Mohill & Leitrim footballer Shane Quinn traversed the highs and lows in 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. 

In this piece, Mohill captain Shane Quinn looks back over the highs of regaining the Fenagh Cup and the low of missing a spot kick in the penalty shootout during Leitrim’s historic loss to New York in the Connacht SFC last April. Here, in Shane’s own words, are the highs and lows of the 2023 Sporting year.

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

HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR

Winning the senior championship this year. It was extra special compared to the other years after losing the last two, especially the way the league went for us, a lot of people wrote us off and to prove a lot of people wrong. 

On a personal note it was nice to lift the Fenagh Cup but to see Chick winning man of the match and to visit his mothers grave with him after the game was special.

LOWLIGHT OF THE YEAR

Goes without saying I suppose has to be losing in New York. Was personally hard to take after missing a penalty. Nevertheless we had enough chances to win the game but that's sports. But on the positive side of it, it brought us closer as a team. In years gone by after a championship loss many lads would have left the panel but everyone stayed involved we tried to restore that bit of pride in the jersey.

PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

There's only one man that comes to mind that has to be Ronan "Chick" Kennedy. 1-3 in the second half of the county final.

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Ballinamore Ladies - to reach an All Ireland final at club level speaks for itself.

EVENT THAT MADE YOU GO WOW IN 2023

The rugby world cup the highs of Ireland beating South Africa to the disappointment of losing to New Zealand, it was an amazing tournament. 

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

To stop changing or messing with the rules when it comes to GAA, let the game develop in its own way. 

World Cup disappointment and hope for Ireland's rugby future features in Gerard Murtagh's sporting review of 2023

WHAT ARE THE BIG CHALLENGES FACING LEITRIM SPORT IN 2024?

Really the same thing that has always been a big challenge for sport in Leitrim, population/ emigration and the lack of job opportunities within the county. It's important for sport in Leitrim to develop by figuring out a way to hold on to the younger population. 

ONE TO WATCH IN 2024

Young Paul Honeyman from Ballinamore, a very talented footballer.