Hurling highs and low reflected in Leitrim captain Martin Feeney's review of 2023

We're back to that time of the year where we look back and look forward at the same time and in the Observer sports department, we're no different! Or maybe we know what works as we return with our popular sports review of 2023 over the next few weeks.

The Leitrim Observer invited some of the county's outstanding sports people and journalists to look back over 2023, picking out their highs and lows. Here is the first part of our look back on an exciting and action packed year

In this piece, Leitrim hurling captain Martin Feeney reflects on a year where the County side were denied glory by the narrowest of margins while he also calls for more promotion for the sport of hurling in the county.

New York defeat a "harsh blow" for Donal Wrynn as Leitrim captain looks back over 2023

Here, in Martin’s own words, are the highs and lows of the 2023 Sporting year.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR

My highlight was Leitrim hurlers reaching the Allianz NHL Division 3B Final. We haven't made a league final in quite a few years and I was delighted to captain the team. Another highlight was going into the last game of the year with nothing to play for except pride and beating Cavan in their home patch and denying them the chance of getting into a Lory Meagher Cup final. 

LOWLIGHT OF THE YEAR

Losing the league final by the narrowest of margins and not reaching our potential in the championship games versus Lancashire and Longford. 

PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Conor Beirne -  happiest and soundest man around the spot! 

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Ballinamore ladies deserve this one! What a win they had in the All-Ireland semi-final. It really shows, play till the final whistle, very inspirational result!  

PERSON  THAT MADE YOU GO WOW IN 2023

Katie Taylor and her second fight  against Chantelle Cameron. What a result! "Don't ever doubt me". What an excellent quote of Ireland's greatest ever boxer in my opinion! 

Willie Donnellan's highs and lows from Leitrim's 2023 sporting year

THE LAST POINT

ONE THING I’D DO TO MAKE SPORT BETTER IN 2024

I would love to see a full time coaching GDA for hurling in Leitrim. The difference it would make would be massive. Hurling is our national sport and the fastest field sport in the world! Probably the most enthralling and enjoyable sports to watch too! There is 100s of kids who want to play hurling in Leitrim and they are unfortunately getting no exposure to our beautiful game! We need to deploy  coaches across all of our primary and secondary schools and then you will see a huge uptake in the sport and more teams emerging in the future. 

WHAT ARE THE BIG CHALLENGES FACING LEITRIM SPORT IN 2024?

Reaching their potential in both codes. The mens and ladies teams all have the potential to have huge years! Sometimes the biggest challenges lie within the county. 

ONE TO WATCH IN 2024

I will give this one to Gavin O'Brien, this year will be his redemption arc and he will silence all.