 20th Feb.

• Ladies Football:
  The A.G.M. of the Ladies Club took place Friday night 31st Jan with a good attendance. The following officers were elected for the year ahead:-- Chairperson--- Linda Tighe, Secretary---- Emer Horan, Treasurer--- Sinead Meehan, PRO ---- Siobhan Carroll and Emer Kelly. County Delegates –Helen Tighe and Lucy Kelly. Underage Trainers for the year are as follows:-- Under 12’ & Schools----Helen Tighe, Regina Bohan, Siobhan Carroll and Emer Kelly. Under 14’s &Under 16’s-----Lucy Kelly, Sinead Meehan and Emer Horan.

• Feile Competition:
  The Under 14 County Champions are participating in the Feile Competition on July 13th . This is a very special occasion for the girls and the Club; so it would be nice to send them off in style. Anybody interested in sponsoring the girls, please contact any of the committee.

• Leitrim v Offaly:
  Third outing in the league and at last Leitrim get their first points of the league. A great come-back in the second half saw the team come from being down to get a late goal that earned them victory. Shane Foley played his part in this victory as Christy Carroll is nursing a knee injury; hoping you are back to a full recovery very soon Christy.

• Park Overhaul:
  Another great team effort as many volunteers assisted with the mole draining afterwork on Saturday and again on Sunday. Weather had been at least dry all last week as Kieran McKeon and his drivers moved in late in the week to put in the drains necessary to ensure we have a very good all round playing surface. Hoping the pitch won’t be long out of use as the surface recovers from its surgery. Again thanks to everyone who assisted in any way to get the work done while we have this dry spell.

• First Aiders
  Finbarr, Nollaig and P.J. completed the first aid course last Saturday. Practical and Theory exams ended the program with all students achieving the required standard. Again thanks to the organisers and to the tutor Seamus McNally from Westport, Co Mayo who made the three days both interesting and informative.

• Drumshanbo V.S IN all Ireland Volleyball Final:
  Hard luck to Drumshanbo Under 16’s A-Squad who were beaten by the boys from St Brigid’s Loughrea, Co Galway. Kiltubrid’s sole representative on this panel was Dermot McKeon, Rantogue.

• Underage Medal Presentations:
  Under 12’s thirteen a side championship winners presentation of medals in Drumcong School on this Thursday night 20th February at 8pm. Presentation being made by Donegal football AllStar Kevin Cassidy and Sligo I.T. manager Mick Breslin. Sligo I.T are the current holders of the ‘Sigerson Cup’. Tea and Sandwiches for all on the night. The Under 12 panel is:--- Daniel McGirl, Aine Tighe, Dominic Keaney(capt.), Sinead Tighe, Shane Cardiff, Tara Evans, Daniel Tighe, Emmett Mahon, Cieran Crossan, Keelan McKeon, Michael Geoghegan, Claire Kelly, Aoife McWeeney, Alan Crossan, Cieran Tighe, Prionsias Gilmartin, Shane Evans, Sean Kelly, Stephen Bracken and Anthony Murray. The Under 14 panel is:--- Neil Slevin, Ronan Geoghegan, Gavin Kelly, Lisa McWeeney, Michael McGirl, Dermot McKeon, Anthony Tighe, Keelan McKeon, Emmett Mahon, Daniel McGirl, Mark McWeeney, Richard Shanley, Kieran Murray, Adrian Beirne, Cieran Crosan, Daniel Tighe and Shane Cardiff. Congrats to all medal winners and well done.

• European Pool Championships:
  Congratulations to Kiltubrid under 14 footballer Richard Shanley who will play Pool for Ireland in the European Pool Championshaips held in the Fairways Hotel Dundalk this coming week from the 16th to the 20th February, while Richard’s dad Liam will be officiating as Referee at the event.

10 February 2003

• Senior Scor:
  Anyone interested in participating in Senior Scor please contact Christina McGourty at 42316.

• Dinner Dance:
  Takes place next Friday two weeks the 28th February 2003 in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon. Tickets available now from any club member or from any of the business premises in the parish.

• James Gets His Award:
  Top handballer James Gill, Kilclare received his ‘Leitrim Senior Handballer of the Year, award at the County Board annual awards night in the Bush Hotel last Friday night. Congrats James.

• Leitrim v Westmeath:
  Second outing in the league and another promising display from our county team, despite going down to Westmeath last Sunday. Accuracy up front probably cost us at least a draw on Sunday. A very good and encouraging start to the year so far as all players seem to have a hunger for the game with some very good individual performances to date. Its Offaly next Sunday at home and hopefully we can get our first points of the league. Hoping Shane and Christy are fully recovered and available for Sunday’s game.

• Get Well Wishes:
  To Raymond Foley, Kilclare who is on the road to recovery and back with the Pipe Band and Football very soon.

• Meeting of Club Executive Committee:
  Takes place this Thursday 13th Feb as notified in Lynches, Kilclare. Those with money for Dinner Dance tickets please hand same to Club Treasurer Barry McKiernan.

03 February 2003

• Dinner Dance
  Takes place this Friday three weeks the 28th February 2003 in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon. Tickets available now from any club member and a night to be remembered is assured. Tickets also available at all the business premises in the parish.

• Key Of The Door
  Congratulations to Emer Horan who celebrated her 21st Birthday last weekend.

• Aoife At Home Again
  Good wishes to Aoife McWeeney, Corderry-Peyton who is recovering at home following her short stay in hospital. Glad to hear your’e well and looking forward to the football again Aoife.

• First Aid Course.
  Three reps from our club Finbar Keaney, Nollaig Doyle Carroll and P.J. Meehan have commenced the County Board organised First Aid course which started last Saturday in the Bush Hotel, Carrick on Shannon. The three day course continues next Saturday and the following Saturday. All those who have volunteered to attend on behalf of their individual clubs deserve great credit for their commitment as they have given up three Saturdays on the trot to become competent First Aiders.

• Ladies Football
  The A.G.M. of the Ladies Club takes place this Friday 7th February in Cardiff’s at 9 pm. A good attendance is anticipated with new members very welcome.

• Leitrim v Limerick
  In cold wintery conditions Leitrim failed to get their first brace of points last Sunday in Cloone as they found the Limerick lads sharper and more hungry on the day. Christy and Shane played their part for the Leitrim side. Next game is away to Westmeath and we expect a tough contest as Westmeath won their first game with ease on Sunday against Wicklow. Final score 1—11 to 1---10

• Senior Scor
  Anyone interested in participating in Senior Scor please contact Christina McGourty at 42316. The following disciplines are open to teams and individuals :-- Solo-Singing, Recitation, Question Time, Novelty Act and Set Dancing.

27 January 2003

• Dinner Dance:
  Takes place on 28th February 2003 in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon. Tickets available now from any club member or from any of the business premises in the parish.

• Key Of The Door:
  Congratulations to David Keaney who celebrated his 21st Birthday last weekend.

• F.B.D:
  Well done to our county team who had a deserved win over Sligo last Sunday in Cloone. Great to see the return of Christopher Carroll to the midfield slot where he had a great display together with Shane Foley at wing back. Now that this competition is over for Leitrim its back to the League where we entertain Limerick on Sunday. (see fixtures for time and venue)

• Athletics:
  Local athletes were again in action last Sunday in the second leg of the Leitrim road league. The following were medal winners for the Kiltubrid contingent of Ballinamore A.C. – Girls, Tara Evans, Niamh Tighe, Aine Tighe, Sinead Tighe . Boys, David McKeon, Neil Slevin and Shane Evans.

20 January 2003

• Dinner Dance:
  Takes place on 28th February 2003 in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon. With the huge amount of success in 2002 for our club teams from underage to seniors its no wonder everyone is asking about tickets etc. Tickets available now from any club member and a night to be remembered is being planned as we speak. Tickets are also available at all the business premises in the parish.

• Slave Auction:
  Will the last few outstanding slave buyers please hand in your bid price to the treasurer or any club officer without further delay. Thank you again for your support.

• Key of the Door:
  Congratulations to ex ladies footballer Cathy Butler who celebrated her 21st Birthday last weekend.

• Club Awards:
  On the night of our Dinner Dance there will be the annual awards for the Senior and Junior Player of the Year as well as the Club Person of the Year. All players are requested to consider their choice of person for each award. Voting will take place prior to the Dinner Dance. All votes to be returned to Nollaig prior to Dance.

• Club Membership:
  Have you paid your yearly membership subscription yet ?

• F.B.D:
  Leitrim failed to get any points from their second outing in this competition as they were defeated by the Roscommon team under the Management of Tommy Carr in Kilglass last Sunday. Our reps from the club were Shane Foley who lined out at center half forward as well as Karl Scollan and Emmett Lee. Its early days yet and we have to be patient as our management are at the rebuilding stage of this panel to go forward and give us the results we all hope for.

• Athletics:
  Kiltubrid athletes continue to achieve top places in Leitrim Road League. Representing the Ballinamore A.C. Club in the first leg held last Sunday in Manorhamilton the following placing’s were achieved... In the girls races ...Niamh Tighe 2nd in Under 10’s , Aine Tighe 1st in Under 12’s, Tara Evans Third in Under 14’s, Sinead Tighe 4th in Under 14’s. In the boys races .. Shane Evans 4th in Under 12’s, David McKeon 1st in Under 16’s and Niall Slevin 3rd in Under 16’s. Well done to all who competed. The second leg of the league is next Sunday in Ballinamore.

• Items For These Weekly Notes:
  Please have any sporting news articles for these notes with Club P.R O by Sunday evenings.

13 January 2003

• Third Level Defeat:
  Hard luck to our county team who were unlucky in their efforts to progress in the F.B.D. competition last Sunday in Turloughmore, Co Galway. Going down by just one point to the combined students of Mayo/Galway Institute is a bit disappointing but there are many signs of hope as this experimental side played some good spells of football throughout this game as the young guns combined very well with some of our seasoned campaigners.

• Dinner Dance:
  Takes place on 28th February 2003 in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon. With the huge amount of success in 2002 for our club teams from underage to seniors its no wonder everyone is asking about tickets etc.. Don’t worry we will have tickets ready very soon and a night to be remembered is being planned as we speak. Music on the night is by the ‘Sonnie Ward Band’.

• New Arrivals:
  Congratulations to Damien and Marian McKeon on the birth of their baby girl, also to Dermot and Deirdre Heeran on the birth of their baby boy.

• Items For These Weekly Notes:
  Please have any sporting news articles for these notes with Club P.R O by Sunday evenings.

• Meeting:
  There will be an executive club meeting on this Friday 17th Jan in Cardiffs at 10pm.

06 January 2003

• Engagements:
  Congratulations to Paul Foley and Ms Liz Elliott, also Colm Mc Kiernan and Ms Claire Nagle who announced their engagements recently.

• Bereavements:
  The Clubs extends its sympathy to the Reynolds Family of Cornabrone on the death of Hugh Reynolds of Bray Co.Wicklow and also to the McGovern family Ballinamore on the death of Hughie McGovern whose funerals took place last week. May they rest in peace.

• Anthios Restaurant:
  We extend best of luck to the proprietors of Kesh’s latest food outlet “Anthios”. It is located in Kesh Business Park with choice individual food tastes. Booking info at 071 – 96 42 555.

• Meeting:
  There will be an executive club meeting on Friday 17th Jan in Cardiffs at 10pm.

• Items For These Weekly Notes:
  Please have any sporting news articles for these notes with Club P.R.O by Sunday evenings. It is important to have any news on sporting activities available to the public in the week following the event if at all possible. Articles by hand or by contacting P.J or Eoin at 071 – 96 411 67.