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Leitrim GAA thread

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Replying To Leitrimforliam:  "I think the game vs Carlow away in round 4 will be massive. You'd expect us to get a win over Wexford at home. This Carlow team is motoring very nicely and they've picked up two great wins so far. We've struggled down through years playing in Dr Cullen park. A win here and you'd imagine it will inspire us to go to Longford the next weekend and win there. Either way you look it's going to be very tough to get out of this division. Rarely has many teams got out of this division with two losses. We can only really afford to lose one game and pick up a draw. At the same time we are capable of winning every game.

I wouldn't be calling for Andy's head if we don't get promoted this year. We are playing a great brand of football and he's bringing on some good young players. Yes he's made mistakes in the past 3 years but give him some credit it was his first real management job. With Micky Graham in too I'd give them another year."
Let's not loose the run of ourselves about Andy. He's cost us a fortune and inherited a team that was well capable of promotion 2 years ago. I'd be wanting Mickey in charge ASAP. Appreciate that's not going to happen this season but ASAP being 2025.

Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 886 - 08/02/2024 15:32:25    2525116

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Replying To Leitrimforliam:  "
Replying To Dan_Toal:  "[quote=LongfordgaaAbú:  "'most senior club players rejected joining Paddy Christie's panel'?
Where did you get that incorrect nonsense from?"
Don't worry about this guy, he's full of unsupported points. Amongst other things he told us last year about players with the county u20 squad that couldn't make their clubs second team but of course couldn't back it up. Has zero credibility on here."
Have a look at the Longford Forum were over the past few weeks they've spoke of the absence of high profile senior players on the panel and any player from the club of Clonguish (county finalists). As well as the ever rotating door that is Longford selectors. I think its plain to see all is not well within the Longford camp.

Also there were some Mohill and St Mary's u20 squad players that were not nailed down starters for their second teams. I was trying to make the point the previous u20 management selected a large amount of St Mary's players instead of players who were starting for their senior clubs."]As I said on the Longford page, the reason there is no Clonguish players on the county panel is for a variety of reasons.
There are 2 of them still in school (playing for St. Mels), 3 or 4 more on the under 20 panel and then the one more senior player who might have got a call up is away travelling. Oh and one other lad is now plying his trade with Roscommon and no one can blame the lad.
But all is surely not well in the Longford camp.

Frank74 (Longford) - Posts: 143 - 08/02/2024 15:38:46    2525118

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Replying To Square_B:  "Let's not loose the run of ourselves about Andy. He's cost us a fortune and inherited a team that was well capable of promotion 2 years ago. I'd be wanting Mickey in charge ASAP. Appreciate that's not going to happen this season but ASAP being 2025."
i'd agree with that totally, this is Andy's third year which is enough, imo Micky is being groomed to take over next year and this year is for him to get a level of knowledge of players at his disposal.

meathbasedfan (Leitrim) - Posts: 76 - 08/02/2024 15:41:47    2525121

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Replying To meathbasedfan:  "i'd agree with that totally, this is Andy's third year which is enough, imo Micky is being groomed to take over next year and this year is for him to get a level of knowledge of players at his disposal."
I've said all I'm going to say about Andy but it's time we moved on from him at the end of 2024. He should have lost his job after NY. A lucky man to be still in charge and lets be brutally honest, he'd be gone only that Mickey came on board. Mike Solan walked away due to 'work commitments' but funny enough took over Toulestrane 5 months later. Shorter distance obviously but Mike seen where it was going and had the good sense to bail out. I reiterate my point from day one, with the resources we have, Leitrim can ill afford to be a training ground for new & inexperienced managers. I hope lessons will be learned by all involved over the last 3 years.

Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 886 - 08/02/2024 16:03:41    2525125

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Replying To Square_B:  "Let's not loose the run of ourselves about Andy. He's cost us a fortune and inherited a team that was well capable of promotion 2 years ago. I'd be wanting Mickey in charge ASAP. Appreciate that's not going to happen this season but ASAP being 2025."
Has he cost us a fortune? I'm not sure what previous Leitrim managers have been paid. What is the going rate for a intercounty manager anyway? I can't imagine Leitrim county board are paying much more than what other div4 counties are paying.

I'm not saying Andy has done great but is there many managers who'd be willing to take us on and do much better than he has. He hasn't had the easiest time with a unsettled panel due to emigration and some other unlucky losses. But success is measured by winning so I would understand calling for him to go if we don't get promoted and we have a bad run in Tailteann.

Micky Graham was a great coup. But for all we know he might not be interested in the job in 2025. So you could risk losing him by getting rid of Andy.

Leitrimforliam (Leitrim) - Posts: 262 - 08/02/2024 16:34:34    2525132

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I see the men are playing Wexford on Sunday Feb 18 at 2 while the women are playing Limerick in Ballinamore at the same time. Why couldn't it have been a double header?

Tacaí Liatroma (Leitrim) - Posts: 1097 - 09/02/2024 00:25:44    2525185

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Replying To Tacaí Liatroma:  "I see the men are playing Wexford on Sunday Feb 18 at 2 while the women are playing Limerick in Ballinamore at the same time. Why couldn't it have been a double header?"
Pairc Sean would struggle to hold one game these days

SeanMacDiarmada (Leitrim) - Posts: 401 - 09/02/2024 07:59:48    2525187

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Replying To Square_B:  "I've said all I'm going to say about Andy but it's time we moved on from him at the end of 2024. He should have lost his job after NY. A lucky man to be still in charge and lets be brutally honest, he'd be gone only that Mickey came on board. Mike Solan walked away due to 'work commitments' but funny enough took over Toulestrane 5 months later. Shorter distance obviously but Mike seen where it was going and had the good sense to bail out. I reiterate my point from day one, with the resources we have, Leitrim can ill afford to be a training ground for new & inexperienced managers. I hope lessons will be learned by all involved over the last 3 years."
Year 1 of Andy was a decent start.
4 wins in the league, 2 good performances despite losing to Cavan and Sligo. Poor result to lose to London in league was the only unexpected bad result. Beat London in championship, big loss to Galway, result expected but margin of loss was poor but good win against Antrim and unlucky to lose on penalties to Sligo in Tailteann.
Andy spoke about a multi year plan and developing the team. I thought year 1 was very good bar the London League result and if year 2 improved it would have been impressive but it was much worse. League was similar, both 4 wins from 7 but losing to New York who would be similar standard to London and then losing 3/3 Tailteann games compared to win and draw from 2 previous was a massive disimprovement.

For Year 3, I'd be hoping for 5 wins in the league which may not be enough for promotion depending on other results but would still be good going to win 5/7, 1 more than previous 2 seasons. A win against Sligo in Connacht, last 2 results were draw and 1 point loss so a small improvement to win. Then should be losing to Galway by less than 10.

Then in Tailteann, win at least 1 game with decent scoring difference to make knockout stages.

That should be the aim and Andy deserves the chance to achieve that with the team. He shouldn't be written off yet but if he doesn't improve on the 1st year, you might be right.

b.o.b. (Leitrim) - Posts: 15 - 09/02/2024 10:12:17    2525197

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Replying To b.o.b.:  "Year 1 of Andy was a decent start.
4 wins in the league, 2 good performances despite losing to Cavan and Sligo. Poor result to lose to London in league was the only unexpected bad result. Beat London in championship, big loss to Galway, result expected but margin of loss was poor but good win against Antrim and unlucky to lose on penalties to Sligo in Tailteann.
Andy spoke about a multi year plan and developing the team. I thought year 1 was very good bar the London League result and if year 2 improved it would have been impressive but it was much worse. League was similar, both 4 wins from 7 but losing to New York who would be similar standard to London and then losing 3/3 Tailteann games compared to win and draw from 2 previous was a massive disimprovement.

For Year 3, I'd be hoping for 5 wins in the league which may not be enough for promotion depending on other results but would still be good going to win 5/7, 1 more than previous 2 seasons. A win against Sligo in Connacht, last 2 results were draw and 1 point loss so a small improvement to win. Then should be losing to Galway by less than 10.

Then in Tailteann, win at least 1 game with decent scoring difference to make knockout stages.

That should be the aim and Andy deserves the chance to achieve that with the team. He shouldn't be written off yet but if he doesn't improve on the 1st year, you might be right."
I agree. Good review of where we've been for the last 2 years. Calling for him to go now and even having that discussion is absurd. We've got off to a good start so I don't understand the negativity.

I don't think he's done any better or worse than the previous Leitrim managers in the last 15-20 years (bar Hyland promotion year). Even if we had Jim Galvin or McGuinness or Harte over us we'd struggle to get out of div4.

The first year was promising except for the London game. Yes last year was very disappointing but there was lots of difficulties from injuries to lads emigrating. Save your judgement for after our last game this year. The CB aren't going to get rid of him mid season so get behind the team lads.

Leitrimforliam (Leitrim) - Posts: 262 - 09/02/2024 10:37:18    2525203

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Replying To Leitrimforliam:  "I agree. Good review of where we've been for the last 2 years. Calling for him to go now and even having that discussion is absurd. We've got off to a good start so I don't understand the negativity.

I don't think he's done any better or worse than the previous Leitrim managers in the last 15-20 years (bar Hyland promotion year). Even if we had Jim Galvin or McGuinness or Harte over us we'd struggle to get out of div4.

The first year was promising except for the London game. Yes last year was very disappointing but there was lots of difficulties from injuries to lads emigrating. Save your judgement for after our last game this year. The CB aren't going to get rid of him mid season so get behind the team lads."
Did you read my posts??? Clearly not. I said it will be time for him to head on at the end of 2024 regardless. He should have gone after New York but here we are. In fact the county board should have made that decision for him but didn't. This team was well capable of promotion after Terry Hyland left, with the right man, not a chap with 3 months club management experience. And here we are 3 seasons later still not even confident of promotion. I am 100% behind the men who give their time and effort to represent their county. In case anyone isn't aware, we're in the business of results not a training ground for inexperienced management.

Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 886 - 09/02/2024 15:34:53    2525243

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Replying To Leitrimforliam:  "Theres 35 county teams in hurling so top half would be 17-18. Wouldn't be a million miles away from that if we focused on hurling. Obviously not going to happen. I think the talking point is why don't the county board put more money and effort into hurling when we have been more successful in it on a national stage than football in recent years."
I admire the commitment of our hurlers but they are costing the County Board €200,000 per annum with little to show for it stuck in Div3b. Am told they promised to raise significant money for the 50 Mile Challenge but produced only a small amount. Was against proposal to eliminate Leitrim from League but have changed my mind. Consider this: the 50 Mile Challenge will raise over €100,000 after a considerable collective effort involving Mens & Womens clubs & individuals all over the world. All of which will go to funding the Hurlers. Crazy & time to end this waste of hard raised money. Our footballers Men& Women is where our scarce resources should be spent.Good luck to the Girls against Fermanagh on Sunday which is streamed live. They rarely get a mention on this Forum.

leitrimabu1 (Leitrim) - Posts: 135 - 10/02/2024 00:36:41    2525279

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Replying To Square_B:  "Let's not loose the run of ourselves about Andy. He's cost us a fortune and inherited a team that was well capable of promotion 2 years ago. I'd be wanting Mickey in charge ASAP. Appreciate that's not going to happen this season but ASAP being 2025."
Stop criticising Andy. He's doing a fine job and get behind the team he has fashioned.He also has the dressing room and the vast majority of real Leitrim supporters and we are in course for promotion with Wexford our next scalp.

leitrimabu1 (Leitrim) - Posts: 135 - 10/02/2024 00:40:17    2525280

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Replying To leitrimabu1:  "I admire the commitment of our hurlers but they are costing the County Board €200,000 per annum with little to show for it stuck in Div3b. Am told they promised to raise significant money for the 50 Mile Challenge but produced only a small amount. Was against proposal to eliminate Leitrim from League but have changed my mind. Consider this: the 50 Mile Challenge will raise over €100,000 after a considerable collective effort involving Mens & Womens clubs & individuals all over the world. All of which will go to funding the Hurlers. Crazy & time to end this waste of hard raised money. Our footballers Men& Women is where our scarce resources should be spent.Good luck to the Girls against Fermanagh on Sunday which is streamed live. They rarely get a mention on this Forum."
Surely, what you say about the costs of the hurlers can't be true! I have had to read a few times.I am scared shocked.

joeman123 (Leitrim) - Posts: 489 - 10/02/2024 10:51:09    2525297

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Replying To leitrimabu1:  "Stop criticising Andy. He's doing a fine job and get behind the team he has fashioned.He also has the dressing room and the vast majority of real Leitrim supporters and we are in course for promotion with Wexford our next scalp."
I can't take anyone seriously who would be advocating to disband a county hurling team. Some supporter you are. Stop being a yes man and engage your brain for once. If you knew what this 'experiment' has cost us you'd be wondering why we're still in Division 4 three seasons in.

Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 886 - 10/02/2024 11:27:09    2525301

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I don't believe Andy has done a real bad job. Has been unlucky not have Ryan ORourke last year and David Bruen gone travelling. Jack Heslin gone this year with paddy Maguire retiring and obviously Keith Berine hasn't been involved yet. I think Andy will step away at the end of the season if promotion is not secured. If Mickey Graham doesn't take it on then 2 men I would be head hunting without a doubt is Malachy O'Rourke can't see any county teams with travelling distance looking for a new manager come the end of the season. So many changes in Ulster already. I would also have a conversation with Rory Gallagher see what his interest would be in the position. I
Would say Andy has moved on the professionalism and also S&C the next man who or when that is has to continue that.

lugdrum (Leitrim) - Posts: 329 - 10/02/2024 11:34:14    2525302

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Replying To lugdrum:  "I don't believe Andy has done a real bad job. Has been unlucky not have Ryan ORourke last year and David Bruen gone travelling. Jack Heslin gone this year with paddy Maguire retiring and obviously Keith Berine hasn't been involved yet. I think Andy will step away at the end of the season if promotion is not secured. If Mickey Graham doesn't take it on then 2 men I would be head hunting without a doubt is Malachy O'Rourke can't see any county teams with travelling distance looking for a new manager come the end of the season. So many changes in Ulster already. I would also have a conversation with Rory Gallagher see what his interest would be in the position. I
Would say Andy has moved on the professionalism and also S&C the next man who or when that is has to continue that."
Graham will take the job100% after Andy.

williesboy (Leitrim) - Posts: 351 - 11/02/2024 17:09:37    2525480

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Really looking forward to the game Sunday. It'll show us where we are. We can definitely get a result here, but we'll need to up the performance on the London game. The hurlers played in Ballinamore at the weekend i see, so they must be trying to keep Pairc Sean fresh for Sunday. Best of luck to the lads.

meathbasedfan (Leitrim) - Posts: 76 - 12/02/2024 08:54:40    2525561

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Replying To lugdrum:  "I don't believe Andy has done a real bad job. Has been unlucky not have Ryan ORourke last year and David Bruen gone travelling. Jack Heslin gone this year with paddy Maguire retiring and obviously Keith Berine hasn't been involved yet. I think Andy will step away at the end of the season if promotion is not secured. If Mickey Graham doesn't take it on then 2 men I would be head hunting without a doubt is Malachy O'Rourke can't see any county teams with travelling distance looking for a new manager come the end of the season. So many changes in Ulster already. I would also have a conversation with Rory Gallagher see what his interest would be in the position. I
Would say Andy has moved on the professionalism and also S&C the next man who or when that is has to continue that."
Rory Gallagher?!? Jesus Christ

Leitrimforliam (Leitrim) - Posts: 262 - 12/02/2024 09:22:37    2525567

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Replying To leitrimabu1:  "I admire the commitment of our hurlers but they are costing the County Board €200,000 per annum with little to show for it stuck in Div3b. Am told they promised to raise significant money for the 50 Mile Challenge but produced only a small amount. Was against proposal to eliminate Leitrim from League but have changed my mind. Consider this: the 50 Mile Challenge will raise over €100,000 after a considerable collective effort involving Mens & Womens clubs & individuals all over the world. All of which will go to funding the Hurlers. Crazy & time to end this waste of hard raised money. Our footballers Men& Women is where our scarce resources should be spent.Good luck to the Girls against Fermanagh on Sunday which is streamed live. They rarely get a mention on this Forum."
You can't be serious asking to eliminate them from the league doing that would lead to the death of hurling in leitrim. I understand it's hard for Leitrim hurlers as they are poor enough compared to other counties and probably can't see any progression in the near future. But I would seriously question their commitment. Majority of the players do not look like county players. Overall they look unfit and not in shape to pull on a Leitrim jersey.

Leitrimforliam (Leitrim) - Posts: 262 - 12/02/2024 09:30:22    2525570

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Replying To Leitrimforliam:  "You can't be serious asking to eliminate them from the league doing that would lead to the death of hurling in leitrim. I understand it's hard for Leitrim hurlers as they are poor enough compared to other counties and probably can't see any progression in the near future. But I would seriously question their commitment. Majority of the players do not look like county players. Overall they look unfit and not in shape to pull on a Leitrim jersey."
They certainly look unfit. The bottom line is that the money spent on the hurling team is madness. And if we remain in Division 4 this year we need to seriously reconsider the money being spent on the football team also.

3rdmidfielder (Australia) - Posts: 308 - 12/02/2024 11:18:48    2525595

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