Club Meeting : There will be a club meeting in Priors at 9pm Tuesday 23rd February. all welcome to attend
Results: Our U12's climbed to second place in the leauge with a 6-2 win away to Ballymahon while our U13 climbed to top of the league with a 6-0 win over Gaels Utd in St. Felims. Our U14 came out the wrong side of a 8-5 goal fest on sunday against Castlepollard Celtic.
Training : U16 training in St. Felims on Saturday at noon. A full turnout of the squad is requested.
Fixtures:
Saturday U13 away to Camlin Utd. at Abbeycarton at 11am. U11 Abbey Town at home to Gaels Utd @11am
Abbey Rovers home to Melview Tigers at 11.45.
Sunday: U12 away to Melview in Flancare Park at 12.30pm
Week ending January 24th 2010 U13 League Raharney 0-8 Abbey Rovers. Our U13 Team continued their clmb up the table with a win away to Raharney on Saturday. a Luke Murphy hat trick set the rovers on their way. Team: Daire McNiffe, Brian Leyden, Philip Dolan, Peter Reynolds , Daragh O'Shea, Niall McGovern , Paddy Connaughton , Mark Plunkett(1), Conor Gaffney (1) , Ryan O'Rourke (2) , Luke Murphy(3) subs: Oisin McCaffrey , Pearce Dolan .
Club Meeting: there will be a club meeting at 9pm on Tuesday 26th January in Priors @High Street. All parents and mentors welcome to attend.
Week ending January 17th 2010 U13 League Mostrim 0-10 Abbey Rovers. Our U13 Team continued their winning ways with a good win in Edgesworthown on Saturday. The match was evenly balanced in the first half and John Joe McGovern making his debut in goals had to be sharp. However in the second half the superior fitness of the rovers showed and we ran out easy winners in the end with Niall McGovern recording a superb hatrick. Team: John Joe McGovern, Brian Leyden, Philip Dolan, Dean McGovern( 2) , Ger McDermott, Niall McGovern (3) , Paddy Connaughton( p) , Mark Plunkett(2), Conor Gaffney (1) , Donal Feely , Luke Murphy subs: Daragh O'Shea, Ryan O'Rourke, Peter Reynolds, Oisin McCaffrey.
Club Meeting: there will be a club meeting at 9pm on Tuesday 26th January in Priors @High Street. All parents and mentors welcome to attend.
Week ending 20th December 2009
U13 League Erne Valley Rovers 0-3 Abbey Rovers. Our U13 Team bounced back to winning ways with a hard earned win over dogged oppenents in Abbeycarton on Saturday. In a match which marked an impressive start for the pride of Templeport in the Green and yellow,Daragh O'Shea, the Ballinamore side fought from the start and pressurised their opponents. The opposition made up of players from Mullahoran,Gowna and Ballymachugh were every bit as determined and organised as the famous GAA teams from these areas. The Leitrim boys had most of the possession in the first half but the Cavan men were dangerous on the counter attack. The sides were level until early in the second half when Murphy sublimely chipped the keeper to put the Rovers in front. No Rovers scoreline would be complete without a goal from the speed merchant O'Rourke and he duly obliged with a goal to relieve the pressure on the U13 management team. Man of the Match Gaffney moving to the wing found greater space to work his magic and a fantastic cross saw Connaughton tap home for his second in as many games. McNiffe showed what he is capable of throughout the match and bossed his area. John Joe McGovern is developing into a fine defender and will press the injured McDermott hard for a place on his return after Christmas. Leyden,Dolan and Dean McGovern done well in the defence,whilst Plunkett lorded in midield.Reynolds showed well on his entry to the game,while the ever eager McCaffrey was ready and able to do his part. Team: Daire McNiffe, Brian Leyden, Philip Dolan, Dean McGovern, John Joe McGovern, Paddy Connaughton, Mark Plunkett, Conor Gaffney,Daragh O'Shea, Ryan O'Rourke, Luke Murphy subs: Peter Reynolds, Oisin McCaffrey.
Welsh coach joins the Rovers backroom staff: Rumours abounded that Mark Sparky Hughes was joining the Rovers as Chairman Mohammed Doonan took action to improve the Rovers management staff. These proved unfounded, however we are delighted to annouce that another Welshman, Andy David ,FAI Coach is joining up with the Rovers thanks to financial support from Leitrim Sports Partnership. Andy has commenced work with the Rovers and last Saturday saw him conduct a very useful workout with our U16 Team and this will continue with every age bracket right until the end of the season.
Beanie Hats: These have finally arrived and are available at €10 each. The hats which are reversible look stunning and are the must have fashion item this year. Text 087 6846578 to arrange collection or to order.
Christmas Draw: a reminder that our draw night is on the 9th January in Priors and a special thanks to the staff and management of Tesco and Supervalu for allowing us to sell on Saturday.Thanks to all the parents and players who helped out in such an ethusiastic manner and a gentle reminder to all to keep selling until the 9th particularly each player allocation. Unsold tickets and sold tickets must be returned to the treasurer Joe Feely by Friday 8th January. The top prize of a trip to Old Trafford to see Manchester Utd play Burnley on the 15th January is looking particularly attractive to ABU's given the red devils recent poor run of form. A Special word of thanks to everyone who supported the draw to date.
Beannachtaí an tSéasúir: I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Rovers to thank everyone of our players,parents and supporters for their enthusiasm and honest endeavour. Not once when asked to help out has any parent or player failed the club and long may this spirit continue. Thanks also to John Connolly and the staff of the Leitrim observer for their dedicated coverage and to Monica Sharpley of the Ballinamore Church notes.
Nollaig Shona do gach duine a bhí páirteach in aon slí in imeachtaí Chlub Ruagairí na Mainistreach sa bhliain 2009
Week Ending 13th December2009
U12 League: Abbey Rovers 4 -2 Mostrim Our U12 Team bounced back to winning ways on Sunday with an exciting 4-2 win over an impressive Mostrim team in the Mall.Barry McGovern made his long awaited debut for the Rovers and acquitted himself well. The game swung both ways and either side had the winning of, Rovers emerged victorious thanks to a brace of Goals from Pearce Dolan, and goals from Niall McGovern and Ryan O'Rourke. Team Mark O'Reilly, Oisin McCaffrey,Nathan O'Rourke,JarlathScollan, Daire Murphy, Niall McGovern, Alan Doonan, Donal Feely, Pearce Dolan, Barry McGovern, Ryan O'Rourke Subs:Dylan Mimmna, Donal McCabe,
U13 League Abbey Rovers 1-2 Newtown AFC Abbey Rovers slumbed to their first defeat in the Longford league since November 2008 with a defeat to a very well organised Newtown side in the Mall on Saturday.Newtown made the better start in the first have and raced into a two goal lead thanks to defensive lapses in the Rovers defence. to their credit the Rovers battled back and a Mark Plunkett header rebounded off the cross bar. The Rovers continued to press forward and a Murphy cross headed on by Connaughton found O'Rourke in space who finished with aplomb. The rovers continued to press in the second half but were unable to find the equalising goal although Gaffney came close with ten minutes to play. Training continues for the U13 on Saturday at noon in St. Felims and a full squad turn out is expected Team: Daire McNiffe, Brian Leyden, Philip Dolan, Dean McGovern, Niall McGovern, Paddy Connaughton, Mark Plunkett, Conor Gaffney,Donal Feely, Ryan O'Rourke, Luke Murphy subs: John Joe McGovern, Oisin McCaffrey, Daragh O'Shea, Aaron Scollan.
U16 League Ballymahon 4 -3 Our U16 Team were unlucky not to snatch at least a draw in Ballymahon on Sunday. they fell behind to a classy Ballymahon Outfit by two goals before equalising and then going ahead 3-2. Unfortunately we were not able to close out the game and ended up the wrong side of a 4-3 scoreline Shane Quinn continued hois goal scoring exploits while David Regan colly slotted home hios penaly and Brian Beirne completed the scroing fo rthe Rovers. Team: Stephen Gilheany, David Regan, John Fanning, Donal Wrynn, Niall Mulvanerty,Jack Cullen, Alonso Holohan, Shane Quinn, Mark McGrory, Brian Beirne, Alan McLoughlinn, subs: Andrew Wyrnn
Club Meeting all Managers and mentors of each age group are asked to attend a club meeting this Tuesday Night in Priors december 14th at 9pm.
Christmas Draw: We will be selling our christmas draw tickets at Tesco's and Supervalu Ballimamore on Saturday 19th December from 12pm to 5pm and are looking for volunteers from both Parents and Players to man the sales desks. if everyone who can spare an hour to help out we would be very grateful.
Beanie Hats: at long last our Beanie hats have arrived and to those that ordered them we will be distributing them this weekend. A limited number are still available at €10 each text the secretary at 087 6846578 to order.
Fixtures: no fixtures as yet have been arranged but check website for details. Training continues in the Sportshall for the U11 at 11am on Saturday while the U13 have training in St. Felims at noon with an outside coach so a full attendance is required. Comhbhrón The club expresses sympathy to the Moran family on the recent death of Bertie, father of Ollie our U14 Manager and Grandfather of Connor our U14 star. Go ndéana Dia trócaire air
Week Ending 29th November2009
U13 League Killoe Celtic 0-4 Abbey Rovers Abbey Rovers Bounced back to winning ways at the weekend with an emphatic 4-0 win over Killoe Celtic in the Mall Astra turf pitch in Longford. Dominating from the start the Rovers through the impressive Conor Gaffney /Mark Plunkett combination at midfield took the game to their opponents and went into the interval with a 2 goal lead thanks to goals from Ryan O’Rourke and Paddy Connaughton. Daire McNiffe had to react quickly off his line on a number of occasions as the Killoe lads pressed forward in search of goals. John Joe McGovern making his full debut for the rovers in place of the injured Ger McDermott impressed alongside Philip Dolan. McGovern and Leyden surged forward at every opportunity Feely impressed with some excellent attacking moves whilst O’Shea showed promise when taking to the field. Murphy and O’Rourke were a constant threat all afternoon while Reynolds, Kearns and McCaffrey posed some serious selection headaches when pressed into action. Goals from O’Rourke and Gaffney ended the game as a contested but not before the Killoe side went close on a couple of occasions Team: Team Daire McNiffe, Brian Leyden, Philip Dolan, Dean McGovern, John Joe McGovern, Paddy Connaughton, Mark Plunkett, Niall McGovern, Conor Gaffney, Ryan O'Rourke, Luke Murphy subs: Peter Reynolds, Oisin McCaffrey, Daragh O'Shea, Adam Kearns.
Christmas Draw: the Rovers launched their Christmas draw this week and tickets are available from all players and managers at €5 per ticket or €20 per book of 5
Fixtures: U11 Training at 11am in St. Felim’s U14 side return to action this Sunday against RoscommonTown at 2pm in St.Felim’s other fixtures check website www.abbeyrovers.com
Week Ending 22nd November2009
Indoor Soccer Tournament: well done to all who participated in the indoor soccer in the sports hall in Ballinamore on Saturday. A total of 55 players took part in the various age groups.
A speedy recovery is wished to our teak tough defender Gerard McDermott after his recent injury
Fixtures:
SaturdayU11 Training Saturday @11am in St. Felim’s, U13 away to Killoe Celtic in Cullyfad at 12.30pm, U16 Home to UCL Harps in St. Felim’s at 12.30pm
Sunday: U12 Home to Mostrim in St. Felim’s at 2pm. U14 may have a cup game to be confirmed.
Week Ending 15th November2009
Fixtures
Saturday U11 Abbey Town away to Stonepark @12.30pm (note no game for U11 Abbey Rovers), U13 Away to Erne Valley Rovers in Abbeycartron at 12.30pm, U16 away to Ballymahon at 12.30pm.
Sunday U12 Home to Mostrim at 12.30pm in the league and U14 Home to RoscommonTown at 2pm in the SFAI Cup.
Christmas Draw the Abbey Rover’s Christmas draw will be launched this week with tickets available from all players. They are €5 each or €20 for a book of 5. Prizes range from a trip to see Manchester Utd at Old Trafford including accommodation, to a €150 Christmas hamper. Week Ending 8th November2009
AGM Our AGM was held in Priors in Ballinamore on Thursday Night and a well attended meeting saw the election of the following officers to the club for season 2009/2010. Chairman Kevin Doonan, Secretary Patsy Connaughton, Treasurer Joe Feely, Registrar Ann McCaffrey, Child Protection Officers Bernie Williams/Gerardine Connaughton. Managers for 2009/2010 season are as follows:U11 Abbey Town and Abbey Rovers: Anslem Reynolds and Kevin Doonan, U12 Joe Feely and Kevin Doonan, U13 Patsy Connaughton and Joe Feely, U14 Alan Banks, Ollie Moran and Steve Williams, U16 Damien Gilheany and Paul Cullen. The meeting acknowledged the great support received from all the parents who helped out in the club through the year whenever asked, to the children who are a credit both on and off the field, to our sponsors and especially to Padraig Leyden and St. Felim’s secondary school for the use of their facilities without which the club couldn’t exist.
Church Gate Collection:Many thanks to all who supported our church gate collection which rose in the region of €1300. All matches were called off at the weekend due to the weather conditions. Fixtures will be posted on our website when they become available. www.abbeyrovers.com
Week Ending 31st October 2009 AGM:
Our AGM will be held in Prior's @High Street Ballinamore on Thursday 5th November at 9pm Sharp. All Parents are welcome to attend or indeed anyone who is interested in helping out in any capacity. One of the items to be agreed is the format of the annual club trip if any in 2010.
Club Gear
The Abbey Rovers Beanie hat retailing at €10 is currently available to order and will be an ideal Christmas present. Text 0876846578 to order now RESULTS: SFAI U13 CUP Abbey Rovers 2-0 St. Francis (Athlone) Abbey Rovers announced their arrival on the national stage with an emphatic victory over top midlands side St.Francis on Saturday in St. Felims. In a match which had the crowd on the edge of their seats for the hour the Rovers emerged victorious and now advance to the second round of the national competition against Claregalway in two weeks. Captain Daire McNiffe made some vital saves in the first half as the Leitrim lads were under severe pressure in the opening ten minutes. Gradually the Rovers warmed to their task and took charge of the game throughout. a magnificent pass from man of the match Mark Plunkett saw last week's hat trick hero Conor Gaffney through on goal and the Drumreilly lad cooly finished to open the scoring after twenty minutes. Leyden and McDermott tackled tigerishly in the opening half and covered the wings as the Westmeath side pressed forward for the equaliser. Connaughton, Dolan and Dean McGovern covered every blade of grass as the Rovers defended staunchly. The second half saw our forward line of Murphy and O'Rourke torment the Francis defence at every opportunity as the Rovers continued their dominance. a reshuffle of the home side saw Reynolds enter the fray and he wasnt found wanting as he played his part to the full. A rare mix up in the rovers defence saw Niall McGovern having to make a match winning clearance of his line. A magnificent Plunkett strike to the bottom corner of the net in the dying moments calmy the Rovers nerves and saw the Leitrim side march into the next round having claimed a famous victory. Team Daire McNiffe,Brian Leyden, Philip Dolan, Dean McGovern,Ger McDermott, Paddy Connaughton,Mark Plunkett, Niall McGovern, Conor Gaffney, Ryan O'Rourke, Luke Murphy subs: Peter Reynolds,Oisin McCaffrey,Daragh O'Shea,John Joe McGovern, Alan Doonan.
All other matchs were cancelled at the weekend due to the poor weather conditions
Week Ending 25th October 2009 Church Gate Collection:
Abbey Rovers will be having our annual church gate collection this coming weekend. As it is our main source of finance to run the club your support is greatly appreciated.
AGM:
Our AGM will be held in Prior's @High Street Ballinamore on Thursday 5th November at 9pm Sharp. All Parents are welcome to attend or indeed anyone who is interested in helping out in any capacity. One of the items to be agreed is the format of the annual club trip if any in 2010.
Club Gear
The Abbey Rovers Beanie hat retailing at €10 is currently available to order and will be an ideal Christmas present. Text 0876846578 to order now
Results
Abbey Rovers fixtures were thrown into disarray at the weekend with our U12 cup fixture and U14 match away to Raharney cancelled due to the poor weather conditions. Our U11 team had a very competitive outing against Newtown Bears wining 5-3 to continue their good run in this competition team :Niall McGovern,Sean Keegan,Jarlath Scollan,Alan Doonan,Conor Reynolds (2),Araon mcLoughlin(1) Riordain O'Rourke(2) Daire murphy,shane Galligan Luke Heneyman,David Wrynn, Stephen Flynn, Jason Prior,Peter Prior. Our 2nd U11 Team in this competion Abbey Town awaits to make their debut. Our U16's battled hard against a strong Castlepollard side but went down 3-1 despite a fine goal from David Regan.
Fixtures Saturday 31st October U16 Ballymahon V Abbey Rovers Ballymahon 11am SFAI Troy Cup U13 Abbey Rovers v St.Francis (Athlone) St. Felims 2pm Sunday 1st November U12 Abbey Rovers V Mostrim Utd. St.Felims 12.30pm U14 Abbey Rovers V Ballyboro St.Felims 2pm
Bank Holiday fixtures U16 Abbey Rovers 1 -1 Killoe Cletic
Team MarkPlunkett, Brian Beirne Shane Quinn, Gary Plunkett, Niall Mulvanerty,Jack Cullen, Alan McLoughlinn, Alonso Holohan,David Regan, Mark McGrory,Stephen Gilheany subs: Cyril Smith, Michael Galligan, Conor Gaffney,Philip Dolan. scorer Mark McGrory
match reports to follow U13 Abbey Rovers 5 -1 Ballymahon TeamDaire McNiffe,Brian Leyden, Daragh O'Shea, Dean McGovern,Ger McDermott, Paddy Connaughton,Mark Plunkett, Donal Feely, Conor Gaffney(3), Peter Reynolds, Luke Murphy(1) subs:RyanO'Rourke(1),Oisin McCaffrey,Philip Dolan,John Joe McGovern Halt time:0-1 match reports to follow Week Ending 18th October 2009 Our U13 Team had no game in the SFAI cup at the weekend due to the no show of the opposition from Athlone, it is hoped to replay this match the first weekend in November. Our U12 team returned to winning ways in the league with a storming display against a gallant Castlepollard side in St. Felims on Sunday. Highlights of the game were a cheeky backheel goal from Alan Doonan and superb two goal display from Niall McGovern in midfield. U12 Team Mark O'Reilly, Oisin McCaffrey, Daire Murphy, ConorCullen,Donal McCabe, Niall McGovern,Alan Doonan, Donal Feely, Pearse Dolan,Peter Reynolds, Ryan O'Rourke Subs:Michael Prior, Dylan Mimna, Jake Bentley, Nathan O'Rourke. Our U14 team continues to find its feet and were unlucky to come up against an on fire Camlin Utd. team. The one consolation on sunday was the debut of Cavan man Daragh O'SheaThe addition of ex Carrick Town star Ollie Moran to our coaching staff for this team will be a welcome boost and indoor training will start for the U14 this wednesday at 7pm in the sports hall. bring €2 to cover the cost of hire of the hall. players are also asked to bring a football. Ollie has promised the board to have things turned around by christmas. our U16 Team bounced back this week also with a fine win over Gaels Utd. away from home to bring them up the league table and into contention. Shane Quinn continued his goal scoring exploits with a fine hatrick and helped with goals from Mark McRory, Alan McLoughlinn and David Regan eased the Rovers across the line.Welcome on board to another cavan debutant,Michael Galligan.team : Kevin Banks, Brian Beirne John Fanning, Gary Plunkett, Niall Mulvanerty,Jack Cullen, Alan McLoughlinn, Alonso Holohan,Shane Quinn, Mark McGrory,Noel Plunkett subs: Cyril Smith, David Regan, Stephen Gilheany, Michael Galligan
our U11 Teams will take to the field on saturday, we have two teams Abbey Rovers and Abbey Town in this age group rovers play at 11am against Newtown Bears with the Townplaying at 11.45am against GaelsUtd. Our U12 team debut in the SFAI cup away to Kilglass/Enniscrone on Saturday, time to be fixed. Our U13 Team will have to replay the Cup fixture in 2 weeks and will likely have a league game on Sunday. Fixtures as usual for our U16 and U14 Teams on Sunday. Club Gear The Rovers launches its winter collection this week and the first must have item to be seen wearing round the town and surrounding areas is the reversible Beanie hat which will be retailing at €10. pictures on the club gear section of the site. orders are been taken now.
Week Ending 11th October 2009 Congrats to Abbey Rovers star Donal Wrynn who captured a world U15 handball title at the weekend in Oregon, USA. His colleagues who remained at home were less successful as all our teams were beaten at the weekend. Our U16 Team went down to Ballyboro in a match which saw Alonso Holohan debut for the Rovers in St.Felims on Sat whilst on Sunday our U12's went down battling away to Ballyboro and our U14's lost away to Killoe. The U13 Team have a SFAI U13 Cup match against St.Francis Athlone on Sat 17th October in St.Felims at noon.Winners will be away to Cregmore of ClareGalway in the 2nd Round. Our U12 Team have been drawn away to Killglass/Ennsicrone of Sligo which will be fixed next week with winners away to winners fo Corofin and Moyvilla.Our U14 Squad have a bye in the 1st Round and await the winners of Roscommon Town and Achill Rovers in Round 2 at home.
Week Ending 4th October 2009 History was made in the Park on Sunday as our U12 team recorded the highest score in Rovers History with a 10-3 win over Multyfarnham. Unfortunately our U14 team continued the historical theme with the heaviest defeat in the clubs history with a 10-2 defeat to an impressive Gaels Utd. U12 Team Kevin Mullins, Oisin McCaffrey,Jarlath Scollan, Daire Murphy, ConorCullen,Niall McGovern,Alan Doonan, Donal Feely, Pearse Dolan,Peter Reynolds, Ryan O'Rourke Subs:Michael Prior, Donal McCabe, Mark O'Reilly Jake Bentley, Nathan O'Rourke. Pearse Dolan rounded off an impressve return to action from injury with 4 goals, Peter Reynolds and Niall McGovern netted twice Ryan O'rourke continued his goal scoring exploits with an impressive score while Mark O'reilly scored his first goal for the Rovers. In the U14 game,Billy Williams and Shane Doonan were our two goal scorers U14 Team :Daire McNiffe,Paddy Connaughton,Philip Dolan,Kevin Murtagh,Aaron Scollan,Evan Moran King,Conor Gaffney, Cian McCaffrey,KevinMcWeeney, Shane Doonan, Billy Williams, Adam Kearns, Gerard McDermott, Ferghal Curran. Gerard McDermott one of close season signings made his debut for the Rovers and impressive in midfield when he came on.
Under 13 Major Division
Saturday 10th October
Mostrim United vs. Abbey Rovers in Edgeworthstown at 11am
Under 16 Major Division
Abbey Rovers vs. Ballyboro in Ballinamore at 11am
Under 12 Premier Division
Sunday 11th October
Ballyboro Colts vs. Abbey Rovers in Lanesboro at 2pm
Under 14 Major Division
Killoe Celtic vs. Abbey Rovers in Cullyfad at 2pm
Week Ending 27th September 2009 Abbey Rovers U11 team started off their 2009/2010 campaign with a hard earned draw with Gaels Utd. In Drumlish. leading 3-1 at one stage the Rovers were down 4-3 but for Jason Prior to equalise with a great goal on the stroke of full time.
Draw was the order of the day in St. Felims as our U16 Team again came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Newtown AFC. Shane Quinn making his debut for the rovers popped up to score the equaliser after good work on the wing from our other debutant David Regan. Shane was unlucky not to have a hat trick as he hit the post 3 times during the match. team : Kevin Banks, Michael Doonan, John Fanning, Gary Plunkett, Niall Mulvanerty,Jack Cullen, Noel Plunkett, Shane Quinn, Mark McGrory, Brian Beirne, Alan McLoughlinn, subs: Jack Bagge, David Regan, Stephen Gilheany, Andrew Wyrnn, Colm Reilly, Roy Keenan
Week Ending 19th September 2009 Abbey Rovers had a successful quiz night on Thursday with a fabulous €1100 raised.Thanks to those who came and in particular to Peter and Michelle Reynolds who sponsored a spot prize.
Special thanks to Gay Prior for the use of his facilities and his kind sponsorship.Winning team on the night was the NAMA's who consisted of Alan Martin,Joe Phelan,Cyril Smith and George O'Brien. Thanks to our MC for the night Frank Cadam and to our quiz compiler Sean Callaghan
For Anyone who wants another go at the quiz questions they are reproduced in full on the quiz page with answers!
Summary Abbey Rovers Season 2008/2009
Abbey Rovers rounded off a magnificent return to the Longford & District Schoolboy league with a premier league playoff win over neighbours Mohill. At the end of a hard fought season both sides were level at the top of the table on points and a play off was required to decide the destination of the title in Abbeycarton After a titanic struggle Abbey Rovers emerged victorious on a score line of 2-0 with goals from Paddy Connaughton and Mark Plunkett.
The squad in full were in net minder and team captain Daire Fingers McNiffe, Daire’s strong presence at the back steadied the ship during the season and pulled off spectacular saves when required. Brian ChopperLeyden; Brian marshalled the defence and came to the rescue on numerous occasions during the season. Philip the Rock Dolan the quiet man of the team put in the vital tackles at the back when needed and a few when the ball wasn’t there, Dean Deano McGovern the engine of the team made vital box to box runs and was a constant attacking threat.
Niall Nilser McGovern the utility player of the team stood in when required both in defence and attack, an integral player in the squad. Conor the blonde ninja Cullen nailed down the wing back position early on in the campaign and shot some sweet goals during the year. Donal Evostick Feely carried out the man marking jobs through out the year and his performance in the ultimate game against Mohill ensured the title came to Ballinamore. Pearce Iceman Dolan held his nerves at the back and constant threat going forward missed the latter half of the season through injury, one to watch in years to come.
Jack Jaxser McGirl made the tough tackles when necessary always ready to do his bit, Paddy ElDiablo Connaughton our tenacious midfielder scored the opening goal in the final his non stop running made him a constant threat all year, Mark Rodney Plunkett the hard man of the team his exquisite goal in the final was reminiscent of his uncle in law in his prime.
Conor Gaffer Gaffney by far the best all round midfielder in the league all year, Alan the Fenagh wizard Doonan the winger who popped up to score vital goals just when they were needed most. Jake El Nino Bentley showed sufficient flashes of skill to mark him out as a major threat next season. Donal McHead McCabe will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years and is developing into a stylish and rugged player. Adam AKAKearns tall; athletic defender showed his potential when called up and will push hard for a regular spot next season. Peter El Toro Reynolds made a serious impression this year with his all action no-nonsense style and continues to improve from game to game. Luke Messi Murphy an all out attacking player it’s rumoured that the Barcelona great models his game on the Ardrum Marvel. Oisin Fred McCafrrey an extremely stylish player known for his attacking prowess and jinking runs into the box. Ryan Giggsy O’Rourke one of the hottest prospects this side of the premiership, Arabs wearing Man city shirts and waving fat cheque books were spotted at the Rovers training camp making enquiries about the baby faced assassin in the box.
All in all this capped a fantastic return to the league for the men from Ballinamore, Fenagh, Aughawillan, Aughnasheelin and Drumreilly. Thanks to the parents who helped in any way during the year including the dads who at great personal sacrifice travelled to the Emirates Stadium for the club trip in February, Dominic in particular for his guided walking tour of Kilburn and surrounding areas. Thanks to Declan Boyle FAI development officer for Leitrim for his support and coaching expertise throughout the year. Thanks also to our sponsors Tesco and to the ODD Activity centre for their help in our end of season day out. Finally on behalf of the mentors I would like to thank especially the squad of players who helped make season 2008/2009 such a memorable one through their good humour and dedication all season long and we look forward to the commencement of season 2009/2010 with justifiable confidence. Any new players looking to sign up for the Rovers in 2009/2010 please contact Patsy 087 6846578, Joe 0868301169 or Kevin 0851741932.
