HoganStand GAA Football and Hurling

National Forum

Leitrim GAA thread

(Oldest Posts First) - Go To The Latest Post

You need to Login to Post

Well where do you start with the current position of Leitrim Football, I suppose for me it is the reality of the whole thing! Leitrim lined out yesterday with only one starter from last year's team that got promoted! Now it would have been difficult for Leitrim in this league even if we had every player available from last year's squad! Kildare are a team that should be in D 1 and probably will in 2/3 years time! Laois are another and Clare are at minimum a D2/3. I think it's hugely unfair that faceless people constantly come on here and knock managers & players for one reason or another! Leitrim with its population and playing pool have to be happy with moving up and down between 3 & 4 and if we expect more we are totally diluted! We had one period in nearly 100 years where we raised above the expectation of most supporters and that was i from the late 80s to mid 90s. It's hard sitting watching a young team getting hammered by Kildare, Laois etc! Let's encourage our young players to continue playing and doing their best. Leitrim@1960 (Leitrim) - Posts: 28 - 17/02/2025 11:23:28 2591537 Link
Another very hard watch yesterday. As others said earlier, you can't but feel sorry for them and really, these young men would be introduced a couple at a time in an ideal scenario. We are so out of our depth all over the field in every way. And in the stand-outnumbered by Kildare supporters 3:1 - and they were decent and respectful of the situation on the field. It's bad when the only highlight was the umpire slipping and falling front wards only to get up eventually and dutifully signal wide ball. Fair play to him! I'm in no mood to critique anything on show football wise. The new rules seem to suit everyone except us. A game of Gaelic football is unrecognisable from 10, 15 years ago. Very hard to take to it. And yet, I commend the players as I know from my own playing time how hard it was to keep going when you have a year like this - one beating after another. At least there wasn't a crowd watching us. On a bright note, they are doing a great job in Ballinamore. Between Stewarts directing on the road and in the ground, the pitch itself being in great condition, you have to say fair play. It probably suits the low attendance to have us all huddled into the stand as Carrick would look empty which isn't a great look. On a side note, well done to the ladies and the hurlers on their current run. We just have to keep going. Mugatay (Leitrim) - Posts: 164 - 17/02/2025 11:48:50 2591545 Link
My message to you all is keep the faith in yourselves. These new rules are a challenge to us all. They ain't going to suit everyone. It's easy looking at TV and watching the bigger counties strutting their stuff and every supporter in Ireland wants their county to produce that. My only query is if things are that bad why did yee go outside your county to select a management team. Save the money and work with a team from the inside. Things couldn't be any worse. Although you know what they say about hindsight. Anyway as I said keep the faith in yourselves. roseyinthegarden (Wicklow) - Posts: 125 - 17/02/2025 12:04:03 2591550 Link
Replying To Viking66: "That's maybe a little hard. You are up in div3. You have played some of the stronger teams in it. You have still to play Sligo, Fermanagh and Antrim, probably the 3 games your management would have been targetting at the start of the year, although Offaly might put a score on you the way they are going atm." It feels like the time Henry handled the ball before that goal and we were done out of heading to the world cup. France went ahead to South Africa and the campaign ended as a shambles not even getting out of the group. Wexford were done by that penalty decision last year and stayed put. We went ahead and we are having a tough time of it. You can't help but feel that Wexford would have fared a lot better in this division. I remember they were a big strong running team but couldn't shoot. Our forwards had a great day and then that penalty happened. Just a random thought! Mugatay (Leitrim) - Posts: 164 - 17/02/2025 12:07:37 2591551 Link
Replying To Leitrim@1960: "Well where do you start with the current position of Leitrim Football, I suppose for me it is the reality of the whole thing! Leitrim lined out yesterday with only one starter from last year's team that got promoted! Now it would have been difficult for Leitrim in this league even if we had every player available from last year's squad! Kildare are a team that should be in D 1 and probably will in 2/3 years time! Laois are another and Clare are at minimum a D2/3. I think it's hugely unfair that faceless people constantly come on here and knock managers & players for one reason or another! Leitrim with its population and playing pool have to be happy with moving up and down between 3 & 4 and if we expect more we are totally diluted! We had one period in nearly 100 years where we raised above the expectation of most supporters and that was i from the late 80s to mid 90s. It's hard sitting watching a young team getting hammered by Kildare, Laois etc! Let's encourage our young players to continue playing and doing their best." Can you post up where people are knocking the players? williesboy (Leitrim) - Posts: 468 - 17/02/2025 14:02:59 2591584 Link
Hahaha it's the S&C fault now and been able to make power runs. williesboy (Leitrim) - Posts: 468 - 17/02/2025 18:46:53 2591656 Link
Replying To williesboy: "Hahaha it's the S&C fault now and been able to make power runs." In fairness to Poacher he's right on that front. He's just taken over a u20 team really with no s and c work done what so ever. Andy got good buy in from players alot older and worked hard getting them physically fitter and they had a lot of work done and then they all just left. We either fully buy into Poacher now for at least three years or give him and his back room the boot. I'm like a broken record here we need proper structures from academy players up focusing on s and c developing proper aerobic baselines to compete at inter county standard. We are a gloried club team at the moment and have been for years. I remember our County Seniors playing Ballymunin a challenge and Ballymum beating our seniors by about 15 points, probably 10 years ago now without there county players. We played St Vincent's From Dublin a year or 2 later and we could hardly keep the ball kicked out to them. We've been stuck at the same low standards for years, so what do we do? Taytofoley83 (Leitrim) - Posts: 31 - 17/02/2025 22:53:17 2591692 Link
Replying To Mugatay: "Another very hard watch yesterday. As others said earlier, you can't but feel sorry for them and really, these young men would be introduced a couple at a time in an ideal scenario. We are so out of our depth all over the field in every way. And in the stand-outnumbered by Kildare supporters 3:1 - and they were decent and respectful of the situation on the field. It's bad when the only highlight was the umpire slipping and falling front wards only to get up eventually and dutifully signal wide ball. Fair play to him! I'm in no mood to critique anything on show football wise. The new rules seem to suit everyone except us. A game of Gaelic football is unrecognisable from 10, 15 years ago. Very hard to take to it. And yet, I commend the players as I know from my own playing time how hard it was to keep going when you have a year like this - one beating after another. At least there wasn't a crowd watching us. On a bright note, they are doing a great job in Ballinamore. Between Stewarts directing on the road and in the ground, the pitch itself being in great condition, you have to say fair play. It probably suits the low attendance to have us all huddled into the stand as Carrick would look empty which isn't a great look. On a side note, well done to the ladies and the hurlers on their current run. We just have to keep going." I was there on Sunday and first off I am glad to hear that the Kilsee out dare supporters in the stand were respeshioctful as that was my experience where I was at the fence pitch side. As Kildare supporters we know all too well how painful a watch it must have been for Leitrim supporters on Sunday. Last year was summed up by Kevin Feely in a recent interview as one of pain and humiliation. I am not here to patronise but to say that things appear black now for Leitrim GAA supporters and players but that things can turn around. I hope you get back most of not all of your players for next year, that Barry McNulty soon returns to fitness and you manage to see out the league with something to build on for the summer. Another poster here said Kildare with out population should not be in Division 3, and they are completely right. Hopefully we are beginning to turn the ship. I wish the same for Leitrim in the coming months and years. Leitrim is a proud GAA county. Finally the decency and friendliness of Leitrim people, something which has always been my experience, was summed up for me by the gentleman who offered me the use of his brother's driveway to park my car which was close to Páirc Seán O'Heslin. Wishing you well for the rest of the year LilywhiteGael (Kildare) - Posts: 117 - 18/02/2025 06:05:59 2591710 Link
Replying To Taytofoley83: "In fairness to Poacher he's right on that front. He's just taken over a u20 team really with no s and c work done what so ever. Andy got good buy in from players alot older and worked hard getting them physically fitter and they had a lot of work done and then they all just left. We either fully buy into Poacher now for at least three years or give him and his back room the boot. I'm like a broken record here we need proper structures from academy players up focusing on s and c developing proper aerobic baselines to compete at inter county standard. We are a gloried club team at the moment and have been for years. I remember our County Seniors playing Ballymunin a challenge and Ballymum beating our seniors by about 15 points, probably 10 years ago now without there county players. We played St Vincent's From Dublin a year or 2 later and we could hardly keep the ball kicked out to them. We've been stuck at the same low standards for years, so what do we do?" Our low standards are only a bi-product of the club scene. We all know that. I would argue that there's far too many clubs in the county, far too many to be able to drive on standards anyhow for sure. I'm afraid there will be serious conversations to be had in the coming years as some clubs will just not survive. Looking over to the Ladies, there's 17 clubs in the county and this is perhaps where the level needs to be at. Furthermore with the proposed integration of the GAA with the LGFA etc, this is going to pose some issues for clubs out on their own for men's but with others for women's. Everyone in Leitrim wants all our teams to succeed but we can't keep doing what we're doing. It's madness. Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 1159 - 18/02/2025 09:34:34 2591720 Link
Replying To Square_B: "Our low standards are only a bi-product of the club scene. We all know that. I would argue that there's far too many clubs in the county, far too many to be able to drive on standards anyhow for sure. I'm afraid there will be serious conversations to be had in the coming years as some clubs will just not survive. Looking over to the Ladies, there's 17 clubs in the county and this is perhaps where the level needs to be at. Furthermore with the proposed integration of the GAA with the LGFA etc, this is going to pose some issues for clubs out on their own for men's but with others for women's. Everyone in Leitrim wants all our teams to succeed but we can't keep doing what we're doing. It's madness." Your right with the amount of club teams for sure, when I say structures put in place our young club footballers u15 and 17s aren't being looked after if they happen to get ti a final they might have 6 games a year if there lucky that's not even half enough. Ther3 counterparts in Mayo could easily have 25. So were missing a few tricks along the way. Our crazy use of money the ladt few years on management and then also pumping money into eslin and drunkeerin club grounds when both teams struggling to stay alive was a strange one. Not to mention building a center of excellence where we can't even hold a game aswell. In my opinion the book stops with the CB they've took their eyes of the ball for so long it's no shock the state of it now. Taytofoley83 (Leitrim) - Posts: 31 - 18/02/2025 10:09:48 2591727 Link
is there a case for the U20's on the senor panel to be returned to the U20's. i can't see how getting these hammerings is of any benefit to them and will drain them of all confidence for the U20 championship. let them focus on U20's and give that a good rattle. just a question. what do people think. meathbasedfan (Leitrim) - Posts: 146 - 18/02/2025 10:35:53 2591735 Link
Replying To Square_B: "Our low standards are only a bi-product of the club scene. We all know that. I would argue that there's far too many clubs in the county, far too many to be able to drive on standards anyhow for sure. I'm afraid there will be serious conversations to be had in the coming years as some clubs will just not survive. Looking over to the Ladies, there's 17 clubs in the county and this is perhaps where the level needs to be at. Furthermore with the proposed integration of the GAA with the LGFA etc, this is going to pose some issues for clubs out on their own for men's but with others for women's. Everyone in Leitrim wants all our teams to succeed but we can't keep doing what we're doing. It's madness." Totally agree. Way too many clubs. Every existing club has a huge part to play in terms of its contribution to their communities but in terms of a relatively successful senior county side it simply does not work. There's still a place for them in terms of community/cultural hubs but we've been chasing quantity over quality for too long. We've pandered to the vested interests of clubs and have been deluding ourselves. We've buried our heads in the sand and on the rare occasion where we've taken it out we've reacted at a snails pace. If we were a business we'd have been shut 10 years ago. We have to accept that the alongside its other roles the GAA is big business. Balancing the books is one thing but ignoring the quality of raw materials that go into the end product can only end in disaster. That's what we've been doing for 20 years. The quality or otherwise of our senior managers is cited as one of the reasons why lads stay or go. Thats just one aspect. We're also ignoring the fact that we're expecting young people, the vast majority of whom have third level qualifications, to put their lives on hold and dedicate themselves to a set up that is light years behind what they experience in their working lives. You don't need 20/20 vision to see that its an amateur attitude whilst your rivals are acting professionally. The players know this. They know that it's poorly run and it starts long before it manifests itself at senior inter county level. How can we expect these players to put themselves forward for ridicule whilst neglecting other parts of their lives? We are failing the players that we expect to do this for us. By accident rather than design we cater for the lad who just wants to play. That's fine. They're just as important but we cannot expect to have a successful senior team using this model. It's notable that there has been no mention from the county board about starting a process and finding out why they've left. Why are they choosing not to play for their county? I suspect they'll never do this because they know the real reasons won't reflect well on the role of the County board. ThePowerhouse (Leitrim) - Posts: 163 - 18/02/2025 12:27:42 2591752 Link
I don't accept there's too many clubs. If you reduced the teams to an even number of 16 say you'd have parishes forced into amalgamation with neighbours they want nothing to do with, reduced teams means reduced chances for fringe players to get on. If a team is in imminent danger of folding then maybe talk about it, if they are holding on keep the home fires burning as long as possible. For example how enthusiastic would Eslin be to amalgamate with Mohill and also Looking forward to someone suggesting Annaduff and Bornacoola get married. That'd work well. boxtyburgerbuns (Leitrim) - Posts: 126 - 18/02/2025 14:06:08 2591781 Link
Replying To ThePowerhouse: "Totally agree. Way too many clubs. Every existing club has a huge part to play in terms of its contribution to their communities but in terms of a relatively successful senior county side it simply does not work. There's still a place for them in terms of community/cultural hubs but we've been chasing quantity over quality for too long. We've pandered to the vested interests of clubs and have been deluding ourselves. We've buried our heads in the sand and on the rare occasion where we've taken it out we've reacted at a snails pace. If we were a business we'd have been shut 10 years ago. We have to accept that the alongside its other roles the GAA is big business. Balancing the books is one thing but ignoring the quality of raw materials that go into the end product can only end in disaster. That's what we've been doing for 20 years. The quality or otherwise of our senior managers is cited as one of the reasons why lads stay or go. Thats just one aspect. We're also ignoring the fact that we're expecting young people, the vast majority of whom have third level qualifications, to put their lives on hold and dedicate themselves to a set up that is light years behind what they experience in their working lives. You don't need 20/20 vision to see that its an amateur attitude whilst your rivals are acting professionally. The players know this. They know that it's poorly run and it starts long before it manifests itself at senior inter county level. How can we expect these players to put themselves forward for ridicule whilst neglecting other parts of their lives? We are failing the players that we expect to do this for us. By accident rather than design we cater for the lad who just wants to play. That's fine. They're just as important but we cannot expect to have a successful senior team using this model. It's notable that there has been no mention from the county board about starting a process and finding out why they've left. Why are they choosing not to play for their county? I suspect they'll never do this because they know the real reasons won't reflect well on the role of the County board." Please name players of County standard not playing for Leitrim? Stats don't lie. 19 absent from last year due to retirement, emigration & injury. Nine gone through injury - three against Laois . No county can hope to compete with this haemorrhage of players. Sad so called supporters continue to criticise everybody associated with Leitrim football- Co Board, Management,players who are doing their best . Look at the positives. Talented group of Under age players coming through, successful run at College level, Ladies team on course for promotion & unearthing new talent, Hurlers having a good run & wish them well against pacesetters Louth. Realty is we don't have the pool of talent necessary to compete with other Counties & with so many absentees would struggle in Div 4. It is what it is but all I & other supporters can do is continue to support the Green & Gold at all levels . Those close to the squad acknowledge it's going to be a long haul but it could start with a good performance against Antrim. The return of some injured players is a boost.My hope is our youngsters are not disheartened by many of the negative postings. As quite a few come from outside Leitrim & overseas they obviously don't see Leitrim play so opinions are irrelevant. leitrimabu1 (Leitrim) - Posts: 151 - 18/02/2025 16:29:34 2591814 Link
Replying To leitrimabu1: "Please name players of County standard not playing for Leitrim? Stats don't lie. 19 absent from last year due to retirement, emigration & injury. Nine gone through injury - three against Laois . No county can hope to compete with this haemorrhage of players. Sad so called supporters continue to criticise everybody associated with Leitrim football- Co Board, Management,players who are doing their best . Look at the positives. Talented group of Under age players coming through, successful run at College level, Ladies team on course for promotion & unearthing new talent, Hurlers having a good run & wish them well against pacesetters Louth. Realty is we don't have the pool of talent necessary to compete with other Counties & with so many absentees would struggle in Div 4. It is what it is but all I & other supporters can do is continue to support the Green & Gold at all levels . Those close to the squad acknowledge it's going to be a long haul but it could start with a good performance against Antrim. The return of some injured players is a boost.My hope is our youngsters are not disheartened by many of the negative postings. As quite a few come from outside Leitrim & overseas they obviously don't see Leitrim play so opinions are irrelevant." That's the spirit. You forgot to mention our success in Scór. ThePowerhouse (Leitrim) - Posts: 163 - 18/02/2025 17:27:47 2591821 Link
Replying To ThePowerhouse: "That's the spirit. You forgot to mention our success in Scór." In fairness Bornacoola have put in proper structures and learning to be so successful at the quiz in Scor. You reap what you sow, proof is in the pudding. Course we will back our team it's where we're from we just want to give our players the opportunity to be the best they can be, Examples of intercounty players not committing I'll send you a team of players not involved that would beat the current team hands down some Darren Maxwell Arick Oberwan, James Mitchell, Paddy Maguire Ciaran Cullen, Shane Quinn, Dave Bruen Pearce Dolan, Aaron Hoare, Paul Keaney, Mark Plunkett, Oisin Mc Loughlin Darragh Rooney, Evan Sweeney The turnover has been to severe for what we have. Getting players to commit and give them incentives to stay at home is vital. From what I know Bornacoola had the same Quiz team for Score for the guts of it years. They made it worth there while Taytofoley83 (Leitrim) - Posts: 31 - 18/02/2025 18:34:37 2591838 Link
Left out Radek Oberwan, Donal Flynn, Shane Moran, Conor reynolds, and there's a few more aswell. Taytofoley83 (Leitrim) - Posts: 31 - 18/02/2025 18:46:53 2591840 Link
Replying To leitrimabu1: "Please name players of County standard not playing for Leitrim? Stats don't lie. 19 absent from last year due to retirement, emigration & injury. Nine gone through injury - three against Laois . No county can hope to compete with this haemorrhage of players. Sad so called supporters continue to criticise everybody associated with Leitrim football- Co Board, Management,players who are doing their best . Look at the positives. Talented group of Under age players coming through, successful run at College level, Ladies team on course for promotion & unearthing new talent, Hurlers having a good run & wish them well against pacesetters Louth. Realty is we don't have the pool of talent necessary to compete with other Counties & with so many absentees would struggle in Div 4. It is what it is but all I & other supporters can do is continue to support the Green & Gold at all levels . Those close to the squad acknowledge it's going to be a long haul but it could start with a good performance against Antrim. The return of some injured players is a boost.My hope is our youngsters are not disheartened by many of the negative postings. As quite a few come from outside Leitrim & overseas they obviously don't see Leitrim play so opinions are irrelevant." That is a well thought out and excellent post! Leitrim@1960 (Leitrim) - Posts: 28 - 19/02/2025 09:46:59 2591876 Link
Any word on a master fixture plan? Rumours are championship is being pushed back? Is there any truth to this? southleitrim_mafia (Leitrim) - Posts: 135 - 19/02/2025 10:30:08 2591884 Link
Replying To Leitrim@1960: "That is a well thought out and excellent post!" And the ThePowerhouse's post... I suppose that's all nonsense yeah? Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 1159 - 19/02/2025 10:33:20 2591885 Link