At the GAA Convention in Sligo in December 1992 a motion was passed to look into the idea of setting up a ladies structure in the county. County Board development officer at that time, Tommy Carroll, called a meeting of all interested clubs and from those beginnings a Ladies County Board was established.

The officers who had the honour of being the first Sligo Ladies County Board were:-

Chairperson – Marty Duffy

Vice Chairperson – Deirdre Quinn

Secretary – Denise Feehily

Assistant Secretary – Shauna McPartland

Fixtures Secretary – Tommy Carroll

Treasurer – Austin Mc Tiernan

Registrar – Christina Johnston

PRO – Brendan Canning

Development Officer – Tommy Carroll.

In June 1993 the league structure was set in motion with competitions in U-14 and Senior level. In all 14 clubs fielded teams with over 400 girls taking part in more than 50 games. The commitment and energy shown over the summer months culminated in teams from St, Nathy’s and Castleconnor playing for the Bank of Ireland Cup in U-14 final and NCF/Sligo Dairies Cup in the Senior section was between Eastern Harps and Shamrock Gaels. The honours on final day on the 18th September ’93 in a wind-swept and wet Marcievecz Park Sligo went to St. Nathy’s and Eastern Harps.

Of course ladies football was played in Sligo a number of years ago. Many of the Senior panel of 1993 would have played their first gaelic football match within their respective Community games area in the middle to late 1980’s. The seeds were set all those years ago for the present day standards.

There is also great hope for the future standards in Sligo as the National School students are very well catered for with competitions in Cumann na mBunscoil, catering for 10 – 12 year olds.

Cumann Peil Gael mBan Co. Shligigh

1993 – 1999

1993

Cumann Peil Gael Na mBan, Co. Shligigh was founded in May 1993. In June of that year an U-14 and a Senior Championship were put in place. In that inaugural year 12 clubs affiliated to the board, 53 games were played and a total of 460 players participated. In September the finals were held, St Nathy’s and Castleconnor contested the U-14 final with St. Nathy’s emerging victors on a scoreline of 4-03 to 1-02. In the Senior Final, Eastern Harps and Shamrock Gaels provided the entertainment with Eastern Harps lifting the Bank of Ireland Cup. The referees on that historic day for ladies football were Deirdre Quinn and Padraic Barrett.

The Clubs that affiliated to Cumann Peil Gael Na mBan in 1993 were Eastern Harps; Shamrock Gaels; St. Nathy’s; Cloonacool; Tourlestrane; Curry; Coolera; Castleconnor; Grange; Calry/St. Joseph’s; Enniscrone and St. John’s.

1994

The first annual convention was held on the 30th January, the officers in their reports all reported a very successful year for Ladies Football and looked forward to further development in 1994.

Officers elected at the 1994 Convention were as follows:

Chairperson – Marty Duffy

Vice Chairperson – Deirdre Quinn

Secretary – Maura Macken

Assistant Secretary – Denise Feehily

Treasurer – Austin Mc Tiernan

Registrar – Christine Johnston

PRO – Geraldine Flanagan

Development Officer -Gerry Connolly

Irish Officer – Deirdre Mc Keon.

The growth of ladies football within the County continued in 1994 with the addition of three new competitions, a Minor Championship, a Post Primary Schools competition and a Senior Shield Competition. The number of clubs increased to 16 with the affiliation of St. Pats; Drumcliffe, Rosses Point and Ballymote in addition to those clubs that were affiliated in ‘93.

‘94 also saw the formation of the first Junior County team in Sligo. The team competed in the National Junior League under the guidance of Seamus Hoey and Marty Duffy. Victories over Armagh and Fermanagh were followed by a defeat against Tyrone, however the team still qualified for the League Semi-final where they were defeated by Meath. In the Connacht Junior Championship Sligo were narrowly defeated by Leitrim.

In the All Ireland B Championship Sligo had a home game against Westmeath but were defeated. An U-14 County team was also formed during ’94 and participated in the All Ireland U-14 Blitz in Tullamore, the team defeated Dublin and Kildare but were defeated by Kerry and Wexford.

On the club scene in ’94 St. Nathy’s retained the U-14 title when they defeated Eastern Harps on a score line of 3-04 to 1-03. In the Minor final Toulestrane defeated St. Nathy’s by a solitary point on a score line of 2-08 to 2-07. The Senior Shield Final was contested by St. Nathy’s and Cloonacool with St. Nathy’s winning on a 1-04 to 0-05 score line. The Senior Championship saw Shamrock Gaels gain revenge on last years winners Eastern Harps, the final score Shamrock Gaels 3-07 – Eastern Harps 0-06. Shamrock Gaels victory gained them entry to the Connacht Club Championship where they defeated Letter more (Galway) and Aughawillian (Leitrim) only to be defeated by The Neale (Mayo) in the Final.

1995

Officers elected at the 1995 Convention were as follows:

Chairperson Marty Duffy

Vice Chairperson Kathleen Marren

Secretary Kathleen Kane

Assistant Secretary Nicky Haran

Treasurer Austin Mc Tiernan

Registrar Deirdre Quinn

Development Officer Gerry Connolly

PRO Christine Johnston

Irish Officer Deirdre Mc Keon

Another year and further development of Ladies football in Sligo, was the addition of another competition an U-16 Championship and the fielding of County teams in the U-14, U-16 and Minor Connacht Championships.

1995 was the year Sligo were to make the break through on the County scene at Junior level. In the Junior League, having defeated Tyrone, Fermanagh, Armagh and Galway, the team qualified for the National Junior League Final, Sligo were victorious on a score line of 3-07 to 2-09. In the Connacht Junior Championship more success was to follow for Sligo, defeating the defending champions Mayo in the Semi-finals and subsequently defeating Leitrim in the Connacht Final, however luck was to run out for the team when they met a superior Cork team in the All-Ireland quarter final. The under age County teams while competitive failed to win any Connacht titles.

At club level, ladies football continued to develop with 597 players registered. At U-14 level Eastern Harps defeated St. Nathy’s to take their first under age title. The U-16 Championship was won by St. Nathy’s when they defeated Eastern Harps. St. Nathy’s also added the Minor title to their collection defeating last years champions Tourlestrane in a spell-bringing encounter.

Tourlestrane carried off the shield competition after defeating Calry/St. Joseph’s in a frenetic curtain raiser to the Senior Championship final. Shamrock Gaels continued to dominate this competition when they progressed with ease through the Connacht Club Championship, dismissing reigning champions The Neale along the way. In the final after extra time they were defeated by Clann Na nGael (Roscommon).

The Post Primary schools competition continued to grow in popularity with Ben Eada Abbey defeating Ballymote in the Junior Final and Tubbercurry defeating Enniscrone in the Senior Final. In the Connacht competition both teams qualified to the finals only to be defeated on each occasion in Ballinrobe.

1996

Officers elected at the 1996 Convention were as follows:

Chairperson Gerry Connolly

Vice Chairperson Bernadette Groarke

Secretary Kathleen Kane.

Assistant Secretary Nicky Haran.

Treasurer Rose Cawley

Registrar Deirdre Mc Keon

PRO Christine Johnston

Development Officer Marty Duffy

1996 again proved hectic for the fixtures committee, clubs and referees alike. Maugherow fielded their first ladies team while Geevagh did likewise in the U-14 championship giving us a total participation of 16 clubs. 1996 will be remembered as the year that St. Nathy’s swept the boards, anything worth winning they took unashamedly. The NCF/Sligo Dairies U-14 title. The TSB U-16 title and the ESB U-18 title and just to ascertain their dominance they added the Bank of Ireland Senior Championship cup to their hoard of treasures. The only other Inter-club competition played in that year was the Junior Championship which Cloonacool won after defeating Tourlestrane in the final.

In the schools competition six schools took part. All fielding both a Senior and a Junior team with the competitions played in a league basis. Ben Eada Abbey won both competitions and progressed to the Connacht finals in both grades. In the Junior Final it was Westport who emerged victors with a two point winning margin. In the Senior Final Ben Eada found themselves up against Ballinrobe (Mayo), five times All Ireland Champions at this grade. A formidable task indeed but Ben Eada ignored the pundits and set about causing a serious upset. Indeed, were it not for the squander mania shown by the Ben Eada forwards the Mayo champions could have been dethroned, however Ballinrobe weathered the storm and denied Ben Eada their second Connacht Title in a matter of weeks.

Our Under Age County teams competed in the Connacht championships at U-14, u-16 and Minor levels. The U-14 team suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Mayo in a Semi-final clash played in Keash.

The U-16 team put in an incredible performance against Mayo in a Semi-final played at Mayo Abbey leading by eight points at the interval the Sligo girls were heartbroken to lose by the narrowest of margins. The Minor Panel had a first round meeting with Roscommon which Sligo narrowly won and proceeded to meet Mayo in the Semi-final which Mayo comprehensively won. The Junior Team now found themselves in division 2, after their success in ‘95 however the girls were to find the going tough and defeats by Westmeath, Louth, Cork and Carlow followed by a victory over Dublin saw the team back in the lower division in ’97. The Connacht Champions were to bring happier days to the panel, a first round clash with Leitrim in Carrick on Shannon and a four point victory for Sligo was just reward for their endeavours on the day, next came Galway, easily accounted for in the Semi-final and then a chance to successfully defend our Connacht title against Roscommon. The game played in Dr. Hyde Park was a close affair despite what the scoreboard read at the final whistle Sligo 1-09, Roscommon 2-01. Sligo now progressed to an All Ireland Semi-final clash with Longford, played at Granard, it wasn’t to be Sligo’s day and it was Longford that marched on to the All Ireland Final.

1997

Officers elected at the 1997 Convention were as follows:

Chairperson Gerry Connolly

Vice Chairperson Bernadette Groarke

Secretary Kathleen Kane

Assistant Secretary Brid Mc Donagh

Treasurer Eileen Grady

Registrar Eileen Grady

PRO Christine Johnston

Development Officer Marty Duffy

1997 started with the addition of another club, namely Ballisodare affiliating to our board. A new U-12 club competition was added to our calendar. A new management structure was put in place for the Junior Team comprising of P.J. Langton (manager) and Mickey Rowley and Dermot Mullaney as selectors.

On the local scene six club competitions were organised. In the U-12 championship Eastern Harps and Shamrock Gaels contested the final and Harps won. The NCF/Sligo Dairies U-14 championship final was between Eastern Harps and Tourlestrane with Eastern Harps adding another title to their collection. In the TSB U-16 championship it was Curry and St. Nathy’s that reached the final with St. Nathy’s making it three in a row at this grade. The ESB U-18 final was contested by St. Nathy’s and Tourlestrane with St. Nathy’s winning the title for the third consecutive year. The Junior Championship final was between neighbours Tourlestrane and Curry which Tourlestrane won. In the Bank of Ireland Senior Championship St. Nathy’s took the title after defeating Eastern Harps in the final.

On the post primary schools front Ben Eada Abbey retained their Junior title with a victory over Carrick on Shannon in the final, however they were forced to relinquish their Senior title when they were defeated by Tourmakeady (Mayo) in the Connacht Final.

Our U-14, U-16 and U-18 County teams all suffered defeats at the hand of Mayo in their respective competitions. The U-14 County team also competed in both the Connacht and All Ireland Blitz. The Junior team were now back competing in division 3 of the National league and despite victories over Antrim, Fermanagh and Derry it wasn’t enough to gain promotion to division 2 next year. In the Connacht Championship the team bidding to make it three in a row, failed at the expense of Roscommon who were crowned Connacht Junior Champions.

1998

Officers elected at the 1998 Convention were as follows:

Chairperson Kathleen Kane

Vice Chairperson Tom Keane

Secretary Liam Mc Donagh

Assistant Secretary Brid Mc Donagh

Treasurer Eileen Grady

Registrar Eileen Grady

PRO Christine Johnston

Development Officer Frank Gallagher

Irish Officer Neal Farry

1998 was to see even further growth of ladies gaelic football in Sligo with the addition of a new 11 a-side Senior League, the participation of a Sligo Club in the All Ireland Seven’s and the affiliation of three new clubs namely St. Mary’s, City Gaels and Coolera.

In the Connacht Post Primary Schools competition it was once again Ben Eada Abbey that kept the Sligo flag flying in the Senior Competition Ben Eada defeating Tourmeakedy (Mayo) in the final but were defeated in the All Ireland Semi-final by Eureka of Kells 2-14 to 3-9. In the Junior Competition Ben Eada qualified to the Connacht Semi-final but had to relinquish their title to Westport 7-6 to 1-7

On the Club scene it was another hectic year. The U-12 Championship title went west to Castleconnor after they defeated Coolera in the Final. The NCF/Sligo Dairies U-14 title was won by Shamrock Gaels with Tourlestrane having to settle for the runners-up spot for the third successive year. The TSB U-16 Championship final was contested by Eastern Harps and Shamrock Gaels with Eastern Harps emerging as winners. St. Nathy’s won the ESB Minor Championship for the fourth year in succession when they defeated Castleconnor. The junior championship final was a close affair and it took a replay to separate St. Mary’s and Castleconnor which Castleconnor eventually won.

The Bank of Ireland Senior Championship was won by St. Nathy’s who defeated Cloonacool/Tourlestrane in the Final and to add to their collection St. Nathy’s also won the 11 a-side League final.

Once again our County Teams participated in the U-14, U-16, U-18 and Junior Connacht Championships and the National Junior League. The U-14 team defeated by Roscommon in the semi-final but lost to a far superior Galway Team in the Connacht Final. In the U-16 Championship Sligo drew with Roscommon in the Semi-final and in the replay it took extra time to separate these two teams, however it was Sligo who emerged victors on this occasion and went on to be defeated by Mayo in the Connacht Final. Mayo also defeated Sligo in both the Minor and Junior Championships. In the National League Sligo qualified for the Quarter Finals but were defeated by Cork by four points.

1999

Officers elected at the 1999 Convention were as follows:

Chairperson Kathleen Kane

Vice Chairperson Frank Gallagher

Secretary Liam Mc Donagh

Assistant Secretary Brid Mc Donagh

Treasurer Eileen Grady

Registrar Eileen Grady

PRO Martin Seery

Development Officer Frank Gallagher

Irish Officer Neal Farry

As we come to the end of one and prepare to enter a new millennium we have consolidated our place in the County. After being in existence for six years we have 16 Clubs affiliated with almost seven hundred players registered.

On the home front, the football schedule was again hectic with seven inter club competitions organised. Once again the Fixtures committee ensured the smooth running of all competitions. In the U-12 Championship Coolera made up for the disappointment of ‘98 when they defeated Eastern Harps in the final giving the club their first Ladies title. Castleconnor lifted the U-14 title when they overcame the challenge of Shamrock Gaels. In the U-16 Final Shamrock Gaels had to be happy with being second best again, this time it was Tourlestrane that were crowned Champions. Once again St. Nathy’s dominance of the Minor Championship continued, it was Curry’s turn this year to feel the strain as St. Nathy’s took their fifth consecutive minor title. The Junior Title went to St. Mary’s who accounted for Cloonacool. St Nathy’s retained the 11 a-side league by virtue of a win over St. Mary’s. In the Senior Championship it was 4 in a row for Nathy’s when they overcame Cloonacool/Tourlestrane in what was a repeat of the ‘98 final.

In the Connacht Club Championship St. Nathy’s dismissed Corofin (Galway) in the Semi-final and St. Bridget’s (Roscommon) in the final to give the club and County their first Connacht Club Champions. In the All Ireland Semi-final St. Nathy’s were drawn against the British Champions Emerald Gaels who decided not to travel giving St. Nathy’s a place in the All Ireland Final and a seven week lay off without competitive football. It was Rock chapel (Cork) that were the opponents in the final and who emerged victors with a six point winning margin.

Our County teams hadn’t much success once again in ‘99, our Junior team got to the league quarter finals but once again failed, this year Kildare was the stumbling block. In the Connacht Junior Championship it was Roscommon that dashed Sligo’s hope of the Final place. Similar stories with the U-14, U-16 and Minor County Teams, still no Connacht Under age title won. However, there was one glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, in September an U-12 County team competing for the first time won the U-12 Connacht Blitz to give Sligo their first ever Under-age and the only Inter-County Provincial title for ‘99. Surely a good omen for the future.

On the Post Primary Schools front it was another success story for Banada Abbey taking Provincial honours in both the Junior and Senior Competitions. Colaiste Mhuire, Ballymote also took provincial honours in the Junior B competitions.

Sligo’s participation in the All Ireland seven’s grew with St. Mary’s competing in the Junior and St. Nathy’s in the Senior, while no trophies were won both teams gave a good account of themselves. It was Shamrock Gaels turn to represent the County at Feile in Clare and an enjoyable weekend was had by the club.

On an administration note ‘99 saw Sligo referee Marty Duffy in charge of the National League Final. Chairperson Kathleen Kane was elected Connacht President at the Annual convention.

Roll of Honour

Under 12 Championship

Winners Runners-up

1997 Eastern Harps Shamrock Gaels

1998 Castleconnor Coolera

1999 Coolera Eastern Harps

NCF Sligo Dairies Under 14 Championship

Winners Runners-up

1993 St. Nathy’s Castleconnor

1994 St. Nathy’s Eastern Harps

1995 Eastern Harps St Nathy’s

1996 St. Nathy’s Tourlestrane

1997 Eastern Harps Tourlestrane

1998 Shamrock Gaels Tourlestrane

1999 Castleconnor Shamrock Gaels

TSB Under 16 Championship

Winners Runners-up

1995 St. Nathy’s Eastern Harps

1996 St. Nathy’s Eastern Harps

1997 St. Nathy’s Curry

1998 Eastern harps Shamrock Gaels

1999 Tourlestrane Shamrock Gaels

TSB Under 18 Championship

Winners Runners-up

1994 Tourlestrane St. Nathy’s

1995 St. Nathy’s Tourlestrane

1996 St. Nathy’s Cloonacool

1997 St Nathy’s Tourlestrane

1998 St. Nathy’s Castleconnor

1999 St. Nathy’s Curry

Shield Competition

Winners Runners-up

1994 St. Nathy’s Coolnacool

1995 Tourlestrane Calry/St.Josephs

11Aside Ladies League

Winners Runners-up

1998 St. Nathy’s Cloonacool

1999 St. Nathy’s St. Mary’s

Junior Championship

Winners Runners-up

1996 Cloonacool Tourlestrane

1997 Tourlestrane Curry

1998 Castleconnor St. Mary’s

1999 St. Mary’s Cloonacool

Bank of Ireland Senior Championship

Winners Runners-up

1993 Eastern Harps Shamrock Gaels

1994 Shamrock Gaels Eastern Harps

1995 Shamrock Gaels Eastern Harps

1996 St. Nathy’s Eastern Harps

1997 St Nathy’s Eastern Harps

1998 St Nathy’s Cloonacool/Tourlestrane

1999 St Nathy’s Cloonacool/Tourlestrane

2000

Officers elected at the 2000 Convention were as follows:

Chairperson Kathleen Kane St Nathy’s

Vice Chairperson Rose Cawley Coolera

Secretary Liam Mc Donagh St Nathy’s

Assistant Secretary Caroline Currid Ballymote

Treasurer Eileen Grady Eastern Harps

Registrar Eileen Grady Eastern Harps

PRO Martin Seery Cloonacool

Fixtures Officer Matin Seery Cloonacool

Development Officer Mary Kilgannon St. Farnans

Cultural & Language Eileen Sheridan Coolera

Officer

The teams involved in the U-12 Championship were as follows; Coolera, St. Nathy’s, Curry, Grange, St. Michaels, Calry/St. Josephs, Eastern Harps, Tourlestrane, St. Farnans and Cloonacool.

Under 12 A Championship Winners – Coolera Runners Up – St. Nathys 0-9 to 2-2

Under 12 B Championship Winners Curry Runners Up St. Michaels

Round 1

Curry 2-5 Grange 0-8

St. Nathy’s 4-15 Eastern Harps 3-1

Coolera 3-14 St. Michaels 4-5

Round 2

Curry 1-10 St. Nathy’s 0-10

St. Michaels 3-5 Eastern Harps 2-5

Coolera 4-6 Tourlestrane 2-6

Round 3

Curry 4-8 St. Michaels 0-9

Tourlestrane 4-13 Eastern Harps 2-4

Coolera 3-13 Grange 0-8

Round 4

Curry 4-4 Tourlestrane 0-13

Coolera 0-16 St. Nathy’s 3-1

Grange 2-8 St. Michaels 1-2

Round 5

Curry 6-2 Eastern Harps 0-8

Grange 1-5 Tourlestrane 0-3

St. Nathy’s 2-8 St. Michaels 0-8

Round 6

Coolera 5-15 Eastern Harps 3-4

St. Nathy’s 4-5 Grange 1-12

St. Michaels 0-10 Tourlestrane 1-5

Round 7

Coolera 4-8 Curry 1-1

Grange 5-8 Eastern Harps 1-10

St. Nathy’s 4-3 Tourlestrane 3-4

Semi-final

St. Nathys 2-3 Curry 0-5

Coolera 5-8 Grange 1-3

Final

Coolera 0-9 St. Nathy’s 2-2

The teams involved in the U-14 Championship were as follows; Castleconnor, Shamrock Gaels, Coolera, Eastern Harps, St. Nathy’s, Drumcliffe, Curry, Geevagh, Ballymote, Grange, Tourlestrane.

The U-14 A Championship

Winners; Castleconnor, Runners-Up :Shamrock Gaels 2-9 to 2-5

U-14 Feile Winners: Drumcliffe Runners Up: Coolera

Group A

Round 1

Drumcliffe 6-2 Geevagh 2-4

Coolera 4-4 Calry/St Josephs 2-5

Shamrock Gaels 6-4 Grange 4-5

Round 2

Drumcliffe 3-8 Grange 1-4

Coolera 5-5 Geevagh 2-9

Shamrock Gaels 6-3 Calry/St Josephs 1-10

Round 3

Grange 7-0 Geevagh 4-2

Drumcliffe 2-14 Calry/St Josephs 1-5

Shamrock Gaels 1-10 Coolera 1-6

Round 4

Geevagh 4-7 Calry/St. Josephs 1-8

Drumcliffe 2-4 Shamrock Gaels 0-6

Coolera 3-9 Grange 1-6

Round 5

Coolera 5-8 Drumcliffe 2-2

Shamrock Gaels 6-7 Geevagh 3-5

Grange 4-8 Calry/St. Josephs 0-6

Playoffs

Shamrock Gaels 2-12 Drumcliffe 0-11

Coolera 3-9 Drumcliffe 3-8

Group B

Round 1

Tourlestrane 4-7 Ballymote 2-4

Eastern Harps 3-10 St, Nathy’s 1-5

Curry 1-9 Castleconnor 2-5

Round 2

Curry 2-11 Tourlestrane 0-5

Eastern Harps 4-9 Ballymote 0-6

Castleconnor 3-8 St. Nathy’s 0-9

Round 3

Eastern Harps 4-8 Tourlestrane 1-2

Castleconnor 3-10 Ballymote 0-2

St. Nathy’s 5-3 Curry 3-4

Round 4

St. Nathy’s 2-14 Ballymote 0-5

Eastern Harps 4-6 Curry 1-9

Castleconnor 4-8 Tourlestrane 0-6

Round 5

St. Nathy’s 4-8 Tourlestrane 0-7

Eastern Harps 4-5 Castleconnor 2-8

Curry 6-6 Ballymote 0-4

Playoffs

Castleconnor 2-10 St. Nathy’s 0-10

Castleconnor 2-14 Curry 2-10

Semi-finals

Shamrock Gaels 3-14 Eastern Harps 1-8

Castleconnor 3-9 Coolera 2-4

Final

Castleconnor 2-9 Shamrock Gaels 2-5

The teams involved in the U-16 Championship were as follows; Shamrock Gaels, Castleconnor, Coolera, Eastern Harps, St. Nathy’s, Curry, Grange, Ballymote, Tourlestrane

The Under 16 Championship

Winners – Shamrock Gaels Runners Up – Castleconnor 3-16 to 1-4

The Under 16 League winners were Eastern Harps and the Runners Up were Coolera

Round 1

Castleconnor 1-9 Shamrock Gaels 0-12

Eastern Harps 3-5 St. Nathy’s 2-5

Grange 2-14 Ballymote 0-5

Tourlestrane 4-9 Curry 2-4

Round 2

Castleconnor 4-8 Eastern Harps 0-13

St. Nathy’s 4-9 Ballymote 2-5

Tourlestrane 3-12 Grange 2-4

Shamrock Gaels 3-12 Coolera 5-3

Round 3

Coolera 1-8 Curry 1-3

Shamrock Gaels 4-12 Grange 0-2

Castlecomor 6-8 Ballymote 0-7

Tourlestrane 2-9 St. Nathy’s 0-13

Round 4

Castleconnor 3-8 Tourlestrane 3-3

Curry 3-16 Grange 4-2

Coolera 3-11 Ballymote 2-5

Shamrock Gaels 3-9 Eastern Harps 3-7

Round 5

Castleconnor 4-5 St. Nathy’s 2-8

Eastern Harps 6-8 Curry 1-3

Shamrock Gaels 1-14 Ballymote 0-9

Coolera 2-11 Tourlestrane 2-10

Round 6

Eastern Harps 4-11 Ballymote 5-3

Shamrock Gaels 1-13 Tourlestrane 2-9

Coolera 4-9 Grange 1-8

Curry 1-10 St. Nathy’s 1-10

Round 7

Castleconnor 7-11 Grange 0-7

Coolera 1-15 St Nathy’s 2-10

Shamrock Gaels 2-11 Curry 0-7

Eastern Harps 3-13 Tourlestrane 3-4

Round 8

Tourlestrane 4-14 Ballymote 0-4

Castleconnor 1-14 Curry 0-6

St. Nathy’s 5-8 Grange 1-9

Coolera 6-8 Eastern Harps 1-6

Round 9

Castleconnor 3-6 Coolera 1-8

St. Nathy’s 4-8 Shamrock Gaels 2-6

Eastern Harps 8-11 Grange 2-4

Curry 0-13 Ballymote 2-7

Semi-finals

Shamrock Gaels 3-9 Eastern Harps 3-6

Castleconnor 1-7 Coolera 0-3

Final

Shamrock Gaels 3-6 Castleconnor 1-4

The teams involved in the U-18 Championship were as follows; Castleconnor, Shamrock Gaels. Tourlestrane, St. Nathy’s, Curry, Geevagh, Ballymote.

The Under 18A Championship winners were St. Nathy’s and the Runners up were Castleconnor with a final score of 1-7 to 0-3.

U-18 Championship

Round 1

Ballymote 3-9 Curry 1-1

St. Nathy’s 3-5 Castleconnor 0-7

Tourlestrane 4-5 Geevagh 1-6

Round 2

Curry 3-7 Tourlestrane 1-9

Ballymote 4-5 Castleconnor 0-4

St. Nathy’s 3-2 Geevagh 0-7

Round 3

Ballymote 1-9 Tourlestrane 0-4

St, Nathy’s 4-11 Curry 0-6

Castleconnor 4-4 Geevagh 0-8

Round 4

St. Nathy’s 2-9 Ballymote 1-9

Geevagh 4-11 Curry 0-5

Castleconnor 2-8 Tourlestrane 0-6

Round 5

Geevagh 3-8 Ballymote 1-5

Castleconnor 3-6 Curry 2-2

St. Nathy’s 2-10 Tourlestrane 0-4

Semi-final

St. Nathy’s 4-5 Ballymote 4-4

Castleconnor 2-8 Geevagh 1-4

Final

St. Nathy’s 1-7 Castleconnor 0-3

The teams involved in the Junior Championship were as follows – Cloonacool, Ballymote, Tourlestrane, St. Farnans, St. Michaels.

The Junior Championship winner – Cloonacool and the runners-up were Ballymote at a score of 1-12 to 0-7

Connacht Junior Club Championship – The winners were Cloonacool

The teams involved in the Senior Championship were as follows – St. Nathy’s, Cloonacool/Tourlestrane,, St. Marys, Eastern Harps,

Round 1

St. Nathy’s 4-8 Cloonacool/Tourlestrane 2-6

Eastern Harps 5-9 St. Mary’s 1-9

Round 2

St. Nathy’s 4-7 St. Mary’s 2-2

Eastern Harps 7-12 Cloonacool/Tourlestrane 0-9

Final

St. Nathy’s 2-5 Eastern Harps 0-5

The teams involved in the Division 1 League were as follows Eastern Harps, Cloonacool, St. Nathy’s, Ballymote, St. Mary’s, St. Michaels, Tourlestrane, St. Farnans

Division 1 League Winners were Eastern Harps and Runners-up were Cloonacool

The New Clubs in 2000 – Grange

Sligo hosted the National congress in the Tower Hotel, Quay St. Sligo.

2001

Officers elected at the 2001 Convention were as follows:

Chairperson Liam Mc Donagh St. Nathy’s

Vice Chairperson Frank Gallagher Ballymote

Secretary Fina Golden St. Mary’s

Assistant Secretary Kathleen Kane St. Nathy’s

Treasurer Kate O’Neill Eastern Harps

Registrar Kathleen Keane St. Nathy’

PRO Martin Seery Cloonacool

Fixtures Officer Matin Seery Cloonacool

Development Officer Frank Gallagher Ballymote

Cultural & Language Eileen Sheridan Coolera

Officer

The teams involved in the U-12 Championship were as follows; Coolera, St. Nathy’s, Curry, Grange, St. Michaels, Calry/St. Josephs, Eastern Harps, Tourlestrane, St. Farnans and Cloonacool, Enniscrone.

Under 12 A Championship Winners – St. Nathy’s Runners Up – Enniscrone 0-4 to 0-2

Under 12 B Championship Winners Curry Runners Up – St.Farnans 1-3to 2-8

Group 1 Group 2

Round 1

Grange St. Nathys

Calry/St. Josephs 3-6 Eastern Harps 2-7 St. Farnans 1-6 Tourlestrane 0-5

St. Michaels 1-5 Coolera 2-10 Enniscrone 3-5 Curry 3-4

Round 2

Eastern Harps St. Farnans

Coolera 3-7 Grange 4-2 Enniscrone 0-10 St. Nathy’s 3-4

St. Michaels 2-4 Calry/St Josephs 1-6 Curry Tourlestrane

Round 3

St Michaels Tourlestrane

Eastern Harps 4-3 Grange 3-7 St. Farnans 2-3 Enniscrone 4-7

Coolera 1-4 Calry/St. Josephs 0-6 Curry 2-4 St. Nathy’s 0-14

Round 4

Calry Curry

Eastern Harps 0-6 Coolera 3-8 Tourlestrane 0-7 Enniscrone 1-8

Grange 2-5 St. Michaels 0-3 St. Nathy’s 0-13 St. Farnans 1-2

Round 5

Coolera Enniscrone

Calry/St Josephs 2-8 Grange 1-8 St. Nathy’s 0-11 Tourlestrane 0-8

St. Michaels 2-10 Eastern Harps 0-8 St. Farnan’s 1-4 Curry 2-9

Playoffs

Game 1

St. Michaels 0-5 Grange 1-5

Game 2

Grange 2-2 Calry 3-4

Phase 2

Round 1

A. Coolera 4-6 Enniscrone 3-8

B St. Nathy’s 1-12 Calry 1-4

Round 2

C St. Nathy’s 1-10 Coolera 0-9

D Calry 1-6 Enniscrone 2-7

Round 3

E Enniscrone 3-5 Coolera 1-4

Final

St. Nathy’s 0-4 Enniscrone 0-2

Fallons Supermarket, Post Office and Filling Station Under 12 A-side League

Round 1

A Eastern Harps 1-5 Curry 3-12

B Cloonacool 0-5 St. Farnans 1-8

C Tourlestrane 2-8 St. Michael’s 1-6

D Grange Bye

Round 2

E Cloonacool 4-9 Eastern Harps 7-3

F St. Michaels Bye

G St. Farnans 1-5 Curry 1-2

H Tourlestrane 1-8 Grange 0-8

Round 3

I Eastern Harps 2-6 Grange 3-2

J St. Michaels 1-2 Curry 3-9

Semi-finals

St. Farnans 4-9 Eastern Harps 4-1

Tourlestrane 0-9 Curry 1-8

Final

St. Farnans 1-3 Curry 2-8

The teams involved in the U-14 Championship were as follows; Coolera, St. Nathy’s, Curry, Grange, St. Michaels, Calry/St. Josephs, Eastern Harps, Tourlestrane, St. Farnans and Cloonacool, Enniscrone, Ballymote, Castleconnor.

Under 14 A Championship Winners – Tourlestrane Runners Up – St. Nathys

Under 14 B Championship Winners – Calry/st. Josephs Runners Up – Ballymote

Under 14 Feile Winners – Curry Runners Up – St. Nathy’s

Group 1 Group 2

Round 1

Cloonacool 0-4 Ballymote 1-5 Calry 3-5 Castleconnor 2-2

Enniscrone Grange 0-6 St. Farnans 3-11

Round 2

Cloonacool St. Farnans 0-9 Calry 3-6

Ballymote 0-8 Enniscrone 1-10 Castleconnor 2-8 Grange 1-4

Round 3

Enniscrone 1-11 Cloonacool 1-8 Grange 1-8 Calry 4-5

Ballymote Castleconnor 2-10 St. Farnans 0-9

Semi finals

Calry 4-5 Enniscrone 1-8

Ballymote 2-7 Castleconnor 0-4

Final

Calry 4-6 Ballymote 2-5

Connacht Gold Co-op Under 14 Championship

Group 1 Group 2

Round 1

Curry 4-5 Castleconnor 1-6 Calry 5-5 Coolera 3-7

St. Farnans 3-3 Cloonacool 3-5 Ballymote 0-5 St. Nathy’s 2-9

Enniscrone 2-8 Tourlestrane 0-11 St. Michaels 1-5 Grange 0-5

Round 2

Castleconnor 3-2 Enniscrone 2-4 Coolera 1-13 St. Michaels 0-5

Cloonacool 0-10 Curry 5-4 St. Nathys 2-7 Calry 0-10

Tourlestrane 3-8 St Farnans 1-5 Grange 3-4 Ballymote 0-7

Round 3

Enniscrone 0-6 Curry 3-5 St Michaels 0-3 Calry 3-8

St. Farnans 1-10 Castleconnor 1-9 Ballymote 0-6 Coolera 4-5

Tourlestrane 4-11 Cloonacool 4-7 Grange 1-3 St Nathys 2-10

Round 4

Curry 4-8 St Farnans 1-3 Calry 3-7 Ballymote 1-3

Castleconnor 0-9 Tourlestrane 2-9 Coolera 2-14 Grange 1-2

Cloonacool 0-10 Enniscrone 0-10 St Nathys 3-5 StMichaels 0-2

Round 5

Cloonacool 1-8 Castleconnor 0-4 St Nathys 2-5 Coolera 4-11

Tourlestrane 2-4 Curry 3-4 Grange 0-6 Calry 2-8

Enniscrone 2-5 St Farnans 2-6 St Michaels 0-2 Ballymote2-10

Phase 2

Semi Final Play Off

A Curry 1-4 St Nathys 4-6 St Nathy’s 3-10 Calry 1-11

B Coolera 2-7 Tourlestrane 3-5

Final

St Nathy’s 1-5 Tourlestrane 3-10

Extra Time in all Knockout games except Final

Playoffs are the reverse of the original Fixture

Score For to decide Places in B Competition

Under 14 Feile Championship

Round 1

1. St Nathys Grange

2 Curry Calry

3 Cloonacool St Farnans

4 Ballymote Castleconnor

5 St Michaels Enniscrone

Round 2

A Ballymote 2-5 St Farnans 0-4

B Curry St Michaels

C St Nathys Tourlestrane

Semi-Finals

Curry 3-5 Ballymote 2-4

Coolera 0-11 St Nathys 4-10

Final

Curry 9-7 St Nathys 1-7

Extra Time in all Feile Matches including the Final

First named teams have home advantage

Winners: Curry

The teams involved in the U-16 Championship were as follows; Castleconnor, Coolera, Eastern Harps, Curry, St Nathys, Ballymote, Grange, Drumcliffe, Shamrock Gaels.

Under 16 A Championship Winners – Castleconnor Runners Up – Coolera 3-5 to 1-8

Under 16 A League Winners Eastern Harps Runners Up – Coolera 4-9 to 0-11

Group 1 Group 2

Round 1

Coolera 1-10 Eastern Harps 0-4 Castleconnor 4-15 Shamrock Gaels 0-6

Curry 2-8 Drumcliffe 1-4 Ballymote 1-15 St Nathy’s 2-3

Grange

Round 2

Drumcliffe 1-5 Grange 2-5 St Nathys 4-4 Castleconnor 3-7

Eastern Harps 2-10 Curry 0-5 Shamrock Gaels 2-8 Ballymote 1-10

Coolera

Round 3

Curry 1-3 Coolera 3-8 Ballymote 0-8 Castleconnor 2-6

Grange 0-6 Eastern Harps 4-8 Shamrock Gaels 3-10 St Nathys 3-12

Round 4

Coolera 1-5 Grange 0-7

Eastern Harps 2-8 Drumcliffe 0-4

Curry

Round 5

Drumcliffe 0-9 Coolera 3-3

Grange 1-5 Curry 2-10

Eastern Harps

Quarter Finals

1 Castleconnor 4-11 Curry 1-5

2 St Nathys 3-11 Grange 1-7

3 Eastern Harps 3-6 Shamrock Gaels 2-9 Replay

Eastern Harps 3-7 Shamrock Gaels 2-6

4 Coolera

Semi Final

Eastern Harps 4-6 Castleconnor 1-10

Coolera 3-11 St Nathys 4-7

Final

Eastern Harps 4-9 Coolera 0-11

TSB Bank, Sligo Under 16 Championship

Group 3 Group 2

Round 1

Shamrock Gaels 5-11 Grange 3-3 Castleconnor 6-8 Eastern Harps 1-5

Round 2

Grange 0-9 Drumcliffe 5-7 Eastern Harps 2-4 Curry 0-6

Round 3

Drumcliffe 2-2 Shamrock Gaels 5-9 Curry 1-2 Castleconnor 2-12

Group 1

Round 1

Coolera 5-12 St Nathys 3-5

Round 2

St Nathy’s 2-15 Ballymote 1-6

Round 3

Ballymote 1-5 Coolera 3-4

TABLES

Group 2 Pld Won Lost Points

Castleconnor 2 2 O 4

Eastern Harps 1 0 1 0

Curry 1 0 1 0

Pld Won Lost Points

Group 3

Shamrock Gaels 2 2 0 4

Drumcliffe 2 1 1 2

Grange 2 0 2 0

Phase 2

All groups winners Qualify

Semi Finals

A Shamrock Gaels 0-11 Castleconnor 4-10

Final

Castleconnor 3-5 Coolera 1-8

Extra Time in all Knockout games except Final

Scores For to decide Places in both the championship and the B competition.

Friends of Sligo Football – Under 18 Championship

The teams involved in the U-18 Championship were as follows; Castleconnor, Shamrock Gaels, Tourlestrane, St Nathy’s, Curry, Geevagh, Ballymote

Under 18 Championship Winners – Castleconnor Runners Up Shamrock Gaels 2-7 to 2-3

Friends of Sligo Football – Under 18 Championship

Group A Group B

Round 1

Shamrock Gaels 0-15 Ballymote 1-5 Castleconnor 4-10 Curry 1-4

St Nathys 1-11 Geevagh 0-7 Tourlestrane

Round 2

Geevagh 2-4 Shamrock Gaels 2-10 Curry 1-14 Tourlestrane 0-9

Ballymote 2-8 St Nathys 2-8 Castleconnor

Round 3

St Nathys 2-4 Shamrock Gaels 0-8 Tourlestrane 0-11 Castleconnor 3-7

Ballymote 2-10 Geevagh 0-5 Curry

Quarter Finals

No team eliminated but draw depends on position finished in respective groups

Draw will decide venues for Quarter finals and Semi finals

1 Castleconnor 3-10 Geevagh 1-5

2 Tourlestrane 2-9 Ballymote 2-9 Replay

3 Shamrock Gaels 5-13 Curry 1-8 Tourlestrane3-13Ballymote2-14 AET

Semi Finals

St Nathy’s 2-4 Shamrock Gaels 2-8

Tourlestrane 1-9 Castleconnor 3-7

Final

Castleconnor 2-7 Shamrock Gaels 1-10 Replay

Castleconnor 2-7Shamrock Gs 2-3

The Junior Championship

Winners Ballymote Runners Up Castleconnor

Senior Championship

The Teams that took part in the Senior Championship were Eastern Harps, St. Nathys, Cloonacool, Ballymote, St. Marys.

The Winners were Eastern Harps and the Runners Up were St Nathys.

The new clubs in 2001 : Enniscrone

Ballymote were Connacht Junior Club Championship winners.

2002

Officers elected at the 2002 Convention were as follows:

Chairperson Liam Mc Donagh St. Nathy’s

Vice Chairperson Frank Gallagher Ballymote

Secretary Fina Golden St. Mary’s

Assistant Secretary Olivia Grady Curry

Treasurer Kate O’Neill Eastern Harps

Registrar Kathleen Kane St. Nathy’s

PRO Martin Seery Cloonacool

Fixtures Officer Tom Keane St Nathy’s

Development Officer Frank Gallagher Ballymote

Cultural & Language Deirdre Quinn Calry/St Josephs

Officer

Under 12

The teams involved in the U-12 Championship were as follows; Coolera, St. Nathy’s, Curry, Grange, St. Michaels, Calry/St. Josephs, Eastern Harps, Tourlestrane, St. Farnans and Cloonacool, Enniscrone, Owenmore Gaels, Castleconnor.

Under 12 A Championship Winners – Curry, Runners Up – Tourlestrane

Under 12 B Championship Winners Calry/St Josephs, Runners Up – St Nathy’s

Under 12 C Championship Winners Castleconnor, Runnners Up – St. Michaels

Under 12 A League Winners Curry, Runners Up Eastern Harps

Under 12 B League Winners Calry/St Joseph’s Runners Up St Farnan’s

Under 14

The teams involved in the U-14 Championship were as follows; Coolera, Curry, St. Nathy’s, St Farnans, Tourlestrane, Calry/St Josephs, Owenmore Gaels, Enniscrone, Ballymote, Castleconnor, Cloonacool, Grange.

Under 14 A Championship Winners: Coolera Runners Up : Curry

Under 14 B Championship Winners: Enniscrone Runners Up Tourlestrane

Under 14 C Championship Winners: Ballymote Runners Up Castleconnor

Under 14 A League Winners: St. Nathy’s Runners Up: Curry

Under 14 B League Winners Enniscrone Runners Up:Calry/St Josephs

Under 14 Feile Winners Curry Runners Up: St Nathy’s

Under 16

The teams involved in the U-16 Championship were as follows: Coolera, St Nathy’s, Castleconnor, Eastern Harps, Tourlestrane, Curry, Calry/St Josephs, Ballymote, Shamrock Gaels.

Under 16 A Championship Winners: Coolera Runners Up: St. Nathy’s

Under 16 B Championship Winners: Tourlestrane Runners Up: Curry

Under 18

The teams involved in the U-18 Championship were as follows: Shamrock Gaels, Geevagh, Castleconnor, St. Nathy’s Curry, Tourlestrane, Coolera, Ballymote.

Under 18 Championship Winners: Shamrock Gaels, Runners Up:Geevagh

Junior Championship

The teams involved in the Junior Championship were as follows;St. Mary’s, Castleconnor, Geevagh, Grange, Tourlestrane.

The Junior Championship Winners: St. Mary’s Runners Up: Castleconnor.

Senior Championship

The teams involved in the Senior Championship were as follows; St. Nathy’s, Shamrock Gaels, Cloonacool, Eastern Harps.

The Senior Championship Winners: St. Nathy’s Runners Up: Shamrock Gaels.

Division 1League

The teams involved in the Division 1 league were as follows; St. Nathy’s, Eastern Harps, Shamrock Gaels, Cloonacool, St. Mary’s Ballymote, Grange.

The Division 1 League Winners: St. Nathy’s Runners Up: Eastern Harps.

New Clubs in 2002: Owenmore Gaels.

St. Mary’s were defeated in Connacht Junior Club Final.

2003

Officers elected at the 2003 Convention were as follows:

Chairperson Fina Golden St. Mary’s

Vice Chairperson Marty Duffy Enniscrone

Secretary Maria White St. Mary’s

Assistant Secretary Olivia Grady Curry

Treasurer Sean O’Kennedy St Nathy’s

Registrar Kathleen Kane St. Nathy’s

PRO

Fixtures Officer Tom Keane St Nathy’s

Development Officer Frank Gallagher Ballymote

Cultural & Language Deirdre Quinn Calry/St Josephs

Officer

Under 12

The teams involved in the U-12 Finals were as follows; St. Nathy’s, Tourlestrane, St. Michaels, St Farnans, Castleconnor, Shamrock Gaels,

Under 12 A Championship Winners St. Nathy’s Runners Up Tourlestrane

Under 12 B Championship Winners St. Michaels Runners Up St Farnan’s

Under 12 C Championship Winners Castleconnor Runners Up Shamrock Gaels

Under 12 A League Winners St. Nathy’s Runners Up Tourlestrane

Under 12 B League Winners St. Michaels Runners Up St Farnan’s

Under 14

The teams involved in the U-14 Finals were as follows: St. Nathy’s, Enniscrone, Coolera, Curry, Castleconnor, Tourlestrane, Calry/St. Joseph’s, Ballymote, St Molaise Gaels, St. Johns, St. Michael’s, Eastern Harps.

Under 14 A Championship Winners: St Nathy’s Runners Up: Enniscrone

Under 14 B Championship Winners: Castleconnor Runners Up Tourlestrane

Under 14 C Championship Winners: St. Molaise Gaels Runners Up St Johns

Under 14 A League Winners: St Nathy’s Runners Up Enniscrone

Under 14 B League Winners Ballymote Runners Up Castleconnor

Under 14 Feile Winners Curry Runners Up Coolera

Under 16

The teams involved in the U-16 Finals were: Curry, Coolera, Calry/St Joseph’s, Tourlestrane, St. Nathy’s, Ballymote, Castleconnor, Enniscrone.

Under 16 A Championship Winners: Curry Runners Up: Coolera

Under 16 B Championship Winners: St. Nathy’s Runners Up: Ballymote

Under 18

The teams involved in the U-18 Finals were as follows: Tourlestrane, Castleconnor, Coolera, St. Nathy’s, Eastern Harps, Geevagh, Ballymote, St. Molaise Gaels, Shamrock Gaels.

Under 18 A Championship Winners Tourlestrane Runners Up Castleconnor

Under 18 B Championship Winners St. Nathy’s Runners Up St. Molaise Gaels

Junior Championship

The teams involved in the Junior Championship were as follows: Cloonacool, Castleconnor, Geevagh, St. Molaise Gaels, Ballymote, Calry/St Joseph’s:

Junior Championship Winners: Cloonacool Runners Up: Castleconnor

Senior Championship

The teams involved in the Senior Championship were as follows: St. Mary’s, Shamrock Gaels, St. Nathy’s, Eastern Harps.

Senior Championship Winners: St. Mary’s Runners Up: Shamrock Gaels.

Division 1 League

The teams involved in the Division 1 League were as follows: St. Nathy’s, St. Mary’s, Eastern Harps, Shamrock Gaels.

Division 1 League Winners: St. Nathy’s Runners Up: St. Mary’s

Division 2 League

The teams involved in the Division 2 League were as follows: Geevagh, Castleconnor, Cloonacool, St. Molaise Gaels, Calry/St Joseph’s Ballymote.

Division 2 League Winners: Geevagh Runners Up: Castleconnor

New Clubs in 2003 – St. Johns.

Cloonacool were defeated in Connacht Junior Club Final

St. Mary’s were defeated in Connacht Intermediate Club Final

SLIGO 2004

Officers elected at the 2004 Convention were as follows:

Chairperson Martin Seery Cloonacool

Vice Chairperson Martin Duffy Enniscrone

Secretary Olivia Grady Curry

Assistant Secretary Mary Kilcoyne Curry

Treasurer Frank Gallagher Ballymote

Registrar Rose Cawley Coolera

PRO’s Fina Golden St. Mary’s

Liam Mc Donagh St Nathy’s

Martin Seery Cloonacool

Fixtures Officer Tom Keane St Nathy’s

Development Officer Liam Mc Donagh St Nathy’s

Cultural & Language Marian Foley Ballymote

Officer

Clubs affiliated in 2004

Ballymote, Castleconnor, Coolera, Curry, Drumcliffe/Rosses Point, Cloonacool, Eastern Harps, Geevagh, Enniscrone, St Farnan’s, St. Pat’s, St John’s, St. Mholaise Gaels, St. Mary’s, St. Nathy’s, Shamrock Gaels, Tubbercurry, Tourlestrane, St Michaels, Owenmore Gaels, Calry/St John’s

 There were 3 new affiliated clubs: Tubbercurry, St. Pat’s and Drumcliffe/Rosses Point all entering under age teams.

 St Mary’s broke into underage entering U14 team and Curry made a return to adult football.

 Overall nearly all clubs increased their teams and many planned on increasing in 2005

For all competition winners: see sheet attached

Under 12: Tourlestrane, Coolera, Geevagh, St. Farnan’s, Drumcliffe/Rosses Point, Enniscrone/Castleconnor, Calry/St Josephs, Owenmore Gaels, St. Michaels, Eastern Harps, St. Pat’s, St. Nathy’s

Under 12 League Winners: Calry Runners Up: Curry

Under 12 A Championship Winners: Curry Runners Up: Tourlestrane

Under 12 B Championship Winners: Eastern Harps Runners Up: St. Farnan’s

Under 12 C Championship Winners:Castleconnor/ Runners Up: Owenmore

Enniscrone Gaels

Under 14

Castleconnor, Coolera, Shamrock Gaels, Curry, Tourlestrane, Tubbercurry, Eastern Harpes, St. Farnans, Drumcliffe/Rosses Point, Calry/St Joseph’s, St Mholaise Gaels, St. Michaels, Ballymote, St. Mary’s, St. Nathy’s, St. Johns.

Under 14 Feile Winners: Eastern Harps Runners Up: Tourlestrane

Under 14 A League Winners: Castleconnor/ Runners Up: Tourlestrane

Enniscrone

Under 14 B League Winners; Tubbercurry

Under 14 B Championship Winners: Eastern Harps, Runners Up: Curry

Under 14 A Championship Winners: Castleconnor/ Runners Up: Tourlestrane

Enniscrone.

Under 14 C Championship Winners: St. Farnan’s Runners Up; Shamrock Gaels

Under 16

Ballymote, Calry, Castleconnor, Coolera, Tourlestrane, Curry, St. Nathy’s, Enniscrone, Geevagh, St. John’s, St. Michaels

Under 16 B Championship Winners: Calry Runners Up Castleconnor

Under 16 A Championship Winners; Tourlestrane Runners Up: Curry.

Minor

Tourlestrane, Coolera, Geevagh, Curry, St Nathy’s, Eastern Harps, St. Mholaise Gaels, Ballymote, Calry/St Josephs

Under 18 B Championship Winners: Geevagh Runners Up: Curry

Under 18 A Championship Winners: Coolera Runners Up: Tourlestrane

Division 2 League

Winners: Curry

Division 1 League

Winners: St Nathy’s

Junior

Curry, Castleconnor, Geevagh, Ballymote, Calry/St Josephs

Junior Winners: Geevagh, Runners Up: Castleconnor

Senior

Cloonacool, St.Mary’s, Eastern Harps, St. Nathy’s, Shamrock Gaels.

Senior Winners: St. Mary’s Runners Up: Cloonacool.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

 The Junior team provided the county with loads of great memories throughout their league + championship campaign.

 Victories over Cork, Clare and Tipperary in the league earned them a place in the quarter finals where an experienced Donegal came through.

 This provided the experience needed to reach the All Ireland championship junior final beating Galway, Mayo, Leitrim and Cork

 It was the first year that Sligo received nominations for All stars, Stephanie Reilly, Michelle McGowan and Katriona Connolly.

 For the second year in a row Sligo got the Connaught young player of the year in Therese Marren.

 Also for the second year in a row Coola achieved All Ireland glory with St. Attracta’s reaching 2 Connaught finals

Sligo’s Championship 2004

Beat Galway 5-13 to 0-9 Tuam Stadium 22/May/2004

Beat Mayo 5-19 to 0-3 Charlestown 24/July/2004

Beat Leitrim 4-11 to 1-10 Salthill 8/August/2004

Beat Cork 7-7 to 0-1 Mullingar 12/September/2004

Lost to Kildare 3-5 to 2-3 Croke Park 3/October/2004

Scores for 24-55 (127) Average for 4-13 (25)

Scores against 3-36 ( 45) Average against 0-9 (9)

Scorers: Stephanie O’Reilly 7-21 (Average 1-5), **Louise Brett 4-14 (1-4)

*Therese Marren 5-1 (1-2), Noelle Gormley 4-3 (0-3), Imelda Mc Nulty 1-5 (0-2),

*Niamh Mannion 1-3 (0-2), Angela Doohan 1-2 (0-1), Lousie Harte 0-3 ( 0-1)

Bernice Byrne 1-0 (0-1),* Karen Maloney 0-2 ( 0-1), Aisling Mc Tiernan 0-1

* Appeared as sub only, ** Didn’t play against Galway.

Team v Galway

Katrina Connolly, Fiona Maye, Grainne O’Gara, Ruth Goodwin, Michelle Mc Gowan, Jackie Mulligan ©, Caroline Currid, Angela Doohan, Bernice Byrne, Sinead McTiernan, Stephanie O’Reilly (1-7), Imelda Mc Nulty (1-1), Noelle Gormley (2-1) Aisling Mc Tiernan, Louise Harte (0-2)

Subs Karen Maloney (0-1), Niamh Mannion (1-1), Therese Marren, Caroline Benson.

Panel members, Louise Brett, Claire Rooney, Bernie McGowan, Yvonne Roddy, Claire McGoey, Louise Smith, Niamh O’Grady, Valerie O’Beirne, Helena Haran, Sandra Rowley, Joanne O’Connell.

Team v Mayo

Katrina Connolly, Fiona Maye, Grainne o’Gara, Ruth Goodwin, Michelle Mc Gowan, Jackie Mulligan ©, Caroline Currid, Angela Doohan, Sinead McTiernan Noelle Gormley, Stephanie O’Reilly (1-5), Imelda Mc Nulty (0-3), Louise Brett (1-8) Aisling Mc Tiernan (0-1), Louise Harte

Subs Niamh Mannion (0-2), Therese Marren (3-0), Helena Haran, Niamh O’Grady, Siobhan O’Sullivan.

Panel members, Claire Rooney, Bernie McGowan, Yvonne Roddy, Louise Smith, Valerie O’Beirne, Joanne O’Connell, Michelle Mostyn, Karen Maloney.

Team v Leitrim

Katrina Connolly, Fiona Maye, Grainne o’Gara, Ruth Goodwin, Michelle Mc Gowan, Jackie Mulligan ©, Caroline Currid, Angela Doohan (1-0), Bernice Burne, Sinead McTiernan, Stephanie O’Reilly (1-3), Imelda Mc Nulty (0-1), Louise Brett (0-4), Noelle Gormley (1-1),Louise Harte (0-2)

Subs Therese Marren (1-1), Siobahn O’Sullivan, Karen Maloney (0-1), Valerie O’Beirne, Yvonne Roody.

Panel members, Claire Rooney, Aisling Mc Tiernan, Niamh O’Grady, Niamh Mannion, Louise Smith, Michelle Mostyn, Helena Haran, Joanne O’Connell, Bernie Mc Gowan, Caroline Benson.

Team v Cork

Katrina Connolly, Fiona Maye, Grainne O’Gara, Ruth Goodwin, Michelle Mc Gowan ©, Siobhan O’Sullivan, Caroline Currid, Angela Doohan (0-2), Bernice Byrne (1-0), Noelle Gormley, Sinead McTiernan, Louise Brett (2-1), Stephanie O’Reilly (4-4), Imelda Mc Nulty, Louise Harte.

Subs Yvonne Rooney, Niamh Mannion, Helena Haran, Caroline Benson, Joanne O‘Connell.

Panel members, Claire Rooney, Aisling Mc Tiernan, Niamh O’Grady, Louise Smith, Michelle Mostyn, Therese Marren, Karen Maloney, Bernie Mc Gowan, Jackie Mulligan, Valerie O’Beirne.

Team v Kildare

Katrina Connolly, Fiona Maye, Grainne O’Gara, Ruth Goodwin, Michelle Mc Gowan, Jackie Mulligan ©, Caroline Currid, Angela Doohan, Bernice Byrne, Louise Brett (1-1), Stephanie O‘Reilly (0-2), Imelda Mc Nulty, Noelle Gormley (0-2), Sinead Mc Tiernan, Louise Harte.

Subs Therese Marren (1-0), Siobhan O’Sullivan, Niamh Mannion, Joanne O‘Connell.

Panel members, Claire Rooney, Aisling Mc Tiernan, Niamh O’Grady, Louise Smith, Michelle Mostyn, Helena Haran, Bernie Mc Gowan, Caroline Benson, Karen Maloney, Valerie O’Beirne, Yvonne Roddy.

In 2004 the Association celebrated 12 years in the County. While there may be no Silverware (they did manage to retain their Connacht Junior Title) to show, the year will be regarded as its most successful to date.

Under new management headed by Kathleen Kane ( the team trainer when they won the Connacht title in 2003) they commenced training on the 18th January. Victories over Cork B, Clare and Tipperary helped the County qualify for the quarter finals of the league. Here they were defeated by All Ireland Junior Champions Donegal in Ballyshannon.

On the 22nd May, they commenced their defence of the Connacht Junior Crown against Galway in Tuam Stadium. Twelve months earlier Galway had recorded a 5-17 to 0-6 victory in Markievicz Park. On this occasion there was to be no repeat as Sligo recorded a 5-13 to 0-9 victory. At half time Sligo led by 1-8 to 0-2.

A full 9 weeks were to pass before Sligo would play them in the semi final. On Saturday 24th July they played Mayo in a repeat of 2003 semi final. It was expected that this game would be as close as the previous year’s encounter, sadly it wasn’t to be, Sligo ran out winners on a score line of 5-19 to 0-3 in Charlestown. It was in this game that Curry youngster Therese Marren announced her arrival on the County scene scoring a hat trick. Another impressive return on the day was from Cloonacool’s Louise Brett who finished up with a personal tally of 1-8.

The result of the other semi final (Leitrim defeated Galway by 2 points) meant that it would be a repeat of the 2003 Connacht Final. Unlike the Castlebar game, Sligo had 10 points to spare as they ran out winners on a score line of 4-11 to 1-10. Like the previous year’s final, Sligo scored 3 early goals through Angela Doohan, Stephanie O’Reilly and Noelle Gormley to lead at half time 3-4 to 1-5. To their credit, Leitrim recovered in the second half and at that stage only 2 points separated the sides. Therese Marren on as substitute settled Sligo’s nerves with a goal and a point in a 60 second period to ensure the Flanagan Cup would be returned to Sligo.

On the 12th September in St Loman’s Partk, Mullingar, the county broke new ground when they qualified for the All Ireland Junior Final for the first time defeating Cork on a score line of 7-7 to 0-1 on a wet and windy Sunday morning. It’s sad to say but the game was as good as over as a contest by the 20th minute of the first half. At that stage, Sligo led by 4-2 to 0-0. By half time, the Sligo supporters were checking out where tickets would be available from for the final on October 3rd, with the score line standing at 5-2 to 0-1.

As the final booster sounded, plans could begin for the final in earnest. Being in our first All Ireland, one didn’t know what to expect, weekend to be planned, hotel to be booked, buses, fundraising etc. A finance committee set out on a fundraising venture with a number of ideas being utilised, all proved fruitful. The local media were of huge help also with Tommy Marren of Mid West and North West Radio using his morning show to help raise finances.

The first Sunday in October was also Sligo GAA Co Final day, once it became clear that the Ladies All Ireland and the County Final would clash, Sligo GAA moved quickly to cancel the County Final and find a new date to avoid such a clash. The Ladies Board is grateful for its cooperation. The Tuesday before the All Ireland Final 7 of the girls – Jackie Mulligan, Michelle Mc Gowan, Bernie Mc Gowan, Siobhan O’Sullivan, Joanne O’Connell, Fiona Maye and Therese Marren – attended the Captains day in Croke Park. Also in attendance that day was Team Manager Kathleen Kane, County Secretary Olivia Grady and County Chairperson Martin Seery.

At 7pm on Friday 1st October, the Team and Management set off from Sligo Gate Filling Station, Collooney on a journey into the unknown. On the same day, local station NWR went off air and on the following day Ocean FM were going on air. Like in all panels, there is always a trickster in the group, here was no different with Cloonacool’s Aisling Mc Tiernan up to a few tricks. On the journey up, Aisling Mc got on the phone to Grainne O’Gara pretending to be from the new Radio Station, conducting a full interview with the Eastern Harps player. It was tried with Patricia Mc Donagh, but the team selector was having none of it.

On Saturday morning, the team had an early run out with fitness trainer Ashley Henry. After that it was off on a visit to Croke Park. Here the grounds were covered and the dressing room visited. While there, the group met up with Maurice Sweeney and Sean Mc Keon of “Friends of Sligo Football“ in Dublin. After lunch, the team headed to Liffey Valley where the group had time to themselves to do whatever. After Mass and Dinner the team assembled in one of the Meeting Rooms in the hotel, where the team was announced for the following day. In consisted of one change from the semi final win, Team Captain Jackie Mulligan returned instead of Siobhan O’Sullivan.

Sunday morning, Final Day, the panel went for a light workout. After breakfast it was preparing time for the trip to Croker with a Garda escort, arranged by one our own friends in Dublin, Vincent Brett. It would be fair to say that we caught the Croke Park faithful on the hop, as a number of their staff hadn’t arrived when the team did. The Sligo supporters started to arrive, from Castleconnor to Geevagh and from Curry to Grange. By the time throw- in arrived, the Sligo supporters would out number the opposition and that of the two senior teams, that would play later.

That sound of final hooter, All Ireland dreams laid in shreds as Kildare at the 3rd time of asking finally claimed the crown. The pictures of the Sligo players after the final probably summed up how every player feels after losing an All Ireland. It is seldom if ever that a losing team which go around the grounds would get such a reception from their supporters as this Sligo team did on Sunday 3rd October at around 2:45pm in Croke Park. Sure the girls were disappointed, but the reception from the supporters helped to ease the burden of defeat. Afterwards up to the VIP area mixing with all the other counties involved and other folk, the defeat seemed to slip to the back of their minds. Again at the All Ireland Banquet, the defeat seemed to drift away as the players partied into the early hours.

On Monday, the team headed for home, already arranged was a Civic Reception in the Sligo County Council Chambers by Clr Margaret Gormley, Cathaoirleach. Prior to departing from Dublin, the bus headed for a quick break to Liffey Valley. Next stop would be when the bus reached the Sligo Gate Filling Station, Collooney enroute to the new Radio Station, Ocean FM and a few words with Mike Maloney on his drive time show. From there it was off to Sligo Town with a Garda Escort around the streets, ending up in County Hall. After the Civic Reception and a meal in the Sligo Park Hotel, kindly sponsored by the hotel, the bus headed to Templeboy, home of the team captain, Jackie Mulligan.

The turn out by the St. Farnan’s club that night was unreal. One wonders had the county won the All Ireland, what would the turn out be like. After that it was off to Dromore West, the other parish in the St. Farnan’s Club. The team ended up in Envy Nite Club and partied into the wee hours of the following morning.

While Kildare may have ended the All Ireland dreams, the county still received 3 All Stars nominations – Stephanie O’Reilly (Geevagh), Katrina Connolly and Michelle Mc Gowan (both St. Nathy’s) – for the 2nd year running the Connacht young Player of the Year was from Sligo with Curry’s Therese Marren winning the award. For their achievements, the County Team were awarded the Sligo Champion/EJ’s Menswear monthly award for October.

The County entered teams in all the Connacht Underage competitions but failed to reach any of the finals. On the Club front, 3 new teams affiliated in 2004, namely Tubbercurry, St. Patrick’s and Drumcliffe/Rosses Point. Adult football returned to Curry, with St. Mary’s entering underage for the 1st time.

On the playing front, St Mary’s won the Senior Championship for the 2nd year in a row, defeating new kids on the block, Cloonacool 0-18 to 2-6 in the Final. For St. Mary;s it was revenge for the Round Robin Defeat on the opening day when Cloonacool won 1-5 to 0-7. The only team to defeat the saints in the Championship. On the same day Geevagh won the Junior Championship with a 2-14 to 1-10 victory over Castleconnor. In the Leagues, St Nathy’s won Division 1 for the 3rd year in a row. Curry proved too hot to handle in the 2nd Division, claiming the title with ease.

The underage competitions proved to be equally as successful with some games being very close. At Minor Level, Coolera claimed the A defeating Tourlestrane with Geevagh winning the B at the expense of Curry. Tourlestrane and Curry contested the U-16A Final which went to a replay before Tourlestrane emerged as winners. In the B competition, Calry/St Josephs defeated Castleconnor to claim their first title at that age. One of the highest scoring Finals was the Under 14C Final when St. Farnans won their first title against Shamrock Gaels. Eoghan Rua, a combination of Enniscrone and Castleconnor won the U 14A Championship with a 2-13 to 0-4 victory over Tourlestrane. Eastern Harps defeated Curry to take the B title, a thriller at Markieviez Park with the winning goal coming with the last kick of the game (3-8 to 4-3).

In the Leagues, Castleconnor won the A, with New Club Tubbercurry winning the B.

The County representatives in Feile, which was held in Tyrone this year, were Eastern Harps. In the County Feile competition the Harps ended Curry’s reign in the Semi Final and defeated Tourlestrane in the Final. In other competitions Curry won the Community Games U-12 title for the 2nd year running defeating Skreen/Dromard 2-4 to 1-0 in Markieviez Park.

Without doubt, the match of the year was the U-12A Championship final which Curry won defeating Tourlestrane in the Final on the last day of the Summer Holidays by 2-6 to 3-2 in Markieviez Park. At half time Tourlestrane playing into the wind led by 2-0 to 0-2. With only 5 minutes to go, Tourlestrane were 4 points to the good (3-2 to 1-4) and looked odds on to claim their U-12 title. However, the Olivia Grady managed side had different ideas scoring 1-2 to claim the title for the 2nd time in three years. Eastern Harps won the B Championship title at the expense of St. Farnans while Castleconnor/Enniscrone won the C Championship defeating Owenmore Gaels after a replay. Calry/St. Josephs won the U-12 League with a 1-11 to 3-1 victory over Curry.

For the year 2005, the County Board plan to bring in U-15 and U17 Leagues, to help prepare teams for the year ahead. Other competitions planned are Divisional Leagues at a number of age levels. The hope is to compete in as many Connacht Underage Finals as possible. This year the County will host the Connacht U-14 Blitz in Curry when we hope to have 2 teams entered.

The year 2005 will mark the County’s 13th year. Some might say the 13 is unlucky, but somehow it will be lucky 13 for Sligo. No doubt, the main aim will be to win the West County Hotel Cup which was so near, yet so far in 2004.

The Panel that reached the All Ireland Final in 2004 was: Katrina Connolly (St. Nathy‘s), Fiona Maye (St. Marys), Grainne O’Gara (Eastern Harps), Ruth Goodwin (Coolera), Michelle Mc Gowan (St. Nathys), Jackie Mulligan (Castleconnor) , Caroline Currid (St. Marys), Angela Doohan (St. Nathys), Bernice Byrne (Geevagh), Louise Brett (Cloonacool) , Stephanie O‘Reilly (Geevagh), Imelda Mc Nulty (Castleconnor), Noelle Gormley (St. Nathys), Sinead Mc Tiernan, Louise Harte (Shamrock Gaels).

Subs Therese Marren (Curry), Siobhan O’Sullivan (St. Marys), Niamh Mannion St. Marys), Joanne O‘Connell (St. Marys).

Panel members, Claire Rooney (St Nathys), Aisling Mc Tiernan (Cloonacool), Niamh O’Grady (Eastern Harps), Louise Smith (Geevagh), Michelle Mostyn (Geevagh), Helena Haran (Cloonacool), Bernie Mc Gowan (St Nathys), Caroline Benson (Shamrock Gaels), Karen Maloney (St Marys), Valerie O’Beirne (St. Marys), Yvonne Roddy (St. Nathys).

Fully Committed for 2005

While the majority of inter-county managers over ladies football sides across the country are men, there are a few women who have recently taken the step into this precarious world. Peil’s Emer Connolly spoke to one of them.

Kathleen Kane – Sligo

Kathleen Kane is immersed in ladies football. Her Curriculum Vitae boasts football, football and more football. Kathleen has been heavily involved in the game for the past decade, having first joined the county’s junior panel as a player in 1994.

In 1995 Kathleen was part of the Sligo team, which won the Junior Division 3 League final and Connacht Junior Championship titles in 1995 and 1996. She has also achieved considerable success with her club, St Nathys, a club that has a fantastic record, having reached the All Ireland club final in 1999, where they went down to Rockchapel of Cork.

When Kathleen retired from playing inter-county football three years ago, she turned her attentions to management.

“I joined the county Junior Management team as a selector a few years ago and this year I was appointed manager along with selectors Patricia McDonald, Shane Quigley and Annette Kearns…and of course a committed bunch of 31 players.

We won the Connacht Junior Championship last year. This was a great boost as we had McGowan (St Nathys) is the oldest at 25. The combination of youth and experience is something we pride ourselves on and we feel it is a valuable asset.

The commitment of the players is an inspiration and is the foundation on which we can build and work towards the future”.

Ladies football in Sligo is currently in a healthy state, not least at schools level through the successes achieved by Beneda (now St Attracta’s) and Coola Secondary School. A number of players who graduated through these sides have made their way onto the inter-county scene.

Having retained their status in Division 2 for next year, Sligo have set themselves the ultimate aim of the championship. “It has to be the All Ireland final on 3 October. Naturally we’ll want to retain our Connacht title and if we can do that then it has to be Croke Park after that. It is what every player and manager should aspire to”.

Not only does Kathleen manage the Sligo ladies football side but she is also the Vice-President of the Connacht Council and in her spare time, referees underage football games. Allied to this, Kathleen also attends Central Council meetings and is a member of the Central Council Appeals Committee….and besides at this she manages to find time to fit in a full time job with Sligo County Council.

Despite her commitments to family and work, Kathleen still manages to balance these with great enthusiasm and dedication to football.

“It is difficult to juggle everything but you do come to strike a balance. I’m lucky in that my family are very supportive and I’ve a very understanding

employer…thankfully. But I am passionate about everything that is ladies football at all levels and I’m delighted with the ever-increasing profile being afforded to the game. There are still many more mountains for ladies football to climb and I am looking forward to playing some little role in this”.

Officers Sligo 2005

Officers elected at the 2005 Convention were as follows:

Chairperson Martin Seery Cloonacool

Vice Chairperson Frank Gallagher Ballymote

Secretary Fina Golden St. Mary’s

Assistant Secretary Freda Clarke Castleconnor

Treasurer Tom Keane St. Nathy’s

Registrar Rose Cawley Coolera

PRO’s Martin Seery Cloonacool

Children’s Officer Catherine O’Dowd Eastern Harps

Fixtures Officer Tom Keane St Nathy’s

Martin Seery Cloonacool

Development Officer Ted Maloney Coolera

Cultural & Language Lorraine Quinn Ballymote

Officer

Registrar Rose Cawley Coolera

Finance Committee Frank Gallagher Ballymote

Ted Maloney Coolera

Tom Keane St. Nathy’s

Activities & Martin Duffy Enniscrone

Disciplinary Kate O’Neill Eastern Harps

Olivia Grady Curry

Freda Clarke Castleconnor

Kathleen Barry St Molaise Gaels

Delegates

Connacht Fina Golden St. Mary’s

Council Olivia Grady Curry

Delegates

Central Martin Seery Cloonacool

Council Fina Golden St Mary’s

Affiliated Clubs in Sligo 2005

Tourlestrane, St Farnan’s, St Patricks, St. Nathy’s, Eoghan Rua, Curry, Owenmore Gaels, St. John’s, Coolera, Calry, Drumcliffe, Geevagh, Eastern Harps, St. Molaise Gaels, St. Mary’s, Tubbercurry, Shamrock Gaels, St. Michael’s, Cloonacool, Ballymote, Castleconnor, Enniscrone.

Under 12

Tourlestrane, St. Farnan’s, St. Patrick’s, St.. Nathy’s, Eoghan Rua, Curry, Owenmore Gaels, St. John’s, Coolera, Calry, Drumcliffe, Geevagh, Eastern Harps, St. Molaise Gaels.

Under 14

Tourlestrane, St. Farnan’s, St. Patrick’s, St.. Nathy’s, Eoghan Rua, Curry, Owenmore Gaels, St. John’s, Coolera, Calry, Drumcliffe, Geevagh, Eastern Harps, St. Molaise Gaels,

Tubbercurry, Shamrock Gaels, St. Michaels.

Under 16A Championship

Tourlestrane, St Nathy’s, Eoghan Rua, Curry, Calry, Eastern Harps.

Under 16B Championship

St. Farnan’s, Coolera, Geevagh, St Molaise Gaels, Tubbercurry, Ballymote.

Under 18 A Championship

Tourlestrane, Eoghan Rua, Curry, Coolera.

Under 18B Championship

St. Nathy’s, Calry, Eastern Harps, Geevagh.

Division 1 League

Cloonacool, Curry, Eastern Harps, Geevagh, Shamrock Gaels, St. Mary’s, St. Nathy’s

Division 2 League

Ballymote, Calry, Castleconnor, Coolera, Tourlestrane.

Junior Championship

Ballymote, Calry, Castleconnor, Coolera, Curry, Tourlestrane.

Sligo 2005

The year 2005 witnessed the association celebrate 13 years in the county. While the West County Hotel Cup may have slipped through the net again, the county did manage to retain their Connacht Junior title and in doing so created their own bit of history by winning the Flanagan Oil Cup for a record third time in succession. As with 2004, the year will be regarded as a successful one.

Under the management of 2004 headed by Kathleen Kane, the county Junior team commenced training on the 9 January. In early February the Junior team travelled to Ballingarry to play Limerick in the second round of the Suzuki National Football League. There, they recorded their second victory winning 3-11 to 1-6 to follow up their 4-15 to 1-8 victory over Cavan before Christmas 2004. Further victories over Clare, 2-14 to 1-4 in Cooraclare and 4-3 to 0-3 over Wexford in Moate insured the county would qualify for the quarter-finals of the league. In the final league game, before the knock-out stages, the team suffered defeat to Cork 2-10 to 1-4. When the team defeated Longford to reach the National Football League Division 2 semi-final in April, they created their own bit of history as no other Sligo team had reached that stage before Division 2 semi-finals. In the League semi-final, Armagh proved to be too strong winning 4-12 to 3-10 in Clonmore, Co Armagh.

On the 21 May they commenced their defence of the Connacht Junior crown against Leitrim in Ballinamore. The Connacht Junior Championship of 2005 had a changed format to that of previous years with all teams having to play one another in a round robin system. In the Championship round robin series, the team recorded victories over Leitrim 3-13 to 1-6, Galway 2-12 to 3-3, Mayo 2-14 to 1-5 and London 4-8 to 1-6.

The result of the other series of games (Leitrim recorded victories in the rest of their games) revealed that it would be a repeat of both the 2003 and 2004 Connacht finals. This time around Sligo again proved too strong as Leitrim were defeated 2-18 to 2-3 to claim a record third Connacht title in a row. In the All Ireland Quarter Final, Munster runners up Tipperary proved the opposition in St Loman’’ Park, Mullingar. This game proved to be the county’’ toughest to date but the Black and White managed to survive 4-10 to 3-8 to qualify to play Wexford in the All Ireland Junior semi-final.

In the semi final played in O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, the county had to pull out all the stops to overcome a determined Wexford outfit 2-10 to 1-9 to book a place in the Junior All Ireland final for the second year in a row. Unlike the previous year’s semi final when they strolled to an All Ireland final, the girls were pushed to the pen of their collar by a well drilled Wexford side.

Ever since 3 October 2004, Sligo’s management and players alike ambition was to make it back to GAA Headquarters for the biggest day in the Ladies Gaelic Football calendar. Now a year older and a year wiser, and unlike last year when they strolled to an all Ireland final, this time they have faced much tougher opposition, especially in the last 2 games when they were pushed all the way. In the semi final they had to prove that they could dig deep and grind out a result against all the odds.

There were moments throughout this game that the winners could point to for this victory.

Midway through the first half as they trailed by 6 points came a moment of magic that could have been so different. A Wexford attack which could have yielded a point if not a goal as the winners rear guard was been taken to pieces, Bernie Byrne intercepted a ball on her own 45 metre line. The ball worked its way to Etna Flanagan somewhere between midfield and the 45 metre line. Flanagan took off on one of her speed runs, as she did the Wexford defence spread open in front of her. On reaching the 21, she had Noelle Gormley to her left and Helena Haran to her right. The defence thought she would pass but Flanagan let rip, the Wexford net sizzled and Sligo were back in business. A few weeks earlier Owen Mulligan of Tyrone was regarded as scoring one of the greatest goals of all time, Flanagan’s was equally as good except no camera was there to witness it in the same way.

At around the same period in the second half came 2 more moments that were decisive both from Geevagh’s Stephanie O’Reilly in a short space of time. On both occasions O’Reilly raided the Wexford defence, surged forward and both times she was pushed off the ball but she managed to get her kick in, each time the umpire went for the white flag. The difference being was in 2004 she would have waited to be fouled and win the free. This time she kicked and awaited the outcome.

As the final hooter sounded, plans could begin for the final. Having been there in 2004, one had a fair idea what to expect. The weekend to be planned, hotel to be booked, buses, fundraising, etc. A finance committee set out on a fundraising venture with a number of ideas being utilised, once again, all proved fruitful. The local media were of huge help also with Gerry Farry of Ocean FM and Tommy Marren of Mid West Radio using their morning show to help raise finances. Local papers Sligo Champion and Sligo Weekender were also very helpful.

The Wednesday before the All Ireland final, a number of the girls – Stephanie O’Reilly, Noelle Gormley, Ruth Goodwin, Caroline Currid, Louise Harte and Therese Marren – attended the Captain’s Day in Croke Park. Also in attendance that day was team manager, Kathleen Kane, County Secretary Olivia Grady and County Chairperson, Martin Seery.

On Saturday morning, 1 October, the team and management set off from Sligo Gate Filling Station, Colloney on a journey they hoped would be to bring home much needed silverware to a success starved county. The team had a work out in the St Mary’s pitch in Saggart shortly after arriving. After mass and dinner, the team assembled in one of the meeting rooms in the hotel, where the team was announced for the following day.

Sunday morning, final day, the panel went for a light work-out. After breakfast it was preparation time for the trip to Croker with a Garda escort, arranged by one of our friends in Dublin, Vincent Brett. The Sligo supporters started to arrive, from Enniscrone to Geevagh and from Bellagh to Cliffoney.

By the time throw in arrived, the Sligo supporters would reach in the region of five to six thousand.

The sound of the final hooter , All Ireland dreams laid in shreds as Armagh despite shooting 25 wides claimed the crown. The pictures on the faces of the Sligo players after the final probably summed up how every player feels after losing an All Ireland. The trip back to the hotel is probably best to be forgotten or as one would say “best confined to the archives”.

On Monday the team headed for home, already arranged was a civic reception in Sligo City Hall by Clr Rosasleen O’Brady, Mayor of Sligo. Prior to departing from Dublin, the bus headed for a quick break to Liffey Valley. Next stop would be when the bus reached Quay Street, Sligo. The turn out at City hall was unreal considering the defeat.

While Armagh ended the All Ireland dreams, the county still received 2 All Stars nominations – Stephanie O’Reilly (Geevagh) and Katrina Connolly (St Nathys). Geevagh’s Stephanie O’Reilly and St Nathy’s Noelle Gormley won the Sligo Weekender/Ulster Bank ladies awards for 2005.

The county entered teams in all the Connacht underage competitions. This year the county reached both the Under 14 and Under 18 Connacht finals, going down in both to Galway. The Under 18s recorded victory over Galway in the round robin stages, the only team to do so. A total of 21 clubs are affiliated to the county, with competitions in Under 12, Under 14, Under 16, Under 18, Junior and Senior.

On the playing front, St Nathys won the Senior Championship for the 7th, defeating new kids on the block, Geevagh 2-10 to 1-10 in the final. For St Nathy’s it was sweet revenge as Geevagh had relieved them of their Division 1 League crown a few months earlier. The Junior championship was won by Tourlestrane as they defeated new Junior club, Coolera 4-10 to 1-9 to take the title. In doing so, Tourlestrane completed the League and Championship double as they were crowned Division 2 League winners in May.

The underage competitions proved to be equally as successful with some games being very close. At minor level, Tourlestrane made amends for the defeat in 2004 by claiming the ‘A’ title defeating Eoghan Rua, with St Nathys winning the ‘B’ at the expense of defending holders Geevagh. Eoghan Rua with St Nathys contested the Under 16A final with Eoghan Rua emerging as winners in Tourlestrane. In the ‘B’ competition, Coolera defeated Geevagh to claim their first title of the year. In a high scoring Under 14C final, Shamrock Gaels defeated St John’s in Ballintougher. Eastern Harps, after a lapse of seven years won the Under 14A championship with a 3-9 to 5-2 victory over St Nathys. Tourlestrane defeated Drumcliffe/Rosses Point to take the ‘B’ title. Two of the Tourlestrane girls later lined out in the Junior Championship final on the same day. In the Leagues, St Nathys won the ‘A’ with Calry/St Josephs winning the ‘B’.

The county representatives in Feile which were in limerick this year were St Nathys. In the County Feile competition, the Saints defeated all opposition that came in their way to claim their first Feile title. In other competitions, Curry won the Community Games Under 12 title for the third year running defeating Kilmactigue in the final.

Without doubt the matches of the year were the Under 12A and Under 12C Championship finals. In the ‘A’ final, Owenmore Gaels won their first county title defeating Calry/St Josephs in the final in Kent Park on a scoreline of 2-6 to 1-6. The B Title was won by St Patricks defeating St Farnan’s in the final in Castlecomer.

For St Farnan’s it was to be another bitter disappointment as they had previously suffered defeats in previous years at Under 12. Curry won the final Under 12 Championship title of the year recently following this 4 point victory over west division side Eoghan Rua in a cracking game played in conditions that were anything but perfect in Tourlestrane. By achieving this latest success the South Sligo Club that rests on the environments of East Mayo wrote their own bit of history. Firstly by becoming the first club to win all 3 Championships at Under 12 level having won the B in 2000 and 2001, and ‘A’ title holders in 2002 and 2004, and secondly they have taken the title away from West Sligo for the first time ever.

In a preview to the final it was stated that rosin Colleary, Bernadette Connolly, Aiveen Duffy and Ciara Kilcoyne could be regarded as grandmothers in this competition, having been on Curry’s very first ‘A’ championship winning side back in 2002, in fact Connolly will be underage again next year. Both Connolly and Duffy were collecting their 5th championship medals having been on the winning panels in both 2000 and 2001 as well.

How important all 4 were to Curry’s success was invaluable. Between them Colleary and Connolly accounted for all of Curry’s scores. Goalkeeper Kilcoyle was like a dictator on her own goal line, telling her players where to be, where to run etc, while Duffy played a real captain’s role leading by example, cutting out dangerous attacks time and time again, especially in the second half as her side came under fierce pressure.

Curry’s winning panel were:

Ciara Kilcoyne, Aiveen Duffy, Sorcha Fleming, Aine Stenson, Sinead Flannery, Laura Henry, Bernadette Connolly, Rachel Flannery, Louise Kennedy, Nicola Marren, Roisin Colleary, Lisa O’Horan, Loran Towey.

Subs used:

Michelle Brett, Linda Howley and Chloe Marren

Other subs:

Shauna Niland, Katie O’Connor, Alicia Hayes, Cara Flannery, Aine Durkin, Rebecca Flannery, Cliona Flemming, Chloe Gallagher, Ciara Murphy, Laura Grady, Sharon Towey.

Tourlestrane won the ‘A’ League title defeating Drumcliffe/Rosses Point in the final in Achonry. Clary/St Josephs won the Under 12 B League with victory over Owebnmore Gaels. St Farnan’s gained some compensation with victory in the C league final over Geevagh.

At the county convention in December the officers for the year 2006 were elected with a number of new faces on the Board. The full list of officers for the coming year are as follows:

Chairperson: Tom Keane St Nathys

Vice-Chairperson: John Kilgannon Castlecomer

Secretary: Mairead Gonley

Assistant Secretary: Freda Clarke Catlecomer

Treasurer: Dympna Henry Tourestrane

Assistant Treasurer: Rose Cawley Coolera

Registrar: Rose Cawley Coolera

PRO: Martin Seery Cloonacool

Children’s Officer: Catherine O’Dowd Eastern harps

Development officers: Ted Maloney St Marys

Dermot Walsh Tourlestrane

Culture & Language: Richard Mannion St Marys

Fixtures Secretary: Martin Seery Cloonacool

Delegates to Connacht Council: John Kilgannon Enniscrone

Patricia McCaffrey St Marys

Martin Seery Cloonacool

Olivia Grady Curry

Delegates to Central Council: John Kilgannon Enniscrone

Ted Maloney St Marys

Martin Seery Cloonacool

Delegates to national Congress: Mairead Gonley Calry/St Josephs

John Kilgannon Enniscrone

Martin Seery Cloonacool

Delegates to Connacht Convention: John Kilgannon Enniscrone

Olivia Grady Curry

Martin Seery Cloonacool

At the first County Board meeting in the New Year, a number of committees were put together for the year 2006. The Activities Committee for the coming year will be:

Marty Duffy Enniscrone

Freda Clarke Castlecomer

Kate O’Neill Eastern harps

Olivia Grady Curry

The Finance Committee will be made up of:

Ted Maloney St Marys

Oliver Murphy Castlecomer

Sean Kilgannon St Farnans

Dermot Walsh Tourlestrane

Dympna Henry Toulestrane Co. Treasurer

The Referees Committee in charge of recruiting new referees will be:

Liam Mcdonagh St Nathys

Marytin Duffy Enniscrone

Dermot Walsh Tourlestrane

The Fixtures Committee will be:

Martin Seery Enniscrone

John Kilgannon Enniscrone

Tom Keane St Nathys

Patricia McCaffrey St Marys

Olivia Grady Appointed to a PR committee

The Development Committee for 2006 will be:

Oliver Murphy Castlecomer

Catherine O’Dowd Eastern harps

Dermot Walsh Tourlestrane Development Officer

Ted Maloney St Marys Development Officer

A sub-committee within the Development will look at special transfers. The committee is made up of:

Rosaleen McTiernan Geevagh

Eugene Gilligan Owenmore Gales

Patricia McCaffrey St Marys

At the Connacht Convention two Sligo delegates were elected to Connacht Council for the coming year, Curry’s Olivia Grady and Cloonacool’s Martin Seery. Both Connacht Council officers were County Secretary and County Chairperson respectively when Sligo reached their first All Ireland final in 2004. Olivia Grady has been appointed to the position of Assistant Treasurer with this been her first year on Connacht Council while Martin Seery has been appointed as PRO and Development Officer for the second year. Both of the officers had served as delegates from Sligo in the past few years.

The year 2006 will mark the county’s 14th year. No doubt the main aim will be to win the West County Hotel Cup which was so near, yet so far in 2004 and 2005 which could be a bridge too far in 2006.

The panel that reached the All Ireland final 2005 were:

Katrina Connolly (St Nathy), Ruth Goodwin (Coolera), Grainne O’Gara (Eastern Harps), Fiona Maye (St Marys), Michelle McGowan (St Nathys), Amy Gerrity (Coolera), Caroline Currid (St Marys), Bernice Byrne (Geevagh), Angela Doohan (St Nathys), Louise Brett (Cloonacool), Stephanice O’Reilly (Geevagh), Imelda McNulty (Catlecomer), Noelle Gormely (St Nathys), Louise Harte (Shamrock Gales), Joanne Lyons (shamrock Gaels) Joanne O’Connell (St Marys), Etna Flanagan (St Nathys), Cammie Kennedy (St Nathys), Helena Haran (Cloonacol), Therese Marren (Curry), Yvonne Roddy (St Nathys), Bernie McGowan (St Nathys), Niamh Mannion (St Marys), Karen Maloney (St Marys), Siobhan O’Sullivan (St Marys), Louise Smith (Geevagh), Caroline Benson (Shamrock Gaels), Tracy O’Hara (Toulestrane), Aisling McDonagh (Castlecomer).

Affiliated Clubs in 2005

Ballymote Calry/St Joseph’s Castleconnor

Cloonacool Coolera Curry

Drumcliffe/Rosses Point Eastern Harps Enniscrone

Geevagh Owenmore Gaels Shamrock Gaels

St Farnan’s St John’s St Mary’s

St Michael’s St Molaise Gaels St Nathy’s

St Patrick’s Tourlestrane Tubbercurry

Roll of Honour 2005

Competition Winners Runners Up

U – 12 “A” League Tourlestrane Drumcliffe

U – 12 “B” League Calry/St Joseph’s Owenmore Gaels

U – 12 “C” League St Farnan’s Geevagh

U – 12 “A” Championship Owenmore Gaels Calry/St Joseph’s

U – 12 “B” Championship St Patrick’s St Farnan’s

U – 12 “C” Championship Curry Eoghan Rua

U – 14 “A” League St Nathy’s Eoghan Rua

U – 14 “B” League Calry/St Joseph’s St Farnan’s

U – 14 Feile Championship St Nathy’s Eoghan Rua

U – 14 “A” Championship Eastern Harps St Nathy’s

U – 14 “B” Championship Tourlestrane Drumcliffe

U – 14 “C” Championship Shamrock Gaels St John’s

U – 16 “A” Championship Eoghan Rua St Nathy’s

U – 16 “B” Championship Coolera Geevagh

U – 18 “A” Championship Tourlestrane Eoghan Rua

U – 18 “B” Championship St Nathy’s Geevagh

Junior Championship Tourlestrane Coolera

Junior B Shield Curry Castleconnor

Senior Championship St Nathy’s Geevagh

Senior B Championship Coolera Eastern Harps

Division 1 League Geevagh St Nathy’s

Division 2 League. Tourlestrane Castleconnor

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