Croke Park win was a victory for the whole of Leitrim - Michelle Guckian

Leitrim's All-Ireland winning captain and LGFA IFC Player of the Year Michelle Guckian is the latest to share her thoughts on an amazing 2024 for Leitrim Sport in our Leitrim Observer Sports Review of the Year.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR

Leitrim Ladies winning the All-Ireland Intermediate Final was, without a doubt, the highlight of my sporting year - though I might be a bit biased. The sheer joy it brought to the entire county was incredible to witness and be a part of. The celebration, the pride, and the unity that followed our victory were truly unforgettable. It wasn’t just a win on the field; it was a triumph for the whole community, and it captured the spirit and passion of Leitrim in a way that will be remembered for years to come.

LOWLIGHT OF THE YEAR

The lowlight of 2024 would be not reaching the Division 4 final and missing out on promotion. However, I believe this setback sparked something within the Leitrim Ladies, giving us the push we needed to drive forward. The disappointment became a catalyst for improvement, motivating us to work harder and come back stronger. It proved to be a turning point, and the resilience shown in overcoming this challenge led to a highly successful year. While we didn’t achieve everything we aimed for, that moment of adversity set the stage for even greater accomplishments in 2024.

PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Personality of the Year would be Michelle "Monza" Monaghan. She is truly the gift that keeps on giving, always lifting everyone’s spirits with her infectious energy. Michelle has a unique ability to brighten any room, and her spontaneous nature means she’s liable to say or do anything at any moment. Every outing with her is guaranteed to be full of laughter and memorable moments. She never fails to leave a lasting impression.

TEAM OF THE YEAR

For me, Team of the Year has to be the Leitrim Ladies Football team. Despite a tough end to our league campaign, we showed remarkable resilience, stepping up to prove ourselves for the rest of the year. We entered every game as underdogs but continuously proved our worth through hard work and determination. Against all odds, we achieved our ultimate goal, demonstrating the true strength of our team. The journey was filled with challenges, but our unwavering commitment and belief in each other carried us to success, making us All Ireland Champions even more special.

HERO OF THE YEAR

Katie Taylor is my sporting hero for 2024. She defended her title as undisputed world light-welterweight champion against Amanda Serrano in style, delivering one of the best boxing matches to date. Her performance was a testament to her incredible athleticism, determination, and skill. Beyond her talent in the ring, Katie’s attitude and work ethic are unmatched, serving as an inspiration to athletes everywhere and her achievements continue to elevate the sport of boxing.

EVENT THAT MADE YOU GO WOW IN 2024

The event I thoroughly enjoyed was the Paris Olympics 2024. It was an incredible showcase of talent across various sporting categories, highlighting the best athletes from around the world. The excitement and energy throughout the Games were unmatched, and watching the incredible performances was truly captivating. What made it even more special was seeing Ireland achieve so much, with athletes putting in remarkable performances and achieving great results.

ONE THING I’D DO TO MAKE SPORT BETTER IN 2025

To improve sport in Leitrim, I would focus on increasing participation across all sporting codes. It’s essential to keep young people engaged in sports, fostering a passion that can last a lifetime. Equally important is ensuring that volunteers remain involved and are valued, as they are the backbone of sport in Leitrim. As I’ve gotten older, I truly appreciate the invaluable role these volunteers play in making sport possible at the grassroots level. By supporting both participants and volunteers, we can strengthen the foundation of local sports and create a great community in Leitrim.

WHAT ARE THE BIG CHALLENGES FACING LEITRIM SPORT IN 2025?

One of the biggest challenges facing sport in Leitrim in 2025 will be the lack of facilities. With the closure of Park Sean this year, there will be significant disruptions for home games, affecting Men’s Football, Ladies Football, and Hurling. The closure will make it harder to secure pitches, and scheduling clashes for fixtures will become more common. This issue will put pressure on local clubs and teams, who will need to adapt to the reduced availability of venues. Finding solutions to this challenge will be crucial to ensuring the continued success of sport in the county.

ONE TO WATCH IN 2025

One to watch in 2025 is Darren Cox, an exceptional young talent. His skills and potential are truly impressive, and he has already shown great promise on the field. Darren has the ability to make a significant impact in the coming year. His performances have captured the attention of many, and it's clear that he has the talent to go far. Darren Cox is definitely a name to keep an eye on in 2025.