The Ireland team to play Italy in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday has been named and coach Declan Kidney has opted for an unchanged lineup.

Declan Kidney had a full strength squad to choose from having put his big match preparations against the French on ice following the late postponement of the Stade de France encounter.

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The Leitrim Ladies travelled to Morgan Athletic Grounds, Armagh on Sunday last hoping to maintain their 100% record in this year’s Bord Gais Energy Ladies National Football League Division 3, but they would have been well aware that the challenge posed by Armagh would be a step up from what they faced against Down and Sligo in their previous matches.

Leitrim 2-8

Armagh 2-10

By Philip Rooney

Having competed at senior championship level last year Armagh are rightly regarded as one of the favourites for promotion from Division 3 but they were made to work right to the end to ensure victory against a resolute Leitrim side who overcame a slow first half to bring to the game to the home side in the second half.

The scoring dual between Mags McAlinden and Aine Tighe was one of the highlights of the game as both players produced excellent shooting displays but there were standout performances all over the pitch on both sides.

Mairead Stenson, Sharon Kerrigan and Sinead Tighe had fine games in defence for Leitrim, particularly in the opening half when they were under plenty of pressure.

In the second half when the momentum switched in favour of Leitrim, midfielders Deirdre Ward and Sinead Fowley came into their own while the tireless running of Niamh Tighe and Kiara Keegan was pivotal to Leitrim’s second half transformation.

Another key factor for Leitrim was being able to get Erin Farrell more involved in the game. Time and again Farrell was found in the second half and she always seemed to have the beating of her marker, resulting in her being able to bring others in to play or have a shot herself.

Midway through the second half, at a time when Leitrim were beginning to boss proceedings having scored three points without reply, Armagh were reduced to 14 players when Laura Brown was sent off. Trailing by three points it seemed as though the game was set for a frenetic finale as Leitrim looked to get back in contention.

Unfortunately for Leitrim they themselves were reduced to 14 players just two minutes later when Sarah McManus was sent to the sin-bin for a yellow card offence.

Losing a player at such a key time was a cruel blow for Leitrim who at that stage of the game had Armagh pressed deep in their own half and hanging on.

To read the full story see this week’s Leitrim Observer.

It was confirmed this afternoon, Wednesday, that Carrick-on-Shannon’s Shane Layden will start at full-back for Ireland against Italy in the RBS 6 Nations U-20 Championship in Athlone on Friday evening in Dubarry park, Athlone, kick-off 7.05pm.

Head Coach, Mike Ruddock has made a number of changes to the side that beat France 12-13 in the last round of the championship. Tadgh Beirne makes his first start of the season to partner Ian Henderson in the second row with a new look back row seeing Jordan Coughlan partner Conor Gilsean and Jack Conan. Changes to the backs see Foster Horan named in the wing with Kieran Marmion returning to the scrum half position.

Speaking ahead of Fridays Game, Ruddock said “We are looking forward to this week’s test and in particular looking forward to backing up our two previous displays.”

“We achieved victory in our last two games because we have outworked the opposition and expect the same this week along with a quality display of skills.”

Friday’s game will be broadcast live from Dubarry Park on RTE.ie (Island of Ireland only).

The Ireland team is as follows:

15 - Shane Layden (Buccaneers - Connacht); 14 - Conor Finn (Buccaneers - Connacht); 13 - Chris Farrell (Dungannon - Ulster); 12 - JJ Hanrahan (UL Bohemians - Munster); 11 - Foster Horan (Lansdowne - Leinster); 10 - Paddy Jackson (Dungannon - Ulster) (Capt); 9 - Kieran Marmion (Corinthians - Connacht); 1 -Kyle McCall (QUB - Ulster); 2 - Niall Scannell (Dolphin - Munster); 3 - Peter Reilly (Lansdowne - Leinster); 4 - Tadgh Beirne (Lansdowne - Leinster); 5 - Iain Henderson (QUB - Ulster); 6 - Jordan Coghlan (UCD - Leinster); 7 - Conor Gilsenan (UCD - Leinster); 8 - Jack Conan (Old Belvedere - Leinster).

Replacements: 16 - James Rael (Garryowen - Munster); 17 - Des Merrey (Clontarf - Leinster); 18 - Jake Cawley (Old Belvedere - Leinster); 19 - Daniel Qualter (Buccaneers - Connacht); 20 - Aaron Conneely (Corinthians - Connacht); 21 - Luke McGrath (UCD - Leinster); 22 - Cathal Marsh (Trinity - Leinster); 23 - Stuart Olding (Belfast Harlequins - Ulster).

Ireland’s remaining games in the U-20 RBS 6 Nations Championship are as follows: Ireland v Italy, Dubarry Park, February 24 (7.05pm); Ireland v Scotland, Dubarry Park, March 9 (7.05pm); England v Ireland, Adams Park, March 16 (8.05pm).

Leitrim man Eddie McGowan will compete in this year’s European Pool Championships which take place this week in the Green Isle Hotel in Clondalkin, in Dublin City.

By David Goulden

Eddie, who is from Drumshanbo and has been working as an administrator with the Leitrim Development Company since 2007 takes part in the Wheelchair event along with seven other competitors from England, Wales and Scotland. He was due to take to the table three times yesterday (Tuesday) against fellow Irishmen Johnny Quaid, Stephen Casey and Scot Gary Simpson. Today (Wednesday) he takes on Thomas Clifford and Tom Hynes, both also Irish and Welshman Andy Rigby. The group stages will be completed tomorrow (Thursday) when Eddie takes on Irishman Kevin Flynn and Theresa Sheridan from England.

“I’ve played these guys before and beaten the majority of them a few times”, says Eddie. “I’m confident going in to the tournament and I’m really looking forward to it.” Eddie has previous experience in this competition and beyond. He entered the competition for the first time in 2003 and has won the Irish Championship twice in 2009 and 2011, finishing a runner-up in 2010. Eddie has also been to a World Final twice and despite being beaten by the narrowest of margins, he is hoping for third time lucky. “I reached the World Final on two occasions and unfortunately I was beaten. I’ll never forget the first time as I was beaten 6-5, on the best of eleven sets by a South African man by the name of Johan Pelsa. I’ve been successful in Europe and Ireland but the World title is the one I’m really missing.” Eddie is hoping for third time lucky this year. If he is successful this week, he will take part in the World Championship which is due to be held in Blackpool on the first week of July of this year.

To read the full story see this week’s Leitrim Observer.

After seeing his side slump to their first league defeat of the year Leitrim manager Niall Kilcrann was understandably frustrated with the two point loss but he insisted there were plenty of positives that could be taken from the game.

Reflecting on the game Niall was honest in his assessment saying, “We didn’t really play to the best of our ability in the first half. We upped it in the second half and worked hard but they got vital refereeing decisions.”

While frustrated with some decisions that went against his team, Niall insisted that was not the difference between the teams. “They’re deserving of the win, we battled hard but Armagh won, but we were still very competitive and happy with some aspects of the game and not happy with others. We didn’t do everything 100% right and that is what won the game for Armagh.”

“There are a lot of positives here from today even though we lost. It’s hard for any team to come up here and get a win. There were two points in it and I’m reasonably happy but I know there’s a lot to work on and we will work on it.”

One possible turning point that Leitrim will look back was the sin-binning of Sarah McManus which arrived less than two minutes after Armagh’s Laura Brown had been shown a red card. Had Leitrim been able to keep 14 players the outcome may perhaps have been different but Niall was not blaming the referee for the final outcome.

“It was looking good after the straight red card for Armagh,” insisted Niall. “For our girls to get a sin binning straight away, it cancelled that out straight away. Some times referees are looking for that but it evened it up the game straight away. Had we played with the extra player it might have been a little bit easier. Teams, especially northern teams, raise their game when they lose a player and that’s just the luck of the draw.

To read the full story see this week’s Leitrim Observer.

The Gallogly Catering All County League Division 1 got underway in Ballinamore on Saturday afternoon last but it was the visitors, Mohill, who deservedly recorded an opening day victory.

A two point victory gives the impression of a very tight and hard fought encounter but in realty, for the majority of the game Mohill were much stronger and it was only the introduction of Wayne McKeon and the moving of Shane Moran into midfield with 20 minutes remaining that gave Ballinamore any hope of turning the outcome in their favour.

Mohill 0-10

Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins 1-5

By Philip Rooney

After a winter of inactivity the players of both sides would no doubt have been glad to be back in action but it was hardly surprising that both sides displayed signs of rustiness. Of course, as the year progresses sharpness and match fitness will improve considerably. Both sides would have viewed last Saturday’s encounter as an opportunity to further hone that fitness but above all they would have been hoping to get off to a winning start.

Although they made a slow start to the game and had to withstand late pressure, Mohill thoroughly deserved their victory. Michael McGuinness ensured Shane Moran was kept quite for the majority of the game while wing backs Alan Armstrong and Dasniel Beck also impressed, as did the midfield duo of Donal Flynn and Shane Quinn.

The Mohill forwards also caused plenty of problems with John McGuinness seemingly always able to find space when he dropped deep while Ronan Kennedy and Colm Beirne were both very effective from placed balls.

It was Ballinamore who opened the scoring in the opening minute through James McWeeney after Shane Moran’s pass but the opening 10 minutes proved to be largely forgettable.

Mohill equalised in the sixth minute through Barry Lupton after being released by John McGuinness but the opening exchanges lacked any real decisiveness as both sides tried to put the winter break behind them.

Ballinamore had chances to regain the lead including an excellent counter-attacking move that began with John Fanning taking the ball out of defence. After the ball was played to Conor McTague, the ball was worked up to James McWeeney who ran at the heart of the Mohill defence. McWeeney’s excellent run deserved a score but unfortunately the wayward shot did not match the incisive approach play.

Mohill punished Ballinamore for that miss as they hit back with two quick frees as Ronan Kennedy and Colm Beirne both coverted frees.

Midway through the half Mohill opened up a three point lead after Ronan Kennedy pointed after good play involving Stephen Flynn and Paul Earley and all of a sudden Ballinamore looked in danger of facing a significant deficit to overhaul long before the game reached half time.

A Colm Beirne free extended the Mohill lead to four points before Ballinamore were handed a way back into the contest after a foul on Shane Murphy. Referee Brendan Sammon immediately signalled for a penalty and Shane McWeeney accepted responsibility for the penalty.

To read the full story see this week’s Leitrim Observer.

Underdogs Dromahair really put it up to their near neighbours Glencar/Manor when the sides met in Sunday’s competitive Gallogly Catering ACL Division 1 opening round game in Gaelic Park, Bundoran but it was Glencar/Manor who emerged victorious to get their league campaign off to the perfect start.

Glencar/Manorhamilton 0-10

Dromahair 0-6

Glencar/Manor bossed the first half and led by double scores at the interval but Dromahair, who pulled thirteen players in to a defensive blockade inside their 45 metre line in the second half, matched their rivals for the second period on the scoreboard when both teams could only manage a paltry two points each.

Even though Glencar/Manor always held a slight edge in this showdown they never quite shook off the challenge of their north Leitrim rivals who tenaciously stayed in contention right up to the final whistle.

When the sides met in the corresponding Leitrim senior fixture last year in Dromahair, Glencar/Manor recorded a comprehensive 16 point victory but on Sunday the margin was only 4 points. While disappointed with his side’s defeat in Bundoran new Dromahair manager Gerry Ballantine can take some positives from the result when it is compared to last year’s hammering by Glencar/Manor.

New Glencar/Manor Fergal O’Flaherty had to happy to start off his period at the helm of the four-in-a-row county club championship winning side with a first competitive victory of the year in which his highly experienced charges could become the first Leitrim team ever to win five senior championships on the trot.

Dromahair made a bright start against Glencar/Manor when Barry Loughlin fisted over a point with just 30 seconds elapsed on the game clock. But Michael Poniard levelled the proceedings within three more minutes when fired over for Glencar/Manor after soloing 30 metres into Dromahair territory unchallenged before he pulled the trigger.

Glencar/Manor took the lead when Anthony McDonald hit over a sixth minute point from play after receiving a pass from Gerry Hickey while three minutes later James Glancy whipped over a free to double his side’s lead after Hickey had been fouled.

Kevin Conlan reduced Glencar/Manor’s lead to the minimum in the eleventh minute after he found the range from a well-hit ‘45.’ But Glencar/Manor upped their game a few gears over the next thirteen minutes and took a decisive grip on the proceedings.

To read the full story see this week’s Leitrim Observer.

With Carrick-on-Shannon full-back Shane Layden playing a starring role in the U-20 Six Nations opening two games, the Carrick man and Ireland will be hoping to make it three wins from three when they host Italy at Dubarry Park, Athlone, on Friday night, kick off 7pm.

Ireland made the perfect start when accounting for a decent Wales squad in the opening round in front of a huge midlands crowd at the Athlone stadium. They then topped that performance with a magnificent victory over a highly fancied France in snowy Grenoble. Ireland fought from start to finish for every ball and tackle to upset the French by the minimum and, now with two successive ‘Electric Ireland’ home fixtures at Dubarry Park, they will be keen to build further momentum as they bid for the title.

Midlands followers will be looking to see local favourites Shane Layden, Athlonian Daniel Qualter, and Conor Finn from Ballinasloe (all from the host club Buccaneers) in action along with Mullingar’s Conor Gilsenan, now of UCD and Leinster. The Buccs trio could be joined by their clubmate and Connacht front-rower Diarmuid Higgins, who was in the squad that performed heroics in France.

Tickets can be bought in advance at The Bounty/Dubarry Park and also from Musicworld, Golden Island Shopping Centre, Athlone. Demand is strong again particularly for Stand tickets at €20 each so early purchase is recommended if you wish to have a seat on the night. Ground/Terrace tickets are €15 each while OAP/Student tickets cost €10. Family tickets at only €30 for 2 adults and 2 children are available. Discount vouchers for school-children are distributed to secondary and national schools in the region. Discounts are also available for groups. Contact the club’s Administrator Geraldine at (086) 1732711 to book. Cash will also be taken at the turnstiles so come along in good time to avoid the rush.

Pre-match tables are also available. Cost per person is only €40 which covers a 3-course sit-down meal and wine as well as reserved seat in the Stand so that is really good value indeed.

Ireland’s rugby squad finally get the opportunity to bounce back from the opening Six Nations defeat to Wales this week.

Declan Kidney has a full strength squad to choose from having put his big match preparations against the French on ice following the late postponement of the Stade de France encounter.

No major changes are expected this weekend for the visit of the Italy.