County Leitrim’s sporting history is a compelling mix of Gaelic games, soccer, rugby, and more, with clubs, facilities, and personalities shaping a proud tradition. Despite its small population, Leitrim’s passion for sport shines through its achievements and community spirit.
Gaelic Games: The Heart of Leitrim
Leitrim GAA oversees 24 clubs, with Gaelic Football as the county’s primary sport. Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada in Carrick-on-Shannon, opened in 1969, serves as the main venue. The Leitrim senior football team won two Connacht Senior Football Championships, in 1927 and 1994, the latter under manager John O’Mahony, defeating Mayo 0-12 to 2-04 in Hyde Park after close victories over Roscommon and Galway.
The county reached the All-Ireland semi-final in 1994, losing to Dublin, and won the FBD Insurance League in 2013. Leitrim also secured All-Ireland Junior Football Championships in 1938 and 2000. Ballinamore Seán O’Heslins leads club football with 20 Leitrim Senior Football Championships, followed by Mohill with 14, including 2024. Allen Gaels has nine titles, while Aughawillan won eight.
In hurling, Carrick Hurling (St Mary’s) won the 2024 Leitrim Senior Hurling Championship, defeating Cluainín Iomáint 1-18 to 2-13, qualifying for the Connacht Junior Club Hurling Championship. Camogie and ladies’ football thrive, with Leitrim winning the 2008 All-Ireland Junior Ladies’ Football Championship. Standout figures include Cathal Flynn, a 1950s Connacht Railway Cup star, Packie McGarty, a scoring legend, and Declan Darcy, a 1994 All-Star.
- Packy McGarty (Mohill): Widely considered one of the greatest players to never win a Connacht title, a scoring legend of the 1950s/60s.
- Séamus Quinn (Melvin Gaels): A key figure in the 1994 success, often cited as one of the most athletic and top defenders in the county’s history.
- Mickey Quinn (Mohill): A dominant force, often ranked as a top player from the last 50 years.
- Declan Darcy (Dublin/Leitrim): Captained Leitrim to the 1994 Connacht Senior Football Championship title.
- Mickey Martin (St. Mary’s Kiltoghert): A stalwart defender on the 1994 team and a former All-Star nominee.
- Emlyn Mulligan (Melvin Gaels): A prolific scorer and consistent performer for Leitrim over many seasons.
- Ollie Honeyman (St. Mary’s Kiltoghert): A legendary midfielder who was crucial to the 1994 success.
- Frank Holohan (St. Mary’s Kiltoghert): A solid defender and integral part of the team, named to the team of the Millennium.
- Noel Moran (Drumkeerin): Known for his defensive prowess during the 1994 championship campaign.
- Dermot Reynolds (Annaduff): A versatile player, recognized for his contributions to the county side.
Soccer: Grassroots Growth
Leitrim’s soccer scene is modest but active, with clubs like Carrick Town FC and Manorhamilton Rangers competing in the Sligo-Leitrim & District League. Carrick Town won the 2019 Sligo-Leitrim Super League title. The Leitrim Soccer Development Committee supports youth teams, with pitches like Bee Park in Manorhamilton hosting matches. No professional clubs compete in the League of Ireland, but local enthusiasm drives community participation. Players like Ryan O’Rourke, a former Leitrim youth star, represent the county’s potential.
Rugby: Emerging Presence
Carrick-on-Shannon RFC, founded in 1974 and based at Townspark, competes in the Connacht Junior League, winning the 2018 Connacht Junior League Division 2A. Ballinasloe RFC, with Leitrim ties, plays at Moher Road. Connacht Rugby, representing Leitrim and the western province, plays at Dexcom Stadium in Galway, winning the 2015–16 Pro12 title. James O’Connor, a Carrick-on-Shannon native who played for Connacht, is a key rugby figure.
Olympics
A bronze medal was won for Leitrim by Mona McSharry (born in Drumshanbo, Women’s 100 metre breaststroke swimming, Paris 2024). Frances Cryan was seventh in the womens single sculls in Moscow 1980.
Other Sports and Facilities
Golf thrives at Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club, founded in 1910, and Drumshanbo’s Woodbrook Golf Club. Athletics is supported by clubs like North Leitrim AC, while rowing and kayaking flourish at Lough Rinn Rowing Centre, which received €288,992 for upgrades in 2024. Handball is strong, with Leitrim youths winning Connacht medals in 2025. Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, Fenagh’s GAA Park, and local facilities like Dromahair’s community field, upgraded with €68,573 in 2024, ensure community access.
A Lasting LegacyLeitrim’s sporting culture shines through clubs like Ballinamore Seán O’Heslins, Carrick Hurling, and Carrick-on-Shannon RFC, supported by venues like Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada
Sports in the county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Leitrim:
Ireland’s county Leitrim is a haven of waterways and unspoilt scenery, with the Shannon-Erne Waterway offering tranquil boating and fishing opportunities. Carrick-on-Shannon’s historic Costello Chapel and vibrant marina provide cultural and leisurely appeal, while Glencar Waterfall adds natural beauty. Leitrim is Ireland’s seventh smallest county by size (1,525 square km) and smallest by population (35,199). Population peaked at 155,297 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 25,057 in 1996. In terms of hospitality, Leitrim is Ireland’s 29th most visited tourist county with around 39,000 international visitors per year.
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